November 6, 2020 Prayer

God of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,

We thank and praise you that you have written every one of our days and you know the outcome of every tough situation we encounter.  We thank you that you have already determined the outcomes of these elections.  We thank you that you have a plan and a purpose for this nation, if only we will seek you for it.  In some ways, time seems suspended right now - like we are in a slow motion spell.  In this suspended time, we slow down to pray against any evil spirits that would cause the purity and justice of the balloting process to be corrupted.  We bind anything that would cause deception to the electorate - whether a candidate or their people or the media or anything else.  We know that extortion and bribery corrupt people.  Instead, we pray that a spirit of honesty and truth would be in all communication.  We bind any spirit that seeks to corrupt or defraud through the vote-counting process and accompanying legal battles.  Instead, we pray that each and every legal vote would be legally counted and each and every legal battle would be decided according to the established laws of the land - may truth, integrity, and justice prevail.  And, we bind any spirit that would cause people to deny the results of the election, especially if  that spirit results in violence or ongoing enmity between people. We know that anger resides in the lap of fools. Instead, we pray that you would give deep strength and peace to your people and heal this land.  In Christ's name  and for his glory we pray, Amen. 

"Extortion turns a wise person into a fool,
 and a bribe corrupts the heart.
The end of a matter is better than its beginning,
    and patience is better than pride.
    for anger resides in the lap of fools." (Eccl. 7:7-9)

"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19) 

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." (Psalm 29:11)

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

November 5, 2020 Prayer

 Radically Powerful God,

I pray that evil in government and in culture would be revealed to the point that it cannot be masked any longer. May any blinders we wear be broken so that we can see and recognize evil and turn from it. And may truth, justice, and righteousness be the song this nation sings as evil and darkness has to flee in the name of Jesus. Give your Church supernatural grace to engage the spiritual clashing of swords. You have called and equipped Christians to stand in the gates of our cities, states, and nations to declare to evil in the name of Jesus: “NO FURTHER. We are children of the Most High God and you have no power or authority here - get out of this nation, Devil!! Get out of her government, media, education system, businesses, arts & entertainment, families, and even the Church - and especially the hearts and minds of her people! May the Light and Love of Christ overwhelm this nation for the Glory of King Jesus!

In the strong name of Christ,

Amen.

"[God] reveals deep and hidden things;

he knows what lies in darkness,

and light dwells with him." (Daniel 2:22 NIV)

"He brings disgrace on important people
    and takes away the weapons of the strong.
22 He uncovers the deep things of darkness
    and brings dark shadows into the light." (Job 12:21-22)

"Fools should not be proud,

    and rulers should not be liars." (Proverbs 17:7)

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

Eyes Up, Knees Worn Out

Praying Friends: Are you feeling a little down and discouraged today?  Feeling like you've been battling in prayer for months and now the voting is done but the elections are not settled and you are discouraged?  Or feel like you're disappointed in the results of one race or another?  Or feel like the world is devolving into chaos (again!) and you're getting tired of praying against it?  Well, stop it!  Stop looking at the circumstances of the world!  Stop watching the news!  YES!  All of it!  Whatever jumble of letters you get your news from, STOP WATCHING!  

As our pastor reminded us, the news will not give you peace.  The only way you can have peace is to get your EYES UP and PRAY!  God's Word says he will keep us in peace when our minds are steadfast - focused on him and trusting him.  We are called to set our hearts and minds on the things above.  Don't watch the news; instead, lift your eyes up and wear out your knees in prayer!  If we ask he will tell us what we need to know, how to pray, and we'll have peace.  The world doesn't give us peace, but God does.  If we let our mind be governed by this world we won't have peace.  But if we are rejoicing in God, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances, we'll have life and peace because we will be governed by the Holy Spirit. 

SO, TURN OFF THAT TV AND COMPUTER/PHONE.  Quit checking your news feed.  Go read Isaiah 40 or the Psalms or anything else that will remind you that GOD is still in control!  Take some time and worship through music, or pray in tongues, or call a friend and pray together - our nation still needs prayer!   Don't quit now; the next days/weeks/months might be even more important than the last.  

You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you. (Isa. 26:3)

You have been raised with Christ; set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Col. 3:1-2)

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6)

Rejoice always,  pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.  (1 Thes. 5:16-18)

Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.  (Isaiah 40: 28-31)

November 4, 2020 Prayer

 Healing God, 

We, your people, those who are called by your Name, come to you today to intercede for our nation.  You have called us into relationship with you, commanded us to pray for our leaders, and given us authority over all work of the enemy.  We come to you in humility, confessing our personal and corporate sins, knowing that when we confess our sins you are faithful to forgive us.  We humble ourselves before you, praying, and seeking your face, crying out for your mercy and begging you to hear our prayers and forgive our sin. We pray that your people who are called by your name, would be messages of hope and healing in this land.  May our attitudes, actions, and words be only gracious to those around us.  Heal our land from the division, strife, violence, hatred, vitriol, and distrust that inhabits it.  In the name of Jesus, we bind these spirits from the evil one and instead pray a massive move of your Holy Spirit would pour out your Love, Grace, and Peace on this country.  May your ears be open and your eyes attentive to the prayers we give to you.  You have chosen your people in this time and place to be your Temple for the Holy Spirit, so we pray your Name, your Heart, and your Guiding Vision would always be upon us - not for our glory, but to glorify your name and further your Kingdom.  Heal our land so this country can be a witness for mercy, truth, and justice in this world.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen. 

"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." (Prov. 16:24)

He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”  (Luke 10:18-20)

"Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior." (1 Tim. 2:2-3)

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10)

"Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility..." (Zeph. 2:3)

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

November 3, 2020 Prayer

 All Powerful and Merciful God,

    Election Day 2020 has arrived, and with a mixture of relief, excitement, and dread we finish voting today.  This year and this election cycle has been beyond anything we could have imagined, and yet we know that you have been faithful to your children through it all.  And we know that this nation is exhausted from the continued traumas of this year and the vitriol of a very divided electorate.  So, we cry out for your mercy to be upon us. 

    Lord, in your mercy, may today's voting and vote tallying be free of bullying, intimidation, illegal votes, corruption, and fraud.  May every legal voter who desires to vote have no obstacles to get there - health issues, transportation problems, traffic issues, or any sort of human intimidation.  

    Lord, in your mercy, may your people who have prayed and checked their ballot against your Word turn out and vote.  May you cause believers of all ages, races, and denominations/church types to vote in ways that honor your Word and further your Kingdom.  

    Lord, in your mercy and because of the move of your Spirit in that process, we pray that men and women who are after your own heart would be voted into office.  May those who have sought office be people seeking to live in righteousness with you and to serve their constituents and nation in humility. 

    Lord, in your mercy we pray in Jesus's name that you would stop any spirit of chaos that seeks to cause confusion, mayhem, violence, or personal or property damage because of this election. We know that lawlessness and chaos is not who you are, so we bind any spirits of chaos and violence and instead pray your Peace over this nation. 

    Lord, in your mercy, we ask that these electoral races will be decisively decided within 48 hours and that in the days, weeks, and months to come our nation can heal from the trauma and division of the last four years.  May your grace be upon each of us as we interact, irrespective of political ideals, with our fellow citizens.     

    Lord, in your mercy, reform your Church, send your fires of revival, and let a Great Awakening be unleashed on this nation.  And may each individual of your Church be a beacon of light in this dark world - showing, grace, mercy, kindness, graciousness, gentleness, love, and peace to all those they encounter. 

    Lord in your mercy, and for the glory of Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen. 

"God is not a God of disorder but a God of peace." (1 Cor. 14:33 GW)

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 NIV

"You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed." (Joshua 23:14)

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

November 2, 2020 Prayer

Jehovah Shalom,

We pray in the name of Jesus that every election would be decided within 48 hours of the close of the polls.  Especially at the federal level, may the decisions about a House, the Senate, and the President and Vice-President not be dragged on for days or weeks or months, but may they be completely, legally, and firmly settled by Thursday evening.  And then in the next 77 days before the presidential inauguration, may we have peace in this nation.  May those who need to grieve the results of this election be allowed space and peace to do that.  May those who like the results of the election not gloat, but comfort those who grieve.  The Hebrew number "7" means "completion."  So, in the 77 days between the election and the inauguration, may this chapter of 2020 - the crazy, the chaos, the violence and upheaval - be complete.  May we as a nation take a deep breath and settle into the peace you offer through Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.  Amen. 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)

November 1, 2020 Prayer

Perfect God, 

Tuesday the voting in this crazy year's crazy election will be complete.  We pray protection upon poll workers and all voters who go to vote in person.  We pray for honesty and purity of heart to be in all those who will be working to count and tally votes.  We pray for an election with absolutely no fraud or corruption at any level, in any state, in any county.  We bind any spirit that would try to corrupt or commit fraud in the voting and tallying.   We pray that every legal vote would be counted and tallied accurately and that the results would reflect your Will expressed through the electorate. May your Will be done and your Kingdom come as we engage in civic duty.  For the honor and glory of your Name and for the furtherance of your Kingdom we pray, Amen.  

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:9-10) 

"It may seem to be a good thing to get something by cheating, but in the end, it will be worth nothing." (Prov. 20:17)

"Woe to the sinful nation,
    a people whose guilt is great,
a brood of evildoers,
    children given to corruption!
They have forsaken the Lord;
    they have spurned the Holy One of Israel
    and turned their backs on him." (Isaiah 1:4)

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there." (2 Chronicles 7:13-16 NIV)