Rhythms of Grace

Dear Praying Friends,

I help with the prayer ministry at our church and I have a heart to see EVERY CHURCH become a House of Prayer. In June 2023, I started posting daily Bible and prayer prompts and I feel I should continue this month. But I feel that I should offer these encouragements in prayer beyond the prayer ministry in my own church. We are the Church together and there is power in prayer! I hope that you will join me in prayers of agreement this month as we pray “Kingdom First” prayers. (Matthew 6:33) The world is getting darker and darker, but we know that Jesus is Lord and that He has already gained victory over the forces of darkness. Let’s continue to ask Him to show us His glory, as we pray together this month! Blessings~Gina

Saturday & Sunday, July 1 & 2, 2023: Read Matthew 6:33

Prayer “Starter”: Take some time to rest this weekend. While doing this, ask the Lord how you can seek His Kingdom FIRST in all of your life adventures. SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD as WE SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!

Think/Journal/apply: If you are keeping a journal, write down thoughts that are prompted by your prayers for “Kingdom First” attitudes. Is there a step that you can take to apply these thoughts?

As you have time: Worship Song for this weekend: Seek First the Kingdom

Monday, July 3, 2023: Read 1 Chronicles 16:11

Prayer Pointer: “God has a plan for His Church upon earth. But alas! We too often make our plan, and we think that we know what ought to be done. We ask God first to bless our feeble efforts, instead of absolutely refusing to go unless God go before us.” ~Andrew Murray

Prayer “Starter”: Lord, forgive me for where I have not been seeking Your plans over my own. Help me to surrender my life for Your use and to keep on praying for Your Kingdom to come and Your will to be done in my life and in the lives of my brothers and sisters in Christ. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD, as we seek YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!

Think/Journal/Apply: Where are you relying on your own strength and not the Lord’s strength?

As you have time: Read Praying Kingdom Prayers(75 Spiritual Qualities and Blessings to Pray)

Tuesday, July 4, 2023: Read 2 Chronicles 7:14

Prayer Pointer: Today we celebrate the day that the Declaration of Independence was ratified in 1776. America is 247 years old today. Many of us long for revival in America, but 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us that revival really begins with God’s people. As you pray for our Nation today, let’s pray that we will all seek God’s plans and purposes.

Prayer “Starter”: Lord, help every Christian to humbly seek You and to turn from sinful ways. Let us truly be the “light of the world” to those in our cities, states, and Nation. Move powerfully within Your Church across America empowering us to fulfill Your Great Commission. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD, as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!

Think/Journal/Apply: Do you see yourself as one of His people? How does 2 Chronicles 7:14 speak to you?

As you have time: Worship Song for Today: 2 Chronicles 7:14 Song

Wednesday, July 5, 2023: Read James 1:5 & 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Prayer Pointer: “Mark it down. God never turns away the honest seeker. Go to God with your questions. You may not find all the answers, but in finding God, you know the One who does.” ~Max Lucado in Walking with the Savior

Prayer “Starter”: from Max Lucado in God’s Inspirational Promise Book We pray, O Father, that in the hours when we find ourselves in the dungeons of doubt, that you will hear our questions. Forgive us for demanding that you answer our questions as we want them answered. Decrease our doubt; increase our faith. (add your own prayers). SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD, as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!

Think/Journal/Apply: Are you facing fears about the future or doubts about God’s goodness? Talk to Him!

As you have time: Read The Key to Relieving Your Fear

Thursday, July 6, 2023: Read Matthew 6:15 KJV

Prayer Pointer: ” When we pray the words of this doxology, we not only acknowledge God’s power; we are also making a statement of faith: ‘Because yours is the kingdom, the power, the glory, O God, I know that you are with me and hear my prayer. I know that you are able to provide for our daily needs. I know that you can rescue us from evil. I know that you forgive the debts that imprison us, freeing us to spread that forgiveness to others.'” Adam Hamilton in The Lord’s Prayer, The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught

Prayer “Starter”: Lord, help me to seek Your Kingdom, not build my own. Teach Your Church throughout the earth to be Kingdom-minded. Help us to care about what You care about and empower us to tell others of the wonders of Your Kingdom. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD, as we SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!

Think, Journal, apply: Where would you like to be more Kingdom-minded? Ask the Lord for help.

As you have time: Worship Song for Today: The More I Seek You

Friday, July 7, 2023: Read Psalm 5:11-12

Prayer “Starter”: Lord, please show me what it means to take refuge in You. I want to rejoice in You! I want the praise of Your Holy Name to be upon my lips. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD, as WE SEEK YOUR KINGDOM FIRST!

Think/journal/apply: Write down some places where you have experienced God’s protection.

As you have time: Worship Song for today: Refuge

Saturday & Sunday, July 8 & 9, 2023: Read Matthew 6:33

Take some time this weekend to “catch up” on posts and to rest. Revisit your past prayer life this week, noting where the Lord is growing you into a Kingdom prayer warrior! Blessings, Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

It feels like this month has flown! I pray that you have experienced renewed hope as we all continue to pray for our Nation and our world. I’m not sure that this assignment to encourage others to pray with me is over. I’m trying to be obedient to the call of the Lord and I would appreciate your prayers for wisdom. Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. I want to always have this prayer in my heart: “Lord, teach me to pray!” I believe He has much to teach us! Let’s keep praying and believing! Blessings, Gina

Bible readings and prayer “starters” for June 26-30, 2023

Monday, June 26, 2023 Bible reading: Ephesians 1:22-23

Prayer Pointer: “There are many definitions for revival. For the Christian, they all revolve around experiencing the Presence of Christ in a fresh, new way. My friend, David Bryant, has often said that the Second Coming of Christ will be the greatest revival, because it will be the clearest expression of the Presence of Christ. Until that time, though, the Spirit of Christ will continue to stir us up to pray for an even greater longing for His Presence.” Dave Butts in Dwelling in God’s House

Prayer “starter”: Lord, help me to have a greater revelation of Your Lordship over all things. You are the “Head” of my Church (name it!) Help us to place everything in Your charge. Forgive us for the places that we have forgotten that Your Church is YOURS not ours! Fill me, fill us with Your Spirit! (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journal/application question: How can I trust the Lord with more of my life and concerns? Ask His help in doing this.

As you have time: Worship Song for Today: Fullness

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 Bible reading: Psalm 27:4

Prayer pointer: “We often think of the event and corporate aspect of revival and that is a very valid and profitable viewpoint. What, though, of the possibility of personal revival as a continuous way of life, as we learn to live daily in His House? There are so many passages of scripture that speak of this exciting and transformative lifestyle of dwelling in the Lord’s House.” ~Dave Butts in Dwelling in God’s House

Prayer “starter”: Lord, teach me, my church (name it), my family (name those that come to mind) what it means to dwell in Your House daily. I long to walk in personal revival every day! Refresh and renew my devotional life so that I am seeking You in all things! (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journal/life application question: What does it mean to you to dwell in the House of the Lord in the midst of everyday life?

As you have time: Worship Song for today: Dwell in Your House

Wednesday, June 28, 2023 Bible Reading: Matthew 9:37,38

Prayer “starter”: Lord, You have told us that there is a BIG Harvest out there but that You lack laborers. Help me, my church (name it), my family and friends to join Your labor force. Give us “eyes” to see the Harvest field around us everyday. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journal/life application question: How can you be a laborer in the Lord’s harvest? Ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you!

As you have time: Worship Song for today: Lord of the Harvest

Thursday, June 29, 2023 Bible Reading: Psalm 104:27-28

Prayer Pointer: “Let us resolve at once that it will be the one characteristic of our life and worship, a continual, humble, truthful waiting upon God…He will never disappoint us. In waiting on Him, we will find rest and joy and strength, and the supply of every need.” ~Andrew Murray

Prayer “starter”: Lord, help me to understand in a deeper way that Your timing is best. Forgive me for the times when I have moved outside Your timing and your plan to seek my own plans. Help my church (name it) to wait on Your answers in the struggles that we face. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journal/life application question: Are there currently places where I find myself impatient with God’s timing?

As you have time: Worship Song for Today: While I Wait

Friday, June 30, 2023 Bible Reading: John 15:4-5

Prayer “Starter”: Lord, teach me in deeper ways what it means to “remain” in You. Teach me, Your “branch”, to rely on You, my “Vine” at all times. Teach my church (name it) and the Church worldwide to rely on You in all things. Forgive us for times when we go on “disconnect” from Your presence and Your power. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journal/life application question: Where have I tried to go off on my own?

As you have time: Worship song for today: You are the Vine, We are the Branches

Hoping to continue with daily prayer for revival and spiritual awakening in July! I’ll keep you posted! ~Gina

Dear Praying Friends,

I have been praying daily since June 1 for revival and spiritual awakening. This “assignment” began when some friends asked me to pray with them for their church in their current season of transition. The assignment has grown and I really don’t see the finish line. I have a sense that the Holy Spirit will direct me to pray beyond the end of June.

I try to spend time in my prayer closet daily with the Lord. But sometimes, He challenges me to challenge others to agree in prayer with me.

Matthew 18:19-20
Christian Standard Bible
19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you[a] pray for, it will be done for you[b] by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.”

And so I encourage you to join me in this “season” of prayer in whatever way you are able. Let’s keep praying and believing! Blessings, Gina

Prayer prompts for June 19-25, 2023

Monday, June 19, 2023: Read 2 Timothy 2:2 & Matthew 28: 19,20

Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me to be a “disciple maker.” I want my life to bear fruit for Your Kingdom. Help me to present Your Word to others with the help of the Holy Spirit. Help my church (name it) to prioritize discipling new believers who are being added to our membership. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journaling idea: Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind 2-3 people who may be open to His Word. Write their names in your prayer journal. Do you see a discipleship possibility among these? Write a note to the Lord expressing your desires and your fears in sharing your faith.

As you have time: Worship Song for Today: Give Me Faith

Tuesday, June 20, 2023: Read Psalm 1:1-3

Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me, my church (name it!), my family and friends (name them) treasure Your Word. Help us to do more than read Your Word but to really think about what You are telling us in Your Word. Show us how to apply what You say to our daily lives so that our spiritual “roots” go down deep. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journaling idea: Read today’s scripture passage again looking for instruction, things to be thankful for and things to confess. Write a prayer based on your findings.

As you have time: Worship song for today: Your Word I Have Hidden in My Heart

Wednesday, June 21, 2023: Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Prayer Prompt: Lord, let the “fruit” of love (Galatians 5:22) be openly displayed in my life. Pour out Your love in my church so that those that visit us will encounter the God of love. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journaling idea: Are there people in your life that you have trouble loving? Write a note to the Lord in your journal asking Him to help you love.

As you have time: Worship song for today: The Love of God

Thursday, June 22, 2023: Read Ephesians 6:12-13, 18

A prayer thought: “The New Testament often reminds us that we have a spiritual enemy who is actively seeking to destroy us…Prayer is one of the mightiest weapons we have in defeating the devil…Christ’s desire is for all of us to stand. He has all the power necessary to make us stand.” ~Alvin Vandergriend in The Joy of Prayer-A 40-Day Devotional to Invigorate Your Prayer Life

Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank You for dealing a death blow to our enemy on the Cross. Forgive me for not being alert. Help me to “always keep on praying for all the saints.” I pray that embattled saints in my church and in this world will “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journaling idea: Write the last sentence of Ephesians 6:18 boldly on top of a page. Then list the names of those who need your protective prayers.

As you have time: Worship song for today: Surrounded

Friday, June 23, 2023: Read Psalm 3

Prayer Prompt: In your own words: Ask the Lord to make you strong when enemies rise against you. Thank the Lord for being your protector. Confess places where you entertain fear and don’t trust Him. Ask the Lord to help you in your spiritual struggles. SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journaling Idea: Think about the picture of the Lord as your shield. Share your thoughts and your thanks with Him in your journal.

As you have time: Worship Song for today: Thou Art a Shield for Me: Psalm 3

Saturday, June 24 & Sunday, June 25: SABBATH Read Matthew 11:28-30 (both days)

Prayer prompt: Ask the Lord to teach you how to rest!

Hello, Praying friends,

If you are finding yourself, “late to the game” that is perfectly ok! Remember that the Lord doesn’t want us under the law. As I shared last week, the Lord is calling me into a 30-day season of prayer, June 1-30, 2023, for revival for my own city, family, church…everything! I invite you to join me in this journey in whatever way that Holy Spirit leads you. If you are just getting started, don’t worry about “catching up.” Just jump on board in whatever way you are able. I will be posting prayer guides each week during this season with brief daily prompts. I encourage you, as you are able, to take just a few moments each day to agree in prayer with me. I encourage you to add fasting to your prayers in whatever way is appropriate for you. During this season, consider doing an occasional fast from media, a favorite food, or even by giving up a meal on occasion and using that time to pray. If you miss a day or even a week, please don’t fret! Remember that the Lord loves spending time with you and me! I am excited and expectant to watch God move on our behalf! Blessings, Gina

Prayer Prompts for June 12-18, 2023

Monday, June 12 Read Psalm 105:1-4

Prayer Prompt: Lord, today I praise Your Name! Help me to proclaim Your goodness among those who I encounter today. Please help my brothers and sisters in my church (name it), my city(name it), my nation (name it), this world to be filled to overflowing with Your Spirit today so that they, too, will be proclaimers of Your Truth. Strengthen each of us to seek Your Face always! (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journaling idea: Do you struggle with sharing your faith with others? Don’t fret…we all do. Write a note to the Lord in your prayer journal asking Him to empower you by the Holy Spirit to be a bold witness for Him.

As you have time: A worship song for today: Courage

Tuesday, June 13: Read Psalm 105:5-7

Prayer Prompt: Lord, when I get discouraged, help me to REMEMBER what You have already done in my life! Help my brothers and sisters in my church (name it), in my city (name it), in my nation (name it), in my world to REMEMBER what You have already done for them. I pray that all of our enemy’s attempts to discourage us would be bound and rendered powerless. You are the Lord our God! (add your prayers). SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journaling idea: Ask the Lord to remind you of the great answers that He has brought for your prayers in the past. Take a moment and write Him a thank you note in your prayer journal.

As you have time: Worship song for today: Remember

Wednesday, June 14: Read Psalm 105:8-11

Prayer Prompt: Lord, You are the true PROMISE KEEPER. Help my brothers and sisters in my church (name it), my city (name it), my nation (name it), my world to search out Your promises in Your Word. People let us down sometimes, but You keep every promise You make. I forgive those who have disappointed me and I ask You to forgive me for times when I’ve expected people to do what only You can do. Help all of us to learn more about Your character by spending time with You. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journaling idea: Are there people who have let you down? Have you forgiven them? Write a note to the Lord in your prayer journal, asking Him to help you to forgive them. Consider also writing a prayer for those who have hurt you.

As you have time: Worship song for today: Forgiveness

Thursday, June 15: Read 2 Thessalonians 3:16 & John 14:27

Prayer pointer: The Christian needs to walk in peace, so no matter what happens they will be able to bear witness to a watching world. – Henry Blackaby

Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank You for being the true source of peace. Help me to walk in Your peace each day so that others will know that You give what the world cannot give. Bless my brothers and sisters in my church (name it), my city (name it), my nation (name it) and my world to walk in Your peace today. (add your own prayers). SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journaling idea: Respond to the Lord by writing your thoughts in your prayer journal as you read the prayer pointer from Henry Blackaby above again.

As you have time: Worship song for today: Peace

Friday, June 16: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

Prayer pointer: “One resists the Spirit when he refuses to exchange human opinions for heaven sent convictions.” ~Myron Augsburger

Prayer Prompt: Lord, I pray for my church (name it), my family (name them as Holy Spirit brings them to mind), my Nation (name it). Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon all of us. Bring a true spiritual awakening across our land and into each of our hearts. Help us to not quench the Holy Spirit, but to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journaling idea: Ask the Lord to bring to mind someone in your circle of influence that needs Him. Write a note to the Lord asking for opportunities to share your faith with this precious soul.

As you have time: Worship Song for Today: Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God

Saturday, June 17 & Sunday, June 18: SABBATH Read Matthew 11:28-30 (both days)

Prayer prompt: Ask the Lord to teach you how to rest!

Let’s Keep Praying and Believing!

Hello, praying friends!

If you are finding yourself, “late to the game” that is perfectly ok! Remember that the Lord doesn’t want us under the law. As I shared last week, the Lord is calling me into a 30-day season of prayer, June 1-30, 2023, for revival for my own city, family, church…everything! I invite you to join me in this journey in whatever way that Holy Spirit leads you. If you are just getting started, don’t worry about “catching up.” Just jump on board in whatever way you are able. I will be posting prayer guides each week during this season with brief daily prompts. I encourage you, as you are able, to take just a few moments each day to agree in prayer with me. I encourage you to add fasting to your prayers in whatever way is appropriate for you. During this season, consider doing an occasional fast from media, a favorite food, or even by giving up a meal on occasion and using that time to pray. If you miss a day or even a week, please don’t fret! Remember that the Lord loves spending time with you and me! I am excited and expectant to watch God move on our behalf! Blessings, Gina

Prayer Prompts for June 5-8, 2023 (Sabbath on June 10 & 11)

Monday, June 5 Read Philippians 4:6,7

Prayer prompt: Lord, please bring everyone who is anxious in my life to the Cross. Help my church and the CHURCH throughout Your world to turn to You at all times and in all circumstances. You hold the future and we trust You. Help us to embrace the “peace that transcends all understanding to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (v. 7) (add your own prayers over any places of anxiety.) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journal idea: Are there places where you have a hard time embracing God’s peace? Write Him a note in your prayer journal, asking Him to help you surrender those concerns.

As you have time: A worship song for today: Peace Be Still

Tuesday, June 6 Read Psalm 46:1

Prayer prompt: Several times today, declare: “Lord, You are MY refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble. Thank You!” (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journal idea: Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of places where you have received help from the Lord. Write a note to Him in your prayer journal, thanking Him for His help.

As you have time: A worship song for today: Nobody Loves Me Like You Love me, Jesus

Wednesday, June 7 Read 1 John 3:1 in the International Children’s Bible

A prayer point: “When Jesus taught us to pray “Our Father”, he was teaching us to pray as children. The words “Our Father”…involve us in a relationship -a Father/child love relationship.” ~Alvin Vandergriend in The Joy of Prayer: A 40 Day Devotional to Invigorate Your Prayer Life.

Prayer Prompt: Ask the Lord to give you a humble heart and then say The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journal idea: Address God as “Abba” (this Aramaic word expresses intimacy. Learn more here.) Thank Him for loving you with a the love of a “daddy!”

As you have time: A worship song for today: Abba

Thursday, June 8 Read Psalm 91

Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank You for Your promises of protection recorded in Psalm 91. Please help all in my (church, family, business, other…) to stay in the shelter of Your protective power. Protect us from the evil one. Lead us by Your Spirit. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journal idea: What is your favorite part of Psalm 91? Why?

As you have time: A worship song for today: Psalm 91

Friday, June 9 Read Hebrews 6:1

Prayer Prompt: Lord, please help our church to mature in faith. Help us to move from the elementary things into the deeper mysteries of our faith. Help us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ. (add your own prayers). SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journal idea: How can you keep growing in faith when you are worn out?

As you have time: Worship song for today: The Change in Me

Saturday, June 10 & Sunday, June 11 SABBATH Read Matthew 11:28-30 (both days)

Prayer prompt: Ask the Lord to teach you how to rest!

Prayer Prompts for June 1-4, 2023

Hello, praying friends!

The Lord is calling me into a 30-day season of prayer, June 1-30, 2023, for revival for my own city, family, church…everything! I invite you to join me in this journey in whatever way that Holy Spirit leads you. I will be posting prayer guides each week during this season with brief daily prompts. I encourage you, as you are able, to take just a few moments each day to agree in prayer with me. I encourage you to add fasting to your prayers in whatever way is appropriate for you. Consider doing an occasional fast from media, a favorite food, or even by giving up a meal on occasion and using that time to pray. If you miss a day or even a week, please don’t fret! Remember that the Lord does not put us under the law, but He loves spending time with you and me! I am excited and expectant to watch God move on our behalf! Blessings, Gina

Prayer “prompts” for June 1-4, 2023:

Thursday, June 1 Read Psalm 23 International Children’s Bible

Prayer prompt: Lord, thank You for reminding me that You are my Shepherd and that You are a Shepherd that truly cares! Please help everyone in my circle of influence (name them if you can) to know You as Savior and Lord. Please revive the Church that I attend and the Church worldwide from Your Shepherd’s heart. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journal idea: Are there any areas that you need to give to the Lord? Consider writing a note to HIM in your prayer journal.

As you have time, here is a worship song for today: Psalm 23

Friday, June 2 Read Ephesians 6:18,19 NIV

Prayer Prompt: Holy Spirit, thank You for helping me to pray. Forgive me for “occasions” when I don’t pray, but I try to figure things out with my own understanding. I pray for the Pastors of my church and the Church worldwide, and I ask You to give them Your Words to speak so that Your gospel will be proclaimed boldly from every pulpit. (add your own prayers) SHOW US YOUR GLORY, LORD!

Journal idea: Is there a recent occasion where you did not listen to the Lord? Considering writing a note to HIM in your prayer journal, asking for forgiveness and for help going forward.

As you have time, here is a worship song for today: Breathe

Saturday, June 3 & Sunday, June 4, 2023 SABBATH Read Matthew 11:28-30 (both days!}

Ask the Lord to show you how to rest!

Emmaus Road Community Church Rhythms of Grace—Adopt a Ministry in Prayer Until December 31, 2022

Ministries at Emmaus Road Community Church: Discipleship/Journey Groups Kid’s Klubhouse Youth Ministries Pastoral staff Connections/Outreach Elders Rhythms of Grace Prayer Ministry Worship Team Tech Team Greeters/Hospitality Missions Facilities

Would you consider praying for one or more of the ministries of Emmaus Road weekly (or more as the Holy Spirit directs you) until the end of 2022? Prayer starter:    Father, I come today asking for more of Your Holy Spirit in the _________ministry of Emmaus Road Community Church.  Fill each leader and each disciple afresh with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  Help each one to be increasingly radical in putting to death our sinful natures that the Lordship of Jesus might be fully established and there is greater room for the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and in our church.  (add your own prayers as you are led…)

Prayers for Our Pastors

Lord, I come to You on behalf of the Pastors of our community today.  I pray that each one will dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  May their declaration be: “Lord, YOU are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”  (Psalm 91:1-2)

Lord, help each Pastor in our community to trust in You with all of their heart and not to lean on their own understanding.   Help them to submit to You in all of their ways so that You can make their paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Lord, I pray that the Pastors of our community would  come together in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ . Bring Holy Spirit agreement with no divisions among them so that they would be perfectly united in mind and thought for the sake of the fulfillment of Your Great Commission. (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Lord, help the Pastors of our community to present themselves to You as those approved, workers who are not ashamed but who correctly handle the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness!  Please strengthen each Pastor in our community and protect them and all that concerns them from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Lord, fill our Pastors with joy and peace as they place their trust in You each day.  Cause them to overflow with hope by the Holy Spirit  that will draw others to you.  Empower them to be bearers of Your Good News. (Romans 15:13)

(add your own prayers…)  In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Praying in Jesus’ Name

Written by Carol Kobulnicky

“…no one comes to the Father except through me.” – Jesus (John 14:6)

“Jesus Christ has brought every need, every joy, every gratitude, every hope of men before God. He accompanies us, and brings us into the presence of God.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Last fall, our church small group (aka Journey Group) studied the book, Love to Pray: A 40-day Devotional for Deepening Your Prayer Life by Alvin Vandergriend. This summer, our Fellowship of Christian Graduate Students here at the U of Wyoming studied it as well. In addition to the book, there is a DVD featuring high quality speakers who know much more about prayer than I do. We watched those too. I will read the book again, as I know I will continue to learn more. It’s so rich with God’s truth about prayer and it’s filled with prayer prompts and actions to take in response to these truths. 

What does it mean that we pray in Jesus’ name? Jesus tells us that it is only through Him that we can approach God, the Father. In the Book of Hebrews, we are instructed to “approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) The only reason we can confidently enter the throne room of the King is because of Jesus and what He’s done for us. 

The author of Love to Pray lays it out so clearly in three points: 

1. As believers, we come to the Father not because of our own accomplishments, but on the basis of Christ’s merit. He paid the price for our sins by living a perfect life and laying down His life as a perfect sacrifice. When we pray to the Father, we are identifying with Jesus. 
2. We’re also “authorized to be Christ’s representatives”—given permission to act in His place. 
3. And last, we come to the throne “in accord with Christ’s will.” With the mind of Christ in us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to ask what He would. 

Heavenly Father, 

You are holy O God. You welcome us to your throne and you promise to hear and respond. We thank you for this amazing access to you. We are in awe that our faith in Jesus and in His life and sacrifice makes this possible. Let us never take this for granted. Help us to truly have the mind of Christ. We know that you desire to hear our prayers, even though you know our thoughts. You want us to ask, and to ask again on behalf of ourselves and others, to impact your world. You don’t grow tired of us. Thank you.

In Jesus’s authority, on the basis of His merit and in accordance to His will, we pray. Amen.

written by Gina Gibson

Psalm 59:9 You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God are my fortress…

Let’s be honest…the world we live in right now seems like what some would call “a hot mess!”  It is easy to “watch” the world events and become very discouraged.  But notice that the Psalmist says he is “watching” for God.  I encourage you to take your eyes off the world and spend some extra time with the Lord.  I know it can be hard in a world that demands our time for work, family, and other responsibilities.  Be intentional in taking some time to just be silent with the Lord and then ask Him to open your eyes to “see” what He is doing.

Several weeks ago, while in a prayer time with friends, I could “see” a picture of a runner.  When my daughter Jessica was in high school and college, she was a champion runner.  She was intense when she was in a race and it made her a winner.  The Lord reminded me that a good runner gets in their zone (mentally), stays in their lane(physically), and keeps their eyes on the finish line.  We are runners, too, but in a spiritual race.  This is what Paul tells us…Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.  1 Corinthians 9:23

Ask God to help you stay focused.  Ask God to open your spiritual eyes and to help you watch for Him.  I think you will be surprised at what you will “see”!

Prayer: Lord, as we wait upon You, help us to be ever “watching” for You.  We know that You are at work in Your Church and in our lives.  Most days we feel like we only see through a “peephole.”  Open our spiritual eyes in a wider way so that we can see more clearly what You are doing.  We want to agree with You!  In Jesus’ Name, AMEN