Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27

OBSERVATION:  Two of my favorite hymns are “Peace, Perfect Peace” (by Edward H. Bickersteth) and “Prince of Peace! Control My Will” (by Mary S. A. Barber).  The first line to “Peace, Perfect Peace” is “Peace, Perfect peace, in this dark world of sin: The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.” We not only live in a dark world of sin, but we live in a nation that is far from peaceful and the reason is sin.  The answer is found in the second song: “Prince of peace control my will,  bid this struggling heart be still; Bid my fears and doubtings cease; Hush my spirit into peace.” Our nation may be far from peaceful but Jesus promises us a peace unlike any the world has to offer…one that does not depend on outward circumstances.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, our nation so desperately needs the peace that Jesus promised to His disciples long ago.   Our nation is torn apart by riots, vandalism, and violence, we pray for the only peace that is possible through the Prince of Peace. AMEN

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Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 | KJV

OBSERVATION:  In uncertain times, we must be reminded that we serve a certain God! May our community continue to look to the cross for strength and stability amidst the storms of life.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father we thank you that in the midst of everything we see happening in the world, you have shown us the way to live in your peace! We pray for the willingness to follow your Word for everything we face! We look to you in all things to grant us the peace that truly passes all understanding!!! Even now, we thank you for peace in our communities, our City, our state and our nation!!!

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And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened – Luke 11:9-10 (NLT)

OBSERVATION: With advances in technology, we now have the ability, with a series of swipes, taps, and clicks, to communicate with people around the world. As amazing as these new avenues of communication are, they pale in comparison to the ancient avenue of communication that we call prayer. In prayer we “ask” God to meet our most basic needs. In prayer we “seek” God’s will for our lives. In prayer we persistently “knock” trusting that God will answer. As God’s people “ask, seek, and knock” we will grow in our relationship with God and soon we will realize just how good God truly is. As it turns out, what we need is not to spend more time learning how to use the latest technology, instead we need to take the time to master the art of prayer.

PRAYER: Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prayer truly is a gift. Forgive us when we neglect this gift, storing it in a closet to only take it out in case of emergency. Kindle within us a zealous desire to pray each day, so that we might know you and your goodness. Thank you, God, for hearing this prayer and every prayer that we offer. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

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Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. -Ephesians 6:10-13

Reflect |  Pray for the restoration of good people

Pray | Father, as we close our 40 days of prayer, we pray for the people of our community, to stand up for what is right, and put their faith into action.  Give us a spirit of boldness, working with all of Your Energy (Colossians 1:29), to accomplish Your Will for our community.   

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Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. -Colossians 3:23-24

 

Reflect |  Today we are thankful for our jobs and are mindful of those who do not have jobs that are looking.  May their efforts be fruitful.

 

Pray | Gracious God, I begin this new day seeking your help. When I lack energy, give me your spirit. When I lack discipline, give me your love. When I lack time, give me your patience. I have much to do. Let the patience and forgiveness I receive from others equal the patience I extend to them. Father, when I am confused guide me, and may the work that I do and the way I do it bring faith, joy, and a smile to all that I come in contact with today. The world around me seems to be spinning out of control. Be with us Lord. Keep my head on right, Father. Keep my eyes focused on Jesus. Keep my feet on the path. Walk with me. Make me aware of your presence today. I will give you the glory. Amen

 
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Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! -Psalm 31:24

 

Reflect | Helplessness and hopelessness fill the life of many addicts and their families. The addict is powerless to stop on their own and the family can do nothing to change that. Love is painful in this situation. Sometimes life is too hard to face, and the terrible alternative is chosen.

 

Pray | Father, intervene. Step into the life of the addict and do whatever it takes for them to hit bottom. Help them find their way to you. Also, step into the life of the family. Hold them close. Gather support around them. Calm their fears and free them from undeserved guilt. Help all to trust your faithfulness. We pray this in Jesus name, Amen.

 

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Reminder: Community-wide Prayer Walk today beginning at the Police Station- 6:30 pm

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. -Psalm 56:8

Reflect | All too often those abused suffer alone. They are not allowed to let anyone know what is actually going on in their life. The abuser also is alone. Fear and insecurity drive them to find a place they can feel in control. Yet, life is out of control. Only God sees. He is aware of all that goes on.

Pray | Loving Father, we know you know. We know Your heart breaks for the tortured soul forcing their will on another. We know too You are keenly aware of every slap, jab, and joke done at the expense of another. Please wrap Your protective arms around the abused. And hold a mirror up to the abusive. Grant courage for repentance and Your protective peace. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

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Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. – Daniel 2:20–21 (NIV)

Reflect | Throughout the Bible it is clear that God is interested and has a heart for our world leaders. We are called to pray for our elected officials. As election day draws near we need to be in fervent prayer as we, as a nation go to the polls to choose our leaders.

Pray | Dear Lord, we thank you for allowing us to live in a nation where we have the ability to freely vote for our leaders. We know that you do not make mistakes and that there is a season for everything. We ask that you guide us as a nation as we go to elect our nation’s leaders. We pray that you will raise up and seat Godly men and women to make decisions for our city, our state and our country. For we know that You are in control, that You know our future and no matter what, You are on Your throne and will reign for ever and ever. Amen.

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Pray today for government leaders on all levels and the decisions they make.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Reflect | Scripture tells us that God can change the hearts of rulers(Proverbs 21:1). Politics in our country is certainly a polarizing issue. We are a divided nation.  As followers of Christ, we are called to pray for our leaders and our country.

Pray | Dear Lord, We thank you for allowing us to live in the greatest country on Earth. We thank you for guiding our nation and delivering Your chosen leaders for us. We specifically pray for President Trump. We pray that you keep him safe from those that wish to do harm to him. We pray that you would guide him in all his decisions. We pray that you would surround him with Godly counsel. Dear Lord, we ask you to have your hand on the President’s cabinet, that they may shape our nations laws and policy in a way that would be pleasing to You. In Your name we pray, Amen.

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