DAY 20: Monday, October 20

TOPIC:   Nonprofit Agencies in our Community

SCRIPTURE:^“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27 

OBSERVATION:   When we look at words like ‘religion’ and ‘pure and undefiled’…those seem intimidating! Sometimes we find ourselves stuck there. Focused on going through the motions to achieve a us made perfection, rather than humbly approaching God and His given purity with all that we have to offer. These are examples of how easy it is to humbly come before the Lord. God looks for His reflection in us and one of those ways isn’t just going through the motions of a “religion” but outwardly expressing our faith serving like Jesus. It’s easier to selfishly perform in way we think benefits us and ends up glorifying us, than it is to selflessly give in a way that benefits others and glorifies Him.

PRAYER:  Lord, I thank You for today. I thank You for the ways You love me, even when I know I don’t deserve it. I ask that You continue to shape my heart to match Yours. Be with the non-profits in our city as they would serve in a way that brings You glory. I boldly ask that you use them to transform this city in a way that glorifies you. May my heart not be hardened toward those I have the opportunity to serve. May You, Father, be glorified in every step I take today, and reveal Yourself in ways I have not yet understood. May I continue to grow closer to you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you for joining in prayer with your neighbors across El Dorado and Union County, Arkansas for the 2025 40 Days of Prayer. Please continue to pray for blessings and unity for our community.

We are so grateful for your partnership in God’s Kingdom work. May you and yours be blessed.

#eldorado40 #40daysofprayer #eldoradoarkansas

DAY 19:  Sunday, October 19

TOPIC:  Praise of the Holy Spirit

SCRIPTURE: “But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring them to your remembrance all that I said to you.”  John 14:26               

OBSERVATION:  The Holy Spirit is a precious gift from the Father, sent in the name of Jesus to be our helper, teacher, and comforter.  He is always present to guide, remind, and strengthen us in our walk of faith.  Without him we would be weak and forgetful of God’s promises, but through Him we are reminded of Christ’s love and are equipped to live for God’s glory.

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, we praise you for being our helper and comforter.  Thank you for teaching us, guiding us, and reminding us of the words of Jesus.  Fill our hearts with your presence each day, and let our lives reflect the power and peace that come from you.  Help us to listen to your voice and walk in step with you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you for joining in prayer with your neighbors across El Dorado and Union County, Arkansas for the 2025 40 Days of Prayer. Please continue to pray for blessings and unity for our community.

We are so grateful for your partnership in God’s Kingdom work. May you and yours be blessed.

#eldorado40 #40daysofprayer #eldoradoarkansas

DAY 18: Saturday, October 18

TOPIC:  Local Congregations and Unity Among Them

SCRIPTURE: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”    Psalm 133:1  ESV 

OBSERVATION:   Unity of God’s people is the heartbeat of the Father.  The key to progress and success is harmony or unity.  Being in accord is pleasant to God and it is fuel for getting things done.  If we truly want to bring life to El Dorado, we must work together as congregations.

PRAYER:    As the people of El Dorado join together for 40 Days of Prayer, we ask you Father, to birth a desire for local congregations to work together side by side, striving with singlemindedness and purpose for the sake of the Gospel.  Give us the willingness to support the upcoming Prayer Walk and the Thanksgiving Community Service, as we pray for Christianity to be the most powerful influence in our town. 

Thank you for joining in prayer with your neighbors across El Dorado and Union County, Arkansas for the 2025 40 Days of Prayer. Please continue to pray for blessings and unity for our community.

We are so grateful for your partnership in God’s Kingdom work. May you and yours be blessed.

#eldorado40 #40daysofprayer #eldoradoarkansas

DAY 17:  Friday, October 17

TOPIC:  Godly Men to Lead Youth

SCRIPTURE:   Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV)

OBSERVATION:   We are currently facing a crisis in our world that comes down to a lack of leadership, specifically when it comes to Godly men stepping into their role as heads of household. Many teenagers and young adults need examples of how to behave and lead, and it is up to the men of the church to step up. Is that not what Paul did for Timothy? The world has no trouble stepping in and trying to lead our youth away. As men of the church, we need to become just like Isaiah and realize that it is up to us to claim that responsibility and begin to lead.

PRAYER:  Father, I thank you for the amazing role models you have placed throughout the Bible. I pray, in the name of Jesus, that men will step up into the role that you have given them. I pray that each man will look around and take account of the younger generation that they can influence. I pray that the Holy Spirit gives them boldness to reach out and foster relationships of mentorship. I pray that this generation of men will begin to raise their hands and say “Here I am Lord, Send me.” 

Thank you for joining in prayer with your neighbors across El Dorado and Union County, Arkansas for the 2025 40 Days of Prayer. Please continue to pray for blessings and unity for our community.

We are so grateful for your partnership in God’s Kingdom work. May you and yours be blessed.

#eldorado40 #40daysofprayer #eldoradoarkansas

DAY 16:  Thursday, October 16

TOPIC:   Those in Poverty

SCRIPTURE: James 2:5 – “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?

OBSERVATION:   James reminds us that while the world overlooks the poor, God sees them as rich in faith and chosen heirs of His kingdom. Their dependence on Him often becomes a powerful testimony of trust and hope.

PRAYER:   Lord, we lift up those living in poverty. Provide for their daily needs, strengthen their faith, and remind them of the eternal inheritance You have promised. Help us as Your church to walk alongside them with compassion and love. Amen.

Thank you for joining in prayer with your neighbors across El Dorado and Union County, Arkansas for the 2025 40 Days of Prayer. Please continue to pray for blessings and unity for our community.

We are so grateful for your partnership in God’s Kingdom work. May you and yours be blessed.

#eldorado40 #40daysofprayer #eldoradoarkansas

DAY 15:  Wednesday, October 15

TOPIC:  Local Businesses and Industries 

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 90:17 – “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”

OBSERVATION:  This verse is a prayer asking God to pour His favor over His people and to make their work lasting. It reminds us that while we may plan, labor, and strive, only God can establish the fruit of our efforts. Businesses, industries, and the work of our hands ultimately stand firm when they rest under His blessing and purpose.

PRAYER:  Lord God, we bring before You the businesses and industries of our city. Let Your favor rest upon them, and establish the work of many hands for the good of all. May integrity guide decisions, creativity spark new opportunities, and provision flow so that families and communities thrive. Keep us mindful that our work is not just for ourselves but can be an offering to You. Establish what is good, uproot what is harmful, and let the work done here reflect Your wisdom and care. Amen.

Thank you for joining in prayer with your neighbors across El Dorado and Union County, Arkansas for the 2025 40 Days of Prayer. Please continue to pray for blessings and unity for our community.

We are so grateful for your partnership in God’s Kingdom work. May you and yours be blessed.

#eldorado40 #40daysofprayer #eldoradoarkansas

DAY 14:  Tuesday, October 14

TOPIC:  Military

SCRIPTURE: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” — Isaiah 26:3

OBSERVATION:  I had trekked through swamps covered head to toe with mosquitoes, blisters on my feet, and chiggers over 75% of my body. I served through 20 below marches, and deployments in the woods for a month at a time in many situations. I had just got back from serving over 34 days in Hurricane Andrew Clean up. Then on a particular stressful, painful day the Lord brought my eyes to rest upon the scripture above, instantly my prayers were answered, and I was strengthened in the spirit! Our military are our heroes. Some have done a great deal more and even sacrificed much. They go farther, and harder than anyone, often with painful, lonely, and frustrating experiences. They endure, so that our hearts are at peace, and minds at ease, because of the steadfastness of their protection. Pause today, and pray for all of our military, veterans, and personnel. 

PRAYER: “Father God, protect, and keep in peace those in our community and our state who serve in the Armed forces. Likewise, help us to remember the peace that they provide, and that you provide because of our trust in you.

Thank you for joining in prayer with your neighbors across El Dorado and Union County, Arkansas for the 2025 40 Days of Prayer. Please continue to pray for blessings and unity for our community.

We are so grateful for your partnership in God’s Kingdom work. May you and yours be blessed.

#eldorado40 #40daysofprayer #eldoradoarkansas

DAY 13:  Monday, October 13

TOPIC:  Elderly and Those in Nursing Homes

SCRIPTURE: They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, Psalm 92:14

OBSERVATION:  I have lots of elderly friends who live at home and in assisted living places and nursing homes.  Many of these dear people I have looked up to for over 60 years.  They have taught me that the Lord wants us to enjoy a lifetime of productivity and fruitfulness.  I have known a few pastors who have lived past the age of 100.  I knew one pastor that moved into an assisted living place at the age of 102. This pastor would get up early every morning, shower and shave, do his devotions, read the newspaper, have breakfast and then start making visits in his wheelchair around the retirement center.  This pastor would humbly say that God wants us to enjoy a lifetime of being productive and fruitful.

PRAYER: Lord, we thank you for the elderly that you have placed in our path.  They have taught us that it is your plan for us to flourish and thrive to the end.  They have taught us not to rust and decay but to trust and obey.  We thank you for the gift of the aged, and the gift of wisdom they possess.  Lord, help us to strive and be fruitful all the days you give us.  In the name of Jesus.  Amen!

Thank you for joining in prayer with your neighbors across El Dorado and Union County, Arkansas for the 2025 40 Days of Prayer. Please continue to pray for blessings and unity for our community.

We are so grateful for your partnership in God’s Kingdom work. May you and yours be blessed.

#eldorado40 #40daysofprayer #eldoradoarkansas

DAY 12:  Sunday, October 12

TOPIC:  Praise of Christ

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians 2:10–11 (NIV)  ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

OBSERVATION:  Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord! Jesus will be, and rightly deserves to be, praised. It is both the privilege and the destiny of all creation.

PRAYER: May the Son of God, the Son of Man, be praised by all mankind. May His name stir within our hearts an immediate and willing bending of the knee. May our tongues confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every arena of life—past, present, and future—for He is the One who was, who is, and who is to come. May the city of El Dorado be found with our knees to the ground and His praise upon our lips. Praise Jesus Christ!

Thank you for joining in prayer with your neighbors across El Dorado and Union County, Arkansas for the 2025 40 Days of Prayer. Please continue to pray for blessings and unity for our community.

We are so grateful for your partnership in God’s Kingdom work. May you and yours be blessed.

#eldorado40 #40daysofprayer #eldoradoarkansas

DAY 11:  Saturday, October 11

TOPIC:  Hospitals and Health Care Professionals

SCRIPTURE: “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 30:17 NIV)

OBSERVATION:  I love our hospitals and especially SARH where I serve as Chaplain. In fact, hospitals and medical personnel have had a profound and rich effect upon my life. My mom was a dedicated nurse serving in hospitals, doctor offices, and nursing homes for over thirty years. My mother-in-law was a nurse in the military. I have a cousin who was a nurse. One of my nephews serves at a large Hospital.  My daughter is serving as a nurse in assisted living. As I consider the impact my family has had, and now my precious co-workers who are always “on” sharing their care, compassion and love, I am reminded of what our healing centers truly are about. Jeremiah shares a promise from God to restore health, heal wounds, and provide hope! Pause and pray today and then THANK a Health Care worker. 

PRAYER: Healing God, restore us, heal us, help us, and continue to empower and strengthen our hospitals and health care personnel. In the name of the healing savior-Jesus Christ, AMEN!

Thank you for joining in prayer with your neighbors across El Dorado and Union County, Arkansas for the 2025 40 Days of Prayer. Please continue to pray for blessings and unity for our community.

We are so grateful for your partnership in God’s Kingdom work. May you and yours be blessed.

#eldorado40 #40daysofprayer #eldoradoarkansas