Real Life!

VERSE: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternallife. -- John 3:16

God wants us to have life! Real life. Life that lasts forever with him! That's why he sent Jesus, so we could have life. That is why Jesus left him and came to earth. That is why Jesus endured the Cross and its humiliation. That's why Jesus rose from the dead. God loves us with an everlasting love in Jesus! What other Christmas gift can compare? "O come, let us adore him!"

PRAYER: Of all your gifts, loving Father, none can compare to Jesus. You are worthy of praise simply because of who you are. You are worthy of honor because of all that you have done. You are worthy of praise because of your mighty acts. Most of all, you are worthy of my heart, soul, mind, and strength because of your love demonstrated in Jesus. Thank you for the greatest gift of all! In Jesus' name I praise you. Amen.


www.heartlight.org

Real Life

"Flash Prayers"

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you" (Eph. 1:18 ).

This week, plan a prayer excursion. Go by yourself, enlist a fellow intercessor, or go as a prayer group. Go to a public place--a mall, a restaurant, and a ball game. Pray "flash prayers" for people you encounter. Ask God to open the eyes of their hearts so that they will know the hope to which He has called them. If you are with a partner or a group, you may wish to pray out loud in conversational tones. You do not need to close your eyes to pray.


Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Eyes On Jesus

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" Hebrew. 12:2

This week, be fully aware of Jesus. He is God's Everything. During your daily prayer time, before you do anything else, fix your inner eyes on Jesus. As you go through your day, let your inner eyes see Jesus present in every situation. When you think of a friend or a family member, let your inner eyes see Jesus there with that person.


Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Lord's Purpose

"Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the LORD"s purpose that prevails" Proverbs 19:12

This week, focus your prayer time on embracing the Lord's purpose in your every action, every plan, and every endeavor. Each morning, list your plans for the day. Yield them to God's purposes. Be ready to change them if the Lord should direct you to. Be alert for how God is working out His long-term purposes through your short-term plans.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Thankfulness

Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion.

-- John Henry Jowett

Psalm

VERSE:
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may
sing for joy and be glad all our days.
-- Psalm 90:14


THOUGHT:
What's the secret of having a good day? How about waking up and
recognizing that we begin each day just as we ended the previous
one -- we are in the grip of God's unfailing love. That should make
our hearts stir with love and our voices sing with joy. This song
should stir God's Spirit within us and lead us to a deep and
profound thanksgiving that gladdens all of our days. So rather than
waking up tired, cranky, and dreading another day, let this day
with a reminder of God's grace in our daily lives and a reminder of
God's promises in our hearts. Then, I don't think we're going to
have any problem singing the rest of the day!

PRAYER:
Glorious Master and Eternal Father, thank you for pouring your
love and joy into my heart through your Holy Spirit. Fill my heart
and satisfy my life with a sense of your abiding and unfailing
love. In the name of my loving Savior, Jesus. Amen.

www.heartlight.org

Much Prayer

Where there is much prayer, there will be much of the Spirit;
where there is much of the Spirit, there will be ever-increasing
prayer.

- Andrew Murray

Jesus does his best work at such moments. Just when the truth
about life sinks in, his truth starts to surface. He takes us by
the hand and dares us not to sweep the facts under the rug but
to confront them with him at our side.

-- Max Lucado

The Word Is Near You

"The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it" (Deut. 30:14).

This week, during your prayer times, read the Scripture out loud. You will find that your mind stays focused better and that hearing the words and speaking them brings out nuances that you have missed by reading silently.


Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Invite God

. . . prayer invites God into my world and ushers me into God's.
Jesus himself, who spent many hours in solitary prayer, invariably
returned to a busy world of weddings, dinners, and crowds of sick and
needy people. He rejected Peter's suggestion to build a tent on a
mountaintop and returned instead to the masses below. Following that
pattern, I look for ways to bring the two worlds together, God's and
mine, to let them become one.



-Philip Yancey in PRAYER Does It Make Any Difference?, p.167.

Never Stop Praying

Never Give Up


Then Jesus taught the followers that they should always pray
and never lose hope. Jesus used this story to teach them:

-- Luke 18:1 (ERV)


KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus had two points he wanted to impress into the hearts of his
disciples. First, he wanted them to be dedicated to prayer and have it
as a constant part of their lives. Second, he wanted them to know that
they must never give up, no matter what the circumstances might be.
While Jesus makes his points clear, why did he feel the need to tell a
story? The answer is pretty straightforward. Stories help us remember.
They connect to a different place in our hearts and in our heads rather
than just saying the main point. Finally, Jesus used stories from
everyday experience so that the sight or experience of something
similar would bring his teaching back into the forefront of their
thoughts. So the next time you hear about a Bible teacher or preacher
who tells too many stories, remind the folks of the Master Storyteller
-- Jesus!


TODAY'S PRAYER:
Father, thank you for Jesus' ability to put your truth into everyday
stories. Thank you for the truth that they carry and the power they
have in our memories. Thank you for giving so much of your truth in
Scripture in the form of stories. Most of all, dear Father, help me to
never give up as I seek your will, your presence, and your help through
prayer. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

www.heartlight.org

VERSE:
I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my
name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his
reward. Mark 9:41


THOUGHT:
This simple and clear passage cuts two ways: First, we are
blessed when we bless God's children, even if the blessing is
simple. Second, we can rejoice when others do the simplest things
to bless us in Jesus' name, because we receive the kindness and
grace of others and because God blesses that kindness with his
overwhelming grace. Bottom line -- let's live to be a blessing!
When we do, God is blessed. We are blessed. We bless others. In
addition, when others are gracious to us, God has also promised to
bless them. God pours his blessings out on all of us. In God's
miraculous economy, the more we bless each other, the more
blessings there are for everyone!

PRAYER:
Gracious and loving Father, please use me this week to be a
blessing to everyone around me. But this week, dear Father, please
lead me into the life of someone who desperately needs your grace.
Please give me discernment to see them when you bring them across
my path. Give me courage to reach out and bless them. Keep them on
my heart and help me as I seek to be a long-term blessing to them.
In Jesus' name I ask for your help and grace to use this
opportunity for your glory. Amen.

Only God Could Love Like That

WHAT God did makes sense.

It makes sense that Jesus would be
our sacrifice because a sacrifice was needed to justify man's
presence before God. ... However, WHY God did it is absolutely
absurd. When one leaves the method and examines the motive, the
carefully stacked blocks of logic begin to tumble. That type of
love isn't logical; it can't be neatly outlined in a sermon or
explained in a term paper. It is inexplicable. It doesn't
have a drop of logic nor a thread of rationality. And yet, it is
that very irrationality that gives the gospel its greatest
defense. For only God could love like that.

-- Max Lucado

Our Fuel

The following quote is attributed to C. S. Lewis in Wild at Heart by John Eldredge:

"A car is made to run on gasoline, and it would not run properly on anything else. Now God designed the human machine to run on himself. He himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other."

You Are Not An Accident

You are not an accident. Your birth was no mistake or mishap,
and your life is no fluke of nature. Your parents may not have
planned you, but God did. ... Long before you were conceived by
your parents, you were conceived in the mind of God. He thought
of you first. It is not fate, nor chance, nor luck, nor
coincidence that you are breathing this very moment. You are
alive because God wanted to create you!

-- Rick Warren

Pray for The Soldiers

Prayer

"Lord, please hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."

Prayer Request: When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world.

At The Feet of Jesus

Those who are willing to come apart from the clamor and demands of
each day's activity in order to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to
His heart are the ones who will be blessed with intimacy beyond that
which most believers will ever know.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss in A Place of Quiet Rest, p.235.

Purpose Of Your Life

The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal
fulfillment, peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far
greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest
dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on
this planet, you must begin with God. You were born BY his
purpose and FOR his purpose. - Rick Warren

Be A Friend

VERSE:
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:24


THOUGHT:
Isn't it amazing how the more we try to fix things for
ourselves, the more we focus on "looking out for number 1," and the
more we also find ourselves isolated from meaningful relationships
that make life worth living. "If you want to have a friend, then be
a friend," the saying goes. You know what? It's right! It's easy to
seek what is only for our own good. That's what most folks do as a
matter of course. But what makes Christians redemptive, what makes
them like God, is their willingness to think of others before
themselves!

PRAYER:
Father, forgive me, because I know that I am often selfish and
seldom think through the implications of my decisions based on the
needs of others. I want to have the mind of Christ and be more
selfless and sacrificial with everyone who needs your grace and the
tenderness that you have placed within me to share with them.
Please bless me as I seek to be like your Son in this area of my
life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"Busy-ness"

www.heartlight.org

VERSE:
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own
business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that
your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you
will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

THOUGHT:
What's your ambition? I don't know about you, but I'm not so
sure I could say my ambition is to "live a quiet life ...." But
when I hear the reason for that directive, I understand. So many
people I meet are frazzled, run down, and exhausted with all their
"busy-ness." So let's make a commitment to cycle down a little,
trust God more and more each day, and seek to live a life that wins
the respect of those around us!

PRAYER:
O precious and righteous Father, I need your help to learn to
slow down and tend to my own responsibilities instead of running
around out of control and without purpose. Please grant me not only
the wisdom that I have been praying for, but also the patience and
quietude that I need for that wisdom to change my heart and mind.
In Jesus' name I ask it. Amen.

Ask Someone To Pray For You

I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" Romans 15:30

This week, ask someone else to pray for you in your struggles. Let the Lord guide you to the right person. During your prayer times, when your struggle comes to mind, rest in the fact that someone else is carrying that burden for you this week.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

"My most important appointment today is with Jesus in prayer."

-anonymous

God Is Near

Recently I noticed the following words of Moses: "What other nation
is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is
near us whenever we pray to him?" Deuteronomy 4:7

I believe God is always near us but in a unique way when we pray to him as his children.

Joseph Suttle

Urgent Need for Prayers - Baby Bennett

There is an urgent need for prayers. Please pray for Travis, Kelly, and Bennett. Petition God on their behalf and ask him to heal little Bennett and meet the emotional and physical needs of Travis, Kelly, and their families.

http://prayingforbennett.blogspot.com/

He Cares For You

-Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

Carrry Each Other's Burdens

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:1-3).

This week, ask the Lord to place on your mind someone for whom you are to pray. It may be someone you know well, or it may be someone with whom you are only acquainted. It may even be someone you only know of. Write the name down. Be faithful in praying each time that the name comes to your remembrance. Watch for the amazing ways the Lord will lead you in prayer and the ways He will give you a glimpse of His work. Write them in your journal.


Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Surrender

Whether climbing a mountain or writing a book, I have a goal-oriented, accomplish-the-mission attitude toward life, and prayer stops me in my tracks. I learn that I cannot "fix" the people I am praying for. I cannot get everything I want in the time frame I want. I must slow down and wait. I have to present my request in a manner that seems at first like surrender. I "give them up" to God, and through that act of submission God can at last begin to grow in me the qualities, or "fruit," that I needed all along: peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

-Philip Yancey in PRAYER Does It Make Any Difference?, p.154-155.

Confess & Believe in Me!

www.heartlight.org


Confessing Christ!


"I tell you, if any person stands before other people and is
willing to say that he believes in me, then I will say that
person belongs to me. I will say this before the angels of
God. But if any person stands before people and says he does
not believe in me, then I will say that person does not
belong to me. I will say this before the angels of God."

-- Luke 12:8-9 (ERV)


KEY THOUGHT:
Confessing Christ is crucial! Confessing Christ can be costly in human
terms. Christians in generations before us were sometimes put to death
simply for saying, "Jesus Christ is Lord" rather than calling some
other ruler "Lord." However, the significance of our confessing Christ
is revealed most clearly by Jesus' own words here: he will claim us if
we claim him!

Strength

www.heartlight.org

VERSE:
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the
weak.
-- Isaiah 40:29


THOUGHT:
Even the most pumped up and positive ones of us find ourselves
broken and weary at some point in our life. It isn't so hard to
believe and follow Jesus when we are soaring on the wings of eagles
or running and not getting weary in our walk with God. Often the
toughest time to keep our faith vibrant is when we are trying to
keep putting one foot in front of the other while not fainting. In
those moments of absolute powerlessness, weakness, and brokenness
the Lord is often most real, most powerful, and most present.

PRAYER:
Thank you, God, for sustaining me and keeping my faith alive
when I have been under attack from the Evil One and have grown
weary with the challenges and hardships of life. Please give those
I love, and mention now by name, ... the strength to press on even
though they are weary and weak. Please be real in their lives and
let them know that you are coming with grace to help and redeem as
their Great Deliverer. In Jesus' name I ask it. Amen

The Greatest Answer to Prayer?

www.heartlight.org


The Greatest Answer to Prayer?


"Does any of you have a son? What would you do if your son
asked you for a fish? Would any father give his son a snake?
No! You would give him a fish. Or, if your son asks for an
egg, would you give him a scorpion? No! {You are like all
other people}--you are evil. But you know how to give good
things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father knows
how to give the Holy Spirit to those people that ask him."

-- Luke 11:11-13 (ERV)


KEY THOUGHT:
What's the greatest answer to our prayers? The gift of God's cleansing,
justifying, sanctifying, saving, empowering, and indwelling Holy
Spirit! If fathers know how to give good gifts, don't you think the
Father will give us and empower us with his Holy Spirit? So let's ask,
expect, and receive this greatest of gifts.


TODAY'S PRAYER:
Father, I know when I was saved you cleansed me by your Holy Spirit and
that you came to live in me and make my body your temple through your
Holy Spirit. Now I ask that the Spirit's presence and power be more
real to me, not just to sense your presence but so that I can be like
Christ in every way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"Give us today our daily bread" (Matthew. 6:11 ).

This week, focus each morning on Matthew 6:11. Ask Him for His provision in every circumstance and every need that the day presents. Rest in His willingness and His ability to meet every need as it arises.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Teach Me to Pray!

www.heartlight.org

Lord, Teach Me to Pray!


One time Jesus was praying in a place. When Jesus finished
praying, one of his followers said to him, "John taught his
followers how to pray. Lord, teach us how to pray too."

-- Luke 11:1 (ERV)


KEY THOUGHT:
So many books have been written about prayer. Most of us have attended
classes that chose prayer as their subject matter. Yet, when was the
last time you gave serious time to looking in the Gospels (Matthew,
Mark, Luke, and John) and studying Jesus as he prayed, what he taught
about prayer, and what the importance of prayer is? Why not commit to
spending several months with a hilighter reading the Gospels? As we
read, let's ask Jesus each day, "Lord, teach me to pray!" While we pray
in the power and authority of Jesus' name every day, let's also commit
to learning to pray as Jesus prayed.


TODAY'S PRAYER:
Holy God and Almighty Father, thank you for giving me the avenue of
prayer to speak with you, to seek you, and to come into your presence.
I recognize that prayer is a gift from you, ensured and assisted by the
intercession of your Son and the Holy Spirit. Please, dear Father, lead
me and guide me in my efforts to learn to pray as your Son prayed and
as he taught his disciples to pray. I long to draw nearer to you, to
honor you more completely with all of my being, and to open my will up
to your will. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Let Your Will Be Done

"Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:10 ).

This week, focus each morning on Matthew 6:10. Bring each situation to the Lord and pray, "Let Your will be done in every detail. Let Your kingdom rule take effect in every detail." Bring every detail of your situations before Him, asking Him to take full charge.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Send Me!

www.heartlight.org

VERSE:
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send?
And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8


THOUGHT:
Church worship on Sunday is not the goal of our life here on
earth. As important as church worship and personal praise are, they
are only part of our goal. We are here to glorify God with both our
lips and our lives, with our hearts and our hands. With the world
around us caught up in Satan's traps, God wants us to hear his call
to us in our church and private worship and respond by saying,
"Here am I. Use me!" Then he wants us to enter the world
redemptively, making a difference in our "public worship" of
ministry.

PRAYER:
Loving God, Rock and Refuge of my soul, thank you for giving me
the experiences I've had in my life. Thank you for the abilities
you placed in me while you fashioned me in my mother's womb. Thank
you for the gifts your Spirit molded in me when I became your
child. Now, dear Father, please help me to know how and where I am
to use these gifts in your Kingdom and to bless those in the world,
so that I can help bring others to you, help build up the Body of
Christ, and bless your people. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Worship Our Father

VERSE:
Above him were seraphs, each with six wings ... and they were
calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the
whole earth is full of his glory."
-- Isaiah 6:2-3


THOUGHT:
Jesus taught us that worship is not about a place, but about our
Father (John 4:21-24). Knowing that our Father is worshipped by the
heavenly hosts should inspire us, humble us, and motivate us to do
the same, no matter where we may find ourselves. Above all other
qualities, God is holy. Three times the heavenly beings acknowledge
his holiness -- he is special, undefiled, pure, perfect, and
something much more than everyday and mundane. His glory fills the
earth and sky. He is bigger than all we can imagine. He is worthy
of our worship, reverence, and awe.

Competing For Christ

http://www.fcaendurance.org/

"May the God who gives ENDURANCE and encouragement give you a spirit of
unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one
heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Romans 15: 5-6

Strengthen My Heart

www.heartlight.org

VERSE:
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a
throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the
temple. Isaiah 6:1


THOUGHT:
We often view difficult times, crisis times, as bad because the
circumstances we face are very hard. But difficult times can also
be an opportunity for our hearts to re-awaken to the steadfastness
and the gloriousness of God, as well as our great need for him in
our lives. The crisis of Uzziah's death for Israel and Isaiah
became the great opportunity for Isaiah to see God in a fresh way
and to be called into a special ministry for God. How can God use
your crises, hardships, trials, and difficulties? Why don't you ask
him to show you!

PRAYER:
Holy God, I confess that I get discouraged enduring hardships. I
sometimes wonder where you are and why you have forgotten me. Deep
in my heart, dear Father, I know you are there. But sometimes, O
God, it is difficult to keep my faith burning brightly when I don't
hear your voice or see you face to face. Please strengthen my heart
with your Holy Spirit and help me "see" you in a fresh way so that
I will open myself to you and be tuned more perfectly for your
service. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Freedom

Heartlight.org

VERSE:
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then,
and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery Galatians 5:1


THOUGHT:
We have been set free! We are delivered from law, sin, and
death. We have been set free to serve God and share in his grace
eternally. So how will we use that freedom?

PRAYER:
God of freedom and grace, please give me your Spirit of wisdom
to understand more fully all the ways that you have blessed me.
Please help me use those blessings to share your grace with my
family and friends. May I never take for granted your gifts or
abuse my freedoms won at such great cost. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

Pray for Harvesters

www.heartlight.org

Pray for Harvesters


Jesus said to them, "There are many, many people to harvest
(save). But there are only a few workers to help harvest
them. God owns the harvest (people). Pray to God that he will
send more workers to help gather his harvest."

-- Luke 10:2 (ERV)


KEY THOUGHT:
So often we wring our hands when messages about how all Christians
should be evangelistic don't seem to make much difference. At times, we
can get frustrated when so few people sign up for evangelism training
classes. However, we often neglect the approach Jesus commanded: we
need to pray for harvesters. Why do we have so few reaching out to the
lost? Could it be that we have not fervently and consistently prayed
for the Lord to send out workers into his harvest fields?


TODAY'S PRAYER:
Holy and gracious God, please stir your people's hearts and open your
people's eyes to the need of reaching the lost. Send out workers for
the harvest. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Crown of Glory

From www.heartlight.org

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown
of glory that will never fade away.
-- 1 Peter 5:4


What a wonderful blessing it is to be led by godly, loving
shepherds. But as much as we love them and show them respect, they
will receive even greater appreciation in heaven!

O glorious God, please bless every faithful and concerned leader
in your Church with a clear sense of your blessing and
appreciation. Please use me to show this love to your faithful
servants as well.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The Great Shepherd

Today's verse from Heartlight. I like this one.

VERSE:
May the God of peace ... that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip
you with everything good for doing his will. Hebrews 13:20-21

THOUGHT:
A good shepherd equips his sheep to face the trials of life. But
as Psalm 23 reminds us, no shepherd equips his sheep quite like the
ultimate Shepherd. Let's unleash his power in the lives of our
brothers and sisters in Christ by specifically praying for God to
equip them with everything they need to do his good work!

PRAYER:
O Great Shepherd of the sheep, please release the power of your
Spirit in your people and equip us to do great things in our day,
like the first Christians did in their day. May it all be done to
your glory, in the name of my hero, Jesus. Amen.

Bless My Brothers & Sisters

VERSE:
Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying
for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will
through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9


THOUGHT:
When we hear of Christians in other places, especially where
circumstances and times are difficult, or they are new in the
Faith, let's intentionally and purposefully pray this prayer for
them!

PRAYER:
Loving Father please bless my brothers and sisters in Christ all
over the world. Strengthen those under attack and facing
oppression. Mature those new to your family. Enlighten those who
are facing doubt and uncertainty. Please bless your people today
with peace. In Jesus' name I ask it. Amen.

To Be Stronger

When you face the perils of weariness, carelessness, and
confusion, don't pray for an easier life. Pray instead to be a
stronger man or woman of God.

- Luis Palau

Constantly Pray

We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy ofhis calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. -- 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Paul prays for God to be active in the lives of these new Christians -- to maximize the good they intend to do as well as fully bless every good deed they do out of their commitment offaith. What new Christian do you need to pray this for?

Strong and mighty Father, please bless several new Christians who are on my heart today. Help them recognize your presence in their lives. Please maximize the good in every effort they make and every intention they have to honor you and bless your people. Protect them from the evil one.

In Jesus' name I ask this blessing.

Amen.

Embrace Everything

"This is the day the LORD has made;
[I will] rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

This week, let this be your first thought every morning: This is the day the Lord has appointed for you. He has given you this day. Embrace everything He brings into this day. When it brings difficulty or disappointment, think of your circumstance as a "faith lab." Every little joy or pleasure it brings is a gift from the Father. Start your prayer times this week by settling this in your mind: I will rejoice and be glad in this day.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Against Such Forces

The New Testament openly describes Satan as "the god of this age" and
"the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in
those who are disobedient." Of course bad things happen! On a planet
ruled by the Evil One we should expect to see violence, deception,
disease, and all manner of opposition to the reign of God.

We pray because against such forces we have no more powerful way to
bring together the two worlds, visible and invisible. I present my
world, whatever its circumstances, to God and ask for God's help in
equipping me to counter the forces of evil.

-Philip Yancey in PRAYER Does It Make Any Difference?, p.118.

Day of Prayer & Fasting

http://www.fxcc.org/missions/#day

Changing the world one life, one family and one village at a time.

The Annual Day of Prayer and Fasting was created to support mission efforts in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

We are joining with Churches of Christ around the world in a special Day of Prayer for the helpless and lost.

Jabez

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Jabez is remembered for a prayer request rather than a heroic act. In his prayer, he asked God to bless him, help him his work ( enlarge my territory), be with him in all he did, and keep him from evil and harm. Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his work. When we pray for God's blessings, we should also pray that he will take his rightful position as Lord over our work, our family time, and our recreation. Obeying him in daily responsibilities is heroic living.

Jabez prayed specifically to be protected from harm and pain. We live in a fallen world filled with sin, and it is important to ask God to keep us safe from the unavoidable evil that comes our way. But we must also avoid evil motives, desires, and actions that begin with us. Therefore, not only must we seek Gods protection from evil, but we must also ask God to guard our thoughts and actions. We can begin to utilize his protection by filling our minds with positive thoughts and attitudes.

Never Weary

Never weary in prayer. When one day you see how unexpectedly your
prayer has been answered, then you will deeply regret that you have
prayed so little. Prayer changes things for you. Practice praying
until your trust in God has become strong, or at least stronger....and
then pray on, because it has become so much a habit that you need it
daily. Then keep praying until prayer seems to become communion with
God. That is the note on which true times of prayer should end." -Jack
Sneed

Believe And Not Pray?

Faith is to the soul what life is to the body. Prayer is to
faith what breath is to the body. How a person can live and not
breathe is past my comprehension, and how a person can believe
and not pray is past my comprehension too.

- J. C. Ryle

The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and
Achaia -- your faith in God has become known everywhere.
-- 1 Thessalonians 1:8

Neglecting Prayer

The early church had no large buildings, well-financed budgets, or
long-range plans. While theses things may all be helpful in the
twenty-first century, none of them are indispensable: prayer is. When
the disciples realized they were neglecting prayer, they reminded the
church of their first priority and called the church to elect deacons
so they could return to praying (see Acts 6).

-Douglas A. Kamstra in
The Praying Church Idea Book,p.13.

Search me, O God

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting" Psalm 139:23-24

This week, open your life to the Father so that He can clean out the clutter. Let Him bring to light anything that is keeping you from experiencing all that He has to offer. Don't resist Him. He wants your life to be filled with His abundance and wants to rid you of anything that dilutes His power in you. Write down what He brings to mind.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Pray & Help Spread the Gospel

VERSE:
Pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and
be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1

THOUGHT:
What can you do to help the spread of the Gospel and help
increase the number of those who are saved each day? Well, there
are many things: put in a good word for Jesus, share your faith
with a friend, go on a mission trip, send financial support to a
missionary, and many others. But one of the most important things
you can do is to pray! Pray for missionaries and preachers and
those who minister and share the Word of God and the grace of Jesus
through the Internet, radio, television, and print. Pray for the
message to spread rapidly and pray for it to grow in power and
influence

www.heartlight.org

Be Still

"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)

This week during your prayer times, focus on being in the moment. Let these words wrap themselves around your heart: "Be still. Know that I am God." Let the power of His presence flood you, filling you with confidence, peace, boldness. When He says, "I am God," what is He saying to you? Each morning, write down what it means to you that He is God.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Search Me

"O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me" Psalm 139:1

Each morning this week, during your prayer time, use Psalm 139:1-6. Read it through slowly each morning, concentrating on each phrase. Focus on a different verse each morning, turning it into your personal prayer and allowing the Spirit of God to speak personally to you. Keep that verse in your thoughts all day long, praying it as situations arise.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know!

Psalm 139:1-6

Our Refuge and Strength

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the
mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2

God is not only our protector, He is also our helper. Even when
our world seems to be crashing around us, He is there. He will
deliver us from death or deliver us through death. He will deliver
us from evil or he will deliver us to overcome evil. Our task is to
trust that in the midst of our earthquakes and tidal waves we are
not alone or abandoned.

Approach The Throne

"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming
conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of
all about me, seemed insufficient for the day." -Abraham Lincoln

"Let us then 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

Pray for Virginia Tech - Hokie Hope Day

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine declared Friday a day of mourning and called for a moment of silence at noon to honor the 32 victims in Monday's massacre at Virginia Tech. Churches around the country, from California to National Cathedral in Washington D.C., have scheduled vigils and special prayer services.

HOKIE HOPE DAY
Perhaps one way we can support the VT community is to join in today's expression of Hokie Hope. The VT Alumni Associations apparently have asked their members across the country to wear orange and maroon tomorrow, the school's colors, as an expression of their unity and support of Hokie Hope.

Matthew 18:20

Jesus said that "where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them".

We need Jesus in our midst, so we need to pray together with other believers.

Pray Without Ceasing

Hello..


It has been an incredibly tragic day to say the least. Please keep the 32 victims, the wounded, their family members and community of Virginia Tech in your prayers. Please also keep in your prayers the estimated 3,000 individuals in Africa who died of malaria today as well. And the 6,000 people who died of HIV/AIDS today. And the 24,000 people worldwide who died of hunger today.

"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Weekly Prayer - Obey

"Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure." Ecclesiastes 8:5

During your prayer times this week, ask the Lord to tell you anything He wants you to do today--any action He wants you to take. Express your faith to Him that, when the time comes, you will know what to do and how to do it. Be alert every moment of your day for His command.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Jesus Christ, Our Coach

Living your life with Jesus is simply the best way to live. It's not that everything will be perfect. Being a Christian is not about being "happy" or "successful". It is about being right with God and doing right in the world. To follow Jesus is to take life to a deeper level -- the level God intended for us all along.

Living life the way Christ wants you to live will give you great peace and joy inside that nothing from the outside can give you. This peace and joy are better than anything else you can find. The key is Christ. What He gives you is Himself. The question is whether you will give yourself to Him.

Let Jesus Christ coach you through life. You cannot lose.

Are you willing to believe in Jesus Christ and follow him? If so, say to him: "Lord Jesus, I need You. I realize that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and then rose to new life. I believe You are my Savior. Forgive my sins and help me begin to follow You. Take control of my life and make me the person You want me to be. Thank you for coming into my life. In Jesus' name. Amen."

He Wakens Me

“He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being taught” (Isa. 50:4).

This week, during your prayer time, consider that you are there at His invitation. He has invited you to spend time alone with Him because He has something beneficial to teach you and say to you. Consider how that changes the atmosphere of your prayer time. Write your observations in your journal.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

In Whom Do I Trust?

King David, the one who defeated Goliath, wrote these words:

It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in people. It
is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in princes. Psalms 118:8-9

David also wrote the following:

Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will
not be defeated but will endure forever. Psalms 125:1

The Bible reminds us of this truth: "For God has said, 'I will never
fail you. I will never forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5). But, do we really
believe it?

If you choose some mere mortal human, you will be disappointed.
So let me encourage you to choose to trust in God.

He will never fail or forsake you no matter what!

For there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. Perhaps it is time to ask
yourself: "In whom do I trust?"

I Don't Want To Sin

May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O
Lord, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame
because of me, O God of Israel. Psalm 69:6

What a beautiful prayer for any Christian. In a world that is so
self-absorbed, isn't it refreshing to be reminded of the powerful
impact for good and bad that we can have? Let's not only be
reminded of the devastating impact of our hypocrisy and rebellion,
let's also pray that our failures will not be destructive to the
Kingdom's increase nor to our brothers and sisters in Christ as
they seek to serve and honor the Lord.

I do not want to sin. I know it is
rebellion against you and it breaks your heart.

I do not want to sin because I know it diminishes me and makes me even more
vulnerable to Satan's attacks in the future.

I don't want to sin and bring disgrace upon your cause

I don't want to sin and be the cause of those seeking you to stumble. Please
forgive my sins, but please Father, strengthen me and help me not
stumble in my time of temptation.

The Importance of Prayer

At that time Jesus went out to a mountain to pray. He stayed
there all night praying to God. The next morning, Jesus
called his followers. He chose twelve of them. He named these
men "apostles." They were: -- Luke 6:12-13 (ERV)


KEY THOUGHT:

Few events were more important in Jesus' ministry than his selection of
apostles. How would Jesus select 12 from the mob that followed him?
These men would have to change the world. Could he actually find 12
that could do that? Jesus knew what was in the hearts of people. Would
anyone be able to stand up to the challenges that he would have to face
as one of Jesus' chosen 12? Jesus withdrew to the mountains to be alone
with God and pray as he faced this momentous decision. He didn't choose
12 and then ask God to bless his choice. No, he spent the night in
prayer before he chose the 12. When faced with decisions, whether they
appear important or not, we need to follow the example of our Lord!


TODAY'S PRAYER:

Holy and loving Father, stir my heart with a deeper yearning for
prayer. I need your guidance every day, so please dear Lord, bless me
with the discipline of daily fervent prayer. Particularly in those
times when I face much hard decisions, have your Holy Spirit stir my
spirit with a longing to come into your presence and find my guidance
and peace in you. In Jesus' name, and because of Jesus' example, I
pray.
Amen.

Mystery of Godliness Is Great

VERSE:
Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He
appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by
angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the
world, was taken up in glory.
-- 1 Timothy 3:16


THOUGHT:
Why would Jesus do it? How did he do it? How was he "God with
us" and still in "human flesh"? We cannot fully comprehend it, but
he was! The Son of God was also Jesus of Nazareth, born and placed
in a manger and crucified on a cross. But he was raised from the
dead and shown to be God's Son with power. He was seen by angels,
both on earth after his resurrection and in heaven at the throne of
God. He has been preached and believed on by people all over the
world. The glory that he has he will one day show and share with
us. If you want to understand godliness, then you begin with Jesus!

www.heartlight.org

Excellent Servant

Money is a very excellent servant, but a terrible master.

-- P. T. Barnum

Does It Matter?

After surveying Jesus' practice of prayer, I realize that that his example does answer one important question about prayer: Does it matter? When doubts creep in and I wonder whether prayer is a sanctified form of talking to myself, I remind myself that the Son of God, who had spoken worlds into being and sustains all that exists, felt a compelling need to pray. He prayed as if it made a difference, as if the time he devoted to prayer mattered every bit as much as the time he devoted to caring for people.

-Philip Yancey in PRAYER Does It Make Any Difference

He Cares

VERSE:

Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me. Psalm 86:6-7

THOUGHT:

Sometimes there are no immediate answers. We have prayed and cried and tried and gone sleepless and mourned and shouted. Still there are no answers. The days roll by in an agonizing parade of pain. Still there are no answers we can identify. What do we do? We go to the Psalms. We let them raise up our heart's cry. We are honest with the God of the entire universe and yet we can still anticipate mercy from him. We are convinced that in our troubles, he will not only hear us, but he will also care about what is happening in our lives.

God's Temple

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" 1 Cor. 3:16-17

You are God’s dwelling place. He is at home in you. Focus on that reality this morning. You do not have to seek Him out and get His attention—He has sought you out. In the Old Testament, worship in the temple engaged all the senses. This week, create an atmosphere for your prayer time that engages your senses. Light a fragrant candle. Play worshipful music. Let your senses enter into the experience of worship.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Learn To Listen

‘“Speak, for your servant is listening’” (1 Sam. 3:10).

The most important prayer-skill is learning to listen to the Living Voice. This week let listening to Him be the main focus of your prayer time. Let 1 Samuel 3:10 be your only request. Listen for Him in His Word, in the quietness of your heart, in the circumstances of your day, in fresh ideas that come to mind, in new understanding that settles on you. Learn to listen. Write down what you think you sense Him saying to you.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Save

"He shall save his people from their sins."
-- Matthew 1:21

"Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ
depart from iniquity." If not saved from sin, how shall we hope to be
counted among his people.

It is true our Lord Jesus Christ does redeem all his people from
the wrath to come; he saves them from the fearful condemnation which
their sins had brought upon them; but his triumph is far more complete
than this. He saves his people "from their sins." Oh! sweet deliverance
from our worst foes. Where Christ works a saving work, he casts Satan
from his throne, and will not let him be master any longer.

Pray this with me...

Lord, save me now from all evil, and enable
me to honor my Savior.

I command you today to love the Lord your God. I command you to follow him and to obey his commands, laws, and rules. Then you will live, and your nation will grow larger. And the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take for your own. Deuteronomy 30:16

“You will never stand alone while standing on the Word of God.”
— Kathryn Souza-Wine

Pray Always & Pray One for Another

"Praying always."
-- Ephesians 6:18

"Pray one for another."
-- James 5:16

Our first prayer was a prayer for ourselves; we asked
that God would have mercy upon us, and blot out our
sin. He heard us.

But when he had blotted out our sins like a cloud,
then we had more prayers for ourselves. We have had to pray for
sanctifying grace.

For as your prayers have been many, so also have been God's answers to them. He has heard
you in the day of trouble, has strengthened you, and
helped you, even when you dishonored him by trembling
and doubting at the mercy-seat.

Remember this, and let it fill your heart with gratitude to God, who has
thus graciously heard your poor weak prayers.

Remember that such prayer is the sweetest God ever
hears, for the prayer of Christ is of this character.

Our prayers for others, having in them more of the
fruits of the Spirit, more love, more faith, and more
brotherly kindness.

All the bread your soul has eaten has come down from
heaven, and all the water of which it has drank has
flowed from the living rock-Christ Jesus the Lord.

True Faith

True faith is never found alone; it is accompanied by expectation.

-- C. S. Lewis

Prayer Retreat

About that time Jesus went off to a mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night there.
Luke 6:12

Weekend retreats in the mountains with a group of men is something I would like to experience. Have you ever gone to a weekend retreats in the mountains?

I would like to take at least two men who are close friends and know what to expect. The rest can be men I know little or nothing about. We want to attract guys who truly need this kind of getaway but would not normally be interested in a prayer retreat. We can arrive on a Thursday evening, share dinner, learn a little about each other, PRAY together a little, and then get some sleep. On Friday morning, we can go over some Scriptures and then learn how to listen for God through Scriptures.

We can go for a walk or sit under a tree if they prefer just as long as they are comfortable and quiet and able to let their hearts be open to the Holy Spirit. We can share stories, emphasize the importance of honesty and humility before God and then encourage them to go out and try it.

On Friday evening, we have the opportunity to share with the group what happened and did not happen. I am sure we will hear something amazing. The three themes usually surface in the testimonies and often confessions from the men.

* An acknowledgement of an area in their lives God wants to improve.

* A true sense of forgiveness from God for where they have fallen short.

* A fresh vision and hope for the future.

This all takes place without a sermon or lecture. They get it directly from God.

Have you ever spent time before God, honestly laying yourself open to Him? When is the last time you did that and begged Him for transformation?

I encourage you to set aside the time. Find a place of silence and solitude. Consider fasting. And go have an extended talk with God.

I pray we will get to experience a weekend prayer retreat in the mountains with Jesus.

Jesus walked on a little way before he knelt down and prayed. Luke 22:41

After the stone had been rolled aside, Jesus looked up toward heaven and prayed, "Father, I thank you for answering my prayer. John 11:41

Hungry for God?

Pray it through...

Read Psalms 42:1
As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God.

Has your soul gets thirsty for God? What was it like? What did you do about it?

Read the following Scriptures slowly, allowing them to penetrate your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your sense of longing, hungering, thirsting, and desperation for God.

Then Moses replied, "If you aren't going with us, please don't make us leave this place. But if you do go with us, everyone will know that you are pleased with your people and with me. That way, we will be different from the rest of the people on earth." So the LORD told him, "I will do what you have asked, because I am your friend and I am pleased with you." Then Moses said, "I pray that you will let me see you in all of your glory." Exodus 33:15-18

You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. Psalms 63:1

God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven! God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want! Matthew 5:3,6

You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you. Jeremiah 29:12-13

If you are thirsty, come and drink water! If you don't have any money, come, eat what you want! Drink wine and milk without paying a cent. Why waste your money on what really isn't food? Why work hard for something that doesn't satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and you will enjoy the very best foods. Turn to the LORD! He can still be found. Call out to God! He is near.
Isaiah 55:1-2,6

Are you starting to develop a healthy hunger for more of God? Tell Him about your longings. Ask Him how and when you can get away for an extended time with Him. If there are things that make you hesitate, confess these openly to Him and invite Him to help you.

I encourage you to set aside the time. Find a place of silence and solitude. Consider adding fasting. Go have an extended talk with God. What you find there will be a gift you treasure forever.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33

I longed for prayer retreat with my prayer warriors.

Quote

"Never judge a person because of how they treat you until you learn what they are going through." - Shawn Alexander

God Already Knows

"We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us,"
wrote C. S. Lewis. To put it another way, we must trust God with what
God already knows.

-Philip Yancey in PRAYER Does It Make Any Difference

Seek His Kingdom

Weekly Prayer Tip:

“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:31 ).

Your daily prayer time lays the groundwork for an ongoing awareness of His presence. This week, during your prayer time, ask Him to alert you and call your attention to “kingdom moments” throughout your day. Watch for opportunities to enjoy fellowship with Him—waiting in lines, performing mundane tasks, for example. Being consciously aware of His presence will transform life’s irritants into opportunities for fellowship with Him.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Praying Life Foundation
www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Honesty In Prayer

I was teaching a class at a church in Chicago when a young woman
raised her hand with a question. I knew her as a shy, conscientious
student who attended faithfully but never spoke. The rest of the class
seemed surprised as well and listened attentively. "I'm not always
sincere when I pray," she began. "Sometime it seems forced, more like
a ritual. I'm just repeating words. Does God hear those prayers?
Should I keep going even though I have no confidence that I'm doing it
right?"
I let the silence hang in the room for a moment before attempting an
answer. "Do you notice how quiet it is in here?" I said. "We all
sense your honesty. It took courage for you to be vulnerable, and you
touched a nerve with others of us in the room. You seem sincere,
unlike a salesman, say, who gets paid to give a spiel. We're tuned in,
listening, respectful, because you are being authentic. And I imagine
it's the same with God. More than anything else, God wants your
authentic self."

--Philip Yancey in PRAYER Does It Make Any Difference, p.40-41.


Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn back
on evil. Then you will gain renewed health and vitality. Proverbs 3:7-8

Devote To One Another

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another
above yourselves. Romans 12:10

We are to be devoted to one another. We are to honor one
another. And the basis of this loving devotion and honor is found
in one central truth: Because God is our Father, we are one family.
We are siblings in God's Kingdom. Our relationship is eternal and
built on God's grace to us and our grace expressed to each other.

Thank you for the wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ
who have blessed my life over the years. Thank you for their
support and encouragement. Please use me to bless others in your
family as these precious people have blessed and honored me.

Be Real

The prayer preceding all prayers is "May it be the real I who speaks.
May it be the real Thou that I speak to." -C.S. Lewis

Just Pray

Do you want to know how to deepen your prayer life? Pray.
Don't prepare to pray. Just pray. Don't read about prayer. Just pray.
Don't attend a lecture on prayer or engage in discussion about prayer.
Just pray.

Posture, tone, and place are personal matters. Select the form that
works for you. But don't think about it too much. Don't be so
concerned about wrapping the gift that you never use it. Better to
pray awkwardly than not at all.

And if you feel you should only pray when inspired, that's okay. Just
see to it that you are inspired every day.

-Max Lucado in When God Whispers Your Name

Happy New Year, friends.