Prayer Guide: 21 Days

Blessings to you in the matchless name of Jesus!

We are so thankful for your participation in our season to pray!

For twenty-one days, we will, as a church, intentionally seek God personally and collectively. Throughout each day we encourage you to make a concerted effort to spend time in prayer. Along with your private time, you may join a fifteen-minute daily prayer call at 7pm, as well as join us on Saturday mornings at 7am for one hour to pray.

It’s going to be a powerful time as we with one voice pray for the issues facing the body of Christ, our nation, our communities, your families as well as, you individually. And, we are confident that our decision to pursue God will not just honor Him, but it will yield results. For this, we are already giving thanks!

To ensure that we are unified, this prayer guide has been made available for your use as a template, or as a way to pray verbatim. Our goal is to pray His will concerning all matters that face us, because if we can pray according to His will, then we have a promise that He will hear us and He will answer (1 John 5:14). So, take advantage of this resource as we expect it to be a helpful guide.

As you pray, keep a daily journal to record your prayer requests and your answers from God! Write any revelations, dreams or visions that God reveals to you. We believe this time of prayer will have a lasting impact upon your life, so we rejoice with you and pray that you will continue with the process and expect God’s best because of it!

"OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN"...

Connect With God Relationally:

God loves for us to call Him our Father. Establish your intimate relationship with Him and thank Him for the relationship you have with Him.

You have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15 NLT).

“...HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME...”

Worship His Name:

God’s name is a place of protection—the righteous can run there and be safe (Proverbs 18:10 MSG). Use His name to address Him as you present yourself.

El Elyon The Most High God Genesis 14:18

Jehovah Jireh The Lord provides Genesis 22:14

Jehovah Nissi The Lord my Banner Exodus 17:15

Jehovah Shalom The Lord of Peace Judges 6:24

Jehovah Tsidkenu The Lord my Righteousness Jeremiah 23:6, 33:16

Jehovah M’kadesh The Lord my Sanctifier Exodus 31:13, Ezekiel 37:28

Jehovah Sabaoth The Lord of Hosts 1 Samuel 1:3

Jehovah Rapha The Lord that Heals Exodus 15:26

Jehovah Raah The Lord my Shepherd Psalm 23

Adonai Master Genesis 15:2

Jehovah Shammah The Lord is there Ezekiel 48:35

“…YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN...”

Pray His Agenda First:

He will always give you all you need from day to day if you will make the Kingdom of God your primary concern (Luke 12:31 TLB). Pray His Will in every area of life: parental, spiritual, governmental, workplace and His will in us.

Salvation of the Lost

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NKJ)

“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pry the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38, NKJ)

Authority figures

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,…” 1 Timothy 2:1-3

“...GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD...”

Depend On Him For Everything:

God is able to hear the cry of your heart. You can make petition, or ask Him for what you desire as what you need.

I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:1-2 NLT).

He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. (Psalm 145:19, NKJ)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1, NKJ)

“...FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS...”

Get Your Heart Right With God And People:

Ask God to check your heart and motives. Receive His forgiveness for any area that He brings to mind. Forgive anyone who has offended you in any way. You can even forgive people in advance.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9).

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24, NKJ)

“...AND DO NOT LEAD US INTO TEMPTATION BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE...”

Engage In Spiritual Warfare:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). Take your stand against the enemy and fight the good fight of faith. Every lie that the enemy has told you should be replaced with the truth of God’s Word.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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.” (Ephesians 6:11-13, NKJ)

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6, NJK)

“…for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20, NKJ)

“...FOR YOURS IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER…”

Express Faith In God’s Ability:

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17). Talk about the great strength of your God. Tell of His marvelous deeds and communicate your trust, hope and confidence in Him.

“And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 13:18-19, NKJ

“Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23, NKJ)

“…AMEN.”

Be filled with thankful expectation:

The Word, “Amen” means, “Let it be so.” By declaring your prayer to be, you are pronouncing your expectation, your faith. And with every promise, thanksgiving should be given. Return to praise with thanks, and make your faith declarations.

“…Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” (Mark 11:24, NKJ)

“…And I know that You always hear Me,…” (John 11:42, NKJ)

DAY 1 - Acknowledging God the Creator of Heaven and Earth

Devotion:

Have you ever wondered who or what created the heavens or even the little things like flies and ants? If so, what caused you to think that there is someone besides God who can bring things like that into existence? Colossians 1:16 says, “for by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” When we acknowledge the Creator of heaven and earth it leaves no room for doubt in our minds that our Heavenly Father is the creator of the Universe. Take a look around outside, and behold the beauty of the sky and the things around you. Look at how detailed our Father God is.

Don’t you think that if we serve a God who is that detailed in the smallest things of His creation, like a fly or a tiny ant, then He must have a plan for your life? Take some time today to thank God for what He has done for us in all creation. God loves it when we brag on Him and about Him.

Watch how He will begin to fill your heart with joy!

Prayer:

Father, You created all things and by Your will were they created and have their being. Therefore, as I live, move and have my being, I acknowledge that You are the sovereign and preeminent One and there is no God except You Lord, there is not rock except You, my God. You are holy, righteous in all of Your ways and gracious in all of Your works. Your way is perfect and Your Word is proven. Your truth endures forever and Your faithfulness reaches to the skies. There is none in all of the heavens and there is none to compare with You. You are God and besides You there is no other. There was no god before You, and there will be no god after You. For You are the only wise and true God, and You reign from everlasting to everlasting. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and Your dominion shall reign throughout all generations. I bless You because You have taken Your great power and shown Your loving-kindness to all people. I worship You because You are the King of kings and the Excellent glory. Great and marvelous are Your works, just and true are all of Your ways. Who shall not fear and glorify Your name, Lord God. All the nations shall bow before Your majesty and declare Your glorious splendor; therefore it is my honor and privilege to declare Your unsearchable greatness, and to marvel at Your glorious deeds. You are the God who completely saves and delivers by many or by few. Nothing is too hard for You, so I look to You, I hope in You, I trust and depend upon You. Oh, my Father and My God, I declare that You are my refuge, my fortress and my dwelling place. You are my portion and my song, so as I live, I will bless Your name and worship at Your footstool. I honor You from the rising of the sun until the going down of the same, because You deserve all praise, all glory, and all honor. In Jesus’ name!

Meditation Scriptures:

1Kings 8:22-23,27; Psalm 103:1; Psalm 148; Isaiah 66:1; 2Timothy 1:14

DAY 2 - One Nation Truly Under God

Devotion:

Today in our society we have become passive about how and what people do, especially our own children. We now look at the wrong people do and call it right, and the good that people do, and call it bad. The word of God tell us in Psalms 33:12, “blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”. If we continue to go silent and watch as our families, children, homes, schools, and yes our Government become modern day pagan worshipers how can we be called one nation under God.

I challenge you to stand for what is right even when you are the only one standing, remember with God there is more with you than there is against you (see 2Kings 6:17). God is watching (see Proverbs15:3) us to see what we will do in these times when He has given us a voice to make a difference. You might think that you are just one person and how can one person make a difference, well all God needs is one person. Consider Daniel, Jeremiah, and Moses. One person’s actions could help God save a whole nation from destruction.

Will you be that one?

Prayer:

Father, first forgive me for silently standing by while watching people make bad decisions and not sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. Help me to not be afraid to share Your goodness to the world around me. May I be Your mouthpiece that is always ready to give people the reason for the hope of this Gospel. Father, I desire to see my home, city, state, and country changed by the power of Your mighty hand, so I call upon You to intervene in the affairs of man. Make the hard heart a heart of flesh and remove the darkness over the land. We need You Lord Jesus to reign in our nation so I pull down every principality and power that has laid claim to this nation, in Jesus name. By the authority given to me in Christ, I cancel the assignment of the prince of the power of the air and declare the spirit of disobedience no longer has rank in my family, home, in my neighborhood, in my city and in this country. On behalf of this nation, I repent for our rebellion and stubbornness of heart and I ask You to save us, and we will be saved. Heal us and our land will be healed. Have mercy most merciful Father, and show kindness towards people around me so that the veil is removed from their mind, the blinders are removed from their eyes and repentance comes to the hardest of heart. Break the spirit of stupor from this land that the we may all know the Truth and be saved. Let righteousness prevail in this nation and Your people arise with standards that honor You, ways that reflect You and works that cause people around us to glorify You, our God. I call upon You that we would be saved, Lord, in Jesus’ name.

Meditation Scriptures:

Psalm33:12-15; Psalm52:4; Job 24:1-25

DAY 3 - Guidance for the President of the USA

Devotion:

The President and Vice President have been chosen by majority vote. It is our job as believers to pray for them regardless of our political preference. According to Paul, we are to make supplication, intercession, and also give thanks for all in authority so that we can lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

God is the judge, He puts down one and lifts another (Psalm 75:7); therefore, if we want change, if we want to see a difference, we must be willing to call upon the name of the Lord, so that whoever is in office is a person who fears God, hears His voice, and is lead by His Spirit.

Let us purpose in our hearts that we will ask the Father to lead and guide every plan, purpose, thought, and decision made. Remember, leaders, regardless of party, have a huge responsibility that cannot be left to their own ingenuity and understanding. They need the wisdom and help of God, and we can invoke His help by our decision to pray rather than complain. Even more, we can see God at work if we’ll choose to trust Him through our prayers rather than look to man as our answer.

Like all of us, one of the most important things we can ask God for is guidance. Let’s pray.

Prayer:

Lord God we pray for the President and Vice President of these United States, and we ask You to intervene in their personal lives, and in their lives as it affects the decisions made on behalf of this nation. May our government officials be a people who trust You with all of their hearts, not leaning to their own understanding but acknowledging You first as God. We pray that You would make their paths straight and that they would lead with uprightness and integrity. Show them Your ways Lord, teach them Your paths and lead them in truth. Turn each heart like a watercourse towards righteousness and justice. Give each leader ears to hear what You are saying and Godly counsel when they are unsure. Give them Your wisdom, knowledge and understanding and raise up people around them with strength and humility. Give to them in dreams and visions and show Yourself to be the God who speaks to man. Finally, give them peace when there is hostility, direction when there is confusion and resolve regardless of the day or hour.

Create within each a clean heart and a balanced hand. May they walk in Truth and execute justice. May they live with standards and execute equity for all men. We cry out to You for grace and mercy, and we look to You to save our nation through each person in positions of authority. In Jesus’ name.

Meditation Scriptures:

Psalm1:1-3; Romans 13:1-7; 1Timothy 2:1-4

DAY 4 - The Elephant in the Church

Devotion:

Have you ever heard the saying, “Elephant in the Room”? I’m sure you have. It’s been said around the office, with friends, or even at the dinner table. It’s an old English idiom that many of us use to describe an obvious truth that is either being ignored, or at times, rarely addressed. We all have seen elephants at the zoo or maybe on T.V. so we know it is impossible to ignore an elephant. They are the largest land animals in the world, weighing anywhere between 9000-12,000 pounds. So if you and I were in a room with an elephant, we would know it!

Well, as Christians, there are elephants in our rooms at home and there are elephants in our churches! Depending upon who you ask, the elephant is divorce, racism, sexual immorality, political corruption, sexism, and the list continues endlessly. There is however one “elephant” in particular that we as Christians rarely acknowledge. Despite size and intimidation, this elephant more than overtakes a room, it penetrates the heart of every believer, by God Himself. It simply cannot be avoided. That elephant is, ACCOUNTABILITY. Romans 12:16 says, “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”

If we are really honest with one another we can all say at one point or another that we have a hard time asking for help. Whether it was from a family member, friend, or even fellow believer, for some reason we equate a need for help as a sign of weakness. Nothing like figuring things out on your own, or so we think until our “elephants of accountability” grow bigger than the rooms we hide them in. As Christians, there is nothing more important than seeking out and embracing the accountability of the friends and loved ones God has placed around us. More often than not, many of us fall victim to a dangerous belief system that our relationship with Christ (and no one else) is all that we need to be successful in our daily walk with Him. Yet, without accountability, the voice of God can sound a lot like your own.

I encourage you today to become a person of accountability.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I humble myself before You and ask You to forgive me of thinking that I am wise in my own opinion. I ask You Father to help me see when I need to be held accountable for wrong actions or thoughts. Father take away the shame and help me to see that my need for help is not a sign of weakness. You are near to the broken and contrite, Lord, so I ask that You speak to me and reveal the person with whom I can be accountable with. I want to please You in all that I do and say, I want my life to honor You Lord, so please show me so there is nothing that hinders me from being who You want me to be and what You want to do through my life. In Jesus’ name.

Meditation Scriptures:

Romans 12:16; Matthew 12:33-37

DAY 5 - God wants to use you!

Devotion:

It should absolutely thrill you to think, “the God of Heaven can actually use me!”

When Jesus walked the earth there were plenty of people that He spoke to, but He selected twelve to pour into. He discipled twelve, and He pastored three: Peter, James and John. From the Scriptures we see Peter is filled with shortcomings, yet, God saw something in him that could change the world. If we look at Paul, his life was filled with disqualifiers, yet, God saw something in him that would change the world. There is not enough time to talk about the number of unlikely people God used, yet, they are all there—from Moses (murderer and stutterer) to Rahab (harlot) to the woman at the well (adulterer) to Mary Magdelene (had seven demons). These were people found in history that changed the world. So significant was their life that we can read their stories today and marvel.

The good news is, God can use you to change the world too! No matter who you are or what your background, your story is covered by the blood of Jesus, which makes you eligible for God to use for His glory and your good. And that’s no light thing!

Surrender completely to God and watch Him use you, change the world.

Prayer:

Father, It is for freedom that You sent Your Son. May I be free from the weight and sin that so easily entangles me, so that I may run with endurance the race that You have before me. Show me how to add to my faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge and to knowledge self-control and to self-control perseverance, and to perseverance brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness, love so that I am not barren and unproductive in my knowledge of You, Lord. Teach me how to abide in You, that You would abide in me and I would thereafter bear fruit. I call upon You for complete change in my life, but I can do nothing of myself. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. I look to You, the author and finisher of my faith, and I trust You to complete the work that You have started in me and use me to Your glory. I yield to You Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Meditation Scriptures:

Philippians 3:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Timothy 2:20-21

DAY 6 - What is Freedom?

Devotion:

The concept of freedom is one that most Americans claim to comprehend; but until it’s taken away, it’s very often taken for granted.

For instance, after the attack on America on September 11, 2001, the airlines industry shut down. Air travel suffered for months. Professional football games were postponed. Large events were canceled, and the security measures were implemented that have cost billions of dollars, and demanded countless hours of supervision. From this attack in particular many experienced limitations and inconveniences in one way or another. It was an encroachment on our freedom that changed how we navigate airports, interact with sects of people as well as make personal decisions world travel.

In comparison, other countries, like Darfur and Israel, for example suffer through terrorism, threats and horror regularly that have negatively affected their way of life. We read about it, hear news updates, and have almost become desensitized to the issues that could bleed into our country without due diligence and persistent prayer!

Our freedoms are being protected because people (soldiers) are making sacrifices; as the body of Christ, so should we.

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord for the freedom we enjoy in this country. We look to You to protect us, and we declare the boundaries for this nation can not be compromised by the spirit of terrorism and evil. We plead the blood of Jesus and pray grace, grace, in Jesus’ name. Let what is done in the dark be exposed so that our nation is not compromised by the hatred of man, used by the anti-Christ. Father, You have given each of us the power to choose so I pray that our freedoms will never be taken for granted and also, that our freedom would never be taken away by the deceiver and thief. Where we have taken Your blessings for granted, we repent and ask that You would continue to protect this nation and every city within. Show Yourself strong Lord, and fight on our behalf. May we walk in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and not squander it because of ignorance or assumption. In Jesus’ name.

Meditation Scriptures:

Psalm 91 and Psalm 100

DAY 7 - The Difference between Covering and Covering Up.

Devotion:

1 Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

There is an unconditional love and acceptance that should be present in the Body of Christ that creates an environment for everyone to feel safe and covered so that they can be transparent when weak and secure enough to confess any sin when there’s been a failing. However, this kind of love doesn’t just automatically happen, this is the love of God, and it must be nurtured by everyone’s decision to actually do, not just know, the Scripture.

Sadly, our culture is known to use the weakness and failings of others as a point for gossip rather than a place for support, and that happens even in the church. For this reason, we have to be intentional with how we “cover” one another. Whether a moral failing, a domestic issue or life complication, the trials or problems of our sisters/brothers are not for us to exploit but they give the body of Christ an opportunity to show the world how different it is by their ability to love—that is, build another, encourage another, cover another. It’s the behavior you would want to receive that God wants you to give.

Jesus’ example was to respond with compassion, not condemnation. When the woman was caught in adultery, He did not condemn but encouraged her to go and sin no more. Likewise, we can encourage people when they face situations that seem to overwhelm them. That’s what covering is all about.

Prayer:

Father, as I have received help me to give. Your kindness has brought me to a place of repentance and for this reason I offer myself to serve Your people with kindness and not judgment. You cover a multitude of sins Lord, so give me a heart of compassion so that I can imitate You as an offering and sacrifice, a sweet smelling aroma to You by serving those you send to me. I judge my own sin so that I will not judge others and I confess my faults to You because You are faithful who promised. I put a guard on my mouth so that I am not a gossiper and I ask that You cause my lips to only speak of those things that are noble, true, just pure and lovely. May I speak of those things that are praiseworthy and whatever has virtue, in Jesus’ name.

Meditations Scripture:

Ephesians 5:1; Hebrew 10:24-25; 1Thessalonians 4:11

DAY 8 - Salvation for the Lost

Devotion:

Do you know someone without Jesus Christ as his or her personal Lord and Savior? Chances are you have co-workers, a friend, a neighbor, and even a parent who don’t know but are curious about the things of God, but without a conversation, you would never know it.

The unsaved and un-churched are all around and you have the ability to make a significant and eternal difference in their lives by simply starting a conversation or extending an invitation! You may not share the entire Gospel, and every Scripture reference known, but you may be surprised with how God uses you when you’re yielded. Through conversations about what God has done in your life, or through various displays of kindness you can be a part of their salvation process. Paul said, “one plants, another waters but God gives the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:7) To that end, your part may be to invite someone to church, or to show the love of God by lending a hand. Whatever it is, God has placed you in their life for a reason. And that should not be taken lightly.

In fact, begin the process by praying for those, that you know, who are without Christ. Then, ask God to show and/or tell you exactly how you can share your faith and be a witness of His saving grace, with at least one.

God desires for everyone to be saved and you can make the difference!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I know that You love and You do not want him/her to perish, so I ask that You would raise laborers to share Your love in a way that they are receptive and changed. I pray the veil would be removed from their mind so that they would come into the knowledge of who You are and accept Your Son as their Savior and Lord. Give me the boldness to share who I know You to be with others. Fill my mouth with Your Word and equip me so that I am Your ambassador and a true minister of reconciliation. As I share Lord, make their hearts tender so that they receive You. Father, reveal Yourself to them so that they will receive Your love and walk in Your grace. As I intercede, I use my faith for thousands to make Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior. Raise me up, and believers all around me, to boldly give the reason for the hope of this Gospel. In the name of Jesus, I pray with thanksgiving, Amen.

Meditation Scriptures:

Isaiah 52:10; Luke 9:26; Mark 16:15

DAY 9 - Your Destiny

Devotion:

Your ultimate destiny of heaven is more magnificent than you can possibly imagine. However, God also has a hope and a future right here on earth that you cannot imagine either. He wants to give you all things that pertain to life and godliness! He wants to satisfy your life with good things! Even more, He has a plan for you to accomplish and He has set you on a prearranged path with an intended destination. And, it all unfolds through obedience to Him.

Has God told you to do something that looks totally impossible to your natural eyes and understanding? Do you hear God calling you to do the opposite of what you planned? Are you saying to God, “How? Who? What? When?” Or, “I can’t do that”. Step onto that path of doing whatever God is calling you to, regardless. Avoid the distractions, ignore the obstacles and stay on the path of obedience, even when you do not understand. If you do, you will experience a steady change towards His purpose and plans for your life.

His path is filled with wisdom, favor and blessing.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, in my heart I have determined the direction that I will take, making plans and setting all of my goals in accordance with the will of God, now I submit my plans to You. You said many are the plans of a man’s heart but You direct steps, so I yield to Your direction and I ask that You help me when the temptation to return to my plans is overwhelming. I commit my life to You so that my plans would be established, and I meditate on Your Word so that I would have good success. Whatever is not of You please remove from Me so that I am focused on the destiny You intended for me before the beginning of time. Direct my steps, Lord, and bring me to my expected end. I pray for the commanded blessing on the work of my hands and I thank You in advance for fulfilled destiny, in Jesus’ name, Amen

Meditation of Scriptures:

Proverbs 19:21, 20:24; John 5:20; Romans 12:2

DAY 10 - Promotion

Devotion:

If you feel like your tethered to barrenness: a dead-end job, an empty relationship, and/or a life without vision, know today that You serve the God of provision, increase and prosperity. He is able to promote you to positions that you never thought you could do as well as give you position you in enviable positions. He still prepares a table for His children in the presence of their enemies, He still opens doors that no one can shut, and He makes darkness light for His own.

Promotion is possible for you if you will maintain your righteous resolve and remain thankful. Keep pursuing God first. Maintain a good attitude. And, if you really want to get out of whatever holds you, stop complaining! To God, complainers are people who do not believe Him or trust in His salvation (Psalm 78). Israel did not make headway by complaining about their situation and neither will you. Complainers are always last in the promotion line.

Change your perspective and see your current state as a proving ground. For instance, if it’s the job that brings frustration, do your work as unto the Lord, and do it to the very best of your ability. If the opportunity arises, teach others to do your job as well as you can, don’t be selfish. Not only will invoke the principle of sowing and reaping, but you’ll have a replacement when you get the expected promotion! Remember promotion does not come from the east or the west, but promotion is from God! (Psalm 75:6-7)

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for raising me from the dust (the place where I am easily driven by the wind) and bringing me to a place of satisfaction. I trust that You will cause my gifts to make room for Me, and that you have delivered me from the dunghills (the place of deep and filthy poverty) of life, for Your glory. Only You can set me before people of prominence so I ask that You raise up people around me to use their power, influence and ability to help me. May I be found faithful in You eyes and thereby reap the promised blessing. Give me strength to do Your will so that I can live in abundance and honor You through the process, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Meditation Scriptures:

Deuteronomy 8:6-18; Psalm 75:6-7; Matthew 6:33

DAY 11- Waiting on God

Devotion:

As children of God we often find it hard to wait on God to answer our prayers. For various reasons we think God needs our input, so we pursue using our own ways, instead of choosing to wait on God. Isaiah 55:8 tells us that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts, so anything we do is likely to contradict God. It may be hard to wait on God because of anxiousness and immaturity, but if we really want the best results it probable more productive.

When we jump ahead of God instead of wait and listen for His voice, we show ourselves as weak in faith. And while God still works with us because of His grace, we may be the reason for the delay! Believing God means waiting for Him to give the strategy, and sometimes the strategy is to wait. Being still and knowing that He is God (Psalm 46:10) is the posture of faith. So evern when it looks like it’s too late, just be still and trust that your heavenly Father sees you, hears you and is able and willing to help you.

With that kind of confidence, God will move sooner than later!

Prayer:

Father, may I not be brought to shame as I wait on You; but, cause me to mount up on wings like an eagle and help me to run without becoming weary. I am choosing to rest in You, Lord. Show me Your ways, and teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and let Your name get glory through my decision to believe and trust You. As You have saved my soul, I know that You hear my cry, now Lord, I am thankful with expectant hope all the day long. May integrity and uprightness preserve me as I wait on You. And, may I be of good courage regardless of what the facts dictate. You are my light and my salvation, my treasure and my dwelling place and I thank You in advance for watching over Your Word to perform it in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Meditation Scriptures:

Psalm 25:1-5, 21; Psalm 27:14

DAY 12 - Life Balance

Devotion:

When more time is spent at work than at home, there’s a greater possibility of missing out on a rewarding personal life. However, when there is significant stress in the personal life, increased focus on the work, and interrupted challenges, our life’s coping mechanisms are called into question.

Too often, we neglect our own well being when we pressure comes upon our lives. Yet, in order to bring glory to God, in what we do and in how we spend our time, neglecting ourselves isn’t really God-honoring behavior. 1Corinthians 6:19 says, “Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God?” Meaning, your body is the place where God’s presence resides and how you care for your temple represents how you honor Him. Practically speaking, we would be surprised if not outraged if we went a beautiful Cathedral and found debris on the floor, trashcans overflowing, and the sort. We would why the house of God is mismanaged. Well, you—your body is a temple!

The impact of overwork on the body is physically destructive and harmful and can lead to hypertension, depression, fatigue, and exhaustion. Even more and consequently, negligence towards the body is neglect towards God. Which means, the next time your feeling overwhelm in life it may be time to rest. Consider how you can honor God with your vessel and make the necessary adjustments for your own well-being and for the glory of God.

In order to practically prioritize in life consider keeping a log of how you spend your time and prioritize as well as remove action items that do more harm than good.

Prayer:

Father, please show me every area in my life where I need to reorder my priorities. Guide me to solutions that will help me live in ways that please You. Order my steps in Your word so that I am spiritually minded and walking with life and peace. Enlarge my path so that my feet don’t slip and make me so established in You that I am not given to the cares of life. Give me eyes that see so that I am a good steward of every thing and person You have given to me on this earth. I want to please You Lord as a person and as a believer so I lay aside the weight and sin in life and I break the yoke and burdens off of my life by the blood of Jesus, Your anointed One. I come to You that I may learn from You and find rest for my soul. Show me Lord how to attend to all that You have given to me, whether in family or career, without wearing burdens and stress, but with faithfulness, diligence and love. Forgive me Lord for every careless use of time and attention towards Your temple. I humble myself before You and trust that You honor Your Word and give to me strength when I am weak, focus when I am distracted and grace when I am on overload. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Meditation Scriptures:

Ecclesiastes 3:13; Matthew 11:28; 1 Peter 5:8-11

DAY 13 - God Works through Families

Devotion:

Families are a beautiful gift from God, and they are also a classroom wherein we each learn how to receive and give God’s character traits; whether forgiveness, mercy, justice, grace, trust, loyalty, and love. God put us in families to teach us how to be more like Him.

As we care for aging parents, we learn to serve as He served us in the person of Jesus Christ. As we raise children, we learn to love as He loves us as His own children. As we honor marriage vows, we learn to sacrifice self as He sacrificed Himself for our sins. As we remain loyal to brothers and sisters who are in trials, we learn to care for needs as our Father cares for us. Through the family, God also teaches us His covenant and community.

Within families there are shared experiences, both good and bad. And through it all, we care for one another, pray for one another, and learn the value of standing together and/or rejoicing with one another. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Which means, inevitably we will wound one another or let one another down in some way. But in family, we also hold one another accountable to repentance and/or forgiveness. No matter our family situation, God can use it to teach us more about who He is and thereby help us rely on Him.

Family. Appreciate their role in your life today.

Prayer:

My Father, thank You for the gift of family. You have taught and are teaching me so many things through their lives; some things I accept willingly, and wholeheartedly, while other things I dismiss without a second thought. Lord, through it all I pray for Your discernment to know what lessons bring great benefit to the person You are making me, and what lessons would be a snare to my future. I ask You to give me ears to hear and a heart to receive the values and standards that align with Your will and Word, and give me the voice of wisdom to those I love. May we as a family sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron, and may our love for You enable the forgiveness, self-control, kindness, and goodness towards one another. Help me and my family to glorify You in all that we do. I commit myself and my relatives to You, Lord. Let grace prevail in each of our lives, I pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Meditation Scriptures:

Genesis 17:7; Romans 3:23; Galatians 5:16

DAY 14 - Restore Relationships

Devotion:

Today, as you continue in this time of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to help you restore any of your relationships that you know ended in an abrupt, offensive or harsh way. You may not be angry or hold ill feelings towards anyone, but after quiet reflection you determine that there is one (or more) who have an issue with you.

Pursue reconciliation. It doesn’t mean that you have to befriend or trust again, it simply means you’re removing the pride that keeps you from demonstrating the love of God in your life.

Walk in boldness today, and with help of the Holy Spirit go to “that” person and say, “Can we talk?” You may reach an impasse but you can agree to keep the character of Christ. Don’t be tricked by the enemy or your own thoughts. Life is too short to have enemies, whether in your family, on your job, with people you know, or not. When you pursue “that” person, you may find that they were never mad at you, but it was you that they thought was mad.

Make the first move to show His love and demonstrate your maturity.

Prayer:

Father, by faith I take captive all of my thoughts and bring them to the obedience of Jesus Christ. Help me Lord to see all people the way you see them and love regardless of their response towards me. I choose to live according to Your Word, so I release offense and ask that You would clean my conscious from dead works so that I may serve You wholeheartedly and sincerely. May I walk in the ministry of reconciliation with conviction of heart so that men are restored to You and I also am restored in every fractured or questionable relationship. I choose to be in fellowship with You, so I pray that my interaction with others would truly represent and honor You. May I walk in the light as You are the light and eat the bread of sincerity and truth with the most difficult of all people. May I be mature in my response and initiation, whether towards family, friend, co-worker, or stranger. Father, I want to please You, so please bring conviction to my heart when I am outside of Your will and help me represent You, to Your glory and praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Meditation Scriptures:

Matthew 5:23-24; Proverbs 19:11, Ephesians 4:30-32, Romans 12:10

DAY 15 - Enlightenment

Devotion:

Becoming closer to God is possible when there is an earnest desire to do so. When you search for Him with all of your heart God will not only reveal Himself, but He will open the eyes of your understanding, reveal mysteries pertaining to His Kingdom and release divine revelation in the knowledge of who He is. He’s the God who reveals secret counsel to the upright, but the upright must pursue Him in order to receive.

To pursue God means to make the kinds of sacrifice that prioritize Him above everything else, that very well may be important. Yet, in comparison, your decision to seek Him first demonstrates your personal decision to make Him above all things, futile or important. There are plenty of matters that demand our undivided attention, but when you really seek to know God, and you really desire to please Him, you’ll realize there is no comparison to Him, and that every sacrifice made brings you closer to His will as you receive His wisdom and apply His ways to your life.

Make greater effort in pursuing God through consistent prayer, committed reading of Scripture and diligent application of the Word of God into your life.

Prayer :

Lord of Glory, I pray that you would give me the diligence needed to add to my faith the principles that honor You and spur me towards greater commitment to You. May I be strengthened with Your power through Your Spirit in my inner being. As I work out my salvation with fear and trembling may I have a heart that studies to show myself approved, a tenacity to leave the elementary teachings of Christ, and a determination to run and never stumble—knowing the truth but being disobedient and unfaithful. Purify my heart, that I may walk with the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You, and cause the eyes of my understanding to be enlightened so that I know the hope of the Your calling, and so that I am grounded, steadfast and unmovable from the hope of this Gospel. I pray that You would reveal the mystery of Your will according to Your good pleasure which You have purposed in Yourself Lord, in Jesus’ name. Amen (see Eph. 1:9).

Meditation Scriptures:

Jeremiah 29:12-13; Daniel 2:21; Ephesians 1:9; James 1:5

DAY 16 - The Love of God

Devotion:

God loves you completely and unconditionally. And because of His love for you He gave His Son to secure eternal relationship with you. His greatest desire for you is to know and be known and that is realized once we accept His Son and we are no longer conformed to former lusts as in our ignorance, but through knowledge of Him, we are changed and made into His image.

The change is in our ability to love Him, others and ourselves. We love Him by keeping His commandments, we love others by laying our lives down for people and we love ourselves by yielding our lives to our Maker.

If love is missing from our Christian walk, we have a title, but not a relationship. Which means, our love walk is seen by our patience, kindness, humility, and sincerity towards those around me. It’s recognizing that the people around us need to receive the fruit of the Spirit from our lives, with every interaction and perception. And, our response to others is proof of our love of God.

To love is not always easy but it is a reflection of our relationship with God. As you become more like your heavenly Father, you not only honor God but you welcome your Father and Savior into your life to make their home.

What better news is that!

Prayer:

Father, I pray that You would help me to love myself so that I can love others and give of myself when I would rather not. Show me how to take up my cross and follow You as a new creation in Christ. May the light of Christ shine from within me so that I have sincere fellowship with those around me. Of myself I can do nothing, but You promised the fruit of the Spirit will come from my life if I abide in You and I allow You to abide in me. So, come into my heart in greater measure so that I truly represent You in the earth as a living epistle, written not with ink but by the power of Holy Spirit, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, my heart. I humble myself before You that I may love in obedience to Your Word and sincerity out of my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Meditation Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 1:13-16

SPECIAL NOTE

"You are on the last week of your prayer, great job! Now we will focus on more praying and reading Scriptures. We will focus more on praying specific prayers from specific scriptures for specific topics, such as; unity, sanctification, guidance, and thankfulness."

DAY 17 - A prayer for Spiritual Strength

Father, In the name of Jesus, I praise and thank You that You saved me for a purpose, and that You have a plan for my life that exceeds my most imaginative hopes and dreams. For that reason, Father, I bow my knee to You, the God of heaven and earth from whom Your whole family receives our name. I pray that by Your glorious riches You would strengthen me on the inside through the power of Your Holy Spirit and that Christ would truly live in my heart and live through me by my faith in You. Help me to understand with all of the saints the breadth, length, depth, and height of Your love which surpass all knowledge. Fill me with all of Your fullness, Your wisdom, strength, and power, so that I would live constantly to Your glory! Now unto You, Father, who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly and far above all that I ask or can imagine, be the glory in the church through Christ Jesus throughout all the ages and forever. Amen!

DAY 18 - Forgiveness of Sin

Heavenly Father, I come to You now in the Name of Christ Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that He died on the cross for my sins, that You raised Him from the dead and He ascended to heaven and is seated next to You, my Heavenly Father. Now Lord, according to Your lovingkindness and mercy, blot out my transgression, wash away my iniquity and cleanse me from all sin. I repent for unbelief, a hard heart and every way of wickedness. For every way that has not pleased You, I repent, Lord. For every sin in my life and that of my ancestors have mercy and forgive us. Save us from eternal death, and from every form of oppression and curse. Because Your law converts souls, help me to write them on the tablet of my heart so that I will not sin against You. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight oh Lord, my Father. I trust in You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 19 - A prayer for Guidance

(just insert the name of the person or people for whom you are praying for)

Father, in the name of Jesus, may Your love that was shed abroad in __________’s heart, by the Holy Spirit would abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that he/she is able to approve the things that are excellent, that he/she may be sincere and without offense having the knowledge of Your will and being filled with spiritual understanding. May he/she overflow with the fruits of Your righteousness and follow the leading of Your Spirit to Your praise and glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

DAY 20 - A prayer for Unity

Heavenly Father, I call on You for the power to forgive through the fruit of Your Spirit, for the grace to overcome the challenges of life and for a pure heart to encourage those around me. May I walk with the light of Christ as I daily put on the new man through the bond of perfection—love. Teach me to walk in the unity of the faith through the bond of peace and live as an example to the body of Christ, an epistle of Christ for all to read, and a vessel for noble purposes.

Father, I commit myself to you so that I am a unifier, reconciler, and peacemaker on this earth as a display of Your love and grace, in Jesus’ name Amen.

DAY 21 - A prayer for total Sanctification

Father, I call You Jehovah M’Kaddesh because You are the God who completely saves and you also set me apart as Your own. I receive the seal of Your Spirit, and I look to You to keep me from falling until the day of Jesus Christ. By Your grace help me to walk worthy of my heavenly citizenship even as Jesus has made me worthy through His sacrifice on the Cross. I present myself as being alive from the dead and my members as instruments of righteousness and I pray that my entire Spirit, soul and body would be sanctified and complete for the purpose to which You have called me. That I would live blamelessly, above reproach, and without any appearance of evil. May I be fit for Your use in all things and ready to spread Your kingdom upon the earth until the return of Your Son, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now unto You, who called me, be the glory forever and ever, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

A prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving!

Father, thank You for establishing me in righteousness and for opening the eyes of my understanding so that I can call upon Your name with confidence and surrender. You have chosen to reveal, through the Church, the mystery of Your manifold wisdom, a secret You kept from the beginning of creation until the day You raised Jesus from the dead, and I am grateful. Thank You for giving me utterance and knowledge in the greatness of Jesus. Thank You for always causing me to triumph in Your Son and for making me a new creation in Christ Jesus. Now Lord, may I represent You as an ambassador an son/daughter of Your kingdom. To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God who dwells in unapproachable light be glorified and blessed as the true and Living God, the King of kings, and the Lord of glory forever and ever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.