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Forty Days of Praying the Word of God: Day 36

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Romans 12:9-10

Father, teach us to love well. Teach us to love true. Help us to stop feigning love, and run to You, our one true source of love, to teach us true love. I pray that our own kind of love will diminish, as Your love fills us and begins to overflow from us. I pray that every motive of our heart will be love for You and love for others.

I pray that we will not say we love You, but refuse to hate sin. I pray that from a place of love, we will speak truth, and from a place of love we will give grace, without offering compromise.

I pray that our love for one another would not stop with our words, but would be demonstrated in our actions. Lord, bring forth devotion in Your children, a devotion to You and to one another. I pray that we will begin to lift our brothers and sisters in Christ above ourselves. I pray for a self-sacrificing love to being to fill the hearts of Your people, a love that compels us to lay down our own interests and our own comfort for the sake of the Body of Christ. Fill us with a love that propels us to leave our comfort zone, to leave what brings us security and go to the uttermost for those You call us to serve.

I pray that we will stop re-enacting Your foot washing, and start doing our own by serving one another from a place of sincere love. I pray that the sound of grumbling and complaining will stop in the camp of God’s people, and that we will embrace our call to love and serve one another with joy.

I pray that we would not jockey for position or status, but that we would desire to see others lifted higher than ourselves, because we love. I pray we would step back and urge others forward, because we love. I pray we would give the most and the best away to others, because we love. I pray that we will fight for our brothers and sisters and not against them, because we love. I pray that we will always make room and make time, because we love.

And in the Name of Jesus, I pray You will do all of this, in me. Amen.

Forty Days of Praying the Word of God: Day 35

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.“

1 Corinthians 12:7-11

Father, I pray that You will stir up the gifts in Your Body. May we begin to rightly walk in the gifting of Your Holy Spirit, boldly, with humility.

I pray that those who have been given the message of wisdom and of knowledge would submit themselves to You and open their mouths to speak what You have given them.

May those who have the gift of faith, and of healing and miraculous power, step out with boldness. I pray that those with extraordinary faith will begin to encourage Your Church, and raise her faith level. I pray for healing and miracles to come forth through the vessels that carry Your gifts.

I ask that You would purify those who carry prophecy, Lord, that they would speak Your words and not their own. Holy Spirit, prophecy to us, and to the world, through those You have filled with the gift of prophecy.

Pour out discernment, tongues, and interpretation as You will, Lord, for the common good.

Holy Spirit, cause Your people to move as one, built up by the gifts You have distributed. I pray that You will make us as an orchestra Lord, many parts working together as one Body. I come against the schemes of darkness that intend to twist the gifts in the Church, to cause harm and not good with what You have given, in the Name of Jesus.

Cleanse us from anything that gives credit to ourselves for what can only come from You. Cleanse us from our need to be seen and heard and approved of by others. Cleanse us from insecurity that makes Your gifts about us, and not about the Body.

Purify us Lord, cleanse us from pride, or anything else that makes what is holy within us to become unholy through us.

In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Forty Days of Praying the Word of God: Day 34

“He humbled you by letting you go hungry; then He gave you manna to eat, which you and your ancestors had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

Deuteronomy 8:3

Thank You Lord, for every word that comes from Your mouth. Today, I pray we will hunger for it like never before. May Your people crave the sustenance of truth found only in Your word.

Father, I pray that we will feel the sharpness of the living Word, that it would pierce us as it discerns our every thought and motive. I pray for a humbling of our own opinions, Lord, that we would bring our own thoughts and perspectives into submission to Your word. {Hebrews 4:12}

I pray that Your Church would come into unity under the Word of God, that the enemy’s schemes to divide us and confuse us would be turned against him, as the Holy Spirit opens our eyes and ears to the scriptures. I pray that we will begin to rightly handle the Word of Truth, and that we would closely watch, guard and protect our doctrines. {1Timothy 4:16}

Lord, may our hearts burn within us in the presence of Your word. May we, like David, love Your statutes, and may they be our meditation. I pray Your Word will be a lamp unto the feet of Your people, Lord, and that the ways, thoughts, and opinions of this world have no influence, hold no sway over us. I pray that Your Word will teach us, correct us, and train us in righteousness in ever increasing measure, so that Your people will be fully equipped and competent for the work that lies ahead. {Luke 24:32, Psalm 119:97, Psalm 119:105; 2Timothy 3:16-17}

Father, I pray that in every pulpit, in every place where Your people are gathered, Your Word would have full reign, be the final authority, and the plumb line of truth. I pray that Your Church will carry Your words within her, buried in her heart, treasured and pondered, and loved.

May we feast on Your word, and live.

In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Forty Days of Praying the Word of God: Day 33

“The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot His arrows and scattered the enemy…”

“God arises. His enemies scatter, and those who hate Him flee from His presence”.

Psalm 18:13-14; Psalm 68:1

Lord, we need You! Darkness is over this nation, over the earth. Violence is moving through in waves and hatred is a contagion among us. There is wickedness in high places, and corruption surrounds us. The noise levels have become deafening, as the enemy stirs division and death in our melting pot.

So I am asking that You would arise on behalf of this nation. Rise up Lord, and let Your voice thunder. Rise up and shake the mountains. Part the heavens, Lord, and let Your power like lightening come forth. Scatter the enemy, Lord!

It is Your power, Your presence, Your thunderous glory that causes darkness to tremble and flee, so we cry out to You God, and we ask that You would rise on our behalf. And I pray that those who hate You, those who hate mercy, who hate righteousness, who hate justice…I pray they would flee from this place.

God, arise, I pray, and let Your enemies be scattered.

In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Forty Days of Praying the Word of God: Day 32

“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience…”

Colossians 3:12

Father, You have chosen me, made me holy, and loved me, and I’m forever grateful. I pray for myself now, as well as for all of Your children, and I ask that You would teach us to put on compassion. I pray that we would turn from our outrage, from our suspicions, and from our side-taking ways, and begin to let compassion flow from us. Compassion for victims and families and all who are touched by the violence that is raging right now. When we could choose blame, let us choose compassion. Rather than assumptions, may we give compassion. Lord, make us the voice of compassion in the crowds of hate filled rhetoric, blame, and accusation.

As easy as it is to join the fray and raise our fists and exercise our outrage, I pray we will choose instead to look for Your footprints. I pray we will do the harder task of dying to our own opinions and choose to be like You, to have Your mind and Your heart.

Bring me, bring us, to a place repentance, so that we can rise up to kindness and humility. Gentle us Lord, gentle our attitudes and our voices. And may we wait, with patience, for You to cause everything to conform to Your purposes. I pray we will speak to injustice and give the voiceless a voice, but with compassion, with kindness, and with our ear leaned toward You, listening for Your heart, not to the many voices calling for our agreement down here.

Father, the worst of our culture has brought out the worst in us, and I pray it will stop. I pray that we will come to our senses as the people of God, and begin to walk in Your Spirit, against our own flesh. I pray for a holy restraint to come upon the Church – not a restraint of truth, but a restraint of our harsh words, our opinions stated as facts, and a restraint of our unkindness toward one another.

Jesus, call us again to ‘come, follow’ You, as You act with compassion for the world You died to save.

In Your name I pray. Amen.

Forty Days of Praying the Word of God: Day 31

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Father, I pray for the parents, and I pray they would know You, and Your presence with them. I pray that You will give them wisdom at every stage. Give rest to the weary ones today, Lord, and strengthen those who are worn down. Come, Jesus, like a breath of fresh air in their lungs, and help them stay strong again today.

I pray for those parenting littles, that they would catch a glimpse today of the delight of a child, the joy they find in the smallest of things, and the peace that rests on them in the simple moments. I pray for divine strength of both body and mind for the parents who are missing sleep, and I pray You will give them unexpected rest. Hold on to them in this hard place, Jesus, and be their place of rest.

I pray for those who have children in school, and I ask for an outpouring of wisdom for them. Give them vigilance to know what their children are being taught, and the wisdom to counter whatever is not Your truth. For those who are homeschooling, I pray for patience, grace, and wisdom. I pray that You will help the parents in this season be present for their children, to engage with them with undivided attention. I pray for time and space to enjoy this stage of life, as busy as it is. Give them glimpses Lord, of the wonder that is held in the mind of a child who is learning the world around them. Hold onto them in this hard place, Jesus, and be their place of strength and wisdom.

For those raising teenagers, I pray for the strength and the fortitude to stand strong, and the ability to flex. I pray for wisdom to guide their teens in the confusion of this current culture. I ask that Your Holy Spirit would continually lead these parents on when to stand firm and when to stand down. Allow them to glimpse the man or woman who is slowly coming forth in their child, and to see them as You see them. I pray for the grace to begin to let go, and the grace to hold on. Grace to give freedom, and grace to maintain the boundaries. Hold onto them in this hard place, Jesus, and be their firm foundation and their place of grace.

I pray for parents in every stage, Lord, that You will teach them to be kind and forgiving, not just to their children, but to themselves. I pray You will pour out grace upon grace to them for the formidable task of raising the next generation, and that You will assure and reassure them that You are with them in it, and You will provide for every step. Help them Father, to train up their children in the way they should go. Help them to demonstrate faith, love, and obedience to You, Lord. Help them display both Your goodness and Your holiness. Teach them to pray, and to believe You for their children. Remind them that You love their children, have a plan for their children, and that You are after the hearts of their children. Remind them that You are a good, good Father, to them and to their children. Hold onto the parents Lord, and be their place of peace.

And for those who are grieving over children, come Lord Jesus, and comfort them as only You can. For those who are struggling as they watch their children struggle, I pray for Your tangible nearness to them. For the ones who are hurting, who are regretting, who feel helpless, I pray for Your healing and Your hope to come swiftly, Lord.

In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Forty Days of Praying the Word of God: Day 30

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…”

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”

Matthew 5:10; 2 Timothy 3:12; Matthew 5:44

Father, I pray for the persecuted Christians around the world, and I ask that Your presence would be so near to them, so tangible to them. I pray they will be strengthened in mind, body, and spirit by the Holy Spirit as they endure. I pray that You will encourage their hearts and be their continual comfort. I pray they will have the courage to speak truth, to preach the gospel, and to love those who are persecuting them. I pray that they will see the salvation of their persecutors! I pray that in the midst of persecution, Your Church will increase and be strengthened.

I pray for us, those who are not currently enduring serious persecution. Urge our hearts to pray for our brothers and sisters in the persecuted Church, Lord. Open our eyes to see them, and open our mouths to cry out on their behalf.

Father, I pray for an increased desire in Your people to live godly lives, even if it brings persecution. I pray that our souls will not yield to fear, will not yield to culture, will not yield to opinion, but will yield only to You. I pray we will steadfastly walk in Your ways, speak Your truth, and long for Your return. Strengthen us, and give us courage to walk contrary to the world around us, and to endure any persecution that comes from it. I pray that we will take the gospel You have entrusted to us into every place You send us, regardless of where that is. I pray that the gospel will go forth in increasing measure in the earth, especially in the western world. I pray for an increase in our witness here in the United States. May we see an increase in the sharing of the gospel in our neighborhoods, our grocery stores, our schools, and our workplaces. May we be willing to cross man made boundaries with Your life saving truth. I pray You will give us Your eyes to see the lost around us, and Your heart to see them saved. I pray, Father, that Your people will sense the urgency of the hour, and respond to Your Spirit.

I pray that You will teach us to pray for our enemies. May we be found praying for those who hurt us, reject us, and threaten us. Fill our hearts with Your love that we might actually, truly, love those who come against us. And in the days to come, in our hour of persecution, I pray that the Church in the west will rise up to be Your witnesses, not our own.

Prepare us, God, I pray. Prepare us to endure to the end. Prepare us to overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of our testimony. Prepare us to love not our lives, even unto death.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Revelation 12:11

Increase our longing for You, Jesus. Increase our desire to walk as You walked, to partake of Your suffering, as well as Your joy. Let the pull of this earth lose its strength over us, as the pull of heaven draws us to fix our eyes on You. May we, for the joy set before us, take up our own cross and follow You.

In Your Name I pray. Amen.