Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Personal and Shared

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For years, Oprah Winfrey would occasionally give gifts of her favorite things to her studio audience. Many will recall when she surprised a group of military wives with gifts so astounding it brought them to tears. Some gifts were personal: spa visits or lingerie; but others were meant to be shared, like trips and truffles.

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

II Corinthians 9:15

If you’ve received God’s inexpressible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ the risen Lord, then you know it is both personal and to be shared. Abounding, immeasurable grace is God’s promise to you when you open your sharing heart. His intent is not only that you share the gift of salvation, but that you generously give financially to others who are in need or are in the business of pointing others toward Christ. Giving is a responsibility to be pursued with cheer.

As you pray today, thank God for His abundance toward you, then inquire about your giving efficiency to your local ministries and for your Prayer Team. Intercede boldly for President Obama and America’s leaders to find that favorite gift for themselves – the best and greatest gift ever given and at so great a cost – Jesus!

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 9:6-15

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Outcomes

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Millennials, the generation born between 1980 and 2000, have been accused of being lazy – but what generation hasn’t? By nature and through readily accessible technology, Millennials expect “efficiency of effort for maximum impact”…in other words, the best outcome with the least work.

No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

I Corinthians 12:3

Robert A. Heinlein’s story, “The Man Who Was Too Lazy to Fail,” tells of an enterprising hero charged with milking cows. He didn’t enjoy being up at dawn, but he’d been told it was the time of day cows required milking. This Millennial-thinking guy soon discovered cows didn’t actually care about the time of day; they cared only about frequency and results. Ultimately, he had the cows’ schedule and a successful business on his terms.

Coming generations will have to overcome a cultivated tendency to do things in their own way to understand God’s plan for their salvation – because there is no other way to know God than through His risen Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Today, pray that Holy Spirit will move upon America’s future leaders so they will be open to welcoming God’s way to know Him, submitting their lives and the nation they will lead to the power of the risen Lord…the very best outcome of all.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 60:1-5

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Set Free

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Roman Gutierrez vowed to die of a heroin overdose just like his dad. At age 11, Roman jabbed a needle in his arm. Then his rage continued with an arrest, violence and more suicide attempts. By age 25, Roman was living under a freeway and participating in cage fighting. After another failed attempt to end his life, Roman promised his mother he would go to church.

Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Romans 14:9

When Roman walked into the church, he felt something happen in his heart: “If you will call on His name, you will be free,” the pastor said. Roman prayed, “God, I am sorry for all my sins. I need your forgiveness. I believe Jesus died in my place and shed blood to cleanse me. I believe you rose from the dead and are alive to help me. I give you my life.”

The Lord left His closest friends – and all believers – with these last words of instruction: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) As you pray for the nation, look for opportunities to share the message of eternal freedom with your friends, neighbors and co-workers…so they may be set free!

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Glorious Sequel

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When movies are box office hits, audiences crave a sequel. When the President of the United States has a great four-year term, you can most assuredly expect him to run for a second. When dinner is delicious, you may ask for another helping. When people experience things they love, they always want a continuation of a good thing.

Some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.”

Acts 17:32

Some of Paul’s listeners in today’s key verse felt the same way when they heard the incredible story of Jesus and about His resurrection from the dead. This has always been the case when the gospel is presented – some mock and others want more. “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (I Corinthians 1:18)

Many Americans disregard the name of Christ, but don’t let that dissuade you from sharing about His resurrection and love. Ask God to open the hearts of your fellow Americans and its leaders to the good news of Jesus…and get excited! Christ’s return – His glorious sequel – is coming!

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 9:19-28

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – It’s All About Life

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He wasn’t a journalist or a biographer. His aim was not just to give you the facts. He wanted you to understand the person and purpose of the man who claimed to be the Son of God. Thus, two-thirds of the disciple John’s book focuses on the last week of Jesus’ life. His narrative spotlights the redemptive aspect of this individual called the Messiah – the One who came to save you from your sin.

These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

John 20:31

This Jesus was with God at creation and gave up glory to be confined to a fleshly body (John 1:1-18)…only to suffer the greatest shame and death. But Scripture tells you, and the believers of generations confirm, that He rose from the dead, appeared to hundreds, and now sits at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34).

Jesus came so you might believe, “and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31) Bible scholar R.C. Sproul wrote: “People who don’t have Christ, don’t have life, and they don’t even know it.” Pray for the Lord to work in the lives of the people of this nation and its leaders…so they might believe and have life.

Recommended Reading: John 20:24-31

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – In Come Free

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Do you remember playing hide and seek as a child? “It” stayed at home base while the rest of the players hid. As soon as “It” was done counting, he yelled, “Here I come, ready or not!” When players couldn’t be found, he shouted, “Ollie, Ollie, in come free!”…and they’d come in free and clear.

Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.

Luke 24:5-6

In today’s verse, the angel who waited at the tomb had a slightly humorous question for the women who brought the burial spices. Jesus was not with the dead, but the living…and that’s where He is now. When you received Christ, you became spiritually alive. You were reborn with the Holy Spirit living inside you. You are equipped for the new life, and when your body dies, you will live with Him forever in Heaven.

Thank God for eternal salvation. Pray for those who still are looking for their hope among the dead, that they will seek out the living Lord and receive His eternal life. Pray for the people of the United States to hear the call to freedom.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G.  – When is Soon?

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Christian author Tim LaHaye wrote in a recent book, “Christ could come today, and no prophecy of the end times necessary for His coming would go unfulfilled.” In His discourse at the Mount of Olives, Jesus outlined many of the essentials that would precede His return – and He cautioned that the time would be soon. For over 2,000 years, believers have been asking, “How soon is soon?” and the answer the Lord gives today is the same as it was then: “Stay awake!”

Therefore, stay awake.

Matthew 24:42

A rehashing of the signs of the end times isn’t necessary – you are living it! Ready, on the other hand, does not seem to be an apt description of what was gloriously once called “Christian America.” Readiness first requires repentance and faith…acknowledgment and sorrow for sin and belief that Jesus died and rose again to save sinners. Only then is a person positioned to go about the business of sharing the message of God’s love.

Don’t be an asleep-in-your-comforts Christian. Stay watchful so as not to be deceived or robbed of your faith. But don’t be in a panic, either. Live out your salvation by pursuing the power of prayer for your family, friends, community, and national leaders…while “soon” still delays.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 24:32-44

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Cloudy Days

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On April 5, NBC launched a miniseries entitled “A.D.” a follow up to the “The Bible” produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett. It was reported during filming that while the actors were depicting a scene from Acts, they noticed clouds in the sky formed in the perfect shape of a cross. Downey said they felt it was a sign and a blessing over the work they were doing to bring the Bible to the screen.

Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him.

Revelation 1:7

Clouds are mentioned often in the Bible. A cloud guided the Israelites through the wilderness (Exodus 40:36). God spoke from a cloud to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 24:16) and to the select witnesses at the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:5). Jesus ascended to Heaven after His resurrection in a cloud (Acts 1:9). Today’s verse tells how Christ will return – on clouds of glory.

How many will be ready for His return? Pray today for the nation’s citizens and leaders to trust Christ as their Savior. Ask, too, for revival…so that all may hear of and prepare for His coming.

Recommended Reading: Mark 13:4-13, 24-27

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Someone Out There

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America is a nation founded and nurtured on prayer. However, according to a recent Pew Report, prayer in America has “gone rogue.” In other words, anything goes: from spirit drumming to mystical chanting. People across the USA are praying, but most confess they are merely addressing “someone out there.”

We always pray for you, that our God…may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith.

II Thessalonians 1:11

In 1787, about five weeks into the Constitutional Convention, the framers were frustrated in their attempts to draft the U. S. Constitution. Benjamin Franklin challenged them to return earnestly in prayer to God on behalf of their nation. He asked, “If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured that ‘except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.’”

God is still shaping America’s future in the hearts of those who seek Him. Today, pray specifically for those blindly praying to “someone” that they may discover the true identity of God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ; placing all hope for themselves, and for America, in His great power.

Recommended Reading: I Timothy 2:1-8

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Cry Out

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Keith Thibodeaux was cast in 1956 as Little Ricky, the drum-playing son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz on the hit series “I Love Lucy.” Thibodeaux’s abilities led him to a national tour and various acting stints on many shows. Yet the former child star left Hollywood at age 15 after his parents’ divorce. He joined a band called David and the Giants and got involved with drugs. That’s when Thibodeaux realized he needed help.

His Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus…delivers us from the wrath to come.

I Thessalonians 1:10

“I needed a Savior because I got down to the end of my rope when I was playing rock,” he said, “and just went down into the drug world and I was clinically depressed. It was at that point God answered my prayer – my cry. I found Jesus. And God did the work in my life.”

“For God has not destined us for wrath,” I Thessalonians 5:9 says, “but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Every person has the opportunity to turn from sin and embrace the love of God for eternity. Pray that all Americans and their leaders would, like Thibodeaux, cry out to the Lord as the source of their eternal peace.

Recommended Reading: Romans 13:8-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Pre-qualified

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Want a new job? You must meet the position qualifications. Want to compete in the Olympics? You’ll have to qualify. Thinking of running for office? Qualifications are necessary there, too. You must qualify for a loan, college, health insurance, food stamps and club memberships.

Thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Colossians 1:12

But there is one thing for which you have earned pre-qualified status – an inheritance in Heaven. Jesus Christ qualified you for that with His own blood. God wanted you to spend eternity with Him so much, He allowed His own child to die in order for you to be deemed worthy. You qualify! There isn’t a list of requirements in order for you to receive salvation. All you have to do is accept the gift.

In a world where restrictions are placed on every position and opportunity, your salvation is pre-qualified. Take time now to thank God for His free gift. Praise Jesus for paying the price for you to share in His inheritance. Pray, too, for your national leaders to accept their pre-qualification status.

Recommended Reading: Romans 10:5-13

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Message First

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The apostle Paul knew there was more than one way to get things done. He was in Rome, imprisoned, and false friends and enemies were taking advantage of that situation. In fact, they were preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry, wishing only to cause more grief to Paul. But his response was one of joy – not in their motivation, but in the results…to advance the gospel and save souls.

Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed.

Philippians 1:18

He was not the first to realize that Jesus and His message must come first. John the Baptist spoke of Christ’s coming and announced, “Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29-30) Each man knew his message: to let others know the salvation offered through Jesus, their Lord and Savior.

Do you have that desire? Let Christ be magnified in you. Be transformed to the will of God that you might be His instrument, not discouraged by others, but encouraged by the Holy Spirit through prayer for yourself and for the leaders of this nation. May they learn to know and trust in Jesus as Lord.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 1:12-21, 27-28

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – With Him

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When Jesus went into the grave, your sin went with Him (Ephesians 2:2). When He rose, if you believe, your spirit rose with Him (2:5). When He returned to Heaven, spiritually speaking, you are seated with Him in heavenly places (2:6). Now His Spirit lives inside of you (I Corinthians 6:19) and “if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)

Made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.

Ephesians 2:5

Until that day, what are believers to do? You are not saved by good works, but you are called to do them (Ephesians 2:8-10). You are to use whatever gift you have to serve others (I Peter 4:10). Consider your skills, talents and resources, and how you can use one of them to help someone this week – not to earn your salvation, but in gratitude for it.

Pray, too, for your leaders and the citizens of this nation to receive the free gift of salvation and do the good works they are called to do.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Astonishing Abandonment

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The Romans were known for their brutality to those they conquered, but they also imposed harsh penalties upon miscreants in their own ranks. Topping the list was “fustuarium,” a particular method of capital punishment reserved for soldiers who deserted their units. This was administered by the deserter’s own legion; they would fall upon the man and beat him to death with a cudgel.

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ.

Galatians 1:6

This savagery was no doubt on the mind of the apostle Paul when he wrote with astonishment that the Galatian Christians were blithely deserting the faith for false gospels. Unlike the Romans, whose justice was meted out with unwavering ruthlessness, Christ offered grace and mercy to all. But Paul cautioned that forsaking the true gospel was no small matter, and that those who preached deceit would be cursed.

Today in America, “false gospels” are epidemic – and producing great clouds of confusion and tumult. But today, pray that you may be an example and testimony to the love of the One, the Only, Jesus to those who need to trust Him as Lord. This is your duty as a soldier of Christ!

Recommended Reading: Galatians 1:6-17

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Heed the Warning

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Before the Titanic met its fate, numerous messages were sent saying it was speeding into an ice field, but the calls were ignored. In fact, when a nearby ship sent an urgent warning, the Titanic was talking to officials at Cape Race about menu plans and where chauffeurs should meet arriving passengers. Preoccupied with the trivial, the Titanic’s radio officer responded, “Shut up. I am talking to Cape Race. You are jamming my signals.”

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts.

II Corinthians 4:6

In today’s America, too many are focused on the unimportant matters of daily existence. When someone tries to share the gospel, their response is, “Shut up. You’re messing with my life.” They don’t understand the god of this world had blinded their minds.

The Gospel is clear. All have sinned and are separated from God; Jesus died and rose again to pay the price for sin and restore a right relationship with the Father. One only needs to believe the message. Jesus calls you the light of the world and asks you to shine as a reflection of His glory. Pray that He accomplishes His will in you today – then intercede for the nation’s leaders to heed the warning and be saved.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 4:1-6

Presidential Prayer Team

Max Lucado – Who Says We Can’t Change?

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Here’s some good news. You aren’t stuck with today’s personality. You aren’t condemned to “grumpydom.” You are tweak-able! So what if you were born a bigot? You don’t have to die one.

Where did we get the idea we can’t change? Where do statements come from such as, “It’s just my nature to worry,” or. . . “I’ll always be pessimistic. I’m just that way.” Or, “I have a bad temper. I can’t help the way I react?” Who says? Would we say, “it’s just my nature to have a broken leg. I can’t do anything about it.” Of course not. If our body malfunctions, we seek help. Shouldn’t we do the same with our hearts? Can’t we seek aid for our sour attitudes? Of course we can. Jesus can change our hearts! He wants us to have a heart like his!

From Just Like Jesus

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Monumental Salvation

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In 1994, the Washington Monument underwent a renovation. While under construction, workers found nineteenth century graffiti on the lobby walls, but not the kind you might expect on buildings or subways today. The writing, covered during decorating at the turn of the century, said, “Whoever is the human instrument under God in the conversion of one soul, erects a monument to his own memory more lofty and enduing than this.” In other words, leading just one person to salvation is monumental.

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom.

I Corinthians 1:17

In today’s verse, Paul was writing the church at Corinth. He reminded them they were to follow Christ only. He explained they shouldn’t get caught up in lofty words or logistics of baptism, but in the plain directive from Christ to preach the gospel and share the salvation story with others.

Jesus commands you to do the same (Mark 16:15). Know that if you convert one soul by sharing Christ, you’ve made a lasting monument. As you pray today for America and its leaders, ask God to direct you to lost people with whom you can share the power of the cross.

Recommended Reading: Romans 10:11-17

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M.- Resurrected Heart

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Brian Ivie wanted to produce a film that would compete at the Sundance Film Festival. Then he read about Pastor Lee Jong-rak of Seoul, South Korea. Lee and his wife, Chun-Ja, felt a supernatural call to personally care for South Korea’s abandoned children, many of whom are disabled. “Here was a story of a pastor who had built a mailbox for babies at this church. I thought this could be my golden ticket to Sundance,” Ivie said.

He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.

Romans 8:11

Ivie lived in Lee’s home while he made a documentary about his work – and found faith rather than fame. “When I witnessed the love and courage of Pastor Lee, I saw the real deal. He was giving his life for something that wasn’t cultural,” he said. Ivie discovered eternal life through Christ as well as freedom from anger issues and an addiction to pornography.

As the body and its desires act as the rudder for the unbeliever, the same Holy Spirit that resurrected Jesus from the dead is available to guide every person today. As you pray for the nation’s citizens and leaders, intercede for unbelievers to experience resurrected hearts by trusting in the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 3:7-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H.- Easter Sunday

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Extraordinary from Ordinary

The definition of “common,” according to Merriam-Webster, is “falling below ordinary standards” or “lacking refinement or special status.” A common person lacks distinction. That’s how the Pharisees characterized Peter and John after questioning them.

When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were…common men, they were astonished.

Acts 4:13

The two disciples had healed a beggar instead of giving the lame man money. Astonished, the Jewish council wanted to know by what power they performed such a miracle. “Jesus,” was their answer. “There is salvation in no one else.” (Acts 4:12) God frequently chooses to use common people to do extraordinary things. In doing so, the glory goes to the Almighty. As today’s verse continues, when people saw the miracle of Peter and John, “they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”

Will people look at the events, attitudes and actions of your life and recognize you have spent time with the Lord? God used common people then – and can still use ordinary people today. Pray for God to use your life for His glory and to bring others to salvation in Him. Pray, too, for your national leaders to know Christ this Easter.

Recommended Reading: Acts 3:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Sought After

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In many instances, Jesus healed maladies immediately with just a word. For the blind beggar, it was different. Christ made mud with dirt and his saliva, put it on the eyes of the man, and told him to go wash in the pool of Siloam. Obeying was not easy, but he did as he was told and received his sight.

One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.

John 9:25

When the Pharisees, the religious leaders, grilled him about how he got healed, he would not be dissuaded. With boldness, he spoke of his healer: “Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” (John 9:32-33) The Pharisees rejected his message and expelled him from the temple. But Jesus sought him out…to encourage him in his faith and to confirm that his healer was the Son of God. (John 9:34-38)

Today, the Lord seeks you out to give comfort and confidence when you go through trials…and when your faith is questioned. Stand boldly and declare His goodness. Then intercede for this nation and its leaders that they may seek Jesus and believe in Him as their Lord and Savior.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 55:6-13