Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Sonrise

April 3, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The sunrise has inspired poems and paintings. There’s something awesome about darkness of night ending and light for a new day beginning. When Zechariah prophesied about Jesus, what a beautiful word picture he painted – the sunrise “to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79)

Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high.

Luke 1:78

Today Christians remember “Good Friday,” the day that Jesus, the only one who was truly good, was punished for all sin for all time. His body was held captive in the dark tomb only for a little while. Sin keeps people in darkness, but because of what Jesus did, the Bible describes believers as children of the day (I Thessalonians 5:5). The prophet Isaiah said, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2) And Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Today as you remember that dark day of Christ’s crucifixion, thank Him for your spiritual sunrise. Pray for unbelievers’ eyes to be open to the great light of His love and salvation this Easter season.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R.- From Foe to Friend

April 2, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“For sheer verbal savagery,” writes biographer Ron Chernow, the presidential contest between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams “may have surpassed anything seen today.” In the 1800 campaign, Jefferson claimed Adams was a “hideous hermaphroditical character, which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman.” Adams responded that Jefferson was a “mean-spirited, low-lived fellow, the son of a half-breed Indian squaw, sired by a Virginia mulatto father.”

And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted…and the angels were ministering to him.

Mark 1:13

Both eventually became president, and years later they began a warm correspondence and became best friends. How could this happen? In a word – empathy. Each suffered the rigors of the presidency and had survived to become part of a small, exclusive club.

However you may be tempted or tested today, Jesus understands. He has been there. He is ready, with His angels, to minister to you. And when you emerge from the wilderness of adversity, you will be equipped to befriend and serve others. As you pray today, ask God how you might be used to draw others in America to Him so that they will trust Him as Lord.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Choices Have Consequences

April 1, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Perhaps no other people on the face of the Earth have had as many opportunities to hear the truth about Jesus than Americans. There are over 450,000 churches in the U.S., 600 religious radio stations, and all manner of Christian publishing, music recording and even billboards. But how many Americans can genuinely say they’ve had the all-important salvation-giving encounter with the Lord of the universe?

Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done.

Matthew 11:20

Some of the people in the six cities that Jesus decried in Matthew 11 probably thought of themselves as good, charitable, decent people – but they were the same in their spiritually darkened hearts. Too many Americans are in the same boat as the people in Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum…cold toward God. Jesus Himself gave a stern warning: choices always have consequences.

Please pray today for Americans to return to the nation’s spiritual roots, to the claims of the risen Christ on their lives, and to choose repentance over their rebellious hearts. Heed the message yourself, and warn others of the serious results awaiting those who reject Jesus. Be sure to include the leaders of the country in your intercession.

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M.- Spiritual Legacy

March 31, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Dr. Bill Bright personally led thousands of people to Christ before his death in 2003. As co-founder of the worldwide ministry Campus Crusade for Christ, his influence has had an eternal impact on countless more for God’s kingdom. However, it was his mother, Mary Lee, who dedicated Bright to the Lord before his birth and prayed for him until her death in 1983.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Proverbs 31:26

Bright said, “She modeled authentic Christianity before me in dozens of ways. Although we rose early to begin our dawn-to-dusk hard work on the ranch, my mother was always up before the rest of the family, reading the Bible and praying. I remember her softly humming hymns of worship to the Lord all day long, and after the rest of us had gone to bed, she would again read her Bible and pray.”

The book of Proverbs begins with the command to fear the Lord and ends with the picture of a woman who fulfills this command. Ask God to give you that desire each day. Pray also that all Christians commit to leaving a spiritual legacy across the nation…starting with those in their own household.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Small But Wise

March 30, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Scripture’s animal illustrations exemplify the sinner and his needs and should give you pause for reflection. Psalm 23 speaks of sheep needing a shepherd to find them good pasture and still waters. He gives them personal attention because each one lacks the ability to care for itself. In contrast, Proverbs 30 speaks of four things on Earth that are small but very wise, one of which is the rock badger (Proverbs 30:24-28). It’s a tiny, defenseless creature belonging to the rabbit family, but lacking a tail and very clumsy when leaping. Its ears are small and roundish instead of long. Its tender feet prevent it from burrowing, so it knows to flee to the rocks when danger approaches.

He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Proverbs 30:5

The picture is plain. You, the sinner, are defenseless and even inept in many areas, but if you are wise, you flee for refuge to the Rock. Your Savior bids you, “Come…and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) He is your shield in whom you can find safety and peace.

Be wise, dear one. God’s Word is true. You can rely on Him. Be united with other believers in your prayers for America and its leaders. The Lord is your shelter. He will take care of you.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Vision for America

March 29, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Helen Keller, probably the best known blind person who has ever lived, once said, “What would be worse than being born blind? To have sight without vision.” Recent polling among American college students reveals the majority have no vision for their lives, their families, or their communities. A George Barna survey recently reported that three-quarters of all churches in America have either peaked in attendance and influence or are on the decline.

Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint.

Proverbs 29:18

In Hebrew, “vision” includes “divine communication.” Could it be that the loss of vision among the youth – and among the churches – is because God is no longer their prime communicator?

God’s vision has always been for the welfare of His children, and that begins with a reconciliation of the world to Him. The part of that vision He entrusts to you will differ from that given to your neighbor, just as the way He equips you both won’t be the same. Do you trust Him enough to do what He has called you to do? Ask for His blessed reassurance today. Intercede for members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus to hold up God’s vision for America as they serve Him and you in the high chambers of the nation.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 5:11-21

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Strong and Courageous

March 28, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Kayla Mueller, a 26-year-old aid worker from Arizona, dedicated her life to helping those in need of freedom, justice and peace. In August 2013, Kayla was kidnapped in Syria by ISIS, also known as Islamic State. Tragically, ISIS recently claimed she was killed by a Jordanian air strike.

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1

In a newly-released letter written by Kayla in the spring of 2014 from a Syrian building, she wrote, “I have a lot of fight left inside of me. I am not breaking down and I will not give in no matter how long it takes. I know you would want me to remain strong. That is exactly what I am doing. Do not fear for me, continue to pray as will I and, by God’s will, we will be together soon.”

When God commissioned Joshua, He told him three times to be strong and courageous. As a result, Joshua found the power to be bold from his relationship with God. Ask your family and friends to join you in prayer for America’s leaders to seek God for the strength and the courage to make righteous decisions. Pray that they, like Kayla, will not give in—no matter what.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – National Narcissism

March 27, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Psychologists at several American universities studying the differences between Western and Asian cultures have documented the unfortunate impact of “individualism” in the United States – which is, in short, that Americans are extraordinarily self-centered and their ability to empathize with others has greatly diminished. An example cited by researchers is telling: A Texas corporation aiming to improve productivity instructed its employees to look in the mirror and say, “I am beautiful” 100 times before coming to work. In contrast, a Japanese supermarket instructed its employees to tell each other, “You are beautiful.”

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 27:2

When you are focused only on praising yourself, you will be blind to what others have done for you – your family, America’s founders, military veterans and their families who sacrificed for your freedom and, most importantly, God. You will also become thoroughly unlikeable.

Whatever there is about you that is worthy of praise is a gift from God anyway, so don’t boast! Then pray that your leaders will govern with humility and that they may elevate the needs and best interests of the nation above their own, recognizing that all praise for America’s blessings belong to the Lord.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Gossip Be Gone!

March 26, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Peace. Politicians aim for it. Beauty contestants promote it. Law enforcement tries to keep it. The news reports about disruptions of peace, and often fans the flames of hostility by reporting innuendo and gossip.

For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

Proverbs 26:20

The Bible warns that gossip breeds wicked lifestyles. “Everyone deceives his neighbor, and no one speaks the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves committing iniquity.” (Jeremiah 9:5) Gossip stirs up anger. “The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.” (Proverbs 25:23) It goes hand in hand with other undesirable behaviors. “For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish,” Paul wrote, “that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.” (II Corinthians 12:20)

Sometimes inquiring about someone’s well-being or even praying for a person can turn into gossip. Before you talk to someone else about another person, ask yourself if you would say the same thing in their presence. If not, it’s best to take your concerns only to the Lord. Then pray for the nation’s media professionals that, instead of promoting division, they would inform, educate and inspire.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Closing Open Doors

March 25, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

One of the most captivating genres of movies produced by Hollywood is the story of the hi-tech heist orchestrated by a team of genius-level thieves. Such films have been box office hits since the silent era. But the reality is that most criminals are, well, rather dumb – and they really don’t need to be particularly smart because people make it all too easy for them to succeed. Home burglaries are often characterized as “break-ins” but about thirty percent of the time they don’t actually involve any breaking. Instead, a thief simply waltzes in through an unlocked door or window. Many unwittingly become victims of crime because their own negligence creates an opportunity.

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

Proverbs 25:28

This is what happens when you lack self-control. You leave openings for others, and Satan, to do harm. What do you, your nation’s leaders, and your neighbors need to develop real self-control? The answer is Jesus. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy,” He said. “I came that they may have life.”

Today, pray for self-control in America, in Washington D.C., and in your own home. As you do, you’ll close any doors of opportunity for sin and shame, and open yourself to His abundant life.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K.- Awe and Dread

March 23, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Social policy these days tends to play into the emotion that it’s not fair that someone else has more than you. In truth, some people are more industrious; others are just lazy. Then there are those who totally disregard God’s way and prosper. It’s easy to be envious of them and their ill-gotten gains.

Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.

Proverbs 23:17

Yet your responsibility is stated in today’s verse. Do not be jealous of another person’s success or become consumed with the desire to do what they do to get what you supposedly deserve. Instead, walk with integrity. One Bible commentary encourages you to be governed by the fear of the Lord in all you say and do. Constantly keep an awe of God upon your spirit, pay deference to His authority, and have dread of His wrath. In that way, you will maintain the character of His servant – and He will reward you in ways far greater and more fulfilling than mere material gain.

Trust in the Lord’s power; He is committed to your best interests if you stay in a right relationship with Him. Then intercede for America that its leaders and citizens will fear and trust in God.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Spiritual Wealth

March 22, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Legends say that after the death of John D. Rockefeller, a man was curious to know how much left behind. An aide to Rockefeller said, “All of it.”

The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.

Proverbs 22:2

Why God selects some to be rich and others to be poor can only be understood in the light of His overall plan to redeem mankind. The financially wealthy are imbued with the gift of giving. If they are spiritually minded, they might also have time to exercise a gift of serving. The poor, on the other hand, have a need for the basics of life. But they, too, have been given spiritual gifts that can provide them with far greater blessings than material things would bring.

Regardless of where you are on the financial spectrum, God is interested in how you are dealing with your spiritual wealth. Each person has the same charge from the Lord in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). When you kneel before Him today, have gratitude for all that you have, and then seek to know God’s will for the way you employ your resources – both financial and spiritual. Pray, too, for those in government who are spiritually impoverished to find the richness of God in Jesus Christ.

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Stand As One

March 21, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Land of the free” is a phrase that’s been used for America since 1814 when Francis Scott Key penned the poem that would become the Star Spangled Banner. But how long will this freedom last? Abraham Lincoln said, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” He knew that for people to remain free, they must nurture morality. America’s leaders aren’t the only ones who believe this. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said, “Freedom will destroy itself if it is not exercised within some sort of moral framework, some body of shared beliefs, some spiritual heritage…”

The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.

Proverbs 21:7

What happens to a person or country when morality and justice aren’t nurtured? Today’s verse says their own violence will sweep them away. Do you see evidence of this today in the United States? Turn on the news. Destruction lies where people refuse to do the right thing.

America’s history is filled with times it came together to fight for freedom. Pray for Americans and especially Christians to stand as one so the country will stay free – and not become as those described in today’s recommended reading.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Pulling Up Roots

March 20, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

The playwright William Shakespeare once said, “If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?” The desire to inflict punishment on those who have wronged us is human nature.

Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.

Proverbs 20:22

But psychologists suggest that revenge, while perhaps sweet at first, eventually causes unhappiness and a cycle of retaliation. Today’s passage offers biblical advice for anger with your fellow man. Let God handle retribution. He is the only one with the right to judge. It’s easy to allow resentment to take root, so choose unity with your neighbor instead.

“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18) Ask God to help you forgive wrongs and embrace grace as you draw close to the One who pours grace into your own life. Pray, too, for your national leaders to respond with kindness when they are wronged. May they exchange their vengeance for peace and come to know the ultimate peace giver.

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – The Moth and the Bat

March 19, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Who has the best ears in the animal kingdom? It’s not the adorable long-eared rabbit. Actually, the tiny Greater Wax Moth responds to sound frequencies up to 300 kilohertz, the highest recorded for any creature in the natural world. The humble moth’s hearing is more than just a cool superpower; it’s essentially his only hope in outmaneuvering his natural predator, the sonar-driven bat.

Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Proverbs 19:27

Think about the moth and bat as you read today’s verse. As a follower of Christ, you have an enemy seeking to destroy the good work God is doing in your life. The good news is there is no temptation, oppression, or slavery Christ has not already overcome. Even so, the key to escaping the clutches of your adversary is in listening. When you carefully attend to God’s words, He can faithfully lead you out of danger.

As you pray today, include your fellow believers in public service who may be secretly captivated by sin and are struggling to respond to God’s voice. Then pray that God’s people in America will be united in listening to His instruction and embracing His power so they can live rescued lives, set apart by what they have heard.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Lethal Disability

March 18, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

One of the reasons you are reading this in English rather than in German is because Adolf Hitler did not understand, or accept, the dangers of isolation warned of in Proverbs. There were many elements to the successful 1944 D-Day Invasion that ultimately liberated Europe from the Nazis. But among the most important was this: The Fuhrer didn’t trust his own generals, and he wouldn’t let them make decisions. Thus, as a massive Allied force was landing in France, the German high command was hamstrung, unable to obtain the authority to reposition their forces.

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

Proverbs 18:1

A lethal disability often impacts people of influence. As their power grows, so does their sense that they alone are equipped with the wisdom required to deal with the issues at hand. This is, as Scripture so eloquently says, a “break out against sound judgment.”

The founders of the United States shrewdly designed a system of government that requires cooperation and compromise, but many of America’s leaders are still prone to dictatorial and arrogant actions: it is human nature. Today, pray for unity in Washington – and that it will be a sound unity rooted in God’s truth and a desire to do good for each other.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Self-Examination Exhortation

March 16, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

It’s a subject no one likes to talk about. You usually recoil when told you have it. In the hierarchy of sin, the Lord puts it in the same category as murder (Proverbs 6:17-19), and although not all destruction is caused by it, it always ends in destruction.

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride. Arrogance. Haughtiness. Call it what you will – it is a trait found from cover to cover in the people of the Bible, and more than likely it is also present in your life. Yet don’t turn away from this exhortation. Today is the time for self-examination to get rid of your self-importance. The sin of pride is a basic denial of the significance of God and an exaltation of the human being – thinking that you can live successfully apart from an obedient relationship with the Lord.

The remedy – humbleness of spirit – takes pride only in what God is doing in you…and in the hearts of others. Seek wisdom from the Lord through study of His Word. Take your prideful tendencies before God in contrite prayer, asking Him to purge them from your life. Then intercede for the leaders of this nation that they may humbly serve this country and the one, true God.

Presidential Prayer Team; – P.G. – Contagious Choice

March 15, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Storyteller, humorist, and radio personality Garrison Keillor said in a presentation at Goshen College, “Some people think it’s difficult to be a Christian and to laugh, but I think it’s the other way around. God writes a lot of comedy; it’s just that he has so many bad actors.” Too often when Christians gather together, many of them appear to have spent the morning sucking on lemons. Haven’t they been redeemed by the free grace of a loving God? Where is their joy? Why doesn’t it show?

A glad heart makes a cheerful face.

Proverbs 15:13

Without doubt, the tribulations and toils of the day are burdensome and difficult for many. That’s when a shift in focus is called for. Like the early church in Ephesus, they’ve forgotten the joy of their salvation – their first love. Gladness of heart, if it is there, hasn’t translated to their faces.

Know that cheerfulness is a choice. A smile takes fewer muscles to produce than a frown, and it even brings light to the eyes. Vow to be a smiling, if not downright cheerful, Christian. It could be contagious. As you ask the Lord to help you, intercede for the Christians on Capitol Hill to be enthusiastic for their faith and a light to those around them.

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Thirst for God

March 14, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

In the book of Revelation, God addressed the church in Laodicea, one of the wealthiest of the seven cities written to by John. However, the city had a problem with its water supply. An aqueduct was built to bring water from hot springs. Yet when the water reached the city, it was lukewarm. When God confronted the people’s spiritual apathy, He said, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14:27

The commodity of hot water, which is precious in many other countries, often flows freely in homes in the United States. However, when it comes to genuinely embracing the Christian faith, the majority of Americans seem to be lukewarm.

As you consider the spiritual condition of this nation, look at your own reflection in the fountain of God’s truth. Are you thirsting after a relationship with God with all your heart, mind and soul? As you pray, also ask the Lord to unite Christians in prayer for America to desperately thirst after His truth and righteousness.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Life and Death Sayings

March 13, 2015 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

“Loose lips sink ships.” This well-known line became famous when it was plastered across World War II propaganda posters in America. The war department cautioned both civilians and servicemen to choose their words carefully to curtail those who may inadvertently share secure information that would help the enemy. The British, Swedish and Germans all had their own version of this phrase.

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Proverb 13:3

Today’s key passage, written many years earlier, also shares the same sentiment. Whether you realize it or not, you are at war with Satan. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8) Watch what you say. Your enemy would love to use your words against you – and against Christ.

Does everything you say bring glory to God? Remember, words are powerful and can promote both life and death to the hearer. Ask Him to help keep a guard over your mouth and make your loose lips tight again. Pray for the wisdom to know when to speak and when to be quiet…then make the same request for your national leaders.

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