Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – A Title and a Towel

April 16, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Nowadays when you travel and arrive at the home of your host, you’d be surprised if you were met at the door with a basin of water and told, “Welcome. Let me wash your feet.” But during Jesus’ time when people walked dusty roads in sandals, dirty feet were washed upon entering someone’s home. Occasionally, one would do it for himself; at other times, the host would assist. When the household employed servants, it would be their job.

Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master.

John 13:16

When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, the Teacher and Lord set aside His titles to don a towel, illustrating the lowly position of servant hood that each of His followers would be required to assume. Tomorrow is Maundy Thursday, a time when some churches observe a foot-washing ceremony. Would you be willing to set aside your pride and wrap yourself in a towel of humility that you might serve others? As you recall the sacrifice that Jesus knew He was facing, what sacrifice are you willing to make to show others your faith?

Take time to pray for your adherence to the commands of Christ, and for those in Washington to consider their own personal response to His sacrifice.

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – National Heritage

April 15, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

In the last decade, genealogy websites have reported astounding growth. One of the most popular, Ancestry.com, reports over one billion user names and conservatively estimates having four billion names on record. Obviously, a great many people worldwide are wondering, “How did I get here?”

Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel.

Exodus 12:31

From Bible times to today, Hebrew people relate their national heritage to their children by telling the fascinating story of how their ancestors moved out of Egyptian slavery into a promised land. During Passover season the story is related along with ceremonial observations based around family and food. It’s an important time and most adults believe it is a great blessing to prepare the next generation for its place on Earth by explaining the past in rich detail.

People of faith, pray today for young people in America. Whatever you are doing to observe this season of spiritual significance, do not neglect to teach the next generation about what has made the United States a country blessed by God. Do your part to help them understand how this nation got here – and how belief in Jesus Christ is the only hope for America’s future.

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – The Foreseen Future

April 14, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Many Americans wonder what tomorrow holds for the country and themselves. Where is the nation heading? What will happen to the economy? Who will win the next election? Will I be happy and prosperous? Humans long to know the future so much that psychic hotlines have become a multimillion-dollar industry. People fail to realize while they may not know the details, their future can be certain…if they look to the Scriptures to God’s plan.

Jesus took bread…broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”

Matthew 26:26

In today’s passage, Jesus and the disciples were celebrating the Passover Feast. Jesus used this meal as a prediction of what He was about to do for all mankind; sacrifice Himself. Passover was the commemoration of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In the new covenant, it would become a symbol of Jesus delivering men from the slavery and penalty of sin through His death and resurrection. Those who believe can know their future is secure.

Are you concerned about your future or the country’s destiny? Know God is in control. As you pray today, ask the Lord to direct you and the nation’s leaders to follow His ultimate plan.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Keep Shouting

April 13, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Thousands of frenzied fans made it almost impossible for the Beatles to get inside their venue whenever they came to town. Screaming admirers went to great lengths for even a glimpse of the Fab Four. When musical acts opened for the group, the volume of the audience was so great the bands couldn’t be heard. When you are passionate about something, you can’t help but share your excitement with others.

Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!

Luke 19:38

In today’s verse, Jesus’ triumphal entry was also an exciting moment. He rode in on a donkey while onlookers laid their coats and palm branches on the ground in front of Him and screamed praises. When the Pharisees told Christ to quiet His followers, He told them, “If these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:40) Now imagine the throngs of people joined together in worship at Jesus Second Coming, and the shouts of exultation that glorious day.

Rejoice! Give thanks this Palm Sunday for the one and only Son of God. Read today’s verse out loud as a praise to your King. Ask God to strengthen your witness as you lead others to become disciples of Christ. Then pray for your nation and its leaders to turn to God before Jesus returns.

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Sweet Aroma

April 12, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

When Jesus was at the home of Simon the leper, a woman named Mary approached Him with a long-necked alabaster jar of costly perfume. This fragrant oil, made of pure nard, was considered a luxury item. Mary opened the jar and anointed the perfume over Jesus’ head. The house was filled with the sweet aroma of the ointment. However, some people in the room considered it an expensive waste – but not Jesus. He praised Mary for her sacrificial act of worship as she poured out her love for Him.

Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

Mark 14:6

Worshipping Christ means a willingness to sacrifice what is most precious. David understood this as he wrote, “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!” (Psalm 141:2) He described his prayers as fragrant smoke that floats up to God’s throne like the offerings he presented on the altar in the Tabernacle.

As pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father each day, visualize your prayers as a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God. Remember this, also, as you unselfishly intercede for your local and national leaders.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Remember the Point

April 11, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Easter approaches – a time when people celebrate Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. Dwelling on spring flowers, colored eggs and Easter bunnies may seem sacrilegious to some, while others may find it difficult to focus on spiritual truths when there’s so much else going on.

When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”

John 11:43

Mary and Martha provide prime examples. Mary was commended for listening to Jesus when her sister Martha got upset about needing help with meal preparations. Later, their brother Lazarus dies, and it’s Martha who has first contact with Jesus, then brings Mary to Him. A lot was happening at that time, too; the Passover season, their brother’s funeral, and threats on Christ’s life. But Jesus directed their attention to Him as the resurrection and the life…and raised Lazarus from the tomb.

On Easter, you might have fun with your children surprising them with a basketful of goodies, but as is pointed out at Christmas, don’t forget the reason for the season. Point your loved ones to the One who died on the cross, rose from the dead and promises eternal life to all who believe (John 3:16). Then pray the leaders and citizens of this nation will see past chicks and chocolates to Jesus.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Persistent Pursuit

April 10, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

An employee of an Ohio store was recently fired for chasing a thief into the parking lot. A company spokesman explained it this way: “No merchandise or other asset is worth risking the life of our associates or customers, which is why we have a strict policy against pursuing a shoplifter in a manner that creates a safety risk for anyone.” Although most people would consider the store’s response unduly harsh, it is understandable they wouldn’t want someone to be killed or injured trying to recover a product of nominal value.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11

Something else of nominal value: sheep. In America today, a sheep can be purchased for $300 or less, and in ancient times—though important for their wool and meat—an individual sheep wouldn’t be worth dying over. That’s the power of the analogy in today’s scripture. Perhaps you consider yourself of limited value, or even feel useless. Jesus says you are worthy of His ultimate sacrifice. His death on the cross proved He was willing to pursue you at all costs.

Today, ask God to help you see others – including those with whom you disagree – as He sees them: worth every sacrifice to bring into the fold.

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Step by Step

April 9, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Watch the progression of faith. A poor, blind beggar waits in need. Jesus comes, makes mud with saliva and dirt, puts it on the man’s eyes, and sends him away to wash it off. In his first step of faith, he did as he was told and received sight.

He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”

John 9:25

It was a miracle – a divinely effected change. And yet the religious leaders of the times could not bring themselves to believe that Christ had the power to do this. Intense questioning and incontestable evidence made the once-blind man grow stronger in his replies until he himself realized that Jesus was of God – another step closer to knowing Him. Then Jesus sought him out and, in their conversation, spiritual darkness passed from his soul and he saw his salvation…the final step in his progression (John 9:35-38).

No amount of evidence changed the minds of the unbelieving enemies of Jesus. At times, it works the same today. But, with the blind man, now a happy worshipper, you can say with him, “Though I was blind, now I see.” Pray for this nation…that it may see.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – The “I AM’s” of Jesus

April 8, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

When Moses asked God who should he say was sending him to Pharaoh’s court, God answered, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14) identifying Himself as the fully existent, eternal One. So when the Jewish skeptics asked Jesus to identify Himself and He declared, “Before Abraham was, I am,” they knew precisely Who He was claiming to be, and picked up stones to kill Him.

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

John 8:58

Jesus also said of Himself, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), “I am the door” (John 10:9), “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11), “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and “I am the true vine” (John 15:1).

As Americans reject belief systems of any kind – and often seem to be engaged in an all-out war on Christianity – do you hold fast, as the old hymn says, to the “faith of our fathers, living still?” If you have never examined God’s claims on your life through Jesus Christ, won’t you consider that today? And for all who have, intercede for America’s leaders to find the “I AM” during this Easter season.

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Spotlight

April 7, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Believe it or not, there is a contest for the most annoying celebrity of the year. In 2013, the competition was fierce between Kanye West and Miley Cyrus, with Justin Bieber not far behind. Each of these personalities was noted by contest developers for their exceptional effort in setting themselves up as royalty and demanding the world’s worship.

So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.”

John 7:16

Jesus is the complete opposite. When the learned people of His time began to take notice and even marvel at His teaching, He did not strive for more notoriety and attention. Instead, Christ shunned the spotlight, saying, “If you like what I’m telling you, let me introduce you to my magnificent Father.”

Now, as it was then, the world doesn’t know what to do with Jesus or His kind of humility. He is a heavenly king, but not one busy setting Himself up: rather, He is laying himself down, filling in the gap for mankind. Today, pray for America’s leaders. Plead that they will move past the glory of their own small spotlight and seek the wisdom of a Holy God and His humble Son.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Miracle Watching

April 6, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Paraglider Ewa Wisnierska took flight several winters ago and was suddenly sucked into a storm. She was pushed to heights of 32,000 feet – the cruising altitude of a jumbo jet – which caused her to lose consciousness. After floating aimlessly for over an hour, Wisnierska’s glider, heavy with ice, began its decent. On the way down, she regained consciousness…and landed safely! Her survival was a miracle in the midst of a storm.

Those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:33

Today’s verse tells of another miracle/storm combination. Jesus sent His disciples by boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. After spending time alone in prayer, He walked across the water in a storm to meet them. Scared by both the storm and the figure walking on the waves, they called out to their Lord. Peter even asked to join Him on the water. Upon realizing Jesus had command of the winds and the seas, the witnesses in the boat worshipped Christ as the Son of God.

Sometimes miracles come as the result of a storm. When America experiences turbulence, call out to God and watch for the miraculous. Rely on Him, and then pray for your nation’s leaders to recognize the true Son of God.

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Miraculous Prayer

April 5, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

All of the Gospels share the story of Jesus instructing the disciples to feed a crowd of at least 5,000 people. Yet the disciples saw only five loaves of bread and two fish. Then the miracle of the multiplying of the loaves and fish took place: Christ prayed toward heaven, broke the food…and ultimately each of the apostles picked up a dozen basketfuls of leftover pieces. Amazing!

He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.

Luke 9:16

Obviously, the disciples focused on what they lacked, but Jesus saw what they had. The apostles focused on the problem rather than on God. However, this impossible situation was simply an opportunity for the Lord to reveal His character and for Jesus to give the disciples the privilege to help meet the needs of the people.

Luke 1:37 says, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Perhaps national events leave you feeling hopeless and helpless. However, your prayers can have a miraculous impact on many people. Faithfully intercede for receptive hearts among this country’s leaders. Be persistent and expectant. God will perform the miracles, but He can use you as a vessel!

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Open Invitation

April 4, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

In a limited vocabulary, Dr. Seuss dealt with serious issues such as environmentalism (The Lorax), anti-authoritarianism (Yertle the Turtle) and racial quality (The Sneetches). The Sneetches describe prejudice between the plain-bellied and the star-bellied. Sadly, prejudice did not die with the successes of the civil rights movement over 50 years ago. Throughout the United States and the world, racial and cultural groups remain pitted against each other.

The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

John 4:14

When Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for water, she was understandably surprised: Jews never spoke to Samaritans. He told her if she knew who He was, she’d ask for living water. And her sinful life did not prevent Him from speaking to her, either. When she perceived that He was a prophet, she asked Him where people should worship. He told her the Father was looking for genuine worshippers who worship in spirit and truth.

Do you have the same desire as the Father, to see all people come to repentance (II Peter 3:9)? Pray for Christians to lay down every prejudice so they can declare God’s love and salvation. Ask for all races and those in all types of sin to receive the living water found only in Jesus, and worship Him!

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Maximum Impact

April 3, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Presidents – and their advisors – are keenly aware of setting. When a big announcement is forthcoming, careful consideration is given to location and the need to leverage publicity. Take, for example, John F. Kennedy. When he accepted the democratic nomination for president in 1960, he gave his acceptance speech at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before 80,000 spectators. A big stage, a big audience, a big city…all calculated for maximum, nationwide impact.

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory.

John 2:11

Now consider the launch of Jesus’ earthly ministry. In the little nondescript town of Cana – archeologists today are uncertain where it even was – He performed his first miracle, and it involved the most frivolous of problems: a shortage of wine at a wedding. Not the greatest setting, it would seem…except that God may manifest His glory in the most unlikely of places, and often through the most unlikely of circumstances.

Are you waiting for some grand stage to share your testimony of God’s love? Don’t make that mistake. The time is right now, the place is right where you are. As you pray for America today, trust that He will use your humble commitment to deliver a maximum impact!

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Effective Workers

April 2, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Author Reuen Thomas wrote: “Every man on Earth is qualifying or disqualifying himself for other and higher work…every calling in life is intended by God to prepare a man for something higher than itself.” One of the great examples of this is Jesus’ bidding Andrew and Simon Peter to be His disciples. They were fishermen – not the most literate of men, but one’s whose character was not lacking.

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 4:19

Successful fishermen had to have skill and daring, patience to know when to wait and when to labor. They were hard workers able to endure privation and fatigue. Jesus knew what it took…to be fishers of men. And yet, to be effective, these fishermen spent three years with their Master – so they could hear His words and see His example.

Dear one, in the commonness of your everyday life, there is purpose. Spend time in God’s Word. If you have accepted Jesus as Savior, the Holy Spirit is in you. Trust Him for guidance so you can obey His directing – using your abilities to the best advantage – qualifying you for something higher. Then intercede for this nation’s leaders that they also may follow Jesus and be effective workers for Him.

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Jesus, the Lamb of God

April 1, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Doubtless distressed, Abraham chose to be obedient to the perplexing command of the Lord that he should sacrifice the son he loved, Isaac. When the young man asked where the sacrificial animal was, the King James Version says it best, “God will provide Himself a lamb.” (Genesis 22:8) The patriarch had hope that God would make some provision in the immediacy of the moment, and He did. But his prophecy, that God would provide Himself as sin’s atonement, only came as John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) God made flesh became the final sacrifice.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory.

John 1:14

In this season of introspection in preparation for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, take the time to reflect on the awful price sin demands. For Abraham, he thought he would lose his son; for God the Father, His Son – the provided Lamb – died to atone for the sins of the whole world.

Although mentioning sin is politically incorrect, pray for the men and women holding America’s governmental power to believe that they, too, were included in that final sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – A Greater Trust

March 31, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

Three-year-old Zoe was listening to her preschool teacher discuss transportation. When her teacher said that boats go on water but people can’t, Zoe raised her hand. “No!” Zoe exclaimed. “Jesus can walk on water!”

We have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people.

I Timothy 4:10

The book of Matthew describes Jesus’ water-walking miracle as an example of faith to His disciples. Yet when Peter started walking on the water toward the Lord, he began to sink. While Peter wasn’t as successful, he was willing to take a risk at Jesus’ invitation. Peter just forgot to keep his eyes of faith on the One who would never let him drown.

Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” What is God asking you to do that requires a greater trust in Him than you have ever demonstrated? Ask the Lord to give you the faith of a little child like Zoe as you remember His promise to never leave you. Pray also that America’s leaders would be willing to step out of the boat and make choices that honor God.

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Written by You

March 30, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

What’s your favorite song these days? Do you know who wrote it? It can be surprising the moment you realize a current chart topper was actually written a generation ago by a Broadway composer. For many songwriters, creating a new work has less to do with a catchy tune than it does with finding just the right words to express someone or something that seems too elusive for language.

Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!

Psalms 98:1

You try it: take a moment right now and identify two or three words that would exactly describe what God is doing in your life today. Say these words out loud, then close your eyes and offer the phrase back to the Lord as a testimony. You’ve just written a new song! Surprisingly, this kind of song has nothing to do with your singing ability…yet, to God, it is a wonderful melody.

People of faith, clear your throat, square your shoulders and share your song with America today. Tell anyone and everyone that you are witness to a magnificent God doing great things. Sing – sing YOUR song to all who will listen today.

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – The Big Reveal

March 29, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

A reality show where contestants compete to lose weight is so popular in the United States, 25 other countries decided to start versions of the show. Participants make dramatic lifestyle changes and lose large amounts of weight. At the final big reveal, final contestants show off their whole body makeovers with stylish clothes and hairstyles.

The new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Colossians 3:10

Today’s passage speaks of a similar makeover – one where you put away “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” (Colossian 3:8) Instead, you are encouraged to “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2) You are a new creation.

How easy it is to get mad and irritated just trying to get through traffic on the way to work. Then there are those people who rub you the wrong way. Before letting nasty words fly, stop and pray. Ask God to help you become more Christ-like in your thoughts, words and actions. Pray, too, for the others in your workplace as well as all who work in government offices, including our nation’s leaders. Ask God to have a “big reveal” in all of you.

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Bloom Where You’re Planted

March 28, 2014 broboinhawaii Leave a comment

A little girl playing in a garden noticed a beautiful flower planted in a rough soil patch. “A flower this pretty shouldn’t be in such messy dirt,” she thought. She pulled the flower up by its roots and washed it, but the flower wilted and died. The gardener, upset by what happened, asked her why. She replied she didn’t like the flower in the dirt, to which the gardener explained it needed to be in that “dirty” soil so it could grow into one of his finest flowers.

In whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

I Corinthians 7:24

In today’s verse, Paul was addressing the church at Corinth. Because Christianity seemed revolutionary at the time, some were ready to change or abandon their current situations. Paul reminded them to remain where God had placed them and to live for Jesus there.

Today, Christians are called to do the same. Happiness and success don’t depend on who you are in the world, but on who you are in Christ. Don’t imagine if you were in a different situation it would be easier to follow God. Instead, seek to exhibit your faith in your everyday calling. Pray, too, for America’s leaders who know Christ as Lord to remain firm in their faith in God.

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