Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Loving Tones

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The passages preceding today’s verse in Psalm 19 speak of the law of the Lord as being perfect and sure, right and pure. Obedience of His commands was required of His people. Their response to His precepts either gave them a great reward or unwanted discipline.

By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 19:11

It was all about a relationship…God sought to guide by speaking through His Word, and His people responded. Some today resist authority and seek to do what they want, but Old Testament believers understood that the Lord’s call to obedience was His invitation to blessing. It was not a cold, impersonal demand; it was His loving invitation to experience His best for them.

God wants the same for you. Know Him. Hear both the warnings and the promises…in the warmest and most loving of tones. If you truly love and trust Him, obedience will affirm that you have confidence that He is living and able.

Read Scripture each day. Make it a priority. Let it be your warning lest you fall into sin and temptation. And let it be your blessing of peace. Then intercede for the leaders of this nation that they would not rebel against God’s Word, but instead be guided by it.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 3:8-17  Click to Read or Listen

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Street Corner Sacrifice

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G. Gordon Liddy orchestrated the Watergate break-in that eventually toppled the presidency of Richard Nixon, and he served time for burglary and conspiracy. He wouldn’t make a good role model, but for all his faults, there is no questioning Liddy’s loyalty, misguided though it was. As the Watergate scandal was unfolding, Liddy famously told a Nixon aide: “I was the captain of the ship when she hit the reef and I’m prepared to go down with it. If someone wants to shoot me, just tell me what corner to stand on and I’ll be there!”

Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:10

Are you willing to do what is pleasing to the Lord…however difficult it may be? The only way to experience the full measure of God’s blessing is to offer everything – even to the point of saying “tell me what corner to stand on and I’ll be there!” He may not call you to such a sacrifice, but when you submit to His will completely, you will understand what Jesus meant when He said “whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)

As you pray today for America’s leaders, ask God to help them make sacrifice, not self-importance, the hallmark of their service.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 10:34-39

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Mighty Motivator

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In Latin, the word “sola” means “alone” or “only.” During the Protestant Reformation, five solas outlined the fundamental beliefs of the Reformers: Sola scripture (by Scripture alone), sola fide (by faith alone), sola gratia (by grace alone), solo Christo (through Christ alone) and soli Deo Gloria (glory to God alone). But some are confused when it comes to faith alone…pointing to Scriptures that say faith without works is dead.

Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works.

Titus 3:14

Dear friends, works do not provide salvation. Rather, they are evidence of saving faith. When faith is real, its source…Jesus…is the mighty motivator for every good work. Because He loves you so, it is impossible not to share it. How? With works and sharing His truth and love. Paul’s entire letter to Titus is about Christian behavior. He’s not suggesting that the Cretan Christians “fake it ‘til they make it” with works, but that their devotion to the Lord swell out of them in the form of actions that benefit others.

In a nation that needs more random acts of kindness, pray for yourself and others to be more like Christ in doing good for others. Intercede for the powerful in government to obtain that same mindset through their own personal faith.

Recommended Reading: Titus 3:1-11  Click to Read or Listen

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Start With Gusto!

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What if you were as enthusiastic about something, anything, as Julia Child was about French cooking? Fifty years after she wrote her first cookbook, the world still feels the impact. While many disagree with how Julia used her influence, it’s indisputable that her unbridled passion for the art of cooking captured a global audience.

His delight is in the law of the Lord.

Psalm 1:2

The Bible talks about delighting in the law of the Lord. This might seem to be an unlikely pairing: delight and law. What the writer of Psalms is alluding to is the very thing Julia possessed – enthusiasm. She didn’t try to be cool and ironic. No…she was so thrilled to tell you how to cook, she’d inadvertently sling a raw chicken leg across the cabinet in excitement.

How passionate are you about God’s Word and the work He is doing today? Do you still believe His law is love and His passion is peace for all who believe in Him? Start this year off with gusto. Don’t get lost in the lies of unbelief. Delight yourself in the law of the Lord, and put His passion into practice. Then pray for more of your nation’s leaders to discover God and become enthusiastic about Him!

Recommended Reading: Psalm 84:1-7  Click to Read or Listen

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Time Management

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Each year in November, a new stall shows up in the mall selling calendars and daily planners. Flocks of people purchase them in hopes of getting organized for the New Year. Others use a more technical version in the form of a smartphone app. Paper and digital users alike fill the cells with dates and deadlines, grocery lists and meetings in an attempt to make the best use of their minutes and hours.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.

Acts 2:42

How do you organize your time each day? How many hours are spent at a job, cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, eating and personal grooming? Now consider how much time is given to God. This includes reading the Bible, prayer, and service or ministry work. The author of today’s verse speaks of Christians who did not just pencil in a little time to listen and learn about the Lord – they devoted themselves to it.

If someone looked at your calendar today, where would it show you’ve invested your time? Ask God to help you become a better time manager. Then pray for your nation’s leaders to have a desire to devote their time, and hearts, to the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Luke 12:35-48  Click to Read or Listen

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – View of God

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Karl Marx, born in 1818, was educated in German universities and became editor of a Cologne newspaper. Marx denied the existence of God, believing that the individual is the highest form of being. He believed people make themselves successful by their own efforts and that society, composed of the common man, should rule and overthrow the reigning government by force. He and Fredrich Engels collaborated on their philosophical ideals that eventually formed the basis for communism. As a result, millions of people have been slaughtered in many countries.

Learn by us not to go beyond what is written.

I Corinthians 4:6

Everything in your life – your attitudes, motives, desires, actions and words – is influenced by your view of God. Nothing has greater priority than knowing your Heavenly Father accurately and recognizing that all physical and spiritual riches are from Him. Having this view of God eliminates the sin of pride, which can lead to corruption and great human tragedy.

Spend time each day this year learning more about the attributes of God. As you read the Bible, ask Him to reveal something about His character to you. Remember also to pray that your government leaders would humbly recognize their own frailty and personally seek to know God and His Word.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 33:13-22

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Listening Obedience

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In I Samuel 15, King Saul looked dedicated and pious, offering up sacrifices to the Lord – but his downfall was assured because of his disobedience. The prophet Samuel told him “to obey is better than sacrifice.” (I Samuel 15:22) In the next chapter, when Samuel anointed David as king, the prophet pointed out how “man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7)

If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

Proverbs 28:9

Today’s verse in The Message soberly reads, “God has no use for the prayers of the people who won’t listen to him.” If you expect the Lord to hear you, you must hear Him. Prayer is talking to God, but it’s a two-way conversation. You must also listen to Him by reading and obeying His Word. And with the greatest commandment being to love God and love others, examine your love life to ensure your prayers don’t bounce back from the ceiling.

Think about the practical ways you can hear and obey the Lord, and put them into practice. Then with confidence, and in the name of Jesus, pray often for the nation’s leaders, troops and citizens.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 5:13-26

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Precious Word

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What can wealth do for you that the Bible can do better? Wealth can indeed open doors for you to meet people; it may give you happiness in a fine home, clothes, or a good education. But it can never give you the benefits of God’s Word, which allows companionship with Him – as His child, a path to a crown of glory that will never fade away, and true wisdom to live a godly life.

The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Psalm 119:72

Secondly, what can Scripture do that money cannot? Money can lead you astray, but it will never bring you back to the right path. It may buy your way out of a sticky situation, but it will never wipe away a tear or give you comfort. Only Scripture can give you peace and contentment.

Lastly, what will abundant riches do that the Word of God will not? Wealth can cause anxiety, new demands, heart strain or mental exhaustion. But the Word of God comforts and soothes, invigorates and upholds.

Ask the Lord to show the people of this nation and its leaders that the content of the Word is precious. Then pray that your love for Scripture will in some measure be proportionate to its excellence.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 119:65-74

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – The Extra Mile

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Here is a little phrase you’ve probably heard many times: “It’s not my job.” If that’s part of your vocabulary, it shouldn’t be. It will make your work meaningless and destroy your testimony. That doesn’t mean you can’t set boundaries, nor does it suggest you should recklessly take on tasks you’re ill-equipped to manage. But the nation is filled with people today who have decided they are going to do the bare minimum, and sometimes even less.

Those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.

Titus 3:8

If others are going to see Christ in you, you must devote yourself to good works, going beyond your job description, surpassing expectations, and seizing every opportunity. Abraham went the extra mile to help three strangers. The Good Samaritan crossed the road. And Jesus died on the cross. Any one of them could have said “It’s not my job,” but they didn’t…thank God they didn’t.

Today, pray for a positive, helpful attitude, and ask God to help America’s leaders set aside pride, pettiness and partisanship to devote themselves to good works.

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 5:12-24

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Automatic Response

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Last year in Muskegon, MI, a Navy SEAL veteran spoke to a group of 10-15 year old boys on how important it is to be disciplined, hard working and faithful in an elite military group. Anyone who has spent time in the Armed Forces understands discipline. A valued soldier has trained repeatedly in the same activities so ultimately his or her responses are instinctual and automatic. Survival depends on it.

I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.

Psalm 40:8

When you are in the center of God’s will, your subconscious desire is consistent with His Word. Your response, even under stressful situations, is automatic because you have immersed yourself in Scripture…memorizing, meditating, practicing. You are disciplined.

As with a soldier, that discipline is acquired over time. As the SEAL reminded the children, a goal without a plan is only a wish, and discipline demands consistency. If you have yet to establish a regular time of Bible study or prayer, start today. Intercede, too, for the spiritual discipline of those in government – and for those leaders who don’t yet know God’s amazing grace to find it personally in 2014.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 40:1-11

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Striving for Excellence

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Author Richard Carlson’s Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff is considered one of the fastest selling books of all time. Published in 135 countries and translated into 35 languages, it made publishing history as USA Today’s bestselling book for two years and spent 101 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. The book’s focus is on being happy and reducing stress by not worrying about the small things in life, but some have misinterpreted its title to mean being careless about the details.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

Colossians 3:23

Today’s verse encourages you to do everything, even the smallest actions, to the best of your ability. You honor to God and bring Him glory by striving for excellence and faithfulness.

As you approach your daily routine, from taking care of your family to sweeping the floor, do all with enthusiasm and diligence, not by grumbling or being reluctant. Nothing you do is unimportant when you do it to serve Him. As you ask the Lord to help you do everything heartily and with gladness, pray also for the nation’s leaders to be the best they can be and to serve the nation’s citizens in a way that honors God.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:5-11

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – No Fees

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It’s a new year! People are scrambling to get organized. Stores which once boasted gadgets are now selling boxes to pack them away, which people use as they rent storage units to make room for all their new gifts. Of the some 58,000 storage units worldwide, 46,000 are located in the United States. Americans together store 2.35 billion square feet of stuff. What’s so important that your desire to keep it is greater than the monthly fee to store it? There’s even a TV show where people purchase full units whose owners have fallen behind on their rent.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

David, the author of today’s verse, also thought storage was important. But David wasn’t storing antique chairs and baseball cards; he was storing God’s Word in his heart. He knew it was vital to walk spiritually with the Lord. Memorization of God’s truth allowed him to live a more righteous and holy life.

What are you storing and why? “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth.” (Matthew 6:19) Spend time reading God’s Word and ask Him to help you, your nation’s leaders, and the country as a whole to shift focus from material to spiritual. Invest in the eternal. There’s no monthly fee.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 6:19-33

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Positive Adjustments

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In their book Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby and Claude King write, “God wants you to have no hindrances to a love relationship with Him in your life. Once God has spoken to you through His Word, how you respond is crucial. You must adjust your life to the truth.”

Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James 1:22

As you look ahead at 2014, is what you watch, read and speak a hindrance or an enhancement to your relationship with the Lord? It is important to read and know God’s Word, but it is much more important to take righteous action and do what it says. Jesus says to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33)

Spend time reading the Bible each day and ask God what adjustments you need to make in your daily life. As you make these positive changes, ask others who love you to provide prayer and accountability. The rewards for you and others will be a blessing! Pray also that the nation’s leaders will seek God’s truth and righteousness this year and make godly changes in their lives.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 7:21-29

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – The Nitty-Gritty

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“Where the rubber meets the road” is a phrase that means the most important point, the moment of truth, the nitty-gritty. The Word of God takes you to that place. Like the idiom that describes the point of contact between the tire and the pavement, the Bible reveals that point of contact where human nature meets God’s holiness and grace.

For the word of God is living and active…discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16) Jesus is that point of contact for believers. In His teachings you’ll find “where the rubber meets the road.” He explains that eternity trumps the temporal. Faith and grace wins out over the letter of the law. Mercy shines over judgment.

As you contemplate your life and this year’s goals, meditate in the Word…specifically the words of Jesus. Then pray that your country’s leaders and your fellow citizens will understand John 3:16 and how it presents the nitty-gritty for their lives.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 2:1-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Courageous Changes

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The human body truly is a magnificent creation. Consider the stomach – a muscular, hollow organ that stores, mixes and digests the food you eat, and protects you from infectious organisms. There’s also the heart what pumps oxygen-rich blood into every living cell in the body. It beats approximately 80,000 to 100,000 times a day, pumping almost 2,000 gallons of blood, for a lifetime.

What comes out of a person is what defiles him.

Mark 7:20

But these amazing physical characteristics can be overshadowed by the heart’s moral qualities, for it can pump out evil thoughts and words at an alarming rate. That is what defiles you, corrupting your life. The opposite, a right relationship with the Lord, is a matter of inward affection and attitude resulting in true worship of and obedience to Creator God. Exalting Scripture and holding its principles as truth will strengthen your faith…giving you confidence and direction to do God’s will.

The New Year can be a time of great opportunity for self-examination in order to make courageous changes. Take time to do that. Then intercede for this country’s people, and for your president and other leaders, that they would do the same and apply it to governing the nation.

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 3:11-4:7, 11-12

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Navigational Nightmare

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“Please proceed to the highlighted route.” If you have a GPS navigation system, you’re certainly familiar with this message, which is delivered in a voice that sounds both authoritative and sure. Donna Cooper followed that direction, just as you probably would. Outside of her air-conditioned car, the temperature in California’s Death Valley was 125 degrees. Three days later, a rescue helicopter finally found Cooper and her passengers…thirsty but alive. The GPS unit, as it turned out, led them down roads that no longer existed. Others were not so fortunate; it’s called Death Valley for a reason.

Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth.

James 1:18

Who will you rely upon for navigation in 2014? “There is a way that seems right to a man,” says Proverbs 14:12, “but its end is the way to death.” The way of the world often seems logical and compelling, but only the “word of truth” found in the Scriptures provides reliable guidance.

America, Christians would agree, has chosen the wrong routes, leading to a dead end of debt, crime and immorality. But God can turn the direction of a nation “wherever He will.” (Proverbs 21:1) Today, pray that President Obama and your leaders in Washington D.C. will submit to His leading.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 21:1-8

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Pursue Holiness

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In a December interview, Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren was asked about tolerance and the equality of all human beings. “How can you espouse genuine equality if you don’t allow gay people the same right to get married as straight people?” the journalist asked.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

Romans 12:2

Their discussion was polite and animated. When pressed on supporting same-sex marriage, Warren firmly concluded the argument saying, “I cannot see that happening in my life. I fear the disapproval of God more than I fear your disapproval or the disapproval of society.” His intent – to not let the world squeeze him into its mold.

As Christians in America face more and more pressure to conform to the culture’s standards, it should be the goal for all to resist fitting in, favoring instead an aspiration to Godly living. Thankfully, in Romans 12, a formula for victorious Christian living is provided. Being transformed is an act of your will and it involves work. Living holy in an unholy world demands time with the Lord and time in His Word.

Among your family, friends, neighbors and national leaders, pray for those who struggle in their faith…and that those who have taken a firm stand will remain strong.

Recommended Reading: Romans 11:33-12:3

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – What Matters

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When you were young, you were taught that the world is made up of small particles of matter called atoms. That leads to another question: what are atoms made of? Answering that query still drives the scientific community today. Based on science, everything in the world is made of atoms; atoms are made of electrons and nuclei; nuclei are made of protons and neutrons; and protons and neutrons are made up of quarks and gluons.

Give as alms those things that are within.

Luke 11:41

Similarly, the Bible teaches that for those desiring to please God, what you’re made of matters…and it comes from inside the heart; a heart made of faith. Faith, in turn, is made from choosing to believe in things that cannot be seen. Not things like quarks and gluons, but things like God’s consuming love for all mankind and the graceful sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ for you personally.

What’s in your heart today? Do you have a heart made of unbelief and fear, or do your offer up faith in conviction that God is good and at work carrying out His plans? Ultimately, what’s inside is all you have to offer back to God, your family and America. Trust Him for your loved ones, your future, and for the nation!

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 11:1-10

 

 

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Fair Play

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Imagine an invincible sword – one never to be beaten. Sound like a fantasy-based video game? It’s actually from the annals of history. At the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Boris Onischenko held just such a sword. After registering unbelievable hits in each of his fencing matches, an opponent called foul play. Onischenko was fencing with a tampered sword wired with an electronic device to register a hit…even when he hadn’t touched his opponent! He was expelled from the games and stripped of his medals.

The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17

The apostle Paul shares in today’s verse about a similar sword, one that will win in any spiritual battle – only this one is fair play. The Word of God is just such a weapon…and while hiding it in your heart will help you live an upright life (Psalm 119:11), God’s Word can actually be used defensively in the ultimate battle: Jesus used the sword of the spirit in His temptation with the devil, saying, “It is written…” then quoted scripture.

You’ve been given a formidable weapon. Ask God to give both you and the Christians in political office wisdom as you use His Word to arm for battle.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 4:1-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – The World’s Priests

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Today’s verse says you “ought always to pray.” The word for “ought” appears no less than 100 times in the New Testament. To the Greeks, it meant a forced compulsion defined by the situation. But Jesus’ explanation revealed that the directive has a much greater implication.

He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Luke 18:1

It is God’s will that you pray…it is a loving, creative, purposeful will. Its intentions for you promise only hope and a bright future. It is in prayer and in the study of His Word that you are privileged to know Him and His will more.

Charles Spurgeon believed that the Lord’s people are the world’s priests. As such, you can be an intercessor for the needs of those in your midst…the weak who fall into sin or who despair in difficult circumstances, the strong who may grow presumptuous, the sick and the poor. In a world full of idols, wickedness, and people deprived of salvation, the opportunity to pray is constant

Make knowing the Lord your priority in 2014. Study His Word. Intercede for President Obama and the nation’s leaders…that they may know God’s will and do it. Diligently pray and do not lose heart.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 116:1-6, 12-14