Category Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Your Upkeeper

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Renters and owners treat homes differently. Renters have little concern for home maintenance except for getting that deposit back at the end of their rental period. Home owners soon find that they have plenty of responsibility and work to maintain their homes. That’s why many home maintenance companies’ businesses are booming.

Faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. Hebrews 3:2

Today’s scripture points out that Moses was faithful in maintaining God’s house…in this case, he was maintaining the Israelites as they were led out of Egypt to the Promised Land. And Jesus is “counted worthy of more glory” because He not only takes care of the house (His people), He is the builder of the house (Hebrews 3:3). So the good news for those who believe in Him is that He’s responsible for their upkeep.

There is a condition, though, and it’s to “hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.” (Hebrews 3:6) Set your heart and mind to trust God to be attentively and intimately concerned in His care for you. Stand firm in your obedience to Him, no matter how difficult your circumstances. Then pray for America’s leaders who are entrusted with the nation’s upkeep. Pray they will be wise and diligent in their offices.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 5:6-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Essential Elements

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The writer Rudyard Kipling was born to British nationals in India, but at the age of five his parents sent him back to England to board with another family, which was the custom of the day. It was a horrible home, and Kipling endured six years of constant mental and physical abuse. “I had never heard of Hell,” Kipling later wrote, “so I was introduced to it in all its terrors.”

To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace.   Colossians 1:2

It’s an unfortunate thing when grace and peace are absent from a child’s home, and it’s also sad when those attributes are missing from the Lord’s house. In his letter to the church at Colossae, Paul prayed that they might continually receive – and give – God’s grace and peace.

Is your home such a place? Is your church? Or are they places of conflict and condemnation? As you lift up America’s leaders today, recognize that many of the problems government tries to solve are prevalent in society because Christian homes and churches have failed to embody the essential elements of God’s mercy and love. Pray that it will never be the case in your own home or house of worship.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:11-16, 25-32

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Emergency Service Provider

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Have you ever called someone by accident – or “pocket dialed?” Most calls are just a nuisance or embarrassing, but some can be a big deal. According to a recent report from CBS, about 20 percent of wireless calls to 9-1-1 are unintentional. Regardless, when a call comes in, 9-1-1 operators have to stay on the line until the call drops, then call back to see if there is a real emergency.

Those with him are called and chosen and faithful.   Revelation 17:14

The book of Mark in the Bible tells an interesting story about a blind man sitting beside the road calling out and begging for alms. As the man understands Jesus is close by, he calls out even louder. Many around him try to silence him, but eventually the Lord hears the man and asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” In faith, the man receives his sight and his life is dramatically and forever changed.

As a believer in Christ, you have been chosen to answer the calls of a world in distress. Answer that ring with faithful prayer for your neighbors, for your city, and specifically – by name – for those leading your government. You are part of America’s emergency service provider network. Pick up the line and respond.

Recommended Reading: Mark 10:46-52

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Fall in Love

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Sheri shared her faith with strangers, went on mission trips, attended church and directed children’s choir. Even though Sheri knew God had forgiven her sins, she felt as if a grey cloud of guilt constantly hung over her head. The harder Sheri tried to be perfect, the more miserable she became. She didn’t want God to be disappointed in her. Gradually, Sheri learned to love Jesus freely and accept His unconditional love instead of adhering to a list of do’s and don’ts.

I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice.  Hosea 6:6

Religious rituals are helpful only if they are done with an attitude of love and obedience to the Lord. Scripture often notes that sacrifices to God are incomplete and even offensive without a changed heart that loves and knows the Lord. More than anything, God wants your heart.

 

Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37) He created you to find your greatest joy and fulfillment in loving Him. So thank God for His unconditional love today. Allow yourself to spend time falling in love with Him. Then pray the nation’s leaders will experience His love in a closer way as well.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 13:4-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Not Like Any Other

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On Sesame Street, children play a comparing game where a number of items are placed in front of them and they’re told “one of these things is not like the others.”

Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son.  Hebrews 3:6

The book of Hebrews invites you to compare the patriarchs, prophets and others to Jesus, reminding you often that the Son of God is “greater,” or “more,” or “above” the others. In Chapter 3, you consider Moses. Yes, Moses was faithful, but he was never elevated above being a servant of God who was shepherding the people of God.

Jesus, by contrast, isn’t just a caretaker of the Father’s house – He’s the builder. And as the builder of that spiritual household, He is faithful over it. Nothing will come upon His house without going through Him first: no storm; no trouble; no destruction.

As you acknowledge the faithfulness of Christ in your life today, thank Him that He is not like any other. Bring before Him the desires of your heart for the household of faith to expand, and to include even those in authority over you. And for those who are a part of that house, ask Him to do any “repairs” necessary for Him to present all therein to the Father one day soon.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 3:1-14

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Eternal Reward

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On October 28, 1949, missionary Jim Elliot penned in his journal, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” On January 8, 1956, Elliot gave his life to bring Christ to the Waodani people in the jungles of Ecuador. He was faithful until the very end.

Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.  Revelation 2:10

But Jim understood the importance of eternal life and how his earthly home was temporary. Today’s key verse reminds believers to remain true to God. The author, John, describes trying times very similar to events happening today: tribulation, poverty, slander, prison…yet he reminds you to stand strong during adversity, for your reward is “the crown of life.”

You may not be a missionary in South America, but you are a messenger of the gospel wherever you live. Christians are facing more persecution than ever right here in America. Remember, God has already written the end of the story, and He wins. Ask God to strengthen your faith and the faith of all believers as biblical morality is continually placed on the stand in this nation’s courts. Pray, too, for wisdom of both judge and juror.

Recommended Reading: I Timothy 6:11-19

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Second Chances

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Recently, The Moment, a reality show about receiving a second chance, aired with Kurt Warner as the host. Warner, given a second chance at a professional football career, famously went from bagging groceries to Super Bowl MVP in just 18 months. He subsequently led three teams to the National Football League’s ultimate game, proving a second chance sometimes not only positively influences the individual, but others as well.

Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.   Colossians 4:9

Today’s scripture refers to Onesimus, a runaway slave. Onesimus met Paul and was converted to Christianity. Paul sent him back to his master, Philemon, asking for him to be taken back not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. Paul asked for Onesimus to be given a second chance. Philemon agreed. Onesimus later became a bishop at the church in Ephesus and was the first to begin collecting and organizing the books of the New Testament.

Consider the outcome if Onesimus hadn’t been given a second chance. Does someone in your life deserve a “re-do”? Wiping the slate clean and letting them start over not only impacts the person, but could positively influence the future for others as well. Pray, too, for God to give many of the nation’s leaders a second chance to know and serve Him.

Recommended Reading: Philemon 8-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Divine Dependability

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When European settlers came to North America, they didn’t come to an unsettled land. Millions of indigenous people were already there. Many of the newcomers treated these people fairly. Many did not. Many of the native people reached out in friendship. Many did not. But as the government of the United States became stronger, promises were broken to the native people. God is not like that. He never breaks a promise. He’s always good, right and holy. He’s the same yesterday, today and forever.

A merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God. Hebrews 2:17

Jesus came to Earth to reconcile all people to God (Revelation 5:9, Romans 14:11). God the Father’s desire is to be in loving fellowship with His creation. That’s why He sent His Son and then sent His Holy Spirit (John 3:16, Luke 11:13). The promise is to all people who believe. “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

Unlike humans, God never breaks promises. Come to the merciful and faithful high priest, receive His help and forgiveness, and pray for the leaders of this nation to treat all people with fairness and justice.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 13:1-8

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Vision of Victory

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An American nurse, a captive of the Japanese in the Philippines during World War II, spoke of her anticipation as the U.S. Army came to her rescue. “We watched, waited, prayed, and listened with trembling excitement…we suddenly heard the rumble of heavy tanks outside the camp. It was followed by wild cheering and shouting coming from thousands of throats!”

A white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True. Revelation 19:11

In modern times, an approaching tank is often the first evidence of impending liberation or conquest. In ancient times, it was signified by a king or general riding into a city atop a white horse. Yet when John wrote the book of Revelation, he was hardly in a victorious position. He was, in fact, a prisoner. But the apostle had a clear vision of the ultimate and certain triumph to come through Jesus Christ.

Today, don’t focus on your difficulties. Instead, watch, wait and pray for the day when Christ will conquer sin and death, once and for all. As you do, your hope and faith will draw others in your neighborhood and your nation to the Savior who is forever faithful and true for you…and your victory over whatever you’re facing.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 6:11-20 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Give It Up!

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Faith, mercy, grace…it’s a gift – all of it! Don’t nonchalantly dismiss this, saying that you know this already. Stop and consider that very few things in this world deserve the description of “awesome,” but these three things do.

This is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.  I Peter 5:12

Even more, God is the one person who graciously provides them. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) Why faith alone? It may be because faith is the one attitude of the heart that is the exact opposite of depending on self. Faith requires that you give up – determine that you can do nothing on your own to stand righteous before God.

Your sins deserve severe punishment, especially when held next to the purity and holiness of the Lord. Mercy saves you. On top of that, He gives you grace – transforming life now into a personal relationship with Him and giving the promise of an exciting life in the hereafter.

Receive it all as His gift. In difficult and unsettling times such as what this nation is experiencing, remember God’s love and faithfulness. He will keep you. Stand firm!

Recommended Reading: II Thessalonians 3:1-5, 13-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – His Unforgettable Love

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Dr. Robertson McQuilkin, who served as one of Columbia International University’s longest-serving presidents, received the 2010 Lifetime Service Award from the nation’s largest evangelical mission organizations. Dr. McQuilkin was also a missionary in Japan for more than a decade and is a recognized authority on biblical ethics and world evangelization as well as the author of seven books.

Loving the Lord your God, walking in all his ways, and holding fast to him.  Deuteronomy 11:22

However, Dr. McQuilkin is most noted for his commitment to his late wife, Muriel, who passed away in 2003. When Muriel showed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. McQuilkin resigned his distinguished position at the university to be her full-time caregiver. McQuilkin’s act of devotion, which he said stems from the promise to care for her until death, is captured in his book, A Promise Kept: The Story of an Unforgettable Love.

Examples of such sacrificial love seem rare today since relationships are often seen as conditional. Yet God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) His faithfulness is not dependent on your response. Thank God each day for His unconditional love. Commit to let your words and your actions reflect that to others. Pray also that the nation’s leaders will embrace God’s unforgettable love in their lives.

Recommended Reading: II Timothy 2:3-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Best Practices

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One of the hottest and fastest growing industries today is “service” businesses, especially those providing assistance to the aging or elderly. From grocery shopping to dog walking, private health aides to lawn service, home beauty treatments to personal readers; every necessity or convenience is for hire these days. Experts agree the key for success for these or any business is one thing … how well the customer is treated.

Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. Colossians 1:7

Today’s verse mentions one of the Bible’s many servants, recognizing his efforts…and showing the importance of service. In Scripture, there are at least 38 verses dedicated to exactly how we are to treat “one another.” They are like a “best practices” plan in managing relationships for the follower of Christ. At first glance, they seem to be reminders for simple things: love one another, encourage one another, build each other up, forgive one another. While simple in concept, many prove to be challenging in practice.

As America’s population ages, many people find themselves in need of assistance. How are you doing in loving and supporting those in your family, your circle of friends, and your neighborhood? Remember, God’s love is never seems clearer than in how you treat others.

Recommended Reading: I John 4:7-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Personal Harvest

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Once, a farmer planted fruit trees along his property. Bordering his farm on one side was a land field; on the other, a mountain stream. The trees grew and began to bear fruit. The farmer went to the trees near the land field, and gathered some of the harvest. He bit into the first piece, and found the fruit bitter and inedible. He then picked from the trees by the mountain stream. This fruit was sweet and delicious. The fruit was affected by the nutrition of the root.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.   Galatians 5:22

Today’s verse reveals to you that a life rooted in the Spirit will be given the proper nutrition and will bear love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness. However, a life rooted in self is like being planted by a garbage dump. It produces bitterness, anger, envy, strife, immorality and impurity. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit (Luke 6:43).

Are you rooted in the Spirit or in self? Others will know you by your personal harvest. As you pray today, ask God to properly nourish you – and for the country to return to its spiritual roots.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:12-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Hope Remains

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Reconciliation. The very word is like a breath of fresh air. Once friends, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams became bitter enemies. After about a decade, their friend Dr. Benjamin Rush helped them reconcile. After enjoying a rekindled friendship for 15 years, Adams and Jefferson died on the same day, in their respective homes, on the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

They shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.  Zechariah 8:8

Zechariah 8 is about reconciliation between God and the Jewish people. After a time of leaving the Israelites to fend for themselves because of their obstinacy toward Him, God promised to return to them in faithfulness and righteousness. In the same way, sin separates people from God today, but He provides reconciliation in His Son (Romans 5:10).

This nation, as a whole, is guilty of many offenses against God. But as Israel had and has hope in the Lord, so does the United States. This Independence Day, pray for God to open the eyes of the nation’s leaders to receive the gift of reconciliation in Christ and that He’d continue extending mercy and favor to the USA.

Recommended Reading: Romans 5:1-11  

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Check Your Alignment

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Companies selling automobile tires love to boast about the mileage you can get out of their products – something they call “tread life warranties.” But warranties can be voided if customers fail to recognize they have responsibilities, too. If your car is out of alignment, for example, tires will wear unevenly and the guarantee will not apply. Warranty agreements caution that the tire manufacturer will not cover “irregular wear due to mechanical condition of the vehicle.”

He who blesses himself in the land shall bless himself by the God of truth. Isaiah 65:16

At first glance, today’s scripture reference looks like a guarantee of an unlimited blessings bonanza: anything you desire, God will provide. But the surrounding passages specify an obligation on your part, too. You must first be “in alignment” with God’s purpose for you…understanding and doing His will.

Before asking God for His blessings today, check the condition of your heart. And as you pray for your nation’s leaders, ask the Lord to help each of them to recognize and remember that America’s greatness is God-given, made possible only because many of our Founders and other Godly leaders through the years have been aligned with the truth of God’s Word.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 3:1-12 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Intimidated or Assured

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Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen, now serves an eight-year, veritable death sentence in Tehran’s brutal Evin prison because of his faith; he turned from Islam to Christianity. He visited family in Iran numerous times, but his witness finally caused the government to imprison him. Appeals for his release have gone unanswered.

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. II Thessalonians 3:3

Pastor Saeed testified of his faith…a testimony based on actual, historical events concerning Jesus’ death and resurrection. After Christ’s ascension into heaven, His disciples met to choose a replacement for Judas; they wanted someone who had been with them the whole time that Jesus was among them so his testimony would be true. Each disciple endured torture and each – except John – met death because of his witness for Christ. In his later years, John was punished with exile to the island of Patmos.

The scene may change, but the attitudes and actions of those who do not believe, leaders and citizens alike, do not. What is your testimony to them? Do not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Do not be intimidated. Be assured. God will carry you through every situation. Pray for His leading.

Recommended Reading: 1 Peter 4:7-19

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Trustworthy?

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How would you describe someone who is faithful? In a marriage, he would keep his vows; in the military, he would execute his duties; in business, he would be ethical in all transactions; and in U.S. politics, he would keep the trust of the American people. Look around. The ones who qualify are few.

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. II Thessalonians 3:3

Faithfulness is but one of the magnificent attributes of God. He keeps His covenants, does what He says He will do, is true to His principles, and is, in every circumstance, trustworthy. That’s why you can know with unwavering certainty that He will make you secure as well as protect your life against Satan’s attempts to destroy you.

Today, as you extend your gratitude to the Lord for His watchfulness over you, pray for the marriages in trouble due to broken vows, and the men and women struggling to do what is right in the Armed Forces. Intercede for people in business, whether Wall Street large or Main Street small. And lastly, in these days of percolating scandals crossing politics in America, ask that God will teach the nation’s leaders to be fully trustworthy, and that they would be receptive to His guiding.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 91:1-11

 

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Cleared For You

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In biblical times, if royalty passed through a village, people were instructed to clear the path for them, removing stones in the road so the way was level. Dear one, do you realize how God has treated you royally and made your way easier?

The path of the righteous is level; you make level the way of the righteous. Isaiah 26:7

God – the righteous God – demands that you do right. In the Old Testament, the law provided a guide for the Jews, but obeying it did not gain them access to Heaven. It was faith that prompted the Lord to say of Abraham that “he counted it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6) Abraham’s godly life pleased the Lord, but it was his faith that covered his sin.

The apostle Paul explains that God sent Jesus to take on your sins so that you might take on His righteousness and stand clean before the Father (2 Corinthians 5:21). The Lord cleared the way for you. Believing allows Jesus to reside within you so the Holy Spirit can prompt you to do right.

Oh, the power of faith…a gift from God that levels the path and makes life easier! Intercede for this nation that it might know the joy of “the way of the righteous.”

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 5:11-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Climbing the Mountain

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On May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgan reached the highest point on Earth, the summit of Mt. Everest. Mountain climbing is no easy feat. It requires knowledge, strength, endurance, sacrifice and good decision making skills. It’s helpful to have a guide…as one wrong step can cause you to plummet to your death.

The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. Proverbs 15:24

On June 16, 1861, Charles Spurgeon delivered a sermon entitled “Climbing the Mountain” in which he likened the spiritual life to that of climbing. He pointed out God as the guide that not only leads the way, but carries you when you are weary and helps you choose which paths to take. The wise do not just let life happen; they choose to climb upwards towards God and life.

Do you hope to one day reach the summit of Heaven? If so, how do you make decisions each day? Do you follow your feelings or what the culture dictates? Or do you use God’s Word as your guide? Ask the Lord to help you make wise decisions daily that lead upward to life. Pray, too, for the country’s leaders and citizens to choose the higher path that leads to righteousness.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 24:1-10

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Enduring Prayers

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In today’s society, we tenaciously avoid waiting. The Bible mentions primarily three types of waiting. The first is the evil man waiting on his unsuspecting victim. He greatly desires what his victim has, whether it’s treasure, supplies or power, so he waits for the right time to snatch it. The second is a servant waiting on his master. Everything on the servant’s agenda is set aside; his only concern is what concerns his master. The third type is waiting on God.

Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land. Psalm 37:34

You can learn from the other two types of waiting. Do you want God and what He has for you enough to stop everything and wait? Do you wait on the Lord as a servant waits on his master, putting His will first? The Bible also says to wait patiently. Patience is the ability to endure trials with a good attitude while waiting for God’s blessings – not demanding your own way, and knowing His blessings are worth it.

Are you seeking your Heavenly Father for your life and country, patiently trusting He hears you and will answer? Set your heart to wait on the Lord. He will reward your enduring prayers in due time.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 40:27-31