Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W . – Have a Blessed Day

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Recent news reports have surfaced of employees being fired due to complaints from customers for wishing them a “blessed” day. A Chicago security officer was informed to stop telling patrons to “have a beautiful, blessed day” or he would be let go. A bank teller in Kentucky was fired and a Walmart greeter in Georgia was told by supervisors he could no longer use the phrase or he’d be terminated.

Esau said to his father, “Have you but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also.

Genesis 27:38

“Blessing” someone is asking God to care for and protect them. In biblical times, it was customary and a high honor for fathers to bless their sons, and losing a blessing was like being cursed. In the verses surrounding today’s scripture, Isaac was tricked into giving Esau’s blessing to his brother. When Esau discovered what happened, he wept and begged to still receive a blessing from his father.

Know that blessings from your Heavenly Father can’t be taken away. God hears your requests and no one can stop Him from blessing you. Pray today that instead of complaining about blessings, America’s citizens would beg for them…for themselves and for the country.

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-12

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Grand Prize

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Last month, a California man purchased a winning lottery ticket worth one million dollars. Only one problem – he lost the ticket and couldn’t claim the money. Sometimes blessings only need to be claimed. While this man missed out on a million, the blessings that await through Christ are priceless.

Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer.

Genesis 25:21

Your Heavenly Father wants you to bring your desires to Him. “Ask, and it will be given to you.” (Matthew 7:7) He listens when you pray. He heard Isaac’s prayer for a child and granted His request. “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11)

If President Obama invited you to the White House and wanted you to share your desires for this nation, wouldn’t you go? God is the Creator of all things. He is the King of all Kings. He invites you daily to enter His throne room and present your requests. Will you accept this grand prize of an invitation? Pray for your national leaders to accept that same invite from the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Mark 11:20-25

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Nature

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Since Ian Fleming’s death in 1964, seven other authors have written novels authorized to feature his fictional British Secret Service agent James Bond. How is it possible to faithfully represent a character born out of another person’s imagination? Regardless of the situation, the character must be consistent. For example, James Bond would never wear a bad fitting suit, whether in mortal combat or sitting at the roulette table. It’s not in his nature.

Please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master.

Genesis 24:12

Today’s verse is a prayer by the servant of Abraham. Concerned for his son Isaac to have a proper wife, Abraham sent a trusted servant out to choose a girl with particular qualities. As you can tell by the servant’s prayer, he was intent on keeping his master’s confidence by carrying out his will.

As you go on your way today, remember who you represent and make sure your actions and words are consistent with His character. Pray, too, for America’s leaders to faithfully fulfill their charter. God will hear your prayers, answering in mercy – because that is in His nature.

Recommended Reading: II Peter 1:2-8

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Miracle of Birth

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“Did you ever see a cowboy film,” the novelist Marian Keyes was once asked by a friend, “where someone has been caught by the Indians and tied between two wild stallions, each pulling in opposite directions?” “Yes,” Marian said, nodding. “That’s a bit what giving birth is like.”

Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children?

Genesis 21:7

For all its pain, there is nothing as miraculous, incredible and hopeful as birth. America was very nearly destroyed by the Civil War, but Abraham Lincoln restored the nation’s spirits for the future when he spoke of a “new birth of freedom” in his Gettysburg Address. In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ concept of being “born again” left Nicodemus in wonderment. “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother‘s womb and be born?” Nicodemus asked the Savior. Abraham’s wife Sarah, far beyond her childbearing years, thought the idea that she would give birth was laughable and ludicrous…until God made it happen.

It’s not too late – for you, for America or for those you love who seem beyond hope. New birth will be possible, even inevitable, when God hears your faithful prayers!

Recommended Reading: John 3:1-16

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Outcry

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“If God doesn’t judge America, He would have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.” This quote is most commonly attributed to Ruth or Billy Graham. Some people argue the logic of it, saying God need not apologize to anyone. The statement is not to be taken literally, but to point out how sinful America has become.

For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great.

Genesis 19:13

Today’s verse shows that God heard the outcry of the victims of Sodom and Gomorrah’s evil and injustice. God is just and will not let the wicked go unpunished. Aborted babies, beheaded Christians, and all of those who have been treated unfairly will see justice one day. In Revelation 6:10, those who were martyred for His name cry out, “How long!” If you have been wronged or have hurt someone, forgive and receive forgiveness, but know that everyone will give an account to God in Heaven of what they have done here on Earth.

Pray for the people of the United States to turn to God, stand for righteousness, and renounce evil. Intercede, too, for the nation’s leaders to intervene on behalf of all those who suffer injustice.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 5:1-10

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – The world turned upside down

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“These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.” Acts 17:6

Suggested Further Reading: Matthew 5:1-12

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” The merciful are not much respected in this world—at least if they are imprudently merciful; the man who forgives too much, or who is too generous, is not considered to be wise. But Christ declares that he who has been merciful—merciful to supply the wants of the poor, merciful to forgive his enemies and to pass by offences, shall obtain mercy. Here, again, is the world turned upside down. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” The world says, “Blessed is the man who indulges in a carefree life.” If you ask the common run of mankind who is the happy man, they will tell you, “The happy man is he who has abundance of money, and spends it freely, and is freed from restraint—who leads a merry dance of life, who drinks deep of the cup of intoxication—who revels riotously, who, like the wild horse of the prairie, is not restrained by reason, but who dashes across the broad plains of sin, unharnessed, unguided, unrestrained.” This is the man whom the world calls happy: the proud man, the mighty man, the Nimrod, the man who can do just as he wishes, and who spurns to keep the narrow way of holiness. Now, the Scripture says, not so, for “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God”

“Blest is the man who shuns the place Where sinners love to meet;
Who fears to tread their wicked ways, And hates the scoffer’s seat….”

The man who cannot touch one thing because that would be lascivious, nor another because that would spoil his communion with his Master; a man who cannot frequent this place of amusement, because he could not pray there, and cannot go to another, because he could not hope to have his Master’s sanction upon an hour so spent—that man is blessed!

For meditation: The world was turned upside down through men who had been turned upside down (Mark 9:34,35; 10:42-44). Do we need to know a lot more of that in our churches and individual lives?

Sermon no. 193
9 May (1858)

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – All Who Win Souls Are Wise

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“Godly men are growing a tree that bears life-giving fruit, and all who win souls are wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

I have never led anyone to Christ, and I never shall.

However, I have had the privilege of praying with thousands of people who have received Christ as a result of my witness.

When a person receives Christ, it is the work of the Holy Spirit. That is why I cannot boast over much fruit or be discouraged over little fruit.

The responsibility for fruit belongs to the Holy Spirit who works in and through the believer, producing fruit and changing the lives of those who respond favorably to our witness.

The power of our Lord Jesus Christ is available to all who trust and obey Him. We need to “understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him.”

The Lord Jesus commissioned the disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, with the promise that He would always be with them.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 11:24-31

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Today I will consciously draw upon the supernatural resources of the Holy Spirit to obey God’s commands for holy living and fruitful witnessing.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Pray, Listen, Repeat

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Conversation is an interaction of two people who talk, listen and respond. In today’s technology-driven world, some might say face-to-face exchange is a lost art. Statistics show many prefer texting over an actual phone call. Despite current trends, God prefers one-on-one time with His children.

As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful.

Genesis 17:20

In today’s passage, Abraham and God discuss His covenant. While God promised to create many nations through Isaac, Abraham asked about his son Ishmael – and the Lord listened and responded. Have you taken your concerns for this nation’s future to your Heavenly Father? It’s time America made a move back to real conversation with the Lord through prayer.

Take some time today to talk, listen and respond to God. Remember, He often speaks through His Word. If you struggle with daily prayer time, tell God about it. Ask Him to strengthen your prayer life as well as that of your nation’s leaders. Pray specifically for the 2016 presidential hopefuls to have a daily encounter with God through prayer.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 4:4-9

Streams in the Desert

Streams in the Desert for Kids – All Alone

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Genesis 32:24

Some kids love to be alone. They like to go into their rooms and read or think or play music. Other kids can’t stand to be alone. The more company they have the better.

Being one way or another is not better or worse. We all have preferences. It is interesting, however, to think about some of the great characters of the Bible and their miracles. Many of their great miracles happened when they were alone. Jacob in the Scripture above was alone when he met an angel who wrestled with him. Moses was by himself when he saw the burning bush. Peter was alone on a housetop when he had a vision giving him instruction about what he was to do next. Jesus often went off alone by himself to pray and think.

Maybe these people knew something we need to know, especially if you are one of those who likes lots of activity and company all the time. There is so much noise in our world coming into us that it can be very hard to hear God’s voice telling us what to do. Once in a while we need to shut off the iPod, close down the computer, turn off the TV and the cell phone, and just listen to see if God might want to say something to us. You might be surprised at what he says to you.

Dear Lord, Sometimes I use all the noise in my life to keep me from talking to you and listening to see if you have something to say to me. Help me to listen for your voice. Amen.

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Best Laid Plans

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Hudson Taylor, a British evangelical missionary to China, spent 51 years there, beginning 125 schools and converting some 18,000 souls. A praying man, he had definite convictions about how God’s work should be done and was resolute in his plan.

But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless?”

Genesis 15:2

Sarai and Abram faced a dilemma. God had promised a great family legacy, but they were childless. Yet even after voicing their concerns to the Lord, they decided not to wait on Him, taking matters into their own hands. Sarai’s handmaiden, Hagar, bore Abram a son – but he was not the son of promise. Rather, he became the patriarch of another world religion: Islam. Their best laid plans bring tears and fears to many today.

Waiting on the Lord requires just that – waiting! He knew the plans He had for Abram and Sarai, but they weren’t willing to keep trusting. If you are tempted to rush God for answers, or to move ahead of Him with plans of your own, you do so at great risk. Pray for the Lord to hear your cries for patience, and ask Him to reveal His desires to you. Then pray that members of America’s governing class will seek to know God’s plan for the nation.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 130:1-8

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Ring King

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After doctors operated on three-month-old Chris Van Heerden’s kidney, he was forbidden from contact sports. However, his dad, a boxer, prayed and believed God would heal his son. But at 18, Van Heerden failed the physical fitness test to obtain a boxing license. Then the doctor diagnosed diabetes. The heartbreak drove Van Heerden to his knees in prayer for the time in his life. “I made a promise to God that I would tell people about this and that I would give the glory to God if He would heal me.”

Blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!

Genesis 14:20

Three days later, the doctor’s test came back negative. Van Heerden soon got his professional boxing license. Now he is winning titles and keeping his promise to God. “I’m never afraid when I go into the ring,” he says. “If I touch one person’s life, then I’ll be happy. That’s my dream.”

The name God Most High first appears in the Bible in Genesis 14. It signifies God’s kingship and absolute power over all earthly authorities. The same God Most High who heard Van Heerden’s prayers hears yours. Thank Him that He is king over your situations as well as the leaders of this nation.

Recommended Reading: II Timothy 1:7-14

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Greatest Benefit

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The coveted Nobel Prize is awarded each year to deserving recipients in physics, chemistry, peace, physiology or medicine, and literature. Alfred Nobel, in his will, specified the prizes are for those who have shown the “greatest benefit on mankind.” It honors those whose work blesses others.

I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you…so that you will be a blessing.

Genesis 12:2

Years before Nobel, God bestowed the greatest honor on Abraham by making a covenant with him. Abraham continually praised the Lord, and his Heavenly Father was listening. He awarded Abraham’s faith by promising to make a great nation through his descendants. Today’s passage shows how God made Abraham’s name great, so he would bless others. He will do the same with you.

God hears the praises from your lips and your heart. He listens to and sees His people. While you may not receive a Nobel Prize, your obedience will be noticed. “The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness.” (I Samuel 26:23) Pray for Christian leaders in America to be a blessing to others, and share the good news of Christ with everyone – for Jesus is truly the greatest benefit to mankind.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Tyrant Training

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In the Bible, Nimrod is first to be singled out as a “mighty man.” He is also called “the great hunter.” However, he was not the “let’s bag a deer for dinner” kind of hunter you may imagine. His name literally translates his character: “we shall rebel.” Nimrod is one of the first great tyrants in recorded history. Ironically, the phrase “before the Lord” is also used when describing Nimrod, but not because he submitted himself to God; rather, he was bold and defiant in the face of the Lord. Eastern legend names Nimrod as the builder of the Tower of Babel, an act of extreme arrogance designed to take him into the very presence of God in Heaven, presumably to take over.

Cush fathered Nimrod; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man.

Genesis 10:8

Many people today set up their lives as little kingdoms, with power to make their own rules and dish out their own versions of justice. The news is saturated with stories of just how far some people will go to gain dominance over others.

Today, pray for men and women in America’s leadership to humbly submit themselves to God and seek His direction rather than their own rule. He will hear those prayers, blessing His people…and America.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 8:13-21

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R.- Flood Warnings

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If you have watched presidential debates in recent years, you’ve undoubtedly noticed an inevitable trend in which one candidate – and it’s usually the incumbent president or candidate who is leading in the polls – loses the first debate due to overconfidence. Alarmed and battered by the media, the candidate then bounces back in the next debate with a stronger performance. Veteran politicians and even occupants of the White House learn the hard way that there is no substitute for preparation.

For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights.

Genesis 7:4

The biblical flood did not arrive like a tsunami. God gave everyone plenty of warning that it was on the way – 120 years to be exact and, near the end, a final seven day alert. Noah was prepared…and good thing he didn’t wait until the last minute to build the ark because there would be no second chances. Genesis 6:22 says that long before the flood, Noah “did all that God commanded him.”

Don’t allow your life to become an endless cycle of extinguishing one crisis after another. Today is the day to pray, plan and – yes – prepare for America’s future…and for the purposes He has for you!

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 24:27-34

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Mercy Plea

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God is not a stone idol. He sees, hears and speaks. He looks upon the good and the bad done on Earth. Like He saw the evil in Noah’s time, He sees the wickedness in present times as well. Jesus said His return will happen in days similar to those of Noah (Matthew 24:37).

The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth.

Genesis 6:5

Everyone sins and falls short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), so He provided the gift of righteousness in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-6). Those who put their trust in Jesus are forgiven, cleansed, and have the hope of eternal life (Acts 10:43, I John 1:9, John 3:16). Yet everyone’s actions will be judged; though their works may perish, their souls will live.

The word “sin” is rarely used now because so much of what the Bible describes as sin has become acceptable and even encouraged. Pray for God to have mercy on this nation and to cause a great spiritual revival among this country’s citizens and leaders. Then thank God for your salvation and set your heart to do the good works He has called you to do (Ephesians 2:10).

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 3:10-17

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Hiding

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Badly behaving microorganisms, like bacteria and viruses, are everywhere: they actually thrive and multiply in hiding. Darkness is their favorite place to prepare for making you sick and miserable.

They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden…and the man and his wife hid themselves.

Genesis 3:8

In the Bible, Genesis tells a related story. God delighted in knowing His most magnificent work – a couple of human beings. One day, when seeking them out for friendship and enjoyment, He found them running away from His voice – trying to hide in the shadow of trees. The Creator knew they had betrayed His trust. Now being infected with sin and fear, they no longer moved towards Him; instead, they sought out darkness where their condition was more comfortable.

Today, do you want a healthy and flourishing America? Start by examining yourself. Is there a dark place where sin is eating away your life? God still offers forgiveness and healing to those willing to step out of hiding. Pray for civic leaders across America to seek the Creator for their own restoration and health. God will hear prayers of confession and apply His mercy, brightening the future for His children and for America.

 

Recommended Reading: Psalm 32:3-7

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Loneliness Cure

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Mother Theresa said, “Loneliness is the leprosy of modern society. And no one wants anybody to know they’re a leper.” God understands loneliness. He created Heaven and Earth, beasts, birds, and fish, and said everything was good. Then He made man, looked at him and said, “It is not good that man should be alone.”

It is not good that the man should be alone.

Genesis 2:18

While yours may not be the loneliness of an Adam waiting for an Eve, you may still feel the emptiness caused by the lack of close communion with others. Jesus, in His commandment, offered a solution: “Love one another.” To do that requires you to extend yourself, a difficult thing for a lonely person to do. But someone has to be first! Be sympathetic, tender, and zealous to do good for others. If you are among those blessed with many friends, you can still lovingly befriend someone you know who may be lonely.

God, who created people to need one another, hears the cries of even the ones who are lonely in a crowd. Pray about the scourge of loneliness in America, even as you pray for the nation’s leaders who often find it is lonely at the top.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 3:8-16

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Sonlight

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A scientific website says, “The sun is as bright as four trillion 100-watt light bulbs.” But the sun has nothing on the Son of God. How beautiful that eternal city will be, with the glory of God lighting up the place!

The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light.

Revelation 21:23

Revelation 21 describes wonderful things about the New Jerusalem: made of pure gold with walls of precious jewels, no night, nothing unclean. But the most marvelous thing of all is the very presence of God. “He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

No one likes to think of the fate of the unsaved (Revelation 21:8), but they need prayer. Intercede for all those who have yet to yield to Jesus as Lord – the true light of this world and the one to come.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 5:1-11

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – He Waits

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A company may celebrate its grand opening by giving prizes to its first 100 customers or awarding the one millionth customer many gifts. Have you ever thought what will happen when that last person on Earth accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior? At that very moment, Christ will come for His church. “And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

II Thessalonians 3:5

An awful period of tribulation will follow…one in which you would hope that those you love would not be a part. The apostle Paul makes it clear that those who do not believe will be deceived even more “because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” (II Thessalonians 2:10)

Examine your own heart. Have your really trusted in Christ and been born again through faith in Him? If not, now is the time. Secondly, feel the urgency to tell people about Christ and His love. Intercede for this nation. God is still waiting for lost people to come to Him.

Recommended Reading: II Thessalonians 2:1-4, 9-17

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Encouraging Words

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For a bit of humor, some churches post I Corinthians 15:51 on a nursery wall, “Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” The true meaning of this verse should also bring a smile to your face.

Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again…God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

I Thessalonians 4:14

To the Thessalonians, Paul described how those who have died first will be the first ones to rise when Christ returns. Then those remaining will be caught up to be with them forever with the Lord. Paul tells them to “encourage one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4:18)

Two thousand years later, the promise is still true. Back then Christians thought Jesus would return in their day. Today, signs show that His coming is imminent. Believers alive now don’t know if they will be one of the first risers or be among the remaining. Either way, they can be encouraged they will see their saved loved ones in Christ again and be with them for eternity in Heaven. Pray for all who have not prepared themselves that they will soon receive the risen Christ as their Savior – and have the hope of His encouraging words.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 24:3-14