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Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; – J.R. Surprising Revelation

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Panicked customers of a German bank began flooding the switchboard as soon as they heard the news. Sometime during a weekend in January 2013, there had been a break-in that seemed straight out of a Hollywood movie. Safety deposit boxes had been raided, and some $15 million in cash, gems and other valuables were gone. Police discovered the job had been pulled by professionals who bored a 100-foot tunnel from a nearby parking garage using pneumatic drills with sophisticated silencers. The bank’s clients thought their treasures were safe, but they were dead wrong.

For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

I Thessalonians 5:2

This is much like the imagery Scripture uses to illustrate the sudden return of the Lord. Even many Christians have been lulled into complacency about the last days. But just as God’s hand has been on America, He will also orchestrate world events to bring about His purposes. No one knows the day or the hour, but all can be certain that it is one day closer today than it was yesterday.

As you pray for America and its leaders today, ask God to help you use your time wisely to bring others into readiness for His return.

Recommended Reading: Luke 17:26-35

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M.- Wonder of Prayer

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Eighty years ago, some businessmen gathered at W. Frank Graham’s dairy farm for a prayer meeting. They had met several times at different locations around Charlotte, North Carolina to pray for revival in their city, across their state and to the ends of the Earth. That particular day, one man suggested they pray that God would raise up someone from Charlotte to spread the gospel to the world.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.

I Timothy 2:1

At that moment, 15-year-old Billy Graham was in the barn doing his chores. None of the men who prayed were thinking of young Billy, who had not yet even given his heart to Jesus Christ. Of course, God answered that prayer in an unimaginable way. Graham later said, “A mystery and wonder of prayer is that God often waits until someone asks.”

Commit to boldly pray for those in your city and this nation to discover a relationship with the Lord this year. Then ask God for a fresh anointing of His Spirit upon all Christian leaders in America. Your prayers will make a powerful difference!

Recommended Reading: Mark 11:15-24

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Are You a Culture Warrior?

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“Over the last two decades there has been waged an all-out assault on common sense and on the common values of the American people. We now stand at a crossroads.” So said William Bennett, former U.S. Secretary of Education. Few would disagree. In fact, it seems that in addition to common sense and common values, the very Christian heritage of the nation is under fire in what has been called a culture war.

Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored!

Lamentations 5:21

While you call upon God to restore America – and you should – evaluate your own self and what are you doing to build His kingdom. Hearts are only changed from the inside. Are you a living, breathing Gospel that draws others to the Savior? Does the joy of the Lord radiate from your life? Or are you only showing anger, disgust, maybe even defeat?

Pray earnestly for national restoration of faith in Almighty God. William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, said, “If we aren’t governed by God, we will be ruled by tyrants.” Remember, therefore, to intercede for the leaders of America’s government to submit their wills to the will of the Lord. Then be joyful. Jesus said He has overcome the world!

Recommended Reading: Lamentations 5:16-22

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Divine Dining

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Hymn writer Charles B. Widmeyer penned the words, “He who fed the multitude / turned the water into wine / to the hungry calleth now / come and dine.” What marks a special occasion better than eating together? Feasting connotes celebration, thanksgiving and fellowship.

If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:20

Jesus illustrated spiritual teachings with food. “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35) Before Christ died, He ate the Passover meal with His disciples and instituted the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:14-23). To the woman at the well, Jesus said, “Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.” (John 4:14)

God desires intimate communion with His people. “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one.” (John 17:23) “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8). As you thank God for your food today, remember to invite Him in to fellowship with you and your family. Then pray that each citizen of the United States will come to know the friendship with God that He desires.

Recommended Reading: John 15:12-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Chosen for a New Start

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Can you guess what Julius Caesar, Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Cyrus the Great and Eleanor Roosevelt have in common? They were all leaders raised by someone other than their parents. They rose to fame and changed the lives of others despite difficult beginnings.

The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight…so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Esther 2:17

Esther, a young orphaned Jewish woman, was raised by her cousin Mordecai. They were in captivity in Persia when King Xerxes removed Vashti as queen. The king sought to find a new wife and had all the young women brought before him. Esther won his favor. She was chosen for a new beginning – and it changed the lives of all of her people as she stopped a plot to kill them.

Has your beginning in life been less than ideal? God may be orchestrating events to lead you to a new start. Remember, you are chosen by the King of Kings. Pray today for Him to show you how to make a difference as Esther did. Pray also for the nation’s leaders to aim for a new start that honors God and changes the lives of America’s citizens.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 113:1-9

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M.- Climb Higher

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John Dahlem’s goal is to continually reach new heights! At 67 years of age, John was the second-oldest American to summit Mount Everest. He’s also the oldest to complete the Explorers Grand Slam, which is climbing the seven summits – the tallest mountains on each continent – plus pulling a sled to the North and South Poles. So what did John do to celebrate his seventieth birthday? He and his wife returned to Nepal to trek to Everest Base Camp!

Seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:1

I Corinthians 9:23 says, “I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” After God captured Paul’s life and heart, the apostle always looked upward toward heavenly goals. Paul’s perspective on life was to become more like Jesus Christ and bring as many people as he could to Heaven.

Whatever mountains you may face this year, strive to put heavenly priorities into daily practice. Spend quality time with God. Look for opportunities to share His love with others through your actions and your words. Pray also that America’s leaders would focus on the eternal rather than the temporal in their personal and public decisions.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 3:12-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Let It Go

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Anger presents many physical dangers to the body. Research shows it can lead to heart disease, damage to the liver and kidneys, as well as cause depression. The World Health Organization reported over 300,000 murders are committed each year worldwide. Between 3 and 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence yearly – all results of anger.

And the Lord said, “Do you do well to be angry?”

Jonah 4:4

In today’s passage, God has a conversation with Jonah about his anger and essentially asks, “Do you really have a right to be angry?” Jonah felt the people of Nineveh didn’t have the right to the Lord’s grace. Jonah didn’t understand that the mercy of the Almighty Father cannot be earned. God’s people “are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)

Are you harboring resentment towards a family member, friend or co-worker? Start anew this year by learning to let go. “But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15) Ask God to help you release old hurts. Pray, too, for your national leaders to release hard feelings from the past and move forward to a better tomorrow.

Recommended Reading: Jonah 4:1-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Stirred-Up Soldier

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Would you call this person an American hero? When the Revolutionary War began, he was not drafted, so he volunteered to fight and refused pay. He was wounded in battle at Brandywine but quickly recovered and joined General George Washington at Valley Forge where he suffered with other troops tormented by starvation, disease, exposure and malnutrition. Then he continued on to win many more battles. This man was praised by Founding Father Samuel Adams, who said that “in foregoing the pleasures of enjoyment of domestic life and exposing himself to the hardship and dangers of war, he fought in the glorious cause of freedom.”

The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia.

Ezra 1:1

But you would not call this person an American hero…because he was not an American. Marquis de Lafayette was a Frenchman who loved America.

Cyrus King of Persia was not a Jew, but God “stirred up” his spirit to help the Jews. An unlikely advocate for a forgotten and defeated people, Cyrus brought the Jews out of exile so that they could return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Be thankful that God raises leaders up to help others – be they individuals or nations – in need. Perhaps He is “stirring” you to go beyond the call of duty today!

Recommended Reading: Acts 20:17-24

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – The Promise Keeper

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At this time of the New Year, you may see your resolutions evaporating like fog on a sunny day. Eat right, exercise more, get up earlier…each one is fading fast. Don’t be surprised: there is only One who can keep promises without fail. He can help you do better at your goals, but you’ll never be perfect this side of Heaven.

And you have kept your promise, for you are righteous.

Nehemiah 9:8

All earthly goals pale in comparison to eternity. Concerning God’s promise of a new Heaven and Earth, Peter says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness.” (II Peter 3:9) Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to be busy about the Lord’s work until Christ returns, adding that “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (I Thessalonians 5:24) Paul’s priority was to preach, “In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.” (Titus 1:2)

Despite human sin, failure and inadequacy, Jesus is your hope. In 2015, make it your goal to store treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:20). Renew your attitude and your thinking. Then pray for this nation to turn to the only true Promise Keeper.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:1-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Walk with Care

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For every minute of every day since July 2, 1937, select military have guarded the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. But they aren’t standing still. The follow a precise pattern: 21 steps across the tomb, turn and face the tomb for 21 seconds, then turn again and walk 21 steps back across. This is repeated over and over, ever the same. The numeral 21 represents America’s highest honor.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.

Ephesians 4:1

In the same way those who perform that duty know their steps, Christians have been given precise steps to follow in a life worthy of their calling. The Bible says you are to walk a different way – following Christ – with steps of humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, compassion and love. No matter your circumstances, good, bad or beyond your control, and no matter how blurred the path into the future, Jesus calls you to order each step.

Walking in a way that honors the Lord is a daily commitment. Pray for wisdom to know which steps to take. Then intercede for those with authority in government to take their first step to knowing Christ, and then follow Him.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:25-5:2

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Never Ending

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The average attention span in the year 2000, according to a recent study, was 12 seconds. In 2013, it was eight seconds. In comparison, the average attention span of a goldfish is nine seconds. Twenty-five percent of teenagers forget major details of close friends and family members.

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act.

Daniel 9:19

Thankfully, the Lord’s level of attentiveness is never ending, and nothing goes without God’s notice. “Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Luke 12:7) In today’s passage, Daniel asks God to hear, forgive, pay attention to, and act on behalf of His people. He recognized the sin of the nation of Israel and interceded to beg for God’s mercy.

Be aware of your own sin, as well as that of Americans. Then adopt Daniel’s earnest plea as your own this New Year. Ask God to hear when you pray. Confess your sins and request His pardon. Then invite your Heavenly Father to notice and act on behalf of America. Plead for Him to raise up godly citizens as well as a God-fearing leadership who will pay full attention to Him.

Recommended Reading: Luke 11:5-13

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Waiting For a New Start

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When God calls you to a new beginning, it doesn’t always happen right away. Abraham waited 25 years for the birth of Isaac. Joseph waited over 20 years to become a leader and see his brothers after being sold into slavery. Moses waited 40 years before rescuing the children of Israel. The Israelites waited 40 years before they entered the Promised Land.

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David.

I Samuel 16:13

In the verses leading up to today’s scripture, God instructed Samuel to go the house of Jesse and anoint one of his sons as the new king of Israel. David, Jesse’s youngest son, was a shepherd boy, yet he was the one God chose. Samuel anointed Him, but David did not immediately become king. He had to wait patiently for 13 more years before he was given his new beginning.

Do you feel God’s anointing for a new purpose – but think it’s not happening fast enough? Know God’s timing is perfect. As you pray today, ask for the Holy Spirit to come powerfully on you, and other Christian Americans, as you wait for a renewed direction and new start.

Recommended Reading: James 5:7-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Draw Near

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In the Greek language, the noun “logos,” translated “Word,” most often refers to either oral or written communication. The primary use of logos is to denote divine revelation in some form or another. In the Gospel of John, Word is a title for Jesus as the communicator and the ultimate revelation of God the Father.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1

During Old Testament days, the high priest went before God each year to plead for the forgiveness of the nation’s sins. However, Hebrews 7:25 says, “He [Jesus] is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” Christ has paid the price for your sin and is now the only needed advocate between you and God.

No matter what happened in 2014, thank Jesus that He has paid for your sin once and for all. This year, commit to drawing closer to God through worship and reading His Word. Consistently present your needs to Him through prayer – and as you do, also ask that the nation’s leaders who don’t know the Lord will discover a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Recommended Reading: James 4:8-17

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Recipe for Prosperity

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The Adams and Bush families are the only ones in the history of this nation to have both father and son serve as president. John Adams was the United States’ second president and his son, John Quincy Adams, the sixth. George Bush was the forty-first person to hold the highest office and his son, George W. Bush, the forty-third.

Keep the charge of the Lord your God…that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.

I Kings 2:3

Of the many powerful father-son duos in history, none are as recognizable as David and Solomon. King David was one of the greatest kings in Israel’s history and his son the wisest. As David prepared to die, he gave his son advice. Today’s passage shares his guidance to prosper – follow God always, without turning from His commands.

As you begin the New Year, reflect on David’s counsel. Walk with God and keep His statutes. This guidance for the new king is also good advice for a new year. Ask God to give you wisdom as you prepare and set goals for 2015. Pray, too, for Him to grant knowledge and understanding to your nation’s leaders.

Recommended Reading: I Kings 2:1-12

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Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Partnership Perils

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In the business world, a partnership is the most difficult form of organization to maintain successfully. If you are a sole proprietor, you call all the shots – success or failure is up to you. In a corporation, shareholders and a board of directors help shoulder the responsibilities and expenses. But in a partnership, you can be held fully liable for the acts or omissions of any other partner. If your partner incurs a debt, commits fraud, overpromises or under delivers, you will be equally responsible.

And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other.

Acts 15:39

The partnership of Paul and Barnabas didn’t work out. As recorded in Acts 15, they had a disagreement and went their separate ways. It’s impossible to tell from the Bible who was at fault, if anyone; but the end result was that there were two missionary journeys undertaken instead of one. Perhaps that’s what God intended.

There may be some relationships that need to be severed – graciously and biblically – in order for you to do the work that God has called you to do. It’s also possible God is preparing the way for new friends to come alongside you in your 2015 faith journey. As you pray today, ask Him to partner you with the right people.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 18:15-21

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Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Beyond Beautiful

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One day, a farmer found a brier bush on his property. The brier was wilting and on the verge of dying. The farmer also had a lush rose garden. He dug up the brier and planted it among the flowers. Then he cut a slit in the brier’s branch and grafted a rose into it. In the spring, the brier, now healthy, bloomed with colorful roses. The brier once considered worthless was given a new beginning and grew into something beautiful.

You, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root.

Romans 11:17

This is what Jesus does in the lives of people who accept Him as Savior and Lord. He makes them a new creation and gives them a new beginning. Paul used a parable in today’s verse to explain how this happens. God, the master gardener, grafts you into Him, nourishing you and growing your life into something beyond beautiful.

Are you feeling useless or without purpose? God has a plan for you. As you pray today, ask Him to revive you with renewed life. Pray also for the nation’s citizens and leaders to be rooted in Christ and return to Him for strength and direction.

Recommended Reading: John 15:1-11

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Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Running on Empty

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The time of Ruth’s story, the period of the judges, was marked by idolatry, disobedience and wars. It centers on two destitute widows with choices to make. Even though Ruth was in her home country of Moab, because of her love and duty for Naomi, she determined to go with her to her country – Judah – and her hometown – Bethlehem.

For where you go I will go.

Ruth 1:16

Even though the totality of today’s verse is often used in wedding ceremonies, this classic commitment is made by Ruth to her mother-in-law. Not knowing where the path with Naomi would lead her, Naomi’s place and her people became Ruth’s, and the generosity and ultimate love of one of Naomi’s relatives turned their lives around. Ruth also said, “Your God will be my God.” This was the most important part of her commitment to Naomi. Ruth abandoned the idol worship prevalent in Moab to follow the one true God.

Today, many in America who are marked by idolatry, disobedience and wars are running on empty spiritually. You see it in the news; you hear of it from the halls of government. As you make your own commitments this New Year, remember to intercede for the men and women who serve America and their families to find and follow God alone.

Recommended Reading: Ruth 1:8-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Pondering Probability

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Renowned psychic Sidney Friedman claims 72 percent of his predictions materialize. One of his most controversial for 2014 was that Texas would turn “blue” – in other words, Texans would begin voting predominately Democrat. It didn’t happen…though Friedman doesn’t really count that one against his record due to its improbability.

But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.

Luke 1:29

When Mary, a young Jewish woman, found herself in the presence of one proclaiming a miraculous message from God forecasting unimaginable events, she held herself back. She did not rashly announce to the world that she would be Mother to the Messiah. Mary carefully considered the implications of the message. Likely, she understood Deuteronomy 18: the words of God’s true prophets will be fulfilled every time with no error.

Looking forward to this New Year, be wise like Mary. As many profess to see an inevitable future path for America, pray today that faithful and diligent citizens will become skilled listeners. Test every new thing you hear in the coming year against God’s written Word. He will never, not even once, send a message to you or anyone else that contradicts the Bible.

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-22

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Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Adventurous Journey

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Hymnist Thoro Harris wrote, “All that thrills my soul is Jesus / He is more than life to me.” Today’s verse shows believers in Christ are new creatures. People might be more inclined to receive the Savior if they encountered renewed, excited individuals of faith rather than sour, surly folks who seem to have more burdens than joy.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

II Corinthians 5:17

Can the Christian life be an adventure? Paul compares it to a loving marriage (Ephesians 5:31-32), running and winning a race (I Corinthians 9:24), and as “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17) Jesus describes it as a friendship (John 15:15), joyful (John 15:11) and abundant (John 10:10). John depicts the new life as being adopted into God’s family (I John 3:1).

Is your Christian life ho-hum or an exciting adventure? This New Year, ask the Father how you can make changes to live as that new creature in Christ. Seek God and believe He will reward you (Hebrews 11:6). Then pray for believers in this nation to shine the light in such a way that unbelievers will want to join you in the journey.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 2:12-18

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Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Fresh Immersion

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The Jordan River stretches 70 miles between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, and it is Israel’s eastern border. Many significant events in history took place there. It was by the Jordan River that the Israelites renewed their covenant with God before entering the Promised Land. It’s also where John the Baptist called them to renew their covenant with the Lord again through baptism.

They were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Matthew 3:6

The word “baptize” means “to dip” or “to immerse.” The Jews of John’s time used baptism to signify one’s change of heart toward God. This bold move implied that Jews did not belong to God only by virtue of their descent from Abraham, but through a transformed life.

As you spend time in prayer and reading God’s Word, ask Him to give you a fresh immersion from the Holy Spirit. Praise your Heavenly Father that He has made you a new creation through Jesus Christ – where old thing are gone, and all things are new. Intercede also for this nation’s senators and representatives to experience a flowing river of God’s love and grace in their hearts this year, and for more American Christians to take up the call to pray for their leaders.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 2:6-14