Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – Anthems of Praise

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One of the most recognized women of the Old Testament, Deborah was known for her wisdom and courage as a military leader. More important, she was a spiritual leader and a prayer warrior who trusted in God alone.

Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes; to the Lord I will sing; I will make melody to the Lord, the God of Israel.

Judges 5:3

Deborah recruited the general Barak when she knew that God wanted the armies of Israel to attack the Canaanites. Even though God promised their victory, Barak succumbed to fear and insisted that Deborah go with him to the battle. Faced with 900 chariots of iron, Deborah’s army of 10,000 Israelites rushed down from the hills and, with the help of a brave wife, the army of Sisera was destroyed. After their victory, Deborah and Barak led the people in a national anthem of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord who saved them.

Some of this nation’s patriotic anthems, such as God Bless America and My Country ‘Tis of Thee, are national songs of praise to the Lord. The next time current events cause you to fear, sing one of those anthems as a prayer to your Heavenly Father. Pray also that people across the nation would publicly proclaim praises to God.

Recommended Reading: Judges 5:1-5; 24-31

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Contract Cons

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Contracts aren’t what they used to be – especially in college and professional sports. If a coach, for example, has a successful season, he will often demand that his contract be renegotiated for higher pay. On the other hand, a losing coach may find himself promptly fired even with years remaining on his agreement. These kinds of shenanigans leave most Americans with a low view of contracts.

Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.

Genesis 15:1

It’s important to understand that God’s contract – His covenant with Abraham – was infinitely more substantial than the frivolous agreements prevalent today. God promised Abraham He would make a great nation through his son Isaac. And then, in a spectacular test of faith, God told Abraham to put Isaac on the altar and sacrifice him. Why was Abraham willing to do this without fear? Because he knew God’s covenant was so absolutely unbreakable, that even if he had been ordered to follow through with the sacrifice, God would obviously raise his son from the dead.

Do you have that kind of trust in God and His Word? As you pray for America today, ask for greater faith in Him, that your life may be a fearless testimony to His truth.

Recommended Reading: Genesis 22:1-13

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Armed with Promises

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There are thousands of promises in the Bible. One Southern Gospel song says, “You can’t stand on promises if you don’t know what they are.” Do you know what God promises you as a believer in Christ?

And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today.”

Exodus 14:13

When Israel was about to cross the Red Sea, the Egyptian army was in hot pursuit and they railed against Moses: “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?” (Exodus 14:11) They had forgotten God’s promise to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:17).

Today, multiple enemies threaten America. As a whole, this country doesn’t seek the Lord, but add your prayers to the multitudes of citizens who still do. Know and trust in His promises. “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.” (I Peter 3:12) Pray for U. S. leaders, troops and citizens to get their eyes off human effort and on the Lord, the true deliverer.

Recommended Reading: I Peter 5:6-11

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Close to the Source

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They failed! Jesus gave the disciples the power to heal, but they couldn’t help the little boy who was demon-possessed. They were baffled, helpless and ineffective. The boy’s father arrived with hope, but now he was despairing.

Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

Mark 9:24

It is there that the dejection ceases – for with the Lord comes hope; with Him you need not despair. The father said to Jesus, “If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Christ responded, “All things are possible for one who believes.” The father then cried out the words of today’s verse…and the boy was healed. Later, Jesus told His disciples that their power and authority to heal, or to do anything else for Him, could only be maintained by prayer. They had to remain close to and in continuous relationship with the source of their strength.

So it is with you. Fear may overtake you as terror abounds in the world. Anxieties may press hard, but keep your faith strong in the sovereignty of God. Earnest and persevering prayer for this nation and for those close to you is the only way they can experience the hope and healing they need.

Recommended Reading: Mark 9:17-29

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – He’s Got the Whole World

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“He’s in good hands.” “All hands on deck.” “Her hands are tied.” There are multiple expressions involving hands. Hands can construct, destroy, express love and bring aid. God certainly knew what He was doing when He created your five-finger appendages.

And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.”

Joshua 10:8

Today’s verse shows God placing His power in Joshua’s hands. The people in Gibeon were frightened by their enemies lying in wait for them and sent a message for Joshua to come quickly. When he came, God confused those enemies and struck them with hailstones. He delivered them into Joshua’s hands.

Perhaps the best hands phrase is from Jesus’ final moments on Earth: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46) Maybe, like the Gibeonites, life is overwhelming you today, and you fear enemies will attack at every possible opportunity. Follow Christ’s example, and place yourself in your Heavenly Father’s hands. Then pray for this country to experience peace over fear, and ask God to inspire your nation’s leaders to commit themselves into the hands of the Almighty.

Recommended Reading: Joshua 10:1-15

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Ask and He Answers

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What a delight to get an invitation – whether it’s to a movie, a dinner party or a night out on the town. It means someone’s thinking of you and wants to spend time with you. Throughout the Scriptures, God sends you an invitation…to pray. He wants to spend time with you and He wants to give you the desires of your heart.

Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain.

Zechariah 10:1

But, of course, there are guidelines such as delighting in the Lord (Psalm 37:4), asking with right motives (James 4:2-3) and according to His will (Matthew 6:10). As you spend time with the Lord in prayer, He changes your “wanter.” As you read the Bible, you begin to want what the Heavenly Father wants.

Ask according to the desires He puts in your heart, confident that He will give them to you. Today’s verse in Zechariah was written with assurance. Ask and He will answer (Matthew 7:7 and John 14:13). Be persistent and do not give up as you pray for your country to turn wholeheartedly to Him.

Recommended Reading: Luke 18:1-8

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M – Sweetest Scent

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What is your favorite scent? Perhaps it’s a warm loaf of bread, a special cologne, a crisp fall day, or a freshly-bathed baby. The Lord also has a favorite scent. It is the sweet smell of your prayers!

And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.

Revelation 8:4

In biblical days, incense was often burned as a sacrificial offering on the Tabernacle altar to serve as an aid in prayer. So the Bible describes prayers as incense that floats up to God like those offerings. Prayer is more than just a welcome aroma for Him; it gives the Lord great pleasure. Proverbs 15:29 says, “He hears the prayer of the righteous.” Yet not only is the sound of your voice something He awaits and treasures; the words from your heart are sweet to Him.

Spend some time each day just quietly listening to the Lord. Then allow the fragrance of your prayers to waft through to His throne room. Pray also that the sweet aroma of believer’s prayers would ascend all across this nation today as they turn their eyes toward Him on behalf of the country, its leaders, and especially the President of the United States.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 141:1-10

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Red Hot Prayers

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“Cold prayers court refusal…Heat your prayers red-hot…Plead the blood of Jesus! Plead like one who means to prevail – and then you shall prevail!” This quote by famous British preacher C. H. Spurgeon makes a point: prayers must be fervent to avail.

Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.

Daniel 9:3

In today’s scripture, Daniel is fervently praying to the Lord. While reading the book of the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel discovers the 70 years of captivity should be coming to a close. He also realizes certain prophecies are conditional, meaning God’s people must do their part by humbling themselves and repenting (Leviticus 26). Knowing this, Daniel earnestly focuses all his attention on the Lord, fasting and wearing sackcloth and ashes. First, he praises God and reminds Him of His covenant. Then he repents, accepting responsibility for the sins of the Jewish people. Last, he begs for forgiveness and mercy. God responded by sending the angel Gabriel to help Daniel understand Israel’s future.

Are you concerned about the country’s destiny? Are you fervently praying? Know God will answer. Pray today for the nation and its leaders to be humble, repent and seek Him wholeheartedly.

Recommended Reading: James 5:13-18

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Fervent and Persistent

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James, the brother of Jesus, must have had an unusual relationship with his sibling. He only came to believe that Jesus was the Son of God and the Messiah after Christ’s resurrection; familial ties changed to something much more. It is James who led the church in Jerusalem. It is James who tells you how great is the power of prayer.

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

James 5:16

His example is Elijah. Because Israel’s sin of idolatry was so great, Elijah had prayed to God to hold the rain. For three-and-a-half years there was a drought. When Elijah believed there had been repentance in the land, he prayed fervently and persistently for God to send the rain. Elijah called upon Him to fulfill His promise. And He did.

How’s your prayer life? As a believer, prayer is your privilege. Know the Lord and His promises so you can have an intimate relationship with Him and can understand how to pray within His will. Give power to your prayers with sincere confession, unselfishness and dependence on His Word. Then intercede for the leaders of this nation that they would turn their hearts to God to know and to do what He wills.

Recommended Reading: I Kings 17:1-5; 18:1-2, 41-46

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Prayer Punishment

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Prayers offered up to idols change history – but they produce an unhappy and profoundly tragic history. Throughout the Old Testament are examples of God’s Chosen People, the Israelites, turning away from Him to worship idols. Ezekiel records the fearful message of a jealous God, punishing those who have rejected Him by allowing them to bear the natural consequences of their decisions. The Psalmist reflected this outcome when he wrote that “the sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply.” (Psalm 16:4)

Go serve every one of you his idols, now and hereafter, if you will not listen to me; but my holy name you shall no more profane with your gifts and your idols.

Ezekiel 20:39

Today’s idols are different, but more pervasive than in any past generation. Americans have an endless array of substances, activities and behaviors to distract and addict, but just as Scripture warns, such worthless pursuits lead only to trouble and regret.

As you pray for your nation’s leaders today, ask God to attune their ears to His wisdom. History will be made one way or another, but America’s future blessings will be secured only as we pray to the One True God.

Recommended Reading: John 10:24-30

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Floods of Discord

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In areas where rains are frequent, many people install a sump pump in their basement. It is a small pump sitting inside a pit into which water flows from pipes along the foundation. The pump expels excess water through another pipe to an outside area away from the home, thus preventing flooding within.

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

I Timothy 2:1

It may seem strange, but think of your prayers as the sump pump. Satan floods you with temptations, misinformation and half truths. He leads people away from God in deceitful ways bringing discord, distrust and chaos. But your prayers and intercessions for this nation, for its leaders and potential leaders, and for your family can force the devil’s lies away and bring peace to your life and to this country. Your prayers can bring revival to the values and principles upon which the United States was formed.

Do you understand the impact you can have? Mid-term elections are not far away. Be active in the election process. Commit yourself to prayer that God might put in place leaders whose desires will only be to please Him and to serve in a godly and dignified way. Then give thanks for all the Lord will do.

Recommended Reading: Romans 13:1-12

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Learning by Looking Back

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No one was ever elected president by promising a return to the “good old days.” Inaugural addresses tend to be overwhelmingly forward-looking. John F. Kennedy proclaimed that “the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.” Richard Nixon said that his administration represented a “new beginning.” George H.W. Bush said a “new breeze blows” when he was elected, and Bill Clinton talked about vision and courage to “reinvent America.” Is it ever really helpful to dwell on the past?

Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old—

Lamentations 5:21

The answer is yes. The writer of Lamentations – likely the prophet Jeremiah – found it fruitful to look back and examine what had gone wrong in his nation. After King Nebuchadnezzar crushed the Kingdom of Judah, he exiled her citizens to Babylon. Now, as Jerusalem lay in ruins, the Jews were remembering the “good old days,” and they realized those days were good because they had walked with the Lord, followed His Will, and enjoyed His protection.

Will America soon be in ruins, its citizens remembering better times? Today, pray that your leaders will understand the key to the future are these words: “Restore us to yourself, O Lord.”

Recommended Reading: Jeremiah 2:1-9

 

Presidential Prayer Team C.P. – Even More

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The speed of light is 186,000 miles per second. Just think: God hears you even faster than that! And consider His power. Individuals can make a difference, and unified groups can accomplish great things, but God can do even more.

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you.

II Thessalonians 3:1

Paul knew the power of prayer. He saw it in Thessalonica. “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,” and “your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” (I Thessalonians 1:2, 8) He solicited their prayers to speed along the gospel. Paul’s success in Macedonia and Achaia was due largely to their prayers and actions. “For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” (I Thessalonians 1:9)

Spending time in prayer can accomplish more than what man can do in a lifetime on his own. Pray for this nation…that the gospel will be preached, the lost saved, and that its leaders and citizens will grow closer to God and do the work He calls them to do.

Recommended Reading: John 15:1-17

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Worth the Price

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John DiFazio is a 62-year-old veteran who survived the Vietnam War but has had to wage an ongoing battle with Hepatitis C. Now two tiny pills are on the market and reported to beat his disease. Unfortunately, the treatment costs roughly $150,000 a dose. The high cost has left many questioning whether the cure is worth the price.

Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears.

Isaiah 38:5

Hezekiah is portrayed in the Bible as a good king and friend of Israel. However, in the prime of his life he is laid low by illness and the prophet Isaiah, directed by God, tells him he is going to die. In response, King Hezekiah takes up an intense conversation with the Lord through prayer. Soon God sends Isaiah to him again – but this time with the good news that his prayers have been heard and he will recover. In addition, God delivers Hezekiah’s army from their enemy by His own hand.

As you pray for America today, remember God is listening. Acknowledge His sovereign power and holiness, and pray for the nation’s leaders to do likewise. God’s treatment for America will definitely be worth the price.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 36:5-12

 

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M. – All Night Long

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Prayer was such a crucial practice in the ministry of Jesus and His disciples. At times, Christ was even known to pray all night as He continually sought the Father’s direction throughout His time on Earth. The apostle Paul also considered prayer essential and he called the Colossians to give themselves energetically to ongoing and regular prayer. Paul also earnestly asked others to pray that he would be effective in ministry.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2

People all around you are struggling in so many areas: financial, relational, physical and emotional. Yet God has entrusted you with other people so your life can be a blessing to them. The greatest way to do that is through steadfast prayer. Before you communicate to those around you, consider interceding for them and asking for God’s wisdom. Be willing to pray all night if necessary. Listen carefully to what He tells you to do or say.

Remember also to faithfully intercede for this nation’s leaders. Your prayers can have a significant impact on their personal and professional thoughts and actions, today and for the future.

Recommended Reading: I Timothy 2:1-8

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Praying People

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Throughout history, people have tried to get rid of the living God by getting rid of His followers. In fifth century BC Persia, Haman was a particularly arrogant and evil government official who took up the quest. Like others before him, however, he underestimated the power of prayer.

And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14

God placed two praying people in Haman’s world: Mordecai, a brave and politically savvy man; and Esther, his beautiful orphaned niece. When faced with Haman’s overpowering plot for evil, Mordecai and Esther both fell on their knees before God. Mordecai’s prayer went something like this: Lord, King and ruler, everything is in your power, and there is no one, even Haman, able to oppose you when it is your will to save us. Esther’s prayer: My Lord, you alone are our King, save us from the power of the wicked and deliver me from fear.

As you read the news today, are you concerned over the nation’s distaste for what is holy and good? Consider that God has placed you, like Mordecai and Esther, in this specific time to pray for America. Take courage in a powerful God…and know those setting themselves up to destroy His people will eventually fail.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 41:8-13

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Start a Band

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King Solomon said, “Two are better than one.” Together, they can complete more work, watch each other’s backs and keep each other warm. “For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” (Ecclesiastes 4:10) Indeed, friends are a gift.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.

Philippians 1:3

Paul recognized that gift. In his letter to his Philippian friends, he thanks God every time he thinks of them. His memories make him joyful. Working together for the kingdom of God is rewarding and creates lasting bonds. There are Christians in every city of every state in America. While from many different denominations, together you share a common bond in Christ; yet so often believers argue over small stuff instead of praising God and thanking Him for fellow workers.

What if every Christian prayed today and thanked God for all of His followers? Lift one another up instead of tearing down. Pray that “he who began a good work in [each of] you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) Ask God to help you band together and lift His name above all other names so that those in political office will bow down and worship Him.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 1:1-11

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Pray First

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The news was disheartening. Nehemiah came back to Jerusalem to a small remnant of Jews who had survived the exile. The walls of the city had been broken down and fire had destroyed its gates. There was a job to be done. But progress was slow because the people were feeble and the enemies were many.

And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.

Nehemiah 4:9

Even under these circumstances, they did not quit. Understand the way they prioritized their task: they prayed, they set a guard and they worked. As one commentary described it, “When…any man of God discovers that God’s work and his work are one and the same thing, the aspect of affairs is changed. The contest is then spiritual. The forces arrayed are light and darkness, truth and error, and God and the devil…Prayer first, then work, in the assurance that the prayer will be answered and the work successful.” Nehemiah and the remnant succeeded.

Let it be the same for you. Study God’s Word to know Him better. Learn what He desires for you and others. Pray first and then work with confidence to accomplish your task. In like manner, may the leaders of this nation seek the Lord and do His will.

Recommended Reading: Nehemiah 4:7-14

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Unanswered or Unoffered?

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Suppose you are approached by an acquaintance who offers to serve as your mentor. “I want to take you under my wing,” he says, “but you must agree to spend three hours with me every day, including holidays and weekends.” This sounds like a big commitment, and you are also concerned because your prospective mentor has some character flaws. He is foul-mouthed, loves to talk about illicit sex, is prone to bursts of violence, and is constantly trying to sell you – for his own personal enrichment – things you really don’t want and certainly don’t need.

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:16

Meet your friend and mentor: the television set. A recent study found that Americans average 2.8 hours every day glued to the tube, many of them Christians who say, “I just can’t find the time to pray.”

The key to the apostle Paul’s success was his vigilant prayer life. And the key to America’s future is prayer. Will you allow the unimportant things of life to separate you from interceding faithfully and ceaselessly on behalf of your nation and your neighbors today? “The great tragedy of life,” said the famous minister F.B. Meyer, “is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer.”

Recommended Reading: Colossians 4:2-6

Presidential Prayer Team – C.H. – No Turning Back

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According to a recent study, an estimated two-thirds of American prisoners were arrested for a new crime within three years of prison release, while three-quarters were arrested within five years. Recidivism, the act of a person repeating a crime or undesirable behavior, is a real problem in the United States today.
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
While recidivism may currently be a buzzword in the justice system, it’s not a new problem. Paul speaks of it in today’s key verse. He refers to the old behavior as a yoke of slavery. “Jesus answered them, ‘Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.’” (John 8:34) Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned.” So if everyone sins and is, therefore, a slave to it, where’s the freedom? Today’s verse says freedom comes from Christ. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
From America’s past to its present, there’s a pattern of unrighteous behavior, but this nation can have freedom in Jesus. Rise up, oh Christian! Rise up and pray for freedom from bondage. Ask God to break the chains holding Americans and its leaders in the slavery of sin.
Recommended Reading: John 8:31-38