Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.M.R. – Spread the News

 

The message of the Good News of Jesus Christ began on a strip of land along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. From there it spread north around the sea and into the heart of the Roman world. It has since been gradually permeating all the nations, peoples, cultures and countries of the world.

This gospel…will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations. Matthew 24:14

Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 40 million foreign-born people in the United States. That’s 13 percent of the total population! Many of them don’t know Jesus as Savior. Nor do their families. Truly, the harvest is plenteous…and right before you. And you are His witness!

Pray for the people you encounter each day. Look for ways to show them kindness. Ask God to create opportunities for you to share how God has changed your life! Then pray the nation’s leaders will experience the love of Jesus through Christians they encounter.

Recommended Reading: Luke 24:44-53

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Ears to Hear

 

Many today believe in God and want to go to Heaven, but in their own way. In the previous verses, Paul expressed great compassion for the Jews during his time and prayed they would be saved (Romans 10:1). He said they were zealous but tried to establish their own righteousness (Romans 10:2-4).

Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.  Romans 10:17

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) God the Father Himself spoke concerning His Son, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Matthew 17:5)

When Jesus told parables or taught difficult spiritual truths, He said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 8:8) In order to have ears to hear, meditate on scripture. Memorize verses having to do with salvation (Matthew 7:21 and 19:29, Mark 16:16, John 3:16 and 10:9, Acts 4:12, Romans 10:9, Ephesians 2:8-9, I Timothy 2:3-5) so you can be ready with an answer as Peter advises in I Peter 3:15. Pray for the nation and leaders that the Lord will give them ears to hear…that they will receive Christ by faith and be saved.

Recommended Reading: Luke 8:4-15

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Uniquely Equipped

 

Every lighthouse is unique, but do you know why? Sail along any seaboard, and you’ll find lighthouses of every size and shape – with each of them painted in a different configuration. More importantly, in darkness an experienced mariner can identify a lighthouse by its light pattern. The invention of the Fresnel lens in 1822 allowed keepers to display an unlimited number of flashing combinations and colors. This is critical because a sailor doesn’t just need to avoid the rocks, but also needs to know where he is – and that’s only possible because each lighthouse is different.

I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Acts 13:47

How do you reach others with the Good News of hope in Christ? Your light may shine differently than another’s…and it should. God has especially equipped each individual with the gifts needed. From the fiery evangelist to the homebound prayer warrior, each has an indispensable role in saving the world.

Do you know what your gifts are? Today, ask God to show you how you may most effectively punch holes in the spiritual darkness that envelops America and many of its leaders. He has uniquely positioned and designed you for the job!

Recommended Reading: Romans 12:1-13

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Productive Living

 

Have you ever postponed mending a relationship because you think you still have time? Many a child has waited to make amends with a parent only to have that parent die before they could have that conversation.

Not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. II Peter 3:9

The situation is similar when it comes to your relationship with God. If you don’t have good fellowship with Him, it would be wise to take a spiritual inventory and do what you need to do to rectify it. Though some people think there is no such thing as a day of God’s judgment, the believer understands that the delay is not due to the scoffer’s wish that it will never happen. It has truly been delayed by a loving God who does not wish that any should perish. He is waiting for confession of sins and a turn around in living. Because of that, believers live productively as they eagerly anticipate the Lord’s return.

Beloved, fervently intercede daily for family, friends and leaders of this nation who are waiting for some future time to accept Jesus as Savior. Pray that they put off their arrogance and be humble before God, believing and repenting. The time is now.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 3:12-4:2

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Preoccupied?

 

Where is your gaze? Is your vision focused on television programming or social networking? Or perhaps news reports of America’s struggling economy as wages decline and prices escalate? Maybe you’re looking primarily at your own situation or family circumstances?

Lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. John 4:35

The challenge from Jesus is to lift your eyes – lift them from your focus on your own needs; lift them from your preoccupation with life’s myriad details; lift them from what distracts you. There is a harvest for you to see, the Lord said. If you walk through a peach orchard looking at the ground, you won’t spot many ripe peaches ready for gathering. But look up!

When God looks at your family or your neighborhood, what does He see that you don’t? Pray that you would be able to raise your view and see who it is the Lord wants you to witness to today. Let the Spirit of God be so bright in your life that when doors of opportunity open for you, you’ll rush through without hesitation and share with excited boldness. Show His love and grace. Be aware. Be a harvester. Nothing will make a greater difference for this nation than your God-focused witness.

Recommended Reading: John 4:27-41

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Lost and Found

 

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, approximately 2,000 children in the United States go missing each day. Americans sat glued to televisions as the stories of Adam Walsh, Jaycee Lee Dugard, Elizabeth Smart, Caylee Anthony, Natalee Holloway and others unfolded. Massive search efforts were launched with thousands volunteering to help look for these lost children. Some situations ended in celebration when the lost were found. Others ended tragically.

I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10

Surrounding today’s verse, Luke recounts three parables Jesus told about the lost and found; the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. Jesus says His reason for coming into the world was to find and save the lost. While overwhelming and wonderful, the joy of finding missing children doesn’t compare to the joy in Heaven when lost sinners repent and are found.

Just as thousands of children are lost each day, thousands of souls are lost around you. Won’t you join Christ in His search and rescue efforts? Pray to be led to those who need to be found so they won’t meet a tragic ending. Intercede also for the prodigal nation and its leaders to return to God.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 18:10-14

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Coaching the Testimony

 

A good attorney will always prepare his witnesses before putting them on the stand. While it’s against the law to coach a witness on what to say since facts don’t change, almost everything else from style of dress to hair color is fair game in attempting to influence the judge and jury.

You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake. Matthew 10:18

The Bible has several examples of followers of Jesus being brought before religious or state officials, charged with stirring up people by proclaiming the radical message of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Before he left Earth Jesus told His disciples this would happen…foreknowing He, too, would also be brought before those seeking to persecute Him.

In this time as a modern-day disciple, you may be asked to answer for your beliefs as you proclaim your message in America. Don’t be a coached witness with memorized lines and practiced monologues. When the time comes to speak, God promises to fill you with His words and His wisdom: relax and let Him do it. The testimony of Jesus Christ conveyed to your friends and neighbors – in your words and in your way by His leading – may be the best gospel any could hear.

Recommended Reading: Luke 21:11-19

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Universal God

 

Although known for being on the cusp of new technology, Apple Inc. is also known for not playing nice with others. For years, Apple has bucked the system by using operating systems developed specifically for their own Mac computers. When the iPhone became wildly popular, critics and fans alike were not surprised when Apple turned its back on the idea of a universal charger for the product. Apple chargers were for Apple phones and none else.

Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also. Romans 3:29

Thankfully, God is a universal God. While the Jewish race was God’s chosen people, the Creator of all is the God of all. He is also a God of the Gentiles. Your Almighty Father listens to the prayers of every one of His children, regardless of color, nationality, religion or political affiliation. All belong to Him.

Are you tempted to think God only listens to the petitions from certain groups of people? Pray and ask Him to help you see how to love all people as He does. Then ask your Abba Father to open the eyes of the nation and President Obama to recognize Him as the one true God of the universe.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 1:9-23

Presidential Prayer Team; H.R.M. – Lace Up and Step Out

 

When Sally came to Larry and Sandra’s neighborhood Bible Study, she confessed, “I don’t know anything about the Bible!” One night Larry and Sandra shared a little booklet with Sally called Peace with God. Sally invited Jesus Christ into her heart! Soon she started sharing her faith.

How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news! Romans 10:15

When Sally became ill and went into the hospital, she talked to the staff about God and His love. She would ask, “Do you know Jesus? If you don’t, you better take care of it right away!” Her urgent message during her time of personal urgency had an incredible impact. At Sally’s memorial service, her “before Jesus friends” sat on one side. On the other was all of her “after Jesus friends.”

You don’t have to go overseas to be a missionary. Jesus calls you to love your neighbors and there’s a vast mission field right in your own community. Start praying for those who live near you. Lace up your shoes and share acts of kindness. Then watch how God opens doors to tell them about His love. Pray also that Christians throughout this nation would reach out to their neighbors and urgently declare the love of Jesus Christ.

Recommended Reading: Luke 10:25-37

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Treasure in Clay Pots

 

In 1947, a Bedouin goatherd found earthen jars in the back of the caves of Khirbet Qumran. He imagined treasure, but he was disappointed to find only scrolls of papyrus. Little did he know that the Dead Sea Scrolls were, indeed, a treasure.

As grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving. II Corinthians 4:15

God has a different values system than humans have. He picks common things of the earth to reveal His glory (I Corinthians 1:27). The greatest treasure He gave to the world was wrapped in the form of a little baby born in a stable and who slept in a trough. And when Jesus grew up He said it was better for Him to leave so the Father could send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). By grace, God enables earthen vessels (II Corinthians 4:7) to house the precious Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 3:16) and do His will (I Corinthians 15:10).

Learn to value the eternal. Rejoice and be thankful when you hear of one repenting as Heaven, too, rejoices (Luke 15:7). Pray for revival in this nation – that the Father will remove the blinders from eyes (II Corinthians 4:4) so Americans and their leaders may see the true treasure of eternal life in Christ.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 3:1-17

Presidential Prayer Team, J.R. – Undeserved Invitation

 

Author Nicholas Allan has written a book that is quite intriguing…though certainly of dubious virtue. “The Complete Guide to Gatecrashing” instructs readers in the fine art of gaining access to parties to which they have not been invited. According to Allan’s guide, the Gatecrasher “is a marvelous figure. Enigmatic, seductive…and extremely economical. You, too, can hobnob with the great, the good and the famous!”

Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people. Romans 5:10

It is a wonderful thing to rejoice in God’s presence, especially when you consider that on your own merits you are hopelessly lost and undeserving. No one is worthy of an invitation to experience Christ’s love or a home in Heaven. But because of His vast grace, you have been invited! And unlike a gatecrasher – who must slink around hoping to go undetected – you can be confident that your place at the party is secured and irrevocable. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving,” says Psalm 100:4-5, “and his courts with praise!…For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”

Today, pray that more of America’s leaders, along with your loved ones and neighbors, will accept the invitation of the Savior to rejoice in Him.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 84:1-12

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Not Just a Little

 

The question was, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The lawyer answered correctly but the words never touched his heart. Jesus required 100 percent devotion…not just a little here and there.

You shall love the Lord your God…and your neighbor as yourself.  Luke 10:27

People today relate to God much the same way as the lawyer did. Some know facts but don’t understand the love of God. Christ died on the cross for their wrongdoings – but Jesus never affects their heart. “They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.” (Ephesians 4:18)

Loving the Lord involves having faith in Him and delighting in Him above all else. It joins heart emotions, will and convictions to the soul…your inner being; then wraps it all with reason (your mind) and with strength (how you use the abilities and power given to you by God). It is total devotion of your whole being to your Maker.

Beloved, in a nation whose people love themselves more than God, intercede for a change of heart. Do your part by loving your neighbor as yourself – always giving the example of your devotion to Jesus who loved you first.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Market Experience

 

Imagine yourself at the grocery store, but there are no vegetables, fruit or even bread. You ask why and are told the produce and grain was out there and ready – but there was no one to pick it. When Jesus gave His agricultural example to the crowd standing around Him, He also told them to pray for workers.

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Matthew 9:37

Just as Jesus could look across the expanse of fields and see ripened heads of grain, He looks across His creation and sees men, women and children ready to receive His message of love, forgiveness and salvation. Can you go into that harvest-ready mission field? Not everyone can. But you can certainly and earnestly pray for workers who do carry the message into those places.

And where is that ripe harvest found? Africa, Latin America, China? Yes, of course. And next door, down the block, across your community – even in your church and in your government! Jesus has compassion for the lost. Be motivated by His character to do what you can. Above all, be a solid witness to the love of Christ in your own life, and pray for all those who carry His message forth…especially into America’s halls of power.

Recommended Reading: I Corinthians 2:1-13

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Speak Up!

 

The year is 1711 and the man of the house is away. In his absence his wife establishes “reading time” on Sunday afternoons for their sons. She selects material carefully from her husband’s library and faithfully reads an “awakening sermon” with drama and flair. Before long her Sabbath day gathering includes servants and neighbors eventually numbering over 200 people. The assembly draws notice of the local chaplain and he soon brings up charges against the event saying, “How can an un-ordained, ordinary woman be allowed to proclaim the holy gospel of Christ?” The brave wife and mother stands her ground, insisting she must be allowed to speak because so many are intent on listening.

How are they to hear without someone preaching? Romans 10:14

Susanna Wesley’s teaching is considered the cornerstone upon which her sons John and Charles Wesley founded the Methodist church and evangelized their world. Mrs. Wesley understood what the apostle Paul wrote in the book of Romans: that faith in a person’s heart is awakened by hearing the words of God.

People of faith, speak up! Like Susanna, start with your family and tell those willing to listen of God’s extraordinary love towards them. It’s the good news and just what your family, your neighbors, and ultimately this nation are waiting to hear.

Recommended Reading: Proverbs 31:10-12; 20-30

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – Hotel or Hospital

 

Sadly, increasing numbers of people in America are disenchanted with church. While some are leaving the age-old institution, others proclaim they will “never set foot in one.” A popular quote says, “Church is a hospital for sinners, not a hotel for saints.” It affirms church was never intended to be a country club for Christians.

Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations?”Mark 11:17

Jesus shares in Mark 11 what church is intended to be: a place of prayer where “all” people can come. In a time where there was much distinction between the Jews and Gentiles, this was a bold statement. Today, Christ’s words still hold true. Church isn’t a place to categorize and accept or reject based on any criteria. Instead, it’s a place where all people can come to commune with God.

While so many judge others based on color, race, income and even political affiliation, Christians should not. The church is not made of bricks and mortar…but of men and women. Pray and ask God to open your eyes and heart to people of every background. Intercede for their salvation and shows acts of love to them. Then adopt the same attitude toward your political leaders of every persuasion.

Recommended Reading: Luke 5:27-32

Presidential Prayer Team; H.R.M. – Change the World

 

“You must bring a lot of happiness into this world,” said the young businessman with tears of joy and gratitude in his eyes. He had just prayed with Bill Bright and received Christ as his Savior and Lord. Now he was eager to take the Four Spiritual Laws booklet home so he could introduce his wife to Christ.

Bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations. Romans 1:5

The late Bill Bright, cofounder of Campus Crusade for Christ, created the evangelistic Christian tract, The Four Spiritual Laws, in 1952. Approximately one billion copies have been distributed in all of the major languages. Millions of people in many countries have prayed to receive Jesus as Lord through the direct, simple presentation of the gospel contained in this little yellow booklet.

Jesus said, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15) As a follower of Christ, you have the privilege of bringing eternal joy to people everywhere you go when you share His good news. Jesus is the only One who can change people. So pray for opportunities every day to introduce others to Him. You can help change the world – one person at a time!

Recommended Reading: Mark 16:9-18

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Acts of Love

 

On the day of Pentecost, when visitors to Jerusalem heard the disciples speak in their own language, they listened eagerly. Peter spoke of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, and the prophecies He fulfilled. Three thousand people repented and were baptized through that sermon alone.

Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21

Peter’s words not only gave his listeners hope of salvation, but confirmed the promise of eternal life in Christ is given to all souls for all generations. Today’s verse says everyone who calls upon God will be saved. However, it’s important to have the full context of Scripture. Jesus also said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

What is the will of the Father? To believe in Jesus and do what He says – to love God and love those around you (John 6:29 and Matthew 22:37-39). Share whatever you have to offer. Pray for others as if they were your own family. And pray that the present and future difficulties of the United States will serve as motivation for its leaders, troops and citizens to call on the name of the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 7:12-27

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Grace for Everyone

 

Winning a war is call for celebration and, usually, humiliation of the vanquished. But that’s not what Ulysses S. Grant had in mind when he accepted the surrender of Robert E. Lee at the close of the Civil War. As Union artillery began to pound the air in jubilation, Grant sent word to have it stopped. “The war is over,” he told his staff. “The rebels are our countrymen again.”

A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for your glory to your people Israel. Luke 2:32

Many of the Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day firmly believed there was no place for Gentiles in God’s kingdom. Yet when Jesus was presented at the Temple, a righteous man named Simeon proclaimed that He would be the Savior not just of Israel…but of the Gentiles and all the world. It was a shocking, heretical and distasteful proclamation for some back then to be sure. There remains a natural inclination in people today to think that some are less worthy than others, forgetting that Christ is “not wishing that any should perish.” (II Peter 3:9)

As you pray for your leaders in America today, resist the urge to intercede only for those you like. Lift up all of your countrymen, remembering that no one is beyond God’s grace.

Recommended Reading: Romans 1:5-16

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. Today is the Annual National Day of Prayer

 

It’s Here!

“Heaven is a wonderful place / Filled with wonder and grace / I want to see my Savior’s face / Heaven is a wonderful place.” It’s a traditional chorus sometimes sung following a song called “Take the Name of Jesus with You.”

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Matthew 6:10

The songwriter knew that the days on Earth are beset with trials and mockers of Christian values. One Bible commentator wrote that on this Earth “the wills of lost men and demons vigorously oppose God.”

But Jesus talked often of His kingdom on Earth. “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) Once you believe, His kingdom is here on Earth because He is a part of you. Jesus reigns in your heart and manifests Himself in your actions, all to give a foretaste of resurrected life in the age to come.

On this National Day of Prayer, join believers across this nation in prayer for mercy on this country. Intercede for those who oppose God that they would accept Jesus as Savior…and find life in His name. Then their actions will be transformed to make this Earth more like Christ’s heavenly kingdom.

Recommended Reading: John 20:24-31

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Glad to be a Whoever

 

Researcher George Barna reports 51 percent of people in America believe if a person is generally good, or does enough good things for others during their life, they will earn a place in Heaven. But the infallible Word of God says that just isn’t so! People who put their faith in their own earned way are mistaken.

Whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

In the apostle Paul’s day, many Jews believed their only entrance into Heaven was obeying the Ten Commandments (and another 600+ as well). But zeal for the law was misdirected then, and living by the Commandments or the Golden Rule is not salvation’s means today.

Jesus, who is God, said the only way to God was through Him. Some quarrel with “easy believism.” They say there has to be something more. But Jesus is enough. He is all in all. He is the door, and there is no other way. And the way is open to whoever – no one is excluded.

Share your gladness at being a “whoever” with one of the 51 percent who need to find the Truth. Pray for them to hear, have faith, and believe in God’s provision through Jesus Christ…while there still is time.

Recommended Reading: Romans 10:11-20