Tag Archives: Presidential Prayer Team

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Beyond Willpower

Leave a comment

 

Jesus says that as a Christian you are “not of the world” and if you want to make an impact then you must draw upon resources that are also not of the world. The Founding Fathers understood this. When news reached the Continental Congress that war with Britain had begun, the very first thing they did was to pray together for God’s guidance. Later, when the Congress was gridlocked in debate, Benjamin Franklin rose to urge them to consult a Higher Power. “I believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel,” Franklin said.

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17

To fulfill God’s purpose in your life, you need more than your own strength or discipline. That’s why Jesus prayed for His followers to be sanctified – that is, to be set apart for a holy purpose, and to be free from sin. You cannot be sanctified by good works or willpower. This is strictly the work of God in your life that follows your total devotion to Him and your submission to His perfect will.

Today, pray that America’s leaders will seek God’s “concurring aid” in every decision, and that He will sanctify you as you share His truth with others.

Recommended Reading: Romans 15:14-21

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Spiritual Soldiers

Leave a comment

 

More than two million men and women are currently enlisted in the United States Armed Forces. Taking a stand against visible enemies is important for the protection and well-being of the nation. But equally important is taking a stand against invisible enemies – and you’re enlisted. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against…spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) As one of God’s spiritual soldiers, you are to put on the full armor of God, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” (Ephesians 6:18)

I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower. Habakkuk 2:1

When Israel was in a sinful state, God looked for an intercessor. “And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.” (Ezekiel 22:30) Yet you take your post as a prayer warrior for America as Habakkuk says in today’s verse, knowing prayer ushers in God’s will on earth (Matthew 6:10).

Renew your commitment to stand at your watchpost…and as the Holy Spirit brings the nation’s leaders or issues to mind, go to battle and make prayer your top priority.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Only Forward

Leave a comment

 

Criminals – particularly arsonists – are often caught because of single, stupid, predictable mistake: they tend to return to the scene of the crime. Investigators often comb video of spectators gathering around the police tape following a fire because there’s a good chance the person who started it will be in the crowd, having returned to view his handiwork.

Repent, therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.  Acts 3:19

A similar quirk of human nature can trip you up as you try to avoid those same old familiar sins. You return, time and again, to the same old places, same old routines, same old habits that got you in trouble to begin with. But Scripture urges you to “repent,” which doesn’t just mean saying you’re sorry. It means turning around and running the other way – as far and as quickly as you can.

What are the things in your life today that are hindering your spiritual growth, harming your relationship with God, and hurting your ability to be a voice for His truth in America? Repent and resolve to make a complete about-face today. Don’t return to the scene of the crime…it’s forgiven and forgotten by God. Move only forward with the work He has for you!

Recommended Reading: Ezekiel 18:27-32

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – True Experience

Leave a comment

 

Isaiah’s prophecies for Israel included ones of great judgment by God because of their disobedience and constant rejection of God’s plan for them. Plush lands would become wilderness with no human occupation. Great sorrow would be upon them.

They shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35:10

What exactly is your attitude in times of difficulty and trial? For you, as for Israel, circumstances are fleeting. Israel would be driven from its land and taken captive, but God would enable their return and deliver them as they trusted in Him.

The Lord is your deliverer, too…from sorrow due to circumstance, as well as from spiritual pain due to the conviction of sin. Sorrow can be beneficial if it produces a change of heart and a fresh sensitivity to God. Joy can be yours. Being committed to Him and enjoying His sweet fellowship will give you hope and strengthen your faith.

Experience the true joy of a saving relationship with God. Ask for deliverance from the sadness of sin. Then intercede for this nation, that it may have a change of heart and an openness for the Lord. After all, joy is not the absence of sorrow – but it is the presence of God!

Recommended Reading: Psalm 16:1-11

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Gratitude Journaling

Leave a comment

 

Professor Robert Emmons of the University of California-Davis may be the world’s leading expert on the science of gratitude. He calls the practice of writing “grace thoughts” good for both mind and body. When you are aware of even the simplest of things to be thankful for, you see better what is going on around you, often bringing new reference to difficult life situations. Sixteen years ago, television host Oprah Winfrey began such a journal. Through it, she says, she developed a deeper relationship with God – and found hope instead of reasons to worry.

For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Psalm 117:2

Perhaps you have regarded some of King David’s psalms as lines from his own gratitude journal. He frequently tells you of the Lord’s unfailing promises and of His unconditional love. He reminds himself and you of the provisions Jehovah has made for him over and over again. The faithfulness of a God like that provided David with hope – hope that he acknowledged back to the Lord in prayer and song.

Today, find five things, just five, to be grateful for. Then praise the Lord for His goodness and the hope He has given…not only to you, but also to the nation.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 103:1-13

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Up Close and Personal

Leave a comment

 

Many people today say they believe in God. Current politically-correct philosophy says to believe anything you want, but don’t impose your beliefs on others. But following Christ isn’t just a set of values and beliefs. Asking a Christian to not tell others about Jesus is like asking grandparents to not talk about their grandchildren!

You shall be my people, and I will be your God. Ezekiel 36:28

According to Romans 8, those who are in Christ and are following after the Spirit belong to God’s family. The greatest commandment isn’t about do’s and don’ts, it’s to love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37). Think about what it is to love God with your mind, your emotions and everything that makes you a unique person. It’s a marvelous thing that creator God wants you to love Him like that. He doesn’t want a mere head nod His way. He wants an intimate loving relationship. He is an up close and personal God.

Today, acknowledge His presence. Worship Him. Thank Him for His love and remind yourself that God loves you and is very aware of all your concerns. Cast your cares on Him for He cares for you (I Peter 5:7). Then passionately bring the needs of this nation before Him.

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:1-12

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Total Reliance

Leave a comment

 

The saddest of stories: a rich, young ruler came running to Jesus, knelt at His feet and asked, “What must I do to have eternal life?” He came not to lay a trap, as some did, but because of a truly honest longing for assurance.

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26

He knew the commandments, but Jesus read his heart and knew the idol in his life gave the young man a deceptive feeling that he was self-sufficient. The answer to his question – give away all he possessed and follow Jesus – was an impossible request…unless he relied totally on God to do it. Instead, he turned away in sorrow, loving his possessions more than his soul!

In one form or another, the test comes to every Christian. It is the smallest of things that sometimes prevents the greatest results. A slight defect in the finest bell and it ceases to sound. The tiniest of sin, if there could be such a thing, keeps you from doing what the Lord has in mind.

Don’t go away sorrowfully. Reinstate God as the center of your life. All things are possible with Him. The hope of this nation rests on the prayers of those who give their all to Christ.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 62:5-12

 

 

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Resistance is Futile

Leave a comment

 

Evil machines called Borg, from the television series “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” voiced a recurring theme: “Resistance is Futile.” Eventually, all living things in the Star Trek world would become part of the Borg Collective…or so Borg postured.

Nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory. Psalm 102:15

The futility of resistance is today being proclaimed by leaders of North Korea, Iran, and Al-Qaeda militants. They firmly believe they will eventually control the world. But there is One ruling in Heaven to laughs at them – not in pleasure or delight, but a scoffing laugh of derision. Evil rulers mock God, but one day they will bend their knees before Him. No matter how many terrorists or religious fanatics conspire together against the Lord, no matter how many in America’s own government deny His precepts, God can laugh because He is still on the throne. Jesus Christ is King, and there is no other.

No rebellion against God can succeed. Victory has already been won in Jesus. Resisting Him and His plans is truly futile. Pray for the Holy Spirit to penetrate hardened hearts – in your community and in the governing halls of Washington D.C. – with the truth of the Lord. Then give glory to His name as your triumphant King!

Recommended Reading: Psalm 2

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Wishful Thinking?

Leave a comment

 

Miss Congeniality, a movie starring Sandra Bullock as an undercover FBI agent in a beauty pageant, contains a scene of an onstage interview where the pageant host asks, “What is the one most important thing our society needs?” A comical montage of contestants answering “world peace” follows. Bullock’s character, though, answers, “Harsher punishment for parole violators.” When she gets no response, she adds “…and world peace” and the crowd goes wild. Some think it’s a joke to wish for world peace, but is it really possible?

Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders. Isaiah 60:18

Today’s verse refers to a time in the future when it will happen. The prophet Isaiah describes the “New Jerusalem” which will be established when Christ sets up His kingdom on the earth. During that time there will be no violence, war, death, mourning, crying or pain. There will truly be world peace.

When you hear stories of unrest happening today, do you long for world peace? Or do you need peace in the midst of your personal circumstances? God’s Word promises both. Pray today that you might know His peace – and for fellow Americans and your leaders to recognize it as the only hope for the future.

Recommended Reading: Revelation 21:2-8, 24-27

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; H.R. – Astounding

Leave a comment

 

People were in shock after the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986. Then-President Reagan consoled Americans with these words: “The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved good-bye and slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God.”

I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name “The Lord.” Exodus 33:19

In today’s verse, Moses saw God but was not permitted to see His face. Randy Alcorn, author of Heaven, writes: “To see God’s face was utterly unthinkable. That’s why when we’re told in Revelation 22:4 that we’ll see God’s face, it should astound us.”

If you know Jesus Christ personally, you have the hope you will one day be in God’s presence and see Him face to face. Ask God for opportunities to share that hope with others so they may experience that astounding joy. Then pray that the nation’s leaders, especially President Obama and his cabinet members, would seek God in their personal and public decisions.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 27:4-14

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Bit Parts, Great Acts

Leave a comment

 

As Joshua prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, God gave him a list of promises and admonitions. He’d give them the land He had sworn to Moses, victory over their enemies, success and His presence. They were to not be frightened, dismayed or distracted from obeying God’s law. Three times, He admonished Joshua to be strong and courageous.

Do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

After God promised them so much, could Joshua not be confident? When God does something big on earth, He enlists the help of His people. He gives them a bit part while He does the majority of the work. But He knows His people become frightened if they focus on their own abilities and resources and not on His power, so the Lord was emphatic about Joshua being bold.

Has God asked you do something small in His big plan? Give? Pray? Serve? Encourage? Do not be timid or scared. Focus on the Father and His ability. It may be difficult to comprehend that He accomplishes great things through weak people, but He does. Do whatever the Lord asks, big or small, and expect more great things as you pray for the United States and its leaders.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 25:14-30

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Prayer Bumps

Leave a comment

 

You’re smoothly motoring along, being only moderately attentive, enjoying the beauty of the drive, when you hit it – a speed bump. You’re momentarily jarred by the impact, and your forward motion is impeded. You pay more attention as you proceed.

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.

I Timothy 2:8

Sometimes the Christian life is like that. You’re enjoying the beauty of time spent with the Lord in prayer, feel you’re moving forward in your relationships with Him and other people, and then along comes an unexpected spiritual prayer bump. Two of them are posted in today’s verse: anger and quarreling.

You have a choice to make. You can keep going as you were, allowing your spiritual life to slow down, maybe even come to an abrupt stop. Or you can pay more attention to your relationships with God and others, adjusting as you journey on. Confess to the Father what impedes you. Then work to smooth the road with the person you’ve quarreled with or held anger toward. Putting it off only guarantees more prayer bumps ahead.

Intercede, too, for those in positions of authority whose roads are bumpy from political anger and partisan quarreling. They, too, need the hope of a smoother road ahead in Christ Jesus.

Recommended Reading: I Timothy 2:1-8

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – A System Restore

Leave a comment

 

In September 2000, Microsoft launched the operating system “Windows ME” targeted for at-home PC users. Among its features was “System Restore” which allowed users to revert to an earlier setting on their computer, prior to a program installation problem or a system crash. It restored the computer to an earlier date when everything worked correctly.

Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old. Lamentations 5:21

When today’s scripture was written, Jerusalem was in ruins. Conquered by the Babylonians, the temple and city were destroyed. Jeremiah was crying out to God to restore their relationship with Him. He longed for the Israelites and the city to be renewed to their former condition before everything crashed around them. Jeremiah knew this could only happen with God’s help.

Is your life falling apart around you? Do you wish for a “system restore?” Recognize that God is able to renew you and restore what you’ve lost. Admit your part in turning from Him. Ask Him to turn your heart back toward Him and make all things new. Then pray for Americans and the nation’s leaders to realize their rebellious ways, repent and seek restoration…and choose His life!

Recommended Reading: Deuteronomy 30:1-10

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Audience

Leave a comment

 

To get an audience with Abraham Lincoln, the presiding President of the United States in 1862, citizens would simply present themselves at the White House between the hours of 11:00am and 2:00pm, sit in the lobby, and wait their turn. Today, it may be easier to get an audience with the Pope or the Royal Couple than to get penciled into the president’s appointment schedule.

Draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy. Hebrews 4:16

In Earth’s realm, God knew His creation would have need of His presence continually, so He sent the Holy Spirit to reside in your heart, discern your thoughts, and attend to your prayers. In today’s turbulent times, if you have invited the presence of God into your life, there is no situation so complicated or so dire that it cannot be attended to by His mercy.

Do you want to make a difference in this nation? Take an audience with the King. Hope for America and its leaders will arrive on the wings of your prayer. When people of faith pray, things change. God answers prayer – bringing healing for the brokenhearted, food for the hungry, compassion for the exiled, and the clarity of truth for the lost and misdirected.

Recommended Reading: I John 5:9-15 

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; C.H. – More Than Shoes

Leave a comment

 

When Francisco came to know Christ, he left home to study. From a farming family, Francisco was very poor. When asked to share his testimony, he looked down at the toes poking through his shoes and prayed, “Lord, how could I preach in these shoes?” Not wanting to dishonor God, he prayed all night for shoes. Before the week’s end, Francisco had not one…but three pairs of shoes!

Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

God is more than shoes. He is capable of meeting your every need. Today’s verse reminds you He can do more than you can imagine. In Acts 3, a lame beggar asks Peter and John for money as they enter the temple. Peter told him, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6) The beggar asked for money, but received a miracle.

The Lord can do more than you can conceive, too. In what areas do you need Him to do abundantly more? Ask God to open your eyes to how He is capable of anything. Then pray for God to do move abundantly and beyond your expectations in the lives of the president and his cabinet members.

Recommended Reading: Acts 3:1-10

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; H.R. – Worth the Wait

Leave a comment

 

God has wonderful dreams just for you! On those days when you feel hopeless and abandoned, remember He has not forgotten you. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Hope is the expectation of the belief that something better is yet to come. Hope is one of His greatest gifts to you. Hope is the promise that He has for your today and your tomorrows.

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3

Your expectations of God and His promises may fall short of His grand plans because He sees the big picture and has in store the best for you. That means He may not always provide the answer you want on your timetable, but He will respond according to His plan. God loves you more than anyone! It’s worth the wait!

Pray with hopeful expectation. Bring your requests confidently to God. Put your hope in the Lord and be prepared for Him to go beyond everything you can imagine! Then intercede for God to also renew the hope of believers in America…so they may share His promises with others.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 40:1-10

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; C.P. – Love the Giver

Leave a comment

 

When the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land with their new leader Joshua, Moses gave a series of sermons reminding people to always obey God. He warns, “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’…And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.” (Deuteronomy 8:17, 19)

He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations. Psalm 111:6

God is love and He gives His people good gifts. But there is a danger people fall into when they are blessed. They become so enamored with the gifts, they forget the giver. They get puffed up, congratulating themselves on their own success, forgetting that only God gives people power to prosper (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Be thankful for all the blessings you enjoy as an American – and pray for the United States, where many citizens, no doubt, have forgotten where their blessings come from. Pray for the people of this nation to repent of their pride and turn once again to the Lord, the giver of all good things.

Recommended Reading: James 1:17-25

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; J.R. – Postponed Pardon

Leave a comment

 

“We can’t find your paperwork.” Ever heard that? Shortly after the American Civil War ended, Confederate General Robert E. Lee signed an “Amnesty Oath,” requesting that his rights of citizenship be restored. His request was sent to Washington, D.C., where it was promptly lost. General Lee died without ever being pardoned or restored. More than 100 years later, a clerk at the National Archives discovered Lee’s Amnesty Oath in a long-forgotten trove of documents. It was President Gerald R. Ford who finally signed the order restoring the General’s citizenship.

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

This is the way it often seems as you pursue a life of righteousness. You’ve done your best to do what’s asked of you, but there seems to be no response from God. No answer to the financial need or the health crisis. No answer to your prayers that America turn back to God.

It’s almost as if your requests have been lost in some dark, forgotten corner of Heaven, never to be heard or acted upon by the Lord. But rest assured your rewards are on the way! He promises life, righteousness and honor. At just the right time, God will answer. Until then, be faithful, keep praying…and trust.

Recommended Reading: James 5:7-16

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team, J.K. – Obeying and Abounding

Leave a comment

 

You can’t have it both ways. Jeremiah writes that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.” (Jeremiah 17:9) But David professes in today’s Psalm that the law of God is in the heart of the righteous one.

The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. Psalm 37:31

Psalm 37 talks of the problem caused when godless people prosper. Many times things go well for them – financially, physically, militarily for nations – and their attitude toward those who love the Lord is one of mockery and disrespect. Conversely, those whose faith is in God can experience His provision in abundance, but they also may endure hardship and persecution. The tendency might be to be envious of those who are wicked and prospering.

Don’t do that! Obeying God will reap many rewards. Trust in the Lord, delight in Him, commit your way to Him and rest in Him, and you will not falter in your walk with Him (Psalm 37:3-7). He alone can give you joy unending.

What is abounding in your heart? Rejoice in God’s law because obeying helps you to love God more and experience a life with eternal hope. This nation needs transformation from wickedness to righteousness. Let that be your prayer.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 37:1-7, 39-40

Uncategorized

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G.- People Out of Place

Leave a comment

 

Theologian Richard John Neuhaus stated in a recent book that Christians are by their nature a people out of place. You are not a citizen of this world; your true home is with God. You are a stranger in a strange land – an exile.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. Jeremiah 29:12

Chapter 29 of Jeremiah is a letter to exiles. The people of Judah had been taken captive to Babylon. Their world was dark. They were warned to be wary of false-hope givers. They knew not to expect anything good from the Babylonian government. But in the middle of their exile, they received a message of hope. God had a plan…to bring them back and restore their future. You, too, have a letter from the Lord, and it is a Bible full of hope and restoration.

Don’t despair when you look at the bleakness of this earthly place. Find encouragement in being reconciled to God through Christ. Know that all future hope is in Him. Keep your prayers tied to the Lord’s will and His plans. They will not be thwarted! As you intercede, include President Obama and his family, and members of Congress. They, too, need to know God’s love, promises, provision, faithfulness and plans.

Recommended Reading: Jeremiah 29:7-14