In His Presence

But his bow remained steady,

his strong arms stayed [a] limber,

because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob,

because of the Shepherd,

the Rock of Israel,

because of your father's God,

who helps you,

because of the Almighty,

who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above,

blessings of the deep that lies below,

blessings of the breast and womb.
Genesis 49:24-25

Heavenly Father,


I know you are awesome. Reveal to me more how great you are! I know I have to do my part in seeking you. Help me to put things aside to use the time to get where you are. In your presence, kingdoms rise. In your presence, blessings fall. In your presence, souls are saved. In your presence, people are healed and even raised from the dead! Why we don’t seek your presence more…I don’t understand. I guess that is why…we don’t understand the power of being in your presence. Help us Lord…we are weak and in this body. We are afraid we will miss something…tv show or a ball game. Fun time…it all amounts to very little in light of what we can find in your presence and in your word. Help us to keep perspective.


I pray you would be with my brother as he continues to look for a job. I pray he would seek you in this time to know where you want him to be. I also pray (selfishly) that he would end up being close by. I pray you would give peace to mother as she waits to find out where he ends up. I pray she would find her way into your presence - a very special place in your presence that she has never experienced before. I pray you would give her rest at night when she sleeps, so she can be able to face the day feeling good.


I pray for our church building project. The building was planned to arrive yesterday. I pray you would bless all those involved in the work on the church. I also pray you would keep them all safe as they work. We invite your presence in the new sanctuary even now - before the people are gathered for worship. I pray that the community would sense that you are there and be led to come and see what is happening at the Englewood Church of God.


I pray that you would continue to prepare us as a body of believers to move into the new sanctuary. I pray for Scott as he follows you and leads us where you would have us to go as a church and as worshippers. I pray you would speak to each of us individually about our own walk and convictions. Bless us where you can and chastise where needed. Teach us to serve you in a way that would be pleasing to you and productive in the kingdom.


Thank you, Lord for reminding me each day how much you love me and desire to be a central part of my life.


In Jesus Name,
Amen

New Life!

They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors

of the jail and brought them out.

"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said,

"and tell the people the full message of this new life."

Acts 5:18-20

We were therefore buried with him through baptism

into death in order that,

just as Christ was raised from the dead

through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:4

But now, by dying to what once bound us,

we have been released from the law

so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit,

and not in the old way of the written code.

Romans 7:6

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life,

to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

and to put on the new self,

created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

Heavenly Father,

I am amazed that we can have an audience with you anytime day or night. Even more amazing are the things that can happen when we enter your presence. You not only allow us to come to you anytime, but you desire us to come to you. You must be truly beyond our wildest imagination. If we could really get a glimpse of you - who you really are - maybe the way Moses did on the mountain, I wonder how that would change us - the way we think - the things that are important to us? I pray you would reveal yourself to me, Lord!

School is almost out. I pray for the kids - especially the older ones who will be staying at home alone. Keep them safe and help them find something constructive to do to occupy their time. Spark their interest in hobbies and projects that will help them learn and maybe help other people in the process. Help them find something that will give them purpose for their lives, so they won’t be wondering aimlessly. Help us as parents to give direction. Help us to have the energy and the wisdom to give ideas and encouragement (in a persuasive manner) to direct them to things we think they would enjoy.

I pray for new beginnings for kids who maybe had a bad year this year. A chance to start over - new behavior - a new school year next year - new perspective and outlook. I pray for the kids going to youth camp. I ask that the preparations being made right now would be blessed and anointed. Lives are changed at youth camp. I pray you would prepare hearts now to receive the message you would have for them. I pray the spirit that seems to be on Alden right now would be lifted this summer, so she can start new at a new school. I pray that you would help me to see what she needs from me.

I pray these things in Jesus Name!

Amen

Unity

"My prayer is not for them alone.

I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,

that all of them may be one, Father,

just as you are in me and I am in you.

May they also be in us

so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

I have given them the glory that you gave me,

that they may be one as we are one:

I in them and you in me.

May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know

that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

John 17:20-23

Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for answered prayers. You hear when we ask! The weather was perfect for the graduation! It rained and stormed the night before and rained that night and the morning after and even got cold last night, but the time of the graduation was sunny and comfortable!

I also thank you for your presence at Net Worship Live! It was anointed with the oil of your presence. I pray that the church (all believers) would see the importance of being one and in unity. The revival brought 11 churches together to worship. NWL brought not only multiple churches but multiple denominations together to worship. Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday. Pastor Scott talked about those who were in the upper room at the birth of the new testament church. They were in one accord!

I am convinced that we are walking in the last days! I pray we will see the importance of being in unity, so that you can raise up your army to finish the work that needs to be done before you come for your bride. Satan will be pulling out all the stops in these last days. Divided we will fall, but united - he cannot defeat us!!

An army has many soldiers. Each has his own job or task, but all come together for the same purpose. I pray that each of us would come to understand the purpose of the church and learn what our role is in that purpose. You have given us the glory - the same glory that was given to Jesus so we could be one with each other and with you to let the world know that you love them and provided a way for them to salvation!

Speaking of salvation! I thank you so much for Bruce. He told me yesterday that he was saved last Sunday and testified yesterday! His son Tyler was saved on Easter. I pray that you would be with both of them. Help them to get in the word and grow roots deep into rich soil, so that when the wind blows, they will stand firm in their new faith. I pray they would grow quickly into mature believers. I pray they would never forget the burden that has been lifted from them. I pray Satan would be bound from them for a time to allow them to grow. I pray they would be a witness to all those around them.

Thank you Lord! Continue to draw all men to you!
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Favor with God

He prays to God and finds favor with him,
he sees God's face and shouts for joy;
he is restored by God to his righteous state.
Then he comes to men and says,
'I sinned, and perverted what was right,
but I did not get what I deserved.
He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit,
and I will live to enjoy the light.'
Job 33:26-28

Heavenly Father,

How Great is my God! I pray that you would open my eyes more every day to see who you are. I pray that I would not be limited by my eyes, so that I can see you with my heart. I pray that I would become more like you as I learn who you are.

The revival services are almost over. We have one more night. I pray that you would draw people in tonight, ready to hear from you. I pray we would all take advantage of the chance to fuel up, so we will be ready to do whatever it is you have planned for us next. I pray that you would be with Joe as he brings the word. I pray you would clear his mind of everything but the message you have for us. I pray you would bless him, his ministry and his family.

I pray for Allan as he makes the final preparations for Net Worship Live. I pray it would be well attended and that everyone would be blessed because of the anointing on the songwriters, musicians and the whole process that has taken place to make this possible.

I pray all this in Jesus name and for His sake.

Amen

Directions and Decisions

And this is my prayer:

that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,

so that you may be able to discern what is best

and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,

filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ

—to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11

Heavenly Father,

It has been great to be in revival services. It would be nice to always be in services like that, but you don’t intend for us to “stay on the mountain.” You take us there to prepare us to go back into the world to tell them about you. I pray we would be willing and faithful.

I have a friend who asked me to pray for her. She is having some family issues. I pray that you would give her comfort as well as the wisdom she needs in this situation. I know that you are the God who can restore and rebuild. I pray that you would do what only you are able to do in this situation.

I pray for the situation with my brother. Doors and opportunities seem to be opening up in so many different directions. I pray that you would give Allan and Kathy wisdom as they make decisions. I pray you would lead them to where they can be most useful. Provide a good place for them and their children. My personal request is that it would be close to here.

I pray for Courtney as she starts her CPA program next week. I pray you would encourage her as she pushes through this last bit of education before she jumps into her career. I pray you would help her to find a good place to work where she will have good people to work with and get a good foundation of experience in her job. I pray that you would be with her and Chris as they continue to plan their wedding and their future together. I am looking forward to meeting Chris’s mom. I pray you give them a safe trip over here on Friday. I pray for good weather this weekend for the graduation.

I pray for Alden, that you would encourage her in her walk with you. This is such a tough time - 13. She is doing well. I am proud of the decisions she is making. I pray that she would continue to seek you and seek to live her life in a way that would be pleasing to you. Help her stay focused as she finishes up these last few days of school.

I thank you for hearing my requests. I pray that my motives are good and in line with your word and your heart.
In Jesus name,
Amen

Our Source of Strength

Matthew 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."


Heavenly Father,

You were. You are. You will be. I thank you that I can count on you to be the consistent source of strength for my life. It is easier to give in to temptation, but it is much better in the long run to avoid temptation. The flesh is weak, but it must reap the consequences of it’s actions. Help me to learn how to depend on you and avoid traps and pitfalls that are placed in front of me. The devil is crafty, but greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.

The youth yard sale is this weekend. I pray that the weather is nice. It is calling for rain. I know that you are the one who commands the wind. The rain is good, but perhaps it could come in the night or later in the day. That would help with the special Olympics as well.

There are so many around me who are hurting physically. Patrick and April both have problems with their feet. Faye has an ongoing problem with her foot and knee. Patrick needs insurance, so he can get some relief from the pain he is feeling in his shoulder, hands and feet. I pray that you would help him find a job that provides insurance or more hours where he is, so he can get insurance there. I continue to pray for Taz and Pat. I pray you would give them grace as they go through this trying time. Help the doctors diagnose her quickly and get started on treatment. Be with Travis and Stephanie and their family as they have faced a number of physical setbacks in the last few months. I pray your protection around them from any further injuries or illness.

I pray for Allan as he faces some serious decisions. I pray that as you answer the questions he is facing, that you would keep Kathy, the girls and the rest of the family in mind. I pray that the decisions that are made will be a great thing for everyone. I pray you would open doors and windows as you see fit. I pray you would give them all peace (Ginge included!) as they go through this uncertainty. I pray for his church as they are going through a transition period. I pray that there would be a wealth of wisdom for all involved.

I thank you for my family and friends. I pray that you would help me to be a blessing to them each day. I pray that we would be an encouragement to each other to grow closer to you.

I pray all this in Jesus name and for his sake!
Amen