Prayers For You

Will They Hear You?

2008-09-25T17:10:00.006-04:00

He said to them,

"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Mark 16:15

Heavenly Father,

I am so thankful that I know you, that I have made a decision to follow you. Thank you for not giving up on me. I wondered around, trying to do things my way. I didn't want to give things up. What I know now is that the things were not worth holding onto. I was seeking pleasure and finding pain. I was seeking security and finding constant fear. I was seeking love and finding out that people do not have it to give. I was holding on to what seemed safe to me. At the same time, I was sacrificing the very peace, joy and security I was looking for.

Sometimes when I am in a church service where people are really worshipping and you are really moving, I think of people who have not come to know you in a relationship. It makes me all the more grateful that I have, because as D.L. Moody once said as he stared at a man lying in a gutter..."But for the grace of God...there lies D.L. Moody." If you had not guided my every step to bring me where I am... if you had not been patient with me...if you had not loved me and died for me...there lies L.M. Nivens.

For those who surround me who have not found what they are looking for...I pray that you would reveal yourself to them. Show them how you not only can but want to meet their every need. Help them to run to you like a rabbit running to it's hole for safety, like a baby taking his first steps and falling into his mother's arms, firmly believing that she will catch him.

I know that you will catch them. I know that they will find everything they need and much more. I know that you love them and desire a relationship with them. I know that I know that I know...how do I tell them? Please teach me for you have commanded us to "Go".

In Jesus Name,
Amen

From the Heart

2008-09-08T07:28:00.004-04:00

Heavenly Father,

How Great is our God! I know that you are amazing. I know that you are able. I know that your love is a constant for me. I know that you will never leave or forsake me. I know that I will see you face to face some day. I pray that you would continue to reveal yourself to me until that day.

My aunt lays right now in a bed unable to move her right side, unable to speak words. She has at least five tumors in her brain. Her loss of mobility and speech happened over a period of about two weeks. They are not treating her, only making her comfortable. They have given her days or maybe weeks. I am thankful that we have been able to communicate with her enough to know that she has made things right with you. Thankyou for giving us the opportunity and the boldness to ask the questions. Forgive us for waiting until now to ask.

We are not promised tomorrow. Help us, Lord, to make sure that we tell our friends and loved ones about your great
salvation. Go before us and prepare their hearts to hear the good news. Help us to be persuasive with love - your love. Help them to see that we bring the message because we love them - not because we are trying to change them or take away their fun or show them that we are better. Help us, Lord to have your heart of compassion at all times but especially when we approach someone with the powerful and wonderful saving blood of Jesus.

"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."
Isaiah 53:7-8

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:7-8

I pray for healing for my aunt. I know you are able to bring her up out of that bed and restore her completely. You created her in her mother's womb - every detail that we can see and not see.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Psalm 139:13-14

It is nothing for you. If you just say the words then cancer has to go. Adiction has to go. Chains have to fall off. Jesus shed his blood for our healing.

"He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:3-5

Give her a chance, Lord, to serve you. Touch her this day. Give her a chance to be tell her son about you. Give her a chance to tell Michael and Hobert about you. Heal her body, Lord. Only you can, and you are able!

I love you and praise you no matter what you choose to do, because I know that you are sovereign. I have made my will known to you, but I submit my will to you. Thankyou for your thoughts toward me.

In Jesus Name, Jesus Jesus Jesus
Amen

He is the Source!

2008-08-16T10:00:00.012-04:00

Heavenly Father,

I thank you for your presence in our service on Sunday. I pray that the work you began in so many people would be continued until completion. Don't allow the devil to take away what took place in the hearts and lives of each person who reached out to you that morning. I pray that the doubts that might have entered their minds would be flushed out with the truth of your word. I pray that the promises, healing, forgiveness, freedom from bondage or whatever was received would stay firmly in their minds and hearts. I pray it would be something they can hold onto when day to day comes along.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you. I Peter 1:22-25

Lord, don't let us forget the obedience part. Help us to seek to know your word, so that we will know how to obey the truth - so we will not miss out on the blessings and promises.

I pray for David Freeman who put a request on the prayer board. I pray for healing in his body. I also pray that as he takes the chemo treatments that he would not experience the usual side effects such as nausea. I pray that you would encourage him in this time. Give him peace to know that you are with him. Give him direction to know what you would have him to do right now, so he will feel purpose in his life.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5

I pray for our Sunday School class. I thank you for the bonding that has taken place. I thank you for the freedom in class to share needs, thoughts and tears. I pray that you would continue to pour out your presence in that classroom and on each person as we grow and seek you.

Ten minutes in your presence Lord is better than anything this world has to offer and accomplishes so much more!

I thank you for hearing me. I pray that you would prepare our hearts for tomorrow's services. Help us to receive whatever you want us to learn and help us to be aware of how we can help someone else around us that may be in need.

I pray all these things in Jesus Name,
Amen

He Is Able!

2008-08-12T08:22:00.007-04:00

Now to him who is able to do

immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power that is at work within us,

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen

Ephesians 3:20-21

Heavenly Father,

A lot has happened since I last posted a prayer. I am thankful that I don't have to depend on a computer to talk to you. I thank you for the sale of my house. I pray a continued blessing on the new occupants. It was a good house for me and my little girl (who is no longer a little girl). I pray that they would have a good relationship with the neighbors like we did. I pray they would feel at home right away.

I thank you for helping my brother and his family moved safely. I pray that you would help his house to sell quickly. I ask that you be with his girls as they have had to start a new school and are having to meet new friends. I pray your anointing would be on my brother as he leads the congregation into your presence each service to worship you. I pray the church would grow in spiritual depth and be a solid source of strength and learning for all who attend - as well as a place where those can come in the first day and find exactly what they came there for.

I pray for the kids starting school tomorrow. I pray that the year would start off on the right foot for kids and teachers alike. I pray for those who are attending a new school (my daughter included). I pray that you would help them to meet good friends quickly. Be with Alden - she is looking forward to going, but she is nervous too. I pray you would surround her with your angels. If she is alone, send her a friend. If she is lost, send someone to help her find her way. If she doesn't know what to do, send her wisdom to guide her. Help her in her studies to form good study habits and listening skills. I pray she would connect quickly with all her teachers to promote a good atmosphere for learning and growing. I thank you already for being with her always - especially when I can't be.

There are several names with medical and physical needs. I ask that you would be with Al Asbury as he recovers from surgery and makes decisions based on the results. I pray for my aunt Helen. She will go back to the doctor next week to find results of some tests that were done. I pray you would speak to her. Call the word to her memory as she looks for peace in an unknown situation. Draw her back to a close walk with you. I also want to pray for Ashley who was in a bad car accident. I learned the other day that she is believing you for healing. Right now she is in therapy learning to live in a wheelchair, but I will agree with her and believe for healing in her spinal cord. She is 22 and has 2 small children. I pray that as she seeks you and believes you that you would hear her cry out to you - a father listening to his child - and would have compassion on her. I pray you would touch her spinal cord that you yourself created and make it better than it was before the accident. I thank you that you are able and willing to do more than we could ask or imagine.

I pray all these things in Jesus Name and for His sake,
Amen

Worship The Lord!

2008-07-22T13:25:00.002-04:00

Heavenly Father,

I am learning the importance of worship.

Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;

tremble before him, all the earth. Psalm 96:9

I only wish that I could worship you in a manner that you deserve. I can worship you for what you have done. I can worship you (in faith) for what you will do. I can worship you for who you are - in my limited knowledge of who you are. I want to see you. I want to know more. I want to have the awe that I know I should have because of who you are.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;

worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. Psalm 29:2

I have awe because of what you have done in my life. I am thankful that you have revealed yourself to me and brought me out of so many things. I am thankful for the joy only you have put in my heart - the joy that stays with me even in hard times.

I pray for Travis that you would release something in him. I pray he would be able to surrender to you the praise he knows is in him. He has confessed with his mouth that he wants to praise with all he has, but he cannot let go. I pray that you would speak to him through your holy spirit the words he need to hear to let go of what is holding him back.

David, wearing a linen ephod,

danced before the LORD with all his might,

while he and the entire house of Israel

brought up the ark of the LORD

with shouts and the sound of trumpets. 2 Samuel 6:14-15

I pray for Ms. Jeralds. I pray that you would help her to trust you in her finances. I pray you would provide her with a job. I pray you would help her physically and emotionally with the sadness and crying she is experiencing. I pray that if it is a physical problem that it would be identified and quickly treated, but if it is the enemy coming against her, that she would reach out to you and you would drive the enemy far away. You have promised that:

no weapon forged against you will prevail,

and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. Isaiah 54:17

I pray for Jim’s aunt June as she is preparing to leave this world. I pray for his mother that she would be able to let her go when the time comes. I pray you would be comfort for both of them during this time of their lives.I pray for Barb’s kids and the things they are going through. I pray for the safety of Emma in that situation. I pray you would intervene there and give wisdom to those who need to make decisions where the little girl is involved. I pray that there would be liberty where there is bondage.

I pray for Tom and Scott as they council this man, Jeff. I pray you would give them the words they need to encourage this man and point him towards peace and joy in your salvation. Reveal yourself to him, so he is able to see past his circumstances and get through this time in his life.
I pray you would help Darla in the situation with the blended family. Bless her for standing up for what is right.

I thank you for hearing me and for desiring to help even the smallest details of my life.
I pray this all in Jesus Name and for his sake.
Amen

Trust in the Name!

2008-07-02T08:06:00.004-04:00

We will shout for joy when you are victorious

and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the LORD grant all your requests.

Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;

he answers him from his holy heaven

with the saving power of his right hand.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 20:5-7

Heavenly Father,

My Lord and my God! How great it is to be able to come to you and put my cares into your hands. You are so able and willing to hear and answer me. I can rest, knowing you are in control.

I pray for Bruce, who is in the hospital with broken and crushed bones in his leg and ankle. I know you have created those bones from nothing, and you can if you choose recreate them from the splinters that remain. You can cause them to come back together the way they are meant to be. Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. I ask that you glorify yourself in the eyes of the unbelievers - when the doctor goes back in for surgery today, that he finds improvement if not a complete healing of his leg and ankle. If this is not your will, then I pray you give Bruce the grace to endure what is ahead.

I pray for Faye, who is in the hospital with pancreas problems. I thank you that the doctors were able to determine the cause of her sickness. I pray you would be with her today as they do tests and decide a course of treatment for her. I pray that you would speak to her during this time. Remind her of who you are. I pray that she would experience something special with you as a result of this illness.

I pray that you would continue to comfort the boys in the loss of their father. there is no way for us to comprehend or understand something like that let alone try to explain to a 10 and 6 year old. Only you can get them through.

I pray for Scott as he travels. I pray that you would give him the words to say when he talks to his friend. I pray that you would reveal yourself to that man. I pray the things he thinks he already knows would not cloud the truth about who you are and the kind of relationship you want to have with him.

I thank you for hearing me, and I know that you are able!
I pray in Jesus Name!
Amen

Comfort and Compassion

2008-06-24T08:03:00.004-04:00

May your unfailing love be my comfort,

according to your promise to your servant.

Let your compassion come to me that I may live,

for your law is my delight.

Psalm 119:76-77

Heavenly Father,

You are the comforter. Your compassion pours out on your children. I pray that you would pour out your comfort and compassion on the Eaton family as they grieve the loss of a loved one. I pray especially for the kids. How hard it must be for them to understand. There is no way to comprehend why something like this would happen. We live in a fallen and imperfect world. It’s not what you had planned for us, but our free will and free choice led us down this path. In spite of our sin and disobedience, we are your children. You have made a way through your own Son for us to be called sons. Let your compassion fall on your children in this time of need. Help us all to always look to you for answers and comfort and whatever we need.

I continue to pray for my brother. I pray the vision you have put in him would collide with his career. I pray that monetary support would come from somewhere for him to be able to carry out that vision. I pray you would make things very clear to him what he should do.

I pray for the kids at camp. I pray for the speaker that he would be anointed. I pray you would put the message in him that so many kids need. I pray that you would break bonds that are forming. The age is so tender. It is such a hard time to be so tender an age. Help them find you this week and build a solid foundation that they can start a new life on. Give them new hope for their future. Give them strength and vision for their future. Give them purpose for their life besides the usual things 13 and 14 year olds do. Empower them with your presence. Let them know there is more out there than video games and dating.

I pray for those in my Sunday School class. Be with Travis at work. Help him to show love to those he works with. Be with Taz and his wife and their health issues. Touch their bodies. I pray for April as she will be at camp next week. I pray for Scott’s uncle who hasn’t been feeling well. I pray for his friend that he is going to talk to in a few weeks. I pray that you would prepare him to hear the truth. Give courage and wisdom to Scott as he talks to this man. I pray for Barb’s son as he is trying to make a new path for his life. Encourage him and surround him with support in friendships. I pray for Kelly as she steps out of her old life. I pray you would protect her from old patterns and relationships. Begin to heal those wounds that led her into that lifestyle.I thank you for hearing these requests. I thank you that you care about even the littlest detail of our lives and you hear our cries, and you see our tears.

It’s in Jesus name I pray,

Amen

Healing and New Life

2008-06-19T08:40:00.003-04:00

But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

Heavenly Father,

I sit here and search for the words to address you properly. There is no way for me to absorb how great you really are. I pray you will help me absorb a little more each day.

I thank you for the opportunity to talk to my brother yesterday. I pray that you would be with him this week at camp meeting. Anoint him as he leads people into your presence for worship. I thank you for the vision you have put in his heart. I pray that you would help him to see clearly the steps he needs to take from here to make that vision become a reality. Help him to know the steps of faith and grant him the support from family, friends and co-workers to carry out those steps. I pray you would give peace to all those involved in the decisions that will be made in the next weeks.

I pray for Betty Cardin as she will be having surgery this morning. I pray you would direct the surgeon’s hands and mind as he rebuilds what this world has torn down. I pray she would be able to dance for you when the recovery is over.

I pray for Janice’s niece who was injured on the job. I pray that she would get the compensation she deserves from her employer to cover not only the time off and medical expenses but also the physical and emotional trouble she is facing.

I pray for our congregation. I pray for good health as well as healing in joints, bones, sinus, muscles, blood pressure, diabetic issues - whatever the ailment, we know there is a name ABOVE all other names. Your word says by your wounds we are healed. By the power of the shed blood of Jesus, I pray healing all over the Englewood Church of God! Thank you, Lord Jesus for your sacrifice!

I pray for Pastor Scott as he enjoys this time at camp meeting. I pray that you would bless and encourage him this week. Give him strength for the things ahead.

I pray for our kids who are going to youth camp. I pray that you would prepare them now to receive from you the lessons and blessings you have in store for them. I pray that whatever they receive would fall on good ground and take root right away, so that it will stand through all the trials and hard times of their real world. I pray you would give them a desire in their hearts to seek you and learn your word, so they will not be led astray by “another gospel.” Help them to open their hearts to receive all of you they can.

I pray all this in Jesus name!

Amen

I Saw the Lord

2008-06-11T08:47:00.003-04:00

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

Isaiah 6:1-5

Heavenly Father,

Isaiah saw you seated on your throne in all your glory. At that point, he realized how unworthy he was, because he understood how holy you are. How great it would be to see you the way Isaiah did. The angels said that the whole earth is full of your glory. You have not hidden yourself from us, yet we so often turn a blinded eye. Help us, Lord to open our eyes to see your glory around us. Help us to be aware of our own sin and repent and be willing to go and do what you want us to do. We are the temple - we should reflect your glory in us!

I want to pray for my Sunday school class. First, for Ivan and Kathy. I pray you would be with them. Bless them for stepping out to do what you have put on his heart to do. Comfort them as they have been used to being close to Jason, Jessica and the baby. Encourage them in the hard times to push through and remember the promises you have given them in their time in Englewood.

I pray for Travis - that you would help him at work to be the witness that his workers are looking for. Show them who you are through him on the job. I pray for Taz and Pat with their physical problems. I pray that you would touch them and bring healing. I thank you for the testimony they have.

I pray for the mother and son that Jim talked about who both have cancer. I pray they would be a comfort to each other, but I also pray that you would do a miracle in their bodies. I pray you would minister to their minds, bodies and souls.

I pray for Betty as she will be having surgery in a few days. I continue to pray for those who went for healing and deliverance last Sunday. I pray that you would continue to heal and deliver. I pray for Kelly as she fights an uphill battle with the life she is trying to leave behind. I am thankful to see her making the effort by her desire to attend church. Meet her right where she is, Lord, as she reaches out to you for help.

I also continue to pray for my brother as he continues his job search. Keep him safe as he travels to the churches he is interviewing with. Make the choice clear to him where you want him to go. Help us all know that you are with him.

I thank you for what you are doing in my back. I believe you are healing me. I will continue to pray and believe that you are able!

I love you, Lord. I thank you for hearing me when I call out to you with my prayers and my praise. I pray that my praise would be pleasing and that my heart would be lined up with yours as I make my requests known to you.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Stand Firm and See the Deliverance!

2008-06-07T09:10:00.003-04:00

"O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.

7 O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?

8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying,

9 'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.'

10 "But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them.

11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance.

12 O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

2 Chronicles 20:6-12

Heavenly Father,

So many times, we find ourselves in a similar situation as Judah found themselves in these verses. They did not have the army power to defeat the enemy. We look and can see no way out of the mess we are in. The prophet tells them this:

15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.

16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.

17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' "
18 Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD.

19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with very loud voice.

How often do we try to fight our own battles - that we cannot win? Teach us Lord to depend on you. Teach us Lord to praise you and bow our head to the ground in respect and honor to you! You can do the amazing things that we cannot even imagine! THEN you will show up with the victory in your hands!!

22 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

23 The men of Ammon and Moab rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

24 When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped.
Not only will you defeat our enemy, but you will bless us as well - doing far greater than we ever asked or imagined.
25 So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing [e] and also articles of value—more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it.

The enemy defeated themselves - with no survivors AND they got all their stuff. Who would have imagined that outcome? Only You Oh Lord! I pray that you would help me to be faithful and keep my eyes on you, so I can experience victories like this in my life - not just once or twice, but a lifestyle of victory!

I pray you would give my brother this same peace and victory as he entertains job offers. I pray you would direct him and give him wisdom to know where you would have him go. My personal prayer is that you keep him close to home, but not my will but yours be done.

I pray in Jesus Name and for His Sake,
Amen

I have heard your prayers

2008-06-02T07:39:00.004-04:00

In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death.

The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said,

"This is what the LORD says:

Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover."

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD,

"Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully

and with wholehearted devotion

and have done what is good in your eyes."

And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Before Isaiah had left the middle court,

the word of the LORD came to him:

"Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people,

'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says:

I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.

II Kings 20:1-5

Heavenly Father,

I thank you, Lord that you hear us when we pray. I thank you that you are not only able but compassionate and willing to heal and bless us. I thank you for the great services we had yesterday. I believe people were healed and set free of all kinds of things. I pray for those who went up for healing last night (myself included). I pray that you would complete that healing in each one. I pray that you would encourage and strengthen us when doubt creeps in about the things you have done and are doing. I pray for those who went up to be set free of things - especially kelly. I pray that you would help each person find the truth they can hold onto in order to fully put what binds them under their feet. Help them understand that it is not by their own strength, but by leaning and trusting on you. Provide people in their lives who can guide them in your word - teach them the truth that will become the solid ground that they can stand on.

It was great to see the framework starting to go up for the new sanctuary. It has been a long time coming. I am more thankful for the preparation that has been taking place in the body of believers at the Englewood Church of God. A new building can look nice, but if your presence is not there, what is the point. I believe we have been learning to worship you. We have been learning to wait and expect you to show up and do great things. While we have been making preparations to build a church building, we have been building a temple in our lives for you to dwell. I pray this process would continue even after we have moved into the new building. I pray for Pastor Scott as he leads us. I ask you would continue to give him vision for the future. Keep him strong and healthy, and give him wisdom as he makes decisions. I thank you for the men who are by his side guiding him and helping him in the church decisions.

I pray for those who were mentioned in Sunday school. There were those who are facing the news of their bodies full of cancer. Jim mentioned a mother and son both with cancer. Scott told about a woman who on the same day learned of her own cancer and her husband’s death. I also pray for Barb’s son as he is redefining his life with new relationships and a new place to live. I pray that you would blind the eyes of those who might be a stumbling block to him. Don’t allow them to find him or be able to contact him. Protect him, Lord. Help him to grow in the word and become secure in his relationship with you. Strengthen his roommate and enable him to be a source of help and accountability. Lastly, I pray for Ivan and Kathy. I pray you would be with them as they follow you. I thank you for the preparation you have done in their lives while they have been here. Use them in this new season of their lives.

I pray all these things in Jesus Name,
Amen

In His Presence

2008-05-28T11:53:00.003-04:00

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!

2008-05-19T08:54:00.003-04:00

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

2008-05-13T06:35:00.006-04:00

"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

2008-05-12T08:16:00.004-04:00

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

2008-05-07T11:08:00.009-04:00

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

2008-05-06T07:48:00.002-04:00

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

A Prayer for the Lost

2008-04-29T15:49:00.004-04:00

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,

preaching the good news of the kingdom,

and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

Matthew 4:23

Heavenly Father,

I enter into your throne room in awe of who you are. I thank you that you not only give me audience, but you also desire to hear from me. I ask that you would take my awkward and fleshly effort to pray and make it into something great. I pray that you would help me to see the needs through your eyes, so I can pray effectively.

I know that you have said that you are coming soon. I pray for eyes to be open to your truth. I pray that you would reveal yourself to me more each day, so that I can show those around me who don’t know you just how much you love them and desire a relationship with them. I have spoken with others who sense the urgency that time really is running short. Even if you are not coming in our lifetime, we never know when our time to go will be.

Sometimes I don’t want to share the good news with people, because I get tired of people rejecting what I am telling them. I pray that you would help me not tire as well as help me present the truth in love. Go before me and prepare hearts to receive. I really am trying to help. If I saw that someone’s house was on fire, would they not want me to tell them? If I told them, would they not go right away and try to save their house? If I told someone where they could find a million dollars, would they not at least go look? Is Eternal life not better than saving your house or finding a million dollars?

Help me Lord to understand why people run from you, when all you want to do is take our sadness and give us joy, take our sin and give us forgiveness, take our bondage and set us free, take our needs and give us provisions, take our emptiness and fill us. Help me to find a way to help someone understand.

I pray for our revival that starts Sunday night. I pray that you would be with Joe Sneed this week as he prepares. Give him a special message for us, Lord. Prepare our hearts to hear from you.

I pray for my Sunday School Class. I pray for those (myself included) who have physical needs. Ongoing pain and problems can drive you a little crazy after a while. I pray that your grace would be sufficient. I pray for healing and financial blessing to pay the medical bills that might be piling up for some. I pray for the doctors that they would be able to quickly diagnose and treat the problems. I pray for the special Olympics being held this weekend. I pray all would be kept safe from injury and that they would all have a great time. I pray you would bless the volunteers for their time and efforts. The events could not take place without them.

I thank you for this time we have had. I thank you for the peace in knowing you have heard and will answer.

In Jesus Name…Amen