October 19-25, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers for the Election Process

Monday, October 19: “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:1-4). Pray for a spirit of humility and compassion to come over the churches in our community and our nation, so that others can see Jesus living in and through us.

Tuesday, October 20: ”Pray continually…” (I Thessalonians 5:17). “Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing” (1 Timothy 2:8). Father, we pray that our churches would be houses of prayer, overflowing with prayer for every aspect of the church’s services and activities.

Wednesday, October 21: “God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God” (Psalm 53:2). Lord God Almighty, pour out a spirit of repentance on our churches, to turn our hearts back to You, to seek Your face and Your ways.

Thursday, October 22: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). “You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). We pray for believers everywhere to have courage and strength to stand firm in their faith, to endure when faced with opposition.

Friday, October 23: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). We pray for the Church in our country to be filled with the power of the Spirit, that we can have peace with each other and that our peace would be evident to all.

Saturday, October 24: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:15-17). Father, draw Your church away from the emptiness that the world offers us, and purify us to live for You.

Sunday, October 25: “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them” (Psalm 78:72). Give our pastor a heart of integrity and grant him skill and insight as he shepherds those in his care.

October 12-18, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers for the Election Process

Monday, October 12: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise”  (Psalm 111:10). Ask the Lord to surround all the candidates and our leaders with godly advisors.

Tuesday, October 13: ”If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other” (Galatians 5:15). Pray that each candidate will focus on the issues we face as a nation and not on personal attacks on other candidates.

Wednesday, October 14: “Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles” (2 Chronicles 14:2). Lord, we pray that all the candidates and government leaders that call you Lord will take brave stands for what is right even when it may not be well received.

Thursday, October 15: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:9-10). Pray that all of us who call Jesus Lord would exhibit these characteristics from Romans 12 in our lives.

Friday, October 16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16). Pray for the churches in our community, that they would preach the truth of the Word clearly and courageously.

Saturday, October 17: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). Thank God for the freedom we have as His children, and ask Him to help us to understand what that freedom really means and how to live in freedom in ways that bring Him glory.

Sunday, October 18: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). We pray, Lord, that You will be continually transforming our pastor’s mind- thinking, attitudes, perceptions- so that He will always be walking in Your truth.

October 5-11, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers for the Election Process

Monday, October 5: ”This is what the Lord almighty said: ‘Administer true justice, show mercy and compassion to one another’” (Zechariah 7:9). Lord, we pray that our current lawmakers and all candidates would desire to administer true justice for all, accompanied by mercy and compassion.

Tuesday, October 6: “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her and she will watch over you” (Proverbs  4:5-6). Father, we acknowledge our need of wisdom and are thankful that you have said that if we ask you will provide. Grant us your wisdom.

Wednesday, October 7: “I urge you then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 1:1-2). Lord, guide us through this election as a nation, state, and community as we vote for people to work on our behalf and on the behalf of our communities and nation.  Guide us to vote for people and ballot issues that would lead to peaceful and quiet lives for all and that reflect the values that Christ has taught us.

Thursday, October 8: “Rescue us, O Lord, from evil men; protect us from men of violence who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day” (Psalm 140:1). Ask the Lord for protection from those who would try to prevent or interfere with the elections.

Friday, October 9: “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). Pray that the Lord would remove all envy and selfish ambition from all candidates and all those already in leadership.

Saturday, October 10: “You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race” (Psalm 12:7-8). Lord, we pray that the candidates and their families will be protected from harm and unnecessary scrutiny.

Sunday, October 11: Lord, may you, the God of hope, fill Pastor Matt “with all joy and peace as [he] trusts in you, so that [he] may overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

September 28-October 4, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers for Children

Monday, September 28: Lord, we ask you to set our children free from habitual and willful sin. Set them free from whatever separates them from You. “Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34-36).

Tuesday, September 29: We ask You, our Father, to give our grown children a sense of purpose and direction that fits their unique giftedness and interests and brings You glory. “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people” (Ephesians 1:17-18).

Wednesday, September 30: We ask, Lord, that our children would seek to honor You in all their work. May they not be careless or lazy. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23).

Prayers for the election process

Thursday, October 1: “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2). Father, as we are in the midst of this election season, help us to keep our eyes on you and to remember that you alone are our only true refuge and strength.

Friday, October 2: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). Pray that the candidates and we, as voters, would seek Godly wisdom.

Saturday, October 3: “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Pray that God’s truth will be recognized as the standard of truth.

Sunday, October 4: “Our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). Father, we pray that as Pastor Matt brings your words to us that he will speak them with conviction accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Escape Career Connections + Summer Lunches!

By Tammy Michmerhuizen, Discipleship Coordinator

Pizza, pork BBQ, sub sandwiches… that was what was on the menu for the kids when Maranatha provided lunches for the Career Connections work crews through Escape Ministries this summer. I had the privilege of purchasing, assembling, delivering, and serving these students and their crew leaders in the parking lot of Escape Ministries once in the month of June and twice in August. Over the past couple of years typically we have met with a group of us at church to assemble sack lunches for the kids, but with the additional protocol in place during the pandemic, I offered to purchase what was needed to supply the meals representing Maranatha. I was pleased to accept this opportunity. It was a joy to meet some of the kids and their leaders.

As the kids returned from their morning work assignments, one small group at a time, they were energetically welcomed back to the property by AJ Westendorp: “Hey! How was your morning? Welcome back! Good to see you.” And AJ didn’t cheer out the greeting anonymously, but spoke personally using the student’s name, showing genuine interest to each of the kids. I noticed that each of the kids responded in their own ways, some full of energy in return, others more subdued, but each one was touched and validated by the individual attention offered. That’s the work of Escape MInistries: to love and affirm the students, right where they are at...specifically their vision is:

To intervene in the lives of those who fall between the cracks of existing education, economic, family and religious resources and help them successfully navigate to a positive life experience through meaningful Christian relationships.

During each of the visits to Escape, it was apparent that for some, basketball was wayyyy more pressing than food (hard for me to believe, especially since these particular young men had just spent three or four hours in the hot sun weeding and throwing bark...but it was true). Food could wait, because a basketball rivalry between the crew leaders and a few of the young men needed to be settled! It was intense but still fun and relaxed with smack talking, cheering, and money on the line. If the students could make more baskets than leaders Malike and AJ...there was $20 in it for one of them!  With that it was game on...for the students and leaders alike! I know you want to know how it ended, right? Well, the adults got beat and had to pay up!! AJ did so with a smile on his face...he was a really good sport. :)

Each of the times I left the campus of Escape I was touched by the personal care directed toward the students.

Relationships have been established and are growing at Escape; the staff, mentors, tutors, and the young people that participate are doing life together. It’s making a difference. If you want to hear for yourself, I suggest listening to ESCAPE The Bubble podcast. In these episodes AJ interviews a student and they get to tell their story. By listening, we get a glimpse into the lives of young heroes at Escape who have overcome incredible obstacles right here in our community.

The work that Escape is doing is making a difference in the lives of the students and their families but equally important is the fact that it is making a difference in the lives of AJ, Kristina, Ruben, and the other staff members, mentors and tutors.  If you want to see for yourself, that can be arranged!  Escape is always looking for tutors and mentors especially on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3pm-5pm.

The reason I was able to represent Maranatha and provide lunches for the work crews at Escape is because of your gifts to the Faith Promise fund. Thank you for your faithful support and also thanks for the work of the Outreach Team who is faithfully discerning the best ways to use these gifts.

Here is a personal thank-you card we received from one of the Career Connections students:

“My name is Xavier and I had a summer through Escape Career Connections. I learned how to save my money which is important because I used to spend my money on stuff that I really didn’t need. Thanks for your help with the program by providing lunches for us. Stay passionate, Xavier”

September 21-27, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers for Children

Monday, September 21: Lord, we ask you to set our children free from habitual and willful sin. Set them free from whatever separates them from You. “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’” (John 8:34-36).

Tuesday, September 22: We ask You, our Father, to give our grown children a sense of purpose and direction that fits their unique giftedness and interests and brings You glory. “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people” (Ephesians 1:17-18).

Wednesday, September 23: We ask, Lord, that our children would seek to honor You in all their work. May they not be careless or lazy. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23).

Thursday, September 24: Father, we pray that our children would not feel entitled or superior to others, but may they be willing to serve others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

Friday, September 25: Lord God, grow our children into mighty prayer warriors who bring everything to You in prayer. Help us to model that behavior to them. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Saturday, September 26: Father, free our children from fear and anxiety and help them to think clearly, to have a sound mind. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Sunday, September 27: Help our children to resist filling their minds with thoughts or activities that are worthless and do not honor You. Help them to fill their minds with what pleases You. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

September 14-20, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers for Children

Monday, September 14: Pray that with all they are learning, our children will “…grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Tuesday, September 15: Pray the words of Isaiah 40:28-31 for students and staff. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;  but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Wednesday, September 16: We pray for our adult children who have wandered away from God and the church, Father. Draw them back in Your love and power and give them a heart that is fully Yours. “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart” (Jeremiah 24:7).

Thursday, September 17: Father, give our children a hunger for Your Word, and open their minds to understand it and courage to obey it. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:7-8).

Friday, September 18: We pray that our adult children would be humble and not full of pride. “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2).

Saturday, September 19: Heavenly Father, bless our children with discernment so that they can see clearly what is right and what is wrong. Help them to choose to do what is right. “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 for 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).

Sunday, September 20: Father God, pour out Your Spirit of wisdom on our adult children.  Protect them from the “wisdom” of the world. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

September 5-13, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers for Children

Saturday, September 5: Jesus, may all know that you alone are the way, the truth, and the life and that salvation is only through you. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).

Sunday, September 6: Father, we pray for all teachers that they would seek your wisdom rather than the wisdom of the world. “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human traditions and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8).

Monday, September 7: Pray that our children would “…not let any unwholesome talk come out of their mouths but only what is helpful for building other up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

Tuesday, September 8: Father, bless the words of teachers, that their “…conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that they may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6).

Wednesday, September 9: Lord, protect our children that they may not choose to walk in the counsel of the wicked but rather to delight in your ways. “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers” (Psalm 1:1).

Thursday, September 10: Pray for teachers and staff, that in the midst of all they do, they will not become weary in doing good. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Friday, September 11: Father, may our children learn not to pay back wrong for wrong but rather always try to be kind to each other. “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

Saturday, September 12: Lord, may our children have hearts that listen for your voice. “The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening’” (1 Samuel 3:10).

Sunday, September 13: Pray that our children will always know that they are precious and honored in God’s sight and that he loves them. “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life” (Isaiah 43:4).

August 29 - September 4, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Life Giving Prayers for Your Church

Saturday, August 29: Lord, I lift up the Church in our nation. We humbly unite and confess as one people - one Church called by Your name - that we have sinned. We've operated out of acquired wealth thinking we could do it on our own - but we are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. We seek Your face, O God! Thank You for hearing and forgiving us. We wait on You for the healing of our land (2 Chronicles 7:14; Revelation 3:17).

Sunday, August 30: Lord, I lift up the Church universal. Father, we claim the power of Your name over us so that we will be one, as You and Your Son are one. We want Your joy in full measure just as Your son, Jesus, prayed for us. Help us live as though we are not of this world; sanctify us by Your word. May we be brought to complete unity so that the world will know the truth of the gospel (John 17:11-23).

Monday, August 31: Lord, I lift up our need for protection. Protect and deliver us from the evil one. Help us be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves as we deal with the wolves around us. Show us how to test every spirit to see if they are from You. Help us recognize the enemy's disguises and schemes so that he won't outwit us (John 17:15; Matthew 6:13, 10:14; 1 John 4:1; 2 Corinthians 11:14, 2:11).

Copyright 2004, 2012 by Church Prayer Leaders Network, www.prayerleader.com. This guide can be photocopied or emailed freely as long as this statement and website is included on the bottom.

Prayers for Children

Tuesday, September 1: As students, families, and staff enter the first full month of school, pray that they hear the Lord say “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for I the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Wednesday, September 2: Pray for the teachers and staff at the schools that they may look at the year ahead with hope because they trust in God. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Thursday, September 3: Pray that our children/students would develop good relationships with their teachers and show proper respect. “Show proper respect to everyone” (1 Peter 2:17a).

Friday, September 4: Pray that each teacher and staff member would see each student as fearfully and wonderfully made.  “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).

August 22-28, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Life Giving Prayers for Your Church

Saturday, August 22: Lord, I lift up the single parents in our church. May they know You as father to the fatherless and defender of the widows! Let us be a real family to them when they are lonely. Show us ways to include them and minister grace to them. Stir up practical ideas in us that show Your love and care. Help them relax in Your grace and provision which is more than enough for every weakness and need (Psalm 68:5,6; 25:16; Matthew 25:35-40; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:19).

Sunday, August 23: Lord, I lift up those who are hurting right now. May they come to know You as El Roi, the God who sees them. For every situation of rejection, help them feel sonship. Bind up the brokenhearted! In every area of bondage, set the captives free; in every case of mourning, replace it with Your oil of gladness. Comfort them so that they will have a ministry of comfort to others (Genesis 16:13; Romans 8:15; Isaiah 61:1-3; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Monday, August 24: Lord, I lift up every one of us who struggle with sin issues. Keep us from the enemy's scheme of condemnation. Grant us repentance so that we can escape the trap of the evil one. Thank You that sin was done away with on the cross and that we are no longer slaves to it. Help us to throw off everything that entangles - help us run with perseverance (Romans 8:1, 2 Timothy 2:25-26; Romans 6:6; Hebrews 12:1).

Tuesday, August 25: Lord, I lift up our priorities as a congregation. Give us ears to hear what Your Spirit is saying to our church. Open our eyes to see things as You see them. Help us move beyond issues of immediate need to pursuing Kingdom issues. Bring us to a place where "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" is more than just words we say (Revelation 3:22; 2 Kings 6:17; Matthew 6:25, 33, 10).

Wednesday, August 26: Lord, I lift up our church growth to You. Add to our number daily through new converts. Birth spiritual children through us. Let our actions win people over without words. Use us as Your agents to rescue people from darkness and bring them into Your Son's kingdom. We long to be worthy ambassadors in this ministry You have entrusted to us: that of proclaiming Your message of reconciliation to a lost world (Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Peter 3:1-2; Colossians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 5:20).

Thursday, August 27: Lord, I lift up our community, especially the surrounding neighborhood. Let us love these people as we love ourselves. May our concern for their needs override other things that take our time and focus. Rebuild and restore areas that have been devastated. Renew our community - send Your peace and prosperity into this place where You've planted us. Bless each individual home and family. Build each house from the inside out; watch over our city (Galatians 5:14; Proverbs 3:28; Isaiah 61:4; Jeremiah 29:7; Luke 10:5-6; Psalm 127:1).

Friday, August 28: Lord, I lift up the Church in our city. Thank You for creating the body as one unit made up of many parts. Help us understand the value of each part as You have arranged them. We confess that we've minimized other parts. Forgive us, for we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body. Help us to work at being one: concerned about one another - suffering with and rejoicing with other congregations as appropriate (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

Copyright 2004, 2012 by Church Prayer Leaders Network, www.prayerleader.com. This guide can be photocopied or emailed freely as long as this statement and website is included on the bottom.

August 15-21, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Life Giving Prayers for Your Church

Saturday, August 15: Lord, I lift up the prayer focus in my church. Make us into a house of prayer. We desire to be clear-minded and self-controlled so that we can pray first, always, continually and thankfully. May everyone recognize that this is Your desire for all and not just a few. Use us to stand in the gap for others. Let there be prayer ministry among us that is powerful and effective (Mark 11:17; 1 Peter 4:7; 1 Timothy 2:1; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 32:6; Ezekiel 22:30).

Sunday, August 16: Lord, I lift up the spiritual temperature of my church. Revive us! Refine us so that we burn hot for You. Give us singleness of heart and action so that we always fear You and follow Your precepts. Pour out a spirit of Josiah on us so that we turn to You heart, soul, and strength. Open our minds to understand Your Word so that our hearts burn within us (Psalm 85:6; Revelation 3:14-18; Jeremiah 32:39; Psalm 111:10; 2 Kings 23:25).

Monday, August 17: Lord, I lift up the issue of our willingness to be led by Your Spirit. Holy Spirit, show us any way we are grieving, quenching or resisting You. Convict us and lead us to level ground. Help us keep in step with You as we live by You. Reign in us so that we experience Your freedom. Lead us into grace, life and peace (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Acts 7:51; John 16:8; Psalm 143:10; Galatians 5:18, 25; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:6).

Tuesday, August 18: Lord, I lift up the use of spiritual gifts in our church. We eagerly desire spiritual gifts that You've given for our common good. Help us understand the various gifts and how they work. Teach us to use what we've received to serve others and faithfully administer Your grace - whatever form that takes. Help us exercise our gifts in love. Remind us to keep fanning into flame the gifts You've entrusted to us (1 Corinthians 14:1, 12:4-7; 1 Peter 4:10; 2 Timothy 1:6).

Wednesday, August 19: Lord, I lift up our love for one another as a body. Help us purify ourselves by obeying the truth so that our love for each other will be sincere, deep and from the heart. May our love for one another prove that we are Your disciples. Give us a spirit of unity so that we may glorify You with one heart and voice. Help us accept one another as we clothe ourselves in love (1 Peter 1:22; John 13:34-35; Romans 15:5-7; Colossians 3:14).

Thursday, August 20: Lord, I lift up our church finances. May we sow generously into our church without reluctance or compulsion. Make all grace abound so we have all we need to every good work You've assigned to us. Make us rich in ways that result in generosity on our part so You will be praised. Keep reminding us of your promise to throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out blessing on all who bring the whole tithe into Your house (2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Malachi 3:10).

Friday, August 21: Lord, I lift up our outreach programs. Remind us to do good and share with others as a pleasing sacrifice to You. Keep us outwardly focused so we don't become self-absorbed. Help us teach one another to be faithful ministers of Your Son. Enable us to meet people wherever they have a need. Help us minister faithfully as we proclaim the gospel so that the ones we reach might become an acceptable offering to You (Hebrews 13:16; Philippians 2:4; Colossians 1:7; Jude 1:23).

Copyright 2004, 2012 by Church Prayer Leaders Network, www.prayerleader.com. This guide can be photocopied or emailed freely as long as this statement and website is included on the bottom.

August 8-14, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Life Giving Prayers for Your Church

Saturday, August 8: Lord, I lift up our worship leaders. Appoint people in this position who understand the splendor of Your holiness and praise You out of that understanding. Help them lead us faithfully in thanks for Your enduring love. Use their praise to defeat the enemy. May they be the true worshipers You are looking for who worship in spirit and in truth. Let them glory only in You, Jesus, so that they put no confidence in their own flesh (2 Chronicles 20:21-22; John 4:23-24; Philippians 3:3).

Sunday, August 9: Lord, I lift up the speakers and teachers in our church. May everyone who holds that position - pastors, Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, guest speakers - rightly divide Your word of truth. Let them admonish and teach with wisdom. Reveal the mysteries of Your word to them and encourage them to speak those mysteries courageously and fearlessly. Let them speak with a spirit of faith that springs from their relationship with You (2 Timothy 2:15; Colossians 1:28; Daniel 2:47; Philippians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 4:13).

Monday, August 10: Lord, I lift up our Women's Ministry. Encourage our older women to train the younger in family issues. Teach our women to be virtuous - women with gentle and quiet spirits who pit their hope in You. Let this ministry produce women who feel Your passion for them and who choose to spend time at Your feet. Train them to contend for the gospel side by side with the men (Titus 2:4; Proverbs 31:10; 1 Peter 3:4,5; Psalm 45:11; Luke 10:38-42; Philippians 4:3).

Tuesday, August 11: Lord, I lift up our Men's Ministry to You. Use this ministry to build our men in their faith. Teach them to be in right relationship to You and each other, to love their wives sacrificially and to instruct their children with patience. Encourage them to hold each other accountable as they carry each other's burdens. May they speak the truth in love to each other even when it's hard (Jude 1:20; Titus 2:2; 1 Timothy 5:1; Ephesians 4:15, 5:25, 6:4; Galatians 6:2; Proverbs 27:6).

Wednesday, August 12: Lord, I lift up our Youth Workers. Let these men and women set an example in their speech, life, love, faith and purity. Cause them to be strong, alive-in-the-Word overcomers. Help them to have discernment as they deal with the young people in our church. Help them to notice any youth who lacks judgment so they can teach them to value Your life-giving principles. Pour out Your Spirit on them (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 John 2:14; Proverbs 3:21; 7:2; 7:7; Joel 2:28).

Thursday, August 13: Lord, I lift up the people who work behind the scenes at our church. Thank You for every nursery worker, parking lot attendant, office volunteer, building janitor, etc. who has devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Bless them for the obedience and generosity they have displayed - may You receive praise as a result! Keep them in an attitude of humility that comes from wisdom and wholehearted service to You rather than to be noticed by others (1 Corinthians 16:15; 2 Corinthians 9:12-13; James 3:13).

Friday, August 14: Lord, I lift up our Children's Ministries to You. Create an atmosphere here that encourages our children to find You. Let the teachers be careful to remind each child of the marvelous things You have done. Cause everything they learn about You to become a part of them forever. May they consistently choose life and blessing each day because of the training they receive in our church. Keep them walking in the truth (Mark 10:14; Deuteronomy 4:9, 29:29, 30:19; Proverbs 22:6; 3 John 1:4).

Copyright 2004, 2012 by Church Prayer Leaders Network, www.prayerleader.com. This guide can be photocopied or emailed freely as long as this statement and website is included on the bottom.

August 1-7, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Life Giving Prayers for Your Church

Saturday, August 1: Lord, I lift up my pastor to You. Thank You for his servant's heart. Keep him from losing heart when ministry gets tough. Help him prove faithful with the things you have entrusted to him. Teach him Your ways so that he knows You and finds favor with You as he leads us. Keep him open and honest before You and help him to represent the truth plainly (2 Corinthians 4:1; 1 Corinthians 4:1-3; Exodus 33:13).

Sunday, August 2: Lord, I lift up my elders to You. Help us respect and honor them as they direct the affairs of our church. May they wholeheartedly give their attention to prayer and ministry of the Word. Keep them above reproach, devoted to their families, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable and able to teach. May they be gentle and honest as they deal with people (1 Timothy 3:1-2 & 5:17; Acts 6:4; Titus 1:7).

Monday, August 3: Lord, I lift up my deacons to You. May they walk worthy of respect with sincere hearts. Keep them from indulgence and greed. Help them keep hold of truth. May they keep short accounts with You so that their conscience is clear. Bless their households with peace and respect. Fill them with Your Spirit and let them operate in wisdom as they carry out their responsibilities (1 Timothy 3:8-9, 12; Acts 6:3.

Tuesday, August 4: Lord, I lift up the adults in my congregation to You. May we live worthy of Your call on our lives. As we respond to that call, fulfill every purpose, every faith-filled act of service by Your power. May we be clothed in righteousness with hearts that sing for joy and delight greatly in You. We want to walk with You, Jesus, dressed in white, adorned with jewels (Ephesians 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; Psalm 132:9; Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 3:4).

Wednesday, August 5: Lord, I lift up the children and youth in my congregation to You. May the little ones remain humble examples of what we adults need to become in the kingdom. Let their conduct always be pure and right with reputations that show that they remember You, Creator God. Teach them to declare Your marvelous deeds. May they flee evil desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace (Matthew 18:3-4; Proverbs 20:11; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Psalm 71:17; 2 Timothy 2:22).

Thursday, August 6: Lord, I lift up the senior members of our congregation. Thank You for every gray hair attained by righteous living. We are blessed by their example and ability to train us. Help us to be humbly submissive as we benefit from their wisdom and understanding. Help them receive the strength and power You've promised to the weary and weak. May they put their hope in You and be renewed in the process (Proverbs 16:31; Titus 2:4; 1 Peter 5:5; Job 12:12).

Friday, August 7: Lord, I lift up the lost members of our congregation. Let the gospel be presented to them not only through the sermon but also with power, the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. Teach us to make the most of every opportunity to share Your salvation. Help us to be the fragrance of Christ to them. We stand against the enemy and his attempts to keep them blinded to Your truth (1 Thessalonians 1:5; Colossians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 2:15, 4:4).

Copyright 2004, 2012 by Church Prayer Leaders Network, www.prayerleader.com. This guide can be photocopied or emailed freely as long as this statement and website is included on the bottom.

July 25-31, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers focusing on GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

Saturday, July 25: “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures” (Psalm 119:89-90). We praise You as Creator of heaven and earth.  Everything You made still exists today because of Your faithful, loving care.

Sunday, July 26: “Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you” (Psalm 143:1-2). God is faithful to hear our prayers and answer us in His righteousness. He sees us as righteous because of Jesus blood, shed for us.

Monday, July 27: “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago” (Isaiah 25:1). We exalt You, Lord, and praise Your name, for You alone are God, and You alone do wonderful things. You are a God of plans and purposes, and Your plans are always carried out.

Tuesday, July 28: “He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.’ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things’” (Luke 24:44-48). We praise You, Jesus! You were faithful to keep every detail of the centuries of prophecies given about You in scripture. Because of Your great love and faithfulness we can be saved and released from our bondage to sin.

Wednesday, July 29: “For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:17-18). We thank You, Jesus, for taking on our flesh and successfully defeating sin and temptation. We thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, Who strengthens us to win the victory over temptation.

Thursday, July 30: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, Who dwells in us and empowers us to develop godly character.

Friday, July 31: “The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever—holy and awesome is his name” (Psalm 111:7-9). Everything that our God says and does is full of His faithfulness, justice, perfection, and trustworthiness. Holy and awesome is His name!

July 18-24, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers focusing on GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

Saturday, July 18: “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23). We praise You for Your great faithfulness to us.  You faithfully love us every day and treat us with compassion.

Sunday, July 19: “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill” (Numbers 23:19)? Rejoice today in the truth that our God is unchanging, and He faithfully keeps all of His promises.

Monday, July 20: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Because of God’s constant presence with us, we can have strength and courage - He will never leave us or forsake us.

Tuesday, July 21: “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant” (Psalm 25:8-10). We praise You for Your goodness and uprightness. Thank You for being our teacher, for faithfully leading us in Your ways.

Wednesday, July 22: “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God” (Psalm 31:3-5). Praise God, our faithful rock and fortress, our refuge and our Redeemer.

Thursday, July 23: “So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:43-45). We praise You, Lord, because Your Word is upright, perfect, and trustworthy. All of Your works declare Your faithfulness.

Friday, July 24: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4). Your faithfulness, Lord, is a protective shield around us. Thank You for defending us from our enemies and for covering us and drawing us close as a mother bird covers her chicks.

July 11-17, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers focusing on GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

Saturday, July 11: “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Call on the Lord to guard you against the evil one, knowing He is faithful to do it.

Sunday, July 12: “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’  …What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do” (Isaiah 46:10-11). Thank you, Lord, that we can know that your purposes will stand and that which you have said you will certainly do.

Monday, July 13: “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail” (Isaiah 51:6). Lord, in times of uncertainty, remind us that your righteousness will never fail and your salvation will last forever.

Tuesday, July 14: “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). Lord, I know that too often I am not faithful in my relationship with you. Thank you that I can know that you are always faithful even when I am not.

Wednesday, July 15: “‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10). Thank you, Lord, that no matter what is happening around me I can know that your unfailing love for me will not be shaken.

Thursday, July 16: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5). We praise You, Lord, for Your goodness, Your steadfast love, and Your faithfulness that continues from generation to generation.

Friday, July 17: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” (I Thessalonians 5:23-24). We are thankful, God, that You are faithful to sanctify us completely through the work of Your Spirit living in us.

July 4-10, 2020: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers focusing on GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

Saturday, July 4: “O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption” (Psalm 130:7). Thank you, Lord, that your love for us never fails and you are the one in whom we can put our hope.

Sunday, July 5: “Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Thank you, Jesus, that we have the assurance that, though people may leave us and many things around us may change, your words are eternal.

Monday, July 6: “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:8-9). Lord, thank you that we can trust you to keep us strong to the end because we know that you are a faithful God.

Tuesday, July 7: “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6). Trust in the Lord’s faithful, unchanging character.

Wednesday, July 8: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Spend time in confession, knowing that God is faithful to cleanse and forgive you.

Thursday, July 9: “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:3-4). Give thanks that the Lord who made you is the one who sustains you and carries you even to the end of your days.

Friday, July 10: “ …to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night…” (Psalm 92:2). Lord, help us to have eyes to see your love and faithfulness that we may proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.

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