March 7-13, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers Taken From “Lent And Easter Wisdom”, Compiled By John V. Kruse.

Monday, March 7. Lord Jesus, you remained faithful to your Father’s will to the point of death. Strengthened by your Spirit, may I remain faithful to you during this Lenten journey as I accompany you on your way to the cross.

Tuesday, March 8. Merciful Lord, I have failed you in many aspects of my life. Yet, you do not require retribution from me. Rather, you reach out to me with unconditional love, and your mercy goes far beyond what human justice might require. Keep me mindful of your mercy toward me so that I might better show mercy toward others.

Wednesday, March 9. Christ, you call us to leave our own will behind and to follow you. Each of us is called to do this in our own unique way. This is my own personal call to holiness. This Lenten season remind me that I need not be anything more than what you call me to be. Help me to hear your call and show me the path to the life that comes from being your follower.

Thursday, March 10. Christ, you humbled yourself by assuming our humanity. You did not become a powerful earthly king, but rather associated with the poor, sick and outcasts of your day. During the Lenten season, remind me that in my own world you are to be found amidst the suffering of the lowly. Enlighten and strengthen me as I seek to reach out to those who are forgotten and excluded in our society. Lead me to recognize that in serving them, I am in fact serving you.

Friday, March 11. Lord Jesus, the love I share with others in this world is only a small reflection of your love for me. It is a spark compared with the light of the sun. This Lenten season enkindle my heart so that the fire of my own love for you might grow in intensity and better resemble your love for me. May my life itself be a flame that makes your own light present in the world.

Saturday, March 12. Lord Jesus, from experience I know that the tongue is a powerful weapon that can be used for good or bad. This Lent give me the gift of your Spirit so that I may be discerning in my choice of words and use them to build up and not to tear down others.

Sunday, March 13 (Second Sunday of Lent). Lord Jesus, by your own example, you have shown that the way to a fulfilling and authentic human life is through laying down one’s life in the service of others. Inspired by your selfless example and strengthened by your Spirit, may I too give of myself in service to others and in so doing serve you.

February 28-March 6, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A Month of Praying for Our Community

Monday, February 28. Father, we pray for all of the single-parent families in our neighborhoods. We ask that You would bring healing after a divorce and comfort after the death of a spouse and parent. We pray for relationships to be healed after a divorce and for parents to love and protect their children. Meet their financial needs and surround them with friends who will share Your love with them. “The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked” (Psalm 146:9).

Tuesday, March 1. Today we pray for the many ethnic groups that make up our community. We pray for peace between different ethnicities, for forgiveness if there have been sins against each other. We pray that we would all see beauty in the variety of languages and cultures around us, that we would take time to listen to each other’s’ stories. Help us, through Christ’s power, to appreciate and love each other as Your unique creations. “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him…” (Psalm 22:27).

Lent Prayers Taken From “Lent And Easter Wisdom”, Compiled By John V. Kruse.

Wednesday, March 2 (First Day of Lent). Lord, I ask that you accompany me on my Lenten journey. Open my heart to your will for me. May the journey lead me to soul searching and conversion so that I might experience a deeper relationship with you when I arrive at the celebration of Easter joy.

Thursday, March 3. Lord, although I might not like to think about the topic, the reality of the matter is that someday I will die. As I contemplate the joy of your resurrection, I take great comfort in the knowledge that you will raise me also to new life. On that day, nothing that I have accumulated in this world, whether it be wealth, fame, power, or knowledge, will matter. Keep me mindful that all that matters now and all that will matter then is you. May knowledge of this reality shape how I view the world and all that I do and say.

Friday, March 4. Lord of Light, help me to not despair when the darkness of the sin of the world seems overwhelming. Inspired by your own example, may I not respond to the sin of others out of hatred but out of love. Fill me with the radiance of your resurrected life and make me a light amidst the darkness that reflects your love to the world.

Saturday, March 5. Lord during this season contemplating your victory over all sin, suffering, and death, fill me with your Spirit of joy so that I need not succumb to the sometimes overwhelming worries, troubles, and woes of the world.

Sunday, March 6 (First Sunday of Lent). Risen Christ of glory, you are the source of all that is good, true, pleasing, and beautiful in the world. Having conquered death through your resurrection, you continue to give life to all those who place their faith in you. Let me share in your risen life, both in this world and in the world to come.

February 21-27, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A Month of Praying for Our Community

Monday, February 21. Father, we seek Your face on behalf of farmers, those who work in industries related to farming, and migrant workers. We pray for abundant crops, wise use of farmland, safety on the job, and for fair pay and good housing for the migrant workers and their families. May they trust You as Creator God. “For seven days celebrate the festival to the Lord your God at the place the Lord will choose. For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete” (Deuteronomy 16:15).

Tuesday, February 22. We pray for the elderly members of our community. Help us to honor and respect them, listen to them, and treat them with gentleness. We pray that they would have safe places to live, that they would not be isolated but have family and community support. Give them grace to deal with (possibly) failing bodies and minds and let them know Your love and care. “Abraham was now very old, and the Lord had blessed him in every way” (Genesis 24:1).

Wednesday, February 23. We lift up in prayer all of the unborn children in our neighborhoods and surrounding areas, children to whom You have given life. May all life be honored in our community; bring conviction of the truth that life begins at conception and stop the evil of abortion. Give parents a love for their unborn children and the support, encouragement, and resources to choose life. May they know new life in Christ, the giver of life. “For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight” (Psalm 72:12-14).

Thursday, February 24. We pray for the law enforcement officials and judges in our area. We ask that You would protect them, physically and emotionally; that You would give them strength and wisdom, integrity, patience, and the ability to exercise their authority with gentleness and compassion. We ask You to pour out Your blessings on them and their families so that they in turn can be a blessing to all of us. We ask You, Father, to create an environment of peace and justice in this place. “Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right” (Psalm 106:3).

Friday, February 25. Today we pray for the fathers in our community. Empower them to love, value, and protect their wives and children. Help them to be faithful and supportive. Give them wisdom and discernment, healthy friendships and godly role models. Put people in their lives who will point them to the Heavenly Father. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

Saturday, February 26. Father God, shine the light of Your love, compassion, and wisdom into the lives of depressed people in our community. Heal their emotional wounds, break the power of lies and provide the counseling and medical support they need to recover and to thrive. Help us to listen and encourage and not to judge. Protect them from suicidal thoughts and renew their minds in Christ Jesus. “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus…” (2 Corinthians 7:6).

Sunday, February 27. We pray for the members of our community who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. We pray that you would break the power of these substances in their lives, for healing of bodies, minds, and relationships, for godly counseling and for Your power and truth to reign in their hearts and lives. “On the day the Lord gives you relief from your suffering and turmoil and from the harsh labor forced on you…” (Isaiah 14:3).

February 14-20, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A Month of Praying for Our Community

Monday, February 14. Father, we pray for each member of the Worship Planning Team, that they sense your leading as they plan our times of worship with you. Father, we also pray for all the pastors in Holland. We pray that you would pour out your Spirit mightily on them with your wisdom, power, and protection. May they be an encouragement to each other to continue faithfully in your work. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them…” (1 Peter 5:2).

Tuesday, February 15. Lord, we bring before you the influence of gangs in our community. We ask that you break the influence they hold over the people involved in them and that they would find true belonging in you. May we be your conduits of light and love to show the true hope of freedom in Jesus. “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The slight shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).

Wednesday, February 16. Father, help us to show kindness and compassion and not judgement to those who are unemployed or underemployed. Show us how to meet the needs of some through Grace Space and by supporting area nonprofit agencies that help those with few resources. We pray that You would provide meaningful employment for all who seek it and that they would see You as their Provider. “That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 3:13).

Thursday, February 17. We pray for children who are orphaned or living in foster homes, that they would be placed in safe, godly homes where they are loved (and perhaps adopted) and where they can heal from any traumas they have experienced. We pray that Christian families would be willing to be foster parents. “You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror” (Psalm 10:17-18).

Friday, February 18. Father God, You give us the ability to work and produce wealth through our work. We pray for business owners and all who work for them, that you would bless them with wisdom and a desire to always do their work with excellence and integrity, to be honest and fair in all of their business dealings. “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Saturday, February 19. We thank You, Lord, for the body of believers that You have gathered at Maranatha. Help us to be kind, helpful and encouraging to everyone in our church community. May our fellowship tonight at the Pizza and Game Night give You honor and glory. “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Sunday, February 20. Lord, we lift up before You all of the men in our community and ask for Your Spirit to work powerfully in each one of them, drawing them to Yourself and revealing Yourself to them in unmistakable ways. Protect them from evil and give them godly friends and mentors. “This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

February 7-13, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A Month of Praying for Our Community

Monday, February 7. Pray for those involved in the news and media in Holland, that they speak with truth and grace, that Christians doing this work would be strengthened and would be a Christ-like example to those they work with. “These are the things which you should do: Speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgement for peace in your gates” (Zechariah 8:16).

Tuesday, February 8. Lord, we pray for our Outreach Team. Grant them wisdom and insight as they help us to be part of spreading your word worldwide and right here in our corner of the world. Lord, we also hold before you all the Christian ministries in Holland. We thank you for the way needs are met and influence is wielded through them. Grant them wisdom and encouragement in the work they do that they may be a light for you. “…and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears” (1 Peter 2:12).

Wednesday, February 9. Father, we pray for our Prayer Team that they may lead us by example and with instruction to learn to. “...pray continually…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Father, we also hold before you all educators – in public schools, private schools, homeschools, colleges,- all places of education in Holland. They have been given a big responsibility, and we ask that you bless and direct their work. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…” (Colossians 3:15,16).

Thursday, February 10. Pray for disabled people in Holland, that they be treated with respect, concern be shown for their unique needs and their contribution to society be recognized. ”Now the body is not made  up of one part but of many…those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…God has combined the members of the body… that its parts should have equal concern for each other” (1 Corinthians 12:14,22,24,25).

Friday, February 11. Father, we hold up before you those who are in jail or prison and their families. We pray for your work in their lives, for truth and justice to prevail, for support and acceptance in society when they are released. “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Hebrews 13:3).

Saturday, February 12. Pray for those involved in health care. Pray that God would equip each with wisdom and the ability to serve all with love. May they recognize God as the one who is the Great Physician and Healer. “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak…” (Psalm 41:1).

Sunday, February 13. ”Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name’ proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:1-3).

January 31 - February 6, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Praying God’s Purposes for His Church

Monday, January 31. Father, You have revealed Yourself to us through Jesus, Your Word, and Your Spirit. Give us a hunger to know You better and help us to tell others the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

A Month of Praying for Our Community

Tuesday, February 1. Father, we give thanks for those willing to serve in our city government. We pray that they would know your wisdom in their discussions and that they would act and speak in truth. “I urge, then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Wednesday, February 2. Lord, we pray for the children of Holland, for their safety, for their education, for their families and that they would have many opportunities to encounter Christ. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity tonight at Wonderful Wednesdays to interact with children here. “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).

Thursday, February 3. Pray for Classis as it meets today, that all there will seek God’s wisdom and that they will be blessed with good fellowship. Pray also for each of the churches, pastors and staff represented there and for all the churches in Holland that they would draw many to Christ. “Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

Friday, February 4. Father, we pray on behalf of the homeless people in Holland. We ask that there would be wisdom in knowing how, and adequate means, to be able to meet their needs in ways that honor them and You. “I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy” (Psalm 140:12).

Saturday, February 5. Pray for those from other countries who are in our city to visit, to go to school, or to work. Pray that they will be shown hospitality and the love of Christ will be evident to them. “Do not forget to entertain strangers. For by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).

Sunday, February 6. Pray for the High School youth group as they meet tonight. Pray for all the youth of our city, for good influences in their lives, for safety in their activities, for encounters with those who would show them Christ. “Since my youth, O God, you have taught me and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds” (Psalm 71:17).

January 24-30, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Praying God’s Purposes for His Church

Monday, January 24. Because of Your grace and the indwelling presence of Your Spirit, we have each been given spiritual gifts.  Help us to identify our unique gifts and show us how to use those gifts to glorify You and expand Your kingdom. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” (Romans 12:6a).

Tuesday, January 25. We thank You for Your ongoing work of sanctification in us.  As we focus our eyes on You, Your character, and Your goodness to us, we ask that You would grow thankfulness and contentment in us. “...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Wednesday, January 26. Our Father God, You have created us with the ability to speak and to sing. Thank You for gifted Christian song writers and singers. May our singing bring You honor and glory. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Col 3:16).

Thursday, January 27. Help us, Lord, to live lives of integrity and transparency. Help us to be honest with You about our sins, so that those sins lose power over us. Humble us to be honest about our faults with fellow believers, too. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

Friday, January 28. Thank You for warning us of the devil’s schemes and providing spiritual armor to protect us from his attacks. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:10-18). “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:8-10).

Saturday, January 29. Thank You for the awesome gift of Your Holy Spirit, who convicts us of sin so that we can confess those sins and experience freedom in Your complete forgiveness. Give us grace to forgive others as You have forgiven us. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:29-32).

Sunday, January 30. We thank You for the high school students involved in our Youth Group. Draw them to Yourself and assure them of Your personal love and care for them. “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

January 17-23, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Praying God’s Purposes for His Church

Monday, January 17. We thank You, Lord, for Your abundant goodness to us and for providing for us so that we, in turn, can provide for our church’s monetary needs. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.‘ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness” (2 Corinthians 9:6-10).

Tuesday, January 18. As the members of Ladies Guild gather today, we pray that they would be refreshed and renewed as they study Your Word, being filled and led by Your Spirit. “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).

Wednesday, January 19. Heavenly Father, bless our conversations and interactions tonight at our Wonderful Wednesday dinner and then at Praise Days. May our attitudes and words be pleasing to You. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:42-46).

Thursday, January 20. Father, we thank You for all of the missionaries that our church supports. We thank You for the ways in which they have responded to Your call on their lives and how they carry out their work with creativity and excellence and joy. May their words and works bear much fruit, and use them in mighty ways to expand Your Kingdom. “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayer, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus” (Acts 13:2-4).

Friday, January 21. We praise You, our Creator. As our creator, You hear us when we cry out to You, and because You are almighty and loving, You are able to help us. May we be faithful to pray for our healing and the healing of others. “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:14-16).

Saturday, January 22. We thank and praise You for Your extravagant love for us. Fill us again with Your love so that our lives overflow with love for others. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

Sunday, January 23. Help us as Your people to be very intentional about teaching the truths found in Your Word to our children from an early age, and in Children’s Worship and Sunday School. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).

January 10-16, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Praying God’s Purposes for His Church

Monday, January 10. Pray for the Worship Planning Team, as they continue to help us worship God in spirit and in truth. “’Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshiper the Father seeks. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth’” (John 4:23-24).

Tuesday, January 11. Pray that we would be a people who live not for ourselves but for Christ. “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Wednesday, January 12. Pray for those who give leadership in worship each Sunday – that they be blessed in what they do. Pray too that we would be a church that encourages each other. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Thursday, January 13. Pray that we would continually grow and mature in our faith. “…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:13-15).

Friday, January 14. Pray for our Prayer Team as they help us grow in being a praying church. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).

Saturday, January 15. Pray that we love God above all, not this world. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:15-17).

Sunday, January 16. Holy Spirit, inspire our worship this morning.  Open our eyes to the beauty and wisdom of Your Word and give us a fresh perspective and deeper understanding. “...not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

January 3-9, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Praying God’s Purposes for His Church

Monday, January 3. Pray for Full Council, Elders and Deacons. “‘…Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ … Jesus replied, ‘Do this and you will live’” (Luke 10:27).

Tuesday, January 4. Pray that we would be people who follow hard after Christ. “Then He said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he come in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels” (Luke 9:23-26).

Wednesday, January 5. Pray for those who come to Grace Space that they may see Christ in us. “‘…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven’” (Matthew 5:16).

Thursday, January 6. Pray that we surrender ourselves to God, to be transformed by Him. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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 12:1-2).

Friday, January 7. Pray for the Outreach team. Pray that we as a church would follow Jesus in seeking the lost. “Jesus said to him… ’For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost’” (Luke 19:10).

Saturday, January 8. Pray that we would talk about Jesus to those He has put in our lives. “’Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him” (Luke 8:39).

Sunday, January 9. Pray that we continue to be a church that faithfully preaches the Word. “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2).

December 27, 2021 - January 2, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Monday, December 27. “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” (Psalm 95:6-7a).

We humble ourselves before You today and acknowledge that You are our God and we belong to You.

Tuesday, December 28. “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).

A New Year brings questions and uncertainty, but we know that You, Lord, go with us and will never leave us or forsake us.

Wednesday, December 29. “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5).

As we come to the end of another year, we celebrate Your unfailing love and thank You for Your goodness to us.

Thursday, December 30. “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Psalm 90:1-2).

We praise You for Your faithfulness to past generations and are comforted and encouraged by Your eternal reign.

Friday, December 31. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

As we anticipate a New Year, we rejoice, Jesus, for Your continuing presence in our lives and Your power to make all things new.

Praying God’s Purposes for His Church

Saturday, January 1. Pray that we all become more like Jesus - that as dearly loved children, we be imitators of Christ.

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Sunday, January 2. Pray that we are a radiant church, cleansed by Christ.

“…just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word and to present her to himself as a radiant church without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:25-27).

December 20-26, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Advent Prayers—Week #4: LOVE

Monday, December 20. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).

We praise You for Your love which is all-encompassing and very personal. Your love is our protection.

Tuesday, December 21. “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:23).

We give You thanks and praise, Jesus, for loving us so much that You took on human flesh and made the earth Your dwelling place.

Wednesday, December 22. “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:12-13).

Jesus, You showed Your love for us by giving up Your own life to save us.

Thursday, December 23. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1a).

We praise You, God, for Your lavish love, for saving us and making us a part of Your family.

Friday, December 24. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39).

We praise You, Lord Jesus, because there is no earthly power that can separate us from Your love.

Saturday, December 25 - Christmas Day. “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16).

We praise You, Jesus, Creator of all things, for showing Your love for us by giving us life and surrounding us with Your goodness, beauty, and provision.

Sunday, December 26. “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” (Psalm 95:6-7a).

We humble ourselves before You today and acknowledge that You are our God and we belong to You.

December 13-19, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Advent Prayers—Week #3: JOY

Monday, December 13. “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).

Jesus, because of Your life, we can live and abundant and victorious life. Because of Your life in us, we can enjoy Your presence. Because You lived and died, we have eternal life.

Tuesday, December 14. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

Jesus, we can rejoice in You because Your Spirit lives in us and produces joy. We thank You for the gift of joy, an antidote to fear.

Wednesday, December 15. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8).

Even though we do not see You with our physical eyes, Jesus, our belief in You and Your promises to us are our source of joy.

Thursday, December 16. “For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts!” (Psalm 92:4-5).

We praise You for Your deeds, O Lord, and for the works of Your hands. Your care for us brings us joy.

Friday, December 17. “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes” (Psalm 19:8).

We praise You for Your Word, a source of joy and gladness in our hearts when we hear Your Words and put them into practice.

Saturday, December 18. “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you” (Psalm 5:11).

Thank You, Father, for being our refuge and covering us with Your protection. Your care for us brings songs of joy to our lips.

Advent Prayers—Week #4: LOVE

Sunday, December 19—Fourth Sunday of Advent. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Father God, Your love is amazing and powerful, sacrificial and eternal.

Maranatha Media - December 2021

Reading is a very special gift you can give to yourself this Christmas. See you in the library!

“May Christ fill your heart and home with love and joy! Merry Christmas from Beth, Marguerite and Shari”

December 6-12, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Advent Prayers—Week #2: PEACE

Monday, December 6. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7a).

Thank you Father for the gift of your son and for the peace that he brings which will never end.

Tuesday, December 7. “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one spirit” (Ephesians 2:17).

Ask God, the giver of peace, to help us be his agents of peace.

Wednesday, December 8. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for as  members of one body you were called to peace” (Colossians 3:15).

Pray for the peace of Christ to rule in your heart, knowing that you are called to His peace.

Thursday, December 9. “I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Ezekiel 37:26-27).

Thank you, Father, for making an everlasting covenant of peace with us.

Friday, December 10. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3-4).

Draw our eyes to you Lord that we may steadfastly trust in you.

Saturday, December 11. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

So often Lord you tell us not to be afraid. Forgive us when we are and remind us that you give us your peace.

Advent Prayers—Week #3: JOY

Sunday, December 12—Third Sunday of Advent. “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:8-12).

Jesus’ birth is truly “Good news of great joy” for all who believe. Celebrate that good news today and praise His Name! 

November 29-December 5, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Advent Prayers—Week #1: HOPE

Monday, November 29. “On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:7-8a).

Father, it so often seems that the shroud of darkness enfolds our world.  Remind us of the hope we have in you, the God of light, who destroys the darkness.

Tuesday, November 30. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you might declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Lord, may we remember who you say we are. May we declare your praises to you and to those around us, reflecting your light, your hope into their lives.

Wednesday, December 1. “…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” (Isaiah 40:31).

Father, help us to continually place our hope in you.

Thursday, December 2. “He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago)” (Luke 1:69-70).

Give thanks for the hope we have because our God always fulfills his promises.

Friday, December 3. “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us” (1 John 4:14-16).

Father, we gratefully rely on the love you have for us, shown by sending your son to be the savior of the world.

Saturday, December 4. “’The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel’ - which means ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23).

Father, we are so thankful for the hope you give us by being present with us.

Advent Prayers—Week #2: PEACE

Sunday, December 5—Second Sunday of Advent. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

November 22-28, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers of Thanksgiving

Monday, November 22. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Thank God for His wisdom, and for giving us wisdom when we ask.

Tuesday, November 23. “The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations” (Psalm 146:10). Give thanks that God is in control, Lord of all, forever.

Wednesday, November 24. Thank God for all who come to Grace Space and for the opportunity we have to be able to interact with them.

Thursday, November 25. “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3). Spend time today thanking God for what He has done for you.

Friday, November 26. “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds” (Ps 147:3). Thank God for His kindness and compassion for us, for His power to heal us physically and emotionally.

Saturday, November 27. “Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light for my path” (Ps 119:105). Thank God for His powerful, enduring Word.

Advent Prayers—Week #1: HOPE

Sunday, November 28—First Sunday of Advent. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).

Lord, we thank you that you are light and that you have brought your light into our lives through your son, Jesus.

November 15-21, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers of Thanksgiving

Monday, November 15. Give thanks for our Administrative elders and deacons and the work they do for Maranatha.

Tuesday, November 16. Thank God for the Ladies Guild Bible study, for speaking truth to the members as they discuss the Word.

Wednesday, November 17. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Thank Jesus for giving us His peace. Praise and thank Him for overcoming the world!

Thursday, November 18. “I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14-15). Thank Jesus for shepherding you and knowing you and loving you.

Friday, November 19. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12). Thank Jesus for being the light of life in your life, for delivering you from darkness.

Saturday, November 20. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Thank God for His great love that is always ours.

Sunday, November 21. Thank God for our Sunday worship at Maranatha. Thank Him for music, voices raised in song, for the preaching of His Word. 

November 8-14, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers of Thanksgiving

Monday, November 8. Thank God for the Worship Planning Team and their dedication to planning our worship services.

Tuesday, November 9. Lord, thank You for being a forgiving God who forgives all our sins. “..he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:10-12).

Wednesday, November 10. Thank You, Lord, for Women’s Ministry, for gifted Bible teachers we can learn from, for freedom to study Your Word.

Thursday, November 11. Thank you, Lord, for the peace of Your presence and for the certainty that You will never leave us or forsake us and that You will never let us go (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Friday, November 12. “When I called, You answered me; You made me bold and stouthearted” (Psalm 138:5). We thank You, Father, for listening to us and answering our prayers, for giving us strength and courage.

Saturday, November 13. Thank You, Creator God, that You have made all things and have made them well. Thank You for light and dark, for sunset and sunrise, for sleep by night and work by day.

Sunday, November 14. “Shout for joy to the LORD all the earth… Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:1,4).

November 1-7, 2021: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers of Thanksgiving

Monday, November 1. Thank God for each elder and deacon on council, for their leadership and willingness to serve.

Tuesday, November 2. “Give thanks for the Lord for he is good: his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say this…” (Psalm 107:1-2).

Wednesday, November 3. Give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit. “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).

Thursday, November 4. Give thanks for the peace God gives. “Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Friday, November 5. Thank you God that you have made us just as we are. Thank you for hands and feet. Thank you for eyes to see and ears to hear. Thank you for minds to think and plan and remember and for hearts to love. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).

Saturday, November 6. Give thanks for all those who have given you guidance, counsel, advice and good example this week.

Sunday, November 7. Thank God for the 2.42 Groups and our times of worship, study, and fellowship.