January 30 - February 5, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

What is revival?

“Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again.” -Vance Havner
“Revival is ultimately Christ Himself, seen, felt, heard, living, active, moving in and through His Body on earth.” - Stephen Oxford
As we focus on praying for revival this month, we will use  II Chronicles 7:14 as our guide. “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

“...and will heal their land.” 

Monday, January 30. Praise God for His promises to heal those who have fallen away, to bind up the wounds of the torn and bruised, and to restore the years that the locust have eaten (Hosea 6:1, Joel 2:25).

Tuesday, January 31. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you His peace.” Thank God for His everlasting love and care—He is for us (Numbers 6:24-26)!

*January prayers have been adapted from “Prayers that Birth Revival” by Life Action Ministries.

A Month of Praying for an Unsaved Friend or Family Member

We all have family, friends, and neighbors who have not come to a saving knowledge of God's grace. They do not know Jesus as their Savior. Our hearts are burdened when we know they do not have a relationship with Jesus. We pray that using these prayers based on Scripture will be powerful and helpful as you are praying for your friends and family. May the Lord give you perseverance and certainty to know you are asking according to His will as you pray His word. He desires "...all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1Timothy 2:4).

Wednesday, February 1. Lord, may _____ know that they cannot stand on their own righteousness.  No one can because there is no one righteous, not even one. (Romans 3:10)

Thursday, February 2. Father, may ______ know You are Lord; and there is no Savior besides You. (Isaiah 43:11)

Friday, February 3. Lord, may _______ know that You desire for them to be saved and come to the knowledge of Your truth. (1 Timothy 2:4)

Saturday, February 4. Father, open _______’s eyes and help them to turn from darkness and receive forgiveness of sins. (Acts 26:18)

Sunday, February 5. Lord, help _______ to know that they can receive deliverance from the kingdom of darkness and step into the kingdom of Jesus. (Colossians 1:13)

*February prayers adapted from “Prayers of Gold: A Month of Prayers for a Lost Friend” by Terry Gooding.

Maranatha Media - January 2023

If you are ready to hibernate through winter (although this winter has been easy), we have some new books available for you to read. Books will make the winter “bearable” so come into the library and check some out.

- Shari Frieling

January 23-29, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

What is revival?

“Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again.” -Vance Havner
“Revival is ultimately Christ Himself, seen, felt, heard, living, active, moving in and through His Body on earth.” - Stephen Oxford
As we focus on praying for revival this month, we will use  II Chronicles 7:14 as our guide. “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

“...and turn from their wicked ways” 

Monday, January 23. Pray that Christians everywhere will understand their responsibility to live blamelessly before a lost and watching world (Philippians 2:14-16).

Tuesday, January 24. Pray that you would be completely honest before God about sin in your life, and be quick to confess your sins, seek His forgiveness, and turn away from those sins.  Ask God to help you to avoid those sins in the future and rely on His help (Ephesians 1:4).

Wednesday, January 25. Pray that all of God’s people would be sincerely sorry for their sins and how those sins affect our holy God (1 Peter 2:24).

Thursday, January 26. As you genuinely repent of your sins and humble yourself before God, ask for a fresh measure of the Spirit to be poured out on you so that Jesus would truly be seen in your life (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Friday, January 27. Pray for a contrite heart and a broken spirit among all believers as they are convicted of their own sins and the sins in their churches (Isaiah 57:15).

“...then I will hear from heaven”

Saturday, January 28. Praise God that His hand is not too short to save and His ear is not too heavy to hear. Claim the promise that the Lord draws near to all those who call upon Him in truth (Psalm 145:18).

“...and will forgive their sin”

Sunday, January 29. Thank the Lord for His promise to extend mercy to you and all who “confess and forsake their sin”. Thank Him for His faithfulness and justice in forgiving our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

*January prayers have been adapted from “Prayers that Birth Revival” by Life Action Ministries.

Snack and Canvas Women's Event

Several women were in attendance at our Snacks and Canvas women’s event last Thursday, and all displayed their inner artist :) Thanks for Faith Prins for helping to lead the painting portion!

January 16-22, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

What is revival?

“Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again.” -Vance Havner
“Revival is ultimately Christ Himself, seen, felt, heard, living, active, moving in and through His Body on earth.” - Stephen Oxford
As we focus on praying for revival this month, we will use  II Chronicles 7:14 as our guide. “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

“...and seek my face” 

Monday, January 16. Ask God to increase your belief in His ability to intervene supernaturally and do the impossible, especially in times of crisis. Ask Him to enable you to give up your worldly desires and idols so that you can seek His face (Ephesians 1:18-20).

Tuesday, January 17. Pray that we as God’s people and the leaders of our nation would not trust in military strength, financial might and strategies, or political power and influence to solve our nation’s difficulties. Pray that we would all turn to God’s Word to guide our decision-making (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Wednesday, January 18. Often, even as God’s children we try to be self-sufficient, thinking “I can handle this”. May God open your eyes to see your real need for help from Him and from other believers (John 15:5).

Thursday, January 19. Ask God to help you lay aside (give up) your personal agendas and your divisive attitudes and unite with others to pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit in your life and in your church (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Friday, January 20. Pray that your prayer focus will shift from asking God to give you things to instead seek His face, His presence, His companionship, that your desire would be to please Him and spend time with Him in prayer (Colossians 3:2).

Saturday, January 21. Pray for a healthy fear of God to permeate the hearts and minds of God’s people. Ask God to deliver you from a fear of man, which can distract you and take your eyes off of God (Proverbs 9:10).

“...and turn from their wicked ways”

Sunday, January 22. Ask God to help you meditate daily on His Word, so that you may be kept pure and avoid sin, as you allow God to transform you more and more into the image and character of Christ (Psalm 119:9-11).

*January prayers have been adapted from “Prayers that Birth Revival” by Life Action Ministries.

January 9-15, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

What is revival?

“Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again.” -Vance Havner
“Revival is ultimately Christ Himself, seen, felt, heard, living, active, moving in and through His Body on earth.” - Stephen Oxford
As we focus on praying for revival this month, we will use  II Chronicles 7:14 as our guide. “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

“...and pray” 

Monday, January 9. Pray that we all would seek God first each day, privately, before getting physically involved in His work for the day (Matthew 6:6-8, 33).

Tuesday, January 10. Pray that urgency and fervency would characterize the prayers of God’s people (James 5:13-18).

Wednesday, January 11. Pray that our first response as Christians, individually and as a church, will be to pray when we become anxious about a situation, circumstance, or relationship (Acts 12:5).

Thursday, January 12. Pray that God would raise up an army of prayer warriors at Maranatha and around the world who are willing to persevere in prayer and wage a long war on their knees (Luke 18:18).

Friday, January 13. Pray that God would give pastors wisdom as they call their congregations to intercession and lead them to an understanding of the times (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Saturday, January 14. Pray for a spirit of prayer to spread like a wildfire across our land and world until every church becomes a house of prayer (Luke 18:1).

“...and seek my face”

Sunday, January 15. Pray that adult Christians will set a pattern of seeking the Lord in all things, so that the younger generations may find their strength and hope in the Lord (Philippians 3:17).

*January prayers have been adapted from “Prayers that Birth Revival” by Life Action Ministries.

January 2-8, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

What is revival?

“Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again.” -Vance Havner
“Revival is ultimately Christ Himself, seen, felt, heard, living, active, moving in and through His Body on earth.” - Stephen Oxford
As we focus on praying for revival this month, we will use  II Chronicles 7:14 as our guide. “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

 “If my people, who are called by my name,

will humble themselves…” 

Monday, January 2. Pray that all of us who have a personal relationship with the Lord will walk in a spirit of humility, as Jesus walked (Micah 6:8).

Tuesday, January 3. Pray that you will comprehend the value of humility; that God hears the cry of the humble and His presence accompanies those who are of a contrite and humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15).

Wednesday, January 4. Pray that each of us in Christian homes (particularly husbands and wives) will be humble in spirit, in order that our prayers may be answered (1 Peter 3:8-12).

Thursday, January 5. Pray that young Christians will be clothed with humility, respecting their elders, lifting all their concerns to God, and trusting God to exalt them at the proper time (1 Peter 5:5-10)

Friday, January 6. Pray that you will remember, with gratitude, what you have been saved from, of “what you deserve” apart from the mercy of God (Titus 3:3-8).

Saturday, January 7. Pray that each of us as God’s people would assume responsibility for the moral and spiritual erosion which has permeated our nation and our world (Ezra 9:6; Psalm 51:16-17).

“...and pray”

Sunday, January 8. Pray that each of us individually and all God’s people would unite in praying for all who are in authority, that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives in godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

*January prayers have been adapted from “Prayers that Birth Revival” by Life Action Ministries.

December 26, 2022 - January 1, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Preparing Your Heart for His Coming

December 26-27, 2022

(A Scriptural Prayer Guide from Harvest Prayer Ministries) 

Monday, December 26. “But in your hearts set apart 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). Lord, prepare our hearts to tell others about You! There are so many hungry people out there asking questions. Give us boldness to tell others what You have done in our lives. Help us to always be prepared to reach people for Jesus as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Psalm 27:14)

Tuesday, December 27. “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). Lord, prepare our hearts to be turned toward family. Will You draw us together as a family (in our homes and in our churches) so that we will become a people prepared for You? Help us to be clean and pure before You as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child and as we step into a new year of service in Your kingdom!

Maranatha CRC Prayer Partnership

December 28, 2022—January 1, 2023

Wednesday, 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.

Thursday, 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.

Friday, 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.

Saturday, 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.

Sunday, January 1—New Years Day. Pray that we as Christians will bow our knees before the Lord at the beginning of each day, so that we may receive His grace daily to live as we should (James 4:6-10).

*January prayers have been adapted from “Prayers that Birth Revival” by Life Action Ministries.

December 19-25, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Preparing Your Heart for His Coming

December 19-25, 2022

(A Scriptural Prayer Guide from Harvest Prayer Ministries) 

Monday, December 19. “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:29-31). Lord, prepare our hearts to be free from worry. We know that worry will take our minds off of You, so help us to seek Your kingdom for all that we need. You are our provider as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Ecclesiastes 11:10)

Tuesday, December 20. “He answered: ‘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’” (Luke 10:27). Lord, prepare our hearts to be loving. There is no other like You. Your Word says that to love You with all of our heart and soul and strength and mind is the most important thing. We are also to love one another deeply, from our hearts. Father, help us to love our neighbors as ourselves as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Matthew 22:37-38; Mark 12:32-33; 1Peter 1:22-23)

Wednesday, December 21. “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir” (Galatians 4:6-7). Lord, prepare our hearts to reflect the Spirit of Your Son. We can call You our Abba Father, because of Jesus. We belong to You as sons and daughters, not slaves. May we reflect the Spirit of Jesus to everyone we meet, as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.

Thursday, December 22. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 3:3). Lord, prepare our hearts to be faithful. Strengthen us out of Your glorious riches with power through Your Spirit so that Jesus will dwell in our hearts through faith. May love and faithfulness never leave us as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Ephesians 3:14-19)

Friday, December 23. “May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones” (1Thessalonians 3:13). Lord, prepare our hearts to be strong. We want to be blameless and holy in Your presence when Jesus returns. Please encourage us and strengthen us in every good deed and word as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Psalm 27:14)

Saturday, December 24. “Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts” (Isaiah 26:8). Lord, prepare our hearts to desire You. We wait for You, as we walk in Your ways. We will continually desire Your name as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.

Sunday, December 25—Christmas Day. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). Lord, prepare our hearts to shine Your light just as You have come to shine among us! You have given us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God! May our hearts shine brightly in a dark world as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child.

MS-ing Around: Honey the Bunny Has Gone Missing!

Our Middle Schoolers had a mystery to solve at their last event - Honey the Bunny had gone missing from Ms. Hartwell’s 6th grade classroom, and new student, Alex Sherlock, has been accused of the theft! Mr. Stern, the middle school principal, carelessly left the case file for the missing bunny in the cafeteria (a.k.a. the church gym). While being fed tacos by Lunchroom Deputy Elaine Lacey, our students sorted through the evidence and cleared Alex Sherlock of all wrongdoing! Merry Christmas!

December 12-18, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Preparing Your Heart for His Coming

December 12-18, 2022

(A Scriptural Prayer Guide from Harvest Prayer Ministries) 

Monday, December 12. “Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart” (Psalm 119:34). Lord, prepare our hearts to be obedient. We ask for understanding so that we can obey You. Help us to learn Your Word so well that we will not sin against You. We want to obey You as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Psalm 119:11)

Tuesday, December 13. “May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame” (Psalm 119:80). Lord, prepare our hearts to be blameless in our Christian walk. Help others to see that we follow You in all of the circumstances of life as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.

Wednesday, December 14. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Proverbs 139:23-24). Lord, prepare our hearts to be searchable. Father, may we always be willing to have You look closely at our lives. We need Your help to get rid of anything offensive. We need Your help to replace our anxious thoughts with thoughts that are pleasing to You. Lead us in the way everlasting as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.

Thursday, December 15. “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). Lord, prepare our hearts to be peaceful. Your peace goes beyond anything we can understand because You do not give like the world gives. Thank You for allowing our hearts to be at peace because of the power of the One You sent to us–the Counselor, the Holy Spirit. May our anxious thoughts be replaced by peaceful ones as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Proverbs 14:30; John 14:25-27; Philippians 4:6-7)

Friday, December 16. “My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart” (Psalm 7:10). Lord, prepare our hearts to be upright. You have said that light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. May Your light shine upon us as we rejoice in You! We take refuge in You because You are our shield. You are God Most High. May we be counted among those whose hearts are upright as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Psalm 125:4, 97:11, 32:11, 36:10, 64:10)

Saturday, December 17. “My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end” (Psalm 119:112). Lord, prepare our hearts to keep Your decrees. We want to walk in all Your ways. Help us to keep Your commands by seeking after You only! Turn our hearts toward You, Father, as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Psalm 119:2, 36; 1 Kings 8:58)

Sunday, December 18—Fourth Sunday of Advent. “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15). Lord, prepare our hearts to be cheerful. May we always find our joy in You, even in the midst of difficult times. Father, help our hearts to have a continual feast as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Proverbs 17:22)

Maranatha Media - December 2022

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good book! Recently some new books were added to the library, so you should not have any trouble finding a book to read. Here they are listed with a little bit of a description.  Hope that helps! - Shari

December 5-11, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Preparing Your Heart for His Coming

December 5-11, 2022

(A Scriptural Prayer Guide from Harvest Prayer Ministries) 

Monday, December 5. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30). Lord, prepare our hearts to be humble. Help us to learn from You because Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. May others see Your gentleness and humility in us as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.

Tuesday, December 6. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6)! Lord, prepare our hearts to trust in You. We rejoice in You because we trust in Your holy name. May we always lean on Your understanding instead of our own so that our hearts will not be troubled. Help us to acknowledge You in all of our ways so that You will make our paths straight. You are our strength and shield as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Psalm 28:7a, 33:21; John 14:1)

Wednesday, December 7. “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22). Lord, prepare our hearts to be sincere. Thank You for cleansing us from sin so that we can draw near to You. Help us to truly desire to know You better, and deepen our faith as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.

Thursday, December 8. “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD” (Psalm 112:7). Lord, prepare our hearts to be steadfast. Even in hard times, help us to trust You without question. Because our hearts can stand firm, we will sing and make music to You as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Psalm 57:7, 108:1)

Friday, December 9. “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8). Lord, prepare our hearts to be prayerful. We call upon You, Father, because You are our refuge – our place of safety. Sometimes we don’t even know what to pray, but You have given us the Holy Spirit to help us. Teach us to listen to You, and to pray the things that are on Your heart. Give us a spirit of prayer as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Psalm 119:145; Romans 8:26-27)

Saturday, December 10. “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name” (Psalm 86:11). Lord, prepare our hearts to be undivided so that we will fear Your name. Father, would You put a new spirit in us? Remove our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh. We will be Your people and You will be our God as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Ezekiel 11:18-20)

Sunday, December 11—Third Sunday of Advent. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Lord, prepare our hearts to be wise. We want to learn from You. Help us to listen to Your instruction so that all of our days will be pleasing to You as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Proverbs 16:23, 23:12, 15, 19, 26, 24:32)

November 28 - December 4, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Preparing Your Heart for His Coming

November 28 - December 4, 2022

(A Scriptural Prayer Guide from Harvest Prayer Ministries) 

Sometimes, in the rush of the Christmas season, we do not always focus our thoughts, our hearts and our minds on Christ, the very reason we celebrate. As you, your family and we as a church look toward the celebration of the birth of Christ (the first advent – His first coming), take time each day to focus on the One we long to see face to face. Set apart a time of devotion alone or together in community, to anticipate and await with delight the coming of the Christ Child – God’s own Son! Don’t allow Him to get lost in the shuffle of activity – even as you physically prepare to celebrate. Take time to prepare your heart for His coming . . . what is He calling you to do . . . how is He calling you to live for Him? These daily Scriptural prayers will help you to remain focused on Christ, and deepen your celebration – far beyond physical gifts, delicious food, or decorations. Instead, adorn your hearts with adoration. Take the time to prepare for His coming through Christmas and then to celebrate His Coming through the end of the month as you prepare to step into a new year!

Monday, November 28. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1). Lord, prepare our hearts to be set on things above because we have been raised with Jesus! We have new life because He came here as a baby, lived a sinless life, died on the cross and rose again! Help us to set our hearts on things above as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.

Tuesday, November 29. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Lord, prepare our hearts to seek You! You have promised that we will find You when we seek after You with all of our hearts. We seek after You today, Lord, as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Deuteronomy 4:29; Psalm 27:8, 119:10, 58)

Wednesday, November 30. “But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you” (1 Samuel 12:24). Lord, prepare our hearts to serve You. Help us to consider the great things You have done for us. We want to do everything for You alone, and do it faithfully as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Col. 3:23-24).

Thursday, December 1. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6). Lord, prepare our hearts to have a spirit of unity with other believers. Help us to have a spirit of unity so that we might glorify You and share everything we have with others. We want to glorify You, Father, in our family and in the Body as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Acts 4:32)

Friday, December 2. “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9a). Lord, prepare our hearts to be fully committed to You! May we be completely focused upon You so that You can strengthen us as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: 1 Kings 8:61)

Saturday, December 3. “I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders” (Psalm 9:1). “I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever” (Psalm 86:12). Lord, prepare our hearts to praise You! You are worthy of all of our praise. May we tell of Your wonders and glorify Your name as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.

Sunday, December 4—Second Sunday of Advent. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). Lord, prepare our hearts to be pure. Help us to run away from sinful desires. Give us the ability to call on You out of a pure heart that seeks after faith, love and peace. Keep us from foolish arguing. Help us to desire pure hearts as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Psalm 51:10; Proverbs 22:11; 2 Timothy 2:22-23)

November 21-27, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Monday-Thursday’s prayers were written by our 9th-12th grade students.

Monday, November 21. God of learning, thank you for curiosity and the ability to learn new things.

Tuesday, November 22. God of abundance, thank you that we have all of our basic needs met.

Wednesday, November 23. God of beauty, thank you for the colorful leaves we get to enjoy during this time of year.

Thursday, November 24. Faithful God, thank you for the morning sun that comes up each new day.

Friday, November 25. Thank you, Father, for Your loving care for me, for knowing my needs and knowing how best to meet them. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Saturday, November 26. We thank You, Lord, for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the joy, peace, and hope He gives us as He dwells in us. “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).

Sunday, November 27—1st Sunday of Advent. “Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem” (Zephaniah 3:14)! Lord, prepare our hearts to rejoice! We want to be glad today, and to rejoice with all our hearts. May we be filled with joy because we seek You and because You have saved us. Help us to sing and give You thanks as we wait for the coming of the Christ child (see also: Psalm 13:5; 1 Chronicles 16:10; Psalm 28:7b).

November 14-20, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

The following prayers were written by our 6th-8th grade students, who are memorizing Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 1. 

Monday, November 14. BEING MADE NEW—We celebrate the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit as we are being made new.

Tuesday, November 15. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for your parts in redeeming the world.

Wednesday, November 16. BELIEVE—“Then Jesus told them, ‘Because you have seen me, you believe; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” (John 20:29).

Thursday, November 17. WHO WE WERE: IMPERFECT—I trust that the new life I now experience will continue after death. By Christ’s power my soul and body will be reunited and made perfect (Heidelberg Catechism A 40).

Friday, November 18. GRACE & GRATITUDE—”Jesus said to the women [who wiped Jesus’ feet with her tears], ’Your sins are forgiven’” (Luke 7:50).

Saturday, November 19. REUNITED—A challenge for you today: try a new way of connecting with Jesus, something you don’t ordinarily do.

Sunday, November 20. Thank you, Lord, for being my only comfort in life and in death.

November 7-13, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

The following prayers were written by our 3rd-5th grade students. 

Monday, November 7. Let’s be thankful that God knows all the details of our lives—nothing happens outside of His will! “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:7).

Tuesday, November 8. Let’s be thankful that God created us all very unique and special. He has a plan for our lives! “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5).

Wednesday, November 9. Let’s thank God for his beautiful creation. The yellows, oranges, and reds in the leaves are spectacular. “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which  you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:3-4)

Thursday, November 10. Give thanks for clean water and how God established the water cycle: condensation, precipitation, evaporation.

Friday, November 11. Thank you, God, that you love us! “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1).

Saturday, November 12. Thank you, God, for our families, Maranatha, and all of our friends. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Sunday, November 13. Praise God that He is for us. He protects us and guides us. “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).

October 31 - November 6, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Monday, October 31. Pray for Tammy Michmerhuizen, our Discipleship Coordinator.

The November 1-6 prayers were written by our PreK-2nd grade students.

Tuesday, November 1. Thank you, God, for animals like dogs, cats, fish, all of our pets, squirrels, and birds.

Wednesday, November 2. Thank you, God, for delicious food like watermelon, pizza, lunchables, sandwiches, steak, French fries, and corn dogs.

Thursday, November 3. Thank you, God, for snacks like cake, cupcakes, chips & salsa, chips & cheese, caramel corn, and cotton candy.

Friday, November 4. Thank you, God, for giving us ways to travel, like cars, bikes, buses, skateboards, and roller blades.

Saturday, November 5. Thank you, God for our houses, football stadiums, play houses, clothes, swimsuits, hats, mittens, and boots.

Sunday, November 6. Thank you, God, for our church, our friends, and our schools. Thank you also for moms, dads, brothers and sisters.

October 24-30, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Monday, October 24. Pray for our Facilities Coordinator, Dan Ebels, Jr.

Tuesday, October 25. Father, we give thanks that we have a place to worship and to gather together. Thank you for the Building and Grounds Team that works to maintain that space well. Pray specifically for each member of that team: Denny Achterhof, Larry Bredeway, Dan Ebels Jr., Seth Michmerhuizen, & Heather Westveld.

Wednesday, October 26. Father, we thank you for the opportunities we have on Wednesdays to meet new people, to gather for a meal, for fellowship, for opportunities to learn. Thank you for all those who make Grace Space, Wonderful Wednesday Potluck, and Praise Days: School Year Edition possible.

Thursday, October 27. Pray for Mark Michmerhuizen and Jim Wiersma who serve on the Finance Team.

Friday, October 28. We thank you Father for the Hospitality Team. We thank you for how they help us welcome the stranger and enjoy fellowship all together. Pray specifically for each member of the team: Mary Achterhof, Mary Blystra, Amber Ebels, & Edith Hemmeke.

Saturday, October 29. Faithful Father, we pray that we as your people here at Maranatha would ”...walk before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and do what is good in your eyes” (2 Kings 20:3).

Sunday, October 30. “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations” (Psalm 89:1).

October 17-23, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Monday, October 17. Father, we thank you for the variety of gifts you have given the people who serve on council. We ask that you give them wisdom and encouragement as they use those gifts in the service of your church on the Administrative & Shepherding Teams. We pray specifically for each of the Deacons: Kim Bashaw, Mary Blystra, Larry Bredeway, Josh Hop, Chris Larson, & Mark Michmerhuizen.

Tuesday, October 18. Pray for the Discipleship Team as they give leadership for Maranatha in the area of discipleship. Pray specifically for each member of that team: John Dykstra, Toni Larson, Tammy Michmerhuizen, & Pastor Matt Stob.

Wednesday, October 19. Lord, we give thanks for the gift of music. Be with the Worship teams as they help lead us in music as we worship.

Thursday, October 20. Father, we hold up the Outreach Team as they help us share about you around the world and in our own neighborhood. Pray specifically for each member of the Outreach Team: Carl Afman, Marguerite Petroelje, Brent Pollema, Bob Schippers, & Dave Vander Heide.

Friday, October 21. Pray for Amber Ebels, our Administrative Assistant.

Saturday, October 22. God of grace, fill each of us with your Holy Spirit so that we will “be completely humble and gentle; patient, bearing with others in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

Sunday, October 23. “But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love” (Nehemiah 9:17). Lord, we  hold up our Sunday School classes, each of the students and each of the teachers before you. We ask that you bless their time together and that they all grow in grace and in the knowledge of you.