"When We Do Not Pray..."

Our Prayer Team wanted to share this article with everyone from Harvest Prayer Ministries. Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2023 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here.

When We Do Not Pray…

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).
 
Prayer, at its heart, is communicating with God. What does it say to Him when we fail to find time to talk with Him? Do we say by our lack of prayer that we are not at all interested in spending time with the Lord or hearing anything from Him? When we do not pray, we move away from any possibility of intimacy with Christ.
 
When prayerlessness is prevalent in our lives, we are also guilty of failure to love one another. There is scarcely any greater way to demonstrate love than to pray for someone. In godly intercession, we lift the needs of another to God and watch as He moves to meet needs and provide for the one we are praying for. Through prayer, bodies are healed, families are knit together, individuals are saved, and churches are revived. When we withhold prayer on behalf of others, we demonstrate hardened hearts and a failure to love them enough to bring their needs before a loving Father.
 
Lord God, my desire is to love You deeply, and to spend time developing my relationship with You.  Draw me to Your heart so that I might love others the way that You love them.  May I never pass up opportunities You give me to bring others before You in prayer.
 
--Adapted from the article The Sin of Prayerlessness by Dave Butts, author of Prayer, Peace and the Presence of God. This book is available at prayershop.org.

Prayer Points

  • Praise God for his great love and mercy shown to you (Eph. 2:4).

  • Give thanks that nothing can separate you from the love of Jesus (Rom. 8:35).

  • Confess any lack of love which you have shown to God or to another person.

  • Commit yourself to loving God with your whole being (Deut. 6:5).

  • Ask God to prune your life so that the spiritual fruit of love will grow large and appetizing to others.

  • It was Jesus’ love for sinners that sent him to the cross. Pray for an opportunity to share that kind of sacrificial love with another person (Jn. 15:9).

Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org.

LONGING TO BE LIKE CHRIST: Praying to Grow in Christ-likeness Together

Did you know that the CRC has a 40-day prayer initiative leading up to Synod 2023? All of the prayers are intended to reflect the theme of Synod 2023: Longing to be Like Christ, which is based on Philippians 2:1-11, summarized by verse 5: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

This Day 10 prayer is being shared by our Prayer Team for your personal/communal use.

To learn more and sign up, visit www.crcna.org/longing-to-be-like-christ.

Congratulations, 2023 Graduates!

Laura Castro Gonzalez

Laura graduated from Grand Valley State University with her Bachelors degree in Hospitality and Tourism.

Claudia Dantuma

Claudia graduated from Baker College with her Bachelors degree in Marketing.

lauren hemmeke

Lauren graduates from Holland Christian High School and plans to attend Michigan Tech to study Environmental Science.

mohammadfadi kalahji (fadi tanta)

Fadi graduates from Holland High School and plans to attend Grand Valley State University to study neuroscience.

lydia pollema

Lydia graduates from Calvary Schools of Holland and plans to do mission work in Ireland with the Carrig family.

Jason rosema

Jason graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University with his Masters degree in education with an emphasis on Athletic and Activities Administration.

Update from the Giffords - Mexico City

Dave and Blanca are so faithful in sending updates to their supporting churches! See below for their most recent update, along with a prayer request for a volunteer who will be staying for a month down there.

____________________________________________________________________________

Dear friends and supporters,

Greetings from Mexico City! And thank you for your financial support, prayer support and moral support in the month of April.

Networking with pastors and churches is going well. I am getting better connected with the wider Christian body here in Mexico City, and hearing about what the Lord has done and is doing in and through his people.

Please pray especially for Kayla Johnson, our volunteer from West Michigan who arrives this Saturday May 6, and stays until June 9. She is going to be helping in a number of ministries associated with our partner Dreams, and most likely also helping one of the campus ministries at UNAM, a university close to where Kayla will be staying. We will also be taking her to see historical and cultural sites in and near the city so she sees the panorama of life and ministry here. Please pray that her time here will be safe, fruitful and enjoyable.

As always, see our prayer requests and notes of praise at https://giffmex.org. I update them monthly, and just updated them a moment ago.

Blessings in Christ,

David Gifford

Mexico team leader, Mexico City

Resonate Global Mission
Engaging People. Embracing Christ.
A Ministry of the Christian Reformed Church
resonateglobalmission.org

April 24-30, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers of Praise to God!

Monday, April 24. Praise God! He is Mighty. “Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the Lord on high is mighty” (Psalm 93:4).

Tuesday, April 25. Praise God! He is our Mediator. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

Wednesday, April 26. Praise God! He is Merciful. “Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him” (Psalm 28:6-7).

Thursday, April 27. Praise God! His is the Name above all names! “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Friday, April 28. Praise God! There is no one like Him. “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears” (2 Samuel 7:22).

Saturday, April 29. Praise God! He is Omniscient. “Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding” (Isaiah 40:13-14)?

Sunday, April 30. Praise God! He is Omnipresent. “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (Psalm 139:7-10).

April 17-23, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Prayers of Praise to God!

Monday, April 17. Praise God who is Lord of lords! “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes” (Deuteronomy 10:17).

Tuesday, April 18. Praise God! He is love. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).

Wednesday, April 19. Praise God as the author of all life! “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John 1:1-4).

Thursday, April 20. Praise God! He is light. “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).

Friday, April 21. Praise the Lamb of God! “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29)!

Saturday, April 22. Praise God!  He is our Maker. “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker” (Psalm 95:6).

Sunday, April 23. Praise God!  He is Majestic. “Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders” (Exodus 15:11)?

April 10-16, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

April 10, 2023 

Monday, April 10. Christ, through these past days of Lent and Easter, I have entered into the sorrows of death but have also risen to the joys of new life with you. Fill me with your Spirit so that I may remain faithful to you. Help me to share through word and deed what I have gained this Lent and Easter with all whom I encounter. 

Prayers of Praise to God!

Tuesday, April 11. Praise God!  He is the King of kings! “God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:15b-16).

Wednesday, April 12. Praise God!  He is King forever! “The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land” (Psalm 10:16).

Thursday, April 13. Praise God!  He is the King of glory! “Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory” (Psalm 24:7-10).

Friday, April 14. Praise God as your keeper! “The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand” (Psalm 121:5).

Saturday, April 15. Praise God for His kindness to you! “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7).

Sunday, April 16. Praise God for His complete knowledge of all things! “…he knows everything” (1 John 3:20b).

April 3-9, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

April 3-9, 2023 

Monday, April 3. Jesus, forgiveness can be one of the toughest things to do in life. Wounds inflicted by others can pierce me deeply. Keep me mindful of your unconditional love for me so that I may be truly sorry for having offended you. As I remember your own willingness to forgive me of my failings, I ask for the inner strength to forgive those who wrong me, especially when it is most difficult.

Tuesday, April 4. Generous Father, knowing that I am in your loving hands, I turn the cares and anxieties of my life over to you and confidently trust that you will take care of all of my needs.

Wednesday, April 5. Lord Jesus, you demonstrated your great love for me by all that you were willing to suffer for my sake. I cannot begin to comprehend the depths of this love. Keep me ever mindful of the great magnitude of your sacrifice. Enkindled by the fire of your love may I too be willing to pour out my life so that I may make your love known in the world.

Thursday, April 6. Lord Jesus, giving of myself for the sake of others is one of the most difficult things to do in life, yet this is what you call me to do. At the last supper you celebrated with your friends, you showed me that this is the way to a life worth living, this is the way to life with you. May the example of your great sacrifice and loving service to others inspire and strengthen me to lay down my own life in loving service to others.

Friday, April 7. Jesus, my Savior, there are many reasons this day is “good”. Today we remember how you showed your love for us, how you conquered death and suffering and won our redemption for us, and how you demonstrated that to come to life, we must first die to ourselves. Because of your sacrifice, death and suffering no longer have the final word. The victory which you won through your death is truly good, and I praise you for it. Today I unite my trials and sufferings with your own so that they too might become good. I ask you to continue to pour out your blessings upon me and to be my strength as I seek to be your faithful disciple.

Saturday, April 8. Lord God, I give you thanks for all of the blessings with which you have showered me: the gift of life itself, my family and friends, the beauty of creation, and all that which sustains my life. I give you thanks not only for the seemingly good things of life but for all of my life, including the times of challenge, trials, and suffering. I thank you especially for calling me to share in your Son’s victory over sin and death.

Sunday, April 9 (Easter Sunday). Resurrected Lord, I join with all creation in celebrating the feast of your victory. Alleluia! The light of your resurrection gives new meaning to all of life. Death and suffering no longer have the final word. You have conquered the night and death and brought to us day and life. May the joy of Easter be with me always. Renew me and fill me with your risen life as I seek to bring the good news of your resurrection to the world.

March 27-April 2, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

March 27-April 2, 2023 

Monday, March 27. Jesus, following you is not always easy and carefree. It does require something from me; I must follow our commands. Often out of pride or convenience, I seek to follow my own will instead. Lead me through the narrow gate. Be merciful and soften my heart when I stubbornly refuse to follow you. Remind me that life with you is well worth any cost I may incur in following you.

Tuesday, March 28. Lord, I bear many burdens in life, some of which are imposed upon me by others. There is also much that concerns me;  bills, work, family, relationships, and simply how I am going to get through the day. You knew very well the tribulations of human existence. Yet you patiently accepted the shortcoming of others and the trials of life, even to the point of death. When I experience trials and worries, I often become impatient and want instant solutions to my problems. Give me strength and wisdom to be patient as I face the burdens and concerns of this life. In doing so, may I learn the wisdom that comes in trusting in you and waiting on your assistance.

Wednesday, March 29. Lord, sometimes I avoid silence out of fear of what I might hear. Help me to overcome this fear and to quiet the many noises that surround me so that I can better hear your voice in my life.

Thursday, March 30. Lord, may the example of your own life strengthen me as I seek to overcome the pride, jealousy, and backstabbing that lead to divisions between others and myself. Help me to channel the love that you have given me so that I may develop life-giving relationships with other. Unite us in our love for you and one another.

Friday, March 31. Jesus, given your own life experiences, you certainly understand that there are people who make life difficult for me. I ask you to change my perspective. Rather than seeing such people as a burden in life, may I see them as blessings. Lead me to an awareness of how the trials and pain that such people bring can actually lead me to you. Given my own shortcoming, teach me the wisdom of being patient with others as I surely want them to be patient with me.

Saturday, April 1. Lord, often I become so distracted by my busy life that I lose my focus on you. Teach me to keep you as the ultimate priority in my life. May my work and activities serve as means by which I am brought into deeper relationship with you.

Sunday, April 2 (Palm Sunday). Lord Jesus, hear my cry and draw near to me when I call upon your holy name. I humbly yet firmly trust that, through the power of your name, all things can be accomplished. May your name always be praised.

March 20-26, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

March 20-26, 2023 

Monday, March 20. Lord, this Lent I hear you calling me to turn toward you, the source of true life, and away from the “dead-end” of my old way of life. May the acts of self-sacrifice I perform this holy season serve not as a cause of self -satisfaction and pride but be means by which I am reminded of my spiritual hunger for you. Turn me to you, Lord. 

Tuesday, March 21. Lord, it is easier to speak of my faithfulness than to live it from my heart. I do not want to live a life of hypocrisy where my words say one thing but my heart and actions say another. Give me the strength and courage so that I might be a person of integrity. Permeate me with the fire of your love so that my words are not empty but reflect a heart and life devoted to you. 

Wednesday, March 22. Lord, this Lent help me let go of the pride that hinders my relationships with you and with others. Lead me out of my sense of self sufficiency and superiority to recognize my total dependency on you. As I grow in humility, let me cling to the treasure that can be found through life with you, a treasure that the world does not begin to offer.

Thursday, March 23. Lord, as I gaze at your face I see myself as you call me to be. May my heart, mind, and will be stirred by this encounter. While you serve as a mirror of me I also desire to become a mirror that reflects your presence to the world. Assist me as I strive to become more like you by living in simplicity, humility, and love for others.

Friday, March 24. Lord, you call me to follow you by taking up my own cross in life. Grant me strength and courage to more willingly and lovingly embrace the trials, struggles, and persecutions of my own life so that your glory might shine through me.

Saturday, March 25. Lord, you did not lead by intimidation and fear but by loving service. Teach me that the most effective means of leadership can be found in laying down my life and becoming the servant of others. May I become the kind of leader who leads others to you.

Sunday, March 26 (Fifth Sunday of Lent). Lord, may I come to a deeper respect for the sacred space of your house where you are present not only through your Spirit but also in the body of believers gathered in your name.

March 13-19, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

March 13-19, 2023 

Monday, March 13. Lord Jesus, you did not avoid suffering. With great faith in your Father, you faced it head-on. I live in a world that urges me to avoid suffering at all costs. Give me strength as I too face suffering in life. Help me to remember that suffering is part of the growth process of becoming like you.

Tuesday, March 14. Lord Jesus, while our society tells us that freedom means doing whatever we want, you tell us that the way to genuine freedom is by following you, the Truth. Guide me with your Holy Spirit so that I may faithfully discern the messages that surround me. Lead me to the freedom you promise by showing me your truth and by helping me always to devote my life to what is good and worthy of you. 

Wednesday, March 15. Our Lord, you are not a distant god. Rather, you loved us so much that you drew near to us by becoming one of us. You revealed yourself to us through the gift of your Son two thousand years ago, and you continue to reveal yourself to us in the loving union and friendship we share with him today. Be near to us. Show yourself to us.  Fill us with your love.

Thursday, March 16. Lord, my Shepherd, I know that sometimes I stray from you. This Lenten season, I seek to follow you more closely. My path in life can be unclear. There are many false shepherds in the world who seek to lead me in ways different from your own. Yet these shepherds do not care for me as you do. Their ways do not lead to true life. When I am lost, when I am confused, when I stray from you, seek me out and shepherd me, Lord.

Friday, March 17. Creator of the universe, you have made me in your own image and likeness. This alone demonstrates my deep connection to you and endows me and all other people with special value and dignity. This Lenten season remind me of how precious I am in your eyes and keep me ever mindful of my own dignity and worth as well as that of others.

Saturday, March 18. Christ, I fill my life with so many activities and projects that I often make it more complicated than I need to. I further complicate my life by trying to understand and control all that is happening around me. In so doing, I distract myself from simple faith in you. Help me as I seek to unclutter my life and teach me the wisdom of simply and unconditionally trusting you.

Sunday, March 19 (Fourth Sunday of Lent). Lord, you call me to follow you because you want what is best for me in life. Yet, sometimes I turn away from you and then suffer the consequences of having rejected your life and love. When I choose darkness and death, call me back to your light and life. I ask for forgiveness for the times I have hurt my relationship with you.

March 6-12, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

March 6-12, 2023 

Monday, March 6. Lord, you alone can provide me with the strength to confront the many forces in the world that seek to beat me down and direct me away from you. Be my strength when I am weak, when I think I can no longer go on.

Tuesday, March 7. Gracious God, all belongs to you, but you have entrusted me with much. Help me to be aware of the gifts with which you have blessed me. May I show my thanks for the gifts by returning them to you in service to others. 

Wednesday, March 8. Christ, I thank you for the gift of my family, yet I realize that my relationship with you is deeper than any other relationship that I can have. Help me to deepen that relationship by filling me with your Spirit. I ask you, Lord to bless members of my earthly family, those with whom I am close as well as those with whom I may be estranged.

Thursday, March 9. Lord Jesus, it can be easy to love my friends and family, but you call me to love even my enemies. Help me to follow in your footsteps and to learn not to respond to hatred with hatred and to violence with violence. Fill my heart with your own perfect love so that I can love even when it is most difficult.

Friday, March 10. Lord, as you found out in your own life, when I try to do good for others, I can often end up getting wounded myself. Yet you continue to call me to trust in you and to extend myself for others. May the knowledge that comes from knowing that I am striving to do your will, even when I feel wounded by opening myself to others, give me the strength and courage to continue to serve you.

Saturday, March 11. Christ, it is difficult for me to even begin to contemplate your great humility. You humbled yourself by becoming human and by dying for the sake of others. Inspired by your own example of humility lead me to greater humility so that I can be better able to discover you and grow in my relationship with you. As I do so, show me the blessings that are to be found in placing my own interests aside and in giving of myself in the service of others.

Sunday, March 12 (Third Sunday of Lent). God of all generosity, you have abundantly poured your love into the world as is evidenced by the many gifts around me, especially the gift of your own Son. May I seek always to reflect your own generosity by giving to others, even when such giving impinges upon me in some way.

February 27 - March 5, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

February 27 - March 5, 2023 

Monday, February 27. 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, February 28. 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 1. 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 2. 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 3. 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 4. 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 5 (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 20-26, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

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" (1 Timothy 2:4).

Monday, February 20. Teach me to make the most of every opportunity I have to share the gospel with ____________.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5).

Tuesday, February 21. Help me to be the fragrance of Christ when I am with ____________.

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15).

*February 20-21 prayers adapted from “Prayers of Gold: A Month of Prayers for a Lost Friend” by Terry Gooding.

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

February 22-26, 2023 

Wednesday, February 22 (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, February 23. 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, February 24. 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, February 25. 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, February 26 (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 13-19, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

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" (1 Timothy 2:4).

Monday, February 13. Help _________ to understand that he/she can have forgiveness through the blood of Jesus.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Ephesians 1:7).

Tuesday, February 14. Father, produce a godly sorrow in _________, which will bring about repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets.

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Wednesday, February 15. May ________ understand that he/she can be saved by grace and that it is a free gift from You.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).

Thursday, February 16. Jesus, may________ know that Yours is the only name under heaven by which he/she can be saved.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

Friday, February 17. Lord, help _________ to know how much You love him/her even though he/she is a sinner. Cause _________ to realize that You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for his/her sin.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Saturday, February 18. I pray that the gospel would be presented to ________, not only with words, but also with power and with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

...Because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Sunday, February 19. I ask You, Lord of the Harvest, to send out workers to surround _________ with the Word of God.

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field (Matthew 9:38).

 

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

February 6-12, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

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" (1 Timothy 2:4).

Monday, February 6. Jesus, as _______ begins to hear Your voice, may they not harden their heart.

Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts (Psalm 96:7-8).

Tuesday, February 7. Lord, please direct _______’s heart into Your love and into the steadfastness of Christ.

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance (2 Thessalonians 3:5).

Wednesday, February 8. Give a new heart to _______ that they may know You and receive You as their Lord and Savior.

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, February 9. Father, plow up the hardened heart of _______ so that it can become good soil to hear the Word and bear fruit.

Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown (Matthew 13:8).

Friday, February 10. Jesus, I pray _______ will be pierced to the heart when they hear the good news about You.

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).

Saturday, February 11. May _______ know their sins have caused a separation between them and You, God.

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear (Isaiah 59:2).

Sunday, February 12. I ask that ______ would know how patient You are toward him/her and that You do not wish for him/her to perish but to come to repentance.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

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

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