May 23-29, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers recognizing who I am in Christ

Monday, May 23. I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them” (1 John 5:18). I give You thanks for adopting me into Your family and freeing me from the power of sin.

Tuesday, May 24.  I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Help me to appreciate the great gift of Your presence and power in me.

Wednesday, May 25. I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you”  (John 15:16). My salvation and adoption by God were not random events, but intentional, personal, and purposeful.

Thursday, May 26—Ascension Day. Jesus, we praise You as Lord Most High, the Great King of heaven and earth! “When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God” (Luke 24:50-53).

Friday, May 27. Jesus, You are enthroned in heaven and have been given all power and authority over You enemies. “The Lord says to my lord: ’Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’” (Psalm 110:1).

Saturday, May 28. Heavenly reigning Lord, You are the Overcoming King who continually defeats Your enemies. “The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, ’Rule in the midst of your enemies’” (Psalm 110:2)!

Sunday, May 29. Father, we ask You to work powerfully in and through the Synodical delegates, speaking Your truth into their hearts and minds and bringing them to a unity that brings honor and glory to You alone.

May 16-22, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers recognizing who I am in Christ

Monday, May 16. I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 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 8:31-39). Lord, help me to believe this deep in my being, and protect me from Satan’s lies and deception.

Tuesday, May 17.  I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). Father, thank You for the Spirit, who guarantees that we belong to You.

Wednesday, May 18. I am hidden with Christ in God. “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 3:1-4). Thank You for the security that I have in You.

Thursday, May 19. I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Thank You for Your faithful, good, intentional work in and through me.

Friday, May 20. I am a citizen of heaven. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Thank You for my secure future with You forever.

Saturday, May 21. I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. “I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit, empowering us to live in freedom and fruitfulness.

Sunday, May 22. Lord, we thank You for the members of the Synodical Committees who have been meeting for several years now.  Thank You for sustaining them as they have been reading, writing, praying, discussing, and discerning Your will.

May 9-15, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers recognizing who I am in Christ

Monday, May 9. I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us” (Ephesians 1:3-8). Praise be to God!

Tuesday, May 10. I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). Thank you, Lord, for rescuing me from the dominion of darkness and bringing me into your Kingdom of light.

Wednesday, May 11. I am complete in Christ. “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:9-10). Lord, help me to reflect your fullness in me to others.

Thursday, May 12. I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus. “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus, because of you, may I approach the throne of with confidence.

Friday, May 13. I am free from condemnation. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). Jesus, help me believe and live into this truth. Thank You.

Saturday, May 14. I know that in all things God works for my good. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Lord, help me to never doubt this.

Sunday, May 15. Lord, we pray that in the meetings leading up to and the gathering of Synod there will be much evidence of Your grace and Your Spirit at work. 

May 2-8, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A month of prayers recognizing who I am in Christ

Monday, May 2. I am God’s child. “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— “ (John 1:12). Give thanks for this amazing truth.

Tuesday, May 3. As His disciple I am a friend of Christ. “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Thank you, Jesus, that I am no longer a servant but your friend.

Wednesday, May 4. I have been declared righteous. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Thank you, Lord, for the peace I have with God because I am justified through you.

Thursday, May 5. I am united with Christ and one with Him in spirit. “But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17). Help me Lord to continue to grow into this truth.

Friday, May 6. I have been bought with a price and belong to God. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Thank you, Lord, “that I am not my own but belong, body and soul, both in life and in death to you, my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Saturday, May 7. I am a member of Christ’s body. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Give thanks that you are not alone but joined with Christ and fellow believers.

Sunday, May 8. Lord, we pray today for all the delegates attending Synod. Thank you for their willingness to serve. Be with their families and the congregations they are part of. Give them wisdom, insight, and strength for the added workload since Synod has not met for the past two years.

April 25 - May 1, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

The following prayers and scripture passages remind us of what we have because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Monday, April 25. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:12-13). Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection and my belief in Him, I am forgiven and empowered to forgive others.

Tuesday, April 26. “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26). Because Jesus is the resurrection and the life and I belong to Him, I have eternal life.

Wednesday, April 27. “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). In Jesus death and resurrection, He showed His amazing love for us, and empowered us, through His Spirit, to know the depths of that love, and to love others.

Thursday, April 28. “‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15: 54b, 57). Thank you, Jesus, for the hope we have because sin and death no longer have the final say!

Friday, April 29. “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way 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). Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, I am His dearly loved child and His love enables me to love others.

Saturday, April 30. “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). We praise God for His ongoing internal work of sanctification, causing us to resemble His Son, Jesus, more and more as we follow Him and obey His Word.

A month of prayers recognizing who I am in Christ

Sunday, May 1. Lord, as we reflect this month on who we are individually in You, we also recognize that the Church is Yours. So, we bring this part of Your church, the CRC and its Synod, to You. We trust You for the work You are doing and will be doing through our denomination and its Synod.

April 18-24, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

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

Monday, April 18. 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.

The following prayers and scripture passages remind us of what we have because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Tuesday, April 19. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10). Because of Jesus’ death on the cross and the mighty power shown in His resurrection, He opened the way for us to belong to God, to be His chosen people.

Wednesday, April 20. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:28). Lord, help us to give ourselves fully to the work you put before us, knowing we do not do it in vain.

Thursday, April 21. Confess the times you live in fear, forgetting you are a child of God. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:15-17).

Friday, April 22. Praise God that through Jesus we have overcome the world. “….for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4-5).

Saturday, April 23. Give thanks that through Jesus we may know the one true God. “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).

Sunday, April 24. Father, since we are united with Christ, help us through your Spirit to be one in spirit and mind with Him. “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2).

April 11-17, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

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

Monday, April 11. 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 12. 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 13. 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 14. 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 15. 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 16. 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 17 (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.

April 4-10, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

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

Monday, April 4. 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, April 5. 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, April 6. 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, April 7. 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, April 8. 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 9. 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 10 (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 28-April 3, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

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

Monday, March 28. 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 29. 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 30. 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 31. 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, April 1. 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, April 2. 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 other to you.

Sunday, April 3 (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 21-27, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

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

Monday, March 21. 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 22. 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 23. 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 24. 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 25. 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 26. 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 27 (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 14-20, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

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

Monday, March 14. 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 15. 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 16. 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 17. 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 18. 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 19. 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 20 (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.

Maranatha Media - March 2022

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).