Prayer Guide --Faith Promise 2010

Thank you for your willingness to pray for our Faith Promise. This guide is for you to use if you choose-don’t feel like you have to. It is a tool for you, however, feel free to pray as the Spirit prompts you. You may take a copy home if you wish.

Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds.
All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.
-Gal 6:7-10 (Msg).


Please pray for:


Individual/Family Commitment
Pray about your or your family’s commitment to Faith Promise
2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Divine direction-Pray for generosity & compassion, and a willingness to put God first. Ask for prompting by the Holy Spirit to continually remember Him.
Proverbs 8:32-36

Walking in obedience-giving God the first fruits, not the leftovers; pray that God will use you as His ambassador to the world. Ask Him for your opportunity to serve Him by sharing your resources & His message with others.
Acts 4:32, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

Faith-Pray that if you promise it, you believe that God will provide it-that your faith will be strengthened by this experience.
Proverbs 20:27

Family members-needs, blessings of individual family members, those in your family who need to know the Lord.

Church Body (Universal)
Unity-Pray for unity among all believers, through the Word and the work of Jesus Christ. Thank God for the work He is doing in His church.
Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 1:10

Hunger for righteousness-Pray that all brothers & sisters in Christ will be like-minded, and will relentlessly pursue righteousness, in the name of Jesus Christ
Romans 2:13, Romans 3:21-26

Salvation of souls-Pray for the lost, and pray for those who have strayed.

Growth (in faith, spiritual maturity)-Pray that those who have found salvation in Jesus Christ, will grow in the faith and in spiritual maturity; become the example we are supposed to be, for the world.
Romans 12:9-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

Missions Ministry/Missionaries
Diligence-Pray for perseverance & diligence when faced with seemingly impossible situations, and seemingly insurmountable barriers, to accomplishing their calling.
1 Corinthians 15:58, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Matthew 10:6-10

Deliverance from affliction-Pray for physical health and healing; pray for resistance to diseases that plague many areas in which our missionaries reside. Pray for protection against injuries and physical harm.
Matthew 8:14-17

Needs-Pray for the resources to be available, to meet the needs of the missionaries & their families, as well as those to whom they minister.
Philippians 4:12-20

Encouragement-Pray for encouragement for missionaries & their families-as well as those to whom they minister.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Matthew 11:28-30

Freedom from bondage-For those imprisoned for spreading the Gospel, pray for their release from prison. Pray for those who would imprison them. For those suffering torture and harsh conditions, pray for relief. Pray that the gospel will continue to be spread, in spite of imprisonment.
Philippians 1:12-20, Matthew 10:17-20

Traveling-Pray for safe travel to & from the areas in which they will minister, for missionaries & their families.


Nations that need the gospel-Pray that the gospel will reach all corners of the earth, and that the Word will be translated & made available to all.
Ephesians 2:17-22, Matthew 9:35-38

Oppression & Persecution-Pray for those who live under persecution, that they will be blessed by God. Pray for an end to all persecution. Pray for strength, faith & encouragement to those who live under persecution. Pray that those who would persecute, would come to know Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, Matthew 10:21-23

Orphans-Pray for the many orphans of the world, that they would have their physical & spiritual needs met. Pray that they would find loving homes. Pray for their salvation.
Matthew 6:1-4

Community, State & Nation
Nation-Pray for our nation, which was founded on Christian principles, strays from those principles. Pray for a return to a God-centered nation. Pray for the needs of the nation, and thank God for the blessings we have as a nation. Thank God for the freedom and abundance we enjoy as Americans.
Psalms 33:8-22

Leaders-Pray that the leaders of our community, state & nation will be good, godly, righteous people who will make decisions that honor God.

Civil servants-Pray for the safety of our police, fire & other emergency personnel. Thank God for the service that they provide.

Volunteers-Pray for blessings on the many volunteers in the community, who serve God by serving others. Thank God for the service they provide.

Military-Pray for the safety of the military serving all over the world, and for their families. Thank God for the security we are afforded by their service & sacrifice. Thank God for the many who have served through the years, allowing us the freedom to worship Him.






Lift Up Our Leadership

Thank you for lifting up our leadership in prayer. Please remember not only our ministers, elders, deacons & staff, but also our teachers & sponsors for our youth programs. It is important we cover all of these people with our prayers regularly. Feel free to use the following guide. Also, join the prayer ministry any Thursday evening at 7pm at the church for prayer. If you need prayer, or just want to join others in lifting up our church family in prayer--you are welcome to attend. You will NEVER be asked to pray out loud, unless you are comfortable in doing so. Thank you!

Prayers for our Church Leadership and Church Family

31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31


Pray that we realize that our inheritance and hope as a church family is in God's incomparable and incredible great power which is available to us.

12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. Gal. 1:12

18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength. Eph. 1:18-19

10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
Phil. 3:10

Pray that our Church, Leadership and Pastoral Staff becomes more
surrendered and poured out to Christ, so they can have spiritual breakthroughs by seeking the fear of God and the mind of Christ and the Spirit's leading.

16"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:16
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20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" Gal.2:20-21


Pray for discernment in exposing any plans of the enemy against our Church or attacking our pastors and staff. Ask Christ to protect us as we wage spiritual warfare against the enemy on behalf of our Church.

11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For 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. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Eph. 6:11-12, 16


6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Col.2:6-8



Pray for an increase of vitality, renewal and vision that is from God for the pastors and leaders personally and collectively so that the church can be galvanized then take a hold of, and then be revitalized as a caring committed community for His Kingdom and purpose.

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isa.61:3

Pray that we and our church commits to follow the biblical mandate to support and encourage the leadership of the church

11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Eph.4:11-13

17The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." 1 Tim. 5:17-18

1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve. 1 Peter 5:1-2

Pray that our church would receive God’s direction and vision. That the congregation gets nourished from the substance of His Word and the needs of the congregation are met.


9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12 Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:9-12

Pray that our church be a community of grace and forgiveness. That our church has an atmosphere of encouragement by being grateful for Christ’s work in them that enables the congregation to be inspired to give genuine hospitality to all who comes though our doors.

4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6

Easter Prayer Guide 2010


Easter Prayer
Feel free to use this guide or not, it is merely a tool to help you if you choose.

We celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. The death of Christ was necessary to atone for the sins of the world, but what of the resurrection? The resurrection demonstrates God’s power. It proves Jesus Christ’s divinity. The resurrection is the reason for our hope of eternal life, the source of our salvation & justification. Christ becomes the judge for mankind, the authority given by the Father. And finally, it is the fulfillment of prophecy-God’s plan for mankind. Reflect on the importance of the resurrection, as you pray for our Easter celebration.

God’s power
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. –Ps 77:14
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. –Romans 1:1-6

Spend time in prayer & reflection of God’s power in your life, within our church family and in our community. With God’s power and in His will, we can accomplish anything for the Kingdom.

Christ’s divinity
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." Luke 1:29-33
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. –Hebrews 1:4
Without the resurrection, there would be no eternal kingdom.
Give thanks & praise for the hope of eternal life that we have, that we will spend eternity in the presence of God Almighty, because Jesus Christ has overcome the grave.

Salvation & Justification
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. -Col 2:9-15

We are only saved by our faith in what Jesus did on the cross. Take this time to thank & praise God for your salvation, for that of your family members, friends & church family-but more importantly, to pray for the salvation & justification of those who do not know Jesus as their Savior. Pray for those visiting our Easter service, looking for answers and a church home.

Fulfill prophecy
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. -Isaiah 9: 6-7

No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him- the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough- that he should live on forever and not see decay. For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others.
Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. –Isaiah 49:7-15
God’s plan is always a better plan. Praise and thank Him for making a way for us to return to fellowship with Him. Thank Him for His Word, which is perfect & true. His Word points to the cross from the very beginning.

Appointed judge of mankind

Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. -John 5:19-23


Thank God that our Judge is the One who died for our sins. Because of His sacrifice, we do not need to fear God’s righteous wrath. Pray for those are lost, that they will turn their faces to God and be spared.

________________________________________________________________________

What is our response to the death & resurrection of Christ? It should be faith & obedience. Pray for guidance & revelation, in your own walk with the Lord. Pray for the same for our congregation.


Pray for our church body.
Lift up those who have been and will continue to work on the preparations for our Easter celebration. Pray for our worship, that it will be pleasing to God. Pray for God’s presence in our worship-invite Him to join with us, for His Spirit to fall fresh on each and everyone of us.


Pray for our community.
Pray for all of those who have received invitations, to those who are searching for a church home, for those who are seekers, that for them the barriers, obstacles & excuses will be removed and they find their way to worship with us.
Pray for our fellow brothers & sisters in Christ, for the other churches in our community and for unity in the body.

Pray for our nation.
Praise God for our nation, our very blessed nation in which we are able to worship openly. Pray for the direction & wisdom of our leaders. Pray for the safety of our military personnel & their families. Pray for our relationship with the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people.


Pray for our hurting world.
Pray for workers in the field—that we as individuals, as a church family and as the Body of Christ will be willing to be the hands & feet of God. Pray for our mission workers all over the world. Pray for the persecuted church. Pray for peace on earth.


In Closing
Why do you call me Lord?

John 13
Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet
It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."
"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place.
"Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Close your prayer time in whatever way the Spirit leads. Thank you for giving of your time and God bless you!