Pray Network Forum

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, September 5 - Turning Hurricane Harvey into a Harvest of the Kingdom

Posted by Tommy Hays on September 5, 2017 at 9:53

Morning by Morning, September 5 - Turning Hurricane Harvey into a Harvest of the Kingdom

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Make me more like You today. ...

"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples" (John 13:35 NLT).

Several of us from our ministry went to the Red Cross disaster response training this weekend to help with the victims from Hurricane Harvey. Since the local Red Cross facility was being overwhelmed with what they called "the Texas-sized" response of people wanting to help, they held the training in the sanctuary of the one of the biggest churches in San Antonio. It was a beautiful sight to see thousands from across our city -- crossing all the cultural, racial, and denominational barriers -- come together as one to help.

All across Texas, we see hearts opening up and walls coming down. And the body of Christ is in the midst of it all to be the hands and heart of Jesus, right alongside our neighbors who may not yet share our faith but who share God's heart of compassion and mercy and love. True unity comes from the Holy Spirit -- "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).

In that unity of the Spirit -- with the walls that would divide us being swept away in a hurricane of love no less devastating to the kingdom of darkness than this hurricane that devastated the coastline of Texas -- all the world is watching us and our response. And may they see the heart of Jesus in the midst of it all. May they know we are Christians by our love. And as they see the unity of the Spirit rising up in our hearts silencing the storms of racism and hatred that were brewing in our land, may there be a great harvest of the kingdom that comes out of this hurricane of destruction.

The witness of oneness is a witness to the world that the Father sent His Son to save us all. As You modeled the unity of the Spirit on the earth and prayed to Father for us all, "I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are One ... so that the world will believe You sent Me.... May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me" (John 17:21-23 NLT). In this way and in so many more, You are redeeming this storm and turning Hurricane Harvey into a great harvest of the kingdom (Matthew 13:39). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

I pray in agreement with you that the Holy Spirit will continue to unite us and love through us, as God redeems this storm to turn Hurricane Harvey into a great harvest of the kingdom, in Jesus' name. I join with you in prayer for that lives would be restored in this coastal region of Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico, and that all who are suffering in the wake of this storm would experience the protection and provision of our God, in Jesus' name! May the presence of God in His mercy and love and through His people be evident in the midst of it all. God bless you, my friend!

Our Prayers are with all the people of this region of Texas, Louisiana, and all who are enduring this storm and the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

http://thinkinginthespirit.blogspot.com/

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

PRAY THE CHURCH ROLL

Posted by David Young on September 3, 2017 at 23:51

I have been thinking about writing a book on prayer in a church family. My working, or maybe thinking, title is Praying Together. I can get excited about it, but I am not sure I will get to it. I want to write two more books before I start it. And my time is limited. So I want to set some of the ideas out to you in my blog.

Our church is in a difficult place right now. We are without a pastor. And for this and other reasons my wife and I have felt we need to pray as we have never prayed before. In fact, I believe churches all over the world need to sense and respond to this urgency. This week my wife suggested that we go to the church one morning and pray through the church roll. Our reasoning for doing this had nothing to do with the experience. But we were both blessed by our time in prayer. We intend to do this regularly and invite some others to join us. I was still a young pastor when God began to convict me to pray through our church roll Every day. Many pastors and church leaders are so blessed with church members that you would need to divide up the roll up into sections to pray for each day. I know you are busy. But prayer is important. You might even break up your study and other work during a day to pray ten minutes every hour or so. I try to do that with my writing. I believe this, along with a weekly Sabbath, has kept me from burn-out over the years.

But none of these things are actually what I would like to see. What I long for begins with individuals and couples praying for the church body. But I would like something that includes more people. I would like to see deacons and elders, staff members, teachers and leaders commit to spend time every day praying for our church families. I would like to see it spread like wildfire through a church body.

Is that all the prayer that I think we need? Absolutely not. But I believe God might use something as simple as this to begin a movement that would shake a nation to its knees and touch the entire world.

http://watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/

http://writingprayerfully.blogspot.com/

http://daveswatch.com/

PTAP: Hajj/Pilgrimage in Mecca, Day 3.

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on September 1, 2017 at 15:22

For the pilgrims, day three is the longest day. It might take some people two days, and the pilgrimage is not finished until they complete all of these sacred acts.

There are five different sacred acts to perform today and they can be done in almost any order. This can take some people more than one day.

1. They will stone the pillars of Satan

2. Men will shave their heads (an act of humility and cleanliness)

3. They will sacrifice a permissible animal

4. They will circle the Ka'aba seven times

5. They will run between the two hills of Safa and Marwa

Key Scripture to Pray

And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest (Jesus Christ) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. (Hebrews 10:10-14)

Going before the Father

* Ephesians 6:12 states "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against... the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Muslims understand there is a spiritual battle caused by Satan. Throwing rocks at Satan during the day of stoning is meaningless apart from the cross and resurrection which defeated Satan. Pray that they will know Christ and have mighty weapons "for the tearing down of strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:4)

* In the Old Testament, sacrificing animals meant the forgiveness of sins. After Jesus died on the cross, animal sacrifice was not required, for His death covered all sins. Pray that Muslims will understand the meaning behind the sacrifice and the cross of Jesus. Pray that they will understand that the Father so loved the world that He had to give His Son (Jesus) because whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

* As Muslims circle the Ka'aba and run from hill to hill, ask that they will see the futility of these acts. They can have peace with God and a commitment to Him, but it is only through what Christ did for them. Pray that they will hear this good news and believe.

* Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." (John 14:6) As the pilgrims leave, pray they may still feel extreme emptiness and a lack of peace until they know the Redeemer of their souls, Jesus.

Morning by Morning, August 31 - Our Hope and Help

Posted by Tommy Hays on August 31, 2017 at 9:53

Morning by Morning, August 31 - Our Hope and Help

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Lead my heart, renew my mind, and guide my steps in the way, the truth, and the life of Christ today. ...

"I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.... Do not, O Lord, withhold Your mercy from me; let Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness keep me safe forever.... Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me.... As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!" (Psalm 40:1-17)

O Lord, our God, hear our cry. Hear the cry of every soul whose patience is running thin and whose faith is growing weary. Reach down into their pit of despair and lift them out of the miry bog of confusion and disillusionment. Set their feet on the solid ground of the assurance of Your presence, Your protection, and Your provision. Bring order out of their chaos and hope to their hearts.

O God, hear! O God, act! O God, come in Your power and love in both Your supernatural miracles and in Your Spirit-led people, reaching out to the hurting and taking hold of the helpless, to weather this storm and rebuild their lives in You. We need Your hope! We need Your help! "You are (our) Help and (our) Deliverer; do not delay, O (our) God! (v. 17) In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

I pray in agreement with you and all who are led to join us in prayer by the Holy Spirit that the rain would stop, the land would dry up, and lives would be restored in this coastal region of Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico, and that all who are suffering in the wake of this storm would experience the protection and provision of our God, in Jesus' name! May the presence of God in His mercy and love and through His people be evident in the midst of it all. And may this terrible storm be turned into a great harvest. God bless you, my friend!

Our Prayers are with all the people of this region of Texas, Louisiana, and all who are enduring this storm and the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Hajj Prayer 2017 - Wuqoof (standing at Arafat)

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on August 31, 2017 at 8:39

Day 2 - August 31, 2017

Sacred Act 2: Wuqoof (standing at Arafat)

Today is the most important day of the Hajj. Why? Because Muslim scholars say this is the "day the religion of Islam was perfected." The Hajj only becomes valid when the day of Wuqoof is observed. For it is on this day Muslims believe their major and minor sins are forgiven.* If they miss this day, their pilgrimage is pointless. Today, they will invoke Allah for mercy and forgiveness as they stand or sit near Mount Arafat. Muslims believe that as they finish this day they are cleansed of sin,* which also brings freedom from shame. At sunset, a cannon sounds. Pilgrims leave Mount Arafat going to Muzdalifah, where they sleep or stay up all night under the stars.

Key Scriptures to Pray

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)

He [Jesus Christ] commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he [Jesus] is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. (Acts 10:42-43)

Going before the Father

◦Muslim pilgrims long for their major and minor sins to be removed from their lives. John the Baptist's words cry out that Jesus takes away the sins of the world. Pray that Muslims would not feel a cleansed heart, mind and soul until they realize the finished work that Jesus has accomplished on their behalf.

◦God appointed Jesus to be judge of the living and the dead. Everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ receives forgiveness of sins. Pray that the truth of the Lord Jesus' life, death and resurrection would penetrate the hearts of longing Muslims. Pray they will be drawn to the Giver of Life.

◦Pray that as many Muslims seek to stay up all night to pray, they would have dreams and visions of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:17). Ask God for an open heaven and for the people who are genuinely seeking an encounter with God to have one that leads them to the incredible truth found in Jesus.

What does the Bible say?

* The Bible talks about sins being cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Matthew 26:28, Acts 2:38, 1 John 1:7

Morning by Morning, August 30 - Search and Rescue

Posted by Tommy Hays on August 30, 2017 at 9:53

Morning by Morning, August 30 - Search and Rescue

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Show me how to pray, as I turn my eyes to You and listen for the leading of Your Spirit. ...

"For thus says the Lord God: I Myself will search for My sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out My sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness" (Ezekiel 34:11-12).

In these days of clouds and thick darkness, with whole communities still reeling from the floods and rains of destruction from this terrible storm, we need You and cry out to You, O Lord, our God. You are our Good Shepherd, our True Shepherd, our Faithful Shepherd, who says, "I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak" (v. 16).

Thank You for the workers and volunteers, for the neighbors and friends, for the total strangers with a heart to help who come together as one as an extension of Your heart and hands for all who are lost and suffering. Search and rescue. Deliver and save. Bring hope and healing, security and shelter in the midst of this storm. Give all who are hurting and afraid the hope and faith to believe there will soon come a day when "they shall be secure on their soil; and they shall know that (You are) the Lord" (v. 27). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

I pray in agreement with you and all who are led to join us in prayer by the Holy Spirit that the rain would stop and lives would be restored in this coastal region of Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico, and that all who are suffering in the wake of this storm would experience the protection and provision of our God, in Jesus' name! May the presence of God in His mercy and love and through His people be evident in the midst of it all. And may this terrible storm be turned into a great harvest. God bless you, my friend!

Our Prayers are with all the people of this region enduring this storm and the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

Come join us for our

Level 1 Prayer Ministry Training

Biblical Principles of Inner Healing and Deliverance

Starting Tuesday Night, September 5th, being hosted at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. DVDs are also available.

The core teaching for our Level 1 School of Ministry

is based upon my book:

Free to Be Like Jesus

Transforming Power of Inner Healing & Deliverance

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

http://prayforap.com/hajj.html

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

PTAP: Ihram - Pray for the Lord to purify Muslims

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on August 30, 2017 at 8:21

Sacred Act 1: Ihram (cleaning, preparation day)

Pilgrims must enter into the state of Ihram (purity) which involves washing then wearing white, plain garments. These garments indicate that all pilgrims are equal. Following this cleansing, pilgrims are officially on the Hajj. As they cross the pilgrimage boundary, the men will shout the Talbiyah, a Muslim prayer: "Here I am at Thy service O Lord, here I am. Here I am at Thy service and Thou hast no partners.* Thine alone is All Praise and All Bounty, and Thine alone is The Sovereignty. Thou hast no partners."*

Before many of the modern conveniences, the first day of the Hajj was spent collecting enough water for the next day of the Hajj. Now it has become a day of cleansing, visiting the Ka'aba in the Grand Mosque, and entering the mosque with their right foot first. After leaving the Grand Mosque, many pilgrims will walk to the tent city of Mina to spend the night.

Key Scriptures to Pray

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. (Hebrews 1:3)

But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (Hebrews 9:11-14)

Going before the Father

•Two to three million Muslims come together from all over the world for this spiritual journey called the Hajj. Pray for physical safety and protection from disease.

•Jesus Christ is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of God. Pray that the radiance of Jesus would shine strong and bright today in Mecca. Pray for their spiritual journey to include dreams and visions of Jesus. Pray Muslims would know that Jesus provides "purification for sins."

•As these Muslims walk into the Grand Mosque and see the Ka'aba, they feel like they are entering the most holy place on earth. Hebrews 9:11-14 (above) talks about a "perfect tabernacle," built not by human hands and not of this creation that Jesus Christ entered to provide "eternal redemption." Pray that pilgrims would know that only in Jesus can they have an unblemished and clean conscience.

What does the Bible say?

* It would be in statements like these that Muslims would not allow room for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 10:21-23, Galatians 4:6

PTAP: Christian Prayer Guide for Muslims on Hajj

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on August 29, 2017 at 13:29

Please pray for Muslims on Pilgrimage. Below is a prayer guide to help you pray for Muslims who are seeking forgiveness.

Hajj 2017 - August 31 - September 1

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on August 29, 2017 at 13:16

In Luke 7, Jesus predicts that his encounter with a sinful woman will become famous throughout the world and throughout history. This woman washed His feet with an abundance of tears, anointed Him with embalming perfume, and wiped His feet with her long hair. Jesus says in response: "Your sins are forgiven." Today, that same desire, the desire for forgiveness of sins, is found on many blog sites, where Muslim women are asking if the Hajj wi...ll cleanse them not only of small common sins, but also of big serious sins. They are told that their desire will be granted by the Hajj, which "if performed properly and sincerely for Allah, removes all sins."

Muslims go on the Hajj because it is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Hajj is the pinnacle of life for Muslims around the world. They are commanded to perform the Hajj at least once in their life if they are able. It begins on the 8th day of the 12th month of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. During these days, around two to three million Muslims from all over the world flock to Mecca to perform sacred acts and follow the steps of Muhammad, their prophet. This year, the Hajj will start on August 30th and last for three or more days. Traditionally it was three days.

The main purpose of the Hajj is to receive the forgiveness of sins. Muslims go on the Hajj to be cleansed of sin. In our right minds, we know something is wrong with us. Therefore, we have a desire to be clean and justified. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 4:7,8 states, "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."

This is a call for Christians to pray for Muslims as they go on the Hajj.

To prepare yourself spiritually for prayer during this time, please read through Hebrews 9:1-10:19. An informational video about Hajj is also below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01wVFer3oHo

Hajj 2017 - August 31 - September 1

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on August 29, 2017 at 13:16

In Luke 7, Jesus predicts that his encounter with a sinful woman will become famous throughout the world and throughout history. This woman washed His feet with an abundance of tears, anointed Him with embalming perfume, and wiped His feet with her long hair. Jesus says in response: "Your sins are forgiven." Today, that same desire, the desire for forgiveness of sins, is found on many blog sites, where Muslim women are asking if the Hajj wi...ll cleanse them not only of small common sins, but also of big serious sins. They are told that their desire will be granted by the Hajj, which "if performed properly and sincerely for Allah, removes all sins."

Muslims go on the Hajj because it is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Hajj is the pinnacle of life for Muslims around the world. They are commanded to perform the Hajj at least once in their life if they are able. It begins on the 8th day of the 12th month of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. During these days, around two to three million Muslims from all over the world flock to Mecca to perform sacred acts and follow the steps of Muhammad, their prophet. This year, the Hajj will start on August 30th and last for three or more days. Traditionally it was three days.

The main purpose of the Hajj is to receive the forgiveness of sins. Muslims go on the Hajj to be cleansed of sin. In our right minds, we know something is wrong with us. Therefore, we have a desire to be clean and justified. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 4:7,8 states, "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."

This is a call for Christians to pray for Muslims as they go on the Hajj.

To prepare yourself spiritually for prayer during this time, please read through Hebrews 9:1-10:19. An informational video about Hajj is also below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01wVFer3oHo

Morning by Morning, August 29 - Fervent Prayer that the Rain Would Stop

Posted by Tommy Hays on August 29, 2017 at 10:05

Morning by Morning, August 29 - Fervent Prayer that the Rain Would Stop

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I look up to You and speak up to You and welcome You to take hold of me and speak into me, as I seek to begin my day in communion with You -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. ...

"Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth" (James 5:17).

O Lord, as we hear and see the overwhelming devastation of the rains that continue to pour down and the waters that continue to rise up along the Texas coast and Gulf of Mexico, we're moved to cry out to You in prayer and call on Your name in faith. You moved in Elijah's heart to pray fervently that it might not rain. And Lord, that's our prayer for this region overwhelmed by these floods and desperate for a miraculous move of God. Father God, in the name of Jesus, let the rain stop and begin to dry up the land.

Your Word calls us to both humility and faith in our prayers -- humility to seek You and faith to believe You, humility to be available to pray and intercede as You lead by Your Spirit and faith to trust that You're putting Your prayers on our hearts to pray according to Your will. "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27).

I believe Your Spirit is leading us to pray in humility and faith for the rain to stop and the land to dry up. I believe Your Spirit is leading us to pray for protection and provision of all who are suffering and for suffering souls to be saved as they cry out to You in their distress. "They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out from their distress; He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they had quiet, and He brought them to their desired haven. Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wonderful works to humankind" (Psalm 107:28-31).

Move in the hearts of Your sons and daughters to pray like Elijah, in humility and faith. By the power of Your grace, may our fervent, earnest prayers, led by Your Spirit, be "powerful and effective" (James 5:16). And may we trust in Your Word when You said, "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there among them" (Matthew 18:18-20). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

I pray in agreement with you and all who are led to join us in prayer by the Holy Spirit that the rain would stop in this coastal region of Texas and the Gulf of Mexico, and all who are suffering in the wake of this storm would experience the protection and provision of our God, in Jesus' name! May the presence of God in His mercy and love and through His people be evident in the midst of it all. And may this terrible storm be turned into a great harvest. God bless you, my friend!

Our Prayers are with all the people of this region enduring the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

Come join us for our

Level 1 Prayer Ministry Training

Biblical Principles of Inner Healing and Deliverance

Starting Tuesday Night, September 5th, being hosted at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. DVDs are also available.

The core teaching for our Level 1 School of Ministry

is based upon my book:

Free to Be Like Jesus

Transforming Power of Inner Healing & Deliverance

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

http://thinkinginthespirit.blogspot.com/

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

PRAYING FOR FRUITFULNESS

Posted by David Young on August 28, 2017 at 16:51

I have been very moved lately with the promise in John 15:7,8. I started to write a blog post on praying for fruitfulness. Then I discovered that about a year ago I wrote a blog post on this but never posted it. So I am offering it to you today.

Modern Americans often have the strangest notion of prayer. Much prayer in these days is an extension of our materialist convictions. You can hear preaching, here and in many countries around the world, that poses provision as the primary purpose of prayer. This is often taken to the extremes. "God give me a Cadillac." "God let me win the lottery."

But according to Jesus, the primary purpose of prayer is fruitfulness. In John 15:7 Jesus gave us a wonderful promise of prayer. He said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.”

Jesus continued in verse 8, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." The purpose of prayer is fruitfulness. Today I read day 10 in the little booklet, 40 Days of Prayer, on the fruit of the Spirit. It reminded me that bearing fruit begins with my character and continues in the significance of my life. God is planting His seeds in my life to touch others and impact the world.

The provision of the Father is a foundational assumption of prayer. You don't need to spend much time praying for provisions. Your Father knows what you need before you ask. But fulfillment and joy do not come from worldly possessions, luxury, pleasure, or success.

Jesus continues in John 15:11, "I have told you this that my joy may be in you and your joy may be full.” Joy comes from purpose and usefulness. Are you praying for fruitfulness? Or are you praying junk?

http://watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/

http://writingprayerfully.blogspot.com/

http://daveswatch.com/

Morning by Morning, August 28 - Our Rescue and Refuge

Posted by Tommy Hays on August 28, 2017 at 9:55

Morning by Morning, August 28 - Our Rescue and Refuge

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Your sheep hear Your voice, so I call on Your name and listen for Your leading. ...

"Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress; He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they had quiet, and He brought them to their desired haven" (Psalm 107:28-30).

Though the hurricane has passed, the rains remain and the rivers are rising in what they're calling unprecedented, catastrophic flooding on the Texas coast. Thousands are stranded and wait for rescue. Thousands more wonder when it will ever end. While I'm thankful that we were not overwhelmed in our community as they expected, I'm moved with compassion and stirred to intercession for all who were and for all who long for this nightmare to be over.

So I join with every heart crying out to You, calling on Your name, and seeking Your help. Lord, dry up the rains, push back the clouds, clear up the skies, and send forth Your word. Bring provision and protection for all who are in need. Send out Your angels and send out Your servants to be Your hands and Your heart.

You've stilled the storm and hushed the waves, now be our Rescue and our Refuge for all who are crying out in distress. We need You now in our hour of need. And we thank You now for every way we will see You come through and bring each soul "to their desired haven." In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

I pray you'll be rescued and comforted if you're in distress and that you'll be moved to intercession for all who are, in Jesus' name! Please join me in prayer for all who are suffering in the wake of this hurricane. May the presence of God in His mercy and love and through His people be evident in the midst of it all. God bless you, my friend!

Our Prayers are with the people of Houston, Texas and all enduring the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

Come join us for our

Level 1 Prayer Ministry Training

Biblical Principles of Inner Healing and Deliverance

Starting Tuesday Night, September 5th, being hosted at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. DVDs are also available.

The core teaching for our Level 1 School of Ministry

is based upon my book:

Free to Be Like Jesus

Transforming Power of Inner Healing & Deliverance

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

United Prayer of the Nations

Posted by Dan Crawford on August 28, 2017 at 8:15

Last week I participated in the North American Prayer Summit in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada (the oldest and most easterly city in North America). Prayer leaders from North American countries, especially Canada, U.S. and Mexico met for four days to share reports and pray for their continent. It made me wonder about the possibility of believers from North and South Korea joining in prayer for their peninsula. It may well be logistically impossible but with today’s technology, surely something could facilitate such a prayer meeting. When I visited the Korean demilitarized zone, we entered a small building with a long table, and we were told this is where leaders from both countries meet to discuss matters of concern to both. A line in the middle of the room separated North from South Korea. Perhaps believers from each country could meet in such a room for united prayer, without crossing a line. Seems to me it would be far better to seek God’s will than quote God, supposedly granting leaders the permission to kill one another. “Father, “Let the nations be wakened” (Joel 3:12).

Morning by Morning, August 25 - "Until the Destroying Storms Pass By"

Posted by Tommy Hays on August 25, 2017 at 9:52

Morning by Morning, August 25 - "Until the Destroying Storms Pass By"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are One with the Father, One with the Holy Spirit. Be One within me, as I open my heart to You in the deep communion of contemplative prayer. ...

"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in You my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by" (Psalm 57:1).

The first hurricane to hit the coast of Texas in twelve years is heading our way fast. They say there may be 125 mph winds, a 12-foot storm surge, and a deluge of three feet of rain flooding down on us soon. And to all that, I say with the Body and Bride of Christ, strategically positioned here in Texas, "Peace! Be Still!" in the name of Jesus! (Mark 4:39)

I'm reminded of the bronze sculpture outside the Methodist Church at the edge of the waters of Corpus Christ Bay. It's a sculpture of Jesus standing boldly, with authority in his eyes and peace on his face, stretching out his arms over the waters, as he faces the sea. We don't worship any graven images, but we are inspired by the Word of God that encourages us to trust in the One who rebukes the wind and the waves at the sound of His voice.

Lord, speak out Your voice against this destroying storm. Rebuke the wind and the waves of destruction and violence and death. Let Your Spirit hover over the chaos of these waters and this darkness. Speak life to our hearts and peace to our souls, as we take refuge in the grip of Your grace and under the shadow of Your wings.

We set aside our pride and humble our hearts to be desperately dependent upon You alone. You are our Rock and our Refuge. Be our Strong Tower, our Mighty God, as we call on Your name "until the destroying storms pass by." And my our prayers of urgency become prayers of consistency, as we continue to keep our hearts humble and our faith strong before the One who is our only true and lasting Hope -- come hell or high water. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

I pray you'll experience the peace of Christ in your heart and the authority of the power of His name, through whatever storms may ever come your way, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. Please pray for Texas. God bless you, my friend!

Come join us for our

Level 1 Prayer Ministry Training!

Biblical Principles of Inner Healing and Deliverance

Starting Tuesday Night, September 5th, being hosted at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. DVDs are also available.

The core teaching for our Level 1 School of Ministry

is based upon my book:

Free to Be Like Jesus

Transforming Power of Inner Healing & Deliverance

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, August 24 - "Your Father's Good Pleasure"

Posted by Tommy Hays on August 24, 2017 at 9:42

Morning by Morning, August 24 - "Your Father's Good Pleasure"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I want to begin my day with You -- meditating on the written Word, in the communion of prayer with the living Word. You are the Word of God; and I'm watching and waiting for God's Word to speak to my heart. ...

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).

You're a good Father. And it's Your good pleasure to give me the kingdom. What is "the kingdom" that You desire to give me, my Father? ...

As I watch and wait, this Scripture comes to my heart: "For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). ...

Yes, Lord. Everything I need to experience Your righteousness is Your good pleasure to give me. Everything I need to experience Your peace is Your good pleasure to give me. Everything I need to experience Your joy is Your good pleasure to give me. And You give it all to me through Your Holy Spirit -- the "Spirit of God (who) dwells in (me)" (Romans 8:9) -- the "Spirit of God" who leads me and positions me to receive everything it is Your good pleasure to give me (Romans 8:14). You know everything I need, so You invite me to ask and command me not to worry (Philippians 4:6).

Thank You, my Father. It's not prideful or selfish to seek and to receive all these things that it's Your good pleasure to give me. It bring You joy to bring me joy -- righteousness and peace and joy. It delights You to delight in me. "For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs!" (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT)

So may it be my good pleasure to delight You by graciously receiving from You all You're generously giving to me in Your good pleasure. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

I pray you'll ask for and receive everything it's your Father's good pleasure to give you, delighting in Him as He delights in you with gladness, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

Come join us for our

Level 1 Prayer Ministry Training!

Biblical Principles of Inner Healing and Deliverance

Starting Tuesday Night, September 5th, being hosted at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. DVDs are also available.

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, August 23 - "With My Whole Heart"

Posted by Tommy Hays on August 23, 2017 at 10:07

Morning by Morning, August 23 - "With My Whole Heart"

Good morning, Lord Jesus. By the moving of Your Holy Spirit, I come to You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus the Son, and give You the glory for all the great things You've done and for the great God You are. ...

"With my whole heart I seek You.... Let Your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, Your salvation according to Your promise.... Remember Your word to Your servant, in which You have made me hope.... I implore Your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise.... Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.... Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is Your custom toward those who love Your name.... You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are true.... Let my cry come before You, O Lord; give me understanding according to Your word.... My lips will pour forth praise, because You teach me Your statutes. My tongue will sing of Your promise, for all your commandments are right" (Psalm 119:10-172).

O Lord, give me a love for Your ways, just as You've given me a trust in Your nature. Give me faith to believe You know what's best and give me courage to act according to the faith You give. "O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping Your statutes" (v. 5). "Happy are those who keep (Your) decrees, who seek (You) with their whole heart" (v. 2).

I admit I don't always follow Your ways from a faithful heart or honor Your statutes with a willing spirit or keep Your commandments in the way that expresses my trust in You as my wisest Father, loving Savior, and constant Companion. I admit I don't always seek You "with my whole heart." And those are the very places where I lose my peace and let go of my hope and allow my joy to fade away. That's no way to be; that's no way to live, when there's so much more of life and peace and joy in You and the wisdom of Your ways. "O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping Your statutes! (v. 5)

But by the power of Your grace at work within me, my part is not to do this in my power and strength or strong will and self-determination, trying to try harder and praying to pray harder. No, my part is to humble my heart and ask for Your help, to willingly choose to be desperately dependent on You alone. Then like a mighty rushing wind, You move in my heart to give me the desire and the power to seek You and trust You, to desire to obey You and then act in obedience to You (Philippians 2:13).

My part is call on Your name, as I choose to trust in Your nature. "For You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on You" (Psalm 86:5). My part is set my mind and my heart on the things of Your Spirit, rather than the things of my flesh. "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. To set the mind of the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace" (Romans 8:5-6).

Come, Holy Spirit. Help me set my mind right, as You get my heart right. Give me the desire and the power to seek You with all my heart, "with my whole heart," so I can obey Your leading from my heart. I, of course, can't do it alone. And You never intended me to. That's why You are my Helper, just as God is my Father and Jesus is my Savior. How I need You today and every day. And O, how You're faithful to help me day after day -- especially on the days I deserve it the least.

As I finish this prayer this morning -- not even knowing where this came from or where this is going -- I hear in my heart Your reminder of one of my favorite promises of Your Word: "But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul 'therefore I will hope in Him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him" (Lamentations 3:21-25). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

I pray you'll empowered with the desire to seek the Lord with your whole heart, holding nothing back, and embracing His steadfast love and tender mercies to live your life today filled with His joy and peace and favor, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

Come join us for our

Level 1 Prayer Ministry Training!

Starting Tuesday Night, September 5th, being hosted at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. DVDs are also available.

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257

Please share this word to encourage a friend!

Morning by Morning, August 22 - Go in the Power of the Spirit

Posted by Tommy Hays on August 22, 2017 at 9:52

Morning by Morning, August 22 - Go in the Power of the Spirit

Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let God arise and His enemies be scattered -- here in my heart and everywhere I go!

"You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth!" (Acts 1:8)

How I need Your Holy Spirit -- Your presence and Your power, living in me, flowing through me -- every moment of every day. Like the model of Jesus, showing us how to live our lives obeying the will of the Father and moving in the power of the Spirit, let me live my days "full of the Holy Spirit" and "led by the Spirit" (Luke 4:1). Like the model of Jesus, let me be "filled with the power of the Spirit" (Luke 4:14). And let me know without any doubt in my heart that "the Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me" to be all He created me to be and to do all He called me to do in the power and authority of Your name (Luke 4:18).

Lord Jesus, You said to Your first disciples, just as You continue to say to every one of Your disciples today, "As the Father sent Me, so I send you... Receive the Holy Spirit!" (John 20:21-22) So as best as I can and all by Your grace, I receive Your Holy Spirit -- "the Spirit of Christ" within me, anointing me and empowering me to go where You send me and do what You command me to change the world around me in the power and authority of Your name (Romans 8:9). The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me (Romans 8:11). And as God's Word says, "As He is, so (am I) in this world" (1 John 4:17). So anoint me and empower me with Your presence and Your power to get up and get on with my calling at Your command for Your glory in my world today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays

I pray you'll be filled up and flowing out with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit today, changing your world everywhere God sends you, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!

Come join us for our Level 1 Prayer Ministry Training!

Starting Tuesday Night, September 5th, being hosted at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. DVDs are also available.

Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries

Healing from the Inside Out

Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries

4 Dominion Drive, Building 1

San Antonio, Texas 78257