Pray Network Forum

The National Grandparents Day is on September 13, 2015. Christian Grandparenting Network  (CGN) is calling all grandparents who believe in the power of prayer to make that day a Day of Prayer for their grandchildren.

We are looking for grandparents who will participate in the movement and volunteers who will host or organize an event to invite grandparents to join them in prayer on September 13. It may be in your church, in your home, retirement complex or any meeting location you choose, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple.

CGN provides guidelines, resources, and online tools to help guide you through the process of engaging grandparents in prayer. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, please follow the steps below. You may also go to http://www.grandparentsdayofprayer.com to read endorsements, testimonials, and resources.

Guidelines

CGN has created this step-by-step guide to help you organize a successful event on September 13, or another time in September. We have tools and resources available to assist you in the process. You might ask a friend to co-host the event.

Preparation:

1. Signup on this website to receive helpful tips.
2. Check out guidelines and promotional resources on website.
3. Decide on the kind of event would be most suitable for you.

(A potluck, dessert, prayer time after church or in your home)

1. Ask the leaders of your senior group in church to promote a Grandparent’s Prayer Time for their families on Sept. 13 or near that date.
2. Decide on a date and a location.
3. Pray for God to direct you to the grandparents He wants you to invite to your Grandparents Prayer event.
4. Send or distribute invitations to guests.

At the Event:

• Introduce guests to each other.
• Ask grandparents to share about their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  (Name, age of grandchildren)
• Share pictures of their grandchildren, if they brought them.
• Share a devotional about the urgency to pray for families, today.

            (You may come up with one or we can give you one to share)

• Ask a younger person to share how their grandparents influenced them spiritually.
• If in a large group, divide into smaller groups for prayer.
• Share prayer requests
• Handout suggestions to pray from the free downloads on website, if desired.
• Ask grandparents if they would like to meet on a regular basis to pray for their families. (Monthly, biweekly or weekly)
•    Tell your grandchildren or send them a note to let them know that Sept. 13 is              Grandparents Day of Prayer and you will be praying for them.

Suggestions to Pray for your Grandchildren

   Ask God to:

• Place a hedge of protection over children and grandchildren each day physically, emotionally and spiritually.
• Help them recognize the deception and evil in this world and be strong in their faith so they can resist the enemy.
• Cancel the assignments from the enemy.
• Draw them to Him with gentle cords of love.
• Shower them with blessings that exceed your dreams.
• Help your children and grandchildren to see themselves as God sees them full of promise, possibility, and potentiality. Be their cheerleader!
• Help them to guard their hearts and be aware of God’s presence with them.

Additional resources are available at http://www.grandparentsdayofprayer.com

Or contact Lillian Penner at  lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

I slipped into her room knowing where I was going but not absolutely sure I would not step on a noisy toy in the dark. I knelt by her bed and with my eyes adjusting to the darkness I could see her peaceful face asleep against the White linen pillow slip. Waves of wonder, thankfulness and incredible hope washed over me. But I was not there to revel in sentiment. I was there to pray. What was I to pray for my precious daughter?

As I pen these words she is no longer seven or eight. Those years have long since fled. She now has a seven year old of her own that she, and I too, pray for every day. In later years my daughter admitted that she sometimes was not quite asleep when I came in to pray. But she pretended so she could hear me pray for her.

I don't remember all that I asked of God for my children. But I do know this. The trials they faced, the temptations they had to overcome were much worse than I ever dreamed. And that should inform what I pray for my granddaughter, what we pray for our children. Does anyone one believe the uncertainty of our future has decreased in these days?

I think the most important thing I can do is simply pray, not knowing what to pray for. We are thrown in desperation onto God's intercession for our children. There are a number children, mostly family members, for whom I am making a concerted effort to lift in prayer every day of their lives. I am convinced that I need God to intercede for them. I can't know what they will face. But I am also confident that He will be sufficient whatever the enemy throws their way.

When I began this post I had several things in mind to suggest we pray for our children. I pray for them to have a hold on truth in a world that has replaced certainty for desire and inclinations. I pray they will be delivered from temptation that will come crashing down upon them. And I will ask that they be used in ways that I cannot imagine. But I will have to trust specifics to God. I cry out for our Lord to intercede in their lives.

Qatar, Arabian Peninsula

Day 14 - July 1, 2015

As Muslims are praying and fasting during Ramadan, we pray for them.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one- I in them and you in me-so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Christians in the Arabian Peninsula are asking us to pray John 13:34-35 & John 17:22-23 over Qatar.

Qatar is a relatively politically stable country. But what we do see is a struggle to maintain its cultural and especially its religious values amidst ongoing and aggressive modernization and development. Pray that the government's response, which can often be influenced heavily by Islamic fundamentalists, will be driven by the desire to embrace that which is honoring to God-respecting and protecting the rights of especially the majority expat workers through the observation of international labor laws and basic human rights.

We praise God that Qatar has granted property for the building of churches and places of worship. But the reality is that there is simply not enough space on the compounds to accommodate the large number of Christ followers. Pray that the government will grant permission for groups to meet outside of the compounds in places like restaurants, hotels, etc. Please pray for the various fellowships, that God would bring increasing unity among them. Pray that God would use the existing fellowships to meet the growing needs of the very poor migrant communities, especially in the labor camps, and that they would be bold to proclaim the Gospel to these people.

An ongoing struggle continues to be unity and community among the Christian workers in Qatar. Several years ago, the government cracked down on Christian workers, resulting in a few getting deported and causing the community to fragment and become fearful. Most recently, one of our workers was temporarily detained. Since then, this particular couple has been under very obvious scrutiny resulting in many of the other workers cutting off ties with them. As you can understand, they are feeling very lonely and discouraged. Pray for God to break the spirit of fear and that He may rebuild the trust and unity of the workers so that they can begin to work in concerted effort again. Pray that the workers would even be willing to come together to pray and fellowship together. Pray that God would grant the different fellowships a united heart to impact Qatar with the Gospel. Source: Christian leader in the Arabian Peninsula

Qatar makes the news because of World Cup Football, their airlines, and their financial support of Daesh (ISIS), al-Qaeda and other violent Islamic groups. After the killing of 21 Coptic Christians in Libya, Egypt criticized Qatar for their funding of such an organization. Pray that Qatar will stop any and all funding of radical Islamic groups. Pray that the grip that this form of Islamic terrorism has on them will be removed and be replaced with freedom in Christ. Pray for the very few Qatari believers in Jesus to grow in their faith and their love of God (The Bible, Ephesians 3:14-21). Source: The 10/40 Window Prayer Points for Every Nation (April 2015)

Saudi Arabia, Arabian Peninsula

Day 15 - July 2, 2015

As Muslims are praying and fasting during Ramadan, we pray for them.

 Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.

Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known;

in wrath remember mercy.

Christians in Saudi Arabia are asking God for Him to bring great things, Habakkuk 3:2.

+ Pray for Saudi politicians, that they would govern their people with wisdom and understand the times we are living in. Pray for the spiritual servant leaders in each town, village and home.

+ Pray for daily revival for the Christian workers' personal and family life and as a team.

+ Pray for the thousands of Christians living in Saudi Arabia to see that their Kingdom role is more than making money in Saudi. Pray for them to be bright lights in the darkness.

Source: Christians in Saudi Arabia

 Saudi Arabia is still in transition from King Abdullah to King Salman. Before Salman was king, he policed the royal family and put wayward royal princes in prison. But there are many who believe the 79 year-old King Salman is facing serious health problems himself. People say he suffers from dementia. Pray for his health and ability to lead well. Pray for the issues he is facing: the price of oil, Daesh (ISIS), and Iran and Yemen which are having major issues just across Saudi's borders. Pray that King Salman will surround himself with godly men who will give him good counsel and help him govern his nation (The Bible, Proverbs 15:22).

Source: The 10/40 Window Prayer Points for Every Nation (April 2015)

There are a number of groups seeking to raise up prayer for Saudi,

the homeland of Islam.

www.pray4saudi.com

A couple of weeks ago I attended a board retreat for Keep Believing Ministries headed up by Dr. Ray Pritchard. It was a weekend packed with overviews of the ministry, games, good food, great conversation and prayer.

          During our last night together, Peter Faulkner, the Foundation Relations Manager at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and board member of KBM, was tasked with leading the evening prayer meeting. The room was filled with a variety of church and business leaders, lawyers, artists, and moms.

          Peter began the meeting by relaying a conversation he had with a friend who asked him if God couldn’t hear our prayers if our eyes were open. He said that it really struck him as a truth that he hadn’t spent much time considering. Peter said that just because we have always done something one way … doesn’t mean that it is how it has to be done.

          Typically in a prayer meeting, we go around the room and list our prayer requests, we close our eyes … then try to remember everything that everyone asked us to pray about … then wonder if it is our turn yet … and wonder if our prayers are too long … or too short …

          Peter asked us if God missed what we said the first time. Wasn’t He with us all along? He suggested that we try something new and then he challenged us to go around the room and as we shared our prayer requests, to actually pray those requests … out loud … to God … with our eyes open.

          One by one we offered up our own prayer requests to our heavenly Father who knows our hearts and delights in the time we spend with Him. It was beautiful, and intimate, and no prayers were missed or forgotten. Some of the most seasoned among us let their tears flow while laying out their petitions before the Lord and before all of us.

          I don’t think that I want to go back to the old way of group prayer and I don’t think it matters much to God if our eyes are open or closed. I think He hears us just fine.

Kathryn McBride

www.KathrynMcBride.com

Happy Fourth of July!

This week as we celebrate our independence, God is also calling us to re-examine our foundations. It's easy to see that our nation's foundations are crumbling, in light of the recent Supreme Court decision and the slippery political and economic slopes we are traveling. Is there hope for America as we know it? 

I had a dream several nights ago about the Fourth of July. On this day, as a parade marched by waving our flag, I saw military and police officers assembling on the tops of several tall buildings in Boston. One military man in dress uniform was shooting down into the streets, attempting to rout out a terrorist who planned an attack on our city. I saw all this from a vantage point inside my church, where I was sitting. Suddenly, from the basement below me (the foundation of the building), a bomb went off. The explosion threw me into the air and across the room, and our church began evacuation with the help of both natural and angelic authorities.

Two days after having this dream, I learned that the military had indeed thwarted an attack on police in the city of Boston - just days earlier. Scary? Yes. Wake-up call? Definitely.

What does it all mean?

It is no accident that the foundation of the church was shaken. (Note that it was not destroyed!) Aside from its immediate relevance, I believe the dream holds a prophetic picture of what the enemy is trying to do in this hour. We know the devil is busy trying to overthrow the foundations of our nation. Yet the enemy desires to overthrow our spiritual foundations as well.

It's true that the gates of hell CANNOT prevail against the Kingdom of God. However, that does not mean the church can sit back and relax while the world crumbles. While we are here on earth, there are still human lives at stake, both inside and outside the church, and we have a job to do. 

I believe there is hope for America, but only if the church rises up in prayer and proclamation. What should we proclaim? That homosexuality is sin? That our leaders have led us astray? These things may be true, but they are not the declarations God has asked His disciples to focus on. 

Instead, we are to both pray for and proclaim the key attributes of our lasting, spiritual foundations: repentance, faith, and the words of the gospel. (Hebrews 6:1). The prophets of old did this, John the Baptist did this, and Jesus did this.

2 Timothy 2:19 tells us that God's foundation stands firm, sealed with a two-dimensional inscription:  "The Lord knows those who are His," and "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." As one commentary notes, the foundation of our faith includes not only God's election, but also man's holiness. The definitive test of our foundation's integrity is whether we are IN HIM and departing from evil ourselves.    

A Word for our Times: Psalm 11

The Lord brought me to Psalm 11, which asks, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3). Far from being a cry of resignation, the psalm goes on to focus on the Lord, who is still in His holy temple in heaven, still on the throne. He sees the wicked and tests the righteous. He is righteous, He loves righteousness, and he beholds those who are righteous (11:7). When our nation's foundations are destroyed, we need to do the same. 

This week, it is clear to me that what we MUST do now is repent of any unrighteousness within ourselves, and make sure that our lives are tightly intertwined with Jesus, our righteousness. Apart from Him, our lives are full of dead works.

Please join me this holiday in praying more fervently for the protection of our police and our military, who devote their lives to defending us, even from secret threats we never see. Pray for repentance and faith to re-emerge in a crumbling society and a sleepy church. Cherish and pray for your loved ones as you get together, asking God to give you His love for them. I will be praying, too. 

Gratefully, 

Deborah Perkins

His Inscriptions








Key Thought: 

The definitive test of the integrity of your foundation is whether or not you are abiding IN HIM.

Oman, Arabian Peninsula

Day 13 - June 30, 2015

As Muslims are praying and fasting during Ramadan, we pray for them.

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; 

the righteous run to it and are safe. 

Christians in Oman are praying for a larger harvest from Proverbs 18:10.

The Sultan of Oman (Qaboos) is very ill. He underwent treatment in Germany. A recent photo of him shows he is withering away. We can sense by things happening on the ground here that the transition of power has already taken place. Someone else with a different worldview from the Sultan is already running the country. Nobody knows who will officially take over from the Sultan and that may cause turmoil. The tribal system and tribal wars were very fierce before Sultan Qaboos' times. Who knows what will happen when he dies. Pray that God will use these things to shake the foundations of the Omani belief system and make hearts and minds fertile for the gospel. When political trouble starts and social insecurity sets in, it is no longer safe. We feel strongly that now is the time to plant so the seed may germinate.

Christian workers are doing their best to sow as widely and abundantly as possible. Pray that God will direct their footsteps and give them divine appointments.

As far as we know there is no local church in our town, and this is true for most cities and villages across Oman. There are however a couple of believers in Jesus and they are not in fellowship with other local believers. Pray that the Lord will open ways for those believers to meet other believers. Pray that they may be encouraged and grow in their faith. Pray that the Lord will send the true seekers on our path with whom the Holy Spirit has already been working.

Source: Christians in Oman

Over a long weekend a team of Christian youth and adults spread out in a city in Oman to pray for people. If people desired to be blessed, they received a blessing. If people needed healing, the teams prayed for that. They prayed over many Muslims. They also found Christians that needed help connecting with local fellowships. The teams took prayer in Jesus' name to the streets. Pray that those touched will continue to wonder about the Lord Jesus. Pray they will find Christian TV or Internet or other Christ followers to help them fully understand who He is. God touched dozens of people through this effort. May He draw them now into His Kingdom (The Bible, Matthew 10:7-8).

Source: The 10/40 Window Prayer Points for Every Nation (May 2015)

Sustainable, eco-friendly products are in high demand on our ever-withering planet. We are using up resources faster than we renew them, leaving a weakened landscape for our children and grandchildren. In Latin, to "sustain" literally means "to hold up."* The question is, if we aren't holding up this planet, who is? 
 
Christians know from Colossians 1:17 that ultimately, Jesus is the one who "holds all things together." What you might not know is that the Bible also makes an extraordinary claim concerning sustainability. Jesus states in the Gospel of Matthew: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away." (Matthew 24:35, RSV). 

To a world that is decaying rapidly, Jesus shocks His audience by claiming that the Word of God is eternal, renewable, and sustainable. What does this mean?

Please Click Here to Continue Reading

Many are saying America and possibly most of the world is under the imminent judgment of God in these days. I am reminded of God's judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. God said the outcry against Sodom was great. People were crying out to him in oppression and suffering. God could not be a God of compassion and not judge the selfishness, wickedness, prejudice and violence we have turned to today. And yet as He was preparing to rain fire down upon Sodom the Lord invited Abraham to intercede for the city. If God is making you aware of imminent judgment, He is inviting you to intercede in prayer. Do you sense the urgency to intercede in prayer even if you are not sure how to do that? Interestingly enough Abraham came to some principles that will help us pray in these days.

First, Abraham appealed to God's love for righteousness. "Will not the judge of all the earth do what is right?" We need to pray for churches and believers and people who seek righteousness in high places in our society. They may be our only hope against immediate judgment. This week one of the most prominent pastors in America stepped down from his pulpit because of moral failure. I saw several Face Book posts on it. I made a comment on one of them. "If you were our enemy, who would you attack?" But while I had respected this man, I had never prayed for him. God forgive me.

Another principal that Abraham discovered was the intercession of the gospel. Some of you are skeptical of Abraham's understanding of the gospel. But he grasped a core principle in his interaction with the LORD over Sodom. The Lord loves righteousness so much that He was willing to spare the wicked because of the righteousness of the righteous. How does that relate to the gospel? That is its very heart. The only reason any of us are spared from immediate and final judgment is that God has imputed to us the righteousness of Jesus Christ. He alone is truly righteous. He is our only righteousness. He is our only hope. Interceding in the face of judgment must be based upon the spread of the gospel. Many of us in these days sense an urgency to pray for unreached and unengaged people groups in the world. That is intercession for the gospel. Are you praying and giving and going and sending so the gospel will be available to all who Jesus died to save?

Today, I believe there is another facet of interceding in the face of judgment. That is crying out to God for His supernatural hand in our ministry to hurting people. The first major judgment of God was a mercy on the world because of what we had become. God saw that the thoughts and intents of the heart of man were only evil continually. (Gen. 6:5) I do not know what kind of judgment God is preparing to send. We may well be preparing to taste the 7 bowls of God’s wrath upon the earth. But the Bible speaks of another kind of judgment that is in many ways worse. This is the judgment of what we become. In Romans 1 Paul says that God gives men over to the perversions and corruption of our hearts. 2 Timothy 3 says that in the last days people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud arrogant, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. These are days in which we need to pray for God to use us to heal in the face of incredible wickedness all around and within us.

Father, we cry out for Your mighty hand upon us as we seek to be righteous, as we spread the gospel and as we show compassion to a hurting world.

During the month of Ramadan people read their Qurans more faithfully and think about their beliefs. Pray that Christ followers in the AP will engage in conversations with their Muslim neighbors and friends, talking about Ramadan, fasting and entrance to Heaven. Ask that God will speak to the hearts of those who do not know Him, through these conversations.

Ramadan is  usually a time of family fun, nightly feasts and midnight shopping sprees. Those who are refugees or internally displaced due to war are struggling to survive this year. Pray that in their suffering they will seek God.  Pray that He will speak to them in visions and dreams or bring them in contact with people who serve Him and can give them words of hope. Pray that their physical needs will be met as well.

Please join in petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving as believers do an intensive prayer drive during this Ramadan. Please pray that the people see the Truth.  Intercede on behalf of those in authority--government and spiritual leaders, as well as heads of families.

"Do not forget us", screams the words on Facebook from young people in a war torn nation. This is the time for us to pray for the homeless, the orphans, the widows and the injured. Pray that Believers in Christ will also find ways to tangibly help those who are suffering . Pray that they will put those ideas into action.

Pray for the country of Oman during Ramadan using this prayer map and guide, you can access it through this link...

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&authuser=0&mid=z1RSFi0iImmg.kMGHVhjkwtSc

 If you have been looking for a resource to help you pray more intentionally for your grandchildren, I have an answer for you. I would like to share “31 Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren” which have really helped me to pray for my grandchildren. 

I have found when I pray according to God's Word, I am in line with His will. I not only find myself in intimate communication with God, but my mind is renewed to His perspective about the situation, for which I am praying, instead of my own thoughts.

Nothing threatens the enemy (Satan) more than when we are intentionally praying God’s Word for our children, grandchildren, and ourselves. Ultimately, God shrinks the situation that I thought was overwhelming and impossible to a viable possibility. He gives me peace as I wait for His answer. 

When I started claiming God’s promises and personalizing the scriptures I experienced more boldness and peace in my praying. Many scriptures in Psalms, Proverbs, the gospels, and Paul’s writings can be used in our prayers.

If you join the mailing list to receive the blogs with grandparenting suggestions on my website. I will send you a copy of the “31 Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren” which you can download. We have distributed these Scriptures to thousands of grandparents and I hope you too, will find them helpful in praying for your grandchildren. The parents of your grandchildren can also use the Scriptures to Pray.

“31 Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren” is also available in Spanish. To receive the Spanish translations email me at info@grandparentingwithapurpose.com.

 “For the word of God is living and active.

Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12” (NLT)

Christian Grandparenting Network is declaring the National Grandparents

 Day on September 13 as a Day of Prayer for our grandchildren and our families.

NOW we are calling all grandparents to join in prayer in their churches, community and around the world for an intentional day of prayer on behalf of the next generation.

To indicate participation in the movement or organize a time of prayer for grandparents go to http://www.grandparentsdayofprayer.com. You may find additional information and order promotional resources on the website.

You will want to view this promotional video to learn more about Grandparents’ Day of Prayer.

 https://vimeo.com/130942706

Please email me at for additional information.

Lillian Penner, Grandparents’ Day of Prayer Coordinator

 Recently in my Bible reading I read the following Scripture which I found challenging, as a grandparent. The Israelites were living in the Promised Land, Joshua had just died, then in Judges 2:10-15 we read  (The Message (MSG.)

• “¹⁰ Eventually that entire generation died and was buried. Then another generation grew up that didn't know anything of God or the work he had done for Israel.
• ^11-15 The People of Israel did evil in God's sight: they served Baal; they deserted God, the God of their parents who had led them out of Egypt; they were helpless before their enemies.”

Our children and grandchildren do not inherit salvation by birth into our families. Nevertheless, we can pray their hearts will be prepared for when they are presented with an opportunity to step into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  

God has placed our children and grandchildren in our lives so we can be their prayer warriors. He has given us the awesome opportunity to partner with Him on their behalf. He has given me and my husband, 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-laws, 12 specific grandchildren and 3 greats to pray for. He has given you your family members.

A family’s faith can be lost in one generation; however, we as parents and grandparents can be defenders of our faith.  We have the opportunity to powerfully touch the lives of another generation for Jesus Christ. That is why our children and grandchildren are our mission field and our responsibility. So they will not be helpless before their spiritual enemy.

This is why Christian Grandparenting Network is declaring the National Grandparents' Day as a Day of Prayer for our grandchildren and our families.

NOW we are calling all grandparents to join in prayer in their churches, community and around the world for an intentional day of prayer on behalf of the next generation.

To indicate participation in the movement or organize a time of prayer for grandparents go to http://www.grandparentsdayofprayer.com. You may find additional information and order promotional resources on the website.

You will want to view this promotional video to learn more about Grandparents’ Day of Prayer.

 https://vimeo.com/130942706

Please email me at for additional information.

Lillian Penner, Grandparents’ Day of Prayer Coordinator

I recently listened to a powerful sermon on missions by Tim Keller. sermons.redeemer.com/missions He drew his text from the prayer of Jesus in John 17. When he came to verses 16-19 where Jesus prayed that His followers be sanctified, Tim Keller asked the question, “What did Jesus put in the hands of the first disciples as He sent them out to change the world?” Did they have manuals on evangelism, or church planting, or even preaching? They did not. They had one thing, holiness. And they turned the world upside down. Surely the Lord’s holiness is something we need to pray for.

How do we pray for His such transformation in our lives? If we take the Lord’s prayer for our guide in this, we might begin with forgiveness.

And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

None of us is holy before God. We need the Holiness of Jesus imputed into our lives.

Forgiveness also has another side. A major part of transformation into the likeness of Christ is developing forgiveness in our hearts for others. We need to exercise prayers of forgiveness for those who have wronged us. You can pray for God to forgive people who have harmed you. Have you ever prayed like Stephen while he was being stoned,

“Lord, do not charge them with this sin.”

How could you ever pray such a prayer for those who hate you and are harming you? I have trouble praying that prayer for people who love and annoy me. Stephen saw Jesus seated on the right hand of God. If you had such a vision of the majesty of our Lord, you might be able to pray as he did. Hebrews 11:27 tells us Moses endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 1 John 3:2 tells us we will be like Jesus when He returns for we will see Him as He is. We get a glimpse of His face as we spend time with Him in prayer and we are made more and more like Jesus.

In fact, for holiness we need to start earlier in the Lord’s prayer than His word on forgiveness. As Jesus modeled, we need to begin with worship and praise.

“Hallowed be your name.”

As we grow in fellowship with Him we will expand our praise more and more. Such praise gives us a clearer and clearer vision of the glory and majesty of our Lord. And it naturally leads to submission to His will.

Your kingdom come,

your will be done,

   on earth as it is in heaven.

Holiness is not simply the absence of sin. It is growing obedience that rejoices in His will. 

http://watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/

http://daveswatch.com/

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"

He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"
- Matthew 8:23-27

Jesus just did something that man does not do, he rebuked the weather and the weather obeyed Him.

Jesus prayed - He rebuked and the weather and there was complete calm. This storm was not from God, if it was from God then Jesus would not have rebuked it. Jesus rebuked this storm so we can only conclude that the storm was from the devil.

Jesus' reputation increased among the disciples because of what He just did. Pray for an increase of storm stopping prayer all over the Arabian Peninsula. Pray that Christians will learn to see when the devil is in the storm and when they need to pray and rebuke Satan's work. Pray that the peoples of the AP would see the power of prayer in the name of Jesus, and come to know Him.

Pray that as Christians pray and seek God, they will show faith and grow deeper in their faith.

Click Here to Read Prophecy

This week I would like to share a prayer written by a grandfather for his grandchildren. 

A Grandfather’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word proclaims that children

are a gift from God.

My children have blessed me with many grandchildren,

and I thank you for each one.

I pray that I will carry on your hope to our future generations.

My prayer for each grandchild is that they will experience

your fullness in their daily walk with You.

May they desire to live for You, guard their steps,

and draw near to You, experiencing your love for them.

In times of testing may their hearts and minds be drawn to you,

causing them to remember your Word,

and give them a way to escape as you promise.

In addition, help them to honor you through the life

you’ve given to them.

Help me, as their grandfather to reflect a clear image of You

through the life you have given to me.

I trust You to give me patience and love to influence,

and encourage them into your grace.

I commit each one of my grandchildren into your care and blessing.

In Your precious name, I pray, Amen. 

Written by John Penner, Oregon, 2009

How do you pray in a formal worship service? Of course you want to join your heart to prayers that are prayed out loud as part of the service. You need to remind yourself to connect with those prayers. And you need to pour yourself into the praises being sung. This too may need to be intentional.

However, that is not all the praying you need to do in a worship service. Every time you enter a worship service you need to ask God to help you hear His voice. One of my life-scriptures is Matthew 23:1-12. In those verses Jesus said none of us were to be called Rabbi or instructor “because we have one instructor, the Christ.” This is more than a call for humility in preachers. This is a reminder that if we learn from or are stirred by a preacher, it is to be Christ Jesus Himself speaking through him. There are a number of barriers to hearing from God in a worship service. The greatest of them are in our own hearts. But whatever the barriers, we can ask God to speak to us.

For many years  I began worship services by inviting people to ask God to speak to them and let them hear His voice. I have usually added words like, “I do not believe it offends God for you to pray, ‘God if you are real, let me hear your voice.’”

I have also asked people to pray the same prayer for the persons seated on either side of them. You may not know exactly what that person needs, but God knows just what they need to hear from Him. I have also suggested that it would not be impossible for some to pray for everyone in the room, or if it were a large congregation, it would not be impossible to pray for many people all around them during the service. I am aware that many preachers have told us to pray only for ourselves in a worship service. We understand that they wanted us not to be distracted from our own needs or sins by praying for other people. However, I believe we are most likely to hear God’s voice if we are praying throughout the service.