Raising a Canopy of Prayer

Prayer

Articles on this page:
A Prayer
Restoration is on the Horizon
A prayer
Be steadfast and be not afraid.
A Dakota Word
Basic Prayer
PRAYERS for Walking
PERSONAL SPIRITUAL HOUSECLEANING
Prayer
Be Still
In The Midst of Battle
When You Hid Your Face
May My Conduct Bring Honour to Your Name
You Are There!
Quiet My Heart
A PRAYER

A Prayer

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. The man who has accepted it has certified that
God is truthful.
For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has
placed everything in his hands. John 3:31-35


A Prayer
Lord as I begin a new day may you be First and Always in my brain. Help me to take every though captive to the obedience of Christ. Holy Spirit open my eyes to the truth and unveil the deception. Help me not to react but to intentionally and purposefully respond to all circumstances in love. Everything is in your hands and you alone tell me what is true. You alone are my rampart and my shield, my God in whom I trust and you alone are the name I call upon. Help me love and help me not to speak or react in ways that are of the flesh, Holy Spirit I give you this day for you to will and act according to God’s good purpose. Amen
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Restoration is on the Horizon

The Old Testament speaks of people who were unfaithful to God. They assumed the grain would come, the harvest would produce fruit and that they could live their lives as they wanted without consequence. Assumption is a deception; too often it is based on a lie from the enemy. The truth was that God was and is behind every good thing.
God through the prophet Hosea says, “For she does not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the new wine, and the oil and lavished on her silver and gold. Therefore I will take back my grain at harvest time and my new wine in its season I will also take away my wool and My flax given to cover her nakedness. “ Hosea 2: 8&9
God saw the religious unbelief of Israel and His response to their displaced worship was to remove His hand and let them provide for themselves. Less we see our human efforts as futility and acknowledge it is God who protects, defends and supplies all our needs, we too may be left to defend ourselves.

I believe believers have come through a time where their faith has been tested. A season where battle after battle has been fought and many in the body are beaten, bruised, and weakened. Many have come to a place where their eyes have been opened to selfish ambitions and personal efforts. God is not interested in personal ambitions and efforts. He is building a kingdom and He desires us to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'' As humans we must be in need of mercy before we appreciate mercy; must be in need of grace before appreciating grace, and must become desperate for God before comprehending His reality and faithfulness. Trusting God when our eyes cannot see is difficult, but it must be an acquired ability in the days to come. Believing and trusting God to be God and holding Him to His word is an act of faith and we are called to be people of faith not sight.
Just as in the days of Hosea restoration is available – let God’s word hold you fast, for God will “have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion and I will say to those who were not My people, You are My people! And they will say, “Thou are my God!” We are His people and we can trust Him.

Do not let personal efforts, assumptions or religion steal a true relationship with the King of all Kings. Experiencing His supernatural provision, protection, grace, mercy and love is priceless. Trust in God and He will direct your path, do not worry or be anxious for anything, but pray and let the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

My prayer is that Christ will dwell in your heart by faith, that you will be rooted and grounded in love and may comprehend the breath, length, depth, and height of God’s love for you. That you may know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge and that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

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A prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Pour out your Spirit and bless our communities with Your Love. Lord, help us to live in such a way that shows a Loving God who desires to walk along side mankind. Lord I ask for divine connections with those who need a good word, an encouraging word, a prayer, a blessing. Lord let love tear down every argument that sets itself up against the knowledge of our loving God. Break off those things that keep people blind and holds them captive to unbelief. We declare there is eternal life, there is hope, there is a Savior who wants to love, guide and help everyday. Father, remove the clouds and let Your glorious light reflect love, goodness, mercy and grace. Give deaf ears the ability to hear and blind eyes the ability to see. Keep them safe; protect them from the one who desires to destroy their lives. In your compassion Lord, draw them to Jesus.

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Be steadfast and be not afraid.

Be gracious unto me Oh Lord and keep me safe. Help me to follow you all of my days. You Oh Lord are my strength and my shield in times of trouble. Where else can I go? Who else have the words of eternal life? Who else can grant me peace? Not the peace this world offers, but the peace that guards my heart and mind. The peace that oddly enough keeps me calm in the midst of the storms.
The Lord Almighty is my only hope. Where else can I run where troubles cannot find me? Who else can I believe? Help me to remember your faithfulness in storms past. Let me have faith to believe and eyes to see that Christ is my only true strength. Lend me your ear Lord and hear the cries of my heart. Let my prayers be honest laments from the depths of my innermost being. Do not take your Holy Spirit from me, but restore my soul and lead me upon the path of righteousness for Jesus sake.

Let truth come from my mouth and may my heart never be against your standards. You are God and there is none like you. You formed all of the heavens and the earth. You created everything that has been created and there is nothing seen or unseen that you have not created. In all of creation there is none like you. You are my God and You have no equal. I will put my trust in you.
With a breath you blew the waters into place and made the high places land and made the low places to be filled. Great are the numbers of the stars Oh Lord, and you created them all. You hung them into space and established patterns in the sky to help us navigate; You direct the winds and air patterns to flow providing seasons of change. You are good and You show us your tender mercies and crown us with your loving kindness. Help us to cast off our self-imposed sufferings and selfishness ways. Why do we compete with others? Are we depending on our selves and our own strengths to give us confidence? Are we so distant that you cannot work in us or are our hearts hardened and unshapeable? Deliver us from evil and free us from our wicked ways. You stand at the door knocking. God, help me to open the door! Change my heart Oh God and renew a right spirit within me. Father not my will, but your will be done.
Help me to love and not hate, heal and not hurt, bind up and not tear down, build and not destroy, grant me mercy that I will obtain mercy, grace that I may extend grace, and kindness that I know what kindness is.
Teach me Oh God and let me see outside my worldviews. Open my eyes that I may see through the eyes of Christ and allow me to walk humbly with Christ all the days of my life. Help me to work with others seeking always the Kingdom of God and your righteousness.
Help me to trust You Oh God.
Help me to stand in the heat of the battles and not faint.
Help me to hold on to the grace that holds me together and help me show love toward others that they too may experience Your tender mercies and loving kindness.

You Oh Lord are my strength, I will not be afraid.

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A Dakota Word

Isaiah 42 personalized in part

I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to another
or my praise to idols.

See, the former things have taken place.
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you.

Then a wonderful song of praise to the Lord
from verse 10 to 17 which could well be a message to
us. To paraphrase verse 10-13. . .

Sing to the Lord a new song;
his praise from the ends of the earth,
you who go down to the river, and all
that is in it, you cities, and all who live in them.

Let the Dakota plains and its
towns raise their voices;
let the villages where people live
rejoice.

Let the people of Pierre sing for joy;
let them shout from the Black Hills.
Let them give glory to the Lord
and proclaim his praise in the farmlands.

The Lord will march out like a mighty man,
like a warrior he will stir up his zeal;
with a shout he will raise the battle cry
and will triumph over his enemies.

Then in verse 16, he says he will lead the blind in ways
they have not known and along unfamiliar paths,
he will guide them. . .and how will he do this?

I will turn the darkness into light before
them and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;

And then the precious promise. . .
I WILL NOT FORSAKE THEM.

Ending in verse 17, he tells us that those who
have other gods will be put to shame.

When God says what he will do, he never says
I MIGHT. He always says I WILL. So we can
claim his promises with the assurance that
he WILL do what he says.

Given by Gloria Evans

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Basic Prayer

We have printed out four basic prayers. One prayer for households, one prayer for business, one prayer for government, and one prayer for schools. These are prayers that could be printed out and used for those who may be new to prayer walking. These are examples and are meant to help guide. Feel free to make copies and hand them out. They are there to help.
God Bless You as you prepare those who are taking part of the Canopy of Prayer.

The prayers are under the Prayer button - click, go to "Four Prayers" highlight the prayers then copy and paste.

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PRAYERS for Walking

Prayer for Households
Father, in the name of Jesus, I speak your blessing over this household. Let this home be an oasis of peace for this family. Let there be shelter here from the wickedness of this world. I pray that your presence would overshadow those who live here, and if there is any wicked thing happening behind these doors, I pray that by Your Spirit, You would cut it off.
I know that You aren’t willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance through Your Son Jesus. Your Word tells us that the God of this age has blinded the minds of those who are perishing, to prevent them from seeing the light of the Gospel, so I ask You Lord to remove those blinders so they would see the Light of Your Son Jesus. Reveal Yourself to this family, in Jesus’ Name, amen.


Prayer for Businesses
Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus on behalf of (name of business), and I declare Your blessing here. Lord, I thank You that it’s Your good pleasure to bless and prosper (business owners & employees) . Let your blessing rest on this business and all who come through its doors. I ask You to bless this business to such an extent that it could be used to meet the needs of its owners, its employees, its customers, and those who are in desperate need. Cause this business to be a blessing to our city. I pray that Your presence would flood this place, so that all who come here would recognize a difference, and the lost would be drawn to You.


Prayer for Government
Lord, I thank you that our government was founded by God people on Godly principles. I ask you to draw us back to our roots, to be sure of our foundation. In obedience to Your Word, I offer up my prayers and supplications for all those who are in authority. I pray that you would meet their individual needs, and that you would cause our leaders to govern in righteousness, so we could live out our lives in peace and honesty. I ask You to put the righteous in authority, and let the people rejoice.
In obedience to Your Word, we desire to make disciples of all nations. Bless Your people Lord, and strengthen us to arise to this challenge. We pray that our nation would be known for following You. Let righteousness prevail in Jesus’ Name.

Prayer for Education
Father, we thank You for our children…they are our heritage. Thank You also Lord for those You have gifted and called to teach our children. We pray for their protection, and we ask You to shield their innocence.
Lord, let Your anointing rest on those who educate our children. Bless those in school administration with Your wisdom that comes from above and brings peace. Grant them knowledge of Your will and courage to follow after it. We pray that Your name would be exalted above all knowledge that puffs up, and we ask You to establish Your throne in the hearts of our children. We pray that our children would be taught of the Lord and that their peace would be great.
We ask You Lord to cause our children to be of excellent spirit, just as Daniel and Joseph were in their day. Holy Spirit, we pray that you would teach our children, and help them to remember what you have taught them. Most of all, Lord, we pray that our children would learn how to inquire of You and to receive what they need through You.

Prayers for revival:
“If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness…My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning…put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption. He Himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.” Ps. 130:3-8
Thank you, Lord, that when we repent, you wipe away our sins, so that we live before you forgiven and beloved. We stand in grateful awe of your mighty mercy. Free us from the lingering power of sin. Deliver us from the deadly power of sin. Redeem your people fully. Make us to live and love like you!
“Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17
We desperately need your help, Lord. Take away our self-righteous pride. Make a house call on our city, O Great Physician. Free us from subtle, stubborn habits of sin. We pray for the people who are spiritually sickened by sinful patterns in their lives. Transform them by your mercy.

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in You? Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. I will listen to what God the Lord will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints-but let them not return to folly. Surely His salvation is near those who fear Him, that His glory may dwell in our land.” Ps. 85:6-9
With hope-filled urgency we cry: Revive us again! Dare we ask you to revive us once and for all? Must there always be cycles of revival? Move upon us by your powerful love! Speak in life-giving power. Lift our feeble hopes. Come upon your people with heaven’s peace. Save us in ways that surprise us. Envelop all the cities and towns in South Dakota with resurrection life. Establish your glory throughout our land.
Expose the hidden sins which you are so eager to forgive. Lord God, bring a tender but powerful conviction of sin, exposing sin in the hope that we will be set free from the power of sin. Send us your people as forerunners, bringing hope that you will visit our community in reviving power.
“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted!” Ps.70:4

Lord, we love your salvation. You have saved our souls from destruction. You are saving our families from dissolution. You are lifting our minds from depression. You are preserving our society for a day of even greater salvation. We love the way you relentlessly save us. You deserve more than an occasional thank you from a few. Fill our city with lasting gratitude toward you. We want you to be greatly known, undeniable revealed, vastly followed and lavishly honored. And so we cry, “Let God be exalted in our lives!! May Jesus Christ be exalted as the Saviour of the world!”
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decreees and be careful to keep my laws.” Ez.36:26,27.
Hear us on behalf of people who have fallen away from you. Perhaps they were wounded by the church. Or they may have been enticed by the world. Whatever their condition, we ask that they will live again. We have also known the dullness of a stony heart. So with unfeigned humility we seek their restoration. Fulfill your ancient promise to change hearts of stone.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
Stamp this command on our hearts as a promise, as a destiny, as a mandated hope. We shall love God!! We shall love our neighbors! But the fact is that now our hearts are split by competing loyalties. Our souls are sullied with things you hate. Our minds are complicated with falsehoods. Our strength is wasted on unimportant things. We have ignored our neighbors. Even though we have failed to love as you desire, we ask that you would empower us to love as never before. May many unsaved neighbors be surprised by the love of their Christ-following neighbors. May the Holy Spirit umpower me to love people and love God.
“If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness…My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning…put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption. He Himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.” Ps. 130:3-8
Thank you, Lord, that when we repent, you wipe away our sins, so that we live before you forgiven and beloved. We stand in grateful awe of your mighty mercy. Free us from the lingering power of sin. We set our hearts to hope that you will deliver us from the deadly power of sin. Redeem your people fully. Make us to live and love like you!
“Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17
We desperately need your help, Lord. Take away our self-righteous pride. Make a house call on our city, O Great Physician. Free us from subtle, stubborn habits of sin. We pray for the people who are spiritually sickened by sinful patterns in their lives. Transform them by your mercy.


City leaders, courthouses, city hall:
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority…I Tim.2:1,2
Lord God, be with government leaders. May they be examples of righteousness to our society; May they experience God’s wisdom in their deliberations; may they speak and carry out their work with truth, free from any corruption. We pray that they may advance God’s justice; restrain them from hindering the service and worship of Jesus Christ; may they come to know and honor Christ.
“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted!” Ps.70:4


Youth:
“Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace…blessed are the people whose God is the Lord.” Ps. 144:12,15.
Lord, we pray that teens will radically commit their lives to Christ; to make wise choices; for older mentors; for solid friendships with those of their generation who are following Jesus; for open communication with parents; for God’s intentions for their generation to come forth in fullest measure.(as you prayerwalk, envision teens following Christ.)
“Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, now I will arise, says the Lord; “I will set him in the safety for which he longs.” Ps.12:5
I seek you, Lord, on behalf of gangs. I pray that you will satisfy their deep desires for significance and belonging; Lord God, break spiritual and social powers holding them; may caring Christians embrace them in the authentic love of God’s family; I pray for blessing and safety upon the neighborhoods they claim.
“..how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings…you will not see Me again until you say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” Mt.23:37-39
Lord, we pray that people who are now small children and youths will become passionate followers of Christ; that they will finish evangelizing the world; that they will overcome evil and bring forth the promised blessing of God upon all peoples; that they will give Christ the finest heartfelt worship of all history.

Schools:
Father, may the students and staff of this school experience your love through the Christians that know them.
Lord, release your truth in this school. Help students to know what is right and not believe false teaching. Bless the school board members. May your will be done at board meetings. May they seek your wisdom for every decision. Bring all the teachers in this school who do not know you into your kingdom. Arrange divine appointments, that they may have a profound encounter.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.” II Tim.2:15.
Help all the students to strive to do their best. Keep them from laziness and making excuses. Help them to do the work that is laid out for them without complaint. Thank you for the freedom to attend school. Keep the students pure in their actions and words. Be with the students who feel rejected. Convict the students and teachers who ostracize and bully these children. Keep violence away from this school. Expose any weapon brought onto the school premises and render it harmless. Bring Christ into this school. Help those who plan programs to keep them in harmony with your Holy Word. Help the Christian students to conduct themselves in a way that brings honor to you and shares the gospel with their peers. Help them to make the most of every opportunity. “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14



Pastors and congregations:
“I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.” Is. 44:3-4
Without your Spirit we are like hardened soil, packed and parched. We’ve tried to irrigate the dry deserts of our lives with pep talks and positive attitudes, but we’ve become all the more barren. Divert a river from heaven upon us. Come as a rushing stream might flood dry ground. Inundate us with your love and life. Soak us with steady streams so that what lies dormant now will bloom in the soon-coming day of revival. Bring the outpouring of your life on our children. Grant them a steady flow of your Spirit, running through their lives like a great river.
“Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:37-39
Raise your voice, O Lord!! Speak in ways that match and surpass all human reason. Stand with us in your city. Raise your voice so that everyone hears your voice and not just our words. Let many come to You, drink deeply and live. Transform all who believe to become rivulets of life. You are the source. Let us be the courts through which you send your Spirit’s life to many more. Make the people in South Dakota hear your voice calling them to you, Jesus. We pray for great spiritual thirst throughout our city and state. May streams of living water flow through believers and churches in our entire state.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me…Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Ps. 51:10,12
How can we ask You to change our darkened city unless we first invite you to cleanse our lives and minds? We refuse to blame others for contaminating our community, when we find the same subtle sins alive in our hearts. Search us for secret places of sin. We want to be clean and free. Purify us from the inside out, Holy God. Give to us, and many throughout our city, a deep desperation to be free from sin. May Jesus be revealed as one who is filled with compassion, approachable by anyone.
May our pastors and church leaders be filled with the wisdom of God. May they be honored by those they serve; may God pour His Spirit upon them in power and humility, giving fresh intimacy with Jesus; we pray for protection from the plots of the evil one against their families and children; may deep friendships with other pastors grow.
“These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is made up only of rules taught by men. Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.” Is.29:13-14
We have become skilled in religious performance. We can say all the right words, but our heart is not in it. We have contrived our worship to make it predictable and safe, becoming as bored as we are proud. We’ve even become haughty of how well we conduct our programs. Break through our pride. Gather our wayward hearts and ravish us with wonder. Astonish us in Your presence. Surprise us with your supremacy. Stun us with how dangerous You are. Bear down upon us so brilliantly that the cloud of our clever religious pride will evaporate in the radiance of your glory.
“ Come to me…Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Mt. 11:28-29
We have kept ourselves boastfully busy. We come to You now, as You summoned others long ago. Show us your heart. Train us in Your ways. Lord God, slow down runaway lives so that people can be trained in the way of Christ’s heart. May humility before you, Lord God, replace deeply-rooted arrogance.

Families:
“Marriage should be honored by all…” Hebrews 13:4
We thank you God for sturdy marriages that reflect your faithfulness and beauty. We pray especially for marriages which are strained to a breaking point; for those that are failing; that God will bring both hope and help; that He will heal broken hearts and resore intimacy; for every marriage, that God will refresh and re-center homes in Christ.
“He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.” Mal.4:6
Lord, restore respect for our elders and their heritage and wisdom. Turn our hearts to our children and show us how to give them godly authority. We pray that you would restore broken and shattered families. Confront them with your incredible healing grace. May they know you as their Saviour and Lord. May children in broken homes be embraced by healthy church families and guided by wise parent figures. Heal the wounded hearts of children and parents who are alienated and distant. Jesus, reveal yourself as the Wonderful Counselor, and bring peace to their homes.

Unemployed:
“…everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil…this is the gift of God.” Ecc.3:13
We pray that God will meet the needs of those without work in a way that they can clearly thank God for His provision; that they will soon find meaningful employment and glorify God for it; that God will open the way for righteous trade so that the entire
state prospers.

Businesses:
“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Deut. 8:18
We pray God’s blessing on the workplace. Raise up Christian employers and make them fruitful. May you be the source of their enterprise. Give wisdom in all dealings and decisions. We welcome the Holy Spirit to release a creativity for new ideas and problem solving. Bind, in Jesus’ name, the spirits of destruction and violence. May peace reign over stress, especially job-related stress in families. Cast out corruption, and may Jesus release his truth and integrity over this business. May those who work here seek you, Lord, to make labor a delight and not a drudgery. Fill hearts of the workers with godly contentment instead of greed. We call on you, Lord, to baptize this place in forgiveness, disarming attitudes of resentment and anger. Give energy to all workers to overcome fatigue on the job. May many follow Christ and serve him openly in the workplace
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PERSONAL SPIRITUAL HOUSECLEANING

(Prayerfully read through this worksheet. Let the Holy Spirit lead you as you go. This will take 20-30 minutes. The time will fly by and you will be blessed.)

1."Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him while he is near. Let the people turn from their wicked deeds. Let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.� Is. 55:6-7 (NLT)

*According to the verse above, what does the Lord offer you when you repent?
*What am I holding back from living a pure life?

Prayer: God, I worship you as the One who offers forgiveness in abundance to me when I seek you. Thank you, Lord, that your forgiveness is beyond what I can understand…and that you offer it freely! I repent of the times I have walked in stubbornness. I invite you, God, to reveal the depths of my sin so that I might discover the abundance of forgiveness. May I be cleansed of any sin that is holding back the fullness of your presence. May I know what I do that grieves the heart of God.

*Right now, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the things in your life that grieve the heart of God. List them and confess them. (Are you tithing? Are you greedy? Do you have an addiction? Are you controlling?)

2."If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Pursue faith and love and peace,and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts."II Tim. 2:21-22 (NLT)
*According to the verse above, what happens when you keep yourself pure?
*Do I choose entertainment and recreation that demonstrates reverence for a holy God? Repent of ways you have allowed the world’s standards to influence your life.
*Pray that your family and church will be known for new standards of holiness.

3."I had heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance."Job 42:5 (NLT)
(When Job was confronted with the majesty of God he confessed his sins and repented.)
*Do you trust your own wisdom instead of seeking the wisdom of God?

Prayer: God, I welcome your presence into my life, my home, my church, and my community. I praise you, Lord, for desiring to come and visit me with true reviving transformation. May I be set free from the captivity of hopelessness and find hope in Christ. (over)

4."The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. A number of them who had been practicing magic brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire...So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect."Acts 19:17-20

*Do I let the things of this world lure me into disobedience and dishonoring of my relationship with God?

Prayer: Lord, I praise you for your unfailing love, even when I stray. I confess areas in my life that are not completely aligned with God’s kingdom. I confess any resistance to your higher calling for me. I cry out for a society known for honoring the name of Jesus.

5."Notice the way God does things;then fall into line. Don’t fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked?"Ecclesiastes 7:13 (NLT)

Prayer:Lord, help me to see things your way. Help me to fall into line without fighting against you. I can’t straighten out what isn’t right in my life. Please Lord, do it for me. Help me to spend more time reading the Bible, than reading books written about the Bible. May you be my favorite author.

6."God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so,people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end."Ecclesiates 3:11 (NLT)

*God has so much more in store for you. What does the above verse mean?
Prayer: Lord, help me to seek your purpose for my life.

8. In closing,"Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me."Ps. 86:17
*Prayer: Lord, give me a sign today that you are working in my heart. Thank you for the freedom you give me and the hope you have revealed to me today. I will give you all the glory for how you will answer my prayers today.You are Lord of all I have and all I am. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Spend time enjoying God’s presence. Look up your own Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you.)

Excerpts taken from “Journey to Transformation – God’s Divine Entrance (www.prayertransformation.com)
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Prayer

Dear Father,
The power of evil attacks is all around us, as clearly seen as in our Southern states. As Rita comes up the gulf toward our precious nation, bind her power, strength and every evil purpose she intends to inflict. Lord You are our redeemer and savior. We call on Jesus to bring salvation to these areas and redeem not only the people but also the cities for your glory. You came to seek and save that which was lost. Redeem all things that Satan has stolen away and restore cities, righteousness, the fear of God, the unity in the body, and people back to yourself Lord. May we see revival not only in the physical but also in the spiritual. Let this great land be one nation under God! As ancient walls of division come down, may the body of Christ work together under Jesus our Lord to rebuild what evil has destroyed. May we stand man and female, rich and poor, Baptist and Pentecostal and people from every nation, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. May we confess that we are one body with one Spirit called to one hope in one Lord with one faith, one baptism with one God and Father of us all.
?If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.? 2 Chronicles 7:14

AMEN

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Be Still


The Art of Doing Nothing? January 15th, 16th, 2005
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Psalm 46:10
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;

??? I will be exalted among the nations,

??? I will be exalted in the earth."

The weekend for me is great! I usually get to sleep in a bit. The whole weekend I just kinda sit around, watch movies with my kids, and just "do" nothing. I was reflecting this morning that doing nothing is really a command straight from the bible! Often times when I have an agenda something happens to change "my plan". I sometimes even pray to God out of my anziety instead of out of PEACE. The psalm says be STILL. I would encouarge all of you to spend some time with the Lord everyday doing or saying absolutly nothing. Just being alone with Him. Resting in the promise that HE is God.? Resting in the promise that HE is in control. This can be hard but your worrying about anything never got anything done did it? BE STILL> BE BLESSED>AND THANK GOD IT'S THE WEEKEND!

By Lance White





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In The Midst of Battle

Pray that Christian everywhere will stand and not fall. That believers will persevere. Today may be a very hard day, and although you may be hard pressed on every side, you are not crushed; perplexed, but, you are not in despair, and although you feel persecuted you are not abandoned; maybe struck down but definitely not destroyed.
Know that your REDEEMER LIVES!!!!!! The battle continues but feel the prayers all around you. You will not fall. Be fully aware that God is and always will be your redeemer. He can redeem you from the pit. Don't open the door to depression or anger nor allow your heart to despair. Be blessed beyond belief with God's love and kindness. God is pouring out his loving intercession to protect you from spiritual harm. Let is be well with your soul. Pray you can remain in the Lord's rest until your eyes see the salvation of the Lord in this battle. Victory has not come yet, in fact the battle now is more intense than ever but know that you WILL SEE VICTORY in God's timing. God is able.
God is calling you deeper, satan is trying very hard to stop you from your victory. Child of God, know that when you move and function in your calling, you will have persecution, you will have battles, you will have trouble.
Jesus did and so will you.
God Bless You,
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When You Hid Your Face

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When you hid your face, I was dismayed.
Father I cling to you.
There is a shadow over my life.
Is it the shadow of your hand over me,
Removing the distractions of the world
So that I can see your face?
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Psalm 30:7; Isaiah 49:2 & 51:16
28th May 2004.
Mike from South Africa
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May My Conduct Bring Honour to Your Name

?Dear Father please forgive me.
Please display your faithfulness.
I am so easily deceived by the world,
I cannot escape all the temptations.
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Daily the enemy seeks to seduce me,
He seeks to destroy our relationship.
At the moment I am discouraged,
I am weary with the constant battle.
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How I long to experience your rest?
To know that you approve of me.
My entire being longs to know you?
To enjoy your gracious favour.
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Please Father answer me before I give up.
Do not hide yourself from me.
May I hear your advice and guidance.
Let me fulfil your perfect will and purposes.
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May my conduct bring honour to you name.
Please silence those who have rejected you.
May my companions see your grace and favour.
May they seek to know you.
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Based on Psalm 143
14th January 2004


Mike from South Africa
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You Are There!

Where can I go? If I try to hide YOU are THERE. If I flee away or hide in my sin, YOU are THERE. Darkness cannot hide me, if I soar on the wings of eagles you are there, if I stand before kings you are there, if I sleep you watch over me, and when I wake you still are there. You are alive. Not just a figment of my imagination, not a whisper or a breath, but a real God who really is there. A risen incarnate divine eternal creator truly lives and loves me. I praise you; I honor you, for you are my God. I choose you Lord; I desire to serve you all of my days and to seek what you seek. You have opened my eyes to see and my ears to hear. You are a God of grace and presence. You are there. No amount of stubborn will can keep me away from your compassionate arms of love. My sins hide your face, but you are still there. My flesh keeps me from seeing you Lord, but you are still there, Because you love me, I will choose to flee from the flesh that keeps me bound to this world. Lift me above into the heavenlies and show me the things that you want to reveal to me. You have drawn me to yourself and I am yours. Save me from the depth of evil that invades me and let me feel your loving arms enfolding me in your love. Let me walk away from those things that keep me from believing. Cast away the doubts and fears. Preserve me to worship You Lord. To return love for love, compassion for compassion, grace for grace, mercy for mercy. Your love has drawn me and your love shelters me and keeps me from falling.
What can I say to this love? What can I say to this tender compassion that surrounds me? Why would I flee form you Lord, why would I doubt or fear? You are alive. YOU are THERE.

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Quiet My Heart

Dearly Beloved, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayers. So who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? Do not fear or be frightened, but in your heart set apart Christ as Lord. 1 Peter 8-9,12,13-15

Get away with the Lord and let him bring peace into your frazzled lives. Pull away and rest in him. He will bring order to that which has become chaotic. "Peace, I give you" He told us. Peace as we live our lives today. Lord help us to find our identity in you - not in the world. "Peace be still and know I am God" I pray our hearts can be quieted to be sympathetic and that they will be stilled to feel love and compassion.

I pray that I will get away with you Lord. Make me lie down in green pastures and lead me beside the still waters. I choose to sit and be still. I choose to quiet myself and listen to you. Lord your ears are attentive to my prayers. Lead me to pray your will, not mine. Thank you for directing my every thought and for sheltering me under your wing where I find rest. "Be still, and Know that I am God" I hear you Lord, My heart soars with you as I sense your presence. Your wonderful presence, your still small voice, your goodness, your kindness, your mercies and your tender love You are God and there is non-like you. From everlasting to everlasting You Are God. You rule and You reign. You have conquered our enemy and we are free to live by faith in the Holy All Good God, who will never leave us or forsake us. Blessed be Your Name Lord Now and Forever.
Amen

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A PRAYER


Dear Lord,
Thank you so much for your wonderful willingness to become man. To leave your royal place in the heavenlies and come to earth. Lord, thank you for loving me. Thank you for saving me and rescuing me from the pit. Thank you for your awesome love and tender mercies.

Help me Father to love. Help me to show compassion and mercy. Let me show grace as I have been shown grace. Give me the heart of God that I may love others as you have so loved me. Open my eyes that I may see all we have been given in America. We have so much, we are fat with the blessings of God. Instead of wanting to give it away, we want more and more. Oh Lord, help us loose weight. Help us to give away from the abundant supply that we have been given. There are so many who need to know about this beautiful Savior and so many who need to experience His mercy. Help us Lord to be less concerned about ourselves and more concerned about others. Help us to not be fearful of those around us that do not know you, but help us see them the way you see them. Break off of me those things that tie me to the old man. Break off those things that hinder your work being done in my life. Give me a clean heart Oh God and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore my soul and lead me toward my destiny. You have called me for such a time as this. Give me a willing heart that will submit to you and become fully obedient to your will. Help me to co-labor with Christ on earth as it is in heaven for the Glory of God.
In the precious name of Jesus I pray,
Amen

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