Sunday, February 28 – Day 12

Seeking His Light to Awaken The Lost
Seek God....for the light of the Gospel to Shine

Once in my lifetime I traveled all night. Leaving Kansas City about 9 P.M. I arrived at my destination at the break of dawn. It was a long and lonely trip. The red Eastern sky just before daybreak was most welcome. This experience reminded me of the dark world with evil, immorality and sin on every hand. However Jesus said "I am the light of the world". Eventually this Light will dispel the darkness. The Eternal Light will shine forever more.

Dr. Forrest Whitlatch
First Church of the Nazarene

Sunday, February 28 – Day 12

Seeking His Light to Awaken the Lost
Seek God….for the light of the gospel to shine.

I didn’t think I needed the light. I thought I could make it on my own…

It was a Friday night. We had just recently moved to Maquoketa from Ohio and were still getting settled in the parsonage. The bathroom drain was clogged, so I went down in the basement to get the plunger. After climbing down the stairs, I reached around for the string in order to turn on the light, but with no success. Oh well. I didn’t need the light.

I could easily make it across the room in the dark… Before I knew it, I was on the ground, writhing in pain. I ended up with two broken elbows that still bother me twenty years later.

The people who walk in darkness… are a lot like I was; thinking I did not need the light, thinking I could make it on my own. The problem is, in the darkness we are all headed for disaster. Often though, when in darkness we do not even realize the problem.

Christ calls us to be the light of the world. He commands us not to hide our light, but to let our light shine so that those living in darkness might come to the Light of the world. After breaking both elbows, I could not do anything for myself. If I was going to eat, someone had to feed me. If I was going to dress, someone had to dress me. If I was going to the restroom, someone had to take me. If those walking in darkness are ever going to come to the Light, someone – You and Me – must take them.

Today, pray for the Light of the gospel to shine. Pray for those living in darkness. Pray for God to let YOUR light so shine before others that they might come to the Light through you.

Shine, Jesus, shine, Fill this land with the Father's glory;
Blaze, Spirit, blaze; Set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow, Flood the nations with grace and mercy.
Send forth Your word, Lord, and let there be light.

© 1987 Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services) Graham Kendrick CCLI License No. 1174166

Jim Goodrich
The Church On Northland

Saturday, February 27 – Day 11

A few terrific insights on “How To” Pray!
Pages 18 & 19 in Seek God For The City
If you do not have your copy yet – email us at SeekGod@servethecity.org

It’s not too late to join in….some just start over and go through the guide again!

Find these bullet points in the guide….and…more.

• Pray you way into “their” story….
• Make your prayer practical and specific by praying your way into the life story of others…
• There is a story rolling around in everyone’s life…
• Praying for people is the simplest way I know to start seeing them from God’s point of view to notice what they are facing….

For more, read pages 18 & 19 in the guide.

Also, additional resources on prayer are available at http://www.waymakers.org
They have sections entitled:

• Practical prayerwalking
• Fresh prayer
• A prayed for planet
• Buy stuff here: books and pamphlets on prayer

Your Sunday entries will be posted at 1 PM and 3 PM

Saturday, February 27 – Day 11

Seeking His Life to Revive the Church
Seek God....for Christ's resurrection power

The living water, as it flows crimson red from the Lamb at the cross, the living water flows to save and heal the world. Are we taking it to the world?

I pray that we are coming to the Father humbly bowed down as a living sacrifice. Are we willing to drink the living water fresh from the Lamb, water full of life, full of saving grace, plenty for all that all could have some.

Are we earnestly seeking him; are we thirsting for this living water enough?

He offers the drink that if we will drink we will never thirst again. It says so in Revelation 21:6b, “To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the living water of life."

May all take this free drink and live I pray

GJM

Saturday, February 27 – Day 11

Seeking His Life to Revive the Church
Seek God…to bring life from His people to the world
Seek God on behalf of Health Care Workers

Today I am thinking of the His Hands Free Medical Clinic on 3rd Avenue. It is faith based and connected to congregations in the area. Prayer support is available for the patients.

The physicians, nurses, pharmacy, clerical and prayer support volunteers are ‘servants’ and examples of what we are praying for today. They are, in fact, conduits of God’s life to others – serving their patients with respect and honor releasing dignity to them. Therefore, certain phrases in today’s prayer become a reality in the clinic. […life-giving river…releasing reviving power….boundless transforming power…deepest yearnings…sources of healing what is broken.]

As a result, their patients are impacted by God’s love and we see transfers of attitudes in some patients from humiliation to dignity, or from entitlement (result of fear) to gratitude, or from anger to tears of happiness and in some impatience to peace.

PLEASE pray the prayers listed for today with passion! Pray for their protection. As you pray, you become part of the answer to this question. What if every health care worker became a conduit of God’s life and love to those hurting in every community in this nation? What if indeed… Go for today’s prayers with all of heaven you have in you.

Brother Charles
Serve The City

Friday, February 26 – Day 10

Seeking His Life to Revive the Church

Seek God….for God to Unite His People

Recently an elderly woman requested help, from the church body, with moving. She was moving from a second floor apartment (with an elevator) to a third floor apartment without an elevator. Every piece of her furniture felt like a lead bar was hidden in it by the time we had finished. I am happy to report that nearly every man in church showed up and helped her move. It was a lot of work but we had a great time joking with each other during and after that move. I've always said that if you ever want to know how many people really love you, invite them to help you move. The ones that show up, really love you. That statement is not meant to be cynical but, it is the essence of love. Love is a choice and many times a sacrifice. Love is sacrificing your time, your energy, your money and a kind word with those you love, with strangers, and even with that special someone who annoys you.

As I grow older and hopefully wiser it becomes more and more clear as to how simple the Gospel really is. It's all about love. Jesus broke it down when he answered the Pharisee's lawyer's question of what is the greatest commandment. Jesus simply answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Two things I've learned about loving others is, you really end up loving people you sacrifice for; and God doesn't grow your love for others through the prayer: "Oh God, help me love others", he grows your love for others when you're obedient to his commandment to love others.

Michael Parsons
Oakhill Jackson Community

Friday, February 26 - Day 10

Day 10: Seek God … for God to unite His people.
[Psalm 133:1,3; John 17:22-23]

The “unity” or “being one” of these verses does not mean “let’s be one big happy denomination”! These statements point out a “relationship” desired by God of His followers. This is not just a relationship with God, but it is a relationship with fellow believers that glorifies God!

Think of it like this: The Body of Christ is a Family. The various Church congregations are like brothers and sisters in this Family. Each “child” has his or her own unique qualities and character. That does not make one “child” better than the other. Each is loved by the Father; each will accomplish its purpose. But the Family is still one!

Now, consider these verses from this perspective: “How good and pleasant it is when the various Church congregations get along together! … For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forever more.” (Psa. 133:1,3). And think of the prayer of Jesus in John 17 when He prays (vv. 22-23), “The glory which You have given Me I have given to those who are true followers but belong to different church congregations, that they may be of one purpose in bringing glory to My Name, so that the world may know that You have sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.”

It’s like what I’ve told my church family, “We don’t have a corner on truth, but we do have the Truth on the corner of 29^th and D Avenue NE. Know it; believe it; live it; and share it!”

Lord: Renew our appreciation of Your desire for all of Your followers to be united in purpose; forgive us where we have wandered away for our own selfish preferences; give us a new heart of love for each other, even as You have for us, and let it be all for Your glory! Thank you! Amen.

[Pastor Gary Austin, Cedar Rapids Grace Church, Cedar Rapids, IA]

Thursday, February 25 – Day 9

Seeking His Life to Revive the Church
Seek God....for His people to love and obey Him

"I have set before you life and death...so choose life in order that you and your children may live..." Deuteronomy 30:19-20

How many choices do we make every day? Do we choose daily to live boldly as a people saved by grace? A people saved to live a life of love? Some choices are more earth shattering and more life changing than others. Yet God shapes our lives through the choices we make.

Choices can be personal, every day decisions. Some are on a larger scale, made in community. As a nation, we choose men and women to lead us and to make choices that affect the whole nation, and even the entire planet. Lord God, Your church makes choices on a national level, regional level and congregational level. Have mercy on us and those who lead us...together may we be obedient to You alone, and not fall prey to foolish distractions.

When face to face with a choice, should we rely on our own wisdom and intellectual prowess, or do we rely on unsearchable wisdom from a higher, infinite source? Romans 11:33 is one of my favorite doxologies...Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

Let us choose to pray, to have a conversation with this God who sets before us life and death, and gives us the freedom to choose...life with Him or death! Let us believe that prayer makes a difference. The Lord our God is always near to His people, His chosen ones. God speaks to all who will hear.

As a mother with young adult children in a conflicting world where a battle is being waged for souls, my most passionate prayer from today's prayer guide is for each of my children to love God with all their heart, hear God’s voice directing their lives, sense the touch of His hand, and cling to Him every day. O Lord, may they stand firm in their faith, that worldly pleasures and the ruler of this age have no power over them. Let us all pray for today's generation, tomorrow's leaders.

Every day, I pray God will help me to make life-giving, love-giving choices. Father in heaven, may each and every one of us, Your beloved people, choose life today! May we turn our affections daily away from worldly treasures and “the seductive powers of this age” we live in, and toward You, the One who still comes to be at the heart of us and to lead us in finding our way. Amen.

Kim Drischell
St. Mark’s Lutheran

Thursday, February 25 – Day 9

Seeking His Life to Revive the Church
Seek God....for His people to love and obey Him

Jesus wanted His followers to love one another yet He understood how difficult that would be in a world so devoid of love. Still, He went beyond simply asking His followers to show love to one another, He commanded them to demonstrate that love to the world and thereby show others how that aspect of heaven could exist right here on earth.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." This passage from John 13:34-35 describes the mark which Christ places on anyone who would follow Him and his teaching. The "mark" (sacrificial love) is how Christians are to be identified - how they are to be known around the world.

Recent research suggests that many Christians today do no better at brotherly love (let alone sacrificial love) than non-Christians. That's a very sad piece of information. Agape love (sacrificial love) is the single greatest apologetic. It is the only tool an evangelist needs. Anyone following Christ's "new commandment" doesn't even need a spoken language to spread the gospel. Words, explanations, rationales, justifications and other arguments are nothing in comparison to brotherly love.

Christ knew all that. He understood clearly that when His followers lived lives of sacrificial agape love, others would see it, want it and flock to Christ to get it. Human beings are born with a deep desire to be accepted - to fit somewhere, somehow into a group of people. That force is very powerful. Some individuals find that acceptance in some very bad, even deadly relationships. Others find love and acceptance through simple kindnesses of Christ's followers.

If we Christians intentionally practice loving one another as Christ loves us, there would be little need for revivals or evangelists or apologists. There would be fewer pagans to evangelize, fewer dying Christians to revive and fewer agnostics to argue with.

All Christians, to be worth their salt and light, must follow that "new commandment". I've got a long way to go, but I'm working on it, are you?

Sam Dronebarger
Associate Pastor
Noelridge Park Church

Wednesday, February 24 – Day 8

Seeking His Life to Revive the Church
Seek God....to purify His people

When George Washington was about 20 years old, he filled a little book he titled Daily Sacrifice with prayers written in his own hand. An entry for Sunday Evening reads like this:

“O most glorious God… I acknowledge and confess my faults; in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day. I have called on Thee for pardon and forgiveness of sins, but so coldly and carelessly that my prayers are become my sin and stand in need of pardon. I have heard thy holy word, but with such deadness of spirit that I have been an unprofitable and forgetful hearer… But, O God, who art rich in mercy and plenteous in redemption, mark not, I beseech Thee, what I have done amiss; remember that I am but dust, and remit my transgressions, negligences and ignorances, and cover them all with the absolute obedience of Thy dear Son, that those sacrifices (of sin, praise and thanksgiving) which I have offered may be accepted by Thee, in and for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ offered upon the Cross for me.” *

When we, like this great President, are honest enough to tell ourselves and God that our “prayers have become our sin”, we will know that the Spirit of Truth has been doing some real “surgery” in our lives. May we live in such sensitivity to the Spirit that we can experience His refining and purifying power at all times.

*Excerpted from the Light and the Glory by Peter Marshall and David Manuel

Bernie Hayes
Noelridge Park Church

Wednesday, February 24 - Day 8

Wow! What else could I say to express how powerful the words are that the Psalmist uses in Psalm 51:7, 10? Powerful words like “purify me”, “wash me”, “create in me”, and “renew… within me” in order that I “shall be clean”, “whiter than snow”, possessing a “clean heart” and a “steadfast spirit”. These are words that require transparency and expect transformation. Maybe the honest question for us is whether we’re ready for either.

We’re in the eighth day of our 40 days of prayer and the call to pure hearts has to be embraced or ignored. Ignoring the call is like saying, “Jesus, I know this is what you want but there is only so far I’ll go in following you.” Embracing the call requires of us a bold action like I find with David in the 139^th Psalm. In this Psalm it is as though we get to step into David’s personal chambers and listen to him think out loud about God.

In all the insight we are privileged to gleam from David nothing may be as important to us during these 40 days of prayer as verses 23 and 24 of Psalm 139. It is in these verses that David, as it were, gives God permission to, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” When I use the word “permission” some of us cringed because we know that God can do whatever he chooses. But we also know that God is a gentleman and he doesn’t force himself on us. So, after David revels in the wonders of God’s consuming presence, and gets excited about the potential he has with God he gives God permission to examine his life and if necessary realign it with His.

I wonder if in these 40 days of prayer if what we may need to do is give God permission to search us and know our hearts; to test us and know our anxious thoughts. To see if there is any offensive way in us so that He can purify our hearts and lead us in the way everlasting? So, does God really have permission to do that in your life?

Pastor Tim Carter, First Church Of The Nazarene

Tuesday, February 23 – Day 7

Seeking His Life to Revive the Church
Seek God....for Christ's resurrection power

Seek God on behalf of Marriages

When I think about marriage - I specifically think of my marriage - I waited a long time to get married - I wanted it so bad - but never thought I was good enough. I was 32 years old when I met my husband and we didn't get married until I was 34 years old. I remember Christmas of 2003. I couldn't wait to open my Christmas present from him - it was a ring - but not an engagement ring - I was crushed. I knew that the reason my "boyfriend" was dating me was because I professed to be a Christian, so I continued to watch my Christian friends that have had successful marriages and asked them what I should do - their answer was simple – “keep the relationship focused on Christ.” That next Thanksgiving I was engaged and married on Christmas Eve.

Five years later – I couldn’t love my husband more – and as we continue to follow that advice to keep Jesus at the center of our relationship, I also pray for so many relationships that aren’t centered on Christ, and end. It saddens my heart to hear of adultery, domestic abuse, and divorce when I know God has so much more for us. So in my prayer time – I am seeking God on behalf of all marriages, (like my parents who have been married for 44 years, and a couple at church married 55+ years and the couples that are planning their marriages for this year –that they all focus on Christ).

Lord my prayer for your resurrection power is that you would be with struggling couples and that you would place your hand on them and help all of us to resurrect our marriages, make all of them stronger (even those that appear to be strong). Help us to re-listen to the vows we made when we said I do. “Until DEATH do us part.”

God Bless you all!
S.H.

Tuesday, February 23 – Day 7

Seeking His Life to Revive the Church
Seek God....for Christ's resurrection power

Seek God on behalf of Marriages

As they moved briskly through the quiet, cool, early morning air the two women dare not speak. The sun glistened across the dew drenched olive branches and combined with the early morning fog, any ordinary morning one would stop and enjoy the serenity. But, this was not an ordinary morning and there was little to stop and enjoy. In Luke’s account of the story of the Resurrection of Jesus, he deliberately used the words, “…very early in the morning….” Whether it was a sleepless night, a hint of hope, or just part of the grieving process, these two women got up early and went deliberately to what they envisioned to be a closed tomb (indicated by the spices they brought).

As I was reading in our prayer guide that our focus of prayer was on Christ’s resurrection power, specifically on behalf of marriages, I was quickly drawn to Luke’s account of Resurrection morning. I had one of those moments where the following words found in Luke 1:6 jumped off the page and slapped me in the face, “Remember how He told you.…” I can almost sense an impatient frustration on behalf of the angels as they cannot fathom why the two women would doubt the promise of resurrection given by the Creator of the universe.

I just got off the phone with a man I am mentoring who is ready to throw in the towel on his marriage. He had already begun his journey to the tomb, called divorce, ready to bury the promise of God behind a stone of pain, bitterness, and regret. In our conversation, I found the Holy Spirit guiding me to pray the resurrection power of Christ over his marriage. What seems lifeless, hopeless, and meaningless is confronted with the words, “Remember how He told you….”

Our prayer today is for the countless marriages represented in this city that desperately need to hear the words, “Remember”. Remember, that Jesus is the Resurrected Savior who has overcome death and the grave. Remember that on the third day, in the darkest hour, there is hope, there is life, and there is a new day!

Pastor Dave DeHaan
Community Life Pastor, First Assembly of God
“Where Faith Comes To Life”

Monday, February 22 – Day 6

Seeking His Life to Revive the Church
Seek God….to impart His life-giving Spirit

Am I alive, or am I dead? Wow, what a crazy question, I can see myself moving so obviously I am alive. So physically as I look at myself this morning I am alive and actually doing pretty well. As I approach retirement age, I have few if any aches and pains. I can do everything I need so far for myself, physically.

Recently as I have been walking down the hallways at work I have been reminded and thankful that I really feel pretty good. I think the reason those thoughts have come to me is because we just put my mom in a nursing home because she can no longer take care of herself. Her body is wearing out, but the more serious problem is that her mind is wearing out to. She has dementia and we don’t know who we will see the next time we go visit, will it be our mom or someone who is no longer connected to the reality of life.

I once had a co-worker who would frequently say, “Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most”. I used to laugh about that when he would say that, but now it has taken on a different meaning to me with my mom’s condition. Without a clear and positive mind, life becomes extremely difficult.

But what about my spiritual life – am I alive or am I dead? That has become a more serious question to me of late. It is easy for me to fool those around me, I can put on an act if I desire. For years I lived as a “Christian” thinking I was doing just fine. I grew up in a “Christian” home but the Christian emphasis was wrapped around that hour service every Sunday.

Then I joined a different church after I was married and we became strong advocates of the law, we kept the Sabbath, at least we thought we did. All the Old Testament Holy days, and thought we were the only church God was working with. We would not associate at all with any other church, as we judged them all to be wrong. For 25 years I tried to obey the law, it was so much like the people of Israel, trying to obey the law.

In the mid 90’s “His life-giving Spirit”, knocked on the door of the leadership of our denomination. God created a new heart in some of those in the leadership roles of our denomination, and the Holy Spirit made Ezekiel 37 ring true in the hearts of some of us in our denomination. “Behold, I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life.” The sad part of it all is only about 30% of the denomination heard the voice of the Holy Spirit when He said, “I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life.” O Holy Spirit, thank you for getting through to some of us and changing our lives forever. I pray that you would reach all of us!

This morning, I praise my Father in heaven for committing to the promise of Jesus when He said, “I will send to you a comforter” Oh, God, I pray that you will impart His Life-giving Spirit to Christians and non Christians alike. I have come to realize in these first few days of the 40 days of prayer, that God is seeking out a revival not only for those who don’t know Him, but I feel a real call from the Holy Spirit, crying out to we Christians, who think we are doing OK.

My old tradition was to obey the law and if I was good enough, I would be saved. I learned in the mid 90’s, there is NO WAY that I can obey the law. Salvation is a gift from God and nothing I can do can make me good enough to earn salvation. Jesus founded the one true church, the church of Jesus Christ. It must become a way of life. We must knock down the barriers that divide Christians from worshiping together.

To give up the law, and realize that all I need to do is repent and believe that Jesus is my Lord and Savior, was so foreign at first. But I have been given such Peace in my heart, to know that Jesus is my Lord and Savior, and my personal relationship with Him is a gift, something that was given to me, I surely wasn’t seeking it, God found me, Oh how I praise Him for the Peace He brings to me.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. John 5:25. God, bring to this city your Holy Spirit in a powerful way. Wake us up from our sleep; don’t allow our spiritual lives to be wasted. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak for us, to act for us, so that the life of Jesus will be reflected through each of us. Help us to get out of your way, and submit to you totally. In Jesus name I pray.

P.S. I count it such a blessing, to have come from a church that wouldn’t reach out to fellow Christians, to be accepted with open arms by all of you who embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior, and that we can worship and Praise Him together, regardless of our denomination. I am so humbly grateful for His Unconditional Love. Unity in Him, forever and ever, Amen

George Bushlack
Family of Faith Community Church
“To Know, Believe, and Serve Him”

Monday, February 22 – Day 6

Seeking His Life to Revive the Church
Seek God…to impart His life-giving Spirit

When Brother Charles asked me to write on day 6, he had no idea about 3 passions of my life. The first passion is “to impart His life giving spirit”. "I am sending you, just as the Father has sent me." ²²Then he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21-22 The second passion is the Athletic Industry. ²⁴You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! ²⁵Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. ²⁶I don't run without a goal. And I don't box by beating my fists in the air. ²⁷I keep my body under control and make it my slave, so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. These 2 verses are life verses in my journey with God.

The third passion is praying for Haiti. I recently returned from Haiti as being part of the National Disaster Medical System. I deploy as a Dr of traumatic stress specializing in psychological disorders and as a Chaplain representing Christ in a faith based response to a disaster.

We are asked as a nation to seek God for the city. We are witnessing three events taking place right now under our eyelids; the Olympics, the devastation of a nation with catastrophic results of death, injuries, and loss, and the Holy Spirit available and willing to breathe life into the hearts of those drawing near to God. The prayers today encompass these three events.

I was schooled on faith in Haiti. I was surrounded by a people of faith because that is all they had. This is a nation that was maimed, lamed and shamed. This is a nation broken physically and emotionally. The Holy Spirit was imparting life all around me in a sea of death. I am humbled in pure faith and changed as a result. As we watch our Olympians compete and a nation survive an earthquake, my prayer is that we keep our purpose : seeking God, Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; disciplined in prayer, I do not fight like a man beating the air; and available for divine appointments, No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Lord Jesus, breathe life into our dead bones that we might rise from the depths of despair. Ignite a flame in us to consume those around us with your power and presence. May we learn lessons from the Olympians and Haitians in their journey for survival. May we become a city desperate for You. May we become a people humbled to a pure state of faith, hope and love.

Jim Coyle
Neighborhood Church, Cedar Rapids, IA

Monday, February 22 - Day 6

As I pray for the countries listed on the bottom of the page, it’s easy for them to become just a list of names—foreign sounding places I’ve never seen and probably never will visit. 

But today’s list includes Haiti.  I just returned from Haiti, and so it is easy to pray for this country.  I see the faces of children without parents.  I see people with broken bodies and empty stomachs.  I hear the noise of the crowds looking for help.  Haiti has become real to me because I have been there myself. 

Yet each of these countries is filled with people who are loved by God.  He knows their names.  He sees their faces.  He hears their prayers.  Each country has people who cry out to God; each country has people who shut God out of their lives.

As we pray for God to impart his life-giving spirit wherever it is needed, try not to read through the names of countries as if they are some impersonal list.  Try to imagine what it must be like for those who live in these countries.  God loves these people every bit as much as he loves you and I. 

And who knows…someday we may meet them as we gather around the throne of God. 

Father, may your Spirit bring life to the many around the world who are spiritually dead.  

Terry Seufferlein

Central Church of Christ

Sunday, February 21 – Day 5

Lord, Your Word says: “Give us life, and we will call on Your name”.  Breathe a new blast of life into the church of Eastern Iowa that together we will call on Your name in unprecedented ways that an unprecedented, city-wide move of God would come to fruition.

Lord, Your Word says: “He who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit”.

Renew the church of Eastern Iowa by stretching the members of Your body in spiritual disciplines, that we may truly abide in Christ, and thereby increase in the character of Christ and the life-giving nature of Christ.  In accordance with Your Word, may the fruit from this be so huge that it has to be “carried on a pole between two people”!

Lord, Your Word calls for shepherds to care for Your flock.  Bring a caring community, camaraderie, and unity among the pastors of Eastern Iowa that allows for burdens to be shared and loads to be lifted so our shepherds can maintain strength to continue to fully care for Your flock.

Amen and amen and amen!!!

Dan Koskamp, New Covenant Bible Church

Sunday, February 21 – Day 5

....to restore His People to fruitfulness

It's impossible to read John 15 and miss the father's heart. Like a good father he has big dreams for us - He knows what in is us and the potential we have because He put it there. The cool thing is we are not asked to bear much fruit. Its not our job, its not our responsibility. We are simply to "abide".

I struggled in ministry for so long trying to figure out how to produce - to make fruit. I was get depressed when there wasn't a good crowd on Sunday or our finances were low. I was obsessed with fruit. Our country is obsessed with results - the joy of our salvation is not enough. God's presence is not enough - so we fixate on the fruit - results we want for our lives. We plan, plot and fertilize hoping to bear much fruit - whether money, successful ministry, a relationship. Fruit has become our Idol!

But the Father makes us a promise that frees us from all this. If we would simply learn to abide. Like the prayer guide says in the prayer for pastors "that God will pour His Spirit upon them in power and humility, giving fresh intimacy with Jesus." Intimacy with Jesus is the core and essence of abiding. The Lord is preparing us for His presence. If we would simply take our eyes off the fruit and put them on His face - He will take care of the fruit!

Lord we repent - Lord I repent again for trying to be successful and bear much fruit instead of simply abiding and trusting you'll do exactly what your word says - make me fruitful.

Forgive us for forsaking prayer, NOT walking with you, NOT listening to your voice Father. Pull us again into your presence - let us make again Jesus our first love! Then as the top of this page says Lord - you will be the God who ..."restores His people to fruitfulness"

Amen

Caleb Plumb
caleb@encounterchristian.org

Saturday, February 20 – Day 4

Lord Jesus, today our city and nation is praying for righteousness and peace. Please help us and all those around us to know that true, lasting, real peace only comes through You, Jesus. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins and for making me right with You so that I can know what peace feels like. Thank you for leading and guiding me. Please bring my friends, family members and all those around me into a lasting relationship with You and help us all to be passionate followers of Jesus.


In Jesus' Name,
Amen

SB

Saturday, February 20 – Day 4

Peace…ah, peace. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a little peace? It sounds good, doesn’t it? Yet peace seems to be in short supply these days.

Around the world, nations are at war with each other. In our own nation political parties throw accusations back and forth.

But we don’t have to look that far, do we? We see it in our own lives. The boss is upset. The employees are griping with one another, and you want to get away for a moment’s peace.

In our homes, husbands and wives bicker. Children and parents cast blame on each other.

It’s even in our churches. Someone says something we don’t like. Someone does something that bothers us. People threaten to leave.

Too often, I’m not even at peace with myself. There’s also somewhere else to go, someone else to see, something else to do. Our lives are stretched to the breaking point.

Ah, for some peace.

Today’s text reminds us that there is peace available. But it doesn’t come about by finally getting everyone agree with us. It doesn’t come about through better laws or regulations. It’s not even found by isolating ourselves from the problems of the world.

This peace comes from God. Paul calls this peace from God a peace “which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Because this peace does not come from an absence of conflict—it comes from the presence of God.

Today you will experience conflict in one way or another. But we can experience the peace on the inside, even while conflict rages around us, if we allow God to quiet our lives and fill them with peace.

Father, fill our hearts with peace. Help us speak words of peace. Guide our feet into the way of peace. Amen.

Terry Seufferlein
Central Church of Christ

Friday, February 19 – Day 3

The authors of our prayer guide promised us that our prayers would be jump-started to keep us from the tendency to “dwindle to cries for no more than our own survival” … From a tendency to “gradually shrink to selfish wish-lists concerning our own circumstances.” From what we have experienced to this point (I have looked ahead J) and from what I know is coming….they have done a GREAT job of giving us focus.

For three days my eyes have spent much time fixed on the names of the nations. I have found each one on the globe ‘so that’ I might pray with my eyes looking right on them! (I use the search mode on our computer when not easily found – Anguilla is so small it is not even on the globe!) Most of the Caribbean nations are so small; you would not think they could have much impact on the world UNTIL the Lord whispers the following:

What if….there was a revival on the islands?

What if….the people there came alive with passion for the living Christ?

What if….they lived a prayer, care, share lifestyle that absolutely NONE of the vacationers from around the world could miss? Could not ignore? Could not help but be touched by the power of the Holy Spirit?

Well, I guess you can imagine how I have been praying. Would you join me in praying for this kind of revival?

Would you join me in listening to the Holy Spirit as we go page by page these 40 days – listening for ‘how’ to pray for the nations?

If we do that, well, we become more and more a part of the answer to the Lord’s heart that “...My house shall be a house of prayer for all the nations…”

And so, we serve the cities around the world in prayer.

Brother Charles

Serve The City

One more thing! We have 100 more prayer guides – we would be honored to put one in your hands!!

Friday, February 19 – Day 3

In Exodus 33 and 34, Moses asks God to show him His name and God responds that He will show His glory. God then revealed seven characteristics of His glory: compassion, grace, patience, abundant lovingkindness, truth, forgiveness, and justice. Some argue that God's purpose in creation was to display His glory, these seven characteristics, to the universe.

Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

The very first two requests in the Lord's Prayer are that God's name, his glory, be hallowed and that God's kingdom come. Today's prayer asks God to keep on changing us so that we will reflect His love and His glory, so that many will behold glory in our land. There can be no higher prayer.

As Christians, our every action will be measured against this standard: Does it demonstrate the glory of God? Does it advance God's kingdom or does it advance mine? Will the world see God or will it see me?

Jesus told us in Matthew 5, “You are the light of the world.” and "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Lord, give me your Holy Spirit so that that I may be a light to the world, showing your glory to a lost generation.

Mike Pearson, New Covenant Bible – also serving His Hands Free Medical Clinic and Serve The City

Thursday, February 18 – Day 2

How much does God really love me?  I know that Jesus Christ sacrificed His life so that I can live.  Do I always consider what that really means?  Many times in my actions and thoughts I know I don't reflect the awesomeness and power of God's love.  I pray that I would feel and know the presence of the Holy Spirit and acknowledge God's love in my life.  It is evident that He loves me in the creation all around me. 

Father God, help me to recognize your love in my life and reflect your love to others around me.

MB

Thursday, February 18 - Day 2

I think the word ‘love’ is overused and has been watered down in today’s culture.  With Valentine’s Day just past, we see how ‘love’ is marketed and commercialized.  The tagline for a truck commercial several years ago stated America ‘loves’ baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolets.  So, to find the true meaning of love, we have to turn to the source: God.  God is love.  Love in the Bible has a much richer meaning, particularly when applied to God's feeling toward His people.  The Bible describes a kind of love that goes far beyond what we can even grasp as humans.  It is abundant, faithful, steadfast, patient and unfailing.  Read these passages out loud and listen to God’s heart.

The LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. We depend on the LORD alone to save us. Only he can help us, protecting us like a shield.  Psalm 33:18, 20

"I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."  Jeremiah 31:1

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD . So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!  Psalm 32:10-11

The Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father.  John 1:14

God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God's judgment.  For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of His Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by His life. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God -- all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God.

Today, I hope you seek the love that only God can provide.  May you be revived, restored and refreshed by His Spirit.

God bless,

Brent Schulte, Antioch Christian Church

Wednesday, February 17 - Day 1

Let’s get the party started!  Day 1 of 40 days of prayer.  The story of the prodigal son is really about a radically generous Father of prodigious love and two wayward sons.  One son runs away living a self-centered life and wastes his Father’s gifts and the other son stays home living a self-centered life taking his Father’s presence for granted.  Yet the Father remains constant, vigilant, with open arms of love to both.  What a Father!  What a love!  The Lord is never pointing his finger at you, He is always opening His arms.  He is not the accuser of the brethren, but the first born of many brethren.  You have a merciful, faithful Father God, a savior and brother in Jesus, a powerful guide in the Holy Spirit all living in you and for you!  The Lord is not worried about your worries.  You are more loved than you know.  You are more secure in that love than you feel.  Come away from ‘’far country” of a self-centered life and surrender afresh to His Christ-centered life of joy!  Come to Jesus in these 40 days, take only His yoke upon you, and learn from Him.  Come receiving His expanding heart of love for the whole world, one person at a time, including you.  What vigilant love!!  Let’s get the party started!


Richard Speight, Come Rest Ministries

Wednesday, February 17 - Day 1

Today’s Scripture: Psalm 85: 2, 4, 6; Luke 15: 20-24; Psalm 144:12, 15

In the first passage we hear the Psalmist plea for God to forgive the sins of His people as He has done in the past, to no longer be angry with us, to give us one more fresh start.  In the second passage Jesus tells us of a father whose son had sinned against him.  As the son approached, ready to confess his sins, his father gathered up the finest of things for him.  Even as the son spoke the father was giving directions to his servants for a celebration.  One could even wonder if the father heard the son, for he had long ago forgiven him and patiently waited for him to come home.  In the final passage the Psalmist, David, prays for the youth to grow up strong in the Lord.

Shortly after my oldest daughter graduated high school she moved away.  We would, on a rare occasion, get a phone call, but for the most part, we were cut off with no way to contact her.  I vividly remember the Thanksgiving that she called and asked if she could stop by on her way home from a trip.  I told her that would be great and that I would see her in a couple hours.  Four hours later I knew that she was not stopping.  Not a day would go by that I did not think about and pray for her.  My prayer was not that she return to me, but that she would come into a relationship with her heavenly father.  I knew if that relationship was restored it would only be a matter of time before our relationship would be too.  About a year and a half ago I got a friend request on facebook.  I clicked to see who it was.  It was my daughter.  I immediately accepted.  When we finally got together in person I was filled with joy and gave a big hug welcoming her home.  Fast forward a year.  On November 7, 2009 I had the honor of walking her down the isle at her wedding.

Father, You have forgiven us all our sins.  You wait patiently for each of Your children to return to You.  I know the pain and worry I felt for my daughter.  I cannot begin to imagine how You feel.  The joy I experienced when my daughter finally came home wiped it all away.  I know why You wait for Your children always seeking them out.  Thank you Lord for Your forgiveness.  Thank you that even as we confess our sins You have already moved past them.  May the love and joy that we experience through Your forgiveness overflow to our families, our city, our nation and our world.  Amen

Living Outrageously for Christ ~ Terry
180° Youth Ministries - Hus Presbyterian Church