Prayer Focus Week of 12/15/24

* Pray for peace in your heart this Christmas. Ephesians 2:14

* Look to Jesus with faith, so you may have peace in every circumstance. John 14:27

* Praise the Father for sending His Son to be our Prince of Peace.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 ESV

PRAYER GUIDE FOR NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

RISE UP

LIFT UP THE WORD-LIGHT UP THE WORLD

2 SAMUEL 22:29-31

FAMILY

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7

“However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:33

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

RISE UP AND PRAY

* For parents to nurture children with love and train them to know the Lord and follow Him

* To remain faithful in the marriage covenant - created by God for one man and one woman as the way for a family to live together and follow Him

* For love and respect between a husband and wife to grow daily despite life’s obstacles

* For the Holy Spirit to prompt family prayer, study of Scripture and service

* For children to know they are created by God, and no one is a mistake; to honor parents

Continue together or in personal prayer…

CHURCH

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

RISE UP AND PRAY

* To be distinctively holy and manifest the love and light that Jesus calls us to be

* To grow in knowledge and love for God by filling our hearts & minds with God’s Word and to share God’s plan of salvation

* For the church to be continually revived and refined as we abide in God with unity

* To stand courageous against the attacks of the enemy and the agendas of the culture that disrespect and disregard our God and all that is righteous

Continue together or in personal prayer…

GOVERNMENT

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way … [God] desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1, 4

“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath is quickly kindled. Bless are all who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 2:10-12

“Keep justice, and do righteousness …” Isaiah 56:1a

“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above the nations of the earth.” Deuteronomy 28:1

“He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of wheat.” Psalm 147:14

RISE UP AND PRAY

* For a standard of justice and righteousness be lifted up over our nation as God awakens us to His Presence and holiness

* To follow God’s command to pray regularly for our leaders to know salvation and life in Jesus

* As the light of God’s Word brings repentance and renewal, corruption, deceitfulness and self-promotion flee

* Public servants would operate with holy wisdom, humility, and integrity for the good the country

* For the government to establish and maintain just, fair and righteous laws; our Border to be protected and secure

* For gratitude for the freedoms we have while we vote and engage to preserve them

Continue together or in personal prayer…

MILITARY

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.” Psalm 91:1-3

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

RISE UP AND PRAY

* For a banner of courageous victory in every battle with protection and preservation from enemies

* For God’s wisdom & discernment for leaders as decisions are made for peace

* For full funding for equipment, weapons, resources, and militia

* For healing for the wounded and ample resources for their families

* To stand strong in faith against cultural impositions in the military

* Give thanks for the sacrificial and often dangerous acts of service for our freedom

Continue together or in personal prayer…

EDUCATION

“ ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belong the kingdom of God.’” Mark 10:14

“Make me know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me …” Psalm 25:4-5a

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:28

“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13

RISE UP AND PRAY

* God will draw and fill every educator and student with His Word, wisdom, and knowledge

* For no one to be hindered from coming to the Lord; no evil philosophy, agenda or wickedness to be taught that is contrary to God and His Word

* For each student to be prepared for the path that God has created for them

* For protection for our campuses, making them a safe place to learn academics and gain friendships; for inappropriate demonstrations to cease and kindness to increase

* For God to prompt teachers, families, and students to pray for one another; Christian clubs and activities to flourish in schools and campuses

* Students to remain in church walking in discipleship, purity, resisting temptations

Continue together or in personal prayer…

BUSINESS AND WORKPLACE

“The Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand …when you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, when you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 30:9-10

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself … not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-20a

RISE UP AND PRAY

* That we remember God calls us to the workplace and we are God’s ambassadors, representatives of righteousness to bring the message of reconciliation in Jesus           

* Work does not become an idol; no position, project, or possession would take God’s place

* Pray we work as unto the Lord with integrity, humility, excellence, and diligence and keep slothfulness, selfishness, pride, and greed far away

* Pray we minister generously to the poor

Continue together or in personal prayer…

MEDIA, ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:6

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!” Psalm 108:5

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

RISE UP AND PRAY

* For a banner of truth to be over informational media without bias or personal gain

* The Lord’s Spirit to fall upon all media, arts, and entertainment and that everything presented would be morally honorable according to the Lord and His Word

* For all audiences, fans, social media followers would come to know the Lord

* Pray all evil agendas, philosophies, and deceptions be silenced once and for all

* Pray the Lord would raise up artists, reporters, composers, writers, producers, and musicians who are filled with God’s righteousness and wisdom to speak life in the media

Continue together or in personal prayer…

Closing Song and dismissal

OPEN PRAYER

You are invited to pray with the Prayer Team for additional topics, family needs or personal requests. All prayer requests are confidential.

Remember to VOTE Saturday May 4

PLEASE SELECT A “RISE UP AND PRAY FOR AMERICA” COFFEE MUG AS YOU LEAVE

Thank you for joining us for the National Day of Prayer!

All Scriptures are ESV.

Worship Ministry Theme Verse: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:6

Worship Ministry Purpose Verse: “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:3

Kids Discipleship Choir (Kindergarten – 5th grade) (Children’s Worship Room)

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

• That KDC would continue to come along side parents as a tool for the discipling of children, to know God and love God and learn to follow Him.
• That KDC directors, helpers and parents would build upon the truths being taught to the children in their own personal lives, and be a living example of

thankful hearts and genuine worship.

• That God would lead teachers with a passion for His Word and for children to serve in Bible teaching roles.

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your

house.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Lighthouse - Student Worship Team (Junior High Room)

Colossians 2:6-7

• That the students would build upon their faith in the Lord and grow in wisdom and stature as they seek to serve the Lord with all the gifts He has

given them.

• That the directors would be given wisdom in providing leadership

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk in Him rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding

in thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

He is Risen! Student Praise Band (Youth Room)

Philippians 2:9-18

• That the students and leaders would work together in unity of spirit and purpose to praise God.
• That the worship before the King would please Him and draw other students to praise Him.

“Therefore, God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven

and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.” Philippians 2: 9-11

Adult Choir ( Children’s Worship Room)

Psalm 100:4

• That the Lord would use them to lead others in praise and worship.
• Because of their thankfulness and joy in lifting up the name of the Lord, that the congregation would be encouraged to do the same.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless his name!” Psalm 100:4

Handbells (Sanctuary)

Psalm 63:4

• That as the handbells lift up their hands to ring praise, people’s hearts and minds would be encouraged to focus upon the Lord in worship.
• As the handbells bless the Lord in worship, that the truths from His Word being rung would accomplish His will in the lives of those present.

“So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:4

Praise Team Instrumentalists (Sanctuary)

2 Kings 3:15

• That the hand of the Lord would be upon them and anoint their musical talent to praise and glorify our Savior.
• That their love for the Lord would be expressed in His power working in and through them in a way that focuses worshipers’ hearts upon Him.

“And when the musician played the hand of the Lord came upon Him.” 2 Kings 3:15b

Praise Team Vocalists (FFLC Room 112)

Colossians 3:12-17

• That singers would prepare their hearts and their music to worship the Lord each week.
• That the Lord would take that gift and sacrifice as a fragrant offering and use it for His glory.

“Put on then, As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another… And above all these things put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:12-14

Tech Team Ministry (Sanctuary)

Colossians 3:23-24

• That their work behind the scenes will be used of the Lord to focus worshipers’ hearts and minds upon Him.
• That although their service is behind the scenes, they realize the support they are offering is of eternal consequence and will not go unrewarded.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the

Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

Instrumental Ministry (Sanctuary)

1 Chronicles 25

• That the Lord would continue to encourage people to use their instrumental talents and gifts to serve the Lord in worship and that they would do so for the rest of their lives.
• That people of all generations would continually develop their skills for leading others to praise the Lord for all He has done.

“They were all under the direction of their father in the music in the house of the Lord with cymbals, harps, and lyres for the service of the house of God.”

1 Chronicles 25:6

The Congregation (Sanctuary)

John 4:23-24

• That every congregational member would be a true worshiper.
• That every congregational member would be a daily worshiper.
• That every congregational member would worship the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength together with others in loving fellowship.

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship

Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:23-24

Prayer Works for Worship (FFLC Room 112)

2 Chronicles 7:1-3

• That more would join in this foundational aspect of worship.
• That the Lord would answer the prayers of those interceding for the worshipers and worship leaders to the extent that God’s glory is undeniable each time we join

together to worship Him and Him alone!

“As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the

temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord's house. When all the people of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 7:1-3

Together With All the People, Let Us . . .

“Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise Him in his mighty heavens! Praise Him for his mighty deeds; praise Him according to his excellent greatness! Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with string and pipe! Praise Him with sounding cymbals;

praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:1-6

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.” Psalm 96:1

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in

your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:1

“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.” Psalm 29:2 “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to Him: bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:1-5

All scripture references are in English Standard Version (ESV)