Prayer Guide January 1-28, 2018 We are looking forward to entering this new year and growing together in our faith in God. Many exciting things, like moving into our new building, await us. But more importantly we anticipate all the new people God will bring into our lives. Some will know Jesus. Some will not. To be ready, we need to be intentional with our spiritual growth. We can t expect it to happen by accident. Take advantage of this season of prayer to ask God to help you be ready. We have provided an outline to help guide us collectively. However, don t feel limited by this. The most important thing is seeking and listening to God. We have divided these 28 days into four sections (or weeks), each with a theme. We are also providing a prayer card to keep in your Bible, post on your mirror, or keep in your car for quick reference. We encourage you to consider fasting during these days. There are many ways to fast. If fasting is new to you, we have some resources on our website. We have also made available copies of A Hunger for God by John Piper (books available on Sundays or a free PDF on our website). On Wednesday, January 17 we are inviting the whole church to fast from food from sundown on Jan 16 till the evening of the 17th. We will break the fast together with a prayer meeting at our new building and have communion together. It will be a special time. May God make himself known more and more to you! redlandhills.org/pray
Week 1: Be Holy January 1-7, 2018 Day 1: Cleanse Me from a Sinful Heart Today we are asking God for mercy over our sin and to cleanse us from anything that is hindering our relationship with him. Psalm 51 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin Day 2: Identify Areas of Unrighteousness Ask God for awareness of what patterns or sinful behaviors are keeping you from a holy life. Galatians 5:1-20 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Day 3: Live in Freedom to Serve Give praise to God for the forgiveness found in Jesus to free us to live for him! Hebrews 9:14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Day 4: Walking in the Light Pray against the temptation of secret sins. 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. Day 5: Keep Me Alert Request protection from Satan s schemes in your life and for the spiritual strength to fight them. 1 Peter 1:13 with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed Day 6: Offer Myself To God May each of us be a living sacrifice of worship to God. Ask God if there is something you have not laid on the alter. Romans 12:1 offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship. Day 7: Be a Temple of Worship Ask God if there is anything in your temple that is keeping the Holy Spirit from dwelling there fully. 1 Cor 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
Week 2: Be Purposeful January 8-13, 2018 Day 8: Praying for Leaders Everywhere That they are God-fearing and recognize they are accountable to God for each decision and act. May they be about God s purposes. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Day 9: Wisdom In Our Church Family May we be seekers of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. God grant us discerning hearts. James 1:2-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Day 10: Growth in Our Church Family May we mature people in God s word and grow leaders to disciple them. Romans 10:13-15 & Matthew 9:37-38 Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Day 11: Fellowship & Unity In Our Family God help us to care for and love one another deeply, bearing each others burdens. Acts 2:42 & Philippians 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God s grace with me. Day 12: Give Us Discipling Relationships May we intentionally help each other connect with God more, seeking spiritual guidance from one another. 2 Timothy 4:2-5 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. Day 13: Intentional with Our Neighbors Pray for each neighbor you have, especially by name if you know them. Mark 12:31 The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. Day 14: Intentional with the Lost Who are the people in your life who don t know Christ that you need to pray for by name? 1 Timothy 2:3-6 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Week 3: Be Together January 15-21, 2018 Day 15: Praying for Our Men Pray for men to love as Christ loves the church. Ephesians 5:25-30 & Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Day 16: Praying for Our Children Lord, give our children a heart to know you and live for you! Deuteronomy 6:6-7 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Day 17: Day of Prayer & Fasting If you are able, consider fasting from food from sundown on Tuesday night till Wednesday night. Gather at 6 PM tonight at the new church building for prayer together and break our fast with communion. Fasting guidance is on our website at redlandhills.org/pray Day 18: Praying for the Challenges of the Elderly Lift up health issues, any loneliness, and for many more years of health to serve in God s kingdom. Psalm 71:17-23 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. Day 19: Praying for Our Women May we intentionally help each other connect with God more, seeking spiritual guidance from one another. Ephesians 5:22 & Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Day 20: Praying for Our Students Ask God for purity in heart for all our students as they grow. May their education nourish their minds and enlarge their capacity to know God more. Pray for their protection from evil influences. Psalm 119:9-12 & Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Day 21: Praying for Our Homes May God surround our homes and let them be a sanctuary from the world a place of peace and security. Isaiah 32:18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
Week 4: Be Alive January 22-28, 2018 Day 22: Our Father In Heaven Seek to connect with God relationally. Acknowledge him as your father. Romans 8:15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father. Day 23: Hallowed Be Your Name Worship his name- God s name is a place of protection and power. Righteousness, Sanctifier, Healer, Banner of Victory, Shepherd, Peace, Provider Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Day 24: Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done God, may your agenda be my priority. Help me to live in the center of your will. Luke 12:31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Day 25: Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread Ask God for what you need and trust him for the answer. Psalm 121:1-2 I lift up my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Day 26: Forgive Us Our Debts As We Forgive Our Debtors Is there someone God wants you to forgive? Have you checked your motives? Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Day 27: And Do Not Lead Us Into Temptation Take your stand against the enemy. Engage in spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Day 28: For Yours Is the Kingdom Express faith in God s ability. All rule belongs to God, all mightiness flows from him. His victory is complete. Jeremiah 32:17 Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.