Day 14 - Prayer for America

27. Pray for the leaders, churches and Christians of Missouri and Montana.

28. Pray for the safety of those who live in your community; specifically safety from conflict and crimes (Ps. 122:7).


Oh Father God,

I bring to you in prayer the states of MO and MT. As we grow nearer to election day, there are bound to be harsh feelings, mud-slinging, name-calling, and outright lies. Give the candidates of these states the courage to stand up for the truth that they know...and the strength to fight satan as he tries to make them use lies for personal gains. Give the Christians and churches in these states the discernment to see through all these lies and false witnesses....

God - right now in my community, crimes are being committed. A young lady, starting a new chapter in life, was murdered...another man convicted of murdering and dismembering his roommate...armed robbery against our young people. These are serious crimes, Lord...and we are hurting. There is something wrong...these people are not seeking You first and it's hard to understand why the lure of satan's promises are so much stronger than the TRUTH of Your promise of salvation. To give up the easy wrong in order to follow the hard right...Your way. God, blanket this community with love and understanding...show Your light and joy to all who are lost, that they may know Your goodness and turn away from satan with a resounding "NO - get out of my life - God is here and better than you."

I pray for the families of all these victims, and those who have committed these crimes....that the families may find forgiveness in their hearts...that the victims may seek You and know You.

Humbly, I pray.
Amen

Day 13 - Prayer for America

25. Pray for the leaders, churches and Christians of Minnesota and Mississippi.

26. Pray for all of our Representatives and Senators who serve in the U.S. Congress, that they will govern with God-honoring discernment and preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

My Prayer:

Heavenly Father - now is the time to gather Your people in the states of MN and MS...all of those Christians and churches and leaders need to seek YOU in all they do...I lift them up to you so that they may seek your ever-faithful guidance to lead their states in Your ways. Give the leaders faith in their decisions...that You are the one who guides them.

Give our Representatives and Senators in the U.S. Congress a humble spirit, that they may do what You intend. I pray that they will listen to the still small voice as You guide them to do what is right for our country.

In your name, I pray....

Amen

Day 12 - Prayer for America

23. Pray for the leaders, churches and Christians of Massachusetts and Michigan.

24. Pray for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done in your life and your family (Matt6:10)

My Prayer:

Oh God,

Be with the leaders of MA and MI...give them the courage to make the right decisions to prosper their states in Your ways, not theirs. Give the leaders of the churches and the Christians of these states the courage to stand up for You and show people Your way...and lead the unchurched to You.

For me, I pray that I continue to seek You daily...to keep You at the head of my life...to turn to You for guidance and to trust in Your ways, every day. I pray for all those in my family, immediate and removed, that they may see Your face and Your glory.

Amen.

Day 11 - Prayer for America

21. Pray for the leaders, churches and Christians of Maine and Maryland.

22. Pay for the President and Vice President, that their hearts would be guided by God, that their decisions would be wise, and that their leadership would be principled.

My Prayer:

Father God,

I can't even begin to imagine what it must feel like to be a "lame duck" president. How it must hurt to know that very little will be done to effect change at this time. Jesus must have felt this way, God. He KNEW that he had to die for our sins, but was there EVER a time when he felt like the "lame duck"? Did he think, "No matter what I do, it will all be worthless in the end."? No...He didn't because he believed in You, and knew that there was only one way to You. God, give our President and Vice President the COURAGE to stand, and continue to stand, for what they believe to be true...and to stand in Your name. Continue to give discernment to them, for they are still leaders until next year.

I pray for the states of Maine and Maryland. May the leaders of these states live by the principles that You set forth in their lives. If they don't know You, may those who who DO know You actively seek to show Your will to them. Let them be strong in conviction, but weak in fear...give them strength for commitment to You.

I ask this and all things in Your sweet name.

Day 10 - Prayer for America

19. Pray for the leaders, churches and Christians of Kentucky and Louisiana.

20. Pray for the children and youth of America, that God will grant them protection of body, soul, mind and spirit and fill them with godly desires and true hope.

My Prayer:

Oh Heavenly Father,

Jesus said once, "let the little children come unto me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these"...we need to let our children SEE who Jesus is...who YOU are, God. I pray for a hedge of protection around these little souls. That they are careful what their eyes see...that they are mindful of what their hands do...that they are vigilant of what their minds think...that they know where their feet go...because You are their guide, and if they are careful and follow You, they will know redemption and grace...and hope beyond the ages! Hold every single child close and near to Your loving heart - give them the spirit to stand up to those who don't believe in You. Let them show how Your son's sacrifice of life works in their hearts daily to make the world a better place. They are our FUTURE, God...help US to not screw it up for them!

Be with the leaders in Kentucky and Louisiana, God. Let everything be set aside that is not important. Let the churches and Christians of these states come forward and say that they will not be swayed by politics, but by what is good and right for their states. No matter what anyone says, religion is forever entwined in the politics of this country, and only soulless people want these separate for ever. Let those who can, lead those who can't....

In your name I pray...

Day 9 - Prayer for America

** Due to the loss of Uncle Charlie, I am a bit behind on these, and will post Day 9 and 10 today, and 11 and 12 tomorrow.

17. Pray for the leaders, churches and Christians of Iowa and Kansas.

18. Pray for a spiritual awakening across the nations, that the Gospel would be communicated across the full spectrum of American society and that Americans of all ages, races and backgrounds would be drawn to Christ and receive His life and salvation.


My Prayer:

Oh Father God,

As a resident of the state of Kansas, I know the needs of this state. We need strong leaders with Christian values. We need strong churches...and we need strong Christians. Give those of us who know You the strength to go out and BE THE CHURCH in Your name, for Your Glory...for You. There are so many in this state and Iowa who are hurting from the disasters of the last year....tornadoes, flooding....damage from years past still hasn't been repaired...scars remain. Give healing to those who have yet to see it...wrap Your tender arms around those who are hurting...let them see You.

Again, God...I ask You for spiritual guidance to all in this country. I am seeing fighting and bickering between the best of friends. I am seeing horrible name calling and insults being tossed around on blogs where You are the basis of the blog. People are feeling truly HOT about this election, Lord...and I think that anyone who says that Christianity doesn't belong in politics needs to rethink that. And You alone can do this. Give those of us who believe in You the strength and discernment to speak in LOVE to those who can not see You. Show us how to take the planks out of our eyes so we can help others remove the speck in theirs...and when that is gone, they will see clearly Your love.

Day 8 - Prayer for America

15. Pray for the leaders, churches, and Christians of Illinois and Indiana.

16. Pray for candidates for public office, that they would be moved by God to see what is honorable, just and moral.


My Prayer:

Oh Lord my God,

Today, I am here in front of You in thanks for all You have done, and what You are about to do in all the lives of the candidates running for all the various offices in this country. Be it local office, state, or national office, all of these people think they will do what is best...but for whom? God, I ask that they seek discernment to know what is true and just...to do what is best for all the people, and not just a few. The vocal minority must not win over the silent majority. The silent majority must now speak for what they believe to be true. When the candidates for office listen to the people, they will hear Your voice.

Be with those Christian, leaders and churches in Illinois and Indiana. Give the Christians and churches a voice...a prodding to step outside the box of comfort...to speak the words of truth that You have given them. Give the leaders the wisdom to make the proper decisions for their states so that all will benefit from what the states can give.

Father, thank You for this opportunity to share You with so many - I pray that people find this blog and read through the previous prayers and choose to share this with many others.

And all God's people said,
Amen.

Day 7 - Prayer for America

Sorry - thought I'd posted this yesterday...guess the song really hit my brain hard and I hit save instead of publish!

13. Pray for the leaders, churches and Christians of Hawaii and Idaho

14. Pray for the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Guardsmen (I'm also adding Reservists and Coasties here - they are not on the original prayer list), thanking God fir their service and asking Him to bless them with strength.



My Prayer:

Father God,

I humble myself before You tonight. There are so many people in this country who are confused and hurting, Lord. They don't know where to turn...they are unsure of who is leading them. Father, be with the leaders in the states of Hawaii and Idaho. Guide them to the strong and proper choices...not only for them, but for their states, their constituents and for You, oh Lord. Give them strong guidance...give them the knowledge they need to make the right choices, choice that will honor You.

Father, thank You SO MUCH for the rights and freedoms I enjoy. I am blessed that this is a free country, founded on Your principles. And these freedoms have not come without a cost. Father, the military might of our country is sorely being tested. Our men and women are in danger all over this world, and yet, when they know You are with them, they are not afraid. They stand in courage for the rights and freedoms they so strongly believe in...and they are the backbone of this country. Father, thank You for giving our country so many men and women who volunteer to join our military...that they do this willingly and without expecting a hero's return. Be with all of those who have left our shores to go to danger...in order to prevent danger from coming here. Thank You for showing so many Your light, when they are there...I see pictures of baptisms and I know that it is "one more for Jesus"! Thank you for my loving husband who serves, and for the many friends and families who also serve.

God, I ask that you be with 2BHCT that just deployed...specifically Vincent, Z, Nelson, Beckert, Vermeesch, and so many others. I raise these names in particular because I know them personally...but God, You know them ALL. Guard every hair on their heads, and bring them home safely. I ask that you also be with Fitzpatrick...he's been there for a bit, but he's been there over and over. You know, because You Are, that he is strong, and he will do what needs to be done...but protect him Lord, and be with his family. Give all the families strength, day by day, to make it through without their loved ones.

In Your sweet name I pray.
Amen

Day 6 - Prayer for America

11. Prayer for the leaders, churches and Christians of Florida and Georgia.

12. Play that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer and never cease to call upon God. (Psalms 5:3; 55:17; Isaiah 62:6).


Oh Father in Heaven,

See the people in Florida and Georgia...deep in the south, in the heart of the bible belt. Be with them, God, as they begin to prepare for the upcoming elections. May they be steady in their faith as they choose the future leadership for their states and for this country. May they be prepared to stand up in Your name, to call upon You and Your Holy Spirit and Your Son...so that they can further Your cause and Your righteousness. Prepare the hearts of the states' leaders...make them see what is good and right and what is best for the people of Georgia and Florida. May the churches and leaders of the churches in these 2 states put in an altar call, asking all the people in the churches to stand and be heard in Your glorious name.

My God...I pray that all of those churches in this country see who You are...I pray that they daily remind themselves that the church is not about them and not a place to hang out and drink coffee on Sundays. Make the church the body that reaches out. Let them see what it is to be a church on purpose...to the ends of the earth. Our biggest mission in life, for You, oh God, is to TELL...to tell about Your works and Your glory...to share with those who don't know You what You can do for them. But we can not do that as a body without the arms, the legs, the heart for You. We can not reach out to others until we ourselves know what You can do for us. Let those who know show those who don't. Let those who can, reach out of the building and to the unchurched, the unloved, the unwilling....let ME be a shining light and example of being the church.

I humble myself before You in adoration. Amen.

Day 5 - Prayer for America

9. Pray for the leaders, churches, and Christians of Connecticut and Delaware.

10. Pray for those who serve as police officers, prosecutors, defenders, judges, and Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, that they would be vigilant in service and wise in judgement.


My Prayer:

Oh Father God,

You are the light and salt of the earth. Your salt...it makes us thirsty and makes us want MORE of what You can give...it adds flavor to an otherwise dull life...it keeps us coming back for more of You. Your light...it shines and guides...the beacon in the ultimate darkness, God. Thank You for these wonderful and amazing gifts. God, I pray that You be with the leaders of Connecticut and Delaware. As election time gets closer, every state leader must be convicted to do what is right, not only for the state, but for Your glory. Give each state leader discernment to do what is loving and right in Your eyes, Heavenly Father. Help the churches and Christians to reach out to those who may doubt You or Your existence...let them be the beacon...the light of Your love shining through them to guide and attract...let them be the salt that makes everyone crave to be more like You.

Protect our law enforcement...help them to do what is right and avoid what is wrong. Give them strength and guidance. Keep them safe, Lord. Use them in whatever way You would have them be used to help, not harm. Give the prosecutors, defenders and judges the proper discernment to do what is right and help make this country a righteous place.

In your name I pray.

Day 4 - Prayer for America

My apologies for not posting this...thought I did, but couldn't find it!

7. Pray for the leaders, churches and Christians of California and Colorado.

8. Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin and draw Americans to faith in Christ (John 16:8).


My Heavenly Father,

I raise in prayer to you today, the states of California and Colorado. God, give the leaders of these states the guidance to do what is right for the people. To lead by example, to be strong leaders and models of society so that their constituents can see the shining example of You in their lives. There are many decisions that have been made in these states that are not what You would have, so give discernment to the people in CA and CO to elect the leadership that will honor and glorify You. I pray that the Christians and Churches in these states continue to seek You and honor You and actively set out on missions to bring new believers into Your presence.

Our sins are heavy Lord. You give us the chance to unburden ourselves by taking up Your yoke. Your yoke may, at first sight, seem so heavy, but when we surround ourselves with the mantle of Your shining light in our lives, the light lifts the weight away. Give all of those who have not yet met You a chance to feel the lightness of Your Shining glory by opening their eyes, and softening their hard hearts, so that they may turn to You and receive the free gift You offer to all.

In Your sweet name I pray.

Day 3 - Prayer for America

5. Pray for the leaders, churches and Christians of Arizona and Arkansas.

6. Pray for all of our Representatives and Senators who serve in the U.S. Congress, that they will govern with God-honoring discernment and preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

My Prayer:

My Heavenly Father,

To You I come, and I raise my hands in glory and honor for all You have done. I praise You for the works you have done across this land, and this world. You know, because it is all Yours, what there is still to do. I bring the leaders of Arizona and Arkansas to you today, God. Be with them, guide them, give them the ability to see beyond their own needs and greeds, and let them be spiritually guided to do what is necessary to give their states the BEST that they can.

Our Representatives and Senators have been in the forefront of our thoughts these last few days. Our financial crisis can not be solved unless these people come together and do what is RIGHT. Not what will help their individual states...but what will be the best for the ENTIRE country. Lord God, guide them...give them the discerning spirit to approve or turn down this bill...but to do it with a spiritual heart and not out of greed or deed. May You be forever the shining light in all our lives as we watch Your story unfold....

In your name, I pray.

Day 2 - Prayer for America

3. Pray for the leaders, churches and Christians of Alabama and Alaska.

4. Pray that Christian leaders across America would seek God's heart for vision, wisdom and direction. (Jeremiah 33:3)


My Prayer:

Father God,

Today I lift the states of Alabama and Alaska to you. Hear the petitions of the people in those states, Lord. They are your children, and they are asking you for help. Give all the people in leadership positions in those states...the Governors, the Senators, the Representatives...the Judges...the city government leaders....give them all the wisdom to do what is right for their constituents. Be with Alaska as their Governor is part of the Republican Presidential Campaign. Give their Lieutenant Governor the guidance to continue to run that state with You in mind. Let Alaska continue to be on the mind of the Governor, that she may continue to lead from afar. Be with all the leaders in Alabama as they are preparing for their elections. Cover them all with Your grace and love.

As I continue to pray, I ask that you bring the leaders all across America together - to run this country as they know it SHOULD be run...not for THEIR profit, but for the people...and for YOUR glory. Open the ears of those who aren't listening to what is being said...soften the hearts of the hard-hearted - that they may see You in all they do.

In your name I pray.

Day 1 - Prayer for America

1. Pray for a great outpouring of God's Spirit on America (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17).
2. Pray for the President and Vice President, that their hearts would be guided by God, that their decisions would be wise, and that their leadership would be principled.

My prayer:


Father God,

We turn to you today to bring our country to you in prayer. Our country is a nation that is hurting right now. There is so much going wrong and so much that needs to be done. No one wants to take that first step in faith...and so I am praying that you will guide each and every soul in this nation to look to You for your guidance to do what is right and forgo what is wrong.

I lift President Bush and Vice President Cheney up to you Lord. Wrap your loving arms strongly around them and guide them to choose what is right for our country. The crises we face right now are many, but simple faith in You can change this. I ask that you give discernment to President Bush to aid our financial crisis - that he makes the right choices to protect our financial institutions without causing everything else to suffer. Give him and all our other leaders the guidance to make the right choices.

A Nation in Crisis...

and what we can do about it. It's called Intercessory Prayer.

I've committed, with my church, to "30 Days of Prayer for America". While reading De'Etta's blog Choosing Joy, she talked about how she was feeling led to pray for our country. So I am taking the plunge and sharing 30 Days of Prayer for America" with you. For the next 30 days, we are called to pray for our nation...state by state, leader by leader. Here's what the flier says:

**********************

We're going on an unforgettable journey...

30 Days of Prayer For America

For 30 memorable days, we're going to pray across America. Through the instant access of intercession we will visit every state, every territory, and our nations capital, Washington, DC. Our guide on this unforgettable journey is the Prayer Map of America, a unique resource with an easy-to-follow, day-by-day itinerary.

2008 is a crucial year for America - a year of challenges and, of course, a year of decisions. Of all the things we can do for our country at this historic time, nothing is more important than prayer. If we truly want God to bless America - to stand beside her and guide her - we must pray.

The strategy is simple: Each day for the specifed 30 Days of Prayer for America we will take just a few minutes to pray for that day's requests. There are only two requests per day, so it won't take much time, but it will make a huge impact. The unified effect of believers praying can awaken our nation, renew our church and spiritually transform our lives. This is going to be a great journey. Don't miss it!

***********************

Now - since there's no way I can truly provide you a copy of the map, I will post each day's request here. If you have a map at home, you can find the states you are praying for, and visually connect with them. But even if you don't have a map handy, you can take a few minutes to pray the requests of each day.

**********************

Whenever you come to a request for a specific state or territory in the daily list, remember these priorities:

• Pray for the leaders of the state, that God's Spirit would guide them to act justly, serve with integrity and uphold high moral standards.
• Pray for the churches of the state, that they would be lighthouses of truth, havens of hope, and centers of love for all people.
• Pray for the Christians of the state, that they would be faithful witnesses for Christ, humble servants of God, and positive influences on society

Over the course of the 30-day prayer plan, six national-level requests are each repeated 3 times. These address the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of our government. Additionally, there are prayers for our Armed Forces, for America's spiritual renewal, and for candidates for public office. As you remember these requests over the 30 days of prayer, keep in mind the following important details:

Praying for our President and Vice President. They bear responsibilities of enormous importance. Pray that their hearts would be guided by God, that their decisions would be wise, and that their leadership would be principled.

Praying for our Congressional Leaders. The hundreds of men and women who serve in the U.S. Congress - our Representatives and Senators - oversee the nation's legislative business. Pray that they will govern with God-honoring discernment and preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

Praying for our Justice System. Ours is a nation pledged to justice for all; and though our systems has its imperfections, it is markedly better than most of the world. Millions in our society serve as police officers, prosecutors, defenders and judges. And, in the highest roles, nine individuals serve as Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. Pray that all of these public servants will be vigilant, discerning and wise.

Praying for our Armed Forces. We are blessed with liberty because brave members of our Armed Forces have fought to keep us free. Today, a new generation of soldiers, sailors, marines airmen and guardsmen are serving gallantly, and we are the beneficiaries. Pray with appreciation for their service, and ask God to bless them with strength.

Praying for Spiritual Renewal. America has many needs, but none more important than a spiritual awakening and a spiritual renewal. Pray for the Gospel to be communicated across the full spectrum of our society. Pray for biblical principles, long dormant, to bear new fruit. Pray that Americans of all ages, races and backgrounds would be drawn to God and receive His life and salvation.

Praying for Candidates for Public Office. In our system of government, we the people select our leaders. This is a great responsibility and we must exercise it wisely and prayerfully. Pray for the candidates for public office, that they would be moved by God to seek what is honorable, just and moral.

PRAYING FOR THE STATES

Listed on most days of the 30-day prayer plan are the names of specific U.S. states or territories. The goal each day is to pray for the leaders, churches and Christians in those places. Following are some key thoughts to guide your intercession.

Praying for Leaders in the State. The Bible instructs us to make requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for all who are in authority, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). In our world, this means we are to pray for Governors, Lieutenant Governors and other leaders in authority. Specifically, we should pray that they would act justly, that they would serve with integrity, and that they would uphold moral standards.

Praying for Churches in the State. Churches, of course, are not merely buildings; they are living, active bodies of believers. America is blessed with more than 300,000 churches of all denominations and traditions. As you intercede for these churches, both generally and specifically, pray that they would be lighthouses of truth, havens of hope and centers of love.

Praying for Christians in the State. Jesus said that His followers are to be "salt" and "light" within society. Like salt, they should make others thirsty for the Gospel. Like light, they are to illuminate with the brightness of Christ's love. As you intercede for Christians state-by-state, pray that they will be faithful witnesses of the Gospel, humble servants of Christ, and positive influences within their communities.

Does prayer really make a difference? Yes, it makes an extraordinary difference because God in His unlimited compassion responds to prayer offered in His name. As God's children and followers of Jesus Christ, we must urgently, faithfully pray for our nation and its people. Prayer can affect the course of history and shape the destiny of a nation. As you pray day by day following the plan in the Prayer Map of America you can be sure that your intercession can make a transformational difference.

****************************


So...who's with me in this journey? If you've made it this far, I know you will follow the prayers (and nudge me gently if I forget to post!). I know that you will pray, because you took the time to read all of this. And please, feel free to link to this, or copy and paste it on your blog...if you just read blogs but aren't a blogger, share this through email with those who will pray and make a difference.

This is stepping far outside my comfort zone - I'm a Christ-follower, a Christian, a believer...I don't hide that fact...but rarely do I put it out for all the world to see. I may lose readers over this, but it is my strong belief and prayer that others who never read this blog will stick around for the next 30 days and pray for our nation with me.

The first prayer will be posted tomorrow.