2023 National Prayer For America

 

We come with fervent hearts to praise You Lord.

You are The Word, the Way, Truth and Life.

The Alpha and Omega, Lion of Judah, Almighty God

who was, and is, and is to come. You clothed

Yourself in flesh and dwelt among us, to remove

our sin and clothe us in Your righteousness that

we might dwell with You forever and ever.

 

With broken, humbled hearts we repent of our

sins. Confessing to You our faithlessness,

prayerlessness, and disobedience. Forgive us for

our doubt, our prideful and quarrelsome words

that reveal our unclean hearts. Cleanse us and

renew a right and steadfast spirit within us we

pray.

 

With grateful hearts we thank You fervently for

the blessings in our life and throughout

America; they are more than we are able to

count. We will remember Your grace and testify

o Your goodness in all generations. Help us to

refrain from complaining, but instead be

prompted to pray faithfully in every

circumstance. Teach us to have a content heart

knowing You are always enough for our every

need.

 

As the Church we commit to pray and love our

neighbor and nation as You loved us, that our

reputation in this world would be rooted in Your

love. Holy Spirit work and overflow through us

in every prayer, thought, word, and deed. May

our character, conversations, and conduct

reflect the righteousness in which You clothed

us and command us to live.

 

With an obedient heart we put on the full armor

of God; Your breastplate of righteousness

guards our heart from which flows the springs of

life. We pray fervently for our communities and

country; the people who are in the Church,

Family, Education, Business and Workplace,

Military, Government, Arts, Entertainment and

Media. Every person is Your workmanship,

fearfully and wonderfully created and loved.

With hopeful hearts we pray that all would

choose to receive Your love and follow You. We

pray that America would confess, “Jesus is

Lord” and reflect Your righteousness in every

sphere of influence, and every aspect of our

lives. We ask that heavenly hope would flood

our hearts, silence hate, and that You will heal

our land.

 

Believing You; all You are, all You said, and all

You have promised, we pray fervently in

righteousness and avail much. In Jesus Name

we pray, Amen!

 

 

Kathy Branzell

President, National Day of Prayer Task Force

God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware. Through prayer, we are able to tap into His wisdom, strength, protection, and peace. He stands ready to respond to our needs when we humbly ask for divine intervention in the affairs of men.

As we Pray for America whose pledge of allegiance recounts that we are “one nation under God,” and whose currency states that it is “in God we trust,” we want Americans to encounter the God who rules over their country.

 

“He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man,

He who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth

—the LORD God Almighty is His name.”  Amos 4:13 NIV

 

He is the One who gave us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14:

 

“If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

As we humbly and diligently seek Him, we’ll be changed, and we’ll see transformation in America through prayer!

PRAYING INTO SEVEN CENTERS OF INFLUENCE IN OUR NATION

1. GOVERNMENT

• Pray for your leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity.

(I Kings 3:28; I Timothy 2:1-2; Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 11:3; Romans 13:1-2)

Federal Government

• Consider praying for our President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Congressional Leaders, Supreme Court Justices

State Government

• Consider praying for your Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders, Judicial Leaders

Local Government

• Consider praying for your Mayor, City Counsel, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, County Officials

2. MILITARY

“He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them . . . and encouraged them with these words: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him. With him only is the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles...’”  2 Chronicles 32:6-8

• Perseverance to endure hardship (Isaiah 43:2; Deuteronomy 31:6)

• Wise leaders who inspire respect from those under their command (Romans 13:1)

• Protection and support for the families they have left behind (Romans 1:8-10)

3. MEDIA

“...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8

• The decision makers within the media to realize they can make a profit by producing uplifting projects (Proverbs 8:10-11)

• Christians in media to find favor and be filled with creative ideas that bring kingdom principles and life-giving messages to the public (Proverbs 2:1-15)

4. BUSINESS

“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working...”  Exodus 31:3-4 

• Impartation of ideas and resources to open principled businesses, especially in areas that need an economic boost (Psalm 132:15)

• Christian workers to display Christ-like humility and service to their co-workers (Philippians 2:3)

5. EDUCATION

“If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for  silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom,and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”  Proverbs 2:3-6

• A safe atmosphere conducive to learning

• Excellence in educators (Exodus 18:20-21)

• Equal opportunities for every student to achieve their full potential (Philippians 1:9)

6. CHURCH

“So then, just as you received Jesus Christ as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”  Colossians 2:6-8

• The church would find a new zeal and commitment to the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:37)

• Unity with and among churches that reveal God’s love to the world (John 17:23)

• Integrity–that God’s people look and act differently from the world (I Peter 2:11; 1 Corinthians 13:6)

7. FAMILY

“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”  Mark 3:25

• Unity and love in individual families that reach out in hospitality toward others (Romans 12:9-13)

• Establish healthy relationships between parents and children (Malachi 4:5-6)

Pray for our church as a whole - ministries, leaders, volunteers, and church members - would live out the mission statement of Grace Community Church, which is to…

Honor God by reaching people with the Good News of Jesus Christ and teaching them to become fully devoted followers of Him.

ADMINISTRATION

• Pray for our Data System and all that goes on behind the scenes to operate the day-to-day functions of our church. For no technology glitches or impediments. 

• Pray over our budget and financial well being and that we would be good stewards of what God provides. 

• Pray for our business partners, vendors, consultants, and other companies we do business with, that they will continue to help guide us, support us and assist us in our mission. 

CARE MINISTRY

• For the Lord to continue to draw people to our Care Groups to experience the love and support needed whether their journey involves grief/loss, divorce, infertility, addiction/recovery, or codependency. May those who come feel welcomed, supported, and safe to share their hurts and concerns. As they seek healing, may they come to know and trust you, God!

• Prayers for God's protection over Care Group Leaders and 1-1 Caregivers as they come alongside and support those who are struggling and hurting. Prayers that they stay strong in their faith and keep healthy boundaries so they do not become overextended as they care for others. 

• For God to bring forth new leaders and caregivers for the Care Ministry to match the needs of those reaching out for help. 

• God's guidance as we plan for a new initiative to support parents to meet emotional challenges with their children and develop strong families. This project planned for late 2023 will involve Grace small groups, family team, and care ministry.

COUNSELING

• Prayers for Grace Counseling Services (GCS) children’s therapy center to be up and in working order by May, and for those children who need therapy the most be lifted and placed here in our counseling center.  

• Praying for the practicum and intern students starting in May at GCS be filled with God's courage and wisdom, for God to lay the groundwork for an excellent environment to learn in and through GCS.

• Please pray for The Covenant School in Nashville and all that were involved in the violent act of a school shooting. Please pray for the victims and their families and the church as well as the lead pastor and family who lost their daughter.

CREATIVE TEAM

• Pray that holes on the Worship Team will be filled with musicians/vocalists who are willing to use their God given gifts and talents to serve and glorify God. 

• Pray that each service creates an excellent environment for people to worship an audience of One and hear God’s Word. 

• Pray that all of the equipment, instruments, technology, etc. work properly and there would be no interference or distractions. 

• Pray over our Online services that they will stream/upload properly and be far reaching and impactful to people’s walk with the Lord. 

FACILITY & SECURITY

• Pray for our Facility and Security Teams that they are able to continue to maintain a clean and safe environment here at Grace. 

• Pray for protection over them as they use the gifts and talents God has given them to serve others. 

FAMILY TEAM 

• For all of the women who are pregnant and expecting babies this year (there are a ton)!

• Pray that more volunteers would be called to Grace Kids' Ministry.

• Pray that new families would be comfortable getting connected.

• Pray for our Family Podcast to continue its mission to partner, equip and encourage parents to help their family walk with God.

• Pray for our technology and check-in system, that it operates properly on the weekends so that all families have a smooth and pleasant experience when they bring their kids to church to learn more about Jesus without distractions. 

• Pray for the Family Team if and when the need arises to troubleshoot and/or execute back-up plans for technology glitches with the check-in system. 

• Pray for our Special Needs Ministry as they prepare for their Respite Care events. 

• Pray for our families who have children with special needs, that they feel supported and surrounded by love from our church family. 

• Pray for our upcoming Child Dedication that families will take the step to dedicate their children and raise them in faith in Jesus Christ, and that the Family Team can come alongside them to support them in this endeavor. 

• GRACE STUDENTS

  • Prayers that students and leaders would continue to grow in relationship with Jesus and that they would represent Him in all areas of their lives.

  • Prayers for students to finish this school year strong! 

  • Pray for the upcoming events hosted by Grace Students. 

  GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES

  • Pray for all of our leaders and participants to continue to grow closer to God and closer to each other. 

  • Pray for God to strengthen the relationships within our groups and continue to provide a safe place to share in authentic, transparent community.

  • Pray for more people to get connected to groups so they can experience being surrounded by like-minded people who are striving to be more Christ-like and feel the love and support of others on their faith journey. 

  MOMENTUM MEN’S MINISTRY

  • For men inside and outside of Grace Community Church to want to continually know God better and to love Him more. And as such, to humbly, yet boldly pursue Him, His Word and Truth. To find others to surround themselves in Biblical community to build relationships, do life together, and apply what they’re learning in the context of authentic, transparent accountability relationships. Ultimately, to be changed from the inside out and becoming more like Jesus in His character and nature, impacting those around them and making a difference in a desperately hurting world.

  • Our Summer Connection is coming up in June, and we want nothing more than for men to come together for a night of worship, learning from a speaker, and enjoying delicious grilled meat and fellowship. 

  • We are finalizing plans for our upcoming MoMENtum Weekend Getaway in October. Pray that all barriers for men to attend are removed and that they can decompress, build relationships, learn and grow, and enjoy the speakers, activities and food at Peek’n Peak Resort. 

  PASTORS

  • Pray for our Pastors and their families. 

  • Pray as they prepare the messages for weekend services that God will speak to their hearts and use their platform to honor Him and bring others to Christ. 

  • Pray for their health and well being, that they can stay healthy and strong to pursue the purpose God has for them. 

  • Pray for any adversity that comes their way so they can persevere through trials and tribulations and rely on God’s guidance and will. 

    TOGETHER WOMEN’S MINISTRY

    • Prayers that women are drawn to our ministry seeking a deeper connection with God and with other women through the many programs we provide.

    • Play Date in the Parks - Pray that moms with young children would take advantage of these gatherings at a local park during the warm months of the year to make connections with other moms as their children play together.

    • Pray that our Together Widows Living with Hope Ministry continues to have an impact on women who have suffered great loss. That widows would come together and continue to support, encourage, and love each other through the different events we offer. 

    • Pray as we design and develop a Widows Care Network to come alongside and help widows with their practical needs in our church and community.

    • Also, pray that our Bible study groups would continue to grow, and that women would find deep connection with each other and experience true life transformation as they open the Word of God together and encourage each other through support and accountability.

    SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY

    • Pray that more Senior Adults will be reached and feel comfortable joining us for our dinners and events throughout the year. 

    • Pray for our leadership of this ministry to continue to come up with creative themes and fun activities for people to participate in.

REFUGE FOR WOMEN

https://refugeforwomen.org/pittsburgh/

• Staff - Our final need is Direct Service Workers,  this is our after-hours support staff for evenings/nights/weekends.

• Favor with the City of Pittsburgh for our Fire safety system review and approval then final occupancy approval to open.

• Financial favor always! (grants, events, sponsorships, individual monthly donors, etc).

CHOICES PREGNANCY CENTER

https://choices-for-life.org/

• For protection and peace of mind for our staff and clinics in this post Roe climate.

• For women who are abortion minded to not only make appointments but to keep their appointments.

• For those who have suffered trauma due to a previous abortion, to find hope and healing through Jesus.

• For opportunities to share Jesus with our patients.

• For favor as we move forward to renovate a new building in order to serve more women and families.

LIGHTHOUSE

https://www.thelighthousepa.org/

• Our 18 residents who are living in our transitional housing program. Pray that they feel supported, valued and brave enough to keep working towards self-sufficiency. 

• Our food pantry. We are seeing a very large increase in participants. Many are new and have never needed to access a food pantry before. Pray that the recipients feel the love of Christ while being supported by our staff and volunteers. 

• The Lighthouse Foundation in general as we continue to pray, discern and search for a permanent location for the food pantry and our offices. 

GRACE PROJECT

https://graceprojectpa.org/

• Please pray that the students and their families who participate in the GRACE Project programs are drawn to Christ through our efforts of meeting various needs they have, and that they ultimately will accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

• Please pray that our 2023 Gala will be successful and that we will find new corporate sponsorships this year. Pray that the funds raised will meet the amount needed to pay for the various programs we offer through the end of the 2024 school year. 

GLOBAL OUTREACH PARTNERS

SAMUEL SESAY - EDUNATIONS

Personal 

Please pray for me for grace, strength and wisdom as I lead EduNations and the EPC in Sierra Leone. Due to the enormous demands of my work, I struggle to find rest times even though my body daily needs rest. Please pray that I will enjoy the seldomly short times I get and that I can make the most of them. 

Family

Please pray for Catherine, Samuella, Samrine and Sallay as we continue to grow as a family. Please pray that we will grow closer to each other and closer to God. That we will daily delight ourselves in God's Word and in his service. Please pray for Samuella in Pittsburgh who is now searching for an apartment to rent for next school year that God will guide her in making the decision on where to live and that she will continue to have a productive life.

EduNations

Please pray for all our staff and students to continue to understand the vision of the ministry and that together we will embrace the hope that is being ignited in our hearts. Please pray for the salvation of all those who are yet to become saved. Please pray for our partners and donors that they will not relent in their generosity to this organization so that we can continue with this great work. 

VIRGIL HUGHES - NEW VINES INTERNATIONAL

Please pray for funding for our US staff. We have several current staffing needs: Social Media and Marketing, a Bookkeeper, and possibly a General Manager.

THE COX FAMILY - CAMBODIA

Family

Please pray for our daughter, Illana, for quick healing, and for the insurance company to come through with the payment. She just had surgery on her ACL that ruptured during a school sporting event, and the insurance company isn't currently agreeing to pay for any of the procedures. XRay, MRI, surgery, and physical therapy. We are looking at $15,000+ in bills once it is all done if they don't help us. Please pray that they change

their decision regarding guarantee of payment, or that God helps provide for this in a different way.

Business

Pray for Chris as he considers a partnership with another photo video ministry.

There is a friend who is under our same organization who is running the same kind of business. We have discussed the possibility of combining forces for discipleship, skill building, and business. It would be a great opportunity but I want to do what is best for my guys and my current ministry. This is a new development that I’ve known about for a while but we just began official talks.

DAVID OKONGO - HOUSE OF HOPE, KENYA

Medical

• Good health for all medical staff as they provide quality medical care and their courageous responsibilities to treat the sick.

• More clients to use the medical services.

• For expansion to have X-ray machines, Dental unit, Eye unit, and more beds and supplies.

• Accreditation of NHIF inpatient services.

• Peace in our country.

• Partners and department heads.

School

• For parents to pay fees despite hard times in Kenya.

• Completion of Junior Secondary School.

• Provision of more Library Books.

• More competent teachers.

• Funds for fencing around the school.

Chapel

• A new Pastor to minister to the patients, kids, school, staff and communities!

• Dignity and respect in all members of the chapel and communities.

• Pray for growth among praise and worshipers in HOH Chapel.

• Collaborate with one another toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

• Pray for the salvation of our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and the people.

• Mobilize the followers of Jesus entrusted to our ministry and local churches in reaching every person on earth with His grace and truth.

• Invest increased resources in evangelistic efforts especially for people who have never heard the Gospel.

• Go with the Good News using every means available so that everyone has the

opportunity to know Jesus Christ.

• For population growth in the Chapel.

Child Sponsorship

• The kids as they are about to start their end term exams, may God give them good health and sound minds.

• Pupils' population growth in Katito Hope School.

• That the staff work in unity and diligence in serving the community.

• Good health and prosperity to the sponsors and their families.

• School library to have a lot of books.

• God’s blessing to all the ministry sponsors and the leadership.

• God's support in the ministry’s growth of the community.

• God to avert rebellion from kids that are sponsored.

• Provision for mentorship materials and opportunities.

Ministry

• May God always protect and provide for the leaders of the ministry.

• May the Almighty God provide funds to complete various projects in the Ministry, for example, The Junior Secondary Project.

• Good health for the staff and their family members.

• Pray the Lord may continue using this ministry to touch and change lives in the community.

• The Grace Community Church Team as they plan to come to Kenya this summer, may God grant them journey mercies.

• Praying for peace and harmony.

• May the Lord continue restoring the House of Hope Ministry in service to humanity.

• God’s protection and wisdom to the HOH leadership team and all the staff.

• Oneness and love amongst my Kandaria communities, that we may continue working together to overcome our common challenges.

• The less fortunate members of my community that the Lord may provide for them in his own miraculous ways.

• Financial breakthrough for the HOH ministry for completion of the much needed community stalled projects.

Personal Prayers from HOH Staff

• Thanksgiving to the Lord for giving staff the opportunity to serve humanity in HOH, and praying for more grace to handle duties in accordance to God’s will.

• God’s protection for all our family members.

• Healing to a stepmother who is still very sick.

• Financial breakthrough in our families, paying of college and school tuitions.

• Financial breakthrough to help clear kids’ school fees.

• Pray for a sister who is set to join university. May GOD provide the required

resources.

• Pray that GOD heals my Father who is suffering from hypertension. A healing for my daughter who has a mouth infection, a healing for my sister-in-law who was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

• To break all the curses in our family.

• Pray for my family. There is a lot going on, there is misunderstanding that has led to much hatred. Pray for God to intervene and let there be peace.

• God to give us intercessors (prayer warriors who will commit themselves and pray for the church).

• The Lord may help me stand in His Word and even know Him more.

Personal Requests from David OKongo

• That God will continue to make alive to accomplish his great commission and plans. We escaped a bad accident and that caused fear.

• For my kids to find employment soon.

• Wisdom in my leadership in HOH and communities, despite hard times

• Vehicle repairs.

• Our relationships with others in government, communities , family members, and other leaders.

• Planning for the Grace team to travel in June to Kenya.

• Talking to school for the opportunity to allow kids to come to the party in June.

• My home projects and completion of our business.

In the Old Testament, we see God leading the Israelites through battles into the promised land.

 

God not only gave His chosen people deliverance in these historical events: He revealed aspects of His character that we praise and put our trust in, even today.

 

WHY to pray

The sphere of military has always been an influence in cultures throughout time. In the New Testament, see the Apostle Paul use military terminology to help believers comprehend spiritual truths, such as relating physical armor to spiritual armor and explaining the spiritual battle we fight against the powers of darkness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Historically, the United States military has fought for the freedoms we see in our legal documents and to uphold American interests in other countries. The military itself is comprised of thousands of volunteers from all walks of life who submit themselves to fulfill the needs of our country, whether that is across the world or across state lines. The armed services can provide a sense of purpose and structure, as well as opportunities in growing career fields. However, job stress and the unique culture of the military can also foster an environment that increases the likelihood of substance abuse and can place a great strain on marriage and family life. Military members are often exposed to dangerous and violent situations and have a higher rate of experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, divorce, homelessness, and other life-altering challenges.

The military needs our prayer!

HOW to pray

Pray the Father’s heart. To do this, seek scripture for wisdom on God’s design for each person to rely on the Lord and His provision. Meditating on scripture before beginning prayer puts our hearts into a position of submission to the will of God. These verses are good starting places to see how we can pray for members of our military:

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 ESV

We wait for Yahweh; He is our help and shield. For our hearts rejoice in Him because we trust in His holy name. – Psalm 33:20-21 NIV

Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 HCSB

WHAT to pray

• pray for the leaders to make wise and righteous decisions based on Biblical principles rather than personal career gains

• Lord, help all military personnel see You working in their daily lives, that You are with them, whether they are in the field, at home, or abroad

• Remove stigmas for seeking medical attention for mental and physical needs

• God, hold the families of service members close, and may they look to You for the strength and peace that only You can give

• Comfort the spouses who are separated due to military jobs—keep these marriages strong

• Lord, keep the hearts of the military from being desensitized to violence, while keeping them strengthened through battles. Only You can provide such a balance.

• Move service members to seek the Lord and family for comfort, rather than overuse of substances

Do you want to make a difference in your family? Here is a simple family experience that will have great impact … and YES, YOU CAN DO IT! It is that simple and easy, and it will bring your family closer together and closer to God. This is an eight-day family prayer guide leading up to and including the National Day of Prayer. Our prayers will focus on seven centers of influence that shape our culture and society. 

Family leader, all you have to do is gather your family together, read the passage of Scripture, ask the questions, let people discuss, and then pray. This will be a fun time of generating discussions, sharing thoughts, and then praying. Your prayers do not have to be elaborate. They really need to be simple prayers, even sentence prayers. You may be hesitant because you have never done this before. Trust God to help you. You can do it, and your family will draw closer to one another and to God.

Here are some simple guidelines:

• Set a regular time of day that works best for your family.

• Ask God for help and to bless this time. You may also pray for thousands of others like yourself who are leading their families in this time of crisis and prayer.

• Gather your family.

• Smile and have a good time. Your family will follow your lead.

• Ask someone to begin with prayer. The first time, you may want to pray a short simple prayer to model to your family.

• Ask someone to read the Bible passage for the day. You can change who reads each time so that everyone feels included.

• Follow the guide. Remember, these questions are designed to include everyone, and everyone will have different answers. Thank and affirm people when they share.

• The first one or two may be a little awkward if you have never done something like this, but it will become easier and easier. It starts with Family as a center of influence in our culture. This will facilitate real discussion.

• If you miss a day, do not stress. You can catch up after the National Day of Prayer.

• You may want to let your older children lead some prayer times. This builds leadership and participation.

• Some in your family may not want to pray out loud. Give permission to pray silently. God still hears!

• When you finish, thank everyone. If you feel led, pray a simple prayer of thanksgiving for each of your family members. Ask God to bless them and your family.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through  all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves…  Colossians 1:9-13 NIV

• Pray continually (Colossians 1:9)

• Knowledge of His will (Colossians 1:9)

• Spiritual wisdom (Colossians 1:9)

  • That I/they would view and see life through the same lens that God sees life, and that every decision I/they make would filter first through the wisdom that is found in the word of God:

• How are others advising me?

• How is the Spirit leading me?

• What does God say about it?

• Is there an example in the Bible? 

• How will this affect others?

• Their character (Colossians 1:10a)

  • That it would be consistent with how Jesus lived His life

• Conduct - how I/they live

• Conversation - what I/they say

• Character - who I am, who they are

• Be fruitful (Colossians 1:10b)

  • That their character and life would be a witness to others, allowing them to honor God by reaching people with the good news of Jesus Christ and teaching them to become fully devoted followers of Him (Grace’s Mission Statement)

• Spiritual growth (Colossians 1:10b)

• Increase in knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10)

  • As they learn more, their character, conversation, and conduct will change because they are now being convicted by the word of God that should lead to a life that is more consistent with the life that Jesus lived

• Strengthened with God’s power (Colossians 1:11) 

  • Pray for their weaknesses

• Physical weakness - they would experience the power of God strengthening them in the midst of their physical weakness

• Emotional weakness - discouragement, discontentment, depression, anger issues, etc. 

• Spiritual weakness - spiritual warfare, strong temptation they may be dealing with

• Endurance and patience (Colossians 1:11)

  • Loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, a wayward child, etc. - that God would give them the endurance to stay in that difficult situation, not turn away from God, not to give up on the faith, but to have the patience to wait for God to work some things out in their life

• They would be joyful (Colossians 1:12)

OTHER SCRIPTURES TO PRAY FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS 

Philippians 1:16-18

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people

Philippians 3:14-19

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family  in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

John 17:20-26

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one —  I in them and you in me — so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”