April 3-9, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

April 3-9, 2023 

Monday, April 3. Jesus, forgiveness can be one of the toughest things to do in life. Wounds inflicted by others can pierce me deeply. Keep me mindful of your unconditional love for me so that I may be truly sorry for having offended you. As I remember your own willingness to forgive me of my failings, I ask for the inner strength to forgive those who wrong me, especially when it is most difficult.

Tuesday, April 4. Generous Father, knowing that I am in your loving hands, I turn the cares and anxieties of my life over to you and confidently trust that you will take care of all of my needs.

Wednesday, April 5. Lord Jesus, you demonstrated your great love for me by all that you were willing to suffer for my sake. I cannot begin to comprehend the depths of this love. Keep me ever mindful of the great magnitude of your sacrifice. Enkindled by the fire of your love may I too be willing to pour out my life so that I may make your love known in the world.

Thursday, April 6. Lord Jesus, giving of myself for the sake of others is one of the most difficult things to do in life, yet this is what you call me to do. At the last supper you celebrated with your friends, you showed me that this is the way to a life worth living, this is the way to life with you. May the example of your great sacrifice and loving service to others inspire and strengthen me to lay down my own life in loving service to others.

Friday, April 7. Jesus, my Savior, there are many reasons this day is “good”. Today we remember how you showed your love for us, how you conquered death and suffering and won our redemption for us, and how you demonstrated that to come to life, we must first die to ourselves. Because of your sacrifice, death and suffering no longer have the final word. The victory which you won through your death is truly good, and I praise you for it. Today I unite my trials and sufferings with your own so that they too might become good. I ask you to continue to pour out your blessings upon me and to be my strength as I seek to be your faithful disciple.

Saturday, April 8. Lord God, I give you thanks for all of the blessings with which you have showered me: the gift of life itself, my family and friends, the beauty of creation, and all that which sustains my life. I give you thanks not only for the seemingly good things of life but for all of my life, including the times of challenge, trials, and suffering. I thank you especially for calling me to share in your Son’s victory over sin and death.

Sunday, April 9 (Easter Sunday). Resurrected Lord, I join with all creation in celebrating the feast of your victory. Alleluia! The light of your resurrection gives new meaning to all of life. Death and suffering no longer have the final word. You have conquered the night and death and brought to us day and life. May the joy of Easter be with me always. Renew me and fill me with your risen life as I seek to bring the good news of your resurrection to the world.

March 27-April 2, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

March 27-April 2, 2023 

Monday, March 27. Jesus, following you is not always easy and carefree. It does require something from me; I must follow our commands. Often out of pride or convenience, I seek to follow my own will instead. Lead me through the narrow gate. Be merciful and soften my heart when I stubbornly refuse to follow you. Remind me that life with you is well worth any cost I may incur in following you.

Tuesday, March 28. Lord, I bear many burdens in life, some of which are imposed upon me by others. There is also much that concerns me;  bills, work, family, relationships, and simply how I am going to get through the day. You knew very well the tribulations of human existence. Yet you patiently accepted the shortcoming of others and the trials of life, even to the point of death. When I experience trials and worries, I often become impatient and want instant solutions to my problems. Give me strength and wisdom to be patient as I face the burdens and concerns of this life. In doing so, may I learn the wisdom that comes in trusting in you and waiting on your assistance.

Wednesday, March 29. Lord, sometimes I avoid silence out of fear of what I might hear. Help me to overcome this fear and to quiet the many noises that surround me so that I can better hear your voice in my life.

Thursday, March 30. Lord, may the example of your own life strengthen me as I seek to overcome the pride, jealousy, and backstabbing that lead to divisions between others and myself. Help me to channel the love that you have given me so that I may develop life-giving relationships with other. Unite us in our love for you and one another.

Friday, March 31. Jesus, given your own life experiences, you certainly understand that there are people who make life difficult for me. I ask you to change my perspective. Rather than seeing such people as a burden in life, may I see them as blessings. Lead me to an awareness of how the trials and pain that such people bring can actually lead me to you. Given my own shortcoming, teach me the wisdom of being patient with others as I surely want them to be patient with me.

Saturday, April 1. Lord, often I become so distracted by my busy life that I lose my focus on you. Teach me to keep you as the ultimate priority in my life. May my work and activities serve as means by which I am brought into deeper relationship with you.

Sunday, April 2 (Palm Sunday). Lord Jesus, hear my cry and draw near to me when I call upon your holy name. I humbly yet firmly trust that, through the power of your name, all things can be accomplished. May your name always be praised.

March 20-26, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

March 20-26, 2023 

Monday, March 20. Lord, this Lent I hear you calling me to turn toward you, the source of true life, and away from the “dead-end” of my old way of life. May the acts of self-sacrifice I perform this holy season serve not as a cause of self -satisfaction and pride but be means by which I am reminded of my spiritual hunger for you. Turn me to you, Lord. 

Tuesday, March 21. Lord, it is easier to speak of my faithfulness than to live it from my heart. I do not want to live a life of hypocrisy where my words say one thing but my heart and actions say another. Give me the strength and courage so that I might be a person of integrity. Permeate me with the fire of your love so that my words are not empty but reflect a heart and life devoted to you. 

Wednesday, March 22. Lord, this Lent help me let go of the pride that hinders my relationships with you and with others. Lead me out of my sense of self sufficiency and superiority to recognize my total dependency on you. As I grow in humility, let me cling to the treasure that can be found through life with you, a treasure that the world does not begin to offer.

Thursday, March 23. Lord, as I gaze at your face I see myself as you call me to be. May my heart, mind, and will be stirred by this encounter. While you serve as a mirror of me I also desire to become a mirror that reflects your presence to the world. Assist me as I strive to become more like you by living in simplicity, humility, and love for others.

Friday, March 24. Lord, you call me to follow you by taking up my own cross in life. Grant me strength and courage to more willingly and lovingly embrace the trials, struggles, and persecutions of my own life so that your glory might shine through me.

Saturday, March 25. Lord, you did not lead by intimidation and fear but by loving service. Teach me that the most effective means of leadership can be found in laying down my life and becoming the servant of others. May I become the kind of leader who leads others to you.

Sunday, March 26 (Fifth Sunday of Lent). Lord, may I come to a deeper respect for the sacred space of your house where you are present not only through your Spirit but also in the body of believers gathered in your name.

March 13-19, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

March 13-19, 2023 

Monday, March 13. Lord Jesus, you did not avoid suffering. With great faith in your Father, you faced it head-on. I live in a world that urges me to avoid suffering at all costs. Give me strength as I too face suffering in life. Help me to remember that suffering is part of the growth process of becoming like you.

Tuesday, March 14. Lord Jesus, while our society tells us that freedom means doing whatever we want, you tell us that the way to genuine freedom is by following you, the Truth. Guide me with your Holy Spirit so that I may faithfully discern the messages that surround me. Lead me to the freedom you promise by showing me your truth and by helping me always to devote my life to what is good and worthy of you. 

Wednesday, March 15. Our Lord, you are not a distant god. Rather, you loved us so much that you drew near to us by becoming one of us. You revealed yourself to us through the gift of your Son two thousand years ago, and you continue to reveal yourself to us in the loving union and friendship we share with him today. Be near to us. Show yourself to us.  Fill us with your love.

Thursday, March 16. Lord, my Shepherd, I know that sometimes I stray from you. This Lenten season, I seek to follow you more closely. My path in life can be unclear. There are many false shepherds in the world who seek to lead me in ways different from your own. Yet these shepherds do not care for me as you do. Their ways do not lead to true life. When I am lost, when I am confused, when I stray from you, seek me out and shepherd me, Lord.

Friday, March 17. Creator of the universe, you have made me in your own image and likeness. This alone demonstrates my deep connection to you and endows me and all other people with special value and dignity. This Lenten season remind me of how precious I am in your eyes and keep me ever mindful of my own dignity and worth as well as that of others.

Saturday, March 18. Christ, I fill my life with so many activities and projects that I often make it more complicated than I need to. I further complicate my life by trying to understand and control all that is happening around me. In so doing, I distract myself from simple faith in you. Help me as I seek to unclutter my life and teach me the wisdom of simply and unconditionally trusting you.

Sunday, March 19 (Fourth Sunday of Lent). Lord, you call me to follow you because you want what is best for me in life. Yet, sometimes I turn away from you and then suffer the consequences of having rejected your life and love. When I choose darkness and death, call me back to your light and life. I ask for forgiveness for the times I have hurt my relationship with you.

March 6-12, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

March 6-12, 2023 

Monday, March 6. Lord, you alone can provide me with the strength to confront the many forces in the world that seek to beat me down and direct me away from you. Be my strength when I am weak, when I think I can no longer go on.

Tuesday, March 7. Gracious God, all belongs to you, but you have entrusted me with much. Help me to be aware of the gifts with which you have blessed me. May I show my thanks for the gifts by returning them to you in service to others. 

Wednesday, March 8. Christ, I thank you for the gift of my family, yet I realize that my relationship with you is deeper than any other relationship that I can have. Help me to deepen that relationship by filling me with your Spirit. I ask you, Lord to bless members of my earthly family, those with whom I am close as well as those with whom I may be estranged.

Thursday, March 9. Lord Jesus, it can be easy to love my friends and family, but you call me to love even my enemies. Help me to follow in your footsteps and to learn not to respond to hatred with hatred and to violence with violence. Fill my heart with your own perfect love so that I can love even when it is most difficult.

Friday, March 10. Lord, as you found out in your own life, when I try to do good for others, I can often end up getting wounded myself. Yet you continue to call me to trust in you and to extend myself for others. May the knowledge that comes from knowing that I am striving to do your will, even when I feel wounded by opening myself to others, give me the strength and courage to continue to serve you.

Saturday, March 11. Christ, it is difficult for me to even begin to contemplate your great humility. You humbled yourself by becoming human and by dying for the sake of others. Inspired by your own example of humility lead me to greater humility so that I can be better able to discover you and grow in my relationship with you. As I do so, show me the blessings that are to be found in placing my own interests aside and in giving of myself in the service of others.

Sunday, March 12 (Third Sunday of Lent). God of all generosity, you have abundantly poured your love into the world as is evidenced by the many gifts around me, especially the gift of your own Son. May I seek always to reflect your own generosity by giving to others, even when such giving impinges upon me in some way.

February 27 - March 5, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

February 27 - March 5, 2023 

Monday, February 27. Lord Jesus, you remained faithful to your Father’s will to the point of death. Strengthened by your Spirit, may I remain faithful to you during this Lenten journey as I accompany you on your way to the cross.

Tuesday, February 28. Merciful Lord, I have failed you in many aspects of my life. Yet, you do not require retribution from me. Rather, you reach out to me with unconditional love, and your mercy goes far beyond what human justice might require. Keep me mindful of your mercy toward me so that I might better show mercy toward others. 

Wednesday, March 1. Christ, you call us to leave our own will behind and to follow you. Each of us is called to do this in our own unique way. This is my own personal call to holiness. This Lenten season remind me that I need not be anything more than what you call me to be. Help me to hear your call and show me the path to the life that comes from being your follower.

Thursday, March 2. Christ, you humbled yourself by assuming our humanity. You did not become a powerful earthly king, but rather associated with the poor, sick and outcasts of your day. During the Lenten season, remind me that in my own world you are to be found amidst the suffering of the lowly. Enlighten and strengthen me as I seek to reach out to those who are forgotten and excluded in our society. Lead me to recognize that in serving them, I am in fact serving you.

Friday, March 3. Lord Jesus, the love I share with others in this world is only a small reflection of your love for me. It is a spark compared with the light of the sun. This Lenten season enkindle my heart so that the fire of my own love for you might grow in intensity and better resemble your love for me. May my life itself be a flame that makes your own light present in the world.

Saturday, March 4. Lord Jesus, from experience I know that the tongue is a powerful weapon that can be used for good or bad. This Lent give me the gift of your Spirit so that I may be discerning in my choice of words and use them to build up and not to tear down others.

Sunday, March 5 (Second Sunday of Lent). Lord Jesus, by your own example, you have shown that the way to a fulfilling and authentic human life is through laying down one’s life in the service of others. Inspired by your selfless example and strengthened by your Spirit, may I too give of myself in service to others and in so doing serve you.

February 20-26, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A Month of Praying for an Unsaved Friend or Family Member

We all have family, friends, and neighbors who have not come to a saving knowledge of God's grace. They do not know Jesus as their Savior. Our hearts are burdened when we know they do not have a relationship with Jesus. We pray that using these prayers based on Scripture will be powerful and helpful as you are praying for your friends and family. May the Lord give you perseverance and certainty to know you are asking according to His will as you pray His word. He desires "...all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).

Monday, February 20. Teach me to make the most of every opportunity I have to share the gospel with ____________.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5).

Tuesday, February 21. Help me to be the fragrance of Christ when I am with ____________.

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15).

*February 20-21 prayers adapted from “Prayers of Gold: A Month of Prayers for a Lost Friend” by Terry Gooding.

Lent Prayers from “Lent and Easter Wisdom”

Compiled by John V. Kruse

February 22-26, 2023 

Wednesday, February 22 (First Day of Lent). Lord, I ask that you accompany me on my Lenten journey. Open my heart to your will for me. May the journey lead me to soul searching and conversion so that I might experience a deeper relationship with you when I arrive at the celebration of Easter joy.

Thursday, February 23. Lord, although I might not like to think about the topic, the reality of the matter is that someday I will die. As I contemplate the joy of your resurrection, I take great comfort in the knowledge that you will raise me also to new life. On that day, nothing that I have accumulated in this world, whether it be wealth, fame, power, or knowledge, will matter. Keep me mindful that all that matters now and all that will matter then is you. May knowledge of this reality shape how I view the world and all that I do and say.

Friday, February 24. Lord of Light, help me to not despair when the darkness of the sin of the world seems overwhelming. Inspired by your own example, may I not respond to the sin of others out of hatred but out of love. Fill me with the radiance of your resurrected life and make me a light amidst the darkness that reflects your love to the world.

Saturday, February 25. Lord, during this season contemplating your victory over all sin, suffering, and death, fill me with your Spirit of joy so that I need not succumb to the sometimes overwhelming worries, troubles, and woes of the world.

Sunday, February 26 (First Sunday of Lent). Risen Christ of glory, you are the source of all that is good, true, pleasing, and beautiful in the world. Having conquered death through your resurrection, you continue to give life to all those who place their faith in you. Let me share in your risen life, both in this world and in the world to come.

February 13-19, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A Month of Praying for an Unsaved Friend or Family Member

We all have family, friends, and neighbors who have not come to a saving knowledge of God's grace. They do not know Jesus as their Savior. Our hearts are burdened when we know they do not have a relationship with Jesus. We pray that using these prayers based on Scripture will be powerful and helpful as you are praying for your friends and family. May the Lord give you perseverance and certainty to know you are asking according to His will as you pray His word. He desires "...all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).

Monday, February 13. Help _________ to understand that he/she can have forgiveness through the blood of Jesus.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace (Ephesians 1:7).

Tuesday, February 14. Father, produce a godly sorrow in _________, which will bring about repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets.

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Wednesday, February 15. May ________ understand that he/she can be saved by grace and that it is a free gift from You.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).

Thursday, February 16. Jesus, may________ know that Yours is the only name under heaven by which he/she can be saved.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).

Friday, February 17. Lord, help _________ to know how much You love him/her even though he/she is a sinner. Cause _________ to realize that You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for his/her sin.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Saturday, February 18. I pray that the gospel would be presented to ________, not only with words, but also with power and with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

...Because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Sunday, February 19. I ask You, Lord of the Harvest, to send out workers to surround _________ with the Word of God.

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field (Matthew 9:38).

*February prayers adapted from “Prayers of Gold: A Month of Prayers for a Lost Friend” by Terry Gooding.

February 6-12, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

A Month of Praying for an Unsaved Friend or Family Member

We all have family, friends, and neighbors who have not come to a saving knowledge of God's grace. They do not know Jesus as their Savior. Our hearts are burdened when we know they do not have a relationship with Jesus. We pray that using these prayers based on Scripture will be powerful and helpful as you are praying for your friends and family. May the Lord give you perseverance and certainty to know you are asking according to His will as you pray His word. He desires "...all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).

Monday, February 6. Jesus, as _______ begins to hear Your voice, may they not harden their heart.

Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts (Psalm 96:7-8).

Tuesday, February 7. Lord, please direct _______’s heart into Your love and into the steadfastness of Christ.

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance (2 Thessalonians 3:5).

Wednesday, February 8. Give a new heart to _______ that they may know You and receive You as their Lord and Savior.

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart (Jeremiah 24:7).

Thursday, February 9. Father, plow up the hardened heart of _______ so that it can become good soil to hear the Word and bear fruit.

Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown (Matthew 13:8).

Friday, February 10. Jesus, I pray _______ will be pierced to the heart when they hear the good news about You.

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).

Saturday, February 11. May _______ know their sins have caused a separation between them and You, God.

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear (Isaiah 59:2).

Sunday, February 12. I ask that ______ would know how patient You are toward him/her and that You do not wish for him/her to perish but to come to repentance.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

*February prayers adapted from “Prayers of Gold: A Month of Prayers for a Lost Friend” by Terry Gooding.

January 30 - February 5, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

What is revival?

“Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again.” -Vance Havner
“Revival is ultimately Christ Himself, seen, felt, heard, living, active, moving in and through His Body on earth.” - Stephen Oxford
As we focus on praying for revival this month, we will use  II Chronicles 7:14 as our guide. “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 heal their land.”

“...and will heal their land.” 

Monday, January 30. Praise God for His promises to heal those who have fallen away, to bind up the wounds of the torn and bruised, and to restore the years that the locust have eaten (Hosea 6:1, Joel 2:25).

Tuesday, January 31. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you His peace.” Thank God for His everlasting love and care—He is for us (Numbers 6:24-26)!

*January prayers have been adapted from “Prayers that Birth Revival” by Life Action Ministries.

A Month of Praying for an Unsaved Friend or Family Member

We all have family, friends, and neighbors who have not come to a saving knowledge of God's grace. They do not know Jesus as their Savior. Our hearts are burdened when we know they do not have a relationship with Jesus. We pray that using these prayers based on Scripture will be powerful and helpful as you are praying for your friends and family. May the Lord give you perseverance and certainty to know you are asking according to His will as you pray His word. He desires "...all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1Timothy 2:4).

Wednesday, February 1. Lord, may _____ know that they cannot stand on their own righteousness.  No one can because there is no one righteous, not even one. (Romans 3:10)

Thursday, February 2. Father, may ______ know You are Lord; and there is no Savior besides You. (Isaiah 43:11)

Friday, February 3. Lord, may _______ know that You desire for them to be saved and come to the knowledge of Your truth. (1 Timothy 2:4)

Saturday, February 4. Father, open _______’s eyes and help them to turn from darkness and receive forgiveness of sins. (Acts 26:18)

Sunday, February 5. Lord, help _______ to know that they can receive deliverance from the kingdom of darkness and step into the kingdom of Jesus. (Colossians 1:13)

*February prayers adapted from “Prayers of Gold: A Month of Prayers for a Lost Friend” by Terry Gooding.

Maranatha Media - January 2023

If you are ready to hibernate through winter (although this winter has been easy), we have some new books available for you to read. Books will make the winter “bearable” so come into the library and check some out.

- Shari Frieling

January 23-29, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

What is revival?

“Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again.” -Vance Havner
“Revival is ultimately Christ Himself, seen, felt, heard, living, active, moving in and through His Body on earth.” - Stephen Oxford
As we focus on praying for revival this month, we will use  II Chronicles 7:14 as our guide. “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 heal their land.”

“...and turn from their wicked ways” 

Monday, January 23. Pray that Christians everywhere will understand their responsibility to live blamelessly before a lost and watching world (Philippians 2:14-16).

Tuesday, January 24. Pray that you would be completely honest before God about sin in your life, and be quick to confess your sins, seek His forgiveness, and turn away from those sins.  Ask God to help you to avoid those sins in the future and rely on His help (Ephesians 1:4).

Wednesday, January 25. Pray that all of God’s people would be sincerely sorry for their sins and how those sins affect our holy God (1 Peter 2:24).

Thursday, January 26. As you genuinely repent of your sins and humble yourself before God, ask for a fresh measure of the Spirit to be poured out on you so that Jesus would truly be seen in your life (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Friday, January 27. Pray for a contrite heart and a broken spirit among all believers as they are convicted of their own sins and the sins in their churches (Isaiah 57:15).

“...then I will hear from heaven”

Saturday, January 28. Praise God that His hand is not too short to save and His ear is not too heavy to hear. Claim the promise that the Lord draws near to all those who call upon Him in truth (Psalm 145:18).

“...and will forgive their sin”

Sunday, January 29. Thank the Lord for His promise to extend mercy to you and all who “confess and forsake their sin”. Thank Him for His faithfulness and justice in forgiving our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

*January prayers have been adapted from “Prayers that Birth Revival” by Life Action Ministries.

Snack and Canvas Women's Event

Several women were in attendance at our Snacks and Canvas women’s event last Thursday, and all displayed their inner artist :) Thanks for Faith Prins for helping to lead the painting portion!

January 16-22, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

What is revival?

“Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again.” -Vance Havner
“Revival is ultimately Christ Himself, seen, felt, heard, living, active, moving in and through His Body on earth.” - Stephen Oxford
As we focus on praying for revival this month, we will use  II Chronicles 7:14 as our guide. “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 heal their land.”

“...and seek my face” 

Monday, January 16. Ask God to increase your belief in His ability to intervene supernaturally and do the impossible, especially in times of crisis. Ask Him to enable you to give up your worldly desires and idols so that you can seek His face (Ephesians 1:18-20).

Tuesday, January 17. Pray that we as God’s people and the leaders of our nation would not trust in military strength, financial might and strategies, or political power and influence to solve our nation’s difficulties. Pray that we would all turn to God’s Word to guide our decision-making (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Wednesday, January 18. Often, even as God’s children we try to be self-sufficient, thinking “I can handle this”. May God open your eyes to see your real need for help from Him and from other believers (John 15:5).

Thursday, January 19. Ask God to help you lay aside (give up) your personal agendas and your divisive attitudes and unite with others to pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit in your life and in your church (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Friday, January 20. Pray that your prayer focus will shift from asking God to give you things to instead seek His face, His presence, His companionship, that your desire would be to please Him and spend time with Him in prayer (Colossians 3:2).

Saturday, January 21. Pray for a healthy fear of God to permeate the hearts and minds of God’s people. Ask God to deliver you from a fear of man, which can distract you and take your eyes off of God (Proverbs 9:10).

“...and turn from their wicked ways”

Sunday, January 22. Ask God to help you meditate daily on His Word, so that you may be kept pure and avoid sin, as you allow God to transform you more and more into the image and character of Christ (Psalm 119:9-11).

*January prayers have been adapted from “Prayers that Birth Revival” by Life Action Ministries.

January 9-15, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

What is revival?

“Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again.” -Vance Havner
“Revival is ultimately Christ Himself, seen, felt, heard, living, active, moving in and through His Body on earth.” - Stephen Oxford
As we focus on praying for revival this month, we will use  II Chronicles 7:14 as our guide. “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 heal their land.”

“...and pray” 

Monday, January 9. Pray that we all would seek God first each day, privately, before getting physically involved in His work for the day (Matthew 6:6-8, 33).

Tuesday, January 10. Pray that urgency and fervency would characterize the prayers of God’s people (James 5:13-18).

Wednesday, January 11. Pray that our first response as Christians, individually and as a church, will be to pray when we become anxious about a situation, circumstance, or relationship (Acts 12:5).

Thursday, January 12. Pray that God would raise up an army of prayer warriors at Maranatha and around the world who are willing to persevere in prayer and wage a long war on their knees (Luke 18:18).

Friday, January 13. Pray that God would give pastors wisdom as they call their congregations to intercession and lead them to an understanding of the times (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Saturday, January 14. Pray for a spirit of prayer to spread like a wildfire across our land and world until every church becomes a house of prayer (Luke 18:1).

“...and seek my face”

Sunday, January 15. Pray that adult Christians will set a pattern of seeking the Lord in all things, so that the younger generations may find their strength and hope in the Lord (Philippians 3:17).

*January prayers have been adapted from “Prayers that Birth Revival” by Life Action Ministries.

January 2-8, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

What is revival?

“Revival is the church falling in love with Jesus all over again.” -Vance Havner
“Revival is ultimately Christ Himself, seen, felt, heard, living, active, moving in and through His Body on earth.” - Stephen Oxford
As we focus on praying for revival this month, we will use  II Chronicles 7:14 as our guide. “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 heal their land.”

 “If my people, who are called by my name,

will humble themselves…” 

Monday, January 2. Pray that all of us who have a personal relationship with the Lord will walk in a spirit of humility, as Jesus walked (Micah 6:8).

Tuesday, January 3. Pray that you will comprehend the value of humility; that God hears the cry of the humble and His presence accompanies those who are of a contrite and humble spirit (Isaiah 57:15).

Wednesday, January 4. Pray that each of us in Christian homes (particularly husbands and wives) will be humble in spirit, in order that our prayers may be answered (1 Peter 3:8-12).

Thursday, January 5. Pray that young Christians will be clothed with humility, respecting their elders, lifting all their concerns to God, and trusting God to exalt them at the proper time (1 Peter 5:5-10)

Friday, January 6. Pray that you will remember, with gratitude, what you have been saved from, of “what you deserve” apart from the mercy of God (Titus 3:3-8).

Saturday, January 7. Pray that each of us as God’s people would assume responsibility for the moral and spiritual erosion which has permeated our nation and our world (Ezra 9:6; Psalm 51:16-17).

“...and pray”

Sunday, January 8. Pray that each of us individually and all God’s people would unite in praying for all who are in authority, that we may lead quiet and peaceful lives in godliness and holiness (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

*January prayers have been adapted from “Prayers that Birth Revival” by Life Action Ministries.

December 26, 2022 - January 1, 2023: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Preparing Your Heart for His Coming

December 26-27, 2022

(A Scriptural Prayer Guide from Harvest Prayer Ministries) 

Monday, December 26. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Lord, prepare our hearts to tell others about You! There are so many hungry people out there asking questions. Give us boldness to tell others what You have done in our lives. Help us to always be prepared to reach people for Jesus as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Psalm 27:14)

Tuesday, December 27. “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). Lord, prepare our hearts to be turned toward family. Will You draw us together as a family (in our homes and in our churches) so that we will become a people prepared for You? Help us to be clean and pure before You as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child and as we step into a new year of service in Your kingdom!

Maranatha CRC Prayer Partnership

December 28, 2022—January 1, 2023

Wednesday, December 28. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

A New Year brings questions and uncertainty, but we know that You, Lord, go with us and will never leave us or forsake us.

Thursday, December 29.  “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5).

As we come to the end of another year, we celebrate Your unfailing love and thank You for Your goodness to us.

Friday, December 30.  “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Psalm 90:1-2). 

We praise You for Your faithfulness to past generations and are comforted and encouraged by Your eternal reign.

Saturday, December 31. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

As we anticipate a New Year, we rejoice, Jesus, for Your continuing presence in our lives and Your power to make all things new.

Sunday, January 1—New Years Day. Pray that we as Christians will bow our knees before the Lord at the beginning of each day, so that we may receive His grace daily to live as we should (James 4:6-10).

*January prayers have been adapted from “Prayers that Birth Revival” by Life Action Ministries.

December 19-25, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Preparing Your Heart for His Coming

December 19-25, 2022

(A Scriptural Prayer Guide from Harvest Prayer Ministries) 

Monday, December 19. “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:29-31). Lord, prepare our hearts to be free from worry. We know that worry will take our minds off of You, so help us to seek Your kingdom for all that we need. You are our provider as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Ecclesiastes 11:10)

Tuesday, December 20. “He answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27). Lord, prepare our hearts to be loving. There is no other like You. Your Word says that to love You with all of our heart and soul and strength and mind is the most important thing. We are also to love one another deeply, from our hearts. Father, help us to love our neighbors as ourselves as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Matthew 22:37-38; Mark 12:32-33; 1Peter 1:22-23)

Wednesday, December 21. “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir” (Galatians 4:6-7). Lord, prepare our hearts to reflect the Spirit of Your Son. We can call You our Abba Father, because of Jesus. We belong to You as sons and daughters, not slaves. May we reflect the Spirit of Jesus to everyone we meet, as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.

Thursday, December 22. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 3:3). Lord, prepare our hearts to be faithful. Strengthen us out of Your glorious riches with power through Your Spirit so that Jesus will dwell in our hearts through faith. May love and faithfulness never leave us as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Ephesians 3:14-19)

Friday, December 23. “May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones” (1Thessalonians 3:13). Lord, prepare our hearts to be strong. We want to be blameless and holy in Your presence when Jesus returns. Please encourage us and strengthen us in every good deed and word as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Psalm 27:14)

Saturday, December 24. “Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts” (Isaiah 26:8). Lord, prepare our hearts to desire You. We wait for You, as we walk in Your ways. We will continually desire Your name as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.

Sunday, December 25—Christmas Day. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). Lord, prepare our hearts to shine Your light just as You have come to shine among us! You have given us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God! May our hearts shine brightly in a dark world as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child.

MS-ing Around: Honey the Bunny Has Gone Missing!

Our Middle Schoolers had a mystery to solve at their last event - Honey the Bunny had gone missing from Ms. Hartwell’s 6th grade classroom, and new student, Alex Sherlock, has been accused of the theft! Mr. Stern, the middle school principal, carelessly left the case file for the missing bunny in the cafeteria (a.k.a. the church gym). While being fed tacos by Lunchroom Deputy Elaine Lacey, our students sorted through the evidence and cleared Alex Sherlock of all wrongdoing! Merry Christmas!

December 12-18, 2022: Weekly Prayer Calendar

Preparing Your Heart for His Coming

December 12-18, 2022

(A Scriptural Prayer Guide from Harvest Prayer Ministries) 

Monday, December 12. “Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart” (Psalm 119:34). Lord, prepare our hearts to be obedient. We ask for understanding so that we can obey You. Help us to learn Your Word so well that we will not sin against You. We want to obey You as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Psalm 119:11)

Tuesday, December 13. “May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame” (Psalm 119:80). Lord, prepare our hearts to be blameless in our Christian walk. Help others to see that we follow You in all of the circumstances of life as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.

Wednesday, December 14. “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” (Proverbs 139:23-24). Lord, prepare our hearts to be searchable. Father, may we always be willing to have You look closely at our lives. We need Your help to get rid of anything offensive. We need Your help to replace our anxious thoughts with thoughts that are pleasing to You. Lead us in the way everlasting as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.

Thursday, December 15. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Lord, prepare our hearts to be peaceful. Your peace goes beyond anything we can understand because You do not give like the world gives. Thank You for allowing our hearts to be at peace because of the power of the One You sent to us–the Counselor, the Holy Spirit. May our anxious thoughts be replaced by peaceful ones as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Proverbs 14:30; John 14:25-27; Philippians 4:6-7)

Friday, December 16. “My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart” (Psalm 7:10). Lord, prepare our hearts to be upright. You have said that light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. May Your light shine upon us as we rejoice in You! We take refuge in You because You are our shield. You are God Most High. May we be counted among those whose hearts are upright as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Psalm 125:4, 97:11, 32:11, 36:10, 64:10)

Saturday, December 17. “My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end” (Psalm 119:112). Lord, prepare our hearts to keep Your decrees. We want to walk in all Your ways. Help us to keep Your commands by seeking after You only! Turn our hearts toward You, Father, as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Psalm 119:2, 36; 1 Kings 8:58)

Sunday, December 18—Fourth Sunday of Advent. “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15). Lord, prepare our hearts to be cheerful. May we always find our joy in You, even in the midst of difficult times. Father, help our hearts to have a continual feast as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (See also: Proverbs 17:22)