D A Y 105
Monday 28 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Father, Son and Holy Spirit this day we rejoice in knowing You. O Lord how majestic are You , even the heavens declare Your glory, the skies proclaim the work of Your hands. (Psalm 19:1)
Lord Your Word is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of our hearts. (Hebrews 4:12) O Lord we bring ourselves, our families and our leaders before You today and ask that You would purify us. Lord reveal to us all the wrong intents and idols of our hearts. O Lord bring conviction where there is sin – Lord forgive us and cleanse us. Lord please raise righteous leaders in our nations, leaders who fear You and who walk in Your righteousness. Lord please give us leaders who are guided by Your Word. Lord please expose the leaders who have false intentions and are evil and corrupt in their hearts.
Lord your Word acts as a mirror by giving us an accurate picture of who we really are. (James 1:22-25). Please continue to show us the true conditions of our hearts as we spend time in Your Word! Lord we strive to become more like You – Lord less of us and more of You !(John 3 :30)
Amen.
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 28
“Guilty criminals experience paranoia even though no one threatens them. But the innocent lovers of God, because of righteousness, will have the boldness of a young, ferocious lion! A rebellious nation is thrown into chaos, but leaders anointed with wisdom will restore law and order. When a pauper oppresses the destitute, it’s like a flash flood that sweeps away their last hope. Those who turn their backs on what they know is right will no longer be able to tell right from wrong. But those who love the truth strengthen their souls. Justice never makes sense to men devoted to darkness, but those tenderly devoted to the Lord can understand justice perfectly. It’s more respectable to be poor and pure than rich and perverse. To be obedient to what you’ve been taught proves you’re an honourable child, but to socialise with the lawless brings shame to your parents. Go ahead and get rich on the backs of the poor, but all the wealth you gather will one day be given to those who are kind to the needy. If you close your heart and refuse to listen to God’s instruction, even your prayer will be despised. Those who tempt the lovers of God with an evil scheme will fall into their own trap. But the innocent who resist temptation will experience reward. The wealthy in their conceit presume to be wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. The triumphant joy of God’s lovers releases great glory. But when the wicked rise to power, everyone goes into hiding. If you cover up your sin you’ll never do well. But if you confess your sins and forsake them, you will be kissed by mercy. Overjoyed is the one who with tender heart trembles before God, but the stubborn, unyielding heart will experience even greater evil. Ruthless rulers can only be compared to raging lions and roaming bears. Abusive leaders fail to employ wisdom, but leaders who despise corruption will enjoy a long and full life. A murderer’s conscience will torment him— a fugitive haunted by guilt all the way to the grave with no one to support him. The pure will be rescued from failure, but the perverse will suddenly fall into ruin. Work hard and you’ll have all you desire, but chase a fantasy and you could end up with nothing. Life’s blessings drench the honest and faithful person, but punishment rains down upon the greedy and dishonest. Giving favouritism to the rich and powerful is disgusting, and this is the type of judge who would betray a man for a bribe. A greedy man is in a race to get rich, but he forgets that he could lose what’s most important and end up with nothing. If you correct someone with constructive criticism, in the end he will appreciate it more than flattery. A person who would reject his own parents and say, “What’s wrong with that?” is as bad as a murderer. To make rash, hasty decisions shows that you are not trusting the Lord. But when you rely totally on God, you will still act carefully and prudently. Self-confident know-it-alls will prove to be fools. But when you lean on the wisdom from above, you will have a way to escape the troubles of your own making. You will never go without if you give to the poor. But if you’re heartless, stingy, and selfish, you invite curses upon yourself. When wicked leaders rise to power, good people go into hiding. But when they fall from power, the godly take their place.”
Proverbs 28:1-28
The Passion Translation
D A Y 106
Tuesday 29 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Lord Jesus Christ, today we glorify You. We thank You, the Word who became flesh ,for making Your dwelling among us. (John 1:14)By faith we understand that the universe was created by Your Word, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.(Hebrews 11:3) O Lord we rejoice in Your might! Heaven and earth will pass away, but Your Words will never pass away.(Matthew 24:35)
Thank You Lord for Your Word! Please open up Your Word to us today by Your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 29
Stubborn people who repeatedly refuse to accept correction will suddenly be broken and never recover. Everyone rejoices when the lovers of God flourish, but the people groan when the wicked rise to power. When you love wisdom, your father is overjoyed. But when you associate with prostitutes, you waste your wealth in exchange for disgrace. A godly leader who values justice is a great strength and example to the people. But the one who sells his influence for money tears down what is right. Flattery can often be used as a trap to hide ulterior motives and take advantage of you. The wicked always have a trap laid for others, but the lovers of God escape as they sing and shout in joyous triumph! God’s righteous people will pour themselves out for the poor, but the ungodly make no attempt to understand or help the needy. Arrogant cynics love to pick fights, but the humble and wise love to pursue peace. There’s no use arguing with a fool, for his ranting and raving prevent you from making a case and settling the argument in a calm way. Violent men hate those with integrity, but the lovers of God esteem those who are holy. You can recognize fools by the way they give full vent to their rage and let their words fly! But the wise bite their tongue and hold back all they could say. When leaders listen to false accusations, their associates become scoundrels. Poor people and their oppressors have only one thing in common— God made them both. The best insurance for a leader’s longevity is to demonstrate justice for the poor. Experiencing many corrections and rebukes will make you wise. But if left to your own ways, you’ll bring disgrace to your parents. When the wicked are in power, lawlessness abounds. But the patient lovers of God will one day watch in triumph as their stronghold topples! Correct your child and one day you’ll find he has changed and will bring you great delight. When there is no clear prophetic vision, people quickly wander astray. But when you follow the revelation of the word, heaven’s bliss fills your soul. A stubborn servant can’t be corrected by words alone. For even if he understands, he pays no attention to you. There’s only one kind of person who is worse than a fool: the impetuous one who speaks without thinking first. If you pamper your servants, don’t be surprised when they expect to be treated as sons. The source of strife is found in an angry heart, for sin surrounds the life of a furious man. Lift yourself up with pride and you will soon be brought low, but a meek and humble spirit will add to your honor. You are your own worst enemy when you partner with a thief, for a curse of guilt will come upon you when you fail to report a crime. Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back. But when you place your confidence in the Lord, you will be seated in the high place. Everyone curries favor with leaders. But God is the judge, and justice comes from him. The wicked hate those who live a godly life, but the righteous hate injustice wherever it’s found.”
Proverbs 29:1-27
The Passion Translation
D A Y 107
Wednesday 30 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Lord we bow before You today, our mighty God. The one who is before all things, and the One who holds all things together.(Colossians 1:17) O Lord you are meekness and majesty in One. We worship You.
Lord when You came the first time it was as a Servant, bowing down to wash the feet of Your disciples. Lord You are the WORD that became flesh ,for us. (John 1:14) You came to bring salvation through Your suffering, death and resurrection.
Lord when You come again You will come riding on a white horse, as a King to rule and reign. Lord You will wear many regal crowns, and Your eyes will flash like flames of fire. You will have a secret name inscribed that will be known only to Yourself. Your robe will be dipped in blood, and You will be called the WORD of God. The armies of heaven will follow You wearing white fine linen, pure and bright. A sharp SWORD will come came from Your mouth to conquer the nations, and You will shepherd them with an iron scepter. Lord You will trample out the wine in the winepress of Your wrath. On Your robe and on Your thigh will be inscribed – King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:11-16)
O LORD we worship You in Your fullness. Our SERVANT KING,MEEK and MAJESTIC. Our WORD that became flesh, our mighty WORD that will conquer the nations. O Lord we want to know You, we want to know the living WORD. Guide us today as we spend time in your WORD. Strengthen us through Your WORD to be able to strengthen those who are suffering because of this worldwide pandemic.
Amen
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 30
“These are the collected sayings of the prophet Agur, Jakeh’s son— the amazing revelation he imparted to Ithiel and Ukal. God, I’m so weary and worn out, I feel more like a beast than a man. I was made in your image, but I lack understanding. I’ve yet to learn the wisdom that comes from the full and intimate knowledge of you, the Holy One. Who is it that travels back and forth from the heavenly realm to the earth? Who controls the wind as it blows and holds it in his fists? Who tucks the rain into the cloak of his clouds? Who stretches out the skyline from one vista to the other? What is his name? And what is the name of his Son? Who can tell me? Every promise from the faithful God is pure and proves to be true. He is a wrap-around shield of protection for all his lovers who run to hide in him. Never add to his words, or he will have to rebuke you and prove that you’re a liar. God, there are two things I’m asking you for before I die, only two: Empty out of my heart everything that is false— every lie, and every crooked thing. And give me neither undue poverty nor undue wealth— but rather, feed my soul with the measure of prosperity that pleases you. May my satisfaction be found in you. Don’t let me be so rich that I don’t need you or so poor that I have to resort to dishonesty just to make ends meet. Then my life will never detract from bringing glory to your name. Never defame a servant before his master, for you will be the guilty one and a curse will come upon you. There is a generation rising that curses their fathers and speaks evil of their mothers. There is a generation rising that considers themselves to be pure in their own eyes, yet they are morally filthy, unwashed, and unclean. There is a generation rising that is so filled with pride they think they are superior and look down on others. There is a generation rising that uses their words like swords to cut and slash those who are different. They would devour the poor, the needy, and the afflicted from off the face of the earth! There are three words to describe the greedy: “Give me more!” There are some things that are never satisfied. Forever craving more, they’re unable to say, “That’s enough!” Here are four: The grave, yawning for another victim, the barren womb, ever wanting a child, thirsty soil, ever longing for rain, and a raging fire, devouring its fuel. They’re all insatiable. The eye that mocks his father and dishonours his elderly mother deserves to be plucked out by the ravens of the valley and fed to the young vultures! There are four marvellous mysteries that are too amazing to unravel— who could fully explain them? The way an eagle flies in the sky, the way a snake glides on a boulder, the path of a ship as it passes through the sea, and the way a bridegroom falls in love with his bride. Here is the deceptive way of the adulterous woman: she takes what she wants and then says, “I’ve done nothing wrong.” There are four intolerable events that are simply unbearable to observe: when an unfaithful servant becomes a ruler, when a scoundrel comes into great wealth, when an unfaithful woman marries a good man, and when a mistress replaces a faithful wife. The earth has four creatures that are very small but very wise: The feeble ant has little strength, yet look how it diligently gathers its food in the summer to last throughout the winter. The delicate rock-badger isn’t all that strong, yet look how it makes a secure home, nestled in the rocks. The locusts have no king to lead them, yet they cooperate as they move forward by bands. And the small lizard is easy to catch as it clings to the walls with its hands, yet it can be found inside a king’s palace. There are four stately monarchs who are impressive to watch as they go forth: the lion, the king of the jungle, who is afraid of no one, the rooster strutting boldly among the hens, the male goat out in front leading the herd, and a king leading his regal procession. If you’ve acted foolishly by drawing attention to yourself, or if you’ve thought about saying something stupid, you’d better shut your mouth. For such stupidity may give you a bloody nose! Stirring up an argument only leads to an angry confrontation.”
Proverbs 30:1-33
The Passion Translation
D A Y 108
Thursday 1 October 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Father, we worship and adore You.
We bring You praise and glory. Thank You Lord that You will work all for good for those of us who love You. (Romans 8 :28)
We thank You for Your continued faithfulness and for leading us in prayer over the last 27 weeks. Thank You Lord for all the healings, for Your love and for the love and encouragement of fellow Believers. O Lord we have learnt so much. Thank You for bringing us as Believers into such a beautiful unity in You.
Help us to continue to walk in obedience to You. Please also keep on guiding us by Your Word and through Your Holy Spirit.
Lord our trust and hope is in You. Give us the strength to endure and to overcome.
Amen.
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 31
“Strong drink is given to the terminally ill, who are suffering at the brink of death. Wine is for those in depression in order to drown their sorrows. Let them drink and forget their poverty and misery. King Lemuel’s royal words of wisdom: These are the inspired words my mother taught me. Listen, my dear son, son of my womb. You are the answer to my prayers, my son. So keep yourself sexually pure from the promiscuous, wayward woman. Don’t waste the strength of your anointing on those who ruin kings— you’ll live to regret it! For you are a king, Lemuel, and it’s never fitting for a king to be drunk on wine or for rulers to crave alcohol. For when they drink they forget justice and ignore the rights of those in need, those who depend on you for leadership.
But you are to be a king who speaks up on behalf of the disenfranchised and pleads for the legal rights of the defenseless and those who are dying. Be a righteous king, judging on behalf of the poor and interceding for those most in need. Who could ever find a wife like this one— she is a woman of strength and mighty valor! She’s full of wealth and wisdom. The price paid for her was greater than many jewels. Her husband has entrusted his heart to her, for she brings him the rich spoils of victory. All throughout her life she brings him what is good and not evil. She searches out continually to possess that which is pure and righteous. She delights in the work of her hands. She gives out revelation-truth to feed others. She is like a trading ship bringing divine supplies from the merchant. Even in the night season she arises and sets food on the table for hungry ones in her house and for others. She sets her heart upon a nation and takes it as her own, carrying it within her. She labors there to plant the living vines. She wraps herself in strength, might, and power in all her works. She tastes and experiences a better substance, and her shining light will not be extinguished, no matter how dark the night. She stretches out her hands to help the needy and she lays hold of the wheels of government. She is known by her extravagant generosity to the poor, for she always reaches out her hands to those in need. She is not afraid of tribulation, for all her household is covered in the dual garments of righteousness and grace. Her clothing is beautifully knit together— a purple gown of exquisite linen. Her husband is famous and admired by all, sitting as the venerable judge of his people. Even her works of righteousness she does for the benefit of her enemies. Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her as she laughs with joy over the latter days. Her teachings are filled with wisdom and kindness as loving instruction pours from her lips. She watches over the ways of her household and meets every need they have. Her sons and daughters arise in one accord to extol her virtues, and her husband arises to speak of her in glowing terms. “There are many valiant and noble ones, but you have ascended above them all!” Charm can be misleading, and beauty is vain and so quickly fades, but this virtuous woman lives in the wonder, awe, and fear of the Lord. She will be praised throughout eternity. So go ahead and give her the credit that is due, for she has become a radiant woman, and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired at the gateways of every city!”
Proverbs 31:1-31
The Passion Translation
D A Y 101
Thursday 24 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Father this day we bring You a offering of Thanksgiving for Your WORD! Thank You Lord for the knowledge of Your mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”( Colossians 2:2-3 )
Lord Thank You for the revelation of Your Son Jesus Christ in every book of the Bible!
In Genesis He is revealed as Creator and promised Redeemer! In Exodus – as the Passover Lamb. In Leviticus – as our High Priest. In Numbers – as Water in the desert. In Deuteronomy – He becomes the curse for us. In Joshua – He is the Commander of the army of the Lord. In Judges – He delivers us from injustice
In Ruth – He is our Kinsman-Redeemer. In 1 Samuel – He is the Prophet/Priest/King. In 2 Samuel – He is the King of grace & love. In 1 Kings – He is the Ruler greater than Solomon. In 2 Kings – He is the powerful prophet. In 1 Chronicles – He is the Son of David that is coming to rule. In 2 Chronicles – He is the King who reigns eternally
In Ezra – He is the Priest proclaiming freedom. In Nehemiah – He is the One who restores what is broken down. In Esther – He is the Protector of His people. In Job – He is the Mediator between God and man. In the Psalms – He is our Song in the morning and in the night. In Proverbs – He is our Wisdom . In Ecclesiastes – He is our Meaning for life. In Song of Solomon – He is the Author of faithful love.
In Isaiah – He is the Suffering Servant. In Jeremiah – He is the weeping Messiah. In Lamentations – He assumes God’s wrath for us . In Ezekiel – He is the Son of Man. In Daniel – He is the Stranger in the fire with us. In Hosea – He is a faithful husband even when we run away.
In Joel – He is sending His Spirit to His people. In Amos – He delivers justice to the oppressed. In Obadiah – He is the Judge of those who do evil. In Jonah – He is the greatest missionary. In Micah – He casts our sin into the sea of forgetfulness. In Nahum – He proclaims a future world peace we cannot even imagine. In Habakkuk – He crushes injustice. In Zephaniah – He is the Warrior who saves. In Haggai – He restores our worship. In Zechariah – He prophesies a Messiah pierced for us. In Malachi – He is the Sun of righteousness who brings healing.
In Matthew – He is the Messiah who is King. In Mark – He is the Messiah who is a Servant. In Luke – He is the Messiah who is a Deliverer. In John – He is the Messiah who is a God in the flesh.
In Acts – He is the Spirit who dwells in His people. In Romans – He is the righteousness of God. In 1 Corinthians – He is the power and love of God. In 2 Corinthians – He is the down payment of what’s to come. In Galatians – He is our very life. In Ephesians – He is the unity of our church. In Philippians – He is the Joy of our life. In Colossians – He holds the supreme position in all things
In 1 Thessalonians – He is our comfort in the last days. In 2 Thessalonians – He is our returning King . In 1 Timothy – He is the Saviour of the worst sinners. In 2 Timothy – He is the Leader of the leaders. In Titus – He is the Foundation of truth.
In Philemon – He is our Mediator.
In Hebrews – He is our High Priest. In James – He matures our faith. In 1 Peter – He is our Hope in times of suffering. In 2 Peter – He is the One who guards us from false teaching . In 1 John – He is the Source of all fellowship. In 2 John – He is God in the flesh. In 3 John – He is the Source of all truth. In Jude – He protects us from stumbling.
In Revelation – He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords,
The Alpha and the Omega,
The Beginning and the End, and
He is coming again and the One who makes all things new.
Amen.
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 24
“One day I passed by the field of a lazy man and I noticed the vineyards of a slacker. I observed nothing but thorns, weeds, and broken-down walls.
Professional work habits prevent poverty from becoming your permanent business partner. And: If you put off until tomorrow the work you could do today, tomorrow never seems to come. Don’t envy the wealth of the wicked or crave their company. For they’re obsessed with causing trouble and their conversations are corrupt. Wise people are builders— they build families, businesses, communities. And through intelligence and insight their enterprises are established and endure. Because of their skilled leadership the hearts of people are filled with the treasures of wisdom and the pleasures of spiritual wealth. Wisdom can make anyone into a mighty warrior, and revelation-knowledge increases strength. Wise strategy is necessary to wage war, and with many astute advisers you’ll see the path to victory more clearly. Wisdom is a treasure too lofty for a quarreling fool— he’ll have nothing to say when leaders gather together. There is one who makes plans to do evil— Master Schemer is his name. If you plan to do evil, it’s as wrong as doing it. And everyone detests a troublemaker. If you faint when under pressure, you have need of courage. Go and rescue the perishing! Be their savior! Why would you stand back and watch them stagger to their death? And why would you say, “But it’s none of my business”? The one who knows you completely and judges your every motive is also the keeper of souls—and not just yours! He sees through your excuses and holds you responsible for failing to help those whose lives are threatened. Revelation-knowledge is a delicacy, sweet like flowing honey that melts in your mouth. Eat as much of it as you can, my friend! For then you will perceive what is true wisdom, your future will be bright, and this hope living within will never disappoint you. Listen up, you wicked, irreverent ones— don’t harass the lovers of God and don’t invade their resting place. For the lovers of God may suffer adversity and stumble seven times, but they will continue to rise over and over again. But the unrighteous are brought down by just one calamity and will never be able to rise again. Never gloat when your enemy meets disaster and don’t be quick to rejoice if he falls. For the Lord, who sees your heart, will be displeased with you and will pity your foe. Don’t be angrily offended over evildoers or be agitated by them. For the wicked have no life and no future— their light of life will die out. My child, stand in awe of the Lord Jehovah! Give counsel to others, but don’t mingle with those who are rebellious. For sudden destruction will fall upon them and their lives will be ruined in a moment. And who knows what retribution they will face! Those enlightened with wisdom have spoken these proverbs: Judgment must be impartial, for it is always wrong to be swayed by a person’s status. If you say to the guilty, “You are innocent,” the nation will curse you and the people will revile you. But when you convict the guilty, the people will thank you and reward you with favor. Speaking honestly is a sign of true friendship. Go ahead, build your career and give yourself to your work. But if you put me first, you’ll see your family built up! Why would you be a false accuser and slander with your words? Don’t ever spitefully say, “I’ll get even with him! I’ll do to him what he did to me!”
So I considered their lack of wisdom, and I pondered the lessons I could learn from this:”
Proverbs 24:1-34
The Passion Translation
D A Y 102
Friday 25 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Lord we surrender all to You this day.
We surrender our physical bodies and say -Lord use us to go and do what You have prepared for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10) We surrender all our own plans before You and say- Lord we ask for forgiveness for focusing on our own plans and not on Yours. Lord use us to fulfil Your plans on earth. Lord we agree with Isaiah’s words – ‘Lord send us’ and use us to Your glory!(Isaiah 6:8)
Lord we ask that You would prepare the hearts of the people where You send us daily to receive us in Your Name. Lord speak to us through Your Word -imprint Your Word on our hearts so that we will know it and use it to encourage to teach, to rebuke , to correct and to train in Your righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Amen
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 25
“Solomon’s proverbs, published by the scribes of King Hezekiah: God conceals the revelation of his word in the hiding place of his glory. But the honour of kings is revealed by how they thoroughly search out the deeper meaning of all that God says. The heart of a king is full of understanding, like the heavens are high and the ocean is deep. If you burn away the impurities from silver, a sterling vessel will emerge from the fire. And if you purge corruption from the kingdom, a king’s reign will be established in righteousness. Don’t boast in the presence of a king or promote yourself by taking a seat at the head table and pretend that you’re someone important. For it is better for the king to say to you, “Come, you should sit at the head table,” than for him to say in front of everyone, “Please get up and move— you’re sitting in the place of the prince.” Don’t be hasty to file a lawsuit. By starting something you wish you hadn’t, you could be humiliated when you lose your case. Don’t reveal another person’s secret just to prove a point in an argument, or you could be accused of being a gossip and gain a reputation for being one who betrays the confidence of a friend. Winsome words spoken at just the right time are as appealing as apples gilded in gold and surrounded with silver. To humbly receive wise correction adorns your life with beauty and makes you a better person. A reliable, trustworthy messenger refreshes the heart of his master, like a gentle breeze blowing at harvest time— cooling the sweat from his brow. Clouds that carry no water and a wind that brings no refreshing rain— that’s what you’re like when you boast of a gift that you don’t have. Use patience and kindness when you want to persuade leaders and watch them change their minds right in front of you. For your gentle wisdom will quell the strongest resistance. When you discover something sweet, don’t overindulge and eat more than you need, for excess in anything can make you sick of even a good thing. Don’t wear out your welcome by staying too long at the home of your friends, or they may get fed up with always having you there and wish you hadn’t come. Lying about and slandering people are as bad as hitting them with a club, or wounding them with an arrow, or stabbing them with a sword. You can’t depend on an unreliable person when you really need help. It can be compared to biting down on an abscessed tooth or walking with a sprained ankle. When you sing a song of joy to someone suffering in the deepest grief and heartache, it can be compared to disrobing in the middle of a blizzard or rubbing salt in a wound. Is your enemy hungry? Buy him lunch. Win him over with your kindness. Your surprising generosity will awaken his conscience and God will reward you with favour. As the north wind brings a storm, saying things you shouldn’t brings a storm to any relationship. It’s better to live all alone in a rundown shack than to share a castle with a crabby spouse! Like a drink of cool water to a weary, thirsty soul, so hearing good news revives the spirit. When a lover of God gives in and compromises with wickedness, it can be compared to contaminating a stream with sewage or polluting a fountain. It’s good to eat sweet things, but you can take too much. It’s good to be honoured, but to seek words of praise is not honour at all. If you live without restraint and are unable to control your temper, you’re as helpless as a city with broken-down defences, open to attack.”
Proverbs 25:1-28
The Passion Translation
D A Y 103
Saturday 26 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Dear heavenly Father thank You for the power of Your Word! Lord thank You that we live in a time where many of us have free access to Your Word.
Lord we ask forgiveness for not taking time to get to know You through Your Word. Lord forgive us for taking Your Word for granted. Lord many of Your children read and listen to Your Word but do not really hear it . O Lord please break the famine of hearing Your Word across the earth. (Amos 8:11) Give Your children a new hunger and a thirst for Your Word. Give them a fresh and deeper understanding of Your Word, through Your Spirit .
Lord please open doors to every tribe and nation across the earth for Your Word.
In Jesus Name
Amen.
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 26
“The one who is caught lying to his friend and says, “I didn’t mean it, I was only joking,” can be compared to a madman randomly shooting off deadly weapons. It is totally out of place to promote and honour a fool, just like it’s out of place to have snow in the summer and rain at harvest time. An undeserved curse will be powerless to harm you. It may flutter over you like a bird, but it will find no place to land. Guide a horse with a whip, direct a donkey with a bridle, and lead a rebellious fool with a beating on his backside! Don’t respond to the words of a fool with more foolish words, or you will become as foolish as he is! Instead, if you’re asked a silly question, answer it with words of wisdom so the fool doesn’t think he’s so clever. If you choose a fool to represent you, you’re asking for trouble. It will be as bad for you as cutting off your own feet! You can never trust the words of a fool, just like a crippled man can’t trust his legs to support him. Give honour to a fool and watch it backfire— like a stone tied to a slingshot. The statements of a fool will hurt others like a thorn bush brandished by a drunk. Like a reckless archer shooting arrows at random is the impatient employer who hires just any fool who comes along— someone’s going to get hurt! Fools are famous for repeating their errors, like dogs are known to return to their vomit. There’s only one thing worse than a fool, and that’s the smug, conceited man always in love with his own opinions. The lazy loafer says, “I can’t go out and look for a job— there may be a lion out there roaming wild in the streets!” As a door is hinged to the wall, so the lazy man keeps turning over, hinged to his bed! There are some people so lazy they won’t even work to feed themselves. A self-righteous person is convinced he’s smarter than seven wise counsellors who tell him the truth. It’s better to grab a mad dog by its ears than to meddle and interfere in a quarrel that’s none of your business.
It takes fuel to have a fire— a fire dies down when you run out of fuel. So quarrels disappear when the gossip ends. Add fuel to the fire and the blaze goes on. So add an argumentative man to the mix and you’ll keep strife alive. Gossip is so delicious, and how we love to swallow it! For slander is easily absorbed into our innermost being. Smooth talk can hide a corrupt heart just like a pretty glaze covers a cheap clay pot. Kind words can be a cover to conceal hatred of others, for hypocrisy loves to hide behind flattery. So don’t be drawn in by the hypocrite, for his gracious speech is a charade, nothing but a masquerade covering his hatred and evil on parade. Don’t worry—he can’t keep the mask on for long. One day his hypocrisy will be exposed before all the world. Go ahead, set a trap for others— and then watch as it snaps back on you! Start a landslide and you’ll be the one who gets crushed. Hatred is the root of slander and insecurity the root of flattery.”
Proverbs 26:1-28
The Passion Translation
D A Y 104
Sunday 27 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Father we adore You, we lay our lives before You. Come Lord have Your way in us!
Lord Your daily closeness and companionship is a constant source of encouragement to us. Our hearts desire is to know You deeper and to rest in Your peace. Lord how awesome is the knowledge that we, as mere mortals can be Your friends. O Lord thank You that Your Word says that Your friendship is for those who fear You. Thank You Lord that You share the revelation-secrets of Your promises with Your friends. (Psalms 25:14)
Lord we want to know Your Word so that we can remain in Your love. Lord You said that we would be Your friends if we do what You command. You said that You no longer call us servants, for a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, You now call us Your friends, for everything that You have learned from the Father You now make known to us. (John 15:13-15)
Lord we thank You for the gift and promise of Your faithful friendship. Lord as we spend time in Your Word please open our eyes to the revelation-secrets of Your promises. Lord Your friendship with us refreshes our souls and awaken our hearts with great joy!
We give You praise
Amen
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 27
“Take care of your responsibilities and be diligent in your business and you will have more than enough— an abundance of food, clothing, and plenty for your household. Never brag about the plans you have for tomorrow, for you don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring to you. Let someone else honour you for your accomplishments, for self-praise is never appropriate. It’s easier to carry a heavy boulder and a ton of sand than to be provoked by a fool and have to carry that burden! The rage and anger of others can be overwhelming, but it’s nothing compared to jealousy’s fire. It’s better to be corrected openly if it stems from hidden love. You can trust a friend who wounds you with his honesty, but your enemy’s pretended flattery comes from insincerity. When your soul is full, you turn down even the sweetest honey. But when your soul is starving, every bitter thing becomes sweet. Like a bird that has fallen from its nest is the one who is dislodged from his home. Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence. So never give up on a friend or abandon a friend of your father— for in the day of your brokenness you won’t have to run to a relative for help. A friend nearby is better than a relative far away. My son, when you walk in wisdom, my heart is filled with gladness, for the way you live is proof that I’ve not taught you in vain. A wise, shrewd person discerns the danger ahead and prepares himself, but the naïve simpleton never looks ahead and suffers the consequences. Cosign for one you barely know and you will pay a great price! Anyone stupid enough to guarantee the loan of another deserves to have his property seized in payment. Do you think you’re blessing your neighbours when you sing at the top of your lungs early in the morning? Don’t be fooled— they’ll curse you for doing it! An endless drip, drip, drip, from a leaky faucet and the words of a cranky, nagging wife have the same effect. Can you stop the north wind from blowing or grasp a handful of oil? That’s easier than to stop her from complaining. It takes a grinding wheel to sharpen a blade, and so one person sharpens the character of another. Tend an orchard and you’ll have fruit to eat. Serve the Master’s interests and you’ll receive honour that’s sweet. Just as no two faces are exactly alike, so every heart is different. Death and destruction are never filled, and the desires of men’s hearts are insatiable. Fire is the way to test the purity of silver and gold, but the character of a man is tested by giving him a measure of fame. You can beat a fool half to death and still never beat the foolishness out of him. A shepherd should pay close attention to the faces of his flock and hold close to his heart the condition of those he cares for. A man’s strength, power, and riches will one day fade away; not even nations endure forever.”
Proverbs 27:1-27
The Passion Translation
D A Y 97
Sunday 20 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Father, Son and Holy Spirit we submit to You this day!You are our HOPE and we trust in You!
Lord we give You praise – Praise be to You the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In Your great mercy You have given us new birth into a living HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.(1 Peter 1:3)Blessed is the man who trusts in You , and whose HOPE is in You. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat or the coronavirus comes for its leaf will be green, and he will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will he cease from yielding fruit, even in times of suffering. (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Oh Lord You gave us Your word to help us through many trials and suffering, You also once again encourage and give us HOPE in this time of the coronavirus through Your Word. Lord Your Word- our Bible is inspired by You and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. Lord you use it to encourage, prepare and equip us how to face and endure during this time of the coronavirus. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)Thank You Lord for the HOPE Your Word brings. Lord please speak to us and empower us as we read and pray Your word!
Amen.
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 20
“A drunkard is obnoxious, loud, and argumentative; you’re a fool to get intoxicated with strong drink. The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion. Do you really want to go and make him angry? A person of honor will put an argument to rest. Only the stupid want to pick a fight. If you’re too lazy to plant seed, it’s too bad when you have no harvest on which to feed. A man of deep understanding will give good advice, drawing it out from the well within. Many will tell you they’re your loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly trustworthy? The lovers of God will walk in integrity, and their children are fortunate to have godly parents as their examples. A righteous king sits on his judgment seat. He scatters evil away from his kingdom by his wise discernment. Which one of us can truly say, “I am free from sin in my life, for my heart is clean and pure”? Mark it down: God hates it when you demonstrate a double standard— one for “them” and one for “you.” All children show what they’re really like by how they act. You can discern their character, whether they are pure or perverse. Lovers of God have been given eyes to see with spiritual discernment and ears to hear from God. If you spend all your time sleeping, you’ll grow poor. So wake up, sleepyhead! Don’t sleep on the job. And then there will be plenty of food on your table. The buyer says, as he haggles over the price, “That’s junk. It’s worthless!” Then he goes out and brags, “Look at the great bargain I got!” You may have an abundance of wealth, piles of gold and jewels, but there is something of far greater worth: speaking revelation words of knowledge. Anyone stupid enough to guarantee a loan for a stranger deserves to have his property held as security. What you obtain dishonestly may seem sweet at first, but sooner or later you’ll live to regret it. If you solicit good advice, then your plans will succeed. So don’t charge into battle without wisdom, for wars are won by skillful strategy. A blabbermouth will reveal your secrets, so stay away from people who can’t keep their mouths shut. If you despise your father or mother, your life will flicker out like a lamp, extinguished into the deepest darkness. If an inheritance is gained too early in life, it will not be blessed in the end. Don’t ever say, “I’m going to get even with them if it’s the last thing I do!” Wrap God’s grace around your heart and he will be the one to vindicate you. The Lord hates double standards— that’s hypocrisy at its worst! It is the Lord who directs your life, for each step you take is ordained by God to bring you closer to your destiny. So much of your life, then, remains a mystery! Be careful in making a rash promise before God, or you may be trapped by your vow and live to regret it. A wise king is able to discern corruption and remove wickedness from his kingdom. The spirit God breathed into man is like a living lamp, a shining light searching into the innermost chamber of our being. Good leadership is built on love and truth, for kindness and integrity are what keep leaders in their position of trust. We admire the young for their strength and beauty, but the dignity of the old is their wisdom. When you are punished severely, you learn your lesson well— for painful experiences do wonders to change your life.”
Proverbs 20:1-30 The Passion Translation
D A Y 98
Monday 21 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Father, You are the King of the Universe. You sit on the throne, high and lifted up; and the train of Your robe fills Your heavenly temple. (Isaiah 6:1) Lord, whenever the living creatures give glory and honour and thanks to You, the One who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before You and worship. They cast their crowns before Your throne. (Revelation 4:9-10) O Lord, we cast all we have, and all that we are, before You.
Father, Your Word says that we should come before You with petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for all people – especially for kings and all those in authority – that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Lord, this day we bring before Your throne of grace all LEADERS – the heads of families, leaders in business, church leaders, the world leaders, leaders of nations and leaders in all different spheres of society.
Lord, thank You for the example that Your Son, Jesus, displayed of being a servant LEADER when He walked this Earth. He is the King of the universe, yet in His human form He stooped down to wash the feet of His disciples. (John 13) O Lord, that is what we pray for today – that the LEADERS that You appointed for this time will be servant LEADERS; that they will serve out of compassion, in righteousness and justice.
HEADS OF FAMILIES
Lord, we bring all families before You and ask that You would restore the men as heads and priests of their own homes.Lord, where there are no fathers in homes, we bring the mothers before You and ask that Your grace would be upon them to LEAD their families with Your wisdom and discernment.
BUSINESS LEADERS
Father, in this time of severe suffering and uncertainty, we pray that You would raise the Joseph business LEADERS of our generation; men and women that live righteously like Joseph; men and women that can withstand sexual temptations, like Joseph did; men and women that would be wise in the distribution of food, money and whatever is needed in this time, like Joseph did.
CHURCH LEADERS
Lord, we pray that the main focus of all church LEADERS in this time would be to lead their members in the fear of the Lord, encouraging them with great love and compassion. We pray that they would be on their knees, seeking Your face and setting an example of praying servant LEADERS.
WORLD LEADERS
Lord, we bring before Your throne the LEADERS from every nation of the world; also the LEADERS of the World Health Organisation, the World Economic forum, the United Nations, the World Bank, all other important institutions and NGO’s; also local LEADERS such as municipalities, security, armies, heads of schools, hospitals and other institutions. Since You have positioned them in public service for this hour, we ask You to grant them wisdom beyond their own to contain this virus; faith beyond their own to fight this fear, and strength beyond their own to sustain vital institutions through this time of turmoil. Father, let these LEADERS lead with integrity and righteousness. (Take time now to bring your nation’s leaders and others God lays on your heart before Him).
In Jesus’ Name
Amen
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 21
“Taking the easy way out is the habit of a lazy man, and it will be his downfall. All day long he thinks about all the things that he craves, for he hasn’t learned the secret that the generous man has learned: extravagant giving never leads to poverty. It’s as easy for God to steer a king’s heart for his purposes as it is for him to direct the course of a stream. You may think you’re right all the time, but God thoroughly examines our motives. It pleases God more when we demonstrate godliness and justice than when we merely offer him a sacrifice. Arrogance, superiority, and pride are the fruits of wickedness and the true definition of sin. Brilliant ideas pay off and bring you prosperity, but making hasty, impatient decisions will only lead to financial loss. You can make a fortune dishonestly, but your crime will hold you in the snares of death! Violent rebels don’t have a chance, for their rejection of truth and their love of evil will drag them deeper into darkness. You can discern that a person is guilty by his devious actions and the innocence of a person by his honest, sincere ways. It’s better to live all alone in a rickety shack than to share a castle with a crabby spouse! The wicked always crave what is evil; they’ll show no mercy and get no mercy. Senseless people learn their lessons the hard way, but the wise are teachable. A godly, righteous person has the ability to bring the light of instruction to the wicked even though he despises what the wicked do. If you close your heart to the cries of the poor, then I’ll close my ears when you cry out to me! Try giving a secret gift to the one who is angry with you and watch his anger disappear. A kind, generous gift goes a long way to soothe the anger of one who is livid. When justice is served, the lovers of God celebrate and rejoice, but the wicked begin to panic. When you forsake the ways of wisdom, you will wander into the realm of dark spirits. To love pleasure for pleasure’s sake will introduce you to poverty. Indulging in a life of luxury will never make you wealthy. The wicked bring on themselves the very suffering they planned for others, for their treachery comes back to haunt them. It’s better to live in a hut in the wilderness than with a crabby, scolding spouse! In wisdom’s house you’ll find delightful treasures and the oil of the Holy Spirit. But the stupid squander what they’ve been given. The lovers of God who chase after righteousness will find all their dreams come true: an abundant life drenched with favor and a fountain that overflows with satisfaction. A warrior filled with wisdom ascends into the high place and releases regional breakthrough, bringing down the strongholds of the mighty. Watch your words and be careful what you say, and you’ll be surprised how few troubles you’ll have. An arrogant man is inflated with pride— nothing but a snooty scoffer in love with his own opinion. Mr. Mocker is his name!
To bring an offering to God with an ulterior motive is detestable, for it amounts to nothing but hypocrisy. No one believes a notorious liar, but the guarded words of an honest man stand the test of time. The wicked are shameless and stubborn, but the lovers of God have a holy confidence. All your brilliant wisdom and clever insight will be of no help at all if the Lord is against you. You can do your best to prepare for the battle, but ultimate victory comes from the Lord God.”
Proverbs 21:1-31
The Passion Translation
D A Y 99
Tuesday 22 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Father this day we come to You our Father of love and compassion, who hears the prayers of His children.
Lord You raise the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; You seat them with princes and have them inherit a throne of honour. (1 Samuel 2:8 )Lord You rescue the poor who cries for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist him.(Job 29:12) Lord as Your intercessors on earth we come to You on behalf of the poor across the world. Lord in Your greatness have mercy on us and them. Oh Lord glorious in power, extend Your mighty right hand that shatters the enemy.(Exodus 15:6 ESV) Lord please shatter this pandemic before it shatters the poor and the needy. Oh Lord have mercy!
Lord we now bring before You the poor in our own countries and also lift up before You the poorest nations in the world – (name those that come to mind) Oh Lord have mercy!Oh Lord Your Word says that the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever(Psalms 9:18). Lord please come to the rescue of the poor and needy.
Lord we ask that You will work deep in the hearts of the wealthy on earth to give towards helping the destitute and the poor whose conditions have worsened because of this worldwide pandemic . Lord we also thank You for those who have already given great amounts of money towards helping the poor in this time. Lord You know who they are (Name those that you know have given from their wealth to help) – We know that Your word says whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed. (Proverbs 19:17). So we ask Lord that You will indeed bless and keep these generous people. Lord please open the eyes of those who do not know You to come to know You. Lord please keep the donated money from corrupt people who want s to steal it. Lord please open the way that the money will truly be used to help the poor.
Lord we ask that You will also work deep in the hearts of all those who have more than enough to be generous to the poor. (ordinary people) Lord we ask that Your Church here on earth will follow the example set by the church in Acts – where all who believers had all things in common and were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.(Acts 2:44-45 ). Lord forgive us for our selfishness – that we only look at our own needs and not to those who are poor and destitute. Help us as Your Church to become an example during this outbreak of what You intended the Church to look like – that we will be known for our love and kind acts to the poor and needy in our midst. Lord please give us, as Your Church – creative ideas in how to help and reach the poor.
Lord we give You praise that You are a refuge to the poor and needy , a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. ( Isaiah 25:4)
We glorify Your Name
We put our trust ,our families, our friends, our nations and especially all the poor and needy in Your hands – we know You remain faithful forever.
In JESUS Name
AMEN
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 22
“Pay attention to these excellent sayings of three-fold things. For within my words you will discover true and reliable revelation. They will give you serenity so that you can reveal the truth of the word of the one who sends you.
Walk away from an angry man or you’ll embrace a snare in your soul by becoming bad-tempered just like him. A beautiful reputation is more to be desired than great riches, and to be esteemed by others is more honorable than to own immense investments. The rich and the poor have one thing in common: the Lord God created each one. A prudent person with insight foresees danger coming and prepares himself for it. But the senseless rush blindly forward and suffer the consequences. Laying your life down in tender surrender before the Lord will bring life, prosperity, and honor as your reward. Twisted and perverse lives are surrounded by demonic influence. If you value your soul, stay far away from them. Dedicate your children to God and point them in the way that they should go, and the values they’ve learned from you will be with them for life. If you borrow money with interest, you’ll end up serving the interests of your creditors, for the rich rule over the poor. Sin is a seed that brings a harvest; you’ll reap a heap of trouble with every seed you plant. For your investment in sins pays a full return— the full punishment you deserve! When you are generous to the poor, you are enriched with blessings in return. Say goodbye to a troublemaker and you’ll say goodbye to quarrels, strife, tension, and arguments, for a troublemaker traffics in shame. The Lord loves those whose hearts are holy, and he is the friend of those whose ways are pure. God passionately watches over his deep reservoir of revelation-knowledge, but he subverts the lies of those who pervert the truth. A slacker always has an excuse for not working— like “I can’t go to work. There’s a lion outside! And murderers too!” Sex with an adulteress is like falling into the abyss. Those under God’s curse jump right in to their own destruction. Although rebellion is woven into a young man’s heart, tough discipline can make him into a man. There are two kinds of people headed toward poverty: those who exploit the poor and those who bribe the rich. Listen carefully and open your heart. Drink in the wise revelation that I impart. You’ll become winsome and wise when you treasure the beauty of my words. And always be prepared to share them at the appropriate time. For I’m releasing these words to you this day, yes, even to you, so that your living hope will be found in God alone, for he is the only one who is always true.
Never oppress the poor or pass laws with the motive of crushing the weak. For the Lord will rise to plead their case and humiliate the one who humiliates the poor.
Why would you ever guarantee a loan for someone else or promise to be responsible for his debts? For if you fail to pay you could lose your shirt! The previous generation has set boundaries in place. Don’t you dare move them just to benefit yourself. If you are uniquely gifted in your work, you will rise and be promoted. You won’t be held back— you’ll stand before kings!”
Proverbs 22:1-29
The Passion Translation
D A Y 100
Wednesday 23 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Father God, Great and Glorious One – in this moment we become still and stand in awe of the power of Your glorious voice, speaking to us in Your Word. We ascribe to You glory and strength, O Lord; we worship You in the splendour of Your holiness. For Your voice is over the waters; the God of glory thunders. Your voice is powerful; Your voice is full of majesty. Your voice breaks the cedars; it flashes forth flames of fire. It shakes the wilderness; and strips the forests bare; and in Your temple all cry, “Glory!” (Psalm 29)
Lord, we humble ourselves before You, for by Your voice You spoke the entire Universe and all that we see into being. You said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. By Your Word you spoke the Heavens and the Earth, the sun, moon & stars, every plant and living creature and ultimately, man, into being. (Genesis 1) Who can stand before You, Lord? Who can contest Your purposes?
Father, we remember how You walked in the garden in the cool of the day, and called out to Adam and Eve, ‘Where are you?’ even in the midst of their brokenness and shame. (Genesis 3:8-10) Lord, thank You that from that day until now, You haven’t stopped calling us to Yourself, even in our sin and shame. Have mercy, O God.
Lord, we incline our ears to hear, for Your Word says that Your sheep hear Your voice, and You know them, and they follow You. (John 10:27) More than that, You say that as we seek Your guidance, our ears shall hear a voice behind us, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when we turn to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21) You promise that when we call to You, You will answer us, and will tell us great and hidden things that we have not known. (Jeremiah 33:3) Be not silent to us, lest we become like those that go down to the pit. (Psalm 29:1) With the young prophet Samuel, we say, “Speak Lord, your servants are listening.”
Lord this day please open Your Word to us as we read it – Lord give us understanding by Your Holy Spirit.
Amen
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 23
“When you’ve been invited to dine with a very important leader, consider your manners and keep in mind who you’re with. Be careful to curb your appetite and catch yourself before you fall into the trap of wanting all you see. Don’t crave their delicacies, for they may have another motive in having you sit at their table. Don’t compare yourself to the rich. Surrender your selfish ambition and evaluate them properly. For no sooner do you start counting your wealth than it sprouts wings and flies away like an eagle in the sky— here today, gone tomorrow! Be sensible when you dine with a stingy man and don’t eat more than you should. For as he thinks within himself, so is he. He will grudgingly say, “Go ahead and eat all you want,” but in his heart he resents the fact that he has to pay for your meal. You’ll be sorry you ate anything at all, and all your compliments will be wasted. A rebellious fool will despise your wise advice, so don’t even waste your time—save your breath! Never move a long-standing boundary line or attempt to take land that belongs to the fatherless. For they have a mighty protector, a loving redeemer, who watches over them, and he will stand up for their cause. Pay close attention to the teaching that corrects you, and open your heart to every word of instruction. Don’t withhold appropriate discipline from your child. Go ahead and punish him when he needs it. Don’t worry—it won’t kill him! A good spanking could be the very thing that teaches him a lifelong lesson! My beloved child, when your heart is full of wisdom, my heart is full of gladness. And when you speak anointed words, we are speaking mouth to mouth! Don’t allow the actions of evil men to cause you to burn with anger. Instead, burn with unrelenting passion as you worship God in holy awe. Your future is bright and filled with a living hope that will never fade away. As you listen to me, my beloved child, you will grow in wisdom and your heart will be drawn into understanding, which will empower you to make right decisions. Don’t live in the excesses of drunkenness or gluttony, or waste your life away by partying all the time, because drunkards and gluttons sleep their lives away and end up broke! Give respect to your father and mother, for without them you wouldn’t even be here. And don’t neglect them when they grow old. Embrace the truth and hold it close. Don’t let go of wisdom, instruction, and life-giving understanding. When a father observes his child living in godliness, he is ecstatic with joy—nothing makes him prouder! So may your father’s heart burst with joy and your mother’s soul be filled with gladness because of you. My son, give me your heart and embrace fully what I’m about to tell you. Stay far away from prostitutes and you’ll stay far away from the pit of destruction. For sleeping with a promiscuous woman is like falling into a trap that you’ll never be able to escape! Like a robber hiding in the shadows she’s waiting to claim another victim— another husband unfaithful to his wife. Who has anguish? Who has bitter sorrow? Who constantly complains and argues? Who stumbles and falls and hurts himself? Who’s the one with bloodshot eyes? It’s the one who drinks too much and is always looking for a brew. Make sure it’s never you! And don’t be drunk with wine but be known as one who enjoys the company of the lovers of God, For drunkenness brings the sting of a serpent, like the fangs of a viper spreading poison into your soul. It will make you hallucinate, mumble, and speak words that are perverse. You’ll be like a seasick sailor being tossed to and fro, dizzy and out of your mind. You’ll awake only to say, “What hit me? I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck!” Yet off you’ll go, looking for another drink!”
Proverbs 23:1-35
The Passion Translation
D A Y 93
Wednesday 16 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Father this day we choose to humble ourselves under Your mighty hand. Lord we offer our bodies as living sacrifices, use us Lord as Your vessels to bring glory to Your Name.
Lord we put our trust totally in You. You are our God, our King and our all. Lord without You we will have no lasting impact. Without You we are lost. Lord we know that if we put our trust in You, every plan we make will succeed and You will work everything together to accomplish Your purposes in our lives.
Lord please forgive us for our pride, today we confess it and lay it down. Lord we want to die to ourselves so that You can be glorified through us. Lord we lay our own plans aside, please come and show us Your plans and the works that You have prepared for us to walk in. Lord please speak to us from your Word today.
Thank You Lord that the power of Your faithful love removes the guilt and grip of sin over us.
Lord our greatest desire is to please You for if You are pleased with the decisions we make , You turn even our enemies into friends. O Lord there is nothing more fulfilling than serving You and living in Your love. We give You glory!
Amen
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 16
“Go ahead and make all the plans you want, but it’s the Lord who will ultimately direct your steps. We are all in love with our own opinions, convinced they’re correct. But the Lord is in the midst of us, testing and probing our every motive. Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed. The Lord works everything together to accomplish his purpose. Even the wicked are included in his plans— he sets them aside for the day of disaster. Exalting yourself is disgusting to the Lord, for pride attracts his punishment— and you can count on that! You can avoid evil through surrendered worship and the fear of God, for the power of his faithful love removes sin’s guilt and grip over you. When the Lord is pleased with the decisions you’ve made, he activates grace to turn enemies into friends. It is better to have little with a heart that loves justice than to be rich and not have God on your side. Within your heart you can make plans for your future, but the Lord chooses the steps you take to get there. A king speaks the revelation of truth, so he must be extraordinarily careful in the decrees that he makes. The Lord expects you to be fair in every business deal, for he is the one who sets the standards for righteousness. Kings and leaders despise wrongdoing, for the true authority to rule and reign is built on a foundation of righteousness. Kings and leaders love to hear godly counsel, and they love those who tell them the truth. The anger of a king releases the messenger of death, but a wise person will know how to pacify his wrath. Life-giving light streams from the presence of a king, and his favor is showered upon those who please him. Everyone wants gold, but wisdom’s worth is far greater. Silver is sought after, but a heart of understanding yields a greater return. Repenting from evil places you on the highway of holiness. Protect purity and you protect your life. Your boast becomes a prophecy of a future failure. The higher you lift up yourself in pride, the harder you’ll fall in disgrace. It’s better to be meek and lowly and live among the poor than to live high and mighty among the rich and famous. One skilled in business discovers prosperity, but the one who trusts in God is blessed beyond belief! The one with a wise heart is called “discerning,” and speaking sweetly to others makes your teaching even more convincing. Wisdom is a deep well of understanding opened up within you as a fountain of life for others, but it’s senseless to try to instruct a fool. Winsome words pour from a heart of wisdom, adding value to all you teach. Nothing is more appealing than speaking beautiful, life-giving words. For they release sweetness to our souls and inner healing to our spirits. Before every person there is a path that seems like the right one to take, but it leads straight to hell! Life motivation comes from the deep longings of the heart, and the passion to see them fulfilled urges you onward. A wicked scoundrel wants to dig up dirt on others, only to spread slander and shred their reputation. A twisted person spreads rumors; a whispering gossip ruins good friendships. A vicious criminal can be persuasive, enticing others to join him as partners in crime, but he leads them all down a despicable path. It’s easy to tell when a wicked man is hatching some crooked scheme— it’s written all over his face. His looks betray him as he gives birth to his sin. Old age with wisdom will crown you with dignity and honor, for it takes a lifetime of righteousness to acquire it. Do you want to be a mighty warrior? It’s better to be known as one who is patient and slow to anger. Do you want to conquer a city? Rule over your temper before you attempt to rule a city. We may toss the coin and roll the dice, but God’s will is greater than luck.”
Proverbs 16:1-33 The Passion Translation
D A Y 94
Thursday 17 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Dear Heavenly Father we come to you today, wanting to dwell in Your shelter, for we know if we do that we will abide in Your shadow. You are our refuge and our fortress, the God in whom we trust.
Thank you Lord for delivering us from the snare of the enemy and from all attacks, false accusations, deadly pestilences, illnesses and viruses. Your faithfulness surrounds us like a shield. We will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, for You are with us. Thank You Lord for giving Your mighty angels command over us. Thank You Lord for loving us the way that You do. Thank You Lord for delivering us and answering our prayers. Thank You Lord that You are with us in our troubles. Thank You for being with us right now in this difficult time. Thank You for guiding us through this journey on earth that are full of landmines. You are the One showing us where to walk and we know You will take us safely through. Thank You for saving us and for giving us long lives to bring glory to Your name. O Lord work in us and strengthen us by Your Word to always remain IN You ! (Psalms 91)
Lord please guide us now by your Holy Spirit as we read Your Word.
Amen.
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 17
“A simple, humble life with peace and quiet is far better than an opulent lifestyle with nothing but quarrels and strife at home. A wise, intelligent servant will be honored above a shameful son. He’ll even end up having a portion left to him in his master’s will. In the same way that gold and silver are refined by fire, the Lord purifies your heart by the tests and trials of life. Those eager to embrace evil listen to slander, for a liar loves to listen to lies. Mock the poor, will you? You insult your Creator every time you do! If you make fun of others’ misfortune, you’d better watch out—your punishment is on its way. Grandparents have the crowning glory of life: grandchildren! And it’s only proper for children to take pride in their parents. It is not proper for a leader to lie and deceive, and don’t expect excellent words to be spoken by a fool. Wise instruction is like a costly gem. It turns the impossible into success. Love overlooks the mistakes of others, but dwelling on the failures of others devastates friendships. One word of correction breaks open a teachable heart, but a fool can be corrected a hundred times and still not know what hit him. Rebellion thrives in an evil man, so a messenger of vengeance will be sent to punish him. It’s safer to meet a grizzly bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a reckless fool. The one who returns evil for good can expect to be treated the same way for the rest of his life. Don’t be one who is quick to quarrel, for an argument is hard to stop, and you never know how it will end, so don’t even start down that road! There is nothing God hates more than condemning the one who is innocent and acquitting the one who is guilty. Why pay tuition to educate a fool? For he has no intention of acquiring true wisdom. A dear friend will love you no matter what, and a family sticks together through all kinds of trouble. It’s stupid to run up bills you’ll never be able to pay or to cosign for the loan of your friend. Save yourself the trouble and don’t do either one. If you love to argue, then you must be in love with sin. For the one who loves to boast is only asking for trouble. The one with a perverse heart never has anything good to say, and the chronic liar tumbles into constant trouble. Parents of a numskull will have many sorrows, for there’s nothing about his lifestyle that will make them proud. A joyful, cheerful heart brings healing to both body and soul. But the one whose heart is crushed struggles with sickness and depression. When you take a secret bribe, your actions reveal your true character, for you pervert the ways of justice. Even the face of a wise man shows his intelligence. But the wandering eyes of a fool will look for wisdom everywhere except right in front of his nose. A father grieves over the foolishness of his child, and bitter sorrow fills his mother. It’s horrible to persecute a holy lover of God or to strike an honorable man for his integrity! Can you bridle your tongue when your heart is under pressure? That’s how you show that you are wise. An understanding heart keeps you cool, calm, and collected, no matter what you’re facing. When even a fool bites his tongue he’s considered wise. So shut your mouth when you are provoked— it will make you look smart.”
Proverbs 17:1-28 The Passion Translation
D A Y 95
Friday 18 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Dear Heavenly Father
Thank You that the joy that we have in You is our strength.(Nehemiah 8:10 ) Thank You Lord that even in the times of shaking Your joy remains in us.
Lord in this time of the worldwide pandemic there are many people across the world that suffer from depression, anxiety and fear. We want to lift them up before You today. O Lord have mercy!Lord Your Son Jesus came to give us life in abundance. Satan came to steal, kill and destroy. Lord he has stolen so much from us. He has stolen so many peoples joy and even lives. Father please intervene – Lord You are our Almighty God – please come and deliver the following people from all fear, depression and anxiety and please fill them with Your abundant joy. (Name those who are suffering from fear, depression and anxiety)
We stand on the promises of Your life giving Word. Lord You prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies; You anoint our heads with oil; our cups overflow. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives , and we shall dwell inYour house forever. (Psalm 23:5)
Amen.
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 18
“An unfriendly person isolates himself and seems to care only about his own issues. For his contempt of sound judgment makes him a recluse. Senseless people find no pleasure in acquiring true wisdom, for all they want to do is impress you with what they know. An ungodly man is always cloaked with disgrace, as dishonor and shame are his companions. Words of wisdom are like a fresh, flowing brook— like deep waters that spring forth from within, bubbling up inside the one with understanding. It is atrocious when judges show favor to the guilty and deprive the innocent of justice. A senseless man jumps headfirst into an argument; he’s just asking for a beating for his reckless words. A fool has a big mouth that only gets him into trouble, and he’ll pay the price for what he says. The words of a gossip merely reveal the wounds of his own soul, and his slander penetrates into the innermost being. The one who is too lazy to look for work is the same one who wastes his life away. The character of God is a tower of strength, for the lovers of God delight to run into his heart and be exalted on high. The rich, in their conceit, imagine that their wealth is enough to protect them. It becomes their confidence in a day of trouble. A man’s heart is the proudest when his downfall is nearest, for he won’t see glory until the Lord sees humility. Listen before you speak, for to speak before you’ve heard the facts will bring humiliation. The will to live sustains you when you’re sick, but depression crushes courage and leaves you unable to cope. The spiritually hungry are always ready to learn more, for their hearts are eager to discover new truths. Would you like to meet a very important person? Take a generous gift. It will do wonders to gain entrance into his presence. There are two sides to every story. The first one to speak sounds true until you hear the other side and they set the record straight. A coin toss resolves a dispute and can put an argument to rest between formidable opponents. It is easier to conquer a strong city than to win back a friend whom you’ve offended. Their walls go up, making it nearly impossible to win them back. Sharing words of wisdom is satisfying to your inner being. It encourages you to know that you’ve changed someone else’s life. Your words are so powerful that they will kill or give life, and the talkative person will reap the consequences. When a man finds a wife, he has found a treasure! For she is the gift of God to bring him joy and pleasure. But the one who divorces a good woman loses what is good from his house. To choose an adulteress is both stupid and ungodly. The poor plead for help from the rich, but all they get in return is a harsh response. Some friendships don’t last for long, but there is one loving friend who is joined to your heart closer than any other!”
Proverbs 18:1-24
The Passion Translation
D A Y 96
Saturday 19 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Father, Son and Holy Spirit both riches and honour come from You. You rule over all and in Your hand is power and might; it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen. (1 Chronicles 29:12)Lord You consider the ravens, they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet You feed them; how much more valuable in Your eyes we are than the birds!(Luke 12:24) Oh Lord we glorify You , You are our PROVIDER, our Jehovah Jireh!!
Lord forgive us that we, as Your children have taken our eyes off You so many times – as our Sustainer and PROVIDER. Forgive us that we have become so self-reliant. Forgive us that we have put our trust and dependancy in material things, in our own capabilities, in that which we have accumulated, in our wealth, in people, in our economy , in our savings, in our pensions and in the strength of our nations economies and armies. Forgive us that we do not look to You the Holy One of Israel. Forgive us that we have not asked for Your help (Isaiah 31:1 ) Father forgive us also as Your church for putting our focus on prosperity and enriching ourselves. We ask forgiveness for being enslaved to money , we know that we cannot truly serve God and money. (Matthew 6:24 NLT)Forgive us Lord and set us free from the love of money. Lord we choose to serve You and You alone – have mercy on us. we choose to trust You as our PROVIDER.
Lord thank You that Your word says the righteous will never beg for bread, for You are our Way-maker and PROVIDER. Lord You take care of the godly even in famine they will have more than enough.(Psalms 37:4, 17-19, 25)
In Jesus name
Amen
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 19
It’s better to be honest, even if it leads to poverty, than to live as a dishonest fool. The best way to live is with revelation-knowledge, for without it, you’ll grow impatient and run right into error. There are some people who ruin their own lives and then blame it all on God. Being wealthy means having lots of “friends,” but the poor can’t keep the ones they have. Perjury won’t go unpunished, and liars will get all that they deserve. Everyone wants to be close to the rich and famous, but a generous person has all the friends he wants! When a man is poor, even his family has no use for him. How much more will his “friends” avoid him— for though he begs for help, they won’t respond. Do yourself a favor and love wisdom. Learn all you can, then watch your life flourish and prosper! Tell lies and you’re going to get caught, and the habitual liar is doomed. It doesn’t seem right when you see a fool living in the lap of luxury or a prideful servant ruling over princes. A wise person demonstrates patience, for mercy means holding your tongue. When you are insulted, be quick to forgive and forget it, for you are virtuous when you overlook an offense. The rage of a king is like the roar of a lion, but his sweet favor is like a gentle, refreshing rain. A rebellious son breaks a father’s heart, and a nagging wife can drive you crazy! You can inherit houses and land from your parents, but a good wife only comes as a gracious gift from God! Go ahead—be lazy and passive. But you’ll go hungry if you live that way. Honor God’s holy instructions and life will go well for you. But if you despise his ways and choose your own plans, you will die. Every time you give to the poor you make a loan to the Lord. Don’t worry—you’ll be repaid in full for all the good you’ve done. Don’t be afraid to discipline your children while they’re still young enough to learn. Don’t indulge your children or be swayed by their protests. A hot-tempered man has to pay the price for his anger. If you bail him out once, you’ll do it a dozen times. Listen well to wise counsel and be willing to learn from correction so that by the end of your life you’ll be known for your wisdom. A person may have many ideas concerning God’s plan for his life, but only the designs of his purpose will succeed in the end. A man is charming when he displays tender mercies to others. And a lover of God who is poor and promises nothing is better than a rich liar who never keeps his promises. When you live a life of abandoned love, surrendered before the awe of God, here’s what you’ll experience: Abundant life. Continual protection. And complete satisfaction! There are some people who pretend they’re hurt— deadbeats who won’t even work to feed themselves. If you punish the insolent who don’t know any better, they will learn not to mock. But if you correct a wise man, he will grow even wiser. Children who mistreat their parents are an embarrassment to their family and a public disgrace. So listen, my child. Don’t reject correction or you will certainly wander from the ways of truth. A corrupt witness makes a mockery of justice, for the wicked never play by the rules. Judgment is waiting for those who mock the truth, and foolish living invites a beating.”
Proverbs 19:1-29The Passion Translation
D A Y 89
Saturday 12 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Lord we come joyfully to Your throne of grace .Thank You for another weekend. Thank You for all the beautiful things in our lives. Thank You for the birds chirping outside, for the smile of a loved one, for our 5 senses – Lord we can carry on … Your goodness to us is what carries us through ,even in the midst of the storm of this worldwide pandemic. (Take some time to thank the Lord for your loved ones – name them them before Him and pray a special weekend blessing over them)
Lord Your Word is truth! Please come and make us holy by Your truth. (John 17:17 )Lord we want to watch over our hearts with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23 )
Lord we give our hearts to You today and ask that if there are any form of hardness in our hearts – that You will come and show us. We repent of hardness of our hearts and commit to be teachable servants, for You are our most high God.
O Lord we do not want to walk in any form of pride and self righteousness. We want to be carriers of Your Word and beauty to those in need around us. We want to bring them to You to receive healing from the treasures of Your Word. Lord please let our paths cross with those whose hearts are ready to receive You. Lord awaken us in the spirit to recognise those who You send our way, for we do not want to miss any opportunity to bring You glory.
Lord Your kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Help us to serve You in righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.Lord Your Word says whoever serves You like this is acceptable to You and approved by men.(Romans 14:17-18 )
In Jesus Name
AMEN
DAILY READING – PROVERBS 12
“To learn the truth you must long to be teachable, or you can despise correction and remain ignorant. If your heart is right, favor flows from the Lord, but a devious heart invites his condemnation. You can’t expect success by doing what’s wrong. But the lives of his lovers are deeply rooted and firmly planted. The integrity and strength of a virtuous wife transforms her husband into an honored king. But the wife who disgraces her husband weakens the strength of his identity. The lovers of God are filled with good ideas that are noble and pure, but the schemes of the sinner are crammed with nothing but lies. The wicked use their words to ambush and accuse, but the lovers of God speak to defend and protect. The wicked are taken out, gone for good, but the godly families shall live on. Everyone admires a man of principles, but the one with a corrupt heart is despised. Just be who you are and work hard for a living, for that’s better than pretending to be important and starving to death. A good man takes care of the needs of his pets, while even the kindest acts of a wicked man are still cruel. Work hard at your job and you’ll have what you need. Following a get-rich-quick scheme is nothing but a fantasy. The cravings of the wicked are only for what is evil, but righteousness is the core motivation for the lovers of God, and it keeps them content and flourishing. The wicked will get trapped by their words of gossip, slander, and lies. But for the righteous, honesty is its own defense. For there is great satisfaction in speaking the truth, and hard work brings blessings back to you. A fool is in love with his own opinion, but wisdom means being teachable. If you shrug off an insult and refuse to take offense, you demonstrate discretion indeed. But the fool has a short fuse and will immediately let you know when he’s offended. Truthfulness marks the righteous, but the habitual liar can never be trusted. Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal. Truthful words will stand the test of time, but one day every lie will be seen for what it is. Deception fills the hearts of those who plot harm, but those who plan for peace are filled with joy. Calamity is not allowed to overwhelm the righteous, but there’s nothing but trouble waiting for the wicked. Live in the truth and keep your promises, and the Lord will keep delighting in you, but he detests a liar. Those who possess wisdom don’t feel the need to impress others with what they know, but foolish ones make sure their ignorance is on display. If you want to reign in life, don’t sit on your hands. Instead work hard at doing what’s right, for the slacker will end up working to make someone else succeed. Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart. Lovers of God give good advice to their friends, but the counsel of the wicked will lead them astray. A passive person won’t even complete a project, but a passionate person makes good use of his time, wealth, and energy. Abundant life is discovered by walking in righteousness, but holding on to your anger leads to death.”
Proverbs 12:1-28 The Passion Translation
D A Y 90
Sunday 13 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Lord we submit our lives afresh to You today! With our tongues we proclaim Your praises! We lift up Your name – the name above all names – the beautiful name of Jesus Christ or Lord and Saviour!Lord we look forward to the day when every tongue will confess and every knee will bow to You! (Romans 14:11)
Lord today we want to confess to You all the wrong words we have ever spoken. Lord Your Word says that the tongue can bring death or life and that those who love to talk will reap the consequences. (Proverbs 18:21)
Lord please have mercy on us , please bring to remembrance specific words that we have spoken that brought death, so that we can repent and turn from ever using those words again. O Lord wash our mouths clean in the spiritual realm and render powerless all words that we have spoken that brought death. Forgive us Lord for speaking foolish words in anger and for every swear word we have ever uttered. Lord You said that on the day of judgment we will all give account for every careless word that we have spoken. (Matthew 12:36) Lord forgive us for those careless words and help us to turn away from speaking harsh words ever again. Forgive us for speaking lies, for gossiping, backbiting, murmuring and for complaining. Forgive us for every idle word that we have spoken against our parents, family, church, friends, co-workers, associates, and others. We also ask for Your forgiveness for every word spoken in doubt, fear and unbelief regarding Your Word and Your ability to manifest what You have promised.
Lord please help us that the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts would always be acceptable in Your sight. (Psalm 19:14)
Amen
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 13
“A wise son or daughter desires a father’s discipline, but the know-it-all never listens to correction. The words of the wise are kind and easy to swallow, but the unbeliever just wants to pick a fight and argue. Guard your words and you’ll guard your life, but if you don’t control your tongue, it will ruin everything. The slacker wants it all and ends up with nothing, but the hard worker ends up with all that he longed for. Lovers of God hate what is phony and false, but the wicked are full of shame and behave shamefully. Righteousness is like a shield of protection, guarding those who keep their integrity, but sin is the downfall of the wicked. One pretends to be rich but is poor. Another pretends to be poor but is quite rich. The self-assurance of the rich is their money, but people don’t kidnap and extort the poor! The virtues of God’s lovers shine brightly in the darkness, but the flickering lamp of the ungodly will be extinguished. Wisdom opens your heart to receive wise counsel, but pride closes your ears to advice and gives birth to only quarrels and strife. Wealth quickly gained is quickly wasted— easy come, easy go! But if you gradually gain wealth, you will watch it grow. When hope’s dream seems to drag on and on, the delay can be depressing. But when at last your dream comes true, life’s sweetness will satisfy your soul. Despise the word, will you? Then you’ll pay the price and it won’t be pretty! But the one who honors the Father’s holy instructions will be rewarded. When the lovers of God teach you truth, a fountain of life opens up within you, and their wise instruction will deliver you from the ways of death. Everyone admires a wise, sensible person, but the treacherous walk on the path of ruin. Everything a wise and shrewd man does comes from a source of revelation-knowledge, but the behavior of a fool puts foolishness on parade! An undependable messenger causes a lot of trouble, but the trustworthy and wise messengers release healing wherever they go. Poverty and disgrace come to the one who refuses to hear criticism. But the one who is easy to correct is on the path of honor. When God fulfills your longings, sweetness fills your soul. But the wicked refuse to turn from darkness to see their desires come to pass. If you want to grow in wisdom, spend time with the wise. Walk with the wicked and you’ll eventually become just like them. Calamity chases the sin-chaser, but prosperity pursues the God-lover. The benevolent man leaves an inheritance that endures to his children’s children, but the wealth of the wicked is treasured up for the righteous. The lovers of God will live a long life and get to enjoy their wealth, but the ungodly will suddenly perish. If you withhold correction and punishment from your children, you demonstrate a lack of true love. So prove your love and be prompt to punish them. The lovers of God will have more than enough, but the wicked will always lack what they crave.”
Proverbs 13:1-25 The Passion Translation
D A Y 91
Monday 14 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Lord today we want to give You the Praise and Worship due to Your Name
We want to raise our voices with our fellow Believers on earth and agree with the heavenly host. We say with them -“Worthy is Christ the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive great power and might, wealth and wisdom, and honour, glory, and praise!Praise, honour, glory, and dominion be to our God-Enthroned and to Christ the Lamb forever and ever!”(Revelation 5:11-14)
Lord we worship You, please open up Your Word today and speak to us as we meditate on it.
In Jesus Name
Amen
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 14
“Every wise woman encourages and builds up her family, but a foolish woman over time will tear it down by her own actions. Lovers of truth follow the right path because of their wonderment and worship of God. But the devious display their disdain for him. The words of a proud fool will all come back to haunt him. But the words of the wise will become a shield of protection around them. The only clean stable is an empty stable. So if you want the work of an ox and to enjoy an abundant harvest, you’ll have a mess or two to clean up! An honest witness will never lie, but a deceitful witness lies with every breath. The intellectually arrogant seek for wisdom, but they never seem to discover what they claim they’re looking for. For revelation-knowledge flows to the one who hungers for understanding. The words of the wise are like weapons of knowledge. If you need wise counsel, stay away from the fool. For the wisdom of the wise will keep life on the right track, while the fool only deceives himself and refuses to face reality. Fools mock the need for repentance, while the favor of God rests upon all his lovers. Don’t expect anyone else to fully understand both the bitterness and the joys of all you experience in your life. The household of the wicked is soon torn apart, while the family of the righteous flourishes. You can rationalize it all you want and justify the path of error you have chosen, but you’ll find out in the end that you took the road to destruction. Superficial laughter can hide a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the pain resurfaces. Those who turn from the truth get what they deserve, but a good person receives a sweet reward. A gullible person will believe anything, but a sensible person will confirm the facts. A wise person is careful in all things and turns quickly from evil, while the impetuous fool moves ahead with overconfidence. An impulsive person has a short fuse and can ruin everything, but the wise show self-control. The naïve demonstrate a lack of wisdom, but the lovers of wisdom are crowned with revelation-knowledge. Evil ones will pay tribute to good people and eventually come to be servants of the godly. The poor are disliked even by their neighbors, but everyone wants to get close to the wealthy. It’s a sin to despise one who is less fortunate than you, but when you are kind to the poor, you will prosper and be blessed. Haven’t you noticed how evil schemers always wander astray? But kindness and truth come to those who make plans to be pure in all their ways. If you work hard at what you do, great abundance will come to you. But merely talking about getting rich while living to only pursue your pleasures brings you face-to-face with poverty. The true net worth of the wise is the wealth that wisdom imparts. But the way of life for the fool is his foolishness. Speak the truth and you’ll save souls, but in the spreading of lies treachery thrives. Confidence and strength flood the hearts of the lovers of God who live in awe of him, and their devotion provides their children with a place of shelter and security. To worship God in wonder and awe opens a fountain of life within you, empowering you to escape death’s domain. A king glories in the number of his loyal followers, but a dwindling population spells ruin for any leader. When your heart overflows with understanding you’ll be very slow to get angry. But if you have a quick temper, your impatience will be quickly seen by all. A tender, tranquil heart will make you healthy, but jealousy can make you sick. Insult your Creator, will you? That’s exactly what you do every time that you oppress the powerless! Showing kindness to the poor is equal to honoring your maker. The wicked are crushed by every calamity, but the lovers of God find a strong hope even in the time of death. Wisdom soothes the heart of the one with living-understanding, but the heart of the fool just stockpiles stupidity. A nation is exalted by the righteousness of its people, but sin heaps disgrace upon the land. A wise and faithful servant receives promotion from the king, but the one who acts disgracefully gets to taste the anger of the king.”
Proverbs 14:1-35 The Passion Translation
D A Y 92
Tuesday 15 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Lord today we come to you in humble submission. There is none like You! You are the Beginning and the End , the Alpha and the Omega! O Lord we are so grateful that we know You. Lord You are carrying and guiding us through this difficult time. We worship You.
Thank you Lord that Your eyes move to and fro throughout the earth to support those whose heart is completely Yours. Lord our hearts are Yours, we choose You and we love You. Help us Lord to not fall away from You.(2 Chronicles 16:9) Lord feed us from Your Word and work in us to will for Your kingdom. (Philippians 2:13)
Lord as Your children we want o confess all anger in our lives. Lord in this time of the pandemic, abuse and anger related incidents have increased across the earth. Forgive us as Your children for the times that we have also lost our tempers. Lord Your Word clearly says that in our anger we must not sin. We are not to let the sun go down while we are still angry, we are not not to give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26) Lord we are guilty of all of these – please forgive us for sinning against You in our anger. Lord please remove this foothold we gave the devil in our lives. Lord we want to do as Your Word says – we want to be be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger . Please give us the strength to do so.(James 1:19)
Lord we choose to be cheerful every day, for we know this is pleasing to You and will bring You glory! Lord we also take joy in bringing our prayers before You – for we know it is pleasing to You when we seek You in Prayer.
We love You Lord and we rejoice in You!
Amen
BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 15
“Respond gently when you are confronted and you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. Don’t you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men? When wisdom speaks, understanding becomes attractive. But the words of the fool make their ignorance look laughable. The eyes of the Lord are everywhere and he takes note of everything that happens. He watches over his lovers, and he also sees the wickedness of the wicked. When you speak healing words, you offer others fruit from the tree of life. But unhealthy, negative words do nothing but crush their hopes. You’re stupid to mock the instruction of a father, but welcoming correction will make you brilliant. There is power in the house of the righteous, but the house of the wicked is filled with trouble, no matter how much money they have. When wisdom speaks, revelation-knowledge is released, but finding true wisdom in the word of a fool is futile. It is despicable to the Lord when people use the worship of the Almighty as a cloak for their sin, but every prayer of his godly lovers is pleasing to his heart. The Lord detests the lifestyle of the wicked, fbut he loves those who pursue purity. Severe punishment awaits the one who turns away from the truth, and those who rebel against correction will die. Even hell itself holds no secrets from the Lord God, for all is exposed before his eyes, and so much more the heart of every human being. The know-it-all never esteems the one who tries to correct him. He refuses to seek good advice from the wise. A cheerful heart puts a smile on your face, but a broken heart leads to depression. Lovers of God hunger after truth, but those without understanding feast on foolishness and don’t even realize it. Everything seems to go wrong when you feel weak and depressed. But when you choose to be cheerful, every day will bring you more and more joy and fullness. It’s much better to live simply, surrounded in holy awe and worship of God, than to have great wealth with a home full of trouble. It’s much better to have a kind, loving family, even with little, than to have great wealth with nothing but hatred and strife all around you. A touchy, hot-tempered man picks a fight, but the calm, patient man knows how to silence strife. Nothing seems to work right for the lazy man, but life seems smooth and easy when your heart is virtuous. When a son learns wisdom, a father’s heart is glad. But the man who shames his mother is a foolish son. The senseless fool treats life like a joke, but the one with living-understanding makes good choices. Your plans will fall apart right in front of you if you fail to get good advice. But if you first seek out multiple counselors, you’ll watch your plans succeed. Everyone enjoys giving great advice. But how delightful it is to say the right thing at the right time! The life path of the prudent lifts them progressively heavenward, delivering them from the death spiral that keeps tugging them downward. The Lord champions the widow’s cause, but watch him as he smashes down the houses of the haughty! The Lord detests wicked ways of thinking, but he enjoys lovely and delightful words. The one who puts earning money above his family will have trouble at home, but those who refuse to exploit others will live in peace. Lovers of God think before they speak, but the careless blurt out wicked words meant to cause harm. The Lord doesn’t respond to the wicked, but he’s moved to answer the prayers of his godly lovers. Eyes that focus on what is beautiful bring joy to the heart, and hearing a good report refreshes and strengthens the inner being. Accepting constructive criticism opens your heart to the path of life, making you right at home among the wise. Refusing constructive criticism shows you have no interest in improving your life, for revelation-insight only comes as you accept correction and the wisdom that it brings. The source of revelation-knowledge is found as you fall down in surrender before the Lord. Don’t expect to see Shekinah glory until the Lord sees your sincere humility.”
Proverbs 15:1-33 The Passion Translation
D A Y 85
Tuesday 8 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
O Lord what a great joy it is for us to call on You in Prayer! Lord our hearts rejoice in knowing You, the Creator and Sustainer of everything. Lord this day we lay our lives before You as vessels to be filled and used to bring You glory!
Lord please fill us afresh this day with Your wisdom and understanding. Thank You Lord for the wisdom and understanding we learn from Your Word. Lord the finest gold is nothing compared to the revelation-knowledge that You impart. Lord we turn from every form of evil, we worship You and only You, we fear You and only You – You are our God and King.
Lord please lead us into the ways of Your righteousness in everything we do and say so that we will discover the paths of true justice.
In Jesus name
AMEN
DAILY READING – PROVERBS 8
“Can’t you hear the voice of Wisdom? From the top of the mountains of influence she speaks into the gateways of the glorious city. At the place where pathways merge, at the entrance of every portal, there she stands, ready to impart understanding, shouting aloud to all who enter, preaching her sermon to those who will listen.
“I’m calling to you, sons of Adam, yes, and to you daughters as well. Listen to me and you will be prudent and wise. For even the foolish and feeble can receive an understanding heart that will change their inner being. The meaning of my words will release within you revelation for you to reign in life. My lyrics will empower you to live by what is right. For everything I say is unquestionably true, and I refuse to endure the lies of lawlessness— my words will never lead you astray. All the declarations of my mouth can be trusted; they contain no twisted logic or perversion of the truth. All my words are clear and straightforward to everyone who possesses spiritual understanding. If you have an open mind, you will receive revelation-knowledge. My wise correction is more valuable than silver or gold. The finest gold is nothing compared to the revelation-knowledge I can impart.” Wisdom is so priceless that it exceeds the value of any jewel. Nothing you could wish for can equal her. “For I am Wisdom, and I am shrewd and intelligent. I have at my disposal living-understanding to devise a plan for your life. Wisdom pours into you when you begin to hate every form of evil in your life, for that’s what worship and fearing God is all about. Then you will discover that your pompous pride and perverse speech are the very ways of wickedness that I hate!” “You will find true success when you find me, for I have insight into wise plans that are designed just for you. I hold in my hands living-understanding, courage, and strength. I empower kings to reign and rulers to make laws that are just. I empower princes to rise and take dominion, and generous ones to govern the earth. I will show my love to those who passionately love me. For they will search and search continually until they find me. Unending wealth and glory come to those who discover where I dwell. The riches of righteousness and a long, satisfying life will be given to them. What I impart has greater worth than gold and treasure, and the increase I bring benefits more than a windfall of income. I lead you into the ways of righteousness to discover the paths of true justice. Those who love me gain great wealth and a glorious inheritance, and I will fill their lives with treasures. “In the beginning I was there, for God possessed me even before he created the universe. From eternity past I was set in place, before the world began. I was anointed from the beginning. Before the oceans depths were poured out, and before there were any glorious fountains overflowing with water, I was there, dancing! Even before one mountain had been sculpted or one hill raised up, I was already there, dancing! When he created the earth, the fields, even the first atom of dust, I was already there. When he hung the tapestry of the heavens and stretched out the horizon of the earth, when the clouds and skies were set in place and the subterranean fountains began to flow strong, I was already there. when he set in place the pillars of the earth and spoke the decrees of the seas, commanding the waves so that they wouldn’t overstep their boundaries, I was there, close to the Creator’s side as his master artist. Daily he was filled with delight in me as I playfully rejoiced before him. I laughed and played, so happy with what he had made, while finding my delight in the children of men. “So listen, my sons and daughters, to everything I tell you, for nothing will bring you more joy than following my ways. Listen to my counsel, for my instruction will enlighten you. You’ll be wise not to ignore it. If you wait at wisdom’s doorway, longing to hear a word for every day, joy will break forth within you as you listen for what I’ll say. For the fountain of life pours into you every time that you find me, and this is the secret of growing in the delight and the favor of the Lord. But those who stumble and miss me will be sorry they did! For ignoring what I have to say will bring harm to your own soul. Those who hate me are simply flirting with death!””
Proverbs 8:1-36 The Passion Translation
D A Y 86
Wednesday 9 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Lord we come to You this new day with joyous expectation! We want to feast at the banquet table of Your wisdom and understanding. Lord our hearts cry out to know you deeper.
You say in Your word that if we ask for wisdom You will give it to us. (James 1:5) Lord please give us Your precious wisdom and understanding. Lord help us to have a greater discernment of the time we live in. Lord we also ask that You would give us hearts to continue in Your wisdom and precepts until the end. Help us not to loose track like your son Solomon, who was the wisest man who ever lived – but got sidetracked by so many things that You told him not to do. Lord Your Word says that we must not think we are standing strong, we must always be careful not to fall.Lord please help us not to stumble and fall.(1 Corinthians 10:12)
Lord we choose to lay aside our simple thoughts and to leave our old paths behind us . We agree with Your ways for we want to live in Your truth, and righteousness . Lord we know that to live in Your wisdom will extend our lives and make us more fruitful to the glory of your Name.
Father as you fill us with Your wisdom please help us to also impart that wisdom to those You give us to disciple – so that Your wisdom will spread across the earth and fill the earth with Your glory!
In Jesus Name
AMEN
DAILY READING – PROVERBS 9
“Wisdom has built herself a palace upon seven pillars to keep it secure. She has made ready a banquet feast and the sacrifice has been killed. She has mingled her wine, and the table’s all set. She has sent out her maidens, crying out from the high place, inviting everyone to come and eat until they’re full. “Whoever wants to know me and receive my wisdom, come and dine at my table and drink of my wine. Lay aside your simple thoughts and leave your paths behind. Agree with my ways, live in my truth, and righteousness you will find.” If you try to correct an arrogant cynic, expect an angry insult in return. And if you try to confront an evil man, don’t be surprised if all you get is a slap in the face! So don’t even bother to correct a mocker, for he’ll only hate you for it. But go ahead and correct the wise; they’ll love you even more. Teach a wise man what is right and he’ll grow even wiser. Instruct the lovers of God and they’ll learn even more. The starting point for acquiring wisdom is to be consumed with awe as you worship Jehovah-God. To receive the revelation of the Holy One, you must come to the one who has living-understanding. Wisdom will extend your life, making every year more fruitful than the one before. So it is to your advantage to be wise. But to ignore the counsel of wisdom is to invite trouble into your life. There is a spirit named Foolish, who is boisterous and brash; she’s seductive and restless. And there she sits at the gateway to the high places, on her throne overlooking the city. She preaches to all who walk by her who are clueless as to what is happening: “Come home with me.” She invites those who are easily led astray, saying, “Illicit sex is the best sex of all. Our secret affair will be sweeter than all others.” Little do they know when they answer her call that she dwells among the spirits of the dead, and all her guests soon become citizens of hell!”
Proverbs 9:1-18 The Passion Translation
D A Y 87
Thursday 10 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Father we come to You today as our gracious , loving Father. O Lord thank You for sending Your Son Jesus so that we could learn more about You. He is the dazzling radiance of Your splendour, the exact expression of Your true nature – Your mirror image! O Lord – Your Son , Jesus – holds the universe together and expands it by the mighty power of His spoken Word. He accomplished for us the complete cleansing of sins, and then took His seat on the highest throne at Your right hand
(Hebrews 1:3)We bring You praise and glory!
Lord Your word says that when wisdom comes to a son, joy comes to a father. When a son turns from wisdom, a mother grieves. O Lord many of us have prodigal children or know of prodigals – those who turned their backs on You and Your Word. (Luke 15:11-32) Lord today we intercede for them (Name the ones you know)Lord we ask that You would use this difficult time of the worldwide pandemic – to bring the prodigals back – so that You and us , can embrace them. Lord wash them clean and dress them with the seal ring of Your wisdom and the robe of Your Understanding. Lord open their eyes and hearts to receive the riches of Your Word. Lord let Those who love You feed the prodigals with Your teachings of living truth which flows from the fountain of life. Lord let Your love through us, draw a veil over every past insult of the prodigals. Lord please restore them and fill them with your forgiveness, peace and love.
Lord help us all to walk wisely before You, also with the wealth that You have bestowed on us as Your children. Help us to be faithful and wise stewards – giving where Your Spirit directs us to give.
Thank You Lord that honesty before You – brings lasting happiness.
Thank You Lord that we know even in this difficult time, we who love You have a secure Anchor – therefore we will not be swayed . We will remain steadfast in You.
We love you Lord!
In Jesus Name
AMEN
DAILY READING – PROVERBS 10
“The wisdom of Solomon: When wisdom comes to a son, joy comes to a father. When a son turns from wisdom, a mother grieves. Gaining wealth through dishonesty is no gain at all. But honesty brings you a lasting happiness. The Lord satisfies the longings of all his lovers, but he withholds from the wicked what their souls crave. Slackers will know what it means to be poor, while the hard worker becomes wealthy. Know the importance of the season you’re in and a wise son you will be. But what a waste when an incompetent son sleeps through his day of opportunity! The lover of God is enriched beyond belief, but the evil man only curses his luck. The reputation of the righteous becomes a sweet memorial to him, while the wicked life only leaves a rotten stench. The heart of the wise will easily accept instruction. But those who do all the talking are too busy to listen and learn. They’ll just keep stumbling ahead into the mess they created. The one who walks in integrity will experience a fearless confidence in life, but the one who is devious will eventually be exposed. The troublemaker always has a clever plan and won’t look you in the eye, but the one who speaks correction honestly can be trusted to make peace. The teachings of the lovers of God are like living truth flowing from the fountain of life, but the words of the wicked hide an ulterior motive. Hatred keeps old quarrels alive, but love draws a veil over every insult and finds a way to make sin disappear. Words of wisdom flow from the one with true discernment. But to the heartless, words of wisdom become like rods beating their backside. Wise men don’t divulge all that they know, but chattering fools blurt out words that bring them to the brink of ruin. A rich man’s wealth becomes like a citadel of strength, but the poverty of the poor leaves their security in shambles. The lovers of God earn their wages for a life of righteousness, but the wages of the wicked are squandered on a life of sin. If you readily receive correction, you are walking on the path to life. But if you reject rebuke, you’re guaranteed to go astray. The one who hides his hatred while pretending to be your friend is nothing but a liar. But the one who slanders you behind your back proves that he’s a fool, never to be trusted. If you keep talking, it won’t be long before you’re saying something really wrong. Prove you’re wise from the very start— just bite your tongue and be strong! The teachings of the godly ones are like pure silver, bringing words of redemption to others, but the heart of the wicked is corrupt. The lovers of God feed many with their teachings, but the foolish ones starve themselves for lack of an understanding heart. True enrichment comes from the blessing of the Lord, with rest and contentment in knowing that it all comes from him. The fool finds his fun in doing wrong, but the wise delight in having discernment. The lawless are haunted by their fears and what they dread will come upon them, but the longings of the lovers of God will all be fulfilled. The wicked are blown away by every stormy wind. But when a catastrophe comes, the lovers of God have a secure anchor. To trust a lazy person to get a job done will be as irritating as smoke in your eyes— as enjoyable as a toothache! Living in the worship and awe of God will bring you many years of contented living. So how could the wicked ever expect to have a long, happy life? Lovers of God have a joyful feast of gladness, but the ungodly see their hopes vanish right before their eyes. The beautiful ways of God are a safe resting place for those who have integrity. But to those who work wickedness the ways of God spell doom. God’s lover can never be greatly shaken. But the wicked will never inherit the covenant blessings. The teachings of the righteous are loaded with wisdom, but the words of the evil are crooked and perverse. Words that bring delight pour from the lips of the godly, but the words of the wicked are duplicitous.”
Proverbs 10:1-32 The Passion Translation
Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt van Rijn
D A Y 88
Friday 11 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Lord our God, we bring You glory and praise for this new day! Lord we humble ourselves before You.
Lord we want to know and apply Your Word in our lives. We know that if we do it we will have life forevermore. Lord each day there are so many distractions to keep us from Your Word. Lord please help us not to loose our focus, help us to daily choose to take time to spend in Your Word. We know that if we want to know You intimately we just need to immerse ourselves in Your life giving Word. O Lord please guide us by Your Holy Spirit so that we do not fall into the traps of Satan not to get into Your Word.
Lord forgive us for all the times we ran after the pleasures of the world instead of spending time in Your Word. Forgive us for not doing what Your Word says.
We are looking forward to getting to know You better through Your Word. Please speak to us today through Your Word. Please fill us with direction and hope through Your Word – so that we can be a beautiful fragrance to those around us. Lord use this difficult time across the world to create a hunger for Your Word like never before!
In Jesus Name
AMEN
DAILY READING – PROVERBS 11
“To set high standards for someone else, and then not live up to them yourself, is something that God truly hates. But it pleases him when we apply the right standards of measurement. When you act with presumption, convinced that you’re right, don’t be surprised if you fall flat on your face! But walking in humility helps you to make wise decisions. Integrity will lead you to success and happiness, but treachery will destroy your dreams. When Judgment Day comes, all the wealth of the world won’t help you one bit. So you’d better be rich in righteousness, for that’s the only thing that can save you in death. Those with good character walk on a smooth path, with no detour or deviation. But the wicked keep falling because of their own wickedness. Integrity will keep a good man from falling. But the unbeliever is trapped, held captive to his sinful desires. When an evil man dies, all hope is lost, for his misplaced confidence goes in the coffin and gets buried along with him. Lovers of God are snatched away from trouble, and the wicked show up in their place. The teachings of hypocrites can destroy you, but revelation knowledge will rescue the righteous. The blessing that rests on the righteous releases strength and favor to the entire city, but shouts of joy will be heard when the wicked one dies. The blessing of favor resting upon the righteous influences a city to lift it higher, but wicked leaders tear it apart by their words. To quarrel with a neighbor is senseless. Bite your tongue; be wise and keep quiet! You can’t trust gossipers with a secret; they’ll just go blab it all. Put your confidence instead in a trusted friend, for he will be faithful to keep it in confidence. People lose their way without wise leadership, but a nation succeeds and stands in victory when it has many good counselors to guide it. The evil man will do harm when confronted by a righteous man, because he hates those who await good news. A gracious, generous woman will be honored with a splendid reputation, but the woman who hates the truth lives surrounded with disgrace and by men who are cutthroats, only greedy for money. A man of kindness attracts favor, while a cruel man attracts nothing but trouble. Evil people may get a short-term gain, but to sow seeds of righteousness will bring a true and lasting reward. A son of righteousness experiences the abundant life, but the one who pursues evil hurries to his own death. The Lord can’t stand the stubborn heart bent toward evil, but he treasures those whose ways are pure. Assault your neighbor and you will certainly be punished, but God will rescue the children of the godly. A beautiful woman who abandons good morals is like a fine gold ring dangling from a pig’s snout. True lovers of God are filled with longings for what is pleasing and good, but the wicked can only expect doom. Generosity brings prosperity, but withholding from charity brings poverty. Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings will be saturated with favor. People will curse the businessman with no ethics, but the one with a social conscience receives praise from all. Living your life seeking what is good for others brings untold favor, but those who wish evil for others will find it coming back on them. Keep trusting in your riches and down you’ll go! But the lovers of God rise up like flowers in the spring. The fool who brings trouble to his own family will be cut out of the will, and the family servant will do better than he. But a life lived loving God bears lasting fruit, for the one who is truly wise wins souls. If the righteous are barely saved, what’s in store for all the wicked?”
Proverbs 11:1-31 The Passion Translation
D A Y 81
Friday 4 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Lord we submit our all to You today. Thank You Lord that we are not alone, Your precious Holy Spirit is with us, guiding us in the Way of truth and wisdom. O Lord we want to know You deeper, we want to know Your will and Your word. Please Lord guide us further in Your Word so that we will be firmly grounded in every storm and also in this pandemic. Lord we trust you. Lord please give us your discernment so that we can grow wise.
Lord thank You for the times that You correct us, we know You love us as a Father. Help us to grow as we learn from our wrong choices and attitudes. Lord we want to be more like You. Lord we want to walk on the highway of Your light, for we know if we continue in Your way the light of Your glory will guide us. Lord we want to set our our gaze on the path before us. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignoring life’s distractions. We want to stick to the path of truth, for only the path of truth will be safe and smooth before us. Lord strengthen us not to be sidetracked for even a moment , we do not want to take the detour that leads to darkness.
O Lord fill our thoughts with Your Words until they penetrate deep into our spirits. Thank You Lord that as we unwrap Your Words, they impart true life and radiant health into the very core of your beings.
We love you Lord
Amen
DAILY BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 4 :
“Listen to my correction, my sons, for I speak to you as your father. Let discernment enter your heart and you will grow wise with the understanding I impart. My revelation-truth is a gift to you, so remain faithful to my instruction. For I, too, was once the delight of my father and cherished by my mother, their beloved child. Then my father taught me, saying, “Never forget my words. If you do everything that I teach you, you will reign in life.” So make wisdom your quest— search for the revelation of life’s meaning. Don’t let what I say go in one ear and out the other. Stick with wisdom and she will stick to you, protecting you throughout your days. She will rescue all those who passionately listen to her voice. Wisdom is the most valuable commodity—so buy it! Revelation knowledge is what you need—so invest in it! Wisdom will exalt you when you exalt her truth. She will lead you to honor and favor when you live your life by her insights. You will be adorned with beauty and grace, and wisdom’s glory will wrap itself around you, making you victorious in the race. My son, if you will take the time to stop and listen to me and embrace what I say, you will live a long and happy life full of understanding in every way. I have taken you by the hand in wisdom’s ways, pointing you to the path of integrity. Your progress will have no limits when you come along with me, and you will never stumble as you walk along the way. So receive my correction no matter how hard it is to swallow, for wisdom will snap you back into place— her words will be invigorating life to you. Do not detour into darkness or even set foot on that path. Stay away from it; don’t even go there! For troublemakers are restless if they are not involved in evil. They are not satisfied until they have brought someone harm. They feed on darkness and drink until they’re drunk on the wine of wickedness. But the lovers of God walk on the highway of light, and their way shines brighter and brighter until they bring forth the perfect day. But the wicked walk in thick darkness, like those who travel in fog, and yet don’t have a clue why they keep stumbling! Listen carefully, my dear child, to everything that I teach you, and pay attention to all that I have to say. Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep into your spirit. Then, as you unwrap my words, they will impart true life and radiant health into the very core of your being. So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life. Avoid dishonest speech and pretentious words. Be free from using perverse words no matter what! Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions. Watch where you’re going! Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you. Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked for even a moment or take the detour that leads to darkness.”
Proverbs 4:1-27 The Passion Translation
D A Y 82
Saturday 5 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Lord we worship and glorify Your Name. Thank You Lord for Your Word, thank You for guiding us by Your Word.
Lord as Your children we want to repent of all the sexual sins across the nations of the earth – Lord forgive us for we have sinned against You. Lord we are so ashamed that these sexual sins are also so prevalent in the church. O Lord have mercy and convict those who are entangled in this web of sexual immorality – of their sins. Please lead them to repentance and cleanse them.
Lord help us to hear wisdom’s voice. O Lord please purify Your Church, give us a great desire to walk in the way of wisdom and to live holy consecrated lives to You. Lord please protect us and our families from the traps of immorality, adultery and sexual impurity that Satan sets up around us. Lord please be a hedge of protection around us.
Lord we ask that You would bring healing and reconciliation in the marriages and families where sexual impurity and adultery brought so much pain. ( Name the marriages that needs healing because of adultery or sexual impurity before the Lord)
In Jesus name
AMEN
DAILY BIBLE READING –
PROVERBS 5 :
“Listen to me, my son, for I know what I’m talking about. Listen carefully to my advice so that wisdom and discernment will enter your heart, and then the words you speak will express what you’ve learned. Remember this: The lips of a seductress seem sweet like honey, and her smooth words are like music in your ears. But I promise you this: In the end all you’ll be left with is a bitter conscience. For the sting of your sin will pierce your soul like a sword. She will ruin your life, drag you down to death, and lead you straight to hell. She has prevented many from considering the paths of life. Yes, she will take you with her where you don’t want to go, sliding down a slippery road and not even realizing where the two of you will end up! Listen to me, young men, and don’t forget this one thing I’m telling you— run away from her as fast as you can! Don’t even go near the door of her house unless you want to fall into her seduction. In disgrace you will relinquish your honor to another, and all your remaining years will be squandered— given over to the cruel one. Why would you let strangers take away your strength while the labors of your house go to someone else? For when you grow old you will groan in anguish and shame as sexually transmitted diseases consume your body. And then finally you’ll admit that you were wrong and say, “If only I had listened to wisdom’s voice and not stubbornly demanded my own way, because my heart hated to be told what to do! Why didn’t I take seriously the warning of my wise counselors? Why was I so stupid to think that I could get away with it? Now I’m totally disgraced and my life is ruined! I’m paying the price— for the people of the congregation are now my judges.” My son, share your love with your wife alone. Drink from her well of pleasure and from no other. Why would you have sex with a stranger or with anyone other than her? Reserve this pleasure for you and her alone and not with another. Your sex life will be blessed as you take joy and pleasure in the wife of your youth. Let her breasts be your satisfaction, and let her embrace intoxicate you at all times. Be continually delighted and ravished with her love! My son, why would you be exhilarated by an adulteress— by embracing a woman who is not yours? For God sees everything you do and his eyes are wide open as he observes every single habit you have. Beware that your sins don’t overtake you and the scars of your own conscience become the ropes that tie you up. Those who choose wickedness die for lack of self-control, for their foolish ways lead them astray, carrying them away as hostages— kidnapped captives robbed of destiny.”
Proverbs 5:1-23
The Passion Translation
D A Y 83
Sunday 6 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Lord we submit our lives afresh today before You, the One who sees everything and knows us intimately. O Lord You even know how many hairs there are on our heads! Lord we want to be a pleasing aroma in Your sight. Please take us deeper into the revelation of the treasures of Your Word.
Father please remind us daily by Your Spirit to stay focused on You and Your word. Lord help us not to be side-tracked into sinning against You. Lord today we ask forgiveness on our own behalf and also on behalf of our ancestors for sinning against You. Lord Daniel stood in the gap for his people confessing their sins , Lord today we follow his example. Forgive us for the times that we have put others down while considering ourself superior. Lord please root out all pride in our lives and help us to die to self so that You can be visible in our lives. Please forgive us for all the times that we have spread lies and false rumours. O Lord have mercy on us and our ancestors for all these sins – also for the spilling of the blood of the innocent and for plotting evil in our hearts toward others. Lord we have sinned so many times against You, please forgive us for gloating over doing what was plainly wrong, for spouting lies in false testimony and for stirring up strife between friends. O Lord wash us clean from these sins and guide us by Your Holy spirit to walk in purity and righteousness before You. Lord please remove all curses that came because of our sins.
Lord help us, as Your church to be shining examples in this time of the pandemic, so that many will come to know You.
May we reflect Your Truth in the way we live, so that You will get great glory!
In Jesus Name
AMEN
DAILY READING- PROVERBS 6
“Here’s another life lesson to learn from observing the wayward and wicked man. You can tell they are lawless. They’re constant liars, proud deceivers, full of clever ploys and convincing plots.
Truth will protect you from immorality and from the promiscuity of another man’s wife. Your heart won’t be enticed by her flatteries or lust over her beauty— nor will her suggestive ways conquer you. My son, if you cosign a loan for an acquaintance and guarantee his debt, you’ll be sorry that you ever did it! You’ll be trapped by your promise and legally bound by the agreement. So listen carefully to my advice: Quickly get out of it if you possibly can! Swallow your pride, get over your embarrassment, and go tell your “friend” you want your name off that contract. Don’t put it off, and don’t rest until you get it done. Rescue yourself from future pain and be free from it once and for all. You’ll be so relieved that you did! When you’re feeling lazy, come and learn a lesson from this tale of the tiny ant. Yes, all you lazybones, come learn from the example of the ant and enter into wisdom. The ants have no chief, no boss, no manager— no one has to tell them what to do. You’ll see them working and toiling all summer long, stockpiling their food in preparation for winter. So wake up, sleepyhead. How long will you lie there? When will you wake up and get out of bed? If you keep nodding off and thinking, “I’ll do it later,” or say to yourself, “I’ll just sit back awhile and take it easy,” just watch how the future unfolds! By making excuses you’ll learn what it means to go without. Poverty will pounce on you like a bandit and move in as your roommate for life.
Their twisted thoughts are perverse, always with a scheme to stir up trouble, and sowing strife with every step they take. But when calamity comes knocking on their door, suddenly and without warning they’re undone— broken to bits, shattered, with no hope of healing. There are six evils God truly hates and a seventh that is an abomination to him: Putting others down while considering yourself superior, spreading lies and rumors, spilling the blood of the innocent, plotting evil in your heart toward another, gloating over doing what’s plainly wrong, spouting lies in false testimony, and stirring up strife between friends. These are entirely despicable to God! My son, obey your father’s godly instruction and follow your mother’s life-giving teaching. Fill your heart with their advice and let your life be shaped by what they’ve taught you. Their wisdom will guide you wherever you go and keep you from bringing harm to yourself. Their instruction will whisper to you at every sunrise and direct you through a brand-new day. For truth is a bright beam of light shining into every area of your life, instructing and correcting you to discover the ways to godly living.
Prostitutes reduce a man to poverty, and the adulteress steals your soul— she may even cost you your life! For how can a man light his pants on fire and not be burned? Can he walk over hot coals of fire and not blister his feet? What makes you think that you can sleep with another man’s wife and not get caught? Do you really think you’ll get away with it? Don’t you know it will ruin your life? You can almost excuse a thief if he steals to feed his own family. But if he’s caught, he still has to pay back what he stole sevenfold; his punishment and fine will cost him greatly. Don’t be so stupid as to think you can get away with your adultery. It will destroy your life, and you’ll pay the price for the rest of your days. You’ll discover what humiliation, shame, and disgrace are all about, for no one will ever let you forget what you’ve done. A husband’s jealousy makes a man furious; he won’t spare you when he comes to take revenge. Try all you want to talk your way out of it— offer him a bribe and see if you can manipulate him with your money. Nothing will turn him aside when he comes to you with vengeance in his eyes!”
Proverbs 6:1-35 The Passion Translation
D A Y 84
Monday 7 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
We worship You , our Triune God.
Lord thank You for giving us Your Word!O Lord what a wonderful Gift to us as Believers to have Your Word to guide us. Lord please open more doors so that Your word can spread to every nation and tribe on earth. Lord Your Words are pure. Like silver tried in a furnace of the earth, purified seven times.(Psalm 12:6)Lord come and unlock Your Word to those who do not know You, Lord come and give them Hope from Your Word in this time of the worldwide pandemic.
Lord please guard our lives with Your revelation-truth, for Your teaching is as precious as our eyesight. Lord we treasure Your instructions deep within our hearts. Lord we say to wisdom, “We love you,” and to understanding, “You’re our sweetheart.” “May the two of you protect us , and may we never be apart!” For we know that they will keep us from being seduced and falling into sin.
We give You glory Lord!
AMEN
DAILY READING – PROVERBS 7
“He was swayed by her sophistication, enticed by her longing embrace. She led him down the wayward path right into sin and disgrace. Quickly he went astray, with no clue where he was truly headed, taken like a dumb ox alongside of the butcher. She was like a venomous snake coiled to strike, so she set her fangs into him! Stick close to my instruction, my son, and follow all my advice. If you do what I say you will live well. Guard your life with my revelation-truth, for my teaching is as precious as your eyesight. Treasure my instructions, and cherish them within your heart. Say to wisdom, “I love you,” and to understanding, “You’re my sweetheart.” “May the two of you protect me, and may we never be apart!” For they will keep you from the adulteress, with her smooth words meant to seduce your heart. Looking out the window of my house one day I noticed among the mindless crowd a simple, naïve young man who was about to go astray. There he was, walking down the street. Then he turned the corner, going on his way as he hurried on to the house of the harlot— the woman he had planned to meet. There he was in the twilight as darkness fell, convinced no one was watching as he entered the black shadows of hell. That’s when their rendezvous began. A woman of the night appeared, dressed to kill the strength of any man. She was decked out as a harlot, pursuing her amorous plan. Her voice was seductive, rebellious, and boisterous as she wandered far from what’s right. Her type can be found soliciting on street corners on just about any night. She wrapped her arms around the senseless young man and held him tight— she enticed him with kisses that seemed so right. Then, with insolence, she whispered in his ear, “Come with me. It’ll be all right. I’ve got everything we need for a feast. I’ll cook you a wonderful dinner. So here I am—I’m all yours! You’re the very one I’ve looked for, the one I knew I wanted from the moment I saw you. That’s why I’ve come out here tonight, so I could meet a man just like you. I’ve spread my canopy bed with coverings, lovely multicolored Egyptian linens spread and ready for you to lie down on. I’ve sprinkled the sheets with intoxicating perfume made from myrrh, aloes, and sweet cinnamon. Come, let’s get comfortable and take pleasure in each other and make love all night! There’s no one home, for my husband’s away on business. He left home loaded with money to spend, so don’t worry. He won’t be back until another month ends.”
He’s like a man about to be executed with an arrow right through his heart— like a bird that flies into the net, unaware of what’s about to happen. So listen to me, you young men. You’d better take my words seriously! Control your sexual urges and guard your hearts from lust. Don’t let your passions get out of hand and don’t lock your eyes onto a beautiful woman. Why would you want to even get close to temptation and seduction, to have an affair with her? She has pierced the souls of multitudes of men— many mighty ones have fallen and have been brought down by her. If you’re looking for the road to hell, just go looking for her house!”
Proverbs 7:1-27 The Passion Translation
D A Y 77
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Monday 31 August 2020
Morning all. Today, the 31st of August – will be day 77 of our second round of Prayer Updates for – ‘United in Global Prayer’. When Jesus was asked by His disciples how many times one need to forgive – He said 77 times.
FORGIVENESS
“ Later Peter approached Jesus and said, “How many times do I have to forgive my fellow believer who keeps offending me? Seven times?” Jesus answered, “Not seven times, Peter, but seventy times seven times!” Matthew 18:21-22 TPT
Let’s pray
Lord today we submit our lives afresh to You, the Giver of all life. The One who FORGAVE us all our sins , the One who sent His one and only Son to die for all our transgressions. O Lord help us to live lives that give glory to You.
Lord during this time of lockdown , we had time for introspection. Many of us realise that we are falling short in so many areas of our lives. O Lord we want to ask that You would help us not to just get onto the running wheel of life again. Help us to take stock of our lives and to change what need to be changed. Lord we ask FORGIVENESS that we have been pulled into the way the world live in so many aspects of our lives. O Lord we have made so many important decisions in our lives without even consulting You. Please FORGIVE us Lord.
Lord as many are going back to work, school and the new ‘normal’ please lead us by Your spirit not to fall back into bad old habits.
Lord today we also FORGIVE all those who have sinned against us. Lord You say in Your Word that if we FORGIVE others their trespasses, You will also FORGIVE us and if we do not FORGIVE others their trespasses, neither will You, Father – FORGIVE us our trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15 ) O Lord to extend FORGIVENESS is hard , please help us – especially where loved ones have been murdered, where adultery took place, where we were betrayed and lied to. O Lord please extend Your grace and help us to FORGIVE. (Bring those you need to forgive before the Lord and extend forgiveness)
Lord from now on we want to live our lives being kind and compassionate to one another, FORGIVING each other daily , just as You Lord forgave us.(Ephesians 4:32) Lord please help us to take control of our thought life – to bring every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Thank you Lord for being FORGIVING and good, abounding in love to all who call to You. (Psalm 86:5)
In Jesus Christs name
Amen
D A Y 78
Tuesday 1 September 2020
THE WORD
Our focus for the month of September 2020 would be to ask God to awaken a hunger to His Word across the world. We also encourage those praying with us to read prayerfully through the book of Proverbs as we journey through September. (One chapter a day)
Let’s pray
Father, as we face many challenges in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the worldwide loss of lives and livelihoods , we ask that You would stir the hearts of people across the earth to start reading Your Word. Lord please awaken hearts by Your Spirit to understand Your Word. Lord we know that our ministry in You is not based on the letter of the law but it is through the power of Your Spirit. The letter of the law kills, but Your Spirit pours out life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6 TPT)
Lord may Your children fear You – as holy and almighty. Lord to fear You is the beginning of wisdom. O Lord we want to cross the threshold of true knowledge and live in obedient devotion to You. Help us Lord not to be stubborn know-it-alls who scorn true wisdom and knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7 TPT) Lord lead us in Your Truth, change us by Your truth and teach us to fear You, our Lord and King.
Lord we give You glory
In Jesus Christ’s name
Amen
DAILY BIBLE READING –
PROVERBS 1 :
“Here are kingdom revelations, words to live by, and words of wisdom given to empower you to reign in life, written as proverbs by Israel’s King Solomon, David’s son. Within these sayings will be found the revelation of wisdom and the impartation of spiritual understanding. Use them as keys to unlock the treasures of true knowledge. Those who cling to these words will receive discipline to demonstrate wisdom in every relationship and to choose what is right and just and fair. These proverbs will give you great skill to teach the immature and make them wise, to give youth the understanding of their design and destiny. For the wise, these proverbs will make you even wiser, and for those with discernment, you will be able to acquire brilliant strategies for leadership. These kingdom revelations will break open your understanding to unveil the deeper meaning of parables, poetic riddles, and epigrams, and to unravel the words and enigmas of the wise. How then does a man gain the essence of wisdom? We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in obedient devotion to God. Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this, for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge. Pay close attention, my child, to your father’s wise words and never forget your mother’s instructions. For their insight will bring you success, adorning you with grace-filled thoughts and giving you reins to guide your decisions. When peer pressure compels you to go with the crowd and sinners invite you to join in, you must simply say, “No!” When the gang says— “We’re going to steal and kill and get away with it. We’ll take down the rich and rob them. We’ll swallow them up alive and take what we want from whomever we want. Then we’ll take their treasures and fill our homes with loot. So come on and join us. Take your chance with us. We’ll divide up all we get; we’ll each end up with big bags of cash!”— my son, refuse to go with them and stay far away from them. For crime is their way of life and bloodshed their specialty. To be aware of their snare is the best way of escape. They’ll resort to murder to steal their victim’s assets, but eventually it will be their own lives that are ambushed. In their ungodly disrespect for God they bring destruction on their own lives. Wisdom’s praises are sung in the streets and celebrated far and wide. Yet wisdom’s song is not always heard in the halls of higher learning. But in the hustle and bustle of everyday life its lyrics can always be heard above the din of the crowd. You will hear wisdom’s warning as she preaches courageously to those who stop to listen: “Foolish ones, how much longer will you cling to your deception? How much longer will you mock wisdom, cynical scorners who fight the facts? Come back to your senses and be restored to reality. Don’t even think about refusing my rebuke! Don’t you know that I’m ready to pour out my spirit of wisdom upon you and bring to you the revelation of my words that will make your heart wise? I’ve called to you over and over; still you refuse to come to me. I’ve pleaded with you again and again, yet you’ve turned a deaf ear to my voice. Because you have laughed at my counsel and have insisted on continuing in your stubbornness, I will laugh when your calamity comes and will turn away from you at the time of your disaster. Make a joke of my advice, will you? Then I’ll make a joke out of you! When the storm clouds of terror gather over your head, when dread and distress consume you and your catastrophe comes like a hurricane, you will cry out to me, but I won’t answer. Then it will be too late to expect my help. When desperation drives you to search for me, I will be nowhere to be found. Because you have turned up your nose at me and closed your eyes to the facts and refused to worship me in awe— because you scoffed at my wise counsel and laughed at my correction— now you will eat the bitter fruit of your own ways. You’ve made your own bed; now lie in it! So how do you like that? Like an idiot you’ve turned away from me and chosen destruction instead. Your self-satisfied smugness will kill you. But the one who always listens to me will live undisturbed in a heavenly peace. Free from fear, confident and courageous, you will rest unafraid and sheltered from the storms of life.”
D A Y 79
Wednesday 2 September 2020
THE WORD
Our focus for the month of September 2020 is to ask God for an awakening of a hunger to His Word across the world. We also encourage those praying with us to prayerfully read through the book of Proverbs as we journey through September. (One chapter a day)
Let’s pray
Father , thank you for Your protection and guidance over us ,as we serve You.
Thank You Lord that Your hidden storehouse of wisdom is available to us who love You. Lord we want to dig in and find those hidden treasures in Your Word. Lord we ask that You would give us a deep insight and understanding in Your Word. O Lord please give our sons, daughters and descendants that same insight and love for Your Word.
Lord please draw those who do not know You, to also come and find the hidden treasures in Your Word. (Lord we bring the following people who do not know You before you and ask that You would open their eyes to come to know You – name those God lays on your heart)
Lord thank You for Your generous gift of wisdom, to those who believe in You. Thank You for all the revelations within Your Word. O Lord Your Word is a life giving fountain that fills our hungry hearts.
We praise You Lord Jesus, the WORD that became flesh !(John1:14)
Amen
DAILY BIBLE READING –
PROVERBS 2 :
“For the Lord has a hidden storehouse of wisdom made accessible to his godly lovers. He becomes your personal bodyguard as you follow his ways, protecting and guarding you as you choose what is right. My child, will you treasure my wisdom? Then, and only then, will you acquire it. And only if you accept my advice and hide it within will you succeed. So train your heart to listen when I speak and open your spirit wide to expand your discernment— then pass it on to your sons and daughters. Yes, cry out for comprehension and intercede for insight. For if you keep seeking it like a man would seek for sterling silver, searching in hidden places for cherished treasure, then you will discover the fear of the Lord and find the true knowledge of God. Wisdom is a gift from a generous God, and every word he speaks is full of revelation and becomes a fountain of understanding within you.
Then you will discover all that is just, proper, and fair, and be empowered to make the right decisions as you walk into your destiny. When wisdom wins your heart and revelation breaks in, true pleasure enters your soul. If you choose to follow good counsel, divine design will watch over you and understanding will protect you from making poor choices. It will rescue you from evil in disguise and from those who speak duplicities. For they have left the highway of holiness and walk in the ways of darkness. They take pleasure when evil prospers and thoroughly enjoy a lifestyle of sin. But they’re walking on a path to nowhere, wandering away into deeper deception. Only wisdom can save you from the flattery of the promiscuous woman— she’s such a smooth-talking seductress! She left her husband and has forgotten her wedding vows. You’ll find her house on the road to hell, and all the men who go through her doors will never come back to the place they were— they will find nothing but desolation and despair. Follow those who follow wisdom and stay on the right path. For all my godly lovers will enjoy life to the fullest and will inherit their destinies. But the treacherous ones who love darkness will not only lose all they could have had, they will lose even their own souls!”
Proverbs 2:1-22 The Passion Translation
D A Y 80
Thursday 3 September 2020
THE WORD
Let’s pray
O Lord thank You for Your Word! How we love Your Word!
Help us Lord to never forget what You have taught us, for we know if we live out what You have taught us, our lives will be full and rewarding.
Lord we live in a time where we are surrounded by so much darkness in various forms – from corruption, murder, promiscuity to injustice and much more! O Lord our hearts cry out for Your intervention. O Lord help us to remain steadfast in Your Word, help us to be a Light in this darkness around us. Help us Lord to show others the Way and to help them to fall in love with Your life giving Word. O Lord come and change hearts by Your Word!
Lord we want to know You intimately , we want to adore You with our undivided devotion!We want to avoid all that is wrong. O Lord Your Word says if we serve You like that ,then we will find the healing refreshment our bodies and souls are yearning for. Lord please come and heal us by Your Word. (Lord we bring the following sick before You and ask for Your healing over them – name the sick.)
In Jesus Name
Amen
DAILY BIBLE READING – PROVERBS 3 :
“My child, if you truly want a long and satisfying life, never forget the things that I’ve taught you. Follow closely every truth that I’ve given you. Then you will have a full, rewarding life.
Hold on to loyal love and don’t let go, and be faithful to all that you’ve been taught. Let your life be shaped by integrity, with truth written upon your heart. That’s how you will find favor and understanding with both God and men— you will gain the reputation of living life well. Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. Don’t think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that’s wrong. Then you will find the healing refreshment your body and spirit long for. Glorify God with all your wealth, honoring him with your very best, with every increase that comes to you. Then every dimension of your life will overflow with blessings from an uncontainable source of inner joy! My child, when the Lord God speaks to you, never take his words lightly, and never be upset when he corrects you. For the Father’s discipline comes only from his passionate love and pleasure for you. Even when it seems like his correction is harsh, it’s still better than any father on earth gives to his child. Those who find true wisdom obtain the tools for understanding, the proper way to live, for they will have a fountain of blessing pouring into their lives. To gain the riches of wisdom is far greater than gaining the wealth of the world. As wisdom increases, a great treasure is imparted, greater than many bars of refined gold. It is a more valuable commodity than gold and gemstones, for there is nothing you desire that could compare to her. Wisdom extends to you long life in one hand and wealth and promotion in the other. Out of her mouth flows righteousness, and her words release both law and mercy. The ways of wisdom are sweet, always drawing you into the place of wholeness. Seeking for her brings the discovery of untold blessings, for she is the healing tree of life to those who taste her fruits. The Lord laid the earth’s foundations with wisdom’s blueprints. By his living-understanding all the universe came into being. By his divine revelation he broke open the hidden fountains of the deep, bringing secret springs to the surface as the mist of the night dripped down from heaven. My child, never drift off course from these two goals for your life: to walk in wisdom and to discover discernment. Don’t ever forget how they empower you. For they strengthen you inside and out and inspire you to do what’s right; you will be energized and refreshed by the healing they bring. They give you living hope to guide you, and not one of life’s tests will cause you to stumble. You will sleep like a baby, safe and sound— your rest will be sweet and secure. You will not be subject to terror, for it will not terrify you. Nor will the disrespectful be able to push you aside, because God is your confidence in times of crisis, keeping your heart at rest in every situation. Why would you withhold payment on your debt when you have the ability to pay? Just do it! When your friend comes to ask you for a favor, why would you say, “Perhaps tomorrow,” when you have the money right there in your pocket? Help him today! Why would you hold a grudge in your heart toward your neighbor who lives right next door? And why would you quarrel with those who have done nothing wrong to you? Is that a chip on your shoulder? Don’t act like those bullies or learn their ways. Every violent thug is despised by the Lord, but every tender lover finds friendship with God and will hear his intimate secrets. The wicked walk under God’s constant curse, but godly lovers walk under a stream of his blessing, for they seek to do what is right. If you walk with the mockers you will learn to mock, but God’s grace and favor flow to the meek. Stubborn fools fill their lives with disgrace, but glory and honor rest upon the wise.”
Proverbs 3:1-35 The Passion Translation
D A Y 73
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Thursday, 27 August 2020
HOPE IN LEANING IN
Father God, in the midst of busyness, noise and to do lists that vie for our attention, we quieten our souls and lean into You. Thank You for the simplicity and rest that we find in Your Presence. Thank You that Your portion is peace.
Lord, in the silence, we hear Your heartbeat, and discern the first murmurs of the new – a thing of beauty, new life and restoration. You give us hope to look beyond the headlines, predictions and statistics.
In Your Presence we find freedom and a deep sense of purpose – we hear the whispers of a call to greatness. Haven’t You said that we can be more? That we will do even greater things? (John 14:12) Yet not to us, Lord, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. (Psalm 115:1)
Father, in Your presence we find hope. At Your feet we become not only beloved disciples, but hope carriers to the harassed and helpless, to the searching, scattered without a shepherd.
Have mercy, O Lord.
(Take time now to bring specific individuals that are seeking before the Lord.)
Lord, we pray that Your Spirit of hope would bring healing to communities in this time; that we would become the embodiment of hope to those we encounter in our streets.
Bring hope to young people, O Lord, in an age where social media, comparison, false values and plummeting morals leave them void of purpose. Would You rescue them and cause them to shine like stars in a crooked and depraved generation! (Phil 2:15)
Jesus Christ, dear heart, we surrender all to Your perfect work on the Cross. Just as You were raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too walk in newness of life. (Rom 6:4) What joy!
Today we lean in afresh, as we pray, Let Your will be done, and Your Kingdom come, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Amen
D A Y 74
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Friday, 28 August 2020
FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD
Lord, as we read through Your Scriptures the pages rustle with example after example of simple men and women that knew what it was to walk in communion with You.
We read of Moses, to whom You spoke face to face, as a man speaks to a friend. (Ex 33:11) And such was the intensity of these encounters that his face radiated Your glory!
We read of David who wrote songs and poetry to You, danced before You, strengthened himself in You and inquired of You when he didn’t know which way to turn. (2 Sam 6:14; 1 Sam 30:6)
We think of Daniel, who so consecrated himself in his friendship with You that You allowed him to hear Your heart, see Your plans for the future, wield Your wisdom and experience your deliverance from hungry lions and jealous contemporaries. (Daniel 6)
And shall we speak of Enoch who walked with You (Gen 5:24), John the beloved, who leaned on Your chest (John 13:23), Paul who sang songs of adoration even in chains (Acts 16:25) and Mary, who anointed your feet with costly oil? (John 12:3)
Lord, even today, we desire to know You, and be known by You. We want to be known as those who hear Your voice, keep in step with Your stride, and offer You a resting place.
Have mercy, Lord! Would You draw near to us even in our selfishness and pride.
This is our HOPE – that we may approach the throne of grace with confidence – no longer as slaves, but friends.
Our hearts are filled with HOPE and joy because of Your great mercy!
Amen
_The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14)_
D A Y 75
Saturday, 29 August 2020
Today is the *GLOBAL DAY OF HOPE* and marks the end of 90 Days of Hope!
Share the hope of the gospel with someone or pray for them today. Join the Global Day of Hope livestream – 8 hours of inspiring messages and testimonies from believers around the globe! Tune in from 1pm CEST (SA) / 7am EDT and let’s spread the word. *Our communities need hope!*
A CELEBRATION OF HOPE
Father, today we set time aside to meditate on Your goodness, and our hearts are filled with hope. In a time where a pandemic of hopelessness runs shoulder to shoulder with COVID-19, Your healing and encouragement turns our mourning into shouts of joy! (Psalm 30:11-12)
Thank You for the hope we have in unity – in being part of Your Body, living and breathing across the globe. (1 Cor 12:12-27)
Thank You for the hope we carry in prayer – that You lean in to listen, and respond graciously and full of wisdom, in Your time. (Psalm 116)
Thank You for the hope in worship – that we can express Your worth, glorify Your Name and enjoy You forever. (Rev 7:9-10)
Thank You for the hope held out in Your Word – that every part of it is God-breathed, and that it is an immovable anchor to our souls. (2 Tim 3:16)
Thank You for the hope of sonship – that Your blood flows in our veins and we are seated with You in heavenly places. (Eph 2:6)
Thank You for hope in strength and authority – that the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us! (Rom 8:11)
No wonder Your Word says we are more than conquerors!
Lord, our prayer is that our families, communities and nations would taste this hope today. We pray that, even as the eyes of our hearts are enlightened to know the hope to which you have called us, we may share this gift with a hope-starved generation crying out. (Eph 1:18)
We’re stepping out with hearts full of faith! May your unfailing love be with us, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:22)
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
D A Y 76
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Sunday 30 August 2020
LOVE
Father, Son and Holy Spirit we LOVE You and each other because You first LOVED us. (Ephesians 1:4-5 )Your LOVE Oh Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the great deep.( Psalm 36:5-6)
Lord Your LOVE for us overwhelms and sustains us in this difficult time.
Lord You LOVED us and chose us for Your own. Therefore we will clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We will be tolerant with one another and forgive one another, just as You have forgiven us. (take time to mention those you forgive before the Lord) Lord – and to all these qualities we add LOVE , which binds all things together in perfect unity.(Colossians 3:12–14)
Father our prayer this day is that Your LOVE through us, Your children, would bring healing and salvation to millions across the world. Lord thank You that You empowered us by Your LOVE , which has been poured into our hearts through Your Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
( Romans 5:2-5) We know that You prepared us to be vessels of Your beautiful, never ending LOVE – in this uncertain time we live in.
Lord remind us by Your Holy Spirit that the LOVE You poured into us is a LOVE that covers a multitude of sins.(1 Peter 4:8) It is a LOVE that will drive out the fear of the coronavirus – for in Your LOVE there is no fear, for perfect LOVE casts out fear. (1 John 4:18) Thank you Lord that Your LOVE through us drives out the fear of the coronavirus.
Lord it is Your great LOVE in us that compels us.(2 Corinthians 5:14)Lord we pray that Your LOVE will compel us as Your church to intercede for the lost, the sick, the dying , the front line workers, the economy and the whole broken world around us like never before.
Lord Your LOVE in us is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, it is not proud, it does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. This LOVE does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. LOVE never fails. (1 Corinthians 13) Lord please fill us afresh today with an extra measure of Your LOVE !
Lord may the grace of Your Son , Jesus Christ, Your LOVE Father and the fellowship of Your Holy Spirit be with us all in this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 13:14 )
Amen
D A Y 69
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Sunday 23 August 2020
OUR HELPER ,THE HOLY SPIRIT
Father, Son and HOLY SPIRIT we worship You, our three in ONE, our God. We love You Lord for You hear our voices and our prayers for mercy. You bend down to listen, We will pray to You as long as we have breath!(Psalms 116:1-2 NLT)
Lord thank You for not leaving us alone as orphans . Thank You for sending Your HOLY SPIRIT to be our HELPER, our COMFORTER, our ADVOCATE, our WISDOM, our FRIEND, our TEACHER and so much more! Lord Jesus You said that it is to our advantage that You go away. You said that if You did not leave us ,the HELPER would not come. We thank You Lord that You ascended on high and sent Your HOLY SPIRIT to be with us who believe in You , Lord! (John 16:7) O HOLY SPIRIT thank You for always being with us, especially in this time of suffering across the earth.
HOLY SPIRIT, we want to ask You for forgiveness for all the times in the past that we have grieved You by the wrong choices we made. (Ephesians 4:30) Forgive us for the many times that we did not allow YOU, our HELPER to HELP us and to GUIDE us in making the right choices. Forgive us for the many times we followed our own sinful hearts and desires. Forgive us for our rebellious hearts , for wanting our own way and not YOUR way. Lord help us to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. (Ephesians 4:30-32 NLT) O Lord we have sinned , please extend YOUR great mercy to us. Lord we want to be HELPED and LED by YOU our HELPER.
HOLY SPIRIT please come and COUNSEL us in this uncertain time according to Your truth. Lord we ask that YOUR wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord. will overshadow and guide us in all the decisions we make in this time. (Isaiah 11:2 NLT)
HOLY SPIRIT , You are our COMFORTER, You are close to us in our brokenness. Please come and COMFORT all those who need Your COMFORT in this time. We bring before You the bereaved, the sick, the lost and the lonely. (John 14:26) Lord come and fill them with Your Hope and Love, for You truly work all together for good for those who love You!(Romans 8:28)
Lord come splash Your Joy and favour over us, come strengthen us to be YOUR vessels of beautiful LIGHT in these dark days.
Lord we bring YOU glory, honour and praise.
AMEN
D A Y 70
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Monday, 24 August 2020
HOPE IN THE VICTORY OF JESUS
Dear Friends, as many as are able, can we take time today to declare this out loud over our families, communities and nations – and encourage our friends, families and faith communities to do the same.
_____
Lord Jesus, we honour You. We worship You. We raise Your Name on high for You have achieved the victory, disarming the rulers and authorities and making a public spectacle of them by triumphing over them. (Col 2:15)
We thank You for Your goodness, Your power and Your mercy.
Lord, You are the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
By You all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through You and for You.
You are before all things, and in You all things hold together.
You are the head of the body, the Church.
You are the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything You might be preeminent.
In You all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through You to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of Your cross. (Col 1:15-20)
Thank You for the unconquerable, incomparable, indestructible, everlasting power of your NAME and Your BLOOD.
Jesus, we thank You for the HOPE we have, as Your Body and Your Bride, for our nation.
We thank You for Your healing.
We thank You for Your miraculous power.
We thank You for Your inexhaustible wisdom.
We thank You for Your creative solutions.
We thank You for Your divine protection.
We thank You for Your peace that transcends all understanding.
We thank You that we are more than conquerors.
We thank You that You are making all things new.
And Lord, we thank You for the plans and purposes that You have for our nation. We cry out for revival!
Have mercy, O Lord. Have mercy.
We declare your Lordship over our nation.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
D A Y 71
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Tuesday, 25 August 2020
HOPE IN HIS GUIDANCE AND RESTORATION
Father God, we come to You, our blessed Ruler, King of kings and Lord of lords. You alone have immortality, and dwell in unapproachable light that no one has ever seen or can see. To You be honor and eternal dominion! (1 Tim 6:15)
Lord, we thank You that in a time of unprecedented challenges, with a pandemic sweeping our nations, world leaders flailing, morals declining and fake news abounding, our HOPE is not in human wisdom but in the Lord that sees all and holds everything in the palm of His Hand.
Lord, we thank You that You are the unchanging Shepherd, and that those who look to You will not be in want. (Psalm 23)�
Thank You that you make us to lie down in green pastures when we are weary and uncertain of next steps.
Thank You that You lead us beside still waters; that You quieten our souls and refresh our spirits as we surrender to You;
that You restore our souls when we are weather-beaten, disillusioned, burdened by guilt and worries…
�Good Shepherd, You lead us in paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake, and You do not leave us to our own devices. If only we would incline our ears to hear!
Lord, many of us are walking through the valley of the shadow of death in this time… yet our HOPE is that we can cast off all fear, for You are with us; with Your rod for discipline and Your staff to guide us. We need You and surrender to Your leading, O Lord!
Thank You that in a time of spiritual famine, You prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. O Lord, may multitudes join Your table in this time! Help us to extend invites to the hungry and the naked to join this feast of grace.
Thank You that You anoint our heads with oil… our cups overflow! We celebrate Your never-ending goodness and mercy.
Lord, we long to dwell in Your house forever, and to see many join Your family in this time.
This is our HOPE: That millions will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)
Be glorified, O Lord! Our feet are firmly planted on the HOPE held out in Your Word.
Amen
D A Y 72
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Wednesday, 26 August 2020
HOPE IN A SURRENDERED LIFE
‘O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Ah Lord, the idols of this time raise themselves up against You. We face a mighty pandemic, our economies are under duress, families and businesses are shaken, unemployment and crime increasing.
O our God, will you not intervene and execute judgement against our enemies? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’ (2 Chron 20:6-12 adapted)
Lord, just as Jehoshaphat sent worshippers ahead of the army and they raised a banner of worship against their enemies in 2 Chronicles 20, we surrender our own ideas and plans, and take up a banner of worship in this time.
Father, our HOPE is not in human plans or capacity, but in the undefeated work of Christ on the Cross, and on the victory He has attained.
Therefore we are not as those who shrink back and are destroyed, but those who ADVANCE in faith and are saved. (Heb 10:39)
We surrender to You in worship.
We surrender to You in obedience and sacrifice.
We surrender to You in our finances and resources.
We surrender to You in how we use our time.
We surrender to You in how we plan our businesses and ministries.
We surrender to Your divine order in our families, and pray that they will be restored.
We surrender to You in every aspect of our lives.
Have mercy, O Lord. Have mercy!
May our lives, our families, our communities, our churches and our nations come into alignment with Your higher Kingdom purposes.
Forgive us, Lord for where we have missed it. We draw near to You, and surrender all. Whatever were gains to us we now consider loss for the sake of Christ. Yes Lord, we consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. We consider them garbage, that we may gain Christ and be found in Him. (Phil 3:7-8)
Be glorified! We place all our HOPE in You.
Amen
D A Y 65
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Wednesday 19 August 2020
A HOLY BRIDE
Lord You are holy , we praise You and uplift Your Name. Praise the Lord, o my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. (Psalm 103:1) Lord there is no one holy like the You ; there is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:2)
Lord we bring before You today Your church across the world. Lord forgive us for all our many sins. Lord we return to You. Lord we ask that You sanctify and cleanse Your BRIDE – to become HOLY , like You are HOLY. Purify us from our sins, and we will be clean; wash us , and we will be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7)
Lord sanctify us by Your Truth, Your Word is Truth (John 17:17) Lord give a hunger and a thirst to ordinary people for Your Word, Lord let them start reading Your Word and be changed. Wash us, Your children with Your Word. (Ephesians 5:26) Lord we, as Your BRIDE want to be without spot or wrinkle , we want to be be HOLY and without blemish. O Lord You are our Maker and our HUSBAND , the Lord of hosts is Your name. You the Holy One of Israel is our Redeemer, the God of the whole earth is who You are!(Isaiah 54:5 )
Lord as we wait for You, our BRIDEGROOM’S return , we do not want to be caught without oil in our lamps. We do not want to be like the foolish virgins who did not have enough oil in their lamps when the BRIDEGROOM arrived. Lord we want to be like the wise virgins who were ready when the BRIDEGROOM arrived. (Matthew 25:1-46 ) Father please strengthen us with Your Hope, Trust and Faith . Lord our faith in You – it is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
Father we praise You for the promises in Your word. We look forward to the MARRIAGE of the LAMB and His BRIDE – when we will be ready, clothed with fine linen, bright and pure. Lord your Word says that the fine linen will be the righteous deeds of the saints. O Lord lead us by Your Spirit in those righteous deeds. (Revelation 19:7-9 )
In the Name of our BRIDEGROOM
JESUS CHRIST
AMEN
D A Y 66
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Thursday 20 August 2020
THE CURE
Lord in You we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28) Lord we submit our all before You today. O Lord in this difficult time we yearn to hear Your voice for direction – individually but also globally.
Lord we come before You like the Israelites did when they were in the wandering years in the desert. Lord they were there for 40 years due to their disobedience and unbelief. O Lord we also see how they started complaining when it got difficult in the desert. Lord in Your Word we read – ‘that because of their complaining You sent poisonous snakes amongst them and many were bitten and died.’ Lord today we want to confess that we are also guilty of disobedience, unbelief and complaining. (Take some time bringing these specific sins in your own life before the Lord).
Lord Your Word says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21) Lord we confess and repent of the many times we use our tongues to complain and to speak death.Lord please forgive us and CURE our tongues from spewing poison instead of life, for You , Jesus came to give us life and life in abundance. ( John10:10)
Lord we acknowledge our sins, we repent, turn from it and ask for forgiveness. Lord the Israelites realised their sin and asked Moses to pray and ask You for mercy on their behalf. Lord today we come as intercessors before You. Lord we ask for ourselves and on behalf of our people that You would extend mercy to us in this time of the Covid -19 pandemic. Lord please forgive us for our sins and bring a CURE to this pandemic. Lord, after Moses prayed You gave him the CURE for the snake pandemic amongst the Israelites. You told Moses to make replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. You said that “all who were bitten will live if they simply look at it!” Moses did as You said and all those who were bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!” (Numbers 21:4-9 NLT) Lord JESUS , as they looked up to the pole for healing, we look up to the You, the One who died on a pole for our sins. By Your wounds on the cross healing and deliverance came to us. O Lord in Your great love, compassion and mercy please give us a CURE for this pandemic.
Lord JESUS You are the CURE for the world, we thank You again for what You suffered on the cross to give us life forevermore! Lord please soften the hearts of people across the world to receive the CURE that is in You. Lord open their eyes to look up to You and be healed!
AMEN
D A Y 67
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
FRIDAY 21 August 2020
PRAISING HIM ALL DAY LONG
Lord today we want to break forth with dancing! We want to make music and sing Your PRAISES with the rhythm of drums! Lord You enjoy the PRAISES of those who love You. You adorn the humble with Your beauty and give them victory. (Psalm 149:3–4) We shall PRAISE You all day long.You give us strength and You protect us. You have saved us. You are our God, we will PRAISE You. We honour You (Exodus 15:2 )
Lord our PRAISE for You is not based on what we think or hope for to happen now or in the future. We PRAISE You for who You are, knowing that You made the world and everything in it, You are the Lord of the heavens and the earth, You made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, You determined allotted periods and the boundaries of our dwelling places, that we should seek You and perhaps feel our way toward You and find You. Yet You are actually not far from each one of us, for “In You we live and breath and have our being.”(Acts 17:24-28)O Lord You decided that we would live in this time period and You prepared works for each one of us to walk in, in this time. (Ephesians 2:10)Lord we PRAISE Your name for creating us to live in this time. Please show us the works You prepared for each one of us to walk in, at this time. Lord we PRAISE You for all who will seek You and find You in this time. Lord we REJOICE with the angels in heaven over all the sinners who are and will repent in this time.(Luke 15:10) Lord we PRAISE You that we live and breath and have our being in You!
Lord help us to take every thought of fear captive and to keep on PRAISING You all day long.(2 Corinthians 10:5) Fill us with Your joy , for Your joy is our strength!(Nehemiah 8:10) Lord we joyfully accept our present situation as part of Your bigger plan in our lives and we PRAISE You for it.
Lord we remember the beautiful PRAISE song that Moses, Aaron, Miriam and the Israelites sang after You made a way for them through the Red sea drowning their enemies. Oh Lord they burst into spontaneous singing. They sang – “We will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider He has thrown into the sea.Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?”
O Lord we bring PRAISE to You even before the total victory over this virus, for we know Your strength and glorious deeds and we know in Your perfect time You will bring us victory! We PRAISE Your name – You are still the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8) You are still majestic in holiness, You are awesome in Your glorious deeds and You are still doing wonders on earth! We PRAISE You!
Lord we sing to You a new song, we sing Your PRAISES from the ends of the earth! We all join in the chorus, people from all the nations – we sing for joy; we shout PRAISES from the mountaintops! Let the whole world glorify You ,the Lord Almighty let us all sing Your PRAISES. You will march forth like a Mighty Hero; You will come out like a Warrior, full of fury. You will shout Your battle cry and crush all Your enemies and also this pandemic. (Isaiah 42:10-13 NLT)We give You PRAISE!
AMEN
D A Y 68
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Saturday 22 August 2020
SACRIFICE OF THANKSGIVING
Lord we come before You this day and offer to You a SACRIFICE OF THANKSGIVING (Psalm 50:14)
Lord today we choose to put our focus on You and all that You have done for us. We are so THANKFUL!We choose not to listen to the lies of fear, death and destruction that Satan is whispering in our ears – we know that he is a liar and that he prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Lord – as Your Word instructs – we resist him, firm in our faith, knowing that many other believers throughout the world are also suffering at this time of the pandemic. (1 Peter 5:8-9 )
Our Father in heaven today we want to THANK You that we know You -the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To You Lord be honour and eternal dominion! (1 Timothy 6:15,16).You are our God, we will praise You! You are our God, we will exalt You! We give to You a SACRIFICE OF THANKSGIVING! You are good! Your faithful love endures forever. (Psalms 118:28-29 )O Lord how blessed are we that we know You – the Creator of all.
Oh Lord we give THANKS for Your Son Jesus Christ, we worship and uplift His name. JESUS CHRIST – what a beautiful name ! We look unto Him the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of Your throne Father God.(Hebrews 12:2 ) We THANK You o Lord for Your Son Jesus who is at Your right hand – interceding for us in this difficult time. We give THANKS for His perfect intercession.
We THANK You Lord that You know us intimately , You even know the number of the hairs on our heads . Lord even when five sparrows are sold for two pennies, not one of them is forgotten before You o Father. Lord THANK You that we are of more value to You than many sparrows. (Luke 12: 6,7) .THANK You that You know what we are going through, THANK You that Your love will carry us through.
THANK You Lord that we do not have to lean on our own understanding, that we can trust You!(Proverbs 3:5). THANK You that just as the heavens are higher than the earth, Your ways are higher than our ways and Your thoughts than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9-10) Lord we THANK You for Your Holy Spirit that is with us. We thank You that He is our Comforter and our Helper, THANK You Father for sending Your Holy Spirit to teach us all things and to remind us daily of Your Word (John 14:14 ,26 ). Oh Lord THANK You that Your Spirit is continually reminding us of Your promises. THANK You Lord that Your Holy Spirit empowers us to be Your witnesses especially during this time where many people are searching for You. (Acts 1:8). THANK You Lord that we will overcome by Your blood Jesus and by the word of our testimonies , help us Lord not to love our lives even unto death.(Revelation 12:11)
Oh Lord of Heaven’s Armies THANK You that You are in this battle with us! Praise be to You – our steadfast Rock, who trains our hands for war and our fingers for battle.(Psalm 144:1)Lord THANK You that with You we do not have to be afraid or discouraged for the battle is not ours, but Yours.(2 Chronicles 20:15). THANK You Lord that in all these things we are more than conquerors through You ,Lord Jesus Christ who loves us.(Romans 8:37)
AMEN
D A Y 61
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Saturday, 15 August 2020
BROTHERLY LOVE
LORD, You are righteous in all Your ways And kind in all Your deeds. LORD You are near to all who call upon You , To all who call upon You in truth (Psalms 145:17-18).
Gracious Lord, You know that when we go through struggles and difficult times, we need encouragement from other believers to remind us of Your promises. We need to hear a word that will turn our thoughts towards You and Your amazing goodness. Lord, as we are all family in Christ, we bring our brothers and sisters in Christ before You that are trying to make their way through this Covid 19 storm. Help us to be there to encourage one another and build up one another, (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Lord, we pray let us do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind, let us regard one another as more important than ourselves; to not merely look out for our own personal interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4). We pray Father that we may have compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous (I Peter 3:8) as we are all facing challenges and struggles in this season of hardship.
And let us always consider one another in order to stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). We pray that we may encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of us will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13). May we bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Let us be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; (Romans 12:10).
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within us, with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in our hearts to God (Colossians 3:16). Above all, may we keep fervent in our love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).
Lord be glorified
In Jesus name
D A Y 62
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Sunday, 16 August 2020
SALVATION
JESUS, You are The way, The truth and The life. No one comes to the Father except through You (John 14:26). Son of the Most High, You have come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). We bring the lost, the indifferent, the lukewarm and those who are deceived to You (Name everyone you know who needs Jesus).
Lord we pray let the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ shine on those who are lost. Shine on them where the gospel is veiled, whose minds the god of this world has blinded so that they may see and believe. Lord as You opened up Lydia’s heart to listen to the gospel (Acts16:14), we pray that You will do the same to those who have been spiritually blind and deaf.
Lord, grant them repentance that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil; having been taken captive by him to do his will (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
Lord, circumcise their hearts and the hearts of their descendants, to love the Lord God with all their heart, and with all their soul, that they may live (Deuteronomy 30:6). Lord, give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 11:19) and having been set free from sin, make them slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:28).
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life (Revelation 22:17).
Lord be glorified.
In Jesus name
D A Y 63
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Monday 17 August 2020
BATTERING RAM OF PRAYER
Lord God we bow before You, the Maker of the heavens and the earth. Lord we praise You now and forever more!(Psalm 115:15,18)
Lord thank You for Your Word. We feed daily on Your Word during this pandemic and are encouraged and filled with hope. Lord take us deeper into Your Word and into the private place reserved for those who love You, where we will sit near You and receive the revelation-secrets of Your promises. (Psalms 25:14 TPT) Lord we want to receive Your Prayer strategies for this time. Lord we long to know You more! Lord we love and Worship only You!
Lord in Your word – You tell us the parable of the persistent widow who always prayed and never gave up. Lord Jesus You said – “There was a judge in a certain city, who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’” Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?” (Luke 18:1-8 NLT)
Lord thank You for this parable . Lord please give us as Your children the same persistence and faith that the widow had. Lord use us, as Your church in this time as a BATTERING RAM to destroy strongholds in Your Name. Lord as we persevere in prayer we know that one day, when the time is right, You will destroy the stronghold of the Covid- 19 pandemic and all the other strongholds that we lift up to You in this time on earth. Thank You Lord that You remain faithful and that You are patient with us, Your children, Lord thank you for Your mercy!
Lord strengthen us to persevere , fill us afresh with Your hope, faith, joy , love and peace. Lord bless and protect every person watching on the wall of Prayer at this time.We pray over all those faithfully interceding (and also their loved ones):-
‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’
Numbers 6:24-26 NLT
AMEN
D A Y 64
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Tuesday 18 August 2020
GOD’S WAVES
Lord we give to You the glory due to Your name; we worship You in the beauty of Your holiness.(Psalm 29:2)
Lord as the world start talking about second and third WAVES of this pandemic- we come to You who has the power over all WAVES and all creation. Lord Jesus through You everything was created, both in the heavenly realm and on the earth, all that is seen and all that is unseen. Every seat of power, realm of government, principality, and authority—it was all created through You and for Your purpose! You existed before anything was made, and now everything finds completion in You. (Colossians 1:16,17)
Lord please stop all the new WAVES of this pandemic. Lord please destroy the Covid-19 virus. Lord once when You and Your disciples were in a boat a storm came up and Your disciples were terrified. Lord we are also Your disciples and we are now in a storm – please come and bring Your peace. O Lord when You were in that boat You rebuked the wind and the surging WAVES , and they stopped, and it became calm. Lord please come and do it again – bring Your calmness and peace across the world and also in our hearts. (Luke 8:22-25) Lord – You rule the swelling of the sea; when its WAVES rise, You still them. (Psalm 89:9)
Lord there is none like You. Your mercy cannot be fathomed. Lord we ask that WAVES of Your mercy will flow in WAVE after WAVE on those who are in awe before You. (Luke 1:50 MSG) Lord we ask For WAVES of Your love to flood the earth. Fill Your children afresh with Your extravagant love. Lord use Your church to bring WAVES of Your love, mercy and healing to those who do not know You. Let Your Church arise like a tsunami WAVE – to bring Your Gospel to all the nations. Lord awaken the church , bring a REVIVAL and AWAKENING in WAVE upon WAVE across the whole earth. Lord let a WAVE of holiness and cleansing come and purify Your Bride on earth!Lord let us be renewed and refreshed , without spot or blemish, ready to receive our Bridegroom – JESUS CHRIST.
AMEN
D A Y 57
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Tuesday, 11 August 2020
GENEROSITY
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
Heavenly Father, we look back at the early church as an example of Your blessing in Christ. Acts 4:34 tells us there was not a needy person among them. The generosity of the early church is clearly visible. They understood and experienced that is is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
Lord unite us with this intimacy that they had, that we may have everything in common. Teach us to be good stewards with that which You have given us. May we learn to give to those in need and You will multiply, like You did with the loaves and fishes. Forgive us Lord where we think our little won’t make a difference so we hold it back. As the pandemic shows little signs of abating, there are so many people in need in our own communities. May we give freely from a generous heart never expecting anything back.
Settle our hearts with Your word that says “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).
Lord be glorified.
In Jesus name.
D A Y 58
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Wednesday, 12 August 2020
HOPE – THE ANCHOR OF THE SOUL
Heavenly Father, we lift up our eyes to the hills and look for our help. Our help comes from You the maker of heaven and earth.
Lord, we confess the Covid19 storm has been raging for longer than we expected. For some, our hope is faltering and we are weary and so tired. The Psalmist understood, as he said “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:11).
There can be no faith where there is no hope, for faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen (Hebrews 11:1). We pray O God, the source of hope, fill us completely with joy and peace because we trust in You. Then we will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
May this hope we have be as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil (Hebrews 6:19). Keep us expectant, waiting and hoping in You. Hope never disappoints, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5). Lord, You are our portion, therefore we hope in You (Lamentations 3:24).
You keep us in perfect peace as we trust in You (Isaiah 26:3) through this Covid19 storm. We are holding on to hope, the anchor of our soul. O Lord direct our hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5) that our hearts may be glad and our glory rejoice and our flesh may rest in hope (Psalm 16:9).
Lord be glorified
In Jesus name
D A Y 59
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Thursday, 13 August 2020
MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGEMENT
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you (Psalm 86:5) The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made (Psalm 145:9). Thank You Jesus!
In Matthew 18, there was a king who had mercy on his servant who owed him, but this same servant would not extend mercy to the one who owed him. He was an unforgiving steward! Lord, You taught on the sermon on the mount, “Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy (Matthew 5:7).
Forgive us Lord, where we have not had mercy on those who have wronged us or harmed us. Lead us into a right standing with You! In this critical season, let us examine our hearts to see if there is any unforgiveness in us, towards others. We choose to forgive our spiritual debtors. Those in our homes, our neighbours and in our communities.
Lord, You instruct us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us , pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:27-28). Strengthen us to do all this according to Your will.
Lord Jesus, when we are at the altar and remember someone has unforgiveness towards us, we are to leave our offering and be reconciled (Matthew 5:23-24). Lord, set our hearts to forgive and to keep on forgiving.
Lord help us to bear with one another, and forgive each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave us, so also should we forgive (Colossians 3:13).
Mercy triumphs over judgement (James 2:13). How wonderful Lord, mercy “boasts” against judgement. Mercy wins!
O Lord let us be merciful just as our Father is merciful (Luke 6:36).
Lord be glorified.
In Jesus name
D A Y 60
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Friday, 14th August 2020
THE WORD: EVERYTHING WE NEED
The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved (Psalms 93:1). God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection (Psalms 18:30).
Almighty God, Your word is everything that we need right now as we daily face the strong winds of this Covid19 pandemic. Your word says, “Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
Lord, we lean on, rely on and trust in Your word to shelter us from the onslaught of this pandemic. Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him (Proverbs 30:5) In the world, statistics can be manipulated, photographs can be airbrushed and news can be fake. God’s word is truth. Sanctify us Lord by Your truth (John 17:17). The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting (Psalms 119:160).
Lord, Your Word is alive. It is living and it is relevant for today. Your Word is a light that shows us where to go. Your Word is nourishment for our souls, therefore we taste and see that the Lord is good. Lord, Your word is our provision. It provides us with strength, hope and wisdom. Your way is perfect and Your promises are true.
This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life (Psalm 119:50 ).
Faithful Lord, we pray for a greater love for Your Word. We desire more of You. Make us hungry and thirsty for Your truth. Let Your Word prepare us for the road ahead. May Your truth keep us steadfast and immovable in our faith.
Heaven and earth will pass away but Your word remains forever (Matthew 24:35).
Lord be glorified.
In Jesus name
D A Y 53
Friday 7 August 2020
IN CHRIST
Almighty God we submit our all this day to YOU. IN YOU is Life, and YOUR Life is the Light of men.(John 1:4) Lord we rejoice IN YOU, our Maker. We exult IN YOU, our King. (Psalms 149:2-5)
Thank YOU Lord for the gift that YOU have given us. Thank YOU that all who believes IN YOU will not perish, but have eternal life and live forever! (John 3:15) Thank YOU Lord that YOU love us so much that YOU gave YOUR one and only SON, so that everyone who believes IN HIM will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ) Thank You Lord that YOU are not a respecter of people, we are all important and loved by YOU. Lord to YOU, there is no distinction between Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female ; IN YOU we are all one IN CHRIST JESUS . (Acts 10:34-35,Galatians 3:28)
Lord we know that in times of suffering, like now with this pandemic , the world looks at us, YOUR children – to see how we respond! O Father please strengthen us and help us to remain IN YOU, for only when we are IN YOU can we make a true and lasting difference in this world. Only when we are IN YOU, will we produce fruit, for Lord – YOU are the Vine and we are the branches. If we remain IN YOU, YOU will remain IN us and then we will produce much fruit to YOUR glory. Lord apart from YOU we can do nothing.
O Lord YOUR Word says that those who do not remain in YOU is thrown away like a useless branch that withers and are burned. Lord YOU say that if we remain IN YOU, YOUR words will remain in us and we can ask for anything and it will be granted! Lord help us to remain IN YOUR love. Lord YOUR Word says that if we obey YOUR commandments, we will remain IN YOUR love and we will be filled with YOUR joy, even to the overflow.(John 15:4-11) O Lord in this difficult time we need YOUR overflowing joy to encourage our own hearts and also those around us. Lord Your joy and YOUR love within us are medicine to our souls .
Lord , YOU created each one of us in our mothers wombs ,YOU formed our inward parts. We are YOUR handiwork , created IN CHRIST JESUS , to walk in the works which YOU have planned beforehand for each one of us, to walk in. (Psalm 139:13, Ephesians 2:10) O Lord help us and guide us to walk in those works in this difficult time. Help us not to pull back when the task seems to daunting. Remind us that if we are IN YOU, YOUR Holy Spirit will be our Advocate who will teach us all things and will remind us of everything YOU have said.(John 14:26)
Lord we give thanks to YOU for leading us IN CHRIST’s triumphal procession. Thank YOU for using us IN YOU – to spread the fragrance of YOUR knowledge everywhere. We are YOUR aroma among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. (2 Corinthians 2:14-16) To YOU be the glory!
AMEN
D A Y 54
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Saturday 8 August 2020
HE IS OUR COMFORTER
Almighty God, three in One we cry out to You today as the only One who can bring true COMFORT and peace in our hearts in this turbulent time. Lord we bring praise to You, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all COMFORT, who COMFORTS us in all our troubles, so that we can COMFORT those in any trouble with the COMFORT we ourselves receive from You. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 )
O Lord our hearts are broken when we see the pain and suffering, caused by this pandemic. Lord many have lost their loved ones and their lives will never be the same. We bring them before Your throne of grace and ask that You will reach out and bring healing, provision, COMFORT, love and peace.(name the bereaved that you know) Lord stir the hearts of Your church across the earth to reach out to these broken, mourning people. Use us Lord to COMFORT, like You COMFORT us.
Lord Jesus, You are our Balm of Gilead – the One who comes into our pain, brokenness and suffering. (Jeremiah 46:11) You bring healing and wholeness, when we let You. O Lord soften the broken hearts of those who are mourning, who does not know You – to allow You to come and COMFORT and heal them. Lord change their hearts through the sorrow to get to know You as the One who is very close to the brokenhearted, the One who saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) Lord there is none like You, You even work the greatest tragedies of our lives together for good, when we love You and surrender our all to You. (Romans 8:28)
Lord You say – ‘ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be COMFORTED’. (Matthew 5:4 ) Lord please bring Your supernatural COMFORT, Lord please come lift the spirits of those who trust in You in their mourning.
Lord You are our COMFORT in our suffering . (Psalm 119:50) May Your unfailing love keep on being our COMFORT, according to Your promise to us, as Your servants. (Psalm 119:76)
In Jesus name
AMEN
D A Y 55
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Sunday 9 August 2020
PRAYING WOMEN
Lord this day we bring women across the world before Your throne of grace.
Lord we want to thank You for the many faithful women across the world praying at this time. Lord thank You for the many powerful , ordinary women that You have given us as examples in the Bible. Their examples encourages us , especially in this difficult time. Lord thank You for all the faithful, praying women that have gone ahead of us and are now part of the great cloud of witnesses, cheering us on to run with perseverance the race marked out for us.(Hebrews 12:1) Lord we give You glory!
(Take time to remember and thank God for the faithful, godly women who made and are still making a difference in your life)
Lord together with HANNAH we pray – Our hearts rejoice in the Lord! The Lord has made us strong. Our mouths boasts over our enemies, also over this pandemic ,for we delight in Your deliverance. There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:1-2 ) Lord HANNAH poured out her heart to You. Your Word says she was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to You .(1 Samuel 1:10) O Lord many of us are in deep anguish in this time crying out to You – in our homes, in hospital beds, in loneliness , in fear – Lord please answer our prayers like You answered HANNAH’S prayer. Lord You gave her a son. O Lord You are faithful, we know You will answer…
Lord give us, as intercessors across the world, the perseverance in prayer that Your daughter ANNA had. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping You with fasting and prayer. (Luke 2:37-38) Lord fill us afresh this day with Your hope and courage to endure in Prayer. Lord ANNA prayed and You blessed her by showing her the baby Jesus in the Temple. Thank You Lord that You are still blessing those who faithfully persevere in Prayer in so may ways, but especially with Your presence, joy and peace. Holy Spirit, we rejoice in You, lead us in our prayers.
Lord give us, as Your church in this time the faith and the trust that MARY the mother of Jesus had. O Lord let us answer Your call in our individual lives with obedience like she did when told that she was chosen to bare the Saviour of the world. Let us respond like she did: – “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to Your word.” Lord whatever You call us to do and say – especially in this time give us obedient hearts . Lord together with MARY we bring You glory and say like she did – “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” ( Luke 1:38, 45-49 )
Thank You Lord Jesus for Your example when You were on earth . Thank You for the way You treated and valued women. Lord we bring all women who are abused in this time of lockdown before You. We cry out for them Lord – have mercy on them Lord – bring comfort and change the hearts of those who commit these violent acts. Lord please protect them. Lord we bring all widows before You and ask for Your supernatural provision. O Lord have mercy upon the women who are struggling in this time to make ends meet, who are being trafficked, who are sick, who are depressed, who are mourning, who are hungry, who are pregnant and alone, who are destitute. Lord use Your church to make a difference in the lives of these women and reveal Yourself to those who do not know You.
O Lord we give You glory
AMEN
Sunday 9 August 2020 – Women’s Day
PRAYING WOMEN
Today is ‘National Women’s Day’ in South Africa therefore ‘Praying Women’ is our theme for today’s Prayer. Over the years I have prayed with many amazing women of God and today I would like to honour them and all the other amazing , faithful, praying women of God across the world.
My very good friend, Paddy Joubert – was one of those faithful praying women of God. For 21 years the two of us and a few women from our town – weekly prayed for our families, town, nation and the world. The Prayer focus of our weekly Esther Prayer Group was – praying for the unity of John 17 over the Church of God in this time. That God would make us one in Him.
At the end of March when the lockdown for the pandemic started in South Africa – we joined a Global 24/7 Prayer Watch. Paddy was 92 years old and daily- faithfully prayed her one hour. Sometimes while praying she would make a mistake and push the voicemail button on her phone and by mistake send it to me. I could then hear her praying and it always greatly encouraged me. In June 2020 she was diagnosed with Covid-19 . Her daughter lovingly cared for her and the intercessors prayed for God’s perfect will to be done in her life. We knew she was longing for heaven. Later she was hospitalised and after about a week in hospital she tested negative for the virus and was going to be discharged. While in the process of discharging her she was looking for her reading glasses to read her bible. The doctor quickly stepped out of the room . When the doctor came back – she has departed for heaven.
Over the years we had a song that we sang at the Esther Group that goes like this – ‘There is race that I must run, there are victories to be won. Give me power every hour to be true….’ Paddy completed her race victoriously. Today’s Prayer brings honour to her and all the faithful praying women over the centuries and also those that are at this time still faithfully interceding in front of the throne of God.
I will also include a video – where you will see Paddy testifying to the glory of God. The video was made last year to celebrate 20 years of the Esther Women praying and it tells the story of God’s faithfulness when ordinary women Pray to a Almighty God. He truly answered the Prayer of John 17 in our midst. May you all be encouraged to persevere in Prayer.
Anneke Rabe
D A Y 56
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Monday, 10 August 2020
LONELINESS
Our Lord and Saviour, You are before all things and in You all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17)
Merciful Lord, with the pandemic still raging all around us, we come to bring all those in isolation, in quarantine or in a hospital bed all alone. Lord, turn to us and be gracious to us for we are lonely and afflicted (Psalm 25:16). We are a people who thrive on interaction with others. We long for fellowship with family and friends. In Genesis You established that it is not good for man to be alone. (Genesis 2:18). The lockdown and the pandemic have restricted our movements and reined us in and separated us from one another. There are people in hospitals who are not permitted to see family and are dying all alone. Lord, You know what it is like to be alone. On the cross of Calvary You cried, My God, my God why have You forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46). You empathize with those in isolation and in quarantine and separated from those they love. You know that when we are alone we are weak and fragile. Lord, remind us that there is nothing that can separate us or isolate us from Your love. No trouble, no hardship, persecution, famine or nakedness, danger or sword can separate us from the love of God. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37-39). Even when we cannot be with them physically in their isolation we can be with them in spirit (1 Corinthians 5:4).
The Psalmist reminds us, Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea. Even there Your hand shall lead me and Your right hand shall hold me (Psalm 139:7-10).
When we are alone, we become weary and give up hope easily as there is no one to remind us to fight and keep going as the Lord is with us. We pray for all those who are alone in hospital and in critical care sections, revive them O Lord. Let Your Holy Spirit bring to their remembrance that You are right there with them. May all those feeling lonely in isolation and quarantine come to know (without doubt) that they are never alone. May they experience the wonderful peace of Your presence. Give them the blessed assurance that You never leave us or forsake us and that You are omnipresent. You surround us with Your presence.
Lord be glorified.
In Jesus name
D A Y 49
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Monday 3 August 2020
HE IS WITH US
FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT we draw near to YOUR throne of grace today. YOUR beautiful, nourishing WORD says that if we draw near to YOU , then YOU will draw near to us.( James 4:7)
Lord today we worship and thank You for never leaving nor forsaking us, for always being WITH US. (Hebrews13:5) Lord IN YOU we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28)
Lord we do not know what the next hour, week, month, year or century holds. As Your children we are comforted by the deep knowing that whatever comes our way YOU are WITH US. Lord YOU are WITH US and YOUR understanding is beyond measure. (Psalm 147:5)LORD YOU know what we are going through during this worldwide pandemic. YOU understand our emotions, our pain, our suffering ,our loss and our even our fears.
Thank YOU LORD that YOUR WORD says that YOU will not let our feet slip – YOU who watch over us will not slumber…. YOU are our shade on our right hand; the sun will not harm us by day, nor the moon by night. Thank YOU LORD that if we are in YOU – YOU will keep us and our families from all harm – YOU will watch over our lives ; YOU- the LORD will watch over our coming and our going both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121:3, 5-8)
LORD thank YOU that even when we come to the end of our earthly lives YOU will be WITH US , walking and guiding us through the valley of the shadow of death. We will fear no evil, for YOU will be WITH US ,YOUR rod and YOUR staff will comfort us.(Psalm 23:4)
LORD please help us in this time to remember that You gave us , as YOUR disciples, all authority in heaven and on earth. LORD YOU said : “Go and make disciples of all the nations – baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS , even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18 -21) O LORD help us to obey YOUR Great Commission to reach every tribe and nation , for YOU said – this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then only the end will come. (Matthew 24:14) LORD as YOU are WITH US, help us to be obedient and faithful to the end. Strengthen us, LORD.
LORD ,YOU are our immovable ROCK(Psalm144:1)YOU are the one who changes times and seasons; YOU remove kings and sets up kings; YOU give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding (Daniel 2:21) O LORD thank YOU that we can rest in the knowledge that if we remain in YOU , YOU will be with us, no matter what we go through. LORD thank YOU for what You have prepared for those who love YOU. LORD YOUR Word says that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what YOU have prepared for those who love YOU. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
in JESUS CHRIST’S name
AMEN
Today’s Prayer also in Chinese-
在全球祈禱中團結起來約翰17-主讓我們合而為一。主啊，我們團結在一起，靠著您，我們將征服一切。2020年8月3日星期一，他與我們的父親、兒子和聖靈在一起，今天我們走近您的恩典寶座。你美麗而滋潤的話語說，如果我們走近你，你也會走近我們。(雅各書4：7)主啊，今天我們敬拜並感謝你不離不棄我們，一直與我們同在。希伯來書13：5)主啊，我們在你裡面活著，行動著，有我們的存在。使徒行傳17：28)主啊，我們不知道下一小時、下一周、下一個月、下一年或下一個世紀會發生什麼。作為你們的孩子，我們深深地知道，無論我們遇到什麼，你們都與我們在一起，這讓我們感到安慰。主啊，您與我們同在，您的理解是無以倫比的。詩篇147：5)主啊，你知道我們在這場世界性的大流行中正在經歷什麼。你瞭解我們的情緒，我們的痛苦，我們的痛苦，我們的損失，甚至我們的恐懼。感謝你，主，你的話說，你必不讓我們的腳滑倒，看守我們的你必不打瞌睡……你是我們右邊的蔭下，日頭必不害我們，夜裡月亮也不害我們。感謝你，主，我們若在你裡面—你必保護我們和我們的家人免受一切傷害—你必保佑我們的生命；你—耶和華必保佑我們的來去，從現在到永遠。詩篇121：3，5-8)主感謝你，即使我們在塵世中走到生命的盡頭，你也會與我們同在，帶領我們走過死亡陰影的山谷。我們不懼怕災禍，因為你必與我們同在，你的杖和杖必安慰我們。(詩篇23：4)主啊，求你在這時候幫助我們，記念你賜給我們天上地上的一切權柄，如同你的門徒。主你說：「你去使萬民作門徒，奉父、子、聖靈的名給他們施洗。求你教導這些新門徒遵守我所吩咐你們的一切誡命。你要確信這一點：我永遠與你同在，直到世世代代。「馬太福音28：18-21)主啊，求你幫助我們遵行你的大使命，傳到每一個支派和民族，因為你說過—這王國的福音要傳遍全世界，作為對萬國的見證，然後只有末日才會到來。馬太福音24：14)主啊，既然你與我們同在，求你幫助我們順服和忠信到底。主啊，堅固我們吧。耶和華阿，你是我們不可動搖的磐石(詩篇144：1)你是那易變時節的，你除掉君王，立王；你將智慧賜給聰明的人，將知識賜給聰明的人(但以理2：21)主啊，感謝你，使我們可以安息在你裡面，無論我們經歷什麼，你都必與我們同在。主啊，感謝你為愛你的人所預備的一切。主啊，你的話說，你的眼睛沒有看見，沒有耳朵聽見，沒有頭腦想象你為愛你的人準備了什麼。哥林多前書2：9)奉耶穌基督的名，阿們
D A Y 50
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Tuesday 4 August 2020
A TIME OF LAMENT
Lord Almighty we cry out to You today. Lord hear our Prayer
Lord our hearts are broken , our souls are weary , our strength is waning! O Lord we cry out to You , the Maker of the heavens and the earth, have mercy on us! Lord meet us in our pain.
Lord forgive us for not discerning this season ,as a season to weep, to die, to mourn, to uproot, to weep, to refrain from embracing , to be silent … for not remembering Your Word that says that there are seasons for everything. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) Lord forgive us for only wanting to focus on the seasons of love, joy and prosperity. Lord we know that You use seasons of great suffering and hardship to bring people to You with great repentance . Lord we know that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in trust shall be our strength.(Isaiah 30:15)
O Lord we cry out to You have mercy on us, forgive us our sins. Lord use this time of suffering and weeping to bring many to You(name those God lays on your heart). Lord in this time – sanctify Your church, Lord sanctify them by Your truth. (John17:17)
O Father of compassion, mercy and grace, we lift up our eyes to You, please rescue us Lord. Lord deliver us from fear, anxiety, anguish and despair. Lord we have hope in You, for Your steadfast love never ceases; Your mercies never come to an end. Lord You are our portion, therefore we will hope in You. You will not cast us off forever, You will have compassion according to the abundance of Your steadfast love, thank You Lord. (Lamentations 3:21-22, 24, 31-32)
Lord today we weep with those who are weeping and mourning ,those who are depressed and full of fear. (Roman 12:15) Lord have mercy on them , come wipe their tears, come deliver them from their pain and depression. Lord we bring those sick with this pandemic and all other sick people before You. Lord come and bring Your healing in their bodies and hearts. Lord have mercy. Lord we cry out to You to restore the hope of those who lost their jobs and income. Lord have mercy.
Lord thank You that You are very close to the broken hearted. (Psalm 34:18) We need You Lord, be close to us, cover us with Your love. We rest in You , we are silent… we trust You…
AMEN
D A Y 51
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Wednesday 5 August 2020
RESTING IN HIM
Almighty God, three in One, this day we exalt Your name. You say – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) Yes Lord, You will be exalted , we exalt You. In stillness we surrender and REST in YOU , our King and Redeemer.
O Lord we are heavy laden with the sorrow and the uncertainties that this pandemic has brought about. Lord we come to You, for You said – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find REST for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Lord please take the yoke of our burdens – Lord please take us into Your REST.
O Lord You know the end from the beginning and Your ultimate purposes for each one of us will stand. (Isaiah 46:10) Lord You are almighty – everything was created through You and for You. (Colossians 1:16) We REST in knowing that You are ultimately in control of our individual lives. You bring death and give life; You wound and You heal, and there is no one who can deliver from Your hand. (Deuteronomy 32:39) O Lord we rest in Your hand. Lord give us the strength and the courage to endure in You so that we can remain in Your REST. Lord we do not want to be like the Israelites who did not go into Your REST, after they were delivered from Egypt , because of their unbelief. Father forgive us for our unbelief, we trust in You and we REST in you.
Lord we bring all those who are alone, who are mourning, who are without an income, who are anxious and depressed, who are hungry, all the frontline and backline workers – before You – Lord have mercy on them. Lord reveal Yourself to them, provide for them and take them into Your REST.
Thank You Lord that if we are in You we can be assured that Your presence will go with us , and that You will give us Your REST. (Exodus 33:14 )
In Jesus name
AMEN
D A Y 52
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Thursday 6 August 2020
CRY TO A COMPASSIONATE GOD
Lord our God, today we cry out to You who are known as the GOD OF GREAT COMPASSION. O Lord as a father has COMPASSION on his children, so YOU have compassion on those who fear YOU. (Psalm 103:13). Lord forgive us as Your children for not fearing You. Lord forgive us for the many times that we ignored You and followed our own hearts. Lord we repent and we turn back to You.
Lord Your Word says that You long to be gracious to us and therefore You will rise up to show YOUR COMPASSION. Lord you are a God of justice, Your word says we will be blessed if we wait for You! (Isaiah 30:18) O Lord we wait for You. Lord please be COMPASSIONATE to us. Lord please, in Your COMPASSION , lead us in the way that we must walk. Lord guide us every day in each decision and action. Lord please provide for us spiritually and physically. Lord lead us beside springs of water, feed us Lord, from Your Word. (Isaiah 49:10)
Lord thank You for Your Word that so encourages us at this time. Thank You Lord that You say – though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, Your unfailing love for us will not be shaken nor Your covenant of peace be removed, for You Lord has COMPASSION on us, Your children. ( Isaiah 54:10)
Lord today as we cry out for YOUR COMPASSION over us, we also realise our lack of COMPASSION towards others. O Lord please forgive us and work in our hearts to be kind and COMPASSIONATE to one another, forgiving each other, just as You, Lord forgave us. (Ephesians 4:32) Lord we bring before You the broken in our communities affected more severely because of this pandemic – those without an income, those who are hungry, those who are in broken marriages, the orphans, the widows, the bereaved, the sick, those who are being abused, the healthcare workers who are under great strain, the lonely, those who are depressed and anxious – Lord please use us, Your children to reach out in great love and COMPASSION to these people. Lord show us where You want us to be involved. Lord work in us to will for Your Names sake. (Philippians 2:13)
Lord in a special plea we bring before Your Throne of grace and COMPASSION – the city of Beirut who was shaken by a huge explosion on Tuesday , killing and injuring many. O Lord have COMPASSION on them. Lord bring peace in the hearts of the people shaken by this trauma. Lord provide and bring COMFORT to the bereaved. Lord please also provide medical services- to cope with this added load on top of Covid-19. O Lord work in the hearts of Your children to respond in bringing the hope of the Gospel in the midst of this devastation. Lord we ask for miraculous healings and for the nations of the world to pull together in COMPASSION to bring aid where needed.
Thank You Lord that in the midst of all the suffering we can still agree with Your word to ‘Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord COMFORTS his people and will have COMPASSION on his afflicted ones.’ (Isaiah 49:13)
In Jesus Christ’s Name
AMEN
D A Y 45
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Friday, 31 July 2020
DEEPER INTIMACY WITH GOD – RESTORATION
Lord, today I am reminded of the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15). Oh, Lord, some have fallen away from You, choosing the path of self-righteousness, choosing the pleasures of the world, above You and the riches of Your Kingdom.
Oh, Lord, we cry out for mercy today. Please Father, may those who have left You be drawn back to You. Holy Spirit, soften their hearts and open their eyes to recognise that the pleasures of this world are temporary and worthless in comparison to Your Kingdom treasures. May they run back into the arms of their loving Father.
Thank You, that You are a merciful and loving Father.
*“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.* Luke 15:22 NIV
Thank You that You do not hesitate to take us back when we come back to You. Thank You that You cover us with Your forgiveness (robe), that You restore our identity in you (ring) and that You restore our purpose (sandals).
May many return to You. In Jesus’ mighty name.
D A Y 46
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Saturday, 1 August 2020
DEEPER INTIMACY WITH GOD –
THE ARMOUR OF GOD
Thank You, Lord that we know that You are our Protector, our Refuge and our Fortress (Ps 91). Lord, we pray that You will also lead and guide us to be clothed in the right protective spiritual armour every day.
Let us pray Ephesians 6:11-17 NIV
Lord, help us to put on the full armour of God, so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Help us to put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground, and after we have done everything, to stand. Help us to stand firm, with the belt of truth buckled around our waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, help us to take up the shield of faith, with which we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Help us to take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Thank You, Jesus!
D A Y 47
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Saturday, 1 August 2020
DEEPER INTIMACY WITH GOD –
THE ARMOUR OF GOD
Thank You, Lord that we know that You are our Protector, our Refuge and our Fortress (Ps 91). Lord, we pray that You will also lead and guide us to be clothed in the right protective spiritual armour every day.
Let us pray Ephesians 6:11-17 NIV
Lord, help us to put on the full armour of God, so that we can take our stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Help us to put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground, and after we have done everything, to stand. Help us to stand firm, with the belt of truth buckled around our waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, help us to take up the shield of faith, with which we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Help us to take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Thank You, Jesus!
D A Y 48
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Sunday, 2 August 2020
DEEPER INTIMACY WITH GOD –
CROWN
During this week, the Lord guided us, in prayer, to either remove or to put on certain symbolic or spiritual clothing. We also gave thanks for the clothing that He covers us with or gives us through His love and mercy. Today I am reminded of the various symbolic or spiritual crowns that the Lord reveals to us through His Word. Let us continue to focus on Kingdom values and not aim for earthly crowns and rewards.
Thank You, Lord, that we do not need to fear, for You have redeemed us; You have summoned us by name; we are Yours. When we pass through the waters, You will be with us; and when we pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over us. When we walk through the fire, we will not be burned; the flames will not set us ablaze.
Isaiah 43:1-2 NIV
You have called us by name and You have redeemed us. We are precious in Your sight – a crown of glory In the hand of the Lord. Isaiah 62:3 NKJV
We praise You Lord that You forgive all our sins and heal all our diseases, that You redeem our life from the pit and crown us with love and compassion. Psalms 103:2-4 NIV
Help us Lord, to serve others with the love and compassion that You have crowned us with.
Help us to endure temptation; for when we have been approved, we will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 NKJV
Help us to hold on to what we have, so that no one will take our crown. Revelation 3:11 NIV
Thank You that there is in store for us the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to us on that day—and not only to us, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 NIV
Help us, Lord, to keep our focus on You. Help us not to run after earthly crowns that do not last, but rather to serve You so that we will get a crown that will last forever.
1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV
Praise be to You, Jesus.
D A Y 41
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Monday, 27 July 2020
DEEPER INTIMACY WITH GOD – CLOTHING OF SALVATION AND ROBES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Oh, Lord, how grateful and honoured we are, that You, mighty and powerful God have humbled Yourself to come down to earth to save us and clothe us with Your robes of righteousness. It is a deep act of love and mercy. Thank You that You gave us eyes to see and recognise You as Lord and Saviour and that we are now a part of You Kingdom, showered with Your gifts of love and covered in Your righteousness.
*I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.*
Isaiah 61:10-11 NLT
Oh, Lord, help us to continue to walk in righteousness. Lord, when we stand before difficult decisions and choices, I pray that You, Holy Spirit will help us to choose what is righteous and pleasing in Your sight. Convict us Holy Spirit, so that we may recognise the sin in our lives. We love You Jesus and we want to become more like You every day. Draw us in so that we will become more intimate with You. Help us to walk in purity and love so that we may bear witness to Your glory! Thank You, Jesus!
D A Y 42
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Tuesday, 28 July 2020
DEEPER INTIMACY WITH GOD – WASHING OUR ROBES
*Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life.*
Revelation 22:14 NLT
Father, we come before You today with stains on the beautiful robes that You have given us. We bring our sins before You and ask that You will forgive us. Cleanse our hearts from evil thoughts and selfish desires. Forgive us where we are battling to put our trust in You and where we are trusting ourselves more than we are trusting You. Forgive us where we are judging others. Forgive us where we think that we are better than others. Forgive us where we chase after earthly treasures instead of heavenly treasures. Forgive us where we do not reach out in love.
Lord, we humble ourselves before You and ask that You will forgive us all our sins and cleanse us. We wash our clothes in repentance and ask that You remove all the stains. In Jesus’ mighty name.
D A Y 43
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Wednesday, 29 July 2020
DEEPER INTIMACY WITH GOD –
REMOVING OUR SPIRITUAL VEILS
“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shining in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy”
Yes, Lord, please open the eyes of our hearts, so that we may see You and recognise Your truth. We pray mighty God that You will remove every veil of deception from our spiritual eyes. We no longer want to be deceived! We want to see YOU. We want to see YOUR truth.
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,
Ephesians 1:17-18 NIV
Thank You, Jesus!
D A Y 44
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Thursday, 30 July 2020
DEEPER INTIMACY WITH GOD – REMOVING OUR SPIRITUAL MASKS
Lord, You are the Giver of Life, the One who has breathed life into us (Gen2:7, Job 33:4, Is 42:5), the One who has breathed over us and given us the Holy Spirit (John 20:21-22). Without Your breath, nothing can exist. (Job 34:14-15) We know from Your Scriptures that in times to come the plans of the enemy will be destroyed by Your breath (2 Thess 2:8)
Lord, Your scriptures say that everything that has breath should praise the Lord.(Ps 150:6)
Your breath is powerful and when we praise You, your Holy Spirit is released through us, Your children, on this earth.
The enemy has tried to stop us from praising You. He has tried to stop Your Holy Spirit from being released through our breath and our praises.
Father God, we pray that the enemy will not manage to silence our voices. We pray that in the spiritual our voices will become louder and louder.
As we continue to wear our physical masks, we pray that You, Jesus Christ, will remove our spiritual masks from our mouths, that we may shout and declare how wonderful and powerful You are. That we may breathe out Your glory. We pray that our voices will be amplified by You, Holy Spirit. May Your truth resound here on earth. May all people hear how wonderful You are!
Let us declare aloud together:
Shout with joy to the Lord , all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalms 100:1-5 NLT
D A Y 37
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Wednesday, 22 July 2020
A Prayer for the Youth to Arise
Father, we thank You for the younger generation that is rising up in faith at this time. We pray that You would use them mightily, and that they may glorify Your Name in word and deed.
We ask that You would pour out Your Spirit on them, and awaken them to live for You and You alone. For we know that they hunger for a cause and a purpose, to know that their lives count for something.
Lord, we pray that young people would reach out to a world in need, united in compassion and a hunger for righteousness and justice. May they not be blinded by the materialism and pleasures of this world. May they lose their taste for meaningless distractions and develop an appetite for Your Word.
We pray that no-one would look down on them because of their youth, but that they would set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity; that they would devote themselves to the reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching; and not neglect their gifts but practice them diligently. (1 Timothy 4:11-16)
Lord, would You raise up young transformational leaders in an era where our communities and families desperately need healing. May they look beyond their own needs and seek to serve and impact those around them. Lord, we pray that they would rise up into their potential – to be image bearers of Christ, and shine like stars in a wicked and depraved generation. (Phil 2:15)
We ask that the same spirit of excellence and creativity that was upon the Hebrew young man, Daniel, would be upon them – that they may build Your Kingdom with great joy.
O Lord, may the world stand in awe of the wisdom and discernment that You pour out on this next generation. May young men and women of faith hear a word behind them, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when they turn to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21) May kings come to them for counsel, world leaders to the brightness of their rising.
Lord, in the past You used King Josiah at the tender age of 8 to turn a nation around and destroy the idolatrous alters of his forefathers. And the Word says that for the rest of Josiah’s days, the people he ruled over sought the Lord. (2 Chronicles 34-35)
We remember how You used the young man, Gideon to tear down the idols in his city and to lead the Lord’s army into great victories. (Judges 6) May we see young leaders of this calibre arise in our time.
May the sons arise! May they know that they are children of the Most High – co-heirs with Christ.
We thank You that You have ordained children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you. (Psalm 8:2) How mysterious are Your ways! We worship You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
D A Y 38
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Thursday, 23 July 2020
The Presence of the Lord
O Lord, in this hour of challenges and adversity, we ask that You would visit us with Your Presence. Lord, we pray that our homes, work spaces and ministries would be known as places of peace, places of restoration and reconciliation where Your love abounds.
Holy Spirit, we pray that You would move in our communities, in streets and slums where violence and crime abound. Lord, only You can stay the hand of violent strongholds and poverty in some of the areas. We pray that You would release Your freedom and healing over our communities. O Lord, lead us, Your children, to work with You as we unite in prayer and action!
Lord, we pray that You would visit hospitals in this hour… Fill the rooms and wards where thousands lie helpless, in pain and in fear. May Your love drive out all fear and darkness (1 John 4:18), and may patients and medical personnel alike experience Your presence like a warmth and peace that strengthens them. May they know that You are there – empowering them and bringing hope.
O Lord, we pray for every desolate and abandoned space where people may feel forgotten and in despair. (Mention people, places and situations that God may bring to mind.) Father, no situation is beyond Your grasp. Would you intervene miraculously, that Your Name may be glorified, and that men may be drawn to You.
Father, would you visit businesses in our nations, and bring hope and strategies where there seems to be no way out. We cry out to You for business owners that may be disillusioned, hopeless and even suicidal in this time. O Lord, draw them with cords of love.. Would you bring supernatural solutions but also draw them to a complete dependence on You in this season. We bless You Father – have Your way with the business and economic sectors in our nations.
We pray that You would visit the lost, and reveal Yourself to them through dreams, visions and messages of hope. Would You give us, Your Body, strategies for reaching out in this time of pandemic and restricted movement through online platforms and innovative evangelism ideas.
Jesus, we remember how You reached into the most desperate situations while on Earth – how You prioritized being with the sick, the demonized, the marginalized and oppressed. With just a few words and Your powerful presence, You turned lifetimes of suffering into testimonies of the miraculous, and entire towns and regions were turned upside down… We pray for that same power to be released in this time. O Lord, may it also manifest through us; May we be known as Your Presence carriers on the Earth!
We glorify You and we give You all the praise.
Amen
D A Y 39
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Friday, 24 July 2020
Messengers of Hope
Father God, we worship You. We incline our ears to hear what You have to say. Lord, we sit at Your feet, for we know that only You have the words of life. As we commune with You, our hearts grow quiet, and we are refreshed.
Thank You for Your faithfulness throughout the ages. Thank You that You are fully in control. Lord, we look around us and many are flailing in this time of shaking, because they have no rock to build on, no anchor to hold onto. Thank You that we can hold onto You, and remember that we are citizens of an unshakeable Kingdom. We ask that Your perfect will be done on Earth today, as it is in Heaven. (Mat 6:10)
Father, would you make us, your Church, bearers of good news in this time. Rather than being in survival mode, Lord, help us to remember that we are more than conquerors in Christ, that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. (Rom 8:37; Phil 4:13)
Lord, we step into the armour that You’ve given us (Eph 6:10-20), so that we can enter this world with boldness to bring your hope and life to the ones that need it most. Please give us the vision to see opportunities. Give us discernment to walk in the mandates You give us. Give us the courage and the strength to go where You call us, and to reach out to those You want us to serve. Lord, may we speak Your Words, move in Your strength, and trust in Your Spirit to bring salvation and healing in the areas You’ve placed us.
Lord, our communities are hope-starved. They are turning to alcohol, drugs and gangsterism for a sense of belonging. We think of our young people seeking purpose in this time. Lord, may we be messengers of hope to these broken communities. Help us to identify opportunities and live courageously and sacrificially.
O Lord, have mercy. For we see so much brokenness in our own lives and families, before we’ve even left our own front doors. Would you revive our families, and our personal lives. Start with us Lord, even as we seek opportunities to serve!
Lord, we pray for all those creating messages of hope in this time – spiritual leaders, authors, poets, artists, videographers, church communities, community organisations.. the list goes on. Please pour out a spirit of creativity upon us, that we would speak words of life from Your heart and not produce works in the flesh. (Ex 31:1-5)
Lord, would You give Your Church innovative ways of bringing Your Word and messages of salvation to the millions that cry out for hope in this time. For Your Word says,
‘But how can they call to him for help if they have not believed? And how can they believe if they have not heard the message? And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed?’ (Romans 10:14)
Thank You that You have placed this gift of sharing Your love with a broken world in our hands. May we lean in increasingly to hear Your heartbeat, and then share it with a world in need.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
D A Y 40
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Saturday, 25 July 2020
The Fruit of the Spirit
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we honour You for who You are. We glorify You and declare that there is none beside You, none that compares to the riches of Your glory.
Thank You that You represent perfect unity and that You call us to do the same. Make us one, Lord! Thank You for the empowering of Your Spirit that makes it possible for us to overcome our differences – that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us! (Rom 6:10-11)
Lord, we ask that the evidence of this indwelling would be visible in us daily – that men would see the fruit in our lives, and glorify You.
Lord, we clothe ourselves today with LOVE. You say that perfect love drives out all fear. (1 John 4:18) More than this, You say that without love we are mere resounding gongs, hollow vessels. (1 Cor 13:1) Lord, in a world full of uncertainty and pain, we pray that You would teach us to love as You love; and to lay down our lives for others as You did. (John 15:13)
Lord, we thank You for the JOY of knowing and loving You. Thank You for the freedom that salvation brings. Your joy truly is our strength! (Neh 8:10) Thank You that for the joy set before You, You endured the cross. (Heb 12:2) Help us, Lord to embrace good times and sufferings alike with joy.
Lord, thank You that You lead us to green pastures, that You restore our souls, that You give is a PEACE that transcends all understanding; guarding our hearts and minds in Christ, as we commune with You. (Psalm 23; Phil 4:7) May we be peacemakers in our families, places of work, ministries and other areas of influence.
Father, thank You for your PATIENCE with us; that while we were still sinners You sent Your Son to die for us. (Rom 5:8) Please give us that same patience to persevere in adversity, and to love those around us even when it stretches us.
Lord, we remember Your KINDNESS and Your GOODNESS – You are good towards all You have made. (Psalm 145:9) May we resemble You in the way we walk in the world. Soften our hearts and eyes, Lord – give us hearts of flesh, and compassion for those we encounter.
Father, thank You for Your FAITHFULNESS. We echo the Psalmist: I was once young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread! (Ps 37:25) May we exhibit this same faithfulness in our dealings with those around us. Please empower us, Holy Spirit, to stay the course!
Lord, we see Your GENTLENESS in the way You cared for people when You were on Earth. We experience it in the way You encounter us in our daily lives. May our gentleness be evident to all, and may we be the aroma of Christ to those around us. (2 Cor 2:15)
Lord, lastly we thank You that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7) Therefore we choose to press on at a steady pace, knowing that Your Spirit gives us perfect SELF CONTROL and the ability to finish this race well.
Lord, we glorify You and we thank You that You have given us Your Spirit as a gift, a seal (Eph 1:14), guaranteeing the things to come. We pray that the fruit of His presence in our lives would be clearly seen, and would draw others unto You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
_For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Gal 5:22-23
D A Y 33
John 17 – Lord make us one
Together and in You we will conquer
Saturday 18 July 2020
The Word
Praise the Lord. You are the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. You do not faint or grow weary, Your understanding is unsearchable. Your ways are higher than our ways and Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Who can compare with You?
Lord, You were there at the beginning. You were with God and the word was God. This word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1;14). Help us, Lord to preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke and exhort with complete patience and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2). We ask Lord, that we ourselves be doers of the word and not hearers only. Therefore whoever hears these saying of Mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock and the rain descended, the floods came and the winds blew and beat on that house and it do not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand; and the rain descended , the floods came and the winds blew and beat on that house and it fell. And great was its fall (Matthew 7:24-27). Let us remain rooted and grounded in the word of God that we will not be tossed and turned by every wind of doctrine that is being brought forth in this time of hardship and fiery trials. Lord, Your word is truly a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).
Martin Luther said; “The Word of God is alive, it speaks to me. It has feet, it runs after me. It has hands, it lays hold of me!” Lord, Your Word is also a Sword. It pierces between the soul and the spirit. It reveals truth and it exposes lies. Your Word is also a mirror that reveals. As we hold up the mirror to look at ourselves it reveals and gives a true reflection of who we are. Your Word is a seed that reproduces. May we daily sow the living Word of God. Your Word is a fire that consumes. Lord, we pray let Your word spread like fire around the world. Lord, Your Word will accomplish all You want it to and it will prosper everywhere You send it.
Father God, we ask for a hunger and love for Your Word. That we will love Your truth so that we will not be deceived in the days to come. Lord, keep us abiding in You and Your word that we will bear much fruit for the Kingdom of God.
Lord be glorified!
In Jesus name.
D A Y 34
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Sunday, 19 July 2020
The Church – Revival
O May Your glorious name be blessed and exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens. The heaven of heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them, You give life to all of them and the heavenly host bows down before You (Nehemiah 9:6) Lord God, we come to bow down before You!
Heavenly Father, awake us from sleeping and let us arise from the dead that Christ may shine on us.(Ephesians 5:14). Lord, we, Your Church need reviving. Revival is a renewal, a restoration. We need a fresh flow of Your life, love and Your power in the Church. We have become faint. Our breath is shallow. We are on our knees. We come to You Lord to repent and turn again so that our sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord and He may send the Christ appointed for us, Jesus (Acts 3:19-20).
We are living in unprecedented times and we confess our need for revival. Lord, our desire is that the Church will recover, be kept alive, restored, preserved and made whole. O Lord when Your Church is revived she will be stronger and mightier against the powers of darkness. She will be a light in this dark world and will attract the lost. Lord, have mercy on us. According to Your loving kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies blot out our transgressions. Wash us thoroughly from our iniquity and cleanse us from our sin. Create in us a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within us. Restore unto us the joy of Your salvation and sustain us with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51)
O Lord, meet with us. Bend us to Your will. We long for a global revival. We long for all people to become God-conscious. Lord may we hate the sin in our lives that separates us from You! We read about the revivals that have broken out sporadically over the world. We hear how people were overcome by the Holy Spirit. We read how there weren’t enough churches as the people poured in from the streets. May we be cut to the heart. May we be aware of Your holiness and power. May we be filled with reverence and awe of our God. May the love of God be poured into our hearts that we may save some, snatching them out of the fire (Jude 1) Come Lord Jesus, bring salvation, peace, glory and unity. Lord bring revival!
O that You would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains quake at Your presence. As fire kindles the brushwood, as fire causes water to boil. To make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence (Isaiah 64:1-2)
Lord be glorified!
In Jesus name.
D A Y 35
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Monday, 20 July 2020
A prayer for the isolated and the lonely
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. (Psalm 57:1)
Lord, in the silence, we remember Your faithfulness; we remember Your kindness; we remember Your love. We remember, too, your abiding promise that You will be with us always, until the end of the age. (Mat 28:20)
Thank You, Father, that You do not leave us as orphans to fend for ourselves; but You draw us to Yourself with cords of love, calling us sons and heirs, children of the Most High.
Lord, we remember the lonely, the isolated and those that may feel abandoned today. Hundreds of thousands in our nations have been forced to self-isolate due to the virus. Many are mourning the passing of loved ones and are dealing with a deep sense of loss. O God, have mercy! May they feel Your arms around them – for Your Word promises that You are close to the brokenhearted and near to those who mourn.
May the lonely rest under the shadow of Your wings today. You have said, ‘Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.’ (Isaiah 49:15-16)
Father, we remember those who do not know You yet, and pray that they would reach out to You in their loneliness and find purpose and communion in Your Presence. Please create a hunger in hearts, and reveal Yourself to the lost in these challenging times.
Lord, Your Word says that we should mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15b) I pray that You would mobilize us as Your hands and feet to reach out to the lonely and be generous with our time and resources.
Strengthen us now, Holy Spirit. Your joy is our strength. We ask for a double measure of your peace, joy and sense of belonging for ourselves, our loved ones, and those carrying great burdens. (Bring the names of those that come to mind before the Lord now.)
Thank You that You are a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows; that you set the lonely in families, and lead out the prisoners with singing. (Psalm 68:5-6)
Thank You that Your Word says You have plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) We choose to hold to this unswervingly as we navigate uncharted waters.
With the Psalmist we say, Whom have we in heaven but you? And earth has nothing we desire besides you. (Psalm 73:25)
We worship You!
Be glorified.
Amen
D A Y 36
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Tuesday, 21 July 2020
In Matthew 9 we see Jesus urging the disciples to pray earnestly for laborers to be sent into the Harvest, and the very next chapter these same men are sent out to heal the sick, deliver those in bondage and preach the gospel of peace..
Lord, we ask that You would make us the answer to our own prayers today.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
D A Y 29
John 17 – Lord make us one
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer.
Tuesday, 14 July 2020
A Prayer for the Poor and Needy
Who is there like You, God? From the end of the earth will I cry unto You, when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me and a strong tower from the enemy (Psalm 61:2-3)
Our Heavenly Father, You are our God who dwells on high and You will never forget the needy. For the needy will not always be forgotten, the expectation of the poor shall not perish (Psalm 9:18). You O Lord will deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also and him who has no helper. Lord, You will spare the poor and the needy and will save the souls of needy. You will redeem their life from oppression and violence and precious will be their blood in Your sight (Psalm 72:12-14). You raise the poor out of the dust and lift the needy out of the ash heap and You seat him with the princes of Your people (Psalm 112:7-8). Your heart is always for those who are impoverished and those who have no helper. Lord we bring them before you (Name those you know and the areas you know that are destitute, poor and needing aid right now). Lord, deliver them, spare them and save their souls.
Merciful Lord, Your heart is filled with compassion for the poor and disadvantaged. Time and again in Your word, there is a call to help the underprivileged. It could be an act of kindness, encouraging words or even to defend their rights. Lord, help us to open our mouth and judge righteously and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy (Proverbs 31:9). May we learn to do good, seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan and plead for the widow (Isaiah 1:17).
Lord, teach us to give freely and generously to the poor, without begrudging it (especially in these difficult times) and because of this You will bless us in all our work and in all we undertake. For the poor will never cease out of the land, therefore You have commanded us to open wide our hands to our brothers, to the needy and the poor in our land (Deuteronomy 15:10-11). Lord, we pray keep us from being like the rich man that walked past Lazarus, the beggar (Luke16), and did nothing to help him. Fill our hearts with compassion and love for those who are afflicted, needy, homeless and hungry.
Lord, we pray for those who are working in this field – pastors, social workers and community volunteers, Lord, provide their every need, strengthen them and cover them with Your protection and bless all their efforts. We pray Lord, touch the hearts of many more to join in the volunteer work. Lord, give those in need today their daily bread and help us all to share the things You have blessed us with.
Lord be glorified!
In Jesus name
D A Y 30
John 17 – Lord make us one
Together and in You, we will conquer
Wednesday, 15 July 2020
A Prayer for the Bereaved
Praise the Lord! O Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. We give You thanks for Your unfailing love and Your wonderful deeds for mankind. Thank you Lord that there is nothing that can separate us from the love You have for us – not even death. Our peace is in You. In the world we will have tribulation but You encourage us to take heart as You have overcome the world.
Heavenly Father, during this lockdown and in this pandemic, so many are experiencing suffering and the loss of a loved one. We bring them before You today. We also remember those who are separated from their loved ones who are critically sick and have to be hospitalized. They are filled with despair and anxious thoughts of not being able to visit their sick, loved ones. We pray Lord, give strength to the weary and increase the power of those who are weak in their hospital beds.
Lord, nothing can prepare us for losing a loved one. It is a personal pain and so stunningly final. Grief is such a painful season and can be the most difficult time of our lives. Lord, we bring before You those who have lost a loved one, a companion or a friend during this pandemic (Name those you know who are grieving). Merciful Lord, we set before You the weary and the burdened, give them rest (Matthew 11:28). Heal their broken hearts and bind up the wounds of grief (Psalm 147:3).
O Lord we come to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). Lord show us how to help those in anguish to lift that spirit of heaviness and put on a garment of praise.
Lord, You are the Father of Compassion and God of all comfort. Comfort them in all their troubles so that they can comfort others in trouble with the same comfort they received from You (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Lord, Your Word is a healing balm to every heart that has been shattered by grief. Psalm 119:92 declares unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. Thank You for Your Word that brings healing. Your Word in John 11:25-26 comforts us. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.
Gracious Lord, we pray Your merciful love, grace and peace would be theirs in abundance as they lean on You in their time of grief. Let the joy of knowing You be their strength.
Lord be glorified.
In Jesus name
D A Y 31
John 17 – Lord make us one
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer….
Thursday 16 July 2020
Community – families, marriages, children
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3). Lord, You are our living hope in these days when the virus looms over us like a dark cloud. Our hearts are comforted that we have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba Father!”(Romans 8:15). The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are the children of God. Thank You Lord for our family in Christ!
Lord, we realise the seriousness of the hour. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. We bring our earthly families before You. Husbands, wives, parents, brothers, sisters and our children. We are crying out for those we love who have backslidden or are lost. (Name those in your family you want to bring before the Lord). We declare Your Word – Now is the time for all to awaken from sleep for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11). Awaken our loved ones to see You, to hear You and to love You. Deliver them from every power of darkness and translate them into Your Kingdom of Light. Create in them a hunger and thirst for You and Your righteousness and revive them in Your ways.
Gracious Lord, we pray for our marriages. Lord, You see the strain this pandemic has on relationships as spouses lose their jobs, the potential threat of the virus on parents and children. The added burden of trying to make ends meet or looming medical costs. O Lord we need You! Let us be reminded of what Your word says: Let us put on love in our marriages, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14). Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.(Ephesians 5:25-26) Likewise wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord (Ephesians 5:22).
We bring all marriages that are struggling during this pandemic. Whether it is from financial stress, sickness, unhappiness, inconsideration, or anxiety, Lord Jesus, please restore. Lord, let Your peace, joy, happiness and comfort saturate these marriages. Lord, we pray let every seed of discord and separation that has been sown be uprooted in Jesus name. Help them find their way back together. Lord, two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fail, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Lord, make our marriages stronger, together!
Merciful Lord, we thank You for our children. They are a blessing and a reward from You. Lord, because of the times we are living, our children need You! They sense the confusion, the fear and the uncertainty of the future from everything happening around them and the limitations of the freedom they used to enjoy. We pray Lord, give our children, the Spirit of wisdom and revelation and knowledge of You that the eyes of their hearts be enlightened, that they will know the hope to which You have called them, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints and Your incomparably great power for us who believe (Ephesians 1:17-19). Keep them as the apple of Your eye and preserve them from the evil one.
Thank You Lord, You hear our prayer for our families, our marriages and our children. But as for me, I will look to the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation, my God will hear me (Micah 7:7).
Lord be glorified in our families.
In Jesus name
D A Y 32
John 17 – Lord make us one
Together and in You we will conquer
Friday 17 July 2020
The Harvest
Let us sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord all the earth! Let us sing unto the Lord, bless Your name; tell of Your salvation from day to day. We declare Your glory among the nations; Your wonders among all the peoples! (Psalm 96:1-3)
Lord, no one desires a harvest of souls more than You. You are not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore You are also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through You, since You live to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). You were born, You died and rose again so that the whosoever who believe would have eternal live (John 3:16).
Lord, we ask You to send labourers into the fields around the world. Let Your word that brings salvation, hope, truth and light be preached in every corner of the globe. Let down the nets, Lord! Let these nets be filled with a new, plentiful, spiritual harvest in this hour. Yes, Lord, especially now, we pray for the nets of salvation to overflow in our homes, our schools, our churches, our streets, our cities and out towns.
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, If he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? (Luke 15:4) Lord, You never give up Your search until You find the ones who are lost. May their hearts be ripened and softened to hear You calling them. O Lord seek the lost, bring back those who have been scattered. Bind up their brokenness and strengthen those who are spiritually sick. May they have a wonderful revelation of Jesus Christ. May Your Holy Spirit turn them towards repentance so that they may experience an inner transformation.
Lord Jesus, our hearts cry is that many new names will be written in the Book of Life! That many more souls will receive eternal life through faith in Your death, burial and resurrection. Lord, prepare hearts in this hour to receive You as You stand knocking on the doors of men’s hearts. Your word declares – If we confess with our mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved! (Romans 10:9).
Lord be glorified!
In Jesus name.
D A Y 25
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Friday, 10 July 2020
Harvest- Lost to be saved, discipled, strengthened, mission, evangelism
Lord we give our all today – to You – our Triune God – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Lord we are tired in our flesh ,we need You to uplift our spirits and to shine Your light before us in the darkness so that we can walk one step at a time. Lord we trust You, we rely on You and we have come to a place where we say :”Lord truly – Your will be done not ours. Whatever it takes Lord for the salvation of the millions of lost souls on this earth!”Lord use us as Your vessels to help gather the harvest.
Lord we ask forgiveness that we made ourselves the most important people in our lives. Lord forgive us, we became our own idols. We choose today to die to the self and become Your bondservants. We have been crucified with Christ; we no longer live, but Christ lives in us… (Galatians 2:20)
Lord if suffering is the way to touch the hearts of those who are lost, please strengthen us so that we would be able to endure to the end.(Matthew 24:13) . Lord help us to face this season with Your joy in our hearts. Have mercy on us , oh God, have mercy! We look to You for protection and guidance. We will hide beneath the shadow of Your wings. We cry out to You God – Most High, to You who will fulfil our purpose for us. Lord our God thank You that You will send forth Your unfailing love and faithfulness to carry us through.(Psalms 57:1-3 )
Oh Lord Your Word is full of examples for us to follow and to learn from. We also know that many of the epistles that the apostle Paul wrote in our Bible were written from prison. Lord in You – beautiful things can be birthed through suffering- please open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to do in and through us – individually and also collectively in this time.
Oh Lord our prayer is many new spiritual births will take place on earth in this time. Lord You said that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but Your Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. Lord You said that we must be born again. (John 3:5-8 ) Lord please birth many new spiritual children on earth in this season – through Your Holy Spirit. Empower these new Believers to become bold witnesses to Your Name. Use us, Your church to walk alongside them to encourage and disciple them. Lord give new ideas and inspiration so that we will reach them all. Lord let it not be about the individual anymore but about the nameless and faceless harvesters, Your bondservants- doing only what You want them to do! Bondservants that does not glorify themselves and their deeds but always bringing the honour and glory to You!
Lord this is a time of severe pruning. It is painful but we hold fast to Your Word that says – that You will prune every branch that bears fruit so that it may bear even more fruit. (John 15:2). Lord thank You for pruning us to bear more fruit to Your glory. Thank You Lord that the pruning will produce a bumper harvest to Your glory!
In Jesus Name
Amen
D A Y 26
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Saturday , 11 July 2020
The Word of God – to encourage, be discovered and to spread
Father, Son and Holy Spirit we draw near to Your throne of grace today. Your beautiful, nourishing Word says that if we draw near to You , then You will draw near to us.( James 4:7)
We long for You Lord! We long to know You deeper. Lord come near and feed us from Your Word. Lord like newborn babies, we crave Your pure spiritual milk, so that by it we may grow up in our salvation. (1 Peter 2:2)Lord our desire is that You must increase in our lives and that we will decrease, so that people will see You in us and long to also know You. (John 3:30 )
Lord our prayer is that Your church will become hungry for Your Word like never before, that they will start studying Your Word and start growing as they read and listen to it – to become more like You. Lord we ask that Your Word will spread to every nation on earth.
Oh Lord in these days of lockdown You have spoken so much to us through Your Word. We have learnt so much about You and Your mercy, grace and love. We have learnt that Your understanding is beyond measure. (Psalm 147:5) Lord You know what we are going through. You understand our emotions, our pain, our suffering ,our loss and our even our fears. Lord send Your word into our hearts and bodies and heal us physically and emotionally. (Psalm 107 :20)
Lord we have seen again and again in Your Word that You do not ever change.(Malachi 3:6)Lord this brings us great joy to know that Your plans and Your promises never changes. Lord one of Your promises is that when we go through deep waters, You will be with us. When we go through rivers of difficulty, we will not drown. When we walk through the fire of oppression, and suffering we will not be burned up; the flames will not consume us . For You Lord are with us. (Isaiah 43:2-3 ) You are also with us in the lockdown, in hospital, in our workplace, wherever we are ,there You are with us. Lord You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but You are the same, and Your years have no end.(Psalm 102:25-27) Lord everything around us, even the dispensations and seasons on earth will change, there will be a time when heaven and earth will disappear, but You and Your Word will never disappear. You and Your Word will always remain (Matthew 24:35 NLT)
Today as we delve into Your Word we focus on what You say about giving us PEACE. You are the God of PEACE. Our Jehovah SHALOM. You are called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of PEACE. (Isaiah 9:6) Oh Lord our hearts cry out for You, the Prince of PEACE to bring Your PEACE upon the earth. Lord there is so much turmoil, anger, fear, anguish, suffering, rebellion and unrest. Lord many feel paralysed and helpless, not knowing what do do? Father our prayer is that Your peace , which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Your Son, Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:7)
Lord Thank You once again for the encouragement and guidance that we get from Your word. Father we see in Your Word how in the days of Gideon, the children of Israel were living in a constant state of fear and trepidation, much like we are today. The Midianites, were plundering Israel. Anxiety and fear swept the nation. Lord we see that the people were isolated like we are today – they were hiding in fear of attack in the mountains and the caves. (Judges 6:2) Oh Lord it was in this fearful time that You raised Gideon, one of the least in his fathers house, as a judge in Israel. Lord when all looked very fearful and dark around Gideon You said to him – “PEACE be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” Oh Lord let us remember those words!
Lord we bring Your church before You and ask that You will keep us in Your perfect PEACE , that our minds will be stayed on You and that we will trust in You no matter what. (Isaiah 26:3)
Thank You Lord for Your Holy Spirit, our Helper who is with us , who is is teaching us all things and who daily reminds us of all that You have said. You said that You leave us with Your PEACE , which is different from the peace that the world gives .You said that we must not let our hearts be troubled, or be afraid.(John 14:26-27 ESV) Thank You Lord we are not troubled or afraid, we trust You and rest in Your PEACE. Lord You said that we will have tribulation in this world and that we must remain in Your PEACE You also said we must be of good cheer for You have already overcome the world! (John 16:33) Lord we rest in Your PEACE. Lord we are anxious for nothing, and in prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, we let all our requests be made known to You, for then we know that Your PEACE which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds(. Philippians 4:6-7)
Lord may You, the Lord of PEACE give us Your PEACE at all times and in every way. Lord be with all of us.(2 Thessalonians 3:16)
In the name of Jesus Christ our Prince of PEACE
Amen
D A Y 27
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Sunday , 12 July 2020
Church – VICTORY IN BATTLE
Father, today we bow before You, the Son and the Holy Spirit . You are the Commander of heavens armies. (Psalm 80:7,1 Samuel 1:11 ) Lord Your word says that if we submit ourselves to You we can resist the devil, and he will flee from us.( James 4;7 ,8) Lord how profound – Your word says if we are truly submitted to You when we resist the devil, he WILL flee from us! Lord we submit our all to You!( Take time to submit to God- and in your time of submission bring all sins in our own lives before God and repent of it in great humility- God is a Holy God. Also take time to repent like Daniel (Daniel9) for the sins of your nation.)
Father this destructive virus is spreading and there is a huge spirit of fear reeking havoc over all the earth. Lord many of Your children are under severe spiritual and physical attack . Father many are suffering. Lord we come to You today as our Commander in Chief, the One who rules over all. We ask Lord, that in Your greatness You would destroy this virus in such a miraculous, swift way that the whole earth will be astounded and know that You did it, for Lord nothing is impossible to You. (Luke 1:37)
Father we pray for Your church, that they would remember that You did not give us a spirit of fear but of love power and a sound mind.( 1Tim 1:7) Lord we are not defeated , You are on our side and the victory is Yours.(Deuteronomy 20:4) Lord may we remember that Elisha’s servant was fearful when he saw the great Armean army advancing against them. Lord may we hear the words of Elisha in our hearts – saying – ‘Don’t be afraid! For there are more on our side than on theirs!’ Oh Lord Elisha prayed and You opened his servants eyes to see that the hillside around them was filled with horses and chariots of fire. Lord we ask that You would open the eyes of those in Your church that need to see the armies of heaven fighting on our behalf ( 2 Kings 6:15-18 NLT)
Lord we ask that in Your faithfulness You would in this time fulfil Your Son Jesus’ prayer in John 17 to make Your church one on earth. Lord let us be one in You. Father raise Your church to arise as a united army ready to fight with the weapons You gave us. Lord You are our Commander, You are mighty in battle. Lord thank You also for the gift of the fellowship of other believers – we are not alone , we are together and in our suffering the love of other believers carries us.
Lord we are strong in You and in the strength of Your might. We now put on the whole armour that You gave us so that we will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we know that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness. Against the spiritual forces of evil of the coronavirus in the heavenly places. Therefore we take up the whole armour that You gave us Lord, so that we may be able to withstand Satan and this pandemic . We stand firm in You. Lord we are fastening our belts of truth, – thank You Lord that Your word is truth. We will not listen to the lies of Satan – our belts of truth are fastened. Lord we put on the breastplate of Your righteousness – we walk in Your righteousness, not our own. Your Son made us righteous when He died and conquered death! Lord we put on our feet the shoes of the readiness to bring Your Gospel of peace. Oh Lord in the midst of this fierce battle use us, Your church to bring Your Gospel of peace to those around us. Lord in all circumstances we take up the shield of faith, with which we can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. Lord we take the helmet of Your salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is Your word. We are praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayers and supplication so that we will keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, as Your word directs Lord! (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Lord we now lift our shields of faith in the battle for our families and nations. Thank You Lord that You are with us ,we are not alone (Hebrews 13:5) Lord You are fighting for us! (Exodus 14;14) In You we are more than conquerers. (Romans 8:37)Lord we do as your Word directs – As Believers, and submitted to You – we withstand the coronavirus, we withstand fear and destruction, we withstand all illness and pneumonia , we withstand untimely death, we withstand poverty and hunger, we withstand economic ruin and riots , we withstand anger and rebellion , we withstand lies and confusion. You WILL now all flee from us in Jesus Name! ( James 4;7 ,8)
We proclaim over our nations and continents- Our God the Ruler of the heavens and the earth has not given us , His Church a spirit of fear but of LOVE,POWER and a SOUND MIND. We and our families, friends and nations will live and not die before our time , we will live to proclaim the Word of the Lord and we will bring in a great harvest to bring our God, the ruler of heaven and earth great glory!(Psalm 118:17)
We pray this in the powerful name of JESUS CHRIST – our LORD and SAVIOUR, the One mighty in battle!
AMEN
D A Y 28
John 17 – Lord make us one
Together and in You we will conquer
Monday 13 July 2020
A Prayer for Generosity and God’s Provision
Gracious Father, You are the faithful one. We acknowledge You as Creator of all things and that You are the Provider of everything we have and everything that we are.
Heavenly Father, be merciful to us, that at times we forget to acknowledge the bounty of Your hand in times of prosperity. Reveal to us the wisdom that every farmer knows and understands that although they sow the seed, You are the one that makes it grow. You are the one who sends the rain in it’s season. You are the one who causes the crops to grow. You feed the birds of the air, the animals on land and the fish in the sea. We are far more valuable and You provide our every need.
Lord, we acknowledge Your kingdom principle that whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. Whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Let each one give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, as You love a cheerful giver. And You, Lord are able to make all grace abound to us, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, that we may abound in every good work. As it is written, You have distributed freely, You have given to the poor, Your righteousness endures forever. As You supply seed to the sower and bread for food, You will supply and multiply Your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of Your righteousness. Lord, You will enrich us in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
Lord, thank You that You invite us to feast in the abundance of Your house and to drink from the river of Your delights. Thank You for Your love that reaches to the heavens , Your faithfulness that reaches to the skies. (Psalm 36).
Lord, You always supply as You know what we need for today. Lord we pray with the psalmist that You will continue to pour out Your loving kindness on us, on the church and on all Your people during this time of the global pandemic ( Psalm 36) even if it is hard to notice at times. Thank You Lord at this difficult time Your love is still being poured into our own hearts and please continue to pour out Your Spirit generously on Your people. Even in this season of hardship, O Lord, may we never cease to be generous and loving like our Father in Heaven.
Lord You have said “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions (Luke 12:15) Forgive us Lord where we have left our First Love, and followed greed and the love of money. Forgive us Lord where we have set our hearts on dishonest gain, on shedding of innocent blood and practicing extortion and oppression. Have mercy on us O Lord. We desire honesty, truth and righteousness in our society. We desire love, respect, dignity and kindness for one another. Let us store up treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in to steal, for where our treasure is there our heart will be also (Matthew 6:20-21). Lord we pray, let us seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness and You will supply all our needs. You are the one who supplies with abundance and You are the one who sustains us in times of lack.
Lord, You provide. You provided the ram in the thicket for Abraham. You provided us with the gift of Your Son to make atonement for our sins. Lord You provision is enough to meet every need of our lives, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Lord You are with us now as we go through this season of taking us out so that You can bring us in (Deuteronomy 6:23).
Lord be glorified
In Jesus name.
D A Y 21
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Monday,6 July 2020
Business/Economy – Generosity, leaders, Governments, corruption, righteousness, ethics
Father , Son and Holy Spirit we submit afresh to You today.
Lord the earth is Yours and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein – all is Yours(Psalm 24:1) Lord , all the animals of the forest are Yours ,You own the cattle on a thousand hills. (Psalms 50:10 NLT) Lord You send poverty and wealth; You humble and You exalt .(1 Samuel 2:7) Rich and poor have this in common: Lord You are the Maker of them all. (Proverbs 22:2)
Lord we repent today before You for forgetting that all that we have and all that we are comes from You. Oh Lord please forgive us for not always seeing You as our Provider- for looking unto man to provide for us. Forgive us Lord for fearing that we will lack, especially in this difficult time, where many are loosing their jobs and the economy is under pressure worldwide. Forgive us Lord , have mercy on us.
We bring offerings of thanksgiving to You today for Your provision for us, Your children. Oh Lord You will never leave the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread (Psalm 37:25).Lord we are reminded of your words – Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him (Matthew 7:9-16). Lord you are such a good Father to us ,Your children!Thank You for Your provision and Your encouragement that we will never beg for bread.
Lord we bring the businessmen and women who know You as well as those in leadership across the world before You.(Name the ones you know) We ask that You would empower them to be examples to those who do not know You during this difficult time. Lord that Your presence in their lives would be so visible that people would be drawn to You. Lord that it will be evident to all that their hope and trust is in You! For no one who trusts in You will ever be disgraced(Psalms 25:3 NLT). Lord You said that we have been given – not only the privilege of trusting in Your son Jesus Christ -but also the privilege of suffering for Him.(Philippians 1:29 NLT) Strengthen these believing business people and leaders to be witnesses for You in our times of suffering ,for we know that our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they will produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!(2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT)
Lord we bring all who lost their jobs , those who have been without jobs for a long time, the poor and the destitute before You and ask Lord that You will provide. Lord we ask that in Your provision they will come to know You as their Father and Provider.
Lord we ask that all those in authority across the world will seek You and find You – Lord have mercy. Lord we ask that You would expose wicked world leaders in this time for who they really are. Lord Your Word says that the strength of the wicked will be shattered, and You will take care of the godly.(Psalm 37:17)Lord please raise godly world leaders in all governments across the world – men and women known for their godly examples and wisdom.
Lord we ask that you would expose corruption and crime in this time like never before – in leadership and in governments and businesses across the world, Lord especially there where funds that were meant for the poor and the destitute never got to them. Lord we also think of the injustices done to those who cannot defend themselves and are exploited. Lord let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream across the nations in this time. (Amos 5:24) Lord bring cleansing streams, let them flow and become a tsunami cleansing the earth of wickedness, injustice and crime. Lord fight this battle for us!
Lord we thank You for the wave of generosity across the nations, we ask that You would bless in a special way those who have been blessing others with what they have. Oh Lord let the giving in this time continue and become more. Lord Your word says – “Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble. The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.”
(Psalms 41:1-3 NLT)Thank You Lord!
How we love You Lord! We, as Your children choose to seek Your Kingdom above all else, and will live righteously, for You say if we do this, You will give us everything we need. (Matthew 6:33 )
In Jesus Name
Amen
D A Y 22
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Tuesday, 7 JULY 2020
Poor / hungry, destitute, social workers, feeding schemes etc
Father , Son and Holy Spirit we submit afresh to You today.
Lord You are the One who brings forth justice to the nations. You will not break a bruised reed or extinguish a dimly burning wick. You will faithfully bring forth justice. (Isaiah 42:1-3)
Lord today we bring before Your great throne of mercy and grace those who are on the fringes of society. Those who are overlooked and cannot speak up for themselves. Lord please bring justice for them . Lord help us to bring justice to the poor and marginalised of society. Lord You say we need to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Lord You say we need to judge fairly; we need to defend the rights of the poor and the needy.(Proverbs 31:8-9 ) Oh Lord we ask that You would work in the hearts of Your Church to become bold advocates for the marginalised in this time of hardship for many.
Oh Lord we are Your ambassadors here on earth, help us Lord to become more like You so that we will do as we see You doing in the Scriptures. (2 Corinthians 5 :20) Lord all through the Scriptures we see how You use, equip and empower unlikely people from unlikely places to be mighty vessels of Your glory. Lord we ask Your forgiveness today for dishonouring the poor, for not treating people equally and for showing partiality. Forgive us for treating the rich and important people better than we treat the poor and needy. Forgive us for not seeing the potential in the poor, needy, destitute and orphaned. Forgive us for judging them instead of loving and helping them. Lord forgive us where we, as Your church have turned a blind eye to the plight of the poor, hungry, needy, exploited and destitute. Lord where would we be, if it was not for Your grace, help us to extend that same grace and love to others, especially to those who seem difficult to love. Lord we want to carry one another’s burdens, for we want to fulfil the law of Christ, Lord help us to do that. (Galatians 6:2 )
We bring honour and glory to You Lord for not being a respecter of persons. We know that in every nation – he that fears You , and does what is right will be accepted by You. (Acts 10:34-35) Lord thank You for seeing and also hearing the cries of the marginalised of society. Lord You saw and heard Hagar – the abused slave girl when she was pregnant, alone and rejected in the wilderness. You saw her, heard her and helped her, You made a way for her and her son Ishmael. (Genesis16:1–16; 21:8–21). Thank You Lord that You also see those that are abused, rejected,poor and suffering during this difficult time that we are living in. Lord please make a way for those suffering in this time like You did for Hagar and her son. (Name those you know before the Lord)
Lord bring a supernatural peace over the marginalised who are afraid and anxious. Lord reveal Yourself to them through Your children and through dreams and visions. Lord Your Son Jesus came to bring the good news to the poor, He was sent to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.(Luke 4:18-19 ESV) Lord as Your ambassadors, help us to proclaim the Hope of the Gospel to the poor. Remind us daily to intercede for them and open doors for us to lead them to You. Help us to teach them how to pray – for we know Lord that You hear the prayers concerning the poor in our midst – Your Word says – the poor man called, and the Lord heard him; and He saved him out of all his troubles.(Psalm 34:6) Oh Lord save the poor from their troubles, have mercy Lord.
Please Lord give the different Health Organisations, Governments , Churches, Social workers and feeding schemes across the world wisdom and discernment to help the poor and needy in this time. Lord our prayer is that no one will be without food and water.
Lord we now plead that You would give Your angels guard over these poor communities and stop the pandemic from ravishing the lives of the poor and needy. Lord we give You praise that You are a refuge to the poor and needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.(Isaiah 25:4)
We glorify Your Name
We put our trust ,ourselves, our families, our friends, our nations and especially all the poor and needy in Your hands – we know You remain faithful forever.
In JESUS Name
AMEN
D A Y 23
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Wednesday, 8 July 2020
Sick, depressed, bereaved, health workers
Father , Son and Holy Spirit we submit afresh to You today. Lord nothing is impossible to You.(Luke 1:37)
Father forgive us for our unbelief. Lord forgive us individually and corporately as nations before Your throne – for our many sins. Lord forgive us for our hard hearts , our pride and our indifference to the poor and needy. (Take time to search your own hearts for any sins , especially unforgiveness – repent and then also repent on behalf of your nation)
Lord thank You for blessing those who are kind to the poor and helpless, thank You that Your word says You will help them in their time of suffering. Your word says that when they are sick, You will restore them, when they lay upon their beds of suffering You will raise them up and restore them back to health. So Lord in our time of sickness we say to You, “Lord, be our kind Healer. Heal our people. Heal our bodies and souls ; heal us , God! For we have confessed our sins to you.”(Psalm 41:1-4)
Oh Lord let Your healing rivers flow across the earth. Lord heal the sick , heal the depressed, heal the hearts of the broken and bereaved, heal the broken marriages, heal the broken relationships in families and nations.(Name those you know)
Oh Lord You say -that miracle signs will accompany those who believe. You say that they will drive out demons in the power of Your name. They will speak in tongues. They will be supernaturally protected from snakes and from drinking anything poisonous. And they will lay hands on the sick and heal them.”(Mark 16:17,18) Lord use Your children in this time to lay their hands on the sick, to pray for them and see them healed. Lord pour out fresh faith over Your children. Lord You said – With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27 ) Lord You once said to a man who came to You for help with his son, who had convulsions – that “everything is possible for one who believes” the man exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”(Mark 9:23,24) Lord we want to echo those words today -Lord we believe, help us overcome our unbelief!
Oh Lord we remember how You did the impossible for Abraham. Lord You gave him and Sarah a son when he was 100 and Sarah was 90. A son from Sarah’s old barren, body. You did the absolute impossible – for that is who You are – the God Almighty who does the impossible. Oh Lord we want to be like Your son Abraham who believed You when You made the promise that he would have a son through Sarah. Against all hope, in hope he believed and so became the father of many nations . (Roman4:18,Genesis 15:6) Oh Lord we believe that You will heal the sick, we believe You will destroy this virus that is ravishing the people of the earth. We also believe that You will work all together for good for those who love You. We believe that You will accomplish Your purposes .
Lord we give You glory for Your power and might, for Your lovingkindness and mercy! We adore You!
Lord lastly we bring before You the healthcare workers across the earth –
We pray and proclaim over them –
Psalms 23:1-6
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Lord we pray that the medical personnel across the earth would want for nothing . Lord we pray that their needs will be met physically, spiritually and mentally. Lord raise up the right counsellors for these medical personnel – where needed. Lord raise up more intercessors to intercede for them daily.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
Lord we pray that You would give the medical personnel super natural rest and that You would refresh them .
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
Lord we pray that You would restore their souls and physical bodies of extreme fatigue . That in the midst of the busyness You would give them rest and that Your peace would guard their hearts .
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Lord we pray that You would lead and guide them – that those who does not know You will come to know You and Your great love. Lord lead them to Your children – and Lord soften their hearts so that they will be open to receive You. Lead those that do know You to lead many to You .
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Lord our prayer is that even though they walk through the shadow of death daily – they will not fear evil or disease for they will know You are with them. Lord we pray that they would feel Your presence. and comfort . Please also send Your children to comfort and encourage them . Lord deliver them from all fear, trauma, depression and anxiety. Lord give them Your hope.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Lord let them know the joy of the Lord, for even in the times of shaking Your joy remains. Bless them all in a special way in the presence of their enemies.
We pray this all in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
AMEN
D A Y 24
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Thursday, 9 July 2020
Community – Unity/ Love/ reconciliation
Father , Son and Holy Spirit , Lord – Three in One – we submit afresh to You today. Lord You are LOVE. (1 John 4:8) Through Your Son, Jesus You displayed LOVE to us! Through Your Holy Spirit You keep on leading us to LOVE.
Lord please keep on teaching us what it truly means to LOVE so that we, as Your children can truly come to complete unity in You. (John 17)Lord only Your LOVE can truly change our communities. We need Your love Lord like we need oxygen!
Lord we can never comprehend the great love that You have for each one of us. You love us so much that You want intimate fellowship with each one of us. You love us so much that You gave Your only Son to die an excruciating death on a cross, for us, so that we will be free of the wages of sin, free to have a relationship with You if we choose to do so!(John 3:16)
Lord today we approach Your throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.(Hebrews 4:16) We bring our nations and communities before You. Lord we ask for forgiveness for becoming lovers of ourselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to our parents, ungrateful and unholy. (2 Timothy 3:2) Lord we ask forgiveness for the many that turned away from You. We ask forgiveness for those who have betrayed and hated each other. We ask forgiveness for the sin that is rampant everywhere and for the love of many that is cold. (Matthew 24:1–12 )
Lord this is a time of great testing for many. Lord please use this time of uncertainty and suffering to turn the hearts of our communities and nations to You . Father please draw the lost and the backslidden in our communities to You. (John 6:44) Lord our hearts are calling out for them to really, truly come to know You. Lord we also ask that You will bring those who are caught up in the nets of Christian religion and tradition to be born again and come into a true relationship with You. Oh Lord there is nothing better than to truly know You and be in a relationship with You! Thank you Lord for Your healing, nourishing love.
Lord You said that You are giving us a new commandment to love each other, just as You have loved us. Lord You said that our love for one another will prove to the world that we are Your disciples.( John 13:34-35) Lord our prayer is that Your love in us for one another, would be a witness in our communities around the world. May they see this love and be drawn to You Lord! Lord make us one in You.(John 17)
Father please open doors for us in our different communities ,to enter in so that we can pour Your love into the homes, hospitals, zoom meetings, jails, care centres, old age homes, funeral homes, police stations, refugee camps and everywhere else you send us – physically and virtually. Lord help us not to hold back but to be bold witnesses full of Your love and without judgement. (2 Timothy 4:2,Matthew 7:1). Lord remind us by Your Holy Spirit that the love You poured into us is a love that covers a multitude of sins.(1 Peter 4:8) It is a love that will drive out the fear of this pandemic- for in Your love there is no fear, for perfect love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18)
Lord, we bring before You the families in our nations and communities . We know as a Father, families are important to You. You say that You are the witness between husband and wife in the covenant of marriage. You made husband and wife one and gave a portion of Your Spirit in their union. You did this, Lord, for You were seeking godly offspring. (Malachi 2:15)Lord, You said that we must keep the marriage bed undefiled, for You, Lord, will judge the sexually immoral and the adulterous. (Hebrews 13:4) Lord, have mercy and forgive us for for sexual immorality and especially for adultery. Forgive us for the many broken covenants. Lord please bring healing and reconciliation to the many broken marriages and families in our communities.
Lord, there are so much discord and unforgiveness in our families and communities – even between different church congregations. We ask that You would use this time to bring Your children to introspection, and repentance. Lord help them also to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged them. (You can take time now to mention families,marriages ,friends and congregations).
Lord to know Your love is better than life, our lips will glorify You. We will praise You as long as we live, and in Your name we will lift up our hands.(Psalm 63:3-4) Lord strengthen us with Your love and may the grace of Your Son , Jesus Christ, Your love – Father -and the fellowship of Your Holy Spirit be with us all in this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 13:14 )
Amen
D A Y 17
*John 17* – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
*Wednesday, 1 July 2020*
*Sick, depressed, bereaved, health workers*
Father God, today we bring those before You who are ill (name those You know). We pray that You will heal them miraculously and supernaturally. We are experiencing an intense battle. Many are ill and dying. Father, increase our faith that we may stand firm against the enemy and fight from a place of victory. Holy Spirit fill us with Your peace.
We pray for those, who are in hospital (name those you know). Father, apart from the physical illness, these people are often cut off from their loved ones. We pray, Holy Spirit, that You will intervene. Please fill all the gaps and meet all their needs that cannot be met by the family and friends. Father, we pray that You will send believing health workers and angels to minister and bring Your love to these people. Holy Spirit fill the hospital rooms with Your presence. We pray for wisdom for the health workers to allow visits where possible. We pray that You will give health workers opportunities to share Your gospel with unbelieving patients and that many will be touched and receive You as Lord and Saviour!
Lord, many have lost loved ones and are grieving. It is an exceptionally difficult time to lose someone close during this time where many restrictions are still in place. We pray for the bereaved (name those you know), that You will comfort them and bring them peace. Holy Spirit, for You there are no restrictions. Please enter the hearts and the homes of those who need You and bring them Your peace.
We pray for the health workers, especially for those in the front line. Please, Lord give them strength to carry on, to serve. Lord, I pray that You will protect them. I pray that You will banish all fear from their hearts and that You will increase their faith. May they see and experience supernatural miracles. May many health workers come to know You through colleagues and through their patients. Help believers to see opportunities to share your gospel where people are feeling afraid or hopeless.
Father, depression and anxiety have escalated and suicides have increased. The enemy has managed to plant lies of hopelessness into the minds of many. We stand firmly against those lies and proclaim life and hope over our communities. We pray that those in our communities, who are battling with anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide, will be healed. Holy Spirit open their eyes to the truth. Give these people discernment, tools and strategies to uproot and overcome these lies.
I am reminded of the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan and entering the Promised Land (Joshua 10). God instructed the Israelites to conquer and kill the enemy. But he never left them alone to do this. He led the way and gave them clear instruction and strategy to conquer the enemy. It was by HIS power, knowledge and wisdom that they experienced victory. Even very powerful strongholds like Jericho were conquered. Before they even started the battle, it was already established in the Heavenlies, that with God on their side, they would win.
*The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”* Joshua 10:8 NIV
Father we bring our personal promised lands, our own land of milk and honey before You. You have a plan and a purpose for every person on this earth. Even though the enemy has come to steal, kill and destroy, You promised us life in abundance. (John 10:10) Yet, just like the Israelites were given instruction to be on the offence and fight off the enemy, we also need to be ready in battle and fight off the strongholds, the Jericho’s in our lives. It is so wonderful that we can fight from a place of victory, knowing that *If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? … For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.* Romans 8:31-39 NIV
Holy Spirit, reach out to those who are suicidal, pull them from the depths! Let them see that there is hope and life amidst the trials and challenges. Help them to look with new eyes and see a way out.
Let us end by praying this Word over them: *May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.* Romans 15:13 NIV
In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
D A Y 18
*John 17* – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
*Thursday, 2 July 2020*
Unity/Love/reconciliation/
community – schools, marriages, family, orphans, widows , towns, cities, nations etc
Father God, I want to ask for forgivenes where we, your children, have not been walking in unity, where we have allowed the enemy to separate us and bring wedges between us through pride and rebellion.
I pray that we will be absolutely vigilant to recognise any possible onslaught of disunity and be proactive to guard the unity in our marriages, our families and in our relationships with fellow believers. Lord, help us to be deeply connected to You, to hear Your voice and to walk in Your will. If we all submit to YOU, we WILL walk in perfect unity and in Your pure love.Thank you that through this difficult situation, where we are separated physically, you are drawing us together. Draw us together more and more. Unite us!
Oh Lord, You created each one of us uniquely and knitted us together in our mother’s womb (Ps 139) We have such different make-ups and unique compositions.
We try to understand one another, but our understanding for one another is so limited. We can never understand another person’s life or situation completely. It is like looking out of a window and seeing only that part, which is framed by the window. We do not have the full view of the other person’s personality, emotions, racial and cultural background and belief system. And yet, so often we treat others according to our own frames of reference.
The better we get to know a person, the bigger and wider the window through which we can see into their lives becomes. But still we cannot get the full view that You, Lord, have.
Heavenly Father, I pray that You will fill our hearts with love and compassion for the people we interact with. We can’t always understand why others act or respond the way they do. We often jump to conclusions and make assumptions. We judge others according to what makes sense to us. So often walls of division are built simply because we do not understand one another or because we make our own assumptions. We need Your supernatural love to cover all our differences, to help us to break down walls and build bridges instead. Father, I pray that we will strive to treat everyone with love and respect, despite our differences. May we not try to fit everyone into a mould and make them “equal”, but may we recognise and celebrate the beauty of our uniqueness and our differences. May we find Your love as common ground to bind us together.
I pray for the covenant of marriage, which is the first and most basic human institution, in which You created a sacred unity. Even in marriages there are so many misunderstandings. Oh, Father, please protect marriages and restore those which are threatened or broken. Raise up believers, to help and support those who are battling in their marriages. Fill the pastors and marriage counselors with compassion, love and wisdom to help reconcile marriages. Oh, Father, help those, who think that they can no longer love their spouses, to receive new vision, new lenses, to help them see their spouses with the same love that You have for them. Uproot the lies, remove the deception and bring Your love and truth into their lives.
Father, I pray for families. I pray for restoration and reconciliation between parents and children, brothers and sisters, who are no longer talking to one another. I pray that You will soften their hearts and give them supernatural understanding for one another. I pray that they will be willing to humble themselves and seek forgiveness, peace and unity.
Lord I pray for unity in orphanages, schools, old age homes, care facilities, hospitals, churches, businesses, communities, towns, cities, nations and any others social structures.
I pray for believers in all social structures toi stand together, united in love, moving in one accord according to Your will. Help us to be bearers of light and beacons of hope. Open our eyes to be able to recognise any attempts by the enemy to bring division amongst believers. May we have the discernment to recognise and identify these attacks and treat them as such. May we block these attacks from our lives and persevere in love and unity. May we lead in teaching non-believers to bring peace and love into any situation and may many recognise the love of Jesus in us.
Let us end our prayer in the words of our Jesus Christ:
*“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.*
John 17:20-23 NIV
D A Y 19
*John 17* – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
*Friday, 3 July 2020*
*Harvest- Lost to be saved, discipled, strengthened, mission, evangelism*
In His Word Jesus teaches us about the Harvest:
*He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”*
Mark 4:26-29 NIV
Please Lord, help us to scatter the seeds at the right moment, to recognise and discern hearts that are soft and ready to receive Your seeds. Thank You, Holy Spirit that we can rest in the knowledge that according to this Word, You make the grain grow. It is not up to us to make the growth happen. Give us wisdom to recognize and discern the moment when the harvest is ripe, when any unbeliever in our midst is ready to receive You. Show us the role we should play in this process.
Oh Lord, Your desire is for every person on this planet to love You and walk in a personal relationship with You. You love us whether we love You back or not.
Lord, You gave us a free will and so many choose to serve the enemy and the world, rather than serving You. Others are blind and deceived and do not know and cannot see or fathom the indescribable wealth and inheritance that comes with the kingdom that You have to offer. They do not see the love and truth, the peace and light, the joy and hope that shines from Your kingdom. Oh, Father forgive us that we are not more transparent, that we hide what we have, that we are often too preoccupied and that we ourselves so often fail to bring the truth to those who are in darkness. Please help all of us, who are so privileged to already have seen the Light, to change our focus and make it our goal to bring others to You.
I pray, Holy Spirit that You walk ahead of us. I pray that You will turn the soil and soften hearts and remove veils of deceit from those who have not yet recognised You, Jesus Christ as the Light and only Hope.
I pray specifically for the Muslims of our towns, cities and nations (name those You know). I pray that You, Lord will break through those tough walls of deception. Jesus, we pray that You will appear to them in dreams and visions. I pray especially for key people to be brought to the truth. I pray that they will seek Your truth with all their heart.
We pray for those who have been disappointed, disillusioned or hurt by Your church and have, as a result, turned away from You and turned to other religions, witchcraft and nature, seeking truth. We ask for forgiveness that we, the church, have not portrayed You for who You are and ask that You will bring light, truth and restoration into these situations. Please reveal Yourself to them.
Father, we want to bring our family and friends before you, who do not serve You yet (name them). We love them so much. Oh, Lord, have mercy. Please reveal Yourself to them. May not one of them be lost eternally. Save them please, Jesus! Soften their hearts and prepare the soil. Please give us opportunities to share Your truth.
We pray for a great harvest of souls. May a great awakening begin. We pray that masses will come to You. Please send a fire of revival that will sweep across the nations.
Lord, please teach us how to pray! Forgive us where our prayers have been superficial and from a place of obligation. Please give us a deep compassion for the lost, so that our prayers will be real and sincere.
Father, we bring those, who are in missions before You. Please, Lord strengthen them. Give them new courage every day. Protect them and their families and surround them with people who will support them and strengthen them. We pray that You will walk ahead of them and soften the soil, Holy Spirit, so that the seeds will fall on fertile soil. Many have toiled for years and have seen very little fruit of their hard labour. Oh, Lord, help them not to give up, but to continue and persevere.
Father, I pray that in our everyday lives, we will be able to evangelise and disciple people around us. Show us opportunities and prepare the moments and words, so that it will come naturally. Forgive us Lord, where we have held back because of fear of man, where we have not shared Your gospel for fear of offending others. Give us courage and wisdom to speak Your truth into ripe situations.
Father, we honour and glorify Your name. We surrender our lives anew to You. May Your will be done and Your name be glorified!
Amen
D A Y 20
*John 17* – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
*Sunday, 5 July 2020*
*Church- Revival/ Awakening. Persecuted church to be strengthened*
Jesus, we thank you that You have filled us with Your Holy Spirit and that You live inside of us and are a bubbling spring in us that gives us eternal life!
*those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”* John 4:14 NLT
*“Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him.)* John 7:37-39 NLT
Oh, Lord the people of our towns, cities and nations are thirsty. Please, Lord pour out your Living water! Lord, most people know that they are thirsty, but don’t know that they are thirsty for You. They are seeking satisfaction in all the wrong places. Please reveal Yourself to them.
*“When the poor and needy search for water and there is none, and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the Lord , will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground. I will plant trees in the barren desert— cedar, acacia, myrtle, olive, cypress, fir, and pine. I am doing this so all who see this miracle will understand what it means— that it is the Lord who has done this, the Holy One of Israel who created it.* Isaiah 41:17-20 NLT
Holy Spirit we pray for a fresh outpouring of Your Living Water! We need You, in this dry land! We need more of You! We need Your rain! Open up the spiritual rivers of our towns/cities/nations! Give us fountains of spiritual water! Fill the desert with pools of spiritual water! Let Your river of life flow across the parched land. Fill the hearts of our people to overflow!
Lord, we know that revival starts with each one of us. We have been crying out to You with an expectant heart for so long! Forgive us where we have become so busy with Your works, that we don’t have time for intimacy with You.
In John 15 Your word teaches us to stay deeply connected to You like branches to a vine, so that Your living water can flow to and through us. Without You we will shrivel away. Help us to earnestly seek You.
*You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.* Psalms 63:1-8 NIV
We bring those before You, Lord, who suffer for their faith. I pray that You will strengthen them. I pray that in these places that are so spiritually dry, new rivers of life will flow.
Thank You, Lord, for Your timing is perfect. Help us to come into perfect alignment with You. May we truly hear Your voice. May we surrender our lives once again to You. May Your will be done and Your name be glorified!
Amen
D A Y 13
John 17 – Lord make us one
Together and in You we will conquer
Saturday 27 June 2020
The Word
To be discovered and to spread
Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that it is within me, bless His holy name. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Thank You Lord for the benefit of Your holy word!
Almighty God, Your words are Spirit and they are life. You are alert and watching over Your word to perform it. (Jeremiah 1:12) Your words are trustworthy and filled with possibilities. Your words are pure. They are holy. They are true.
For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment (Luke 1:37 AMPC) Father God You have said, So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).
Merciful Lord, forgive us where we have compromised and diluted Your word so that it loses it’s power. Forgive us for having itching ears and have turned away from listening to the truth. Instill in us a desire for Your Truth. Make us lovers of the Truth.
Mighty God, we thank you for the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. Your Word is Truth. In a world filled with lies, deceit and fake news, we thank You for the Truth. Your word never changes and it remains true. The words of the Lord are pure words. As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times (Psalm 12:6) Your word is so powerful! Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces. (Jeremiah 23:29) Lord, Your word has power to bring healing, it saves and sets the captives free! It cleanses us! (John 15:3)
Lord, show us how to speak Your word with authority. As stated in Exodus 4:12 Now then go and I, even I, will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to say. Teach us Lord to speak life and not death with our mouths. Lord, let us, like Balaam be careful to speak only what the Lord puts in our mouths (Numbers 23:12). Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.(Psalm 19:14) Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. Lord let Your words of life and truth, speaking through us, reach the lost, the poor, the sick and those who have lost hope in these difficult times of the pandemic and the lockdown.
How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! We stand forever in awe of Your word!
Lord be glorified
In Jesus name
Amen
D A Y 14
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
Sunday, 28 June 2020
The Church – Revival/Awakening/Persecuted church
Heavenly Father, how amazing is Your grace that has brought us safe thus far. Through many dangers, toils and snares we have already come and Your grace will lead us all home.
Today we bring to Your remembrance the Persecuted Church, Lord. Those who have given up everything to follow You. They have given up family, friends and their livelihoods so that they may follow You and be true to You. Lord, we read and see how they face much hardship and difficulties, yet count it all joy to be able to serve You. Father, forgive us. We are allowed to worship You openly yet there is apathy. O Lord, we don’t want to be lukewarm as You have said in Revelation 3:16 You will spit us out of Your mouth. Forgive us and have mercy on us Lord. Make our hearts burn within us as You reveal Your Word to us, like when You appeared to the two men on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32).
The early church also suffered terrible persecution, and as they moved away from the oppressive rulers they began to spread the Gospel to other countries. We thank You Lord for those who have kept the faith. Lord, we hold fast to Your word for those who are persecuted; Everyone who has left houses, brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:29) Thank You Lord for the crown of righteousness that is awaiting them as they long for Your appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)
We bring all those in the Persecuted Church before You. Those from North Korea, Iraq, Pakistan, India, China, Nigeria and many more countries. We can slowly begin to understand as we experience lockdown in our own countries. They have spiritually been in lockdown ever since they gave up all to follow You. Just as life for us has changed because of the lockdown and the pandemic, they have experienced uncertainty in their jobs, finances and being separated from families because they choose to believe in You. We pray for them O Lord. Give them new strength. Make them bold with strength in their soul (Psalm 138:3) when facing adversity. May they feel Your presence with them and feel the nearness of Your Spirit. May they know Your peace, Your abounding love, grace and mercy.
Bless them and keep them as the apple of Your eye. You, Lord are the faithful one, establish them and guard them from the evil one.
Lord be glorified
In Jesus name
Amen
D A Y 15
*John 17* – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
*Monday, 29 June 2020*
*Business/Economy – Generosity, leaders, Governments, corruption, righteousness, ethics*
Father God, today we bring the economy of our country/city/town before You. Many households and businesses have experienced a slump in terms of their finances and some have lost everything. Some are even starving.
Lord, we ask that where the enemy has stolen and destroyed, You will restore. We do not agree with the purposes of the enemy. We agree with the purposes of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
*The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.*
John 10:10 NLT
In this difficult time that we are finding ourselves in, where the enemy is pushing his agenda hard, where the enemy is out to kill, steal and destroy, we want to take a stand and intentionally proclaim that we align ourselves with the purposes of Jesus Christ. And just as in Joseph’s life, we pray that whatever the enemy meant for evil, You will turn around for good. (Gen 5:20)
We give You honour and glory for the spiritual and emotional growth that is taking place in us. May those who lose money and material belongings not be crushed and broken or lose hope, but may they be filled with courage. May they grow closer to You and depend more on You for their provision. May we all confess and repent of our pride for relying on ourselves and putting our trust in our money, businesses and our own abilities.
Father, I bring before you the leaders of our different nations. There are not many who serve You. I am reminded of King Cyrus and King Darius (Ezra 1 & 6). Both were not a part of Your chosen people. Yet, they moved in Your will to release Your people from bondage and to re-build Your holy temple. All the gold and silver that was plundered by Nebbukhadnezzar, was released into the hands of Your people by Cyrus, to be returned to Your temple. King Darius later stood firm in honouring this decree made by King Cyrus.
Oh, Lord, we ask for that same favour to be released through the authorities of our countries, cities and towns, into the hands of the righteous, for Your glory and Your kingdom purposes.
We come before Your throne of grace this morning, Lord Jesus, and ask for an awakening and a refreshing in the economy. May it not stagnate. In fact, may You release new fountains, new innovations, new ideas, new enthusiasm, creativity and new opportunities.
We pray that You would lead and guide the flow and the moving of money from one hand to another. We pray that there will be a transfer of wealth from unbelievers to the hands of Your children to build and further Your kingdom. We pray that You will transform the hearts and minds of all Christian business people. May they no longer chase riches and wealth for their own comfort and selfish desires. May their minds and hearts be transformed and renewed, so that they may serve You wholeheartedly and that they will see all the money passing through their hands as belonging to Your kingdom and not belonging to themselves. Raise up Joseph’s in the business sector who honour and love You and fill them with wisdom and maturity to direct the flow of money according to Your will.
Lord, we pray that You will unite us in love. May we recognise and acknowledge the selfishness with which we have built our own kingdoms and our own wealth. Give us soft and tender hearts, fill us with compassion towards those who have less than us. May money no longer be an idol in our lives, but may it become a tool in our hands to show Your love tangibly. May it become a tool in our hands through which we spread Your gospel of love. May Your will be done and may Your name be glorified. Thank You, Jesus!
Amen
D A Y 16
John 17* – Lord make us one.
Together and in You Lord we will conquer.
*Tuesday, 30 June 2020*
*Poor / hungry, destitute, social workers, feeding schemes etc*
Lord, we bring before You those who are poor and destitute, those who are in such hopeless situations that they are battling to make ends meet every day.
I pray that You will give them hope. I pray that You will give them courage to get up in the morning and to get through the day. Awaken in them new creative ideas, give them new opportunities and innovations. May they be given a way out of their poverty. I pray that those who are in hopeless situations, who already know You, Lord, will cry out to You and that You will deliver them. And that those who do not know You, will recognize You as their only Hope and Salvation.
*He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.* Psalms 40:1-2 NIV Oh, Lord, pull them out of their “pits” and set their feet on “rocks”.
I am reminded of the story of Ruth and Boaz. (Ruth 2: 1-18) Ruth and Naomi were in a desperate situation and Ruth went out to glean some fields of Boaz. She worked hard and hardly rested. She was met with great kindness and lenience by Boaz, who softened the rules for her and protected her from harsh words and attacks from his workers. He even offered her some of his own meal. Oh, Lord, I pray that the poor and destitute will not give up and lose hope, but like Ruth they will go out looking for righteous opportunities. I pray that You will raise up many Boaz’s, filled with compassion, who will soften the circumstances to help them out of their dire situations.
I pray, Father that in those countries, entering the winter months, where circumstances are harsh, that You will especially look after the poor. I pray for those who live on the streets or in tin shacks. Father pour out Your grace and mercy upon them. Many will be affected by illness and disease and will face hunger and cold on top of that. Oh, Jesus help them! Show us, Your children, how we can bring light into these dark and seemingly hopeless situations. I pray that Your children, whether wealthy or poor, will see opportunities to give and to serve and pass on Your love, may it be through clothing or food or by a kind word or a prayer.
Father we also bring those before You who are already serving within feeding schemes or who are working as social workers. Lord, these people are facing many challenges every day. Please continue to give them wisdom and strength to continue their work. Help them to be beacons of hope. May the believers amongst them, see and use opportunities to spread Your gospel. I pray that You will channel the supplies intended for the poorest of the poor into the right hands.
Father I pray that those who have more, will be filled with compassion to give to those who don’t have, to fill immediate needs and to help lift them out of their very difficult situations. May those who are privileged see opportunities to give, help and serve. May Your love be passed on in a very physical and tangible way.
Let us end our prayer by reminding ourselves what the Word says:
*The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.* Proverbs 22:9 NIV
*Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord , and he will reward them for what they have done.* Proverbs 19:17 NIV
Work in us Holy Spirit! Open our eyes! Soften our hearts! Help us to truly love.
Amen
D A Y 9
John 17 – Lord make us one – Together and in You, we will conquer.
Tuesday 23 June 2020
Poor / hungry, destitute, social workers, feeding schemes etc
Heavenly Father, we give thanks to You, for You are good, for Your steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136:1) How wonderful it is to call You our Father. May we always view Your wonderful love and compassion for us in light of what You did by sending Your only Son to die for us. Thank You for the spirit of adoption You have given us as sons, by which we cry out “Abba! Father”(Romans 8:15)
Lord, You say in James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit the orphans and the widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Father forgive us where we have failed You. Forgive us that we have been too busy with our own lives to consider all those who are in need. Lord Jesus, forgive our apathy and just like in the story of the Good Samaritan, we feel like the priest and Levite who crossed the road and walked on the other side. We leave it for someone else. You have said Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matthew 25:40) Teach us O Lord to serve You by helping the orphans, the widows and those in need.
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love (1 John 4:7-8) But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother In need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children , let us not love in word or talk but in deed and truth (1 John 3:17-18)
I pray Lord, give us a generous, giving spirit – holding nothing back. That we may be willing to help and share where there is a need. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—when you already have it with you (Proverbs 3:27-28 ) Lord let us do good and love as You do. Lord, Your Word tells us that generosity yields a mighty crop. When we refresh and help others, we ourselves are refreshed. As it says in Luke 6:38 Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be measure to you.
In this season of uncertainty, our tendency is to hold on and keep what we have because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. That is the way of the world. It is not Your way Lord. Teach us to live according to Your word in Matthew 6:34 So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. May You be glorified as Your people become Your hands and feet in their communities.
Lord be glorified.
In Jesus name
Amen
D A Y 10
John 17 – Lord make us one
Together and in You, we will conquer
Wednesday 24 June 2020
A Prayer to pray for the sick, depressed, bereaved and all health care workers
Heavenly Father, You are good, and ready to forgive. And abundant in loving kindness to all who call upon You. We give thanks to You this day for Your love endures forever. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above , coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. Thank You Lord You are the same yesterday, today and forevermore. Father forgive us our sins as we call upon You.
Lord, Your word says “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12) People’s hearts are tired and weary, as for months we have been expecting a turn around and breakthrough from this virus that affects every aspect of our lives. Many people feel downtrodden and weak. Lord we bring before Your throne those who are depressed and filled with anxiety. We declare over them – You have not given them a spirit of fear (depression and anxiety) but have given them love, power and a sound mind. We pray for clarity in their minds. We ask You Lord, surround them with loving support from family and friends. We declare Psalms 121 over them.(Please fill in the names of those you know who are suffering from depression or anxiety) I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel (name….) will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.
Merciful Lord, your word teaches The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works (Psalms 145:8-9) Lord fill us with compassion to share hope with those who are broken, sick and in fear. To cry out with those in pain, to be vulnerable and to make a difference. Lord keep our hearts from being hardened in this hour when we see so much brokenness. Make our hearts pliable and soft in this season of hardship. Let us not just consider ourselves, but use us Lord, with that which You have supplied to us to help those who are sick, depressed or in sorrow. May we lift up and encourage with kind words filled with hope and faith in You. Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philipians 1:6)
Father we bring our health care workers before you Lord. You have given them a calling to serve as You served on this earth. We ask for a special hedge of Your protection to surround them and protect them from this pandemic. But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may ever rejoice. (Psalm 5:11) Lord, we bring before you the healthcare workers that do not know You and do not love You. Let Your gentle Holy Spirit draw them to You. We pray that they will witness so many miracles of healing done through the power of the Holy Spirit that their hearts will turn to You. May they come drink of the water that You give them that they will never thirst again. The water that You give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14).
We declare over all those who are sick (Name them by name) Nehemiah 6:13 You alone are the Lord; You made the heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, The seas and all that is in them, And You GIVE LIFE to all of them, and the heavenly host bows down before You.
Yes, Lord You are the one who gives life! You give life to the sick and to the dying. We bless Your holy, powerful name.
Lord be glorified.
In Jesus name
Amen
D A Y 11
John 17 – Lord make us one
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer….
Thursday 25 June 2020
A Prayer for Unity/Love/Reconciliation/Community – schools, marriages, family, orphans, widows, town etc.
Heavenly Father, You reign and You are clothed with majesty. Without You we are nothing, in You we have everything we need. Lord, we are living in unprecedented times and You are shaking and removing everything that is not of You from our lives. Lord, we pray, remove everything that divides and separates us from being one with You.
David was a man after God’s own heart. He said in Psalm 86:11 “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth, unite my heart to fear Your name. Like David, Lord are hearts are not united. The flesh is always competing against the spirit in us. They are contending and making us weak. O Lord Unite my heart that You may increase and I decrease. Unite my heart so that I will fear the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom. As it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20)
Then, Lord, may we all, as brothers and sisters in Christ, be united with the same mind in the fear of the Lord. Forgive us Lord for the divisions that have splintered and separated Your Church. Forgive us for jealousy, boasting and quarrelling that has divided us as believers. Forgive us for all pride and self righteousness that make us think we are better than our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are one in You! You are the vine, we are the branches. May we abide in You and Your words abide in us! Lord, we ask make us to have the same love, being in one spirit and of one mind. May we be built up in the unity of faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13) O Father, make us one that we may come before You in one accord across the world, as the disciples did in the upper room. Holy Father, make our joy complete. That we be of the same mind, united in spirit and intent on one purpose (Phil 2:2). So that we with one accord and with one voice may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 15:6).
Lord be glorified!
In Jesus name.
Amen
D A Y 12
John 17 – Lord make us one
Together and in You we will conquer
Friday 26 June 2020
Harvest. Lost to be saved, discipled, strengthened, mission, evangelism
Thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume. As far as God is concerned there is a sweet, wholesome fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us, an aroma to both the saved and the unsaved all around us. (2 Corinthians 2:14-15 TLB) O Lord hear our prayers for the harvest is truly plentiful and the workers are few and that is why we pray to the You, the Lord of the Harvest to send out Your labourers.
Faithful Lord, we pray, prepare the hearts of the people. The hearts are the soil where the Seed must be planted. Some hearts have been hardened and the Seed could find no home there as it was trampled on by the wayside. O Lord give them a new heart and a new spirit and take away the stony heart and give them a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26)
Lord, there are some hearts who believe for a little while but when adversity comes, they give up and lose interest. Their dedication to You is shallow. Lord, let Your Holy Spirit minister to their hearts. Let the roots of the Seed grow deep down, that they will remain steadfast and immovable.
Lord, let them be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit. (Jeremiah 17:8)
Lord we pray for those hearts that were choked and strangled by the deceitfulness of riches. The cares of this world, the pleasures and responsibilities of life that strangled them so they did not walk with You. We pray Lord, have mercy. Lord, plant Your Seed once more. Prepare the soil of their heart to receive You. For we know the things that we see now are temporary but the things we cannot see are eternal. Lord, let them seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things will be added to them. (Matthew 6:33)
O Lord, You have heard the desire and the longing of the humble and the oppressed; You will prepare and strengthen and direct their hearts; You will cause Your ear to hear. (Psalm 10:17) Righteous Father, we know You want everyone to turn from sin so no one is lost. Have mercy O Lord. Prepare, direct and strengthen our hearts that we choose You and follow You and become those workers in the fields of the harvest that is plentiful. Lord that we may spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume.
Lord be glorified!
In Jesus name.
Amen
D A Y 5
John 17- Lord make us one. Together and in You, Lord we will conquer …
Friday 19 June 2020
A Prayer to pray for the harvest- the lost to be saved and discipled. For mission and evangelism in this difficult time of many challenges caused by the coronavirus.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit , this day we submit afresh our lives unto You.
Lord as we pray today we agree with the words of Jesus Christ and ask that You would make us ,Your Church one so that the world will believe You sent us. (John 17:21)
Lord thank You for loving the world so much that You gave Your one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.(John 3:16).
Lord as Your Church we come united in asking that You would work this terrible time of the coronavirus into a glorious time of millions of lost souls coming into Your kingdom. Lord our prayer is that the lost will start seeking for You like never before. Lord You say if we ask, it will be given to us ; if we seek we will find; if we knock, the door will be opened to us. You say that You will never give us a serpent if we ask for a fish, Lord You are our Father and You look after us and answer our prayers if we ask according to Your will. (Luke 11:9-13) Oh Lord we ask that the lost will start asking, seeking and knocking – for Lord we know You will open the door for them and embrace them with Your extravagant love.
We pray for the harvest – those that will come to know You in this time – will be rooted and established in Your love, that they too will have the power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep Your love and the love of Your Son Jesus Christ is, for all of us. That they will know this love that surpasses knowledge–that they too may be filled to the measure of all the fullness that is in you Lord. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
As Believers across the world we do as Your Word says – We intercede for all people across the world – we give You thanks for each one of them. We pray also for kings, presidents and all who are in authority,(make special mention of the president of your own nation) Lord Your Word says if we pray like this – then we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. Oh Lord, You say that this is good and that it pleases You – Lord we love You and we want to please You! Lord Your Son is the Saviour of the world and You want everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. Lord may those who are lost around us know the truth that there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity – Your Son Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message – You, our Father – gave to the world at just the right time.(1 Timothy 2:1-6 NLT)
Lord we now bring before you all the unsaved people that we know and love (take time to name those among your family and friends and others that are lost) before the Lord. Father we ask that in Your great mercy You would draw all these lost people unto You ,for no one can be saved unless You, Father draw them unto You.(John 6:44) Lord God You are the Lord of the harvest – please empower and send out Your workers into this great harvest field with new strength and ideas to reach the lost with Your Gospel.(Matthew 9:38)
Lord we remember with joy when Your Light shone on us and changed our lives forever, we remember the freedom and Your deep love that still daily changes our lives – oh Lord we want the lost to also experience Your love and peace. We want them to know You and to know that loving You is having a relationship and not being part of a religion.
Lord make us as Your church in this hour bold and remind us that we can do all things through Your Son Jesus who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13) Lord help us not to miss this moment of opportunity to proclaim Your love to the broken world around us. Lord we ask for special grace for those who are on their death beds and do not know You . Lord we pray that they will come to know You in their final hours, for Lord You said the first will be last and the last first. (Matthew 20:16)
Lord those of us that cannot be in contact with others give us the strength and endurance to continue steadfastly in prayer. Help us Lord to remain faithful. Lead us daily by Your Holy Spirit. Lord pour Your love afresh into us to intercede for the lost, Lord it is You who works in us to will and to act in order to fulfil Your good purpose.(Philippians 2:13)
We give you all the glory for those who have already come to know You in this time.
Amen
D A Y 6
John 17- Lord make us one. Together and in You, Lord we will conquer …
Saturday 20 June 2020
A Prayer to pray for the Word to be discovered and to spread in this difficult time of many challenges caused by the coronavirus.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit , this day we submit afresh our lives unto You Lord and as we pray today we agree with the words of Jesus Christ and ask that You would make us , Your Church one so that the world will believe You sent us. (John 17:21)
Lord , in the beginning You spoke Your WORD and the heavens were made and their starry host by the breath of Your mouth. (Psalm 33:6) Lord You spoke everything into being by Your Word – You said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.(Genesis 1:3) Lord You send out Your WORD and it always produces fruit. You said that Your WORD will always accomplish all that You want it to, and it will prosper everywhere You send it.”(Isaiah 55:11 NLT)
Oh Father we thank You for the gift of Your WORD to mankind. Thank You for inspiring ordinary men by Your Holy Spirit to write the 66 books of Your Word – our Bible. Thank You Lord that Your WORD says that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that every servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.(2 Timothy 3:16-17) Lord in this time of the coronavirus pandemic we need Your WORD to guide and encourage us. Lord this is a time of suffering, uncertainty and fear and we, need Your WORD ,we need to be equipped for every good work.
Father our prayer is that Your WORD would spread across the world like never before. Our prayer is that Your WORD would bring hope and healing . Our prayer is that Your WORD would give guidance and protection in this time. Lord we ask that Your Holy Spirit would bring life to Your WORD , for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.(2 Corinthians 3:6) Father open the spiritual eyes of Your Church across the world to understand Your WORD. Lord like You opened the eyes of the disciples from Emmaus we ask that You would open Your children’s eyes to Your WORD – so that Your church would also say like they did – our hearts are burning within us for He opened the Scriptures to us! (Luke 24:32) Lord our prayer is that Your Church will crave for your WORD like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it they may grow up in Your salvation.(1 Peter 2:2) Lord You said man shall not live by bread alone, but by every WORD that comes from YOUR mouth.(Matthew 4:4)
Lord let Your church arise armed with the sword of Your WORD. (Ephesians6:17)Lord Your WORD is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and pierces the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow and is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.(Hebrews 4:12) Lord please teach Your church how to fight in this fierce spiritual battle with Your WORD as their weapon.Lord sanctify Your church by Your Truth , Your WORD is truth (John 17:17)Father please help your church to discern in this time – for there are so much false news full of fear going around. The father of lies , Satan wants to deceive many in believing his lies and becoming fearful and without hope. (John 8:44)
Oh Lord we pray that in this dark times Your WORD would be a lamp to our feet, and a light on our path. (Psalm 119:105) Lord the unfolding of Your WORDS gives light; it gives understanding to the simple (Psalm 119:130) Thank You Lord that You sustain all things by Your powerful WORD. (Hebrews 1:3) Lord we will not fear all these fearful predictions that go around for everything in this world is being sustained by Your WORD – You are ultimately in charge and Your perfect will , will be done. You will strengthen and sustain those who trust in You. Your ways are perfect ,Your WORD is flawless; You shield all who take refuge in You. (Psalm 18:30 )Lord we will be Your witnesses in this time – help us to lead those who do not know You to You and to encourage Your church with Your WORD and Your love.
Lord we love Your WORD and we know that heaven and earth will pass away, but Your WORD will never pass away.(Matthew 24:35)Lord Your WORDS are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.(Psalm 12:6)
To You Lord be the glory
In JESUS CHRIST, the WORD who became flesh’s name
Amen
D A Y 7
John 17- Lord make us one. Together and in You, Lord we will conquer …
Sunday 21 June 2020
A Prayer to pray over the Church, in this time
Father, Son and Holy Spirit , this day we submit afresh our lives unto You. Lord as we pray today we agree with the words of Jesus Christ and ask that You would make us , Your Church one so that the world will believe You sent us. (John 17:21)
Father we pray for Your church, that they would remember that You did not give us a spirit of fear but of love power and a sound mind.( 1Tim 1:7) Lord we are not defeated, You are on our side and the victory is Yours.(Deuteronomy 20:4) Lord may we remember that Elisha’s servant was fearful when he saw the great Armean army advancing against them. Lord may we hear the words of Elisha in our hearts – saying – ‘Don’t be afraid! For there are more on our side than on theirs!’ Oh Lord Elisha prayed and You opened his servants eyes to see that the hillside around them was filled with horses and chariots of fire. Lord we ask that You would open the eyes of those in Your church that need to see the armies of heaven fighting on our behalf ( 2 Kings 6:15-18 NLT)
Father raise Your church to arise as a united army ready to fight with the weapons You gave us. Lord You are our Commander, You are mighty in battle. You fight with and for us(Exodus 14:14)
Lord we are strong in You and in the strength of Your might. We now put on the whole armour that You gave us so that we will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we know that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness. Against the spiritual forces of evil coming against us in the heavenly places. Therefore we take up the whole armour that You gave us Lord so that we may be able to withstand Satan in this time. We stand firm in You. Lord we are fastening our belts of truth, – thank You Lord that Your Word is truth. We will not listen to the lies of Satan – our belt of truth is fastened. Lord we put on the breastplate of Your righteousness – we walk in Your righteousness, not our own. Your Son made us righteous when He died and conquered death! Lord we put on the shoes of the readiness to bring Gospel of peace, on our feet. Oh Lord in the midst of this fierce battle use us ,Your church, to bring Your Gospel of peace to those around us. Lord in all circumstances we take up the shield of faith, with which we can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one. Lord we take the helmet of Your salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word Lord. We are praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayers and supplication so that we will keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, as Your word directs Lord! (Ephesians 6:10-18)(Bring those in the Church who are struggling in this time before the Lord. Also bring pastors and missionaries with their families before the Lord, bring your own congregation before the Lord- pray for them as the Holy Spirit directs you.)
Lord we now lift our shields of faith in the battle for our families and nations. Lord we withstand Satan and this pandemic with all the lies and hatred that is coming against us, for Your word says if we withstand him he, WILL flee and we believe it Lord! In You we are mighty in battle! Thank You Lord that You are with us ,we are not alone (Hebrews 13:5) Lord You are fighting for us! (Exodus 14;14) In You we are more than conquerers.(Romans 8:37)Lord we do as Your Word directs- As Believers we withstand fear and destruction, we withstand all illness and we proclaim over our nations and continents- Our God the Ruler of the heavens and the earth has not given us , His Church a spirit of fear but of LOVE,POWER and a SOUND MIND. We and our families, friends and nations will live and not die before our time , we will live to proclaim the Word of the Lord and to bring Him glory!(Psalm 118:17)Our God will work all together for the glory of His name, for us. (Romans 8:28) who love Him!
We pray this in the powerful name of JESUS CHRIST – our LORD ,SAVIOUR, the One mighty in battle!
AMEN
D A Y 8
John 17 – Lord make us one.
Together and in You, Lord we will conquer ….
Prayers to pray for all the challenges that the Coronavirus pandemic is causing throughout the globe.
Monday 22 June 2020
Business/Economy – Generosity, leaders, Governments, corruption, righteousness, ethical
Heavenly Father, today we fling open the gates of thanksgiving and praise to You. Thank You Lord for every business, small and big, that builds and prospers our communities. We believe You have placed us in our communities for a reason to do the business we do for a reason. In our businesses, Lord, You were there at the small beginnings and You are here now with us as we go through the uncertainty of what the future holds because of the pandemic. Your Word is true. You will never leave us nor forsake us.(Hebrew 13:5) Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:22-23)
Merciful God, we thank You for businesses that have been able to endure the lockdown. We thank You Lord for Your provision that these businesses have been able to pay wages even when employees were at home. We pray bless them Lord because as You gave them, they gave back. Thank You Lord. We remember the story of the ten lepers that were healed by Jesus in Luke 17. Only one (a Samaritan) when he saw he was healed, returned and with a loud voice glorified God and gave Him thanks. Lord, with a loud voice we come and give You all praise, all honour, all glory! Thank You Jesus for every business that is open and holding on. We give You glory!
Merciful Lord we bring the large companies that have to close their doors before you. Ten of thousands of people’s livelihood is at stake. Lord we bring before You those whose jobs are not secure and those who have lost their jobs. (Name them before the Father) Lord teach us all to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness then You will give us what is needful. Lord You say Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! (Luke 12:24) May all those in this desperate situation keep their eyes fixed on You! Remind each one of their worth in You!
We pray for those who have not been able to open because of the restrictions of lockdown. We think of those who have small home industries and crafts that have not been able to function at all. We bring all those affected by the lockdown in a negative way to You Lord .We pray Lord keep the vision alive that You placed in their hearts to start these businesses. Keep us all faithful, trusting in You. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23). We commit our way to the Lord, we trust in Him and He will act. (Psalm 37:5).
Lord, whether our businesses are thriving or struggling, You are still God, our unchanging, forever the same, Provider! Help us to submit and trust in You. You are Faithful and Loving and have placed us in our communities to build up and prosper our towns/cities. Open are hearts and our eyes to see new ways of doing things. Lead us into new innovative ways of business and job creation. God, You are The Creator and innovator and You make all things new. Let us, Your children, not be conformed to this world (and the way it does business), but let us be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that by testing, we may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Lord be glorified!
In Jesus name
D A Y 1
15 June 2020
Good day all
It has been such a privilege to coordinate this Prayer Chain and get to know many of you. Thank you all so much for praying with us.
In South Africa (where I live) the number of COVID-19 patients are rising and as a society we are still very much impacted by all the challenges that this virus and the prolonged lockdown brings.
When the 70 Days of Prayer ended many have asked if we could continue to daily pray in unity for all areas affected by this global pandemic. A few of us prayed about it and God led us to do the following
• We would start a new WhatsApp Prayer Group – to carry on praying around COVID-19- the name would be ‘Global Coronavirus Prayers’
• People could pray as the Holy Spirit directs them in their own time
• We would send out daily themed prayer updates for the next 6 weeks from the 15th of June 2020 to the 27th of July 2020
• We will be a team writing the daily updates.
• Names of the sick could be sent to us and every Wednesday for the 6 weeks – we would spend an hour between 18h and 19h(South African time) on a designated WhatsApp group to pray specifically for the sick people by name.
• The overall theme would be – ‘Love in action’ – Compelled by the love of Christ – we want to serve those affected by the Coronavirus in Prayer. “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 NLT . The daily focused themes would be –
1. Monday – Business/Economy – Generosity, leaders, Governments, corruption, righteousness, ethics
2. Tuesday – Poor / hungry, destitute, social workers, feeding schemes etc
3. Wednesday – Sick , Depressed, Bereaved / Health workers
4. Thursday – Unity/ Love/ reconciliation/ community – schools , marriages, family, orphans, widows , towns , cities , nations etc
5. Friday – Harvest- Lost to be saved, discipled, strengthened, mission, evangelism
6. Saturday – Word – to be discovered and to spread
7. Sunday – Church- Revival/ Awakening. Persecuted church to be strengthened
This would be the last WhatsApp on this Prayer Chain . Please send me a WhatsApp if you would like to be on the new ‘United in Global Prayer ‘ whatsApp and I will add you. Also let me know if you would like to pray with us for the sick on a Wednesday on WhatsApp and I will add you to that WhatsApp group as well. (The Wednesday WhatsApp for the sick will only be opened for the one hour that we pray on a Wednesday – as to not overload you WhatsApps.)
In closing …
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Before I close this Prayer Chain I would like to share a little bit about my personal journey with you all.
Thirteen years ago my husband was on a ventilator. He suffered a major heart attack and needed a heart bypass operation. Before they could operate he developed viral pneumonia . His chances of survival was less than 10 percent. I can still clearly remember the anguish of seeing him struggling to breath before they intubated him. Somewhere in that time he did die , went to heaven – saw a very bright light and angels around him. He also clearly heard the voice of the Lord saying that He is giving him a second chance.
Many people from across the world were praying for my husband at that time and I believe God heard and answered our prayers by giving my husband – Ralph – that second chance. The doctors and nurses – even today when they see Ralph – call him the ‘miracle man’. Nothing is impossible to God – He is the same yesterday , today and tomorrow and He still performs mighty miracles – when we pray and believe.
This experience taught me to have compassion for sick people and also to persevere in Prayer for them , trusting our awesome God to meet us and display His glory, healing and love.
God bless you all
Much love in Him
Anneke Rabe
+27 832975792
D A Y 2
John 17- Lord make us one. Together and in You, Lord we will conquer …
Tuesday 16 June 2020
A short note – We are now entering the second phase of Global Prayer around all the challenges that the Coronavirus pandemic is causing throughout the globe. In this second phase of Prayer- our focus will be to be united in the love of Christ as we withstand the onslaught of Satan in this spiritual battle. We have therefor changed the name to ‘United in Global Prayer’.
A Prayer to pray for the poor and marginalised amongst us.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit , this day we submit afresh our lives unto You.
Lord as we pray today we agree with the words of Jesus Christ and ask that You would make us , Your Church one so that the world will believe you sent us. (John 17:21)
Forgive us Lord for not being kind and loving to the poor and the marginalised. Lord we answer the call today to love our neighbour as ourselves. (Mark 12:31) Lord teach us to love like You love. Lord work in our hearts to see and love the poor and the marginalised like You see and love them.
Lord God, Creator of all – Your mighty Holy Spirit anointed our Lord Jesus Christ to bring the Good News to the poor. You sent Your Son Jesus to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. You sent Him to tell those of us who mourn that the time of Your favour has come, and with it, the day of Your anger against our enemies. To all who mourn , You will give a crown of beauty instead of ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. (Isaiah 61:1-3 )Lord You are the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts all of us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from You. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) Thank you Lord for Your steadfast comfort in this difficult and uncertain time in the world!
Oh Lord remind us, as Your children here on earth – that You have called us as Your ambassadors – to represent You, Lord.(2 Corinthians 5:20) Let us be especially mindful in this time of uncertainty that we represent You – to the very broken, fearful world around us. Lord empower us by Your Holy Spirit to do what Jesus did – to bring the Good News to the poor, to comfort the broken hearted and to proclaim freedom to those that are bound.
Lord we pray that Your church will arise as volunteers – to bring food to the poor, pray ,visit and phone the prisoners. That we will give shelter to the homeless and the refugees. That Your church would bring Your presence and love to those who are fearful and helpless. Lord give us new ways to do it. Lord we ask that You will provide according to Your riches in glory – in everything that is needed for the least of these – in this time.(Philippians 4:19).
Oh Lord work in us to stand for justice for the poor and needy amongst us.
Lord we ask that You will give Your angels command to help there where people cannot go where needed because of the restrictions in movement at this time. (Psalm 91:11) Lord – You are the Lord of miracles – we ask for supernatural miracles at this time – in provision of clothing, blankets, food, water, in healing, in comfort and in shelter.
Lord as we intercede and do what we can to help the marginalised amongst us – remind us of Your words – that whatever we do for one of the least of these , we are doing as unto You.(Matthew 25:40).
Lord we ask that Your wisdom will guide the leaders of the nations of the world to assist the poor and marginalised. Lord we ask that you will strengthen and bless all those that serve amongst the poor and marginalised of the world in this time. Lord we think of the people that work in the shelters, with the refugees , those that work amongst the child headed households, those who run soup kitchens, those that work in the orphanages, those who work with the mentally and physically disabled, those who have to guide and help the alcoholics and the drug addicts and those who help children and women who are being trafficked in this difficult time. Lord we ask for supernatural deliverance from addictions in this time by the power of Your Holy Spirit. We bring before You the social services around the world and ask that you would extend a special grace. (Name those that you know who work in social services or any of the above services before the Lord)
Lord those who are sick with the corona virus amongst the poor and marginalised – we bring before Your throne and ask for Your grace and healing – that You would be very close to them, reveal Yourself to them Lord and carry them through.
Lord we ask that You would hold Your hand over the prisons of the world – that the coronavirus will not spread further in the prisons where it is almost impossible to adhere to social distancing. Lord we bring before you these prisoners – who are cut off from their families due to the restrictions – oh Lord we cry out for them – please comfort them. Lord we pray that Your children in the prisons – be they workers or inmates – will receive favour amongst the prisoners. We pray for a great harvest of souls in the prisons of the world. (name the ones you know before the Lord)
Lord we thank You for Your great love and compassion.
In Jesus Christs Name
Amen.
D A Y 3
John 17- Lord make us one. Together and in You, Lord we will conquer …
Prayers to pray for all the challenges that the Coronavirus pandemic is causing throughout the globe.
Wednesday 17 June 2020
A Prayer to pray for the sick , depressed, bereaved and all health workers
Father, Son and Holy Spirit , this day we submit afresh our lives unto You.
Lord as we pray today we agree with the words of Jesus Christ and ask that You would make us , Your Church one so that the world will believe You sent us. (John 17:21)
Oh Lord we ask that in Your grace You would convict people of their sins – for Lord we know according to Your Word that some illnesses are caused by sin. Lord You say that we need to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other so that we may be healed. Oh Lord You say that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:13–16)Lord show us the hidden sins in our own hearts and give us the boldness to repent to one another.
Lord , we plead for mercy and grace over all the people of this world, we know that we have sinned against You and we ask on behalf of the ourselves and those across the world that You would forgive us! Like Moses interceded for his people, we intercede for our people. With Moses we say – ‘Oh, what terrible sins have Your people committed!’ Oh Lord we did not make a golden calf but we have made gods of so many things – money, pleasure, sport, sex, ourselves and much more… (Name those gods in your life and lay them down).Please Lord forgive our sins and purify Your church to be a pure and holy Bride – radiant without stain or wrinkle. (Exodus 32:30-33, Ephesians 5:27) Oh Lord as Your church start repenting – lead us by Your spirit into true heart wrenching repentance. Please Lord as we turn from our wicked ways – stop this pandemic and heal the nations. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Oh Lord we are Your children and we are one Body united with one another in You. We know that if one part of our Body suffers, every part suffers with it, therefore Lord we bring before You all those in Your Body , who are sick, depressed and weary in this time.(1 Corinthians 12:26) (Name those who are sick or depressed before the Lord ) Lord please come and heal Your Body – physically, spiritually and mentally. Oh Lord You are merciful, full of compassion and slow to anger. We ask in the words of Your Son David – Have mercy on us , O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion…( Psalm 51:1)
Lord – as more people get sick and healthcare workers and first responders are working longer hours we ask that You would renew their energy and sustain them on their long shifts. Give them courage of heart and strength of mind and body. Bring Your protection upon them as they work with the patients. Loving God, we place them into Your care .
Lord show us as Your children ways to show them our deep gratitude for all they are doing to heal and help those affected by the coronavirus. Father multiply their supplies so they have enough of the right protective gear needed to stay safe on the job. Lord we ask that You would keep on raising business people and entrepreneurs across the world to help with the supply of the needed medical supplies.
We ask , that as You put Your wisdom and understanding upon Bezalel to make the ark of the covenant – that You would give these business people , engineers, scientists and doctors Your wisdom and understanding to be inspired to make new and better ventilators, equipment and medicine – that would astound the world and will bring healing.
Oh Lord we ask that You would lead the research doctors and scientists with your wisdom to develop better tests to diagnose the virus. Give them Your wisdom to create vaccines to prevent it, and to identify protocols to eliminate the spread of the disease.
Lord we also bring before You all those who have lost loved ones in this difficult time – where funerals and even visits are restricted to very small numbers. Lord please comfort the bereaved like only You can . Thank You Lord that You are near to the brokenhearted and that You save the crushed in spirit.(Psalm 34: 18)
Lord, You are the Lord of hosts and You are with us; You are our fortress – even in illness we can hide in You. (Psalm 46 :7) Lord we bring before You those who are sick and dying and we ask that You will give them Your peace , let them hide in You . Lord reveal Yourself to the sick and dying who does not know You. Please Lord ,extend Your loving kindness and mercy to them, for Your kindness leads to repentance.(Romans 2:4)
We give You all the glory. Lord have mercy on us!
In Jesus Christ Name
Amen
D A Y 4
John 17- Lord make us one. Together and in You, Lord we will conquer …
Thursday 18 June 2020
A Prayer to pray for unity, love, reconciliation and our communities in this difficult time of many challenges caused by the coronavirus.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit , this day we submit afresh our lives unto You.
Lord as we pray today we agree with the words of Jesus Christ and ask that You would make us , Your Church one so that the world will believe You sent us. (John 17:21)
Lord as Your Church, we know that one of the last prayers Your son Jesus Christ prayed on earth was that we , Your Church would be ONE.(John 17) Lord we know that this very important prayer has not yet been answered and we know it is because of our pride and the hardness of our hearts , Lord forgive us , Lord have mercy.
Lord we come humbly before You – we are from many nations and we are interceding for the whole Church across the world. Lord we confess that we are selfish and full of pride, forgive us. Lord we confess the racism and divisions amongst us in Your Church – Lord have mercy – we have sinned against You. Lord forgive us ,Your church, for the discrimination against one another. Lord of all nations hear our prayer.
Lord Your Word says that You made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined our allotted periods and the boundaries of our dwelling places, that we should seek You , and perhaps feel our way toward You and find You . Yet You are actually not far from each one of us,( Acts 17:24-27) . Thank You Lord that You are the One who decided when we would be born and in which nation and continent we would live – it was all ordained by You so that we would seek you. Lord forgive us that we have not seeked You but made nationalism and mammon and so many other things our idols – forgive us Lord, we have sinned – nation against nation. Lord forgive us for our hatred, unforgiveness, aggression, abuse, murders, killings , mistrust, slander , prejudice and exploitation of one another.
Lord forgive us also that different denominations of Your Body on earth have not been one – that we did not love and cover one another, that we did not obey the one new commandment Jesus gave us – to love one another. (take time to repent to the Lord for any pride, racism or atrocities of the past committed by you or your family or your nation – remember we are praying as intercessors for ourselves but also on behalf of …)
Lord help us to see one another as you see us and to use this opportunity as Your church on earth to break down all barriers so that we can truly become One in You. Lord help us to extend true forgiveness to one another. Lord heal Your church of the wounds of the past. Lord lead us in this time to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with You – our God. (Micah 6:8)
Lord we now want to agree in prayer with what Your Son Jesus prayed – Lord do not take us out of this world but protect us from the evil one. Lord make us – your Church on earth truly One – like Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit are One – so that the world will see and know that we are Your disciples!(John 17) Lord let it be said of the Church in this time – how good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.”
(Psalms 133:1-3) – Lord please do it, make us One in You and bless us with the anointing of Your Holy Spirit poured out upon us, Your church, to serve this generation in the power of Your might and to bring in the great end-time harvest !Lord when Your Holy Spirit was poured out on the church at Pentecost Your church was in ONE ACCORD – Lord bring us, Your Church again into ONE ACCORD, Lord lead us across the globe to pray in ONE ACCORD – for the great glory of Your Name !!!
Lord we pray this prayer in the name of Your son Jesus Christ our Prince of Peace.
AMEN