MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Numbers 34-36 + Mark 6:29-56
Monday, March 2, 2009
2 Corinthians 9:15  Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
God My Father:
Help me magnify Christ as your indescribable gift. I cannot do that if I belittle my sins, pare-down my depravity, or make light of my future judgment. I cannot treat absolute truth like human opinion, and whittle certainties down to sentimentalities. Christ is all; Christ is the gift of your free grace—and that is unspeakable against the backdrop of my own unworthiness because of GRACE.
I can never possibly thank you as I ought to, but I still ought to thank you! Who has ever worthily worshipped apart from your Spirit’s help?
If Jesus is my salvation, then when should I not be blessing you? Every morning when I wake, I should.
How long should I continue?
Psalm 113:3  From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.
Can I not go on singing even in my dreams? Make chords of gratefulness keep vibrating even after the hand of conscious thought stops strumming. Make my vision wander to my Beloved and never ramble outside of holy ground. Even in the night let me sing sweet hymns to Jesus.
Help me Lord to give double praise while I can. Let me vow that today, by your grace helping me, I will praise you for your unspeakable gift, especially to others who need to receive you! That’s one job I’ll never completely finish.
All who know salvation, all the angels of heaven, and the saints of all the ages cannot talk-up enough the wonderful works of the Lord Jesus. But Holy Spirit, I pray you will write this line of gratitude indelibly on my heart this week. Help me witness to because I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

TUESDAY—CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: Deuteronomy 1-3 + Mark 7
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
1 John 3:24  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
O Merciful Lord and Heavenly Master:
With angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you. Glory be to you, O Lord Most High.
We do not presume to come to you trusting in our own righteousness but in your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy in ourselves to gather up the crumbs under your table, but you are the same Lord whose characteristic is to always have mercy aplenty. Grant us therefore, to so fellowship with your Son today that our sinful flesh will be mortified and our soul be made one with Jesus Christ, so we can dwell all day in him and he in us by your Spirit.
As your humble servants we desire you to accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Grant that, by the merits and death of your Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, others can receive redemption and forgiveness of sins—even through our testimony and witness today.
We offer and present our bodies a living sacrifice to you Lord, as is our reasonable and holy service. We humbly ask that everyone in our church who is a true partaker of Christ’s faith will be filled with your Spirit and be the recipient of your grace, sufficient to every task of this day. Although we are unworthy outside of Christ, though our sins are manifold, yet we plead in prayer for you to accept our ministry today—not weighing our merits—but pardoning our faults through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom and through whom, and with whom in the unity of the Holy Ghost, we participate in your plan and mission for our lives. All honor and Glory be to Jesus today, for so we ask it in his name! Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Deuteronomy 4-6 + Mark 8
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
My God of Hope:
The only way for me to be happy and holy within myself is to have a manifestation of your Spirit’s power. The only way I can invade the territory of the enemy and conquer souls for Christ is if I am clothed with that same energy.
The power I have for external ministry will be proportionate to my acknowledgement of the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within me.
In order to gauge the energy of the Holy Spirit in my heart, all I have to do is measure my influence on unbelievers. The work outward is always dependent on the force inward. If there is a warmth inside, there will be a melting of hearts outside. But if my soul’s strength is not sustained by private prayer and communion with you, the dryness in me will leave the drought in others untouched.
Lord, during this Summit, bless us as a church. Lord, cause your face to shine on us as a class. Then we can make your way known upon the earth, and your saving health among all nations (Ps 67:2).
Let me adore you while I am praying, and pray for the SEVEN WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT necessary for revival:
1.    Quickening
All the spiritual life that exists in the world is a creation of the Holy Ghost. I did not even have enough life to recognize death until you visited me! I will not want more life, or groan after more revival, except as your Spirit works within me to desire and agonize for it. Give us sweet agony in a wrestling for revival today, for this will glorify Jesus. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Deuteronomy 7-9 + Mark 9:1-25
Thursday, March 5, 2009
2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
O Love divine, what hast thou done! The immortal God hath died for me!
The Father’s co-eternal Son bore all my sins upon the tree.
Th’immortal God for me hath died: my Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Is crucified for me and you, to bring us rebels back to God.
Believe, believe the record true, ye all are bought with Jesus’ blood.
Pardon for all flows from His side: my Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Behold and love, ye that pass by, the bleeding Prince of life and peace!
Come, sinners, see your Savior die, and say, “Was ever grief like His?”
Come, feel with me His blood applied: my Lord, my Love, is crucified!

Then let us sit beneath His cross, and gladly catch the healing stream:
All things for Him account but loss, and give up all our hearts to Him:
Of nothing think or speak beside, my Lord, my Love, is crucified!

—Charles Wesley, 1742

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S MIRACLES

Chronological Reading: Deuteronomy 10-12 + Mark 9:26-50
Friday, March 6, 2009
Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
Merciful Lord and Father:
A star is placed in the margin by that opening word, behold. It is a note of exclamation that draws-in my attention. In our church we might want to say, “Behold, there was a politician in our services today. Behold there was a sports figure. Behold there was a rich executive. Behold there was a star entertainer.” Yet in the synagogue there was a poor man of whom the Holy Spirit took notice, and you hang out the word behold as a signal.
Lord, I am a needy soul today wanting all of the Savior. I come to you with a spiritually withered hand—so many good things I’d like to do, and so many ways that I’ve failed. Put a behold in my day today. Restore me by your power to what you originally created me to be.
What you want to find today is somebody on whom to do a work of grace. That’s me! I am somebody you can heal, and so defy the traditional science of all the skeptics who say it’s not legal.
You are a physician; take note of my sickness so you can illustrate your healing power. Fix your eye on my pain, my necessity, my incapacity, my sinfulness, and on everything else in me that you can cure. What you want is a chance to do me good, not a pretense on my part that I can do you any good.
As I come in prayer to worship, give me more than I knelt here for. I am praying, because I love your presence and I am happy to be in communion with you. But still I have a yearning to have my old life fixed up. Today, put a red letter on my calendar in love, and make my withered hand strong in your service. Do it to glorify Jesus alone. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Deuteronomy 13-15 + Mark 10:1-26
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Psalm 70:1 Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD.
Amen!
You have not forbidden me, in my hours of distress, from asking you to come and rescue me. A person in a hurry doesn’t use many words. I thank you Lord, that it is perfectly all right for me to appeal to you for speedy deliverance and help. Many dangers plus my perpetual weakness both make this an imperative necessity.
Psalm 70:2-3 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt. Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.
My haters want to put my faith to shame, but Lord, let them be the ones disappointed and confused. Maybe if they see the futility of their own ends they will come to rely on Jesus to deliver them, as he delivers me. If I see men and women who try to drive others back from the cross, I ask you to retaliate by driving them back from their goal. Some people like to mock believers. Their taunts are meaningless—even more like animal noises than human words. Frustrate their purposes so that your plans might prevail.
Psalm 70:4 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
All true Christians have cause for joy. I have tasted divine grace and the good word of God. I have partaken of the Holy Ghost and the power of the world to come. Let me not be ashamed, but be rejoicing! Let me scorn the scorners and call upon others to glorify God.
Psalm 70:5 But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

First Worship Service

• Leaning On the Everlasting Arms: Words by Elisha A. Hoffman; Music by Anthony J. Showalter
  • Hear it on Bishop James Dixon, II & The Community Of Faith Mass Choir’s album “Hymns to Hang On To”
• You Are Good by Israel Houghton
  • Hear it on Israel and New Breed’s album “New Season”
• Love the Lord by Lincoln Brewster
  • Hear it on the worship album “Mighty to Save”
• Be Thou My Vision: Ancient Irish Hymn, translated by Mary E. Byrne; Irish Folk melody
  • Hear it on “Amazing Grace – Timeless Hymns of Faith”
• Full Attention by Jeremy Riddle
  • Hear it on Jeremy Riddle’s album “Full Attention”

Second Worship Service

• All Day by Marty Sampson
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”
• Your Name High by Joel Houston
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• Worthy King by Diego Chi
• Neverending by David Crowder, Jack Parker, Jeremy Bush, and Mike Hogan
  • Hear it on the David Crowder Band’s album “Remedy”

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Numbers 16-18 + Mark 3
Monday, February 23, 2009

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Oh, Freedom’s Master:
Cleared from guilt! Led out of prison! No more in manacles like a slave. Deliver __________ and __________ now from the bondage of sin! After all Savior, your blood has already purchased a full and free redemption for them.
Romans  6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lord if they only knew! They have a right to approach your throne for this gift right NOW. No flames of vengeance await any sinner who seeks the Savior. Justice cannot smite those who have been pardoned by your blood.
Their disabilities are taken away. They were once forbidden to see your face, but now they can speak to you. One time they cringed in fear of death and hell, but now there is no punishment if their guilt is forgiven.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
If they believe they are not condemned and they cannot be punished. More than that, all the privileges they could have enjoyed if they had never sinned are now theirs as soon as they are justified.
Lord, grant them faith in the death of your Son! All the love and acceptance that perfect obedience could have obtained will then belong to them. Help them see that Jesus kept the law for them. He was perfectly obedient on their behalf. All his merits can be imputed to their account—just give them faith in you.
There is a great debt of love and gratitude I owe both to you and to them to tell them. Help me discharge that today for Jesus’ sake and glory. Amen.

TUESDAY—CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: Numbers 19-21 + Mark 4:1-20
Friday, February 24, 2009

Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Gracious God and Loving Lord:
We might have been in your prison, driven from your presence for our sins. But now we come before your throne by prayer, even invited into your secret chamber for a personal audience. Our thankfulness should ascend into joy. We are recipients of such great grace when allowed to pray corporately!
Lamentations 3:29  He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.
Knee, make sure you bend; head, make sure you bow; heart, make sure that you worship in his presence. Let us place our faces on the floor and our mouths in the dust. Your throne holds sway in all the worlds. Heaven obeys you cheerfully; hell trembles at you fearfully; the earth yields to you even unwillingly. We put our shoes from off our feet to address such an all-consuming God.
Job 25:5-6  Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight. How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?
In lowliness we draw near to you. You are our friend, but it cannot be an unsanctified relationship. Boldness there must be, for we are your children, but it cannot be impertinence. We are still on earth and you are in heaven. We are still worms and you are God, even as we pray to be fruitful in your mission.
We repent of not bowing as we should before your Eternal Majesty. Holy Spirit, put us in a right frame of mind to pray. We want every one of our prayers to have the proper approach—it is a throne of grace, but still it is a throne.
You are majestic. If need be, we should sit in silence before you.
1 Samuel 3:9 Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Numbers 22-24 + Mark 4:21-41
Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Deuteronomy 10:21  He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.

Holy Father and Everlasting God:
WE PRAISE YOU for giving Jesus Christ your only Son to be born a man. By the operation of the Holy Ghost he was without spot of sin so he could make us all clean from sin.
WE PRAISE YOU for the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ our Savior, because he is the very Passover Lamb that was offered for us, and has taken away the sin of the world. By his death he destroyed death, and by his rising to life again he restored us to life everlasting. It will be shown at the resurrection.
WE PRAISE YOU for your most dearly beloved Son who, after his glorious resurrection, appeared to all his apostles, and in their sight ascended up to heaven. He has gone to a throne, but also departed to prepare a place for us! That way, where he is, we can be also, and reign with him in glory.
WE PRAISE YOU through Jesus Christ our Lord, according to whose promise the Holy Ghost came down at Pentecost with a sudden sound of a rushing, mighty wind. In the likeness of fiery tongues he descended on the apostles, to teach them and lead them into all truth. He gave them both the gift of foreign languages, and also boldness to speak them with fervent and constant zeal, thereby preaching the gospel to all nations and generations. By preaching people are brought out of darkness and error, and into the clear light and true knowledge of you and your Son.
You are one God, one Lord; not only one person, but three persons in one substance. That which I believe of the glory of the Father I believe also of the Holy Ghost and the Son. In his name I ask for revival; he is my praise! Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Numbers 25-27 + Mark 5:1-21
Thursday, February 26, 2009

1 Samuel 18:30 David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.

ANGELS your march oppose, who still in strength excel,
Your secret, sworn, eternal foes, countless, invisible.
With rage that never ends, their hellish arts they try;
Legions of dire malicious fiends, and spirits enthroned on high.

On earth the usurpers reign, exert their baneful power,
O’er the poor fallen sons of men they tyrannize their hour:
But shall believers fear? But shall believers fly?
Or see the bloody cross appear, and all their power defy?

Jesus’ tremendous Name puts all our foes to flight:
Jesus, the meek, the angry Lamb, a Lion is in fight.
By all hell’s host withstood, we all hell’s host o’erthrow;
And conquering them, through Jesus’ blood, we still to conquer go.

Our Captain leads us on; He beckons from the skies,
And reaches out a starry crown, and bids us take the prize:
“Be faithful unto death; partake My victory;
And thou shalt wear this glorious wreath, and thou shalt reign with Me.”

—Charles Wesley, 1749

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S PRAYER LIFE

Chronological Reading: Numbers 28-30 + Mark 5:22-43
Tuesday, February 27, 2009

Matthew 6:9  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Father in Heaven:

There is a childlike Spirit that makes me recognize and love you as Father.
Romans 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Spiritual adoption is a sweet compound made of three things: faith lets me know you, joy lets me rejoice in you, and fear that makes me tremble to displease you. At the same moment I have a confident affection and trustfulness that relies on you, and casts itself completely on you. It knows by the infallible witness of the Holy Ghost that the God of heaven and earth is the Father of my heart.
Let me pray today, and walk away in the Spirit of adoption. When the winds of trouble blow and the waves of adversity rise, when my ship is reeling toward the rocks, may it be sweet to me to say, “My Father,” for your strong hand is on the helm. There is music, there is eloquence, and there is the essence of heaven in that word, Father. It is a symphony in two syllables. Let me say it with an unfailing tongue through an understanding of the word of God and your grace.
So I come to you this week. When I talk to my Father I need not be afraid. You alone will not misunderstand me. If I slur my words out of place, you still recognize their meaning. My prayers may be broken things, but you can put them together and hear them out.
What a beginning to a prayer full of faults—and a prayer, perhaps, in which I will ask for what I know not. Lord, read my meaning as well as my desires! Let me draw near this week as a child to his father, and declare my needs and my sorrows in the language that you teach. For so I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Numbers 31-33 + Mark 6:1-28
Saturday, February 28, 2009

Psalm 69:16 Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

My Savior:
You wept much in secret for my sins. No doubt you frequently endured suffering and anguish of soul on my account. It was the lonely “mountain deserts” that saw you in your repeated agonizing. If their depths could be disclosed they would astonish me indeed.
Teach me to lean on prayer as my aid in every trial. Your prayers were well-timed and always accepted. If you made your appeal to the rich mercy of God, so much more must I. Much more must I.
No characteristic of yours is more comforting than mercy. When my anxiety multiplies, I prize your mercies more than ever. My haters sometimes outnumber my hairs, but your mercies cannot be counted. Each one is available as a powerful argument for deliverance when I pray in faith.
My soul gains strength when I meditate on the importance and sufficiency of your mercy. One smile from heaven will stop all the rage of hell. And I need it the most Lord, when I feel the most alone.
Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
If Jesus suffered, so will I. I may be trodden-down like mud today, but I will ride the mountaintop before long. Even now I am raised-up and made to sit together with you (Eph 2:6).
Give me sunshine after the rain of this week. You alone did deliver, so you alone deserve praise. And as having a grateful heart, let me look for others to join me tomorrow in rejoicing. Bring us help to worship, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

First Worship Service

• All The Earth will Sing Your Praises by Paul Baloche
  • Hear it on Lincoln Brewster’s album “Let the Praises Ring – The Best of Lincoln Brewster”
• Today is the Day by Paul Baloche and Lincoln Brewster
  • Hear it on Lincoln Brewster’s album “Today is the Day”
• Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves, and Ed Cash
  • Hear it on Chris Tomlin’s album “Hello Love”
• Grace Greater than Our Sin: Words by Julia H. Johnston; Music by Daniel B. Towner
  • Hear it on Brian Moss’s album “Not What My Hands Have Done”
• I Am Free by Jon Egan
  • Hear it on “iWorship Platinum”

Second Worship Service

• One Way by Joel Houston and Jonathon Douglass
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”
• Desert Song by Brooke Fraser
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• Found by Dave George
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “All of The Above”
• Tell The World by Jonathon Douglass, Joel Houston, and Marty Sampson
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Exodus 13-15 + Matthew 16
Monday, January 26, 2009
† Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
Living Lord and Loving Savior:
My sins are indeed like a cloud. Clouds have many shapes and sizes, and to my shame, so do my transgressions. Clouds block out the sun’s light and darken the landscape, and so do my sins hide the light of the gospel from many of my friends and acquaintances. It makes them sit in the shade of death. Oh Lord.
Clouds (and sin) are born from the earth. They rise up from the miry places of my own human nature. When they get so large their capacity is full, they can threaten my very existence. I know people for whom some sin has almost choked them to death. Their addictions rain down a flood of destructiveness.
Lord, I pray with Isaiah, blot them out. Instead of manifesting your anger to __________ and __________, reveal your grace! Remove their sin, not by blowing the cloud away, but by blotting it out of existence with Christ’s blood!
I need you, Lord. Against a justified man or woman no sin remains. The great transaction of the cross has completely removed my sin—if I trust in it. On Calvary’s summit my recovery was accomplished. It is finished, you said. I do not look for a “future grace,” but live on a present grace purchased for me by Christ in the past. It can free both me and my friends from habits that harm us.
Lord, help them obey the command to return unto me. All sinners have already been pardoned potentially. Why should any of them live at a distance from you? I bemoan my own backslidings, but do not let me remain in them. Put me in the closest possible communion with you today, and help me strive mightily in the Holy Ghost to bring others to the cross! Oh Lord, you have redeemed me. Oh Lord, use me to reach others for Jesus’ glory and sake. Amen.

TUESDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S MIRACLES

Chronological Reading: Exodus 16-18 + Matthew 17
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
John 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
Merciful Lord:
I think I have very little ability—probably only five chicken nuggets and two orders of fries worth—but I bring it all to you. Postmodern times are hard. People are starving for truth. Though I’m not sure you could use me, I want to be bold and present myself to you. Maybe, like Queen Esther, you will allow me to come on the scene of somebody’s life today for just such a time as this.
Lest I kid myself Lord, my small loaves do not say as much about my sacrifice as they do about your power! You, the living God of heaven, through Christ, are allied with my frailty, my lack of ability, my ignorance, and my appallingly small faith. If I am not hooked-up with you I can truly do nothing, but if I come into living touch with you I can do all things (Phil 4:13).
I hear you say of my meager resources, Bring them hither to me. Here is my brain; associate it with the teaching of the Spirit. Here is my heart; enflame it with your own love. Here is my tongue; touch it with a live coal from your altar. Here is my personhood; consecrate it perfectly by communion with Christ.
But let me go further and transfer all those things to you, because I also see that it says, And Jesus took the loaves. Make me your property, holding nothing in reserve. Let no time be used for selfishness, but all given to Christ. Let my knowledge not be stored like in a reservoir, but given to Christ. That is the way in which my city’s needs will be met and people’s hunger will be satisfied. It starts with me and my relationship with you. I want to be accepted by Jesus today. Holy Spirit, make it so to his glory. Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Exodus 19-21 + Matthew 18
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Daniel 6:10  Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Dear God and Mighty Father:
Some rituals are not absolutely essential, but prayer is the essence of spirituality. This daily ritual between you and me creates a rhythm, and rhythm promotes spiritual momentum. If I lack this prayer time, I lack the very breath of the life of God for my soul.
Daniel was a man of excellent spirit and he was plentiful in prayer. Let me, like him, pray for my brothers and sisters who are in spiritual exile without revival in their lives. I remember those who are saved but still in bondage to some sin. I intercede for my pastor and our church. It grieves me that this city is laid waste and the heathen destroyer stands on Mount Zion.
Give us a return from the captivity of our community with revival! I pray for the boldness of Daniel, for I know it is ordained of God. Let me, like him, mix thanksgiving with all my requests. It is a poor devotion that never returns gratitude to you. Make prayer and praise the process by which I live. Prayer takes-in the deep breaths of the love and grace of God, and then praise exhales it out again. When I add my voice to the breath, then the sound becomes beautiful to the ear. Let me offer the sweet incense made of many spices, of sincere desires for revival, and longings mixed with devotion and adoration.
Let me not be promoted materially without my soul also prospering spiritually. I refuse to be intoxicated by, or infatuated with, worldly success. Let the lost drink it to the dregs; I will gather golden apples of truth instead. To kneel to your honor is worth whatever it may cost me. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Exodus 22-24 + Matthew 19
Thursday, January 29, 2009
2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
O THOU Who camest from above,
The pure celestial fire to impart,
Kindle a flame of sacred love
Upon the mean altar of my heart.

There let it for Thy glory burn
Unquenched, undimmed, in darkest days,
And trembling to its source return,
In humble prayer and fervent praise.

Jesus, confirm my heart’s desire
To work and speak and think for Thee;
Still let me guard the holy fire,
And still stir up Thy gift in me.

Ready for all Thy perfect will,
My acts of faith and love repeat,
Till death Thy endless mercies seal,
And make my sacrifice complete.

—Charles Wesley, 1762

FRIDAY—LIVING THE GREAT COMMISSION

Chronological Reading: Exodus 25-27 + Matthew 20
Friday, January 30, 2009
Isaiah 2:2  And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Almighty God and Heavenly Father:
Make it true! Words like these kindle our hopes for revival. Our church has always been a city set on a hill that could not be hid, and in the last two decades we have sent servants to all parts of the globe. But Lord, do something special with us in these, the last days. Make us what we were always meant to be for you!
Isaiah 2:3  And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Work a desire for God in the hearts of multitudes in our city. Give them an intense dissatisfaction with their life (or lifelessness). Make them willing to worship you. Let them become anxious to hear what we teach. Make them want to learn, and quick to practice. Let us labor mightily to bring about such revival.
Isaiah 2:8  Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:
Sin is the reason people do not get saved. They set up something in the place of God. Lord, help us and heal us! Make the spirit of apathy flee away from us, and give the lost a heart-cry to be saved.
Isaiah 2:10  Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.
What a rebuke to our indifference. Come out of your secret place and revive us again, for we plead with you these promises. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Exodus 28-30 + Matthew 21:1-23
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Psalm 5:11  But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
Lead Me, O Lord:
Psalm 5:8  Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies;…
Like a child is led by his father, or a blind man is helped by his friend.
Psalm 5:8  … make thy way straight before my face.
Make THY way Lord, not MY way, straight. Help me learn to give up my own way and long to walk in your way. Guide me into righteousness because of my enemies, and teach me to beware of the wicked. There are many “human anteaters” that, with their long tongues covered with sticky words, entice and entrap so many.
Joy is my privilege as a believer. Because I love you Lord, therefore I delight in you. I feast every day when I feed on you. You give me music in the house, music in the heart, and music yet for heaven. You are my strength and my song because you’ve become my salvation.
Psalm 6:2  Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
I have sorrow, humiliation, and hatred of my sin. Let those be the marks of a contrite spirit before you. Do not withhold your rebuke, for then I lose a blessing in disguise. I need the Spirit’s conviction, not to be condemned, but in order to be sanctified. Sweeten your chastisements with the knowledge that they are not in anger but in love. I know my sins too well to think of my own merit, or appeal to anything but your grace. And so I make my appeal this day.
Psalm 6:4  Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.
For it is in Jesus’ name I make this plea. Amen.

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Leviticus 25-27 + Matthew 27:23-44
Monday, February 16, 2009

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Oh Father:
Give me a striking likeness to the Lord Jesus Christ. I read through the life of Christ in the gospels, but the best life of Christ is his living biography written in my reactions, my attitudes and my words. Make me be all that I profess to be. By your Holy Spirit, make me be all I am supposed to be! Make me such a picture of Christ that the world recognizes the image.
-Make __________ and __________ admit that I have been with Jesus. Make me “taught of him” so I can be like him. I want to catch the very idea and concept of the Man from Nazareth, and work him out in my everyday actions.
-Make me like Christ in my boldness. Why should I blush to own Christ? My testimony will never disgrace me; make it so I never disgrace my testimony! Make me very valiant for Christ. This is practical evangelism.
-Make me like Jesus in my love and in my spirit. Help me think kindly, speak gently, and do tenderly. Give me humility, for this is the tangible kingdom.
-Make me like Christ in his holiness. Time is too precious—keep me from wasting it. Jesus was self-denying, never looking out for himself. Make me the same. Jesus continually prayed even though he was the very Son of God. How much more do I need to be fervent in prayer? Jesus deferred to his Father’s will in all things. Let me submit myself to him. Since he was patient, teach me to endure. For the most accurate portrait, help me forgive my enemies. Returning good for evil is godlike. In all my ways and by any means necessary, make me more like Jesus, so others can see him (even in me) and be saved. Amen.

TUESDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S PRAYER LIFE

Chronological Reading: Numbers 1-3 + Matthew 27:45-66
Tuesday, February 17, 2009

John 15:7  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Dear Lord Jesus:
We are more than a team, for we are twins. So prayer comes spontaneously when I abide in you, just because of my living union as a branch on the stem. Let prayer blossom and bud out of my soul today. Like stars shine, so let me abide and pray. I should not have to say to myself, “It is time to get on my knees.” No, let me pray like wise people eat: when the hunger hits!
I need not cry out as if under bondage. I should not feel it a wearying obligation. Instead, I get to run an errand at the mercy seat and rejoice to go there. I pray for others in our church today. Let our hearts abide in Christ and send out supplications like fires send up flames and sparks. Abiding in Christ, souls can open the day in prayer. Prayer can surround us as the atmosphere all day. Then at night, I can fall asleep in prayer. Let me joyfully be able to say,
Psalm 139:18 …when I awake, I am still with thee.
The fruit of my abiding includes freedom in prayer. Many times I have been on my knees to you Lord, without power to pray. I felt like I could not plead like I wanted. I desired to pray, but the waters were frozen and would not flow. The will was present, but not the way to present that will in prayer.
Lord, give me liberty in prayer so I can speak with you as a person speaks with their friend. Here is the way: if I abide in you and your words abide in me, I can ask whatever I wish. I do not want liberty as to mere fluency; I want weight of thought and depth of feeling—not to pray by the yard (as in length), but by the ton (as in weight). In that case Lord, some of my groans have more fullness than a fine oration. So be with me today as I desire, for I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Numbers 4-6 + Matthew 28
Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Zephaniah 3:14 Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

Oh My Loving Father:
I cry for revival, but I have to realize: you are completely content with the church because you know what we are yet to be. You see us as fair because you know what we will look like after the washing for the wedding. My sun goes down and I dread the darkness, but you see the morning. Help me better understand how the dews of the night refresh my garden for you. I measure by the hour, but you calculate by eternity. Help me correct my shortsighted judgment with your infallible knowledge, and rest in you.
There are three things for me to do.
MAKE ME BE HAPPY. Only the true Christian can sing while drinking a bitter cup. Whenever the enemy seems to prevail, teach me at that time to praise, because victory will come with my song of faith and trust in you. It must be puzzling to Satan to hear singing when he puts his foot down on me. Let me determine to be happier when the Devil thinks I am downcast. The more opposition, the more rejoicing. The more discouragement, the more confidence.
Make it fine to BE ALONE IN THE WARFARE. Why do I think not? If I am lonely there is more room for God. When the deserters have cleared out, then every corner can be filled with the Spirit.
MAKE ME FEARLESS OF EVERYONE BUT YOU, and tie that knot of faith around the throat of unbelief. When fear comes today, help me drive it away. There should be no room for it. I need to be zealous. I need to do more for God. Let me plan great things for the future. The Devil does not take a day off. Help me completely kill his falsehood and deception for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Numbers 7-9 + Mark 1:1-22
Thursday, February 19, 2009

1 Samuel 18:4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

I HEARD an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory
How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me
I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood’s atoning
Then I repented of my sins and won the victory

I heard about His healing, of His cleansing pow’r revealing
How He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see
And then I cried, “Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit”
And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory

I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory
And I heard about the streets of gold, beyond the crystal sea
About the angels singing and the old redemption story
And some sweet day I’ll sing up there the song of victory

O victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever
He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood
He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood

—Eugene M. Bartlett

FRIDAY—LIVING THE GREAT COMMISSION

Chronological Reading: Numbers 10-12 + Mark 1:23-45
Friday, February 20, 2009

2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Our Lord and Our Master:
In how many of our actions do we betray disbelief of you? Like the children of Israel in the wilderness, you might well say of us,
Numbers 14:11 How long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have showed among them?
You have been very faithful to us. In no one instance has there been a breach of your promise. You have tried our faith by fire, but we still have to say,
† Psalm 119:75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.
You have brought us low sometimes, but underneath have still been the everlasting arms. You have brought us into the wilderness sometimes, but you have furnished a table for us there in the presence of our enemies. Your love has been perfected, even in our weakness!
You are goodness, truth, grace and lovingkindness; therefore we bless your name. Now blot out our sins. Let our unbelief be forgiven. Help us stand with no sin on our consciences, but be washed through Jesus’ blood. Give us the enjoyment of such confidence with you that we can lift up our faces without a cloud crossing over them, and can continue to grow in our trust of you.
Part of that Lord, will only come if you teach us to be resigned to your will. Teach us to delight in your word. Teach us to have no separate will from your own. Teach us to trust that everything your providence does is good, and the very best that could be for us. Help us leave our worries in your hands as we leave this time of prayer. This do that Jesus may be exalted in our midst and our ministry.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Numbers 13-15 + Mark 2
Saturday, February 21, 2009

Psalm 139:7-8  Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?  If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

God of Ages and Ageless God:
I worship you. Before your throne I bow my heart with joy. Make me sincerely say, I delight in God.
There was a time when I feared you Lord, with the fear of bondage. Now I reverence you with the fellowship of love. The thought of your omniscience used to scare me. I wanted to run from your oversight, but today Lord, I want to find you. My longing is to feel your presence throughout my day. It is heavenly if you are with me, and not just within me. My sick bed is soft and safe if you are there. The furnace of affliction grows cool when you are there. And my closet of prayer is the house of God when you are here.
Come near Lord, to all your children today. Some of us are very weak in body because of sickness, or faint in heart because of opposition. Soon Lord, lay your right hand on us and say, Fear not.
Maybe the world is attempting to tempt me today. Come near and kill the influence of sin with your superior presence! Even to worship does not seem easy sometimes. The Dragon pursues me, and the flood out of his mouth washes away my devotion. Give us wings like those of an eagle, so each of us—in our class and abroad on the mission field—can fly away into the place you have prepared for us. Give us closer fellowship with you there.
Job 39:27  Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?
Help me rest in your presence today, because only then can I display your power. This do to the glory and honor of Jesus’ name. Amen.

First Worship Service

• How Great Thou Art by Stuart Wesley Keene Hine
  • Hear it on Paul Baloche’s album “Our God Saves”
• En Los Montes, En Los Valles by Emmanuel Espinosa and Juan Salinas
  • Hear it on Marcos Witt’s album “Dios Es Bueno”
• Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes
  • Hear it on Israel and New Breed’s album “Live from Another Level”
• In Christ Alone by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty
  • Hear it on Anthony Evan’s album “Bridges”
• Great is Thy Faithfulness by Thomas Obediah Chisholm and William Marion Runyan
  • Hear it on Brian Doerksen’s album “Today”
• The Wonder of the Cross by Vicky Beeching
  • Hear it on Vicky Beeching’s album “Painting the Invisible”

Second Worship Service

• Every Move I Make by David Ruis
  • Hear it on David Crowder’s album “The Lime CD”
• Desert Song by Brooke Fraser
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• It Is Well With My Soul: Words by Horatio G. Spafford; Music by Philip P. Bliss
  • Hear it on “Amazing Grace – Timeless Hymns of Faith”
• From the Inside Out by Joel Houston
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Exodus 13-15 + Matthew 16
Monday, January 26, 2009
† Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
Living Lord and Loving Savior:
My sins are indeed like a cloud. Clouds have many shapes and sizes, and to my shame, so do my transgressions. Clouds block out the sun’s light and darken the landscape, and so do my sins hide the light of the gospel from many of my friends and acquaintances. It makes them sit in the shade of death. Oh Lord.
Clouds (and sin) are born from the earth. They rise up from the miry places of my own human nature. When they get so large their capacity is full, they can threaten my very existence. I know people for whom some sin has almost choked them to death. Their addictions rain down a flood of destructiveness.
Lord, I pray with Isaiah, blot them out. Instead of manifesting your anger to __________ and __________, reveal your grace! Remove their sin, not by blowing the cloud away, but by blotting it out of existence with Christ’s blood!
I need you, Lord. Against a justified man or woman no sin remains. The great transaction of the cross has completely removed my sin—if I trust in it. On Calvary’s summit my recovery was accomplished. It is finished, you said. I do not look for a “future grace,” but live on a present grace purchased for me by Christ in the past. It can free both me and my friends from habits that harm us.
Lord, help them obey the command to return unto me. All sinners have already been pardoned potentially. Why should any of them live at a distance from you? I bemoan my own backslidings, but do not let me remain in them. Put me in the closest possible communion with you today, and help me strive mightily in the Holy Ghost to bring others to the cross! Oh Lord, you have redeemed me. Oh Lord, use me to reach others for Jesus’ glory and sake. Amen.

TUESDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S MIRACLES

Chronological Reading: Exodus 16-18 + Matthew 17
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
John 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
Merciful Lord:
I think I have very little ability—probably only five chicken nuggets and two orders of fries worth—but I bring it all to you. Postmodern times are hard. People are starving for truth. Though I’m not sure you could use me, I want to be bold and present myself to you. Maybe, like Queen Esther, you will allow me to come on the scene of somebody’s life today for just such a time as this.
Lest I kid myself Lord, my small loaves do not say as much about my sacrifice as they do about your power! You, the living God of heaven, through Christ, are allied with my frailty, my lack of ability, my ignorance, and my appallingly small faith. If I am not hooked-up with you I can truly do nothing, but if I come into living touch with you I can do all things (Phil 4:13).
I hear you say of my meager resources, Bring them hither to me. Here is my brain; associate it with the teaching of the Spirit. Here is my heart; enflame it with your own love. Here is my tongue; touch it with a live coal from your altar. Here is my personhood; consecrate it perfectly by communion with Christ.
But let me go further and transfer all those things to you, because I also see that it says, And Jesus took the loaves. Make me your property, holding nothing in reserve. Let no time be used for selfishness, but all given to Christ. Let my knowledge not be stored like in a reservoir, but given to Christ. That is the way in which my city’s needs will be met and people’s hunger will be satisfied. It starts with me and my relationship with you. I want to be accepted by Jesus today. Holy Spirit, make it so to his glory. Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Exodus 19-21 + Matthew 18
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Daniel 6:10  Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
Dear God and Mighty Father:
Some rituals are not absolutely essential, but prayer is the essence of spirituality. This daily ritual between you and me creates a rhythm, and rhythm promotes spiritual momentum. If I lack this prayer time, I lack the very breath of the life of God for my soul.
Daniel was a man of excellent spirit and he was plentiful in prayer. Let me, like him, pray for my brothers and sisters who are in spiritual exile without revival in their lives. I remember those who are saved but still in bondage to some sin. I intercede for my pastor and our church. It grieves me that this city is laid waste and the heathen destroyer stands on Mount Zion.
Give us a return from the captivity of our community with revival! I pray for the boldness of Daniel, for I know it is ordained of God. Let me, like him, mix thanksgiving with all my requests. It is a poor devotion that never returns gratitude to you. Make prayer and praise the process by which I live. Prayer takes-in the deep breaths of the love and grace of God, and then praise exhales it out again. When I add my voice to the breath, then the sound becomes beautiful to the ear. Let me offer the sweet incense made of many spices, of sincere desires for revival, and longings mixed with devotion and adoration.
Let me not be promoted materially without my soul also prospering spiritually. I refuse to be intoxicated by, or infatuated with, worldly success. Let the lost drink it to the dregs; I will gather golden apples of truth instead. To kneel to your honor is worth whatever it may cost me. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Exodus 22-24 + Matthew 19
Thursday, January 29, 2009
2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
O THOU Who camest from above,
The pure celestial fire to impart,
Kindle a flame of sacred love
Upon the mean altar of my heart.

There let it for Thy glory burn
Unquenched, undimmed, in darkest days,
And trembling to its source return,
In humble prayer and fervent praise.

Jesus, confirm my heart’s desire
To work and speak and think for Thee;
Still let me guard the holy fire,
And still stir up Thy gift in me.

Ready for all Thy perfect will,
My acts of faith and love repeat,
Till death Thy endless mercies seal,
And make my sacrifice complete.

—Charles Wesley, 1762

FRIDAY—LIVING THE GREAT COMMISSION

Chronological Reading: Exodus 25-27 + Matthew 20
Friday, January 30, 2009
Isaiah 2:2  And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Almighty God and Heavenly Father:
Make it true! Words like these kindle our hopes for revival. Our church has always been a city set on a hill that could not be hid, and in the last two decades we have sent servants to all parts of the globe. But Lord, do something special with us in these, the last days. Make us what we were always meant to be for you!
Isaiah 2:3  And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Work a desire for God in the hearts of multitudes in our city. Give them an intense dissatisfaction with their life (or lifelessness). Make them willing to worship you. Let them become anxious to hear what we teach. Make them want to learn, and quick to practice. Let us labor mightily to bring about such revival.
Isaiah 2:8  Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made:
Sin is the reason people do not get saved. They set up something in the place of God. Lord, help us and heal us! Make the spirit of apathy flee away from us, and give the lost a heart-cry to be saved.
Isaiah 2:10  Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.
What a rebuke to our indifference. Come out of your secret place and revive us again, for we plead with you these promises. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Exodus 28-30 + Matthew 21:1-23
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Psalm 5:11  But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
Lead Me, O Lord:
Psalm 5:8  Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies;…
Like a child is led by his father, or a blind man is helped by his friend.
Psalm 5:8  … make thy way straight before my face.
Make THY way Lord, not MY way, straight. Help me learn to give up my own way and long to walk in your way. Guide me into righteousness because of my enemies, and teach me to beware of the wicked. There are many “human anteaters” that, with their long tongues covered with sticky words, entice and entrap so many.
Joy is my privilege as a believer. Because I love you Lord, therefore I delight in you. I feast every day when I feed on you. You give me music in the house, music in the heart, and music yet for heaven. You are my strength and my song because you’ve become my salvation.
Psalm 6:2  Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
I have sorrow, humiliation, and hatred of my sin. Let those be the marks of a contrite spirit before you. Do not withhold your rebuke, for then I lose a blessing in disguise. I need the Spirit’s conviction, not to be condemned, but in order to be sanctified. Sweeten your chastisements with the knowledge that they are not in anger but in love. I know my sins too well to think of my own merit, or appeal to anything but your grace. And so I make my appeal this day.
Psalm 6:4  Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.
For it is in Jesus’ name I make this plea. Amen.

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Leviticus 7-9 + Matthew 24:26-51
Monday, February 9, 2009
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Our Heavenly Savior:
In order to learn how to witness let me look to Christ’s example.
HE WITNESSED EVERYWHERE. He was witnessing to the woman by the well in Samaria. He was witnessing through his teaching in the temple. Whether in the lake’s boat or on the mountain’s brow, his words were telling the gospel. His mighty prayers were as loud as his magnificent preaching. Father, make me more like him!
HE WITNESSED IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE. Scribes and Pharisees could not shut his mouth. Who, even while being judged
1 Timothy 6:13 …before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
HE WITNESSED SO CLEARLY AND ACCURATELY THERE WAS NO MISUNDERSTANDING. Lord, make my life a clear testimony like his! Make me like the clear, bubbling brook, and not like the muddy stream, so that my heart’s love to God and man are visible to everyone. Father, make me more like him!
Don’t let me say, “I am true”—MAKE me true. Don’t let me boast of my integrity; MAKE me upright. Let my witness be so complete that people cannot help but see it, no matter what words I say. But then, Lord Jesus, warm my lips with a coal from the altar. Let me speak like Spirit-anointed lips ought to!
Ecclesiastes 11:6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
Let me do so by the Spirit’s power for Jesus’ sake today. Amen.

TUESDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S LIFE

Chronological Reading: Leviticus 10-12 + Matthew 25:1-23
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Heavenly Lord:
Without you I can do nothing, and if I am a branch, then what I am designed to do is bear fruit. Apart from you I can produce nothing, make nothing, create nothing, accomplish nothing. Make me bear the fruits of the Spirit that are expected from someone spiritually united to Christ.
What fruit needs to come from such a root! Being a branch in you Jesus, what good I have to produce! But I can do nothing if there is not a constant union. Let me use that thought to help me fulfill Paul’s commands to
† 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.
Do I make sure to take Christ with me? If I am on my way, do I suddenly stop and say, “I am without the Master. I dare not go another step”? Make the abiding consciousness of your presence through your Spirit the basic fundamental element of my strength and spiritual power.
Power to change the human will, power to enlighten the minds of the lost to the things of God, power to influence their attitude toward repentance and faith—surely these things come only from you. Do I really believe that? Or do I rely on self?
The power lies with the Master. The might is not in the sword, but in the Spirit that wields it. We must have Christ in our pews, in our aisles, in our pulpits, and in my cubicle when I stand up to speak for him. Make me feel like he is with me, even to the end of the world. Give me grace to acknowledge you in all things today, so that revival might be on my path. I ask it for Jesus’ glory. Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Leviticus 13-15 + Matthew 25:24-46
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ezekiel 18:27  Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.
Almighty and Merciful God:
The Bible tells me to confess afresh my many sins and wickedness, and that I should not evade or cloak them when I appear before your face. Today Lord I confess them with a humble, lowly, penitent and obedient heart. I thank you that I have received forgiveness through your infinite mercy by the merit of Christ.
I have erred and strayed from your ways like a lost lamb. I have followed the desires and devices of my own heart too often. I have offended against your holy law. I have left undone those things that ought to have been done, and done those things that I ought not to have done. There is no soundness in me!
But you, O Lord, have all the soundness I need, and display mercy to miserable offenders. You spare those who confess their faults before you. You restore those who repent, and you do so according to the promises declared by Jesus Christ and recorded in your word. Grant Lord, for Jesus’ sake, that I might live today a godly, righteous, and sober life in light of the lateness of this hour. Bring us revival that we might live to the glory of your holy name.
Deliver me from the bonds of those sins that take advantage of my human faults and frailty. Lead me not into temptation, because you know how I find the way too easily by myself. Grant this for Christ Jesus’ sake because of what he accomplished on the cross. And then,
Psalm 51:15  O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.
Deny me not this plea, because by this your name will be glorified. All these things I ask and revival expect, for Jesus Christ’s sake who died to make us all whole. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Leviticus 16-18 + Matthew 26:1-37
Thursday, February 12, 2009
1 Samuel 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands.
I’VE seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll.
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, which almost conquered my soul.
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior, bidding me still to fight on.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

The world’s fierce winds are blowing, temptation sharp and keen.
I have a peace in knowing my Savior stands between—
He stands to shield me from danger when my friends are all gone.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

When in affliction’s valley I tread the road of care,
My Savior helps me carry the cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness, earthly joys all flown;
My Savior whispers His promise, never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,
He promised never to leave me, He’ll claim me for His own;
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.

—Ludie D. Pickett, 1897

FRIDAY—LIVING THE GREAT COMMISSION

Chronological Reading: Leviticus 19-21 + Matthew 26:38-75
Friday, February 13, 2009
1 Chronicles 16:29  Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Heavenly Father and Holy Lord:
We praise you. We acknowledge you to be LORD as well as our Lord. To you all the angels cry aloud, as well as all the powers in heaven. Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of your glory.
The company of the apostles praises you
The fellowship of the prophets praises you
The noble army of martyred believers praises you
The true church throughout the world acknowledges you
You are the Father of an infinite majesty, adorable and true. You are King of glory, O Christ. You took upon yourself to deliver us, and even overcame the sharpness of death. The kingdom is now open to all who believe. We know that you are coming back to be our judge. We pray therefore, O Father, help your servants whom you have redeemed with the precious blood of your Son. Number us with the saints in glory. Save your people and bless your heritage. Govern us now and lift us up forever. Day by day help us magnify you! Promise, O Lord, to keep us today without sin.
Habakkuk 3:2  O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.
Let your mercy be upon us as our trust is in you.
Psalm 22:5  They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.
We cry to you; we trust in you; we are confused but not conquered. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Leviticus 22-24 + Matthew 27:1-22
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Psalm 22:22  I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
Eternal Lord and Master:
This is the Psalm of the cross. It shows your thoughts at a time when you were friendless and totally spent, like water poured out on the ground. The first Adam made us all naked, and the last Adam was stripped in shame so he could clothe our souls with his righteousness. Your heart failed you as your whole being was made a sacrifice, like a drink offering poured out to God. Holy Spirit, help me pause to view his wounds.
And even so, let my thoughts, like Jesus’, return to delight in your church. How much am I blessed because you are not ashamed to call me “brethren.” Even on the cross you anticipated happiness in communion with your people. Make it so for me, as I bear my cross and follow you today, for therein is the fellowship of your sufferings.
The best method for me to show thankfulness for salvation is to tell others what the Lord has done. Give me boldness to do that today. I mention my sorrows readily enough; why should I be so slow to declare my salvation?
Psalm 22:26  The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
I find a feast in Jesus. Let me feed on him today. I was famished Lord, until you gave yourself for me, but now I find bread to the satisfaction of my soul. Let me worship with all my heart the God who deals so bountifully with me in the grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus has provided for joy, for good times, and for comfort in bearing the cross. Amidst all the disasters of my life, you still reign. Make that to be seen by everyone, for so I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Exodus 31-33 + Matthew 21:24-46

Monday, February 2, 2009
Nehemiah 2:4  Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
Dear Lord of Heaven and Gracious God:
Like Nehemiah, for months I have prayed about the ruined walls of my life and other’s lives. Day and night, their soul is written on my heart—even painted on my eyelids. With one single absorbing passion I pray like Nehemiah did.
His was not the prayer that stands knocking at mercy’s door. His was the concentration of many knocks into one sharpened battering ram. It was prayed in the space between the king’s question and his own answer. It was an interval not long enough to be noticed, but long enough to pray exclamatory prayer—long enough to seek and receive guidance on what to say. This is prayer in an electronic flash. This is praying intuitively, yet it is prayer that prevails with God.
In the innermost shrine of the temple, in the holy of holies of my own secret soul, there do I desire to pray. Not just now, but at every opportunity. Not just on my knees, but in my heart. Not just the first task of the day, but all day. Short and silent, prayer on the spot that hits the spot. There and then (with the boss’s cup in my hand!) let me pray to the God of heaven before I answer any opportunity to witness. Let me be direct and intense with you.
I know whom I am praying to: the God of heaven. I do not draw the bow and shoot at random. I want to go straight to God. Teach me Lord, to estimate rightly the value of exclamatory prayer as evangelistic prayer—the prayer of the moment, the prayer du jour. Let me get a little bit of a prayer shoved in sideways between any opportunity and my reaction. A mere fragment of a devotion, it is more than enough to call the God of heaven down to earth to intervene. In this I rejoice for Jesus’ sake and for his will. Amen.

TUESDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S MIRACLES

Chronological Reading: Exodus 34-36 + Matthew 22:1-23

Tuesday, February 3, 2009
John 6:12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
Mighty Savior:
I want to be not only dedicated, but consecrated. The loaves and fishes were plenty enough after they were blessed by you. That is the thing I seek from you today. As little as I am, you know what you can make of me if I am consecrated to your cause and given-over to the spiritual struggle to exalt the cross. I therefore give thanks for the miracles you are about to accomplish in my life to reach others!
Though riding high in glory today, I believe you are still grateful when sacrifices are made for you. I believe you still thank your Father when I, with trembling lip, offer my best prayer or praise to you. However small, I believe you are glad when you can touch it with your hand and add a blessing to its use.
What a relief. If I serve Christ I can never run dry! You take what I offer— not to dispose of it, but to distribute it—and it is in that process of giving it away that you multiply it. You give so that it can be given away. You multiply as soon as I begin to minister. Oh for grace to go on blessing others today!
I state my belief by this prayer, that a Christ who could once feed five thousand can now feed a million. I don’t think much of myself in accomplishing that task, but I think much of you, Lord. Whatever I am, you thought it worth your while to purchase me with your blood. Now make use of me. I bring myself and all that I have to you.

Part of the result of the operation is that I will have a basket of fragments to carry back to your feet. I want to draw on your strength so my faith will become more mighty by exercise. Make me a blessing to Jesus! Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Exodus 37-38 + Matthew 22:24-46
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Daniel 9:23  At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
O Lord and Holy Father:
To what can I liken the pleadings of Daniel? He thundered and lightninged at the gates of heaven with his prayers. He stood before God Almighty and said, “You have brought me to this place like you brought Jacob to the Jabbok river. I intend to stay all night and wrestle with you till the break of day. I will not let go unless you bless me.”
Lord I need an answer; help me have a fervent prayer. If my prayer time with you is not fervent it will not be effective, as James 5:16 says. Get rid of the icicles around my lips. Thaw the caves of my soul. Make my heart like a furnace of fire heated seven times hotter. If my heart does not burn within, I may as well question whether Jesus is with me at all.
Oh, for a mighty cry! Oh, for a prevailing petition! Oh, for a heaven-shaking supplication! Oh, for a prayer that will make the gates of heaven open at last—a cry that your arm cannot resist!
Give us this week a cry of saints knit together in love and filled with the Holy Ghost. Throw a stone into the stagnant pool of our church, and bring the waves of revival over my heart, to your church, and around my acquaintances.
Days of refreshing will only come in your presence. I will now say in your sight, that even if you do not please to hear me at the beginning, it is my desire to wait on you until you do. If you still remain hidden behind the mountains of my day, yet will I wait for you like the morning Sun. But tarry not, O Lord. Make haste, O my beloved. I ask it in the full authority of Jesus’ name. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Exodus 39-40 + Matthew 23:1-20
Thursday, February 5, 2009
1 Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.
In my moments of fear, through ev’ry pain, ev’ry tear,
There’s a God who’s been faithful to me.
When my strength was all gone, when my heart had no song,
He’s proved faithful to me.
Ev’ry word He’s promised is true;
What I thought was impossible I see my God do.
He’s been faithful, faithful to me,
Looking back His love and mercy I see.
Though in my heart I have questioned, even failed to believe
Yet, He’s been faithful, faithful to me.
When my heart looked away, the many times I could not pray,
Still my God He was faithful to me.
The days I spent so selfishly, reaching out for what pleased me;
Even then God was faithful to me.
Ev’ry time I come back to Him,
He is waiting with open arms and I see once again
He’s been faithful, faithful to me,
Looking back His love and mercy I see.
Though in my heart I have questioned, even failed to believe
Yet, He’s been faithful, faithful to me.
—Carol Cymbala, 1989

FRIDAY—LIVING THE GREAT COMMISSION

Chronological Reading: Leviticus 1-3 + Matthew 23:21-39
Friday, February 6, 2009
Zephaniah 3:16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.
O Lord, Come in Our Midst:
Your house is our own house; your family is our family. Unless you are extolled and your gospel conquers, we feel like our own personal agenda is thwarted, and we ourselves are in disgrace. It is no small thing to us Lord; it is our life to have your presence in our midst.
Many hands are slack today. Your people have been robbed of the strength we need for our journey. The doctrinal always affects the practical, and our lax lifestyle is a result of our limp theology.
Whatever we have not got, we have a God who can turn it around. Do so for your own glory, Father. Bring us as a church to the point of perfection in the fullness of the stature of Christ. Grow us up in him—that’s revival!
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
There is one thing that we crave along the way: save souls. Imperfect though we are, we fear not when you speak. You see us as we are, and you still see us as usable to reach of others. When we cannot rejoice in self, we rejoice in your cause, and in the power of your Spirit to bring a sacredness to our existence. When our face is blurred with tears, and our eyes red with weeping, and our heart heavy with sorrow for sin, we still rejoice in your marvelous plan—the gospel.
Often our trials are no worse than soap in the eyes of a child. You wash us with tribulations and persecutions, but you are still resting in your love for us. We sigh for your promises and long for a visit of your love, but your love is not changed even if you do not comfort us. Just give us more of Jesus. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Leviticus 4-6 + Matthew 24:1-25
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Psalm 6:9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
LORD:
If I have times of weeping, let me shorten them. Then let me get up and put distance between the “evil man” and me. It is not enough for me to complain about the desecration of the temple of my heart, and my need for revival; I have to drive-out the buyers and the sellers and overturn their tables. Help me to hate even more than I do the sins that cost my Savior his blood.
There is a voice to my weeping. Weeping is the eloquence of my sorrow over sin. Tears are an unstammering orator, needing no interpreter. Tears are my liquid prayer. I can weep when I cannot plead,  for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping (Psa. 6:8).
† Psalm 7:1 O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:
What a blessing, Lord, if you will allow me to turn even the most disastrous events of my life into a theme for a song of praise. Whatever my problems, it will always be right to reaffirm my reliance on you. It is never right to distrust you, and never vain to rest on you.
No amount of innocence will shield me from slander, but let me decrease the market for lies. Help me put forth so much of the truth that there is no one left to believe the lies. I ask you for strength. I plead for your grace.
I understand my need for revival, Lord. Bring it not for my sake, but for the sake of your Son, who died for all those that will be affected by revival in my life. Let me lead some soul to the Savior before the end of this year! Let me stand strong to defend the faith. Give me greater appreciation for my brethren. In Jesus’ name and power do this. Amen and amen.

First Worship Service

• Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King by Robert Robinson and Thomas Miller
  • Hear it on Gateway Worship’s album “Living For You”
• Hosanna by Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown
  • Hear it on Paul Baloche’s album “A Greater Song”
• Indescribable by Laura Story
  • Hear it on Laura Story’s album “Great God Who Saves”
• How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves
  • Hear it on Chris Tomlin’s album “Arriving”
• Reign in Us by Tim Neufeld, Jon Neufeld, and Ben Glover
  • Hear it on Starfield’s album “I Will Go”

Second Worship Service

• All We Need by Charlie Hall
  • Hear it on Charlie Halls’ album “Flying into Daybreak”
• What the World Will Never Take by Matt Crocker, Scott Ligertwood, and Marty Sampson
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “Look to You”
• Found by Dave George
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “All of the Above”
• None But Jesus by Brooke Fraser
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “United We Stand”
• Revolutionary Love by Jeremy Bush, David Crowder, and Jack Parker
  • Hear it on David Crowder’s album “Illuminate”