First Worship Service

• Prince of Peace (You are Holy) by Mark Imboden, and Tammi Rhoton
  • Hear it on Michael W. Smith’s album “Worship Again”
• Your Grace is Enough by Matt Maher
  • Hear it on Matt Maher’s album “Empty and Beautiful”
• How Firm a Foundation: From Caldwell’s Union Harmony, 1837; “K” – in Rippon’s Selection of Hymns
  • Hear it on “Worship Well”
• Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman and Beth Redman
  • Hear it on Anthony Evans’ album “The Bridge”
• Rock of Ages: Text by Augustus M. Toplady; Music by Thomas Hastings
  • Hear it on Chris Rice’s album “Peace Like a River: The Hymns Project”
• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms: Words by Elisha A. Hoffman; Music by Anthony J. Showalter
  • Hear it on Linda Randle’s album “Hymns”
• God Will Make a Way by Don Moen
  • Hear it on Don Moen’s album “Arise – A Celebration of Worship”

Second Worship Service

• You Deserve by Matt Crocker and James Dunlop
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman and Beth Redman
  • Hear it on Matt Redman’s album “Blessed Be Your Name: The Songs of Matt Redman, Vol. 1″
• Where We Belong by Joel Davies and Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• In Your Freedom by Marty Sampson and Raymond Badham
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “Saviour King”
• What the World Will Never Take by Matt Crocker, Scott Ligertwood, and Marty Sampson
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: 1Kings 1-3 + Luke 18:27-43
Monday, April 27, 2009

Job 9:2 I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?

O God My Father:
I deserve to be cast out of your heaven forever, and cut off from all hope of mercy eternally. I deserve to fall under the curse of the same law I have broken, and be forever banished from the blessings of the grace that I refused for so long. I have sinned against so much mercy and light that I am no longer worthy to be called your child. I am utterly unworthy of any of the favors promised in your word, yet you have given me encouragement to hope for them. If you contend with us for our transgressions, we are not able to answer you, O Lord, nor do we make excuse for one of a thousand (Job 9:3).
Psalm 130:3-4,7  If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
O Father, take away the guilt of my sins by the atonement of your Son. Subdue the power of my sin by your Spirit! Deliver me from the natural darkness of my own mind, from the corruption of my heart, and from the perverse tendencies of my evil propensities and passions. Free me from the temptations I am exposed to, and from the daily snares that follow me. I am in constant danger while I am in this life, so let the watchful eye of God be on me for my defense. Deliver me from your wrath, and from the eternal punishment that is due to my sins in hell. Save me from the power of my enemies in this world, and from all the painful consequences I have justly exposed myself to by sinning against you. Until I feel wounded for my own sins, really wounded, I will never be prepared to bring the Spirit’s mercies to others. Give me grace to seek Jesus’ face, because I ask it in his name and for his sake. Amen.

TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: 1Kings 4-6 + Luke 19:1-24
Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Joshua 5:12  And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.

Guiding God and Gracious Redeemer:
The Promised Land was possessed. No more camping out, no more moving tents, no more fiery serpents or fierce Amalekites in a howling wilderness. They came to live in a land flowing with milk and honey.
Lord, make it so this Spring! Make each of our services flow with the milk and honey of souls saved! Help us give honey to the lost, so their eyes might be enlightened and their blindness to the gospel removed! Let us give the milk of the word of God to the precious children—both those that are our physical children, and others who are children in the faith. The possibility is both joyful and awe-inspiring!
Make our faith an active exercise to yield a sure reward. Our unbelief shudders at Jordan’s waters—obstacles that stand in between. Help us, with Jesus the Captain of the Lord’s host, to banish every fearful thought from, and let us rejoice with exceeding great joy in the prospects of the summer. Let it be the earnest prayer of every ministry head and leader that we would see souls saved. We rest in your love; so we reach out. We have perfect peace in Jesus; so let others. We have pardon and forgiveness; so let the lost. This is not denied any sinner that will simply come to Christ and enter into that rest.
Help us Lord to gather eternal fruit (the souls of people) on earthly ground. We are well-watered at this church. Give us great buckets of the water of life for others, and rain down on us in revival! We have no need of angel’s food yet. Give us the grace of Jesus Christ to feed on, for we ask it in his precious name. Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: 1Kings 7-9 + Luke 19:25-48
Wednesday, April  29, 2009

James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Glorious God and Heavenly Father:
You don’t give like we do: a handout to the panhandler. You distribute your riches by bucket. When Solomon asked for wisdom, you gave him wealth and power. Nearly every time someone in the Old Testament prays, you give ten times as much as what is asked. What grace there was, even under the law!
That is the habit of God. You not only redeem your promises to me, but when you could pay me off in silver you instead deliver them in gold. Thank you Lord for not being stingy with me. You have generously forgiven my sins and been none the poorer. Why should you withhold your favor this week? Let me bathe in the river of grace. Pour floods on the dry ground and bring us revival!
Job 5:8-9  I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:
Psalm 145:3  Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
Ephesians 3:8  Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
So let me preach from my personal pulpit this week, for there is an ocean of mercy for sinners. There is an Ark large enough to hold everyone. And better yet, you don’t find fault with the seeker. You have invited me to ask. Do not let me add to my other sins the sin of distrust, because that kills revival. Let me pray intimately, immediately, humbly and reverently for both wisdom and grace today. God, enlarge my vision of your Son Jesus. Drive out my doubts and fears for his sake alone. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: 1Kings 10-12 + Luke 20:1-23
Thursday, April 30, 2009

Titus 1:5 …set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

JESUS, still lead on, till our rest be won,
And, although the way be cheerless,
We will follow calm and fearless,
Guide us by Thy hand to our fatherland.

If the way be drear, if the foe be near,
Let no faithless fears o’ertake us,
Let not faith and hope forsake us,
For through many a woe to our home we go.

When we seek relief from a long felt grief;
When temptations come alluring,
Make us patient and enduring;
Show us that bright shore where we weep no more.

Jesus, still lead on, till our rest be won;
Heavenly Leader, still direct us,
Still support, control, protect us,
Till we safely stand in our fatherland.

Nikolaus L. von Zinzendorf, 1721

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S MIRACLES

Chronological Reading: 1Kings 13-15 + Luke 20:24-47
Friday, May 1, 2009

Matthew 12:13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

Healing Lord:
I am that man! I am hopelessly helpless to obey you in the flesh. My human strength lost the moisture of life and has withered.
I have labored under a burden for so long—the belief that you do not use real sinners, but the people you use are somehow not quite as bad as me. Maybe there is not such an intense struggle in their life as in mine. Or if there is a great struggle, it is not such an utter hopelessness and helplessness like I feel. I think I’m dried up. So really, I am the one to whom you give this command!
Your call to spiritual leadership is not addressed to novices, but to those who have struggled. It is given to those like me, who have wrestled, whose nose has been bloodied in battle. Afresh I confess you are calling me to do things that naturally and in myself I am incapable of doing.
2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
If I could stretch out my hand on my own, there would be no miracle needed. Even though it seems like I cannot move forward spiritually, you are talking to me as if I can. You have called to me in all my misery and incapacity, and that very inability is just the stage where you want your power displayed. It is because I am incapable and incurable—unable, and perceive myself as being unsuitable and unusable—that therefore your Spirit is calling me to act! That way the excellency of the power may be seen to be of God, and not in me.
Do I understand these things yet? Lord, use me to your glory by the overcoming power of your Spirit today. I yield myself to you. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: 1Kings 16-18 + Luke 21
Saturday, May 2, 2009

Psalm 72:7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

Gracious God:
Solomon was both king and a king’s son; so is my Lord Jesus. He has power and authority in himself, but also by royal prerogative. I am waiting until he is manifested as ever-righteous judge.
I thank you Lord that I can really never suffer wrong, because I am a subject of your kingdom. Your throne is unspotted by a single deed of injustice or mistake of judgment. Everything you have done in my life is right. Everything you have allowed the wicked to do against me you have used. An understanding of your providence preserves my sanity. I do not always see what it is you are trying to do, but my King deals in justice.
Where Jesus is, there is peace. Even those things I once dreaded have lost their terror when I see Jesus as my King. When I see Jesus my King, then trials only increase my peace. All the powers and passions of my soul are filled with tranquility in trust.
Isaiah 55:12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:
Sin, Satan, and my enemies are all crushed by the ruling rod of my King Jesus. I have no cause to be scared, but great reason to sing.
Psalm 72:12 For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.
May others also make Jesus Lord! When they have owned him as their King, then they will have escaped the tyranny of the Prince of Darkness. I do not yet see all things under your feet. But with Jesus on the throne, I have no doubts about the outcome. Give me grace to trust you more today. Amen.

First Worship Service

• Again I Say Rejoice by Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey
  • Hear it on Israel & New Breed’s album “Live from Another Level”
• Brethren We Have Met to Worship: Text by George Atkins; Music by William Moore
  • Hear it on Bart Millard’s album “Hymned Again”
• ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus: Words by Louisa M. R. Stead; Music by William J. Kirkpatrick
  • Hear it on Jadon Lavik’s album “Roots Run Deep”
• King of Wonders by Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Stuart Garrard, Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Martin Smith, Michael W. Smith, and Chris Tomlin
  • Hear it on “CompassionArt: Creating Freedom from Poverty”
• I Give You My Heart by Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Reuben Morgan’s album “World Through Your Eyes”
• Living in the Last Days by Dorothy A. Peoples
  • Hear it on Dottie Peoples’ album “Show Up and Show Out”

Second Worship Service

• Take My Life by Chris Tomlin, Frances Ridley Havergal, Henri Abraham Cesar Malan, and Louie Giglio
  • Hear it on Passion’s “Hymns, Ancient and Modern”
• Salvation is Here by Joel Houston
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”
• Where We Belong by Joel Davies and Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• You Never Let Go by Matt Redman and Beth Redman
  • Hear it on Matt Redman’s album “Beautiful News”
• Take it All by Matt Crocker, Scott Ligertwood, and Marty Sampson
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “United We Stand”

First Worship Service

• My Redeemer Lives by Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Reuben Morgan’s album “World Through Your Eyes”
• Christ the Lord is Risen Today: Charles Wesley; Music from Lyra Davidica, London 1708
  • Hear it on PraiseCharts’ album “PraiseHymns: Timeless Hymns for Contemporary Worship (Vol. 1)”
• Holy is the Lord by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio
  • Hear it on the The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s album “I’ll Say Yes (Live)”
• My Savior My God by Aaron Shust and Dorothy Dora Greenwell
  • Hear it on Aaron Shust’s album “Anything Worth Saying”
• Enough by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio
  • Hear it on Jeremy Camp’s album “Carried Me – The Worship Project”
• Sweetly Broken by Jeremy Riddle
  • Hear it on Jeremy Riddle’s album “Full Attention”
• Because He Lives by William J. Gaither and Gloria Gaither
  • Hear Kristen Chenoweth’s arrangement on “Hymns for Worship”
• He Is Lord by Tom Fettke
  • Hear it on Alvin Slaughter’s album “Overcomer”
• Christ is Risen by Jeremy Riddle
  • Hear it on Jeremy Riddle’s album “The Now and Not Yet”

Second Worship Service

• You Are Here (The Same Power) by Dave George and Grant Pankratz
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• One Way by Joel Houston and Jonathon Douglass
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”
• How He Loves by John Mark McMillan
  • Hear it on Eddie Kirkland’s album “Orthodoxy”
• Nothing but the Blood by Robert Lowry
  • Hear it on Fernando Ortega’s album”Hymns & Meditations”
• Jesus Paid it All: Words by Elvina M. Hall; Music by John T. Grape; Music by Alex Nifong
  • Hear Kristian Stanfill’s arrangement on “Passion: Everything Glorious”
• We Won’t Be Quiet by David Crowder, Mike Hogan, and Jack Parker
  • Hear it on the David Crowder Band’s album “Remedy”

Both worship services:

Drama: “An Inconvenient Resurrection” by Gary Young

First Worship Service

• Friend of God by Israel Houghton and Michael Gungor
  • Hear it on Israel and New Breed’s album “Live from Another Level”
  • En Español: Coalo Zamorano’s “Eres mi pasión” (En vivo)
• Hosanna by Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown
  • Hear it on Paul Baloche’s album “A Greater Song”
• Mighty to Save by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Laura Story’s album “Great God Who Saves”
  • En Español: En Espíritu y en Verdad’s “Luz y Salvación (En Vivo)”
• Floodgate by Paul Colman and Michael Neale
  • Hear it on The People’s Church’s album “Shine Out – Live from the People’s Church”
• My Jesus I Love Thee: Music by Adoniram J. Gordon; Text by William Featherston
  • Hear it on “The Longing”
• The Motions by Jason Houser, Sam Mizell, and Matthew West
  • Hear it on Matthew West’s album “Something to Say”

Second Worship Service

• You Are Good by Jeff Deyo, Rob Hawkins, Jeremy McCoy, and Fred Williams
  • Hear it on Jeff Deyo’s album “Saturate”
• Your Name High by Joel Houston
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• Hosanna by Brooke Fraser
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “Saviour King”
• I Exalt Thee by Pete Sanchez Jr.
  • Hear it on Israel and New Breed’s album “New Season”
• We Won’t Be Quiet by David Crowder, Mike Hogan, and Jack Parker
  • Hear it on the David Crowder Band’s album “Remedy”

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: 2Samuel 7-9 + Luke 13
Monday, April 20, 2009

Luke 8:47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

Dear Healing Lord and Helping Savior:
This woman was apparently misinformed. She thought power came out of you by magic, without your direct knowledge or will. And since she was a stranger to your generous character, she tried to steal a cure you were ready to give away. But how like __________ she is in her ignorance, and how like __________ in her superstition. My friends are in misery! Help them place themselves in a right spot toward your mercy.
They can likewise get saved, and then rejoice with trembling. Give them the assurance of salvation, knowing that you will never retract the blessing of forgiveness. Help them understand the fullness of your love.
My lost family and friends do not have as clear a picture of your cross as I want them to. They need to know the heights and the depths of your love to them. Little may be their knowledge, little may be their faith, but if it is real faith it can save even them, and do it immediately.
Give them faith as a grain of mustard seed and eternal life will be their possession. Like me, they may be the slowest in the slow class, but they can still be heirs of eternal life through faith and adopted into God’s family. Then no power, human or demonic, can eject or reject them from salvation.
I cannot grab you in my hands like Simeon. I cannot lean my head on your chest like John. But if I can venture into the crowd behind and just touch the hem of your garment, my faith will make me whole. Give courage to the timid ones today so they seek you and find peace. Do it for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: 2Samuel 10-12 + Luke 14
Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Giver of Grace:
WE CRY OUT TO YOU TO GIVE US MORE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. We need him to be inside us more and more mightily as the spirit of prayer, making intercession in us with groanings that cannot be uttered. We don’t want our church to miss your blessings for lack of intentionally asking for them!
WE CRY OUT TO YOU TO GIVE US MORE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. That he may be our advocate—not with God, because we have that in Jesus Christ—but with men and women! Your indwelling is the standing miracle of our lives.
Acts 4:14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
Make it so in our lives Lord, and in our church, so all the opposition has to admit that Jesus’ work is real, because of they see it in changed lives. We can conquer every doubt when we are in contact with you.
WE CRY OUT TO YOU TO GIVE US MORE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Because we want to see you work today just like “back in the day.” Why do we need new inventions when we have the Holy Spirit’s power? And what have we to do with old limitations—Oh Spirit of God—if you go with us?
WE CRY OUT TO YOU TO GIVE US MORE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. We need you for holiness, so make us more like Jesus! We need you for a heart of compassion that cares for the poor and loves the fallen. We need you to freeze our native unbelief. Let us not be distrustful of Jesus as we plan.
WE CRY OUT TO YOU TO GIVE US MORE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Only his anointing will do for this hour. Answer us to Jesus’ glory. Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: 2Samuel 13-15 + Luke 15
Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Ezra 9:6  O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.

O Lord, My Father:
You, are in heaven, but I am still on earth. My being is but yesterday and my foundation is in the dust. It is only in you that I have any purpose, and live and move and have my being. If you withhold your breath I die.
I mourn before you Lord, because of my pride and vanity of mind, the aggression of my arrogance, my earthly-mindedness and love of this world, my sensuality and indulgence of my flesh, my carnal security and unthankfulness under a cloudburst of plenteous mercies, my fretfulness and impatience, and my sinful defection in times of trial. I confess my neglect of spiritual disciplines and lack of love to you, my unbelief and hardness of heart, my slothfulness and decay in spirituality, the dishonors I have brought to your name, and all my mistakes toward my fellow creatures. How often have they been repeated—both before I knew you savingly, and even since. I committed them against much light and I have sinned against much love. After many rebukes, both through the Bible and through your providence, and after many comforts from the gospel and the Spirit of God, I have nevertheless done all these things.
Job 40:4  Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
Lamentations 3:29  He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.
I put my face on the floor to worship and plead for forgiveness, trusting in the merits of Jesus Christ my Lord. Mercy must start there. Spiritual power and life more abundant begins in that spot. Make Jesus more and more to me. Make him my all in all, and give me revival in result. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: 2Samuel 16-18 + Luke 16
Thursday, April 23, 2009

Luke 19:5 Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

NOTHING between my soul and my Savior,
Naught of this world’s delusive dream;
I have renounced all sinful pleasure;
Jesus is mine, there’s nothing between.

Nothing between, like worldly pleasure;
Habits of life, though harmless they seem;
Must not my heart from Him ever sever;
He is my all, there’s nothing between.

Nothing between, like pride or station;
Self or friends shall not intervene;
Though it may cost me much tribulation,
I am resolved, there’s nothing between.

Nothing between, e’en many hard trials,
Though the whole world against me convene;
Watching with prayer and much self denial,
I’ll triumph at last, there’s nothing between.

—Charles A. Tindley, 1905

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S MIRACLES

Chronological Reading: 2Samuel 19-21 + Luke 17
Friday, April 24, 2009

Mark 3:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

Merciful Savior:
No one wants to have a withered hand, and Lord I do not want to be spiritually lifeless or useless. But I know so many people who need healing, yet they don’t even want to be healed. I want to be saved from hell, but I want to be saved from my addictive habits and sins as well. I want to be saved from the power of evil, the love of sin, the vanity of fools, and the very ability to find pleasure in transgression. In my heart of hearts I hate myself, and long to be like Jesus! I desire to be what I am too weak to be, and to do what I am too withered to do, and yet I desire it. So I cry with Paul in agony,
Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
I want to, but I can’t. My heart feels like a stone sometimes. I want to love Christ more than I do. I am withered and dried up. I want to be holy, but sin comes-in and carries me away.
Give me the force of your command, Stretch forth thine hand! Emancipate me from the bondage of corruption! Your name is Jesus, so save me from my sins, because I am a real sinner and not just a poser. In Mark’s account you see the disapproval in the hearts of the Pharisees, so surely you are knowledgeable of my own inner condition. Say to this dead sinner:
1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God:
I will trust by faith in your power to rule all my passions, Lord. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: 2Samuel 22-24 + Luke 18:1-26
Saturday, April 25, 2009

Psalm 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

Merciful Father:
Everything alive tastes your sparing mercy, but those who hear the gospel and receive it taste your inviting mercy. I live by your saving mercy, am preserved by your upholding mercy, am cheered-up by your comforting mercy, and will enter heaven by your infinite and everlasting mercy. Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise! Since I know I live on it, I need to glorify it more.
Do not let me harbor grudges and resentment, because your grace will not have that. Even in the hour of my most bitter injustice, I have never suffered like I deserve to. You did not determine my lot by what I had coming to me, but by undeserved lovingkindness. You looked beyond my fault and saw my need. Truly, your mercy to me cannot be measured.
Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
What a load to move! And yet you removed it so far that the distance rises to the infinite.
My sin is removed by a miracle of love. The scent, the trace, the very memory of it is taken away. That being the case, there should be no shade of fear about it ever returning. Satan himself could not retrieve it. Jesus was my Scapegoat twenty centuries ago, and now my sins cannot be found.
Nobody but you, Jesus! Only the Lord alone could remove sin at all, and you have removed all my sin. You did it in a Godlike way, taking them away. Now give me strength equal to this day to love you, to bless you, to serve you and to glorify you in it. For so I ask in Jesus’ merit and to his credit. Amen.

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: 1Samuel 22-24 + Luke 10:1-21
Monday, April 13, 2009

1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

O Lord My Father:
Let me put myself in the seat of my lost friend _________. All I have to do is consider who I was, and what I feel like even now when temptation has power over me, and I marvel at your salvation. I am called the son of God! Lord, help me to be used of your Spirit to bring __________ into that same relationship.
What a privileged relationship to be a son. What care and tenderness I can expect from my Father. All that—and more than that—I have a right to expect through the grace that is in Jesus Christ.
There is one temporary drawback: suffering. But suffering simply brings me into sympathy and conformity with Christ my elder brother. Lord, help me accept it as an honor, and count it all joy when I can be “’buked and rebuked” with him, no matter what direction it comes from. I am content to be unknown with him in his humiliation, because I know I will be exalted with him in his kingdom!
Right now I am a son of God. That is easy to read but sometimes hard for me to feel. How is it with other hearts today? Can I go out and find someone in sorrow to share the good news with? Corruption so often rises inside my flesh. Grace often seems like a spark trampled underfoot. My faith almost fails so many times. I thank you I can “fear not,” because it is neither on my own graces nor in my own feelings that I rely. I simply live by the life of Christ.
With all these things against me, now—as much in the valley as on the mountaintop—I am a son of the living God. Help me lead others to the same adoption in Christ. My righteousness does not shine as it could, but when He shall appear, I shall be like him. Hasten that day, for Jesus’ sake! Amen.

TUESDAY—40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR THE KURDS

Chronological Reading: 1Samuel 25-27 + Luke 10:22-42
Tuesday, April 14, 2009

1 John 3:21-22  Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

God Our Confidence and Guide:
Childlike faith makes us pray like nothing else can. It causes us to petition without reservation for great things we would otherwise never ask. It also makes us pray for little things many other people never ask for. Give us today the confident dependence of a child. Don’t let us believe that somehow great things are worthy of your attention, but mundane things are not. No, because everything is small stuff to you! What we really need is to have a constant communion over things both great and small.
What is very important to a child may be small to his parent. But how many times does the parent graciously measure the request, not from his own point of view, but from that of the child? So when we cry bitterly over a splinter, we do not expect you to call in three surgeons to extract it. But it is still a great pain to this little sufferer’s heart. Our eyes stand wide with tears of anguish. Let it never occur to us that any pain is too small a thing for you to care about. That’s what fathers are made for, to look after the little concerns of their little children.
That’s exactly how you love us. Our heavenly father is a good Father.
† Psalm 103:13  Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
The Bible lets us know you count the stars and call them all by name. So also bind-up our broken-hearted and heal their wounds today. We will bring great things and little things to you, knowing you are worthy of as much confidence as we can ever place in you. Thank you for showing us your heart. Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: 1Samuel 28-29 + Luke 11:1-27
Wednesday, April 15, 2009

1 Chronicles 29:14  But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

Giver of All Gifts:
In knowledge of you stands eternal life. In service to you is perfect liberty. Defend me today against all assaults of the enemy. As I trust in your defense let me not give way to fear, nor to any power of the adversary. Do it through the might of Jesus Christ my Lord. You have safely brought me to the middle of this week. Defend me in the rest of it by the Spirit’s mighty power.
    Lord, lead me not into temptation
    Lord, deliver me and my family from danger
    Lord, order all my activities by your providence
    Lord, mold my desires according to your will
    Grant today that I can always do what is right in your sight
Do it through Jesus Christ the Lord. Then Lord, I must remember others. I must remember my pastors. I must remember those whom we have sent out. I must remember the ministers, ministries and missionaries of our church. I must ask for revival for them, even if I am ignorant of their exact circumstances.
I know how you deal with me, Lord. You are working in their lives the same way. Give us all revival. Lead us alike—the family at home and the family abroad—into a similar experience and time of refreshing from you. I pray it for all the churches we have started both here and abroad. Enlarge our coasts!
But Lord, it has to start with me. Rain down your Spirit in a new experience of your presence. I look to you for life direction this week. Lord, we need you. Humbly we depend on you. We are confidently desperate for you. Answer us for your Son’s sake, because it is in his name we pray. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: 1Samuel 30-31 + Luke 11:28-54
Thursday, April 16, 2009

1 Chronicles 16:12 Remember his works, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

CROWDS have lined the narrow street to see this man from Galilee
Just a carpenter some say, leading fools astray
Yet many kneel to give Him praise

And in His eyes they glimpse the power that sees the heart of all men
And He knows His Father’s mind and He speaks His Father’s words
For He comes in the name of the Lord

When my plans have fallen through and when my strength is nearly gone
When there’s nothing left to do but just depend on you
And the power of your name

And when we call upon your name your strength through weakness to show
We can know the master plan, extend the Master’s hand
When we come in the name of the Lord

His name will be worshipped forever, Creator, Redeemer and King
There is strength in the name of the Lord
There is power in the name of the Lord
There is hope in the name of the Lord
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

—Gloria Gaither, Sandi Helvering, Phil Mchugh

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S PRAYER LIFE

Chronological Reading: 2Samuel 1-3 + Luke 12:1-30
Friday, April 17, 2009

Luke 11:9  And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Merciful Father and Holy Lord Jesus:
Make my faith determined this week to give up all dependence anywhere but on you. Make my cries grow more and more vehement as we more and more grow and seek your face in revival. Not every knock at mercy’s door will open it—but one will! If I want to prevail in prayer I have to handle the knocker well. Give me courage today to smack it down again and again, and even again.
Matthew 11:12  And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
The old Puritan said, Cold prayers ask for a denial; it is red-hot prayers that prevail. Let me use my prayer like a battering-ram against the gate of heaven, and force it open with a sacred violence. Make the whole army of my soul enter into that conflict, because this proves the strength of my faith. Let me besiege the mercy seat. Make me determined to win the day by how I pray, because then I will prevail.
When there are delays, let me take them in good stride. They are sound advice to remind me to be even firmer in my faith and more fervent in my cry.
Even the cross could not prevent the resurrection. That is so like your power! Maybe I will have to know the death of my request before I receive it. It is with that confidence that I pray and bring every request before you.
Among all the gifts you have given me, I need a devotion to prayer the most, for that is the powerhouse of triumphant, living faith. Back up that faith by visible signs of your love, your presence and your power this week. Give me great drops of rain as the foretaste of great revival. In Jesus’ name I plead. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: 2Samuel 4-6 + Luke 12:31-59
Saturday, April 18, 2009

Psalm 10:12  Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.

LORD God and Heavenly Father:
Your presence is my joy, but any suspicion of your absence is distracting beyond measure. Help me remember you are near me today, just like the refiner is never far from the mouth of the furnace when his gold is in the fire. Let me see the Son of God walking up and down, in the midst of the flames with me.
The wicked have proud boastings and perverted blessings. Proud hearts breed arrogant looks, stiff necks, and unbending knees. Save me from that Lord, because you are not blind to sin, much less forgetful of it. Give me a sense of your presence today so I can be careful not to wound others.
Yet, what unbelief is mingled with my strongest confidence! Fearlessly I ask you to arise and lift up your hand, yet timidly I beg you to forget not the humble.
Psalm 10:17  LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:
Show your power and reveal your righteousness in all my circumstances today. There is no hiding from your sight, nor flight from your justice. Befriend the oppressed today. Preserve me in time of need so I can rejoice in your goodness. You have prepared my heart; I resign myself to your judgment, my mind to your enlightenment, and my will to your sovereign plan. You will order all things for the best and not disappoint me.
I am sure to come out well if I carry my complaint to you, O King. Rights are vindicated and wrongs redressed at your throne. Your government never neglects the interests of the needy and never tolerates oppression by the mighty. You remember the poor in pity and note the greed of those who are great.
Great God, I leave myself in your hand. Amen.

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MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: 1Samuel 4-6 + Luke 7:1-25
Monday, April 6, 2009

Matthew 17:17  Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

Supreme God and Loving Father:
Some call this season leading to Easter Lent. Prayer and fasting is your prescription and mechanism to hook me up to greater power than I can possess in myself. How much stronger would I be in wrestling with this ungodly age if I were more given to using these methods? Prayer links me to heaven while fasting separates me from earth. Prayer takes me to God’s banquet and fasting delivers my soul from being laden by fullness from bread that perishes.
If I would only bring myself to the highest possibility of spiritual fitness, then I would be able—by the Spirit of God working in me—to get a witness to people like __________, who would otherwise laugh me to scorn. But for all that Lord, there will still remain those difficult people who have to be directly brought, like this boy, to you. I need your personal power to help me today.
You are still alive, and as simple as that truth is, I need to be reminded of it. I often estimate the power of my church by looking at its ministers and members, but the real power of my church lies in the Holy Spirit of God and an ever-living Savior.
Sometimes anxious people bring their dysfunctional demonized situations to me. I have power to work neither natural miracles nor spiritual ones. Only Christ can work a wonder. Thank you Lord, for remaining willing and able to do so. I rejoice in a living Christ to whom I can bring every problem and every problematic person. All hell confesses your majesty and power. There cannot be a case that is too hard for you. You are greater than anything I can possibly face today, so I fall into your arms for mercy. In Jesus’ name I ask it all. Amen.

TUESDAY—40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR THE KURDS

Chronological Reading: 1Samuel 7-9 + Luke 7:26-50
Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Heavenly Father and Glorious Lord:
Let me pray about prayer. Nothing pays like prevailing prayer. If I have power in prayer, I will have everything at me beck and call. I can ask for whatever I need to complete your mission.
Lord, I ask for what Adam lost by the fall, and what I have lost by my own neglect, backsliding, and lack of prayer.
Lord, I seek for the grace that I need this week before Easter.
Lord, when I seem to be cut off from blessing, from knowledge that I need, even from hope itself, then I knock.
Lord, I plead: you have promised your own intervention. I can receive when I ask. I can find when I seek. But I cannot open when I knock. Only you can, or else I am shut out forever.
I thank you Lord, that since the death of Jesus there is no cherub with a fiery sword guarding this gate and driving me away (Gen. 3:24). Indeed and on the contrary, Jesus himself opens to me and no one can shut (Rev. 3:8)
Sometimes I fear that my failures have barred the way. My own lack of faith fastens the door from the inside. But it is not so in spiritual reality. The gate is neither bolted nor barred. It is only closed in the sense that I kept my mouth shut and did not pray.
Can all receive this teaching? Will I believe you are glad to open the gate to my knocking cries? How else can I complete the mission? Your blessing is only closed in my perception, but not in matter of fact. Give me and my brethren the courage to enter in to all that Jesus has and is! Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: 1Samuel 10-12 + Luke 8:1-28
Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Isaiah 56:5  Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

O Lord God My Creator:
Have a desire toward the work of your hands (Job 14:15). You have made me and fashioned me; do not let me be destroyed (Job 10:8). You are my Governor and my King. The haters of your honor and of my soul have surrounded me. To whom should I fly for protection but you? Are you not my Father? Have you not called me one of your children?
Why should I look like someone cast out of your sight, or like someone who belongs to the family of Satan? Do you not have the mercies of a father with tender compassions for me? Not one of your poor, helpless and weak children can be forgotten. You are my God in the covenant, and the God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, by whom that covenant is ratified. Under all those relationships I plead with you for all necessary mercies for revival.
Enlighten me Lord, and pardon me. Sanctify my soul and bestow grace and glory on me according to the word of your promise, on which you have caused me to hope. Remember that your word is already fulfilled in heaven; it is recorded among the articles of your decrees. It says I have to receive light and love, strength and joy—and you are not an unfaithful God. What if heaven and earth pass away? Yet your covenant stands on two unmovable pillars: your promise and your oath. So now I flee for refuge to lay hold on the altar-horns of this hope; let me have strong comfort from it. Remember the covenant made with your Son in eternity past, and let the promised mercies be bestowed on me according to my needs. This I ask so that Jesus might be glorified more. And more. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: 1Samuel 13-15 + Luke 8:29-56
Thursday, April 9, 2009

1 Chronicles 14:17 And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.

WE will seek Your face Almighty God
Turn and pray for You to heal our land
Father let revival start in us
Then every heart will know Your kingdom come

Never looking back we’ll run the race
Giving You our lives we’ll gain the prize
We will take the harvest given us
Though we sow in tears, we’ll reap in joy

Lifting up the name of the Lord
In power and in unity
We will see the nations turn
Touching heaven changing earth
Touching heaven changing earth

Send revival (send revival)
Send revival (send revival)
Send revival to us

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S SEVEN SAYINGS ON THE CROSS

Chronological Reading: 1Samuel 16-18 + Luke 9:1-31
Friday, April 10, 2009

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Here I see you as my Mediator interceding. Thank you for standing before the Father to plead for the guilty.

Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Here you are in regal power, opening a door that no man can shut, and letting through the gates of heaven a poor soul who confessed you as he died. Hail eternal King!

John 19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
Now I see the gentleness of a son caring for a bereaved mother. Your last thoughts were not for yourself.

Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
What a soul in anguish! Your innermost heart overwhelmed, not by my sin, but by the withdrawal of your Father’s face from you at the appearance of my sin.

John 19:28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
I watch as the humanity responds in your body. Even your mortal flesh trembled as it shared in the anguish of spirit.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished:
The Captain of my salvation completes his mission and made an end of sin.

Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

In your death you bring all believers near to God. If my spirit is in your hand, no one can pluck me out of it. I love you, Lord! Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: 1Samuel 19-21 + Luke 9:32-62
Saturday, April 11, 2009

Psalm 9:1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvellous works.
LORD, Father and Creator God:

Sometimes it requires every bit of determination I have to face the foe and bless the Lord. Today I vow that whoever else may remain silent, I will praise your name! I am grateful to servants of yours who help me sing, but my thanksgiving has long wings, and mounts the sides of heaven up to you.
Something I’ve discovered is that gratitude for one blessing enables me to remember a hundred more. One silver link draws up a long chain of memories. Truly, there can be no end of telling the deeds of your love. Make daily rejoicing an ornament of my character.
Psalm 9:9  The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble
Your presence and your praise is always sufficient for the defeat of my enemies. Their ruin is so complete that when you overtake them, even flight cannot save them. Make me careful, like David, to give you all the glory. In light of the past my future is not doubtful. Obstacles will come to an end, but you and your throne will endure and complete your purpose forever. There!
Psalm 9:11  Sing praises to the LORD…declare among the people his doings.
Make my spirit of praise contagious; I want to excite others to also praise you, Lord. In all the revivals of history there has been a sudden outburst of gospel songs—like how the singing of birds always accompanies Spring. So have mercy on me, Lord. The ladder of prayer seems short sometimes, but I know it reaches all the way to heaven. In sickness, sin, despair and temptation, I have been minished and brought low. Underneath, put your everlasting arms and magnify my praise for Jesus’ name and glory. Amen.