MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Psalm 64-66 + Romans 14
Monday, August 3, 2009

John 12:32  And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Fairest Lord Jesus:
Sometimes I am so afraid to open my mouth for you, and yet you are the greatest “drawing card” ever seen.
What drew me to Christ? Wasn’t it simply you who drew me to yourself? And if it was, then why should I be afraid of failure, rejection, or mistreatment if I talk about you to others? You will always draw others, just like you drew me (the faults and frailty of the messenger notwithstanding).
If people are drawn to our church by anything else, they will soon be drawn away. But whosoever you draw Jesus, you hold onto, yourself.
Help me Lord not to doubt your power to draw! I do that when I hold my peace and keep the word of your gospel to myself. Help me go today with the name of Jesus—even to those who have until now been stubborn, like _________ and _________—and trust you to draw them according to your will.
No one is beyond your power to draw because no one is beyond your ability to save. Anyone can feel the magnetic force of grace. Draw them by your Spirit today by making me more evangelistic. A soulwinner knows
•    Logic will not draw like grace will draw
•    Eloquence will not draw like grace will draw
•    Argument and debate will not draw like grace will draw
Jesus, draw men and women to yourself through me! I don’t need any other gimmick. Help me as a worker of the word to work your way, and to draw with the cords of Christ. Because I know that if I draw to Christ, and I draw by Christ, then Christ will draw through me. I ask it in Jesus’ blessed name. Amen.

TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: Psalm 67-69 + Romans 15
Tuesday, August 4, 2009

1 Chronicles 4:10  And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!

Loving Lord, three simple prayers as we set-up for Fall:
1. For the unsaved who are searching for peace in their souls, Lord lead them to us and us to them
2. For those who are saved and in wrong churches, Lord lead them to us and us to them
3. For those who are saved and not going to church, Lord lead them to us and us to them
Enlarge the borders of our class and our congregation! Use us to spread the gospel among those that live in our city. Use us to make the name and the deeds of Christ known!
Bless us in our activities of the fall. Give us souls as we operate our ministries. Call-in the remainder of the fullness of the Gentiles that you seek (Rom. 11:25). Pour down a more abundant measure of your own Spirit to carry out your work through us, for this cannot be done by man. Let your Spirit descend and be diffused in the midst of our church to the glory of your grace.
God, establish grace and peace and give us liberty to preach. We pray for righteous governors to rule over us. We pray for those in places of supreme and subordinate authority. Give them wisdom and faithfulness from heaven to manage the affairs of this life you have entrusted them with on earth.
God, deliver our friends and those near to us from all the evils they feel or fear. Bestow on them all the good we wish for ourselves, both here and hereafter. For we ask it in Jesus’ precious name and to his honor. Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Psalm 70-72 + Romans 16
Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

O Lord God:
I beg you to listen favorably on prayers of your people so that we, who are rightly punished for our sins, can be mercifully delivered by your goodness, to the glory of your Name, through Jesus Christ our Savior. You see that I put no trust in anything I do, but I only trust in you. Mercifully grant that by your power I can be defended today against all adversity and every enemy of my soul.
Romans 5:5  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
You teach me that all my activity without charity is worth nothing. Without love, whoever lives is counted as dead before you. Without love, whatever is done is counted as dung before you. Send the Holy Ghost, and pour into my heart that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and root of all the other virtues. Grant this revival for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake!
You hate nothing you have made, and you freely forgive the sins of all who repent. Create and make in me a new and contrite heart so that I, while I lament my sins and acknowledge my wickedness, can obtain from you all mercy, perfect remission, and forgiveness through Jesus Christ the Lord. For our sake did he fast forty days and forty nights. Give me grace to use such abstinence myself so that, my flesh being subdued to the Spirit, I can ever obey your godly movements toward righteousness and true holiness. Oh my Father, you see that I have no power within myself to help myself. Guard me both outwardly in my body, and inwardly in my soul, so I can be defended from all trials that come to my body, and from all temptations that assault my mind today. Do it through the power of Jesus Christ and for his sake. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Psalm 73-75 + 1Corinthians 1
Thursday, August 6, 2009

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

O GOD, the God that saveth me, remove my guilty stains,
And I will sing Thy righteousness in grateful, joyous praise.
O Lord, now open Thou my lips, long closed by sin and shame;
My mouth shall show before the world the glory of Thy Name.

No sacrifice dost Thou desire, else would I give it Thee;
Nor with appointed offerings wilt Thou delighted be.
A broken spirit is to God a pleasing sacrifice;
A broken and a contrite heart Thou, Lord, will not despise.

Do good to Zion in Thy grace, her ruined walls restore;
Then sacrifice of righteousness shall please Thee as of yore.
Thy people then, with willing hands and hearts that Thou hast blest,
Shall bring in thankful sacrifice their choicest gifts and best.

—Anonymous paraphrase of Psalm 51

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S LIFE

Chronological Reading: Psalm 76-78 + 1Corinthians 2
Friday, August 7, 2009

Luke 14:27  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Good Master:
Fulfill my heart’s desire and lay your cross on my shoulder even now. I should not wear it if I will not bear it. Prepare me for the height of blessing to called me to this week, and help me receive gratefully the painful preparation necessary to receive your highest good. Teach me that high places need deep foundations, and it takes a long time to excavate a human soul so deep it will be ready for a palace in eternity. Advancement in grace can only come by affliction.
You are the all-sufficient Helper. If severe trials are ordained for me today, then strengthen me in my infirmity and enable me to rest in your love. Help me realize always that I am never out of reach of your everlasting arms. Surround me this day with a sense of your boundless love and infinite wisdom.
Father, I thirst to be like Christ, to bring glory to his sacred name. I praise you for the awesome stoop of your condescending grace. You only are worthy of all my love. Cause me to not only know your precious word, but to retain it in my heart that it might fuel the fires of affection and kindle a lively, fervent faith.
Help my imagination to extend my vision, so that from this high place of hallowed outlook in prayer, there will arise a new determination to plant the seed of the gospel in souls who are lost. Give me, through the living Spirit of God, a greater likeness to Christ for their sake. Increase my thankfulness for your providence, because grace always strikes the bell when the best moment arrives. You bless me by temporary delays as well as by prompt replies. Make the time of the promise correspond with the needs I have today. For so I ask it in Jesus’ powerful name and to his glory. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Psalm 79-81 + 1Corinthians 3
Saturday, August 8, 2009

Psalm 12:1 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

LORD and Life-Giver:
What a short and sweet, suggestive and serviceable prayer this is: Help! It’s a kind of angel’s sword I can turn every which way and use on all occasions. I see the extreme danger of my position and turn to my Divine Helper today.
What a useful cry! Just like smaller ships can sail into canals larger vessels cannot enter, so my brief cries to you and my short petitions throughout the day can trade with heaven when my soul is too waterlogged and business-logged for longer sessions. Sometimes the stream of grace seems too low to float a larger prayer. Make me bold by the power of this petition to meet the evils of the day with holy resolution and to hopefully pray.
Psalm 12:6  The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
My mere oppression, however silently I bear it, is in itself a cry to you. Moses was heard at the Red Sea when he said nothing except, Stand still. Hagar’s affliction was heard despite her silence. Jesus, feel with me, and make my pains a mighty oration with you. My extremity is your opportunity. My inflammation of heart needs your attention.
What a contrast between the words of vain men and the pure word of God! Your word to me has passed through fiery persecution (by textual criticism, by philosophic doubt, and by scientific disdain). Should not my words to you pass through the furnace of affliction as well?
Make me Godlike in communication by making me godly in communion. For this I ask in Jesus’ name today. Amen.

This week has seen quite a bit of activity, even though we’ve had lots of rain. Footing and ironworkers have been busy with prep work for the new footings. The dirt moving company is digging the footings along the foyer wall. Concrete workers poured the driveway entry at the back of the parking lot; they are also extending the sidewalk so it will run past the driveway and turn at a right angle for a crosswalk over to the upper lot. A new crew is on site to begin the retaining wall around the back of the parking lot and the ramped roadways.

The rain required us to postpone the storm drain inlet by the office door until next week. This means the upper glass doors to the office will be inaccessible during office hours; please enter and exit the building by the glass doors near the gym. After office hours the workers will put a metal roadway plate over any holes, allowing access by the regular entrance after they have completed work for the day.

This Sunday, we hope to have the sidewalk done up to the top of the hill and across the street, which will remove the angled crosswalk. They are set to begin the sidewalk extension by the new south doors so the shuttle buses have a larger drop-of area. We also have a painted sidewalk for those exiting the south door and walking down to cross the street to the lower lot at The Point. Signs will be posted to stop the parking in the driveway at The Point; there are also signs in the Upper Lot (B) to encourage people to exit through the park to Blue Ridge Cutoff.

Do you enjoy meeting new people? All ages are welcome to join us in welcoming members and guests to our Sunday worship services! Responsibilities include passing out literature, directing people to the correct classes, and locating seats during worship services. Team members serve one Sunday per month. Contact Heather Edwards or John Hefner for more information. Read the rest of this entry »

This week included some rearrangements in the Foyer. Child Check-in Stations are now near the Children’s Visitors Booth. Connection Counters (including computers) and the Deacon sign-in table have moved outside the Reality Living Bookstore with the chairs and tables in the window area.
The rain early this week delayed the reroute of the sidewalk and crosswalk to the ballpark; those projects will be completed next week. The little bump at the south-side curb was fixed, making it easier for people to enter the building.
The footprint for the new building has been dug out and filled back with 20 inches of a gravel based fix (control fill material) that will be under the new floor. The construction team continues to move dirt to the roadway ramps in the back of the lot in preparation to connect the roadway from the ballpark into remainder of our current parking lot. Steel rebar material is being delivered for the footing and foundation work that may start next week. The site utility company is getting setup to install more storm drains on the west side of the new building and run a fire hydrant line around the building to the north. Soon you will see the bricks delivered to form the retaining walls that will separate the parking area from the driveway ramps that lead out to 55th street.

First Worship Service

• Because of Your Love by Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown
  • Hear it on Paul Baloche’s album “A Greater Song”
• My Redeemer Lives by Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Reuben Morgan’s album “World Through Your Eyes”
• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms: Words by Elisha A. Huffman; Music by Anthony J. Showalter
  • Coming soon on KCBT’s Worship album
• I Give You My Heart by Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Reuben Morgan’s album “World Through Your Eyes”
• The Church’s One Foundation: Words by Samuel J. Stone; Music by Samuel S. Wesley
  • Hear it on Brian Moss’ album “Not What My Hands Have Done”
• King of Wonders by Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Stuart Garrard, Israel Houghton, Graham Kendrick, Tim Hughes, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Martin Smith, Michael W. Smith, and Chris Tomlin
  • Hear it on “Compassion Art: Creating Freedom from Poverty”

Second Worship Service

• You Deserve by Matt Crocker and James Dunlop
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This Is Our God”
• Take My Life by Chris Tomlin, Frances Ridley Havergal, Henri Abraham Ceaser Malan, and Louie Giglio
  • Hear it on Passion Band’s album “Hymns: Ancient and Modern”
• Agnus Dei by Michael W. Smith
  • Hear it on Michael W. Smith’s album “Worship”
• Oh You Bring by Matt Crocker
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “A_CROSS // The_EARTH: Tear Down the Walls”
• Marvelous Light by Charlie Hall
  • Hear it on Charlie Hall’s album “Flying into Daybreak”
• The Time Has Come by Joel Houston
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “United We Stand”

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Psalm 46-48 + Romans 8
Monday, July 27, 2009
Micah 5:7  And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.
Heavenly Father and Lord of Life:
If that verse is true of your physical children Israel, then how much more should it be true of me, because when saints are what they ought to be, then they are a blessing and a witness in the places they are scattered. In every area of our city Lord, make me and the other members of our church like a cool drink of water to the lost who surround us.
I SHOULD BE LIKE THE DEW—in a quiet and unobtrusive manner refreshing those who come in contact with me. Help me to effectively (even if silently) minister to the life, joy and growth of those outside of Christ who work, study, play and live with me, like __________ and __________.
Make this the testimony of our entire church! Coming fresh from heaven and glistening like diamonds in the sun, make us gracious men and women who attend to the spiritual needs of others until each blade of grass has its own drop of dew. We owe them that much.
I may be but a small drop as an individual, but when united with other witnesses I can be sufficient for the purpose you want to achieve. Dewdrops refresh acres. Lord, make my testimony and witness like the dew!

I SHOULD BE LIKE THE SHOWERS—godly people who arrive at your bidding without man’s permission or prevention. Let me, like the rain, keep working for you whether certain others desire me to or not. Make me boldly prompt, and free in the service you assign me this first week in the dog days of summer. For I ask it in Jesus’ all-powerful name. Amen.

TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: Psalm 49-51 + Romans 9
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
High and Holy God:
The greatest mistake in life is when we do not understand the times we live in, and how to act in those times. Tony Evans says, “if you plan on doing anything for God, you better do it now.” That sense of urgency only comes from knowing the time. We have understand the times as to our own generation,
Proverbs 2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
The night is far spent, and many of our friends continue in the dense darkness of postmodern ignorance about Christ.
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Enable us by your Spirit to hold up the light as we live the Commission!
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
We were once in despair—a night without a moon—we were without hope, and feared our future was the blackness of darkness forever. That hopeless gloom is over for us. Praise the Lord! We have light and joy in Jesus Christ. The Day-star is shining on our path. Help us, Holy Spirit, to lead others into the Way, for the time of your grace has come. The day of salvation has dawned for someone who is lost today. Bring them under the influence of the gospel, of holiness and hope. Arouse them out of the sleep of apathy. Help us shake them awake with a knowledge of the shortness of time. Help us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Psalm 52-54 + Romans 10
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
1 Peter 3:7  Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Heavenly Father:
Prayer is such a precious thing; it is the channel by which rivers of revival come to me, and the window through which you supply so much grace. Prayer is my ship that trades with heaven, and comes home stacked with treasures. It is so invaluable, that the danger of my hindering it is used by Peter as a motive for why husbands and wives have to behave according to their Biblical roles.
Anything that hinders prayer is sin. If anything regarding my family is injuring my power in prayer, then there is urgent reason for change. Any behavior or attitude or habit that leaves us un-joined as heirs of grace is evil.
Prayer affects my spiritual power. To confine it is spiritual injury, and a dangerous tendency. When I am on my knees I am really and truly before you, my God. Men see me only on the surface, but your eyes pry into the recesses of my soul. If you see that I am prayerless—not just on my knees now, but in my soul during the day—then you make little of my trials and nothing of my efforts.
Make me a person of earnest prayer! Give me the spirit of prayer, so it is habitual for my heart to talk with Jesus all day. Then things will be right with me. But if that is not my case right now and my prayers are hindered, show me what needs to be ejected out of my spiritual system to make it right. Show me what is lacking that I need to supply.
Proverbs 4:23  Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
And living prayers are what deal with those issues and bring revival. You see the hindrances; I repent of the sin. Hear me today for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Psalm 55-57 + Romans 11
Thursday, July 30, 2009
2 Samuel 12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
AMAZING grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be, as long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine;
But God, Who called me here below, shall be forever mine.

—John Newton, 1779

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S LIFE

Chronological Reading: Psalm 58-60 + Romans 12
Friday, July 31, 2009
Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
Holy Lord and Savior:
Being fully man, you escaped none of the pains allotted to men and women like me in death. You are indeed God with us everywhere (Matt 1:23), including the accident scene, the murder location, and the hospital bed.
You were so truly man that all my griefs remind me of you! How near akin I am to the anxiety of Gethsemane, the beating of Gabbatha, and the mockings of Golgotha. Let pain make me love you more and more.
There was an infinite distance between your throne and your crown of thorns. A river of the water of life proceeds from the throne, but the thorn-crowned brow condescended to say,
John 19:28 I thirst.
You placed yourself for my sake into a position of shame where none would wait on you, and most would not even look at you. Glorious humiliation for our exalted Head! O Lord Jesus, I love and adore you. I will lift your name on high in grateful remembrance of the depths to which you descended.
Neither in torture of heart nor infirmity of body am I deserted by you, Lord. My line is parallel with yours. The tip of the spear that just pierced me was first stained with your blood. The cup that I drink right now, though very bitter, bears the print of your lips around its brim.
Shame? Suffering? Injustice? Misunderstood? Misused. Abused? Use this to bring me into deeper sympathy with Christ. My tears are the bread of heaven to strengthen me for the time of conflict. I will be able to win in battle because I have endured in trial. So give me such grace. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Psalm 61-63 + Romans 13
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Psalm 11:1  In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
LORD Almighty and Covenant-Keeper:
When Satan cannot depose me by pride, he tries to defeat me by distrust. Sometimes he uses my dearest friends to cause me to doubt you! Let me not be like the timid bird that retreats to the mountain at every sign of danger. Even if the bow is bent and the arrow fitted to the string, let me rather face danger than distrust my Lord.
Many times it seems like my perils are great and imminent. My enemies are always ready to take aim. But what are all these dangers to the person who trusts in God alone? Nothing!
Someone always asks, What can the righteous do? I ask back, What can they not do? My prayer places God on my side. My faith secures the fulfilling of your promises. What excuse can there be for me to flee today?
Psalm 11:4  The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
There is a source for unflinching courage: I borrow my might from heaven. Heaven is above my head no matter where I am at, and so the Lord is as near as prayer in every situation I am in. What plots can men devise that Jesus will not uncover?
Lord, it seems like Satan has desired to have-at me, to sift me like flour. With Jesus praying for me, how can my faith fail? Since you are in your holy temple, delighting in the sacrifice of your Son, you will send me deliverance for sure. You see my problem as if I were the only person alive. Thank you Lord, for this assurance. You know my limits; I rest assured in Jesus today. Amen.

First Worship Service

• Floodgate by Paul Colman and Michael Neale
  • Hear it on The People’s Church’s album “Shine Out – Live from the People’s Church”
• Again I Say Rejoice by Israel Houghton and Aaron Lindsey
  • Hear it on Israel Houghton and New Breed’s album “Live From Another Level”
• Today is the Day by Lincoln Brewster and Paul Baloche
  • Hear it on Lincoln Brewster’s album “Today is the Day”
• Your Grace is Enough by Matt Maher
  • Hear it on Matt Maher’s album “Empty and Beautiful”
• Your Name: Words by Paul Baloche; Music by Glenn Packiam
  • Hear it on Anthony Evans’ album “The Bridge”
• I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Louie Giglio, and Jesse Reeves
  • Hear it on Chris Tomlin’s album “Hello Love”

Second Worship Service

• Perfect Love by Dylan Thomas
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “In a Valley By the Sea”
• Desert Song by Brooke Fraser
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• Oh You Bring by Matt Crocker
• Second Chance by Grace Hawthorne and Gregg Sewell
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “In a Valley By the Sea”
• You Never Let Go by Matt Redman and Beth Redman
  • Hear it on Matt Redman’s album “Beautiful News”
• Freedom is Here by Scott Ligertwood and Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “A_CROSS // The_EARTH: Tear Down the Walls”

Sunday Evening’s Concert with Laura Story

• Music from her recent album “Great God Who Saves”

The construction crews had to wait Monday for the rain to dry out; otherwise construction proceeded quite well this week. The crews continue to dig out the area for the new Children’s Building, moving the dirt to the back of the parking lot for later use in building roadway ramps to 55th Street.

This Sunday you’ll find the fence has been moved off the walkway to all full pedestrian access. Some of the dirt near the sidewalk was also moved to help prevent mudslides during future rainstorms. Continue to use available crosswalks when crossing 55th Street; please do not stop on 55th Street to drop off passengers as this prevents traffic from proceeding smoothly.

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Psalm 28-30 + Romans 2
Monday, July 20, 2009
Song of Solomon 5:4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him.
Beloved Lord and Friend:
You knocked and it was not enough. My heart is full of cold and sleep. I am often too ungrateful to rise and open the door. But the touch of your grace can make my soul bestir itself.
Oh, touch with grace __________ and __________, so they become cognizant of their lost condition, and aware of how your Spirit, seeking and wooing, is drawing them to Jesus. You were shut out and I was asleep on a bed of laziness, yet you were so longsuffering with me.
The greatness of your patience, as you knock and knock again. The greatness of your persistence, as you add your voice to your knock. How can I refuse you?
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
My base heart should blush and be rebuked. You show the greatest kindness of all as you become your own butler, and unbar the door to souls yourself. Nothing but your own power can save sinners, but please Sir, use my witness as your tool. You can open hearts where no argument will.
Well may my stomach move for you when I contemplate all you suffered for me. Allow my affections to wander no longer. I have set up rivals and grieved you. Cruel sin!
What can I do? Tears are a poor show of repentance. Jesus, you forgive freely, but please prevent my unfaithfulness in the future. Purge my heart and bind it with cords to you evermore. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: Psalm 31-33 + Romans 3
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Jude 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Heavenly Father and Holy Ghost My Helper:
Do we not need a true “theology of prayer?” Prayer is an art that only you can teach us. As the Puritans used to pray: we pray for prayer; we should pray until we have prayed; we pray to be helped to pray, because it is just when we think we cannot pray that we are the most praying. Sometimes it is through liquid prayers (our tears). Sometimes it is not until we have no comfort in praying that our heart is really broken, and only then begins to wrestle in prayer so it truly prevails with the Most High.
Why must it be this way? Certainly you, our God, are not slow to give. Surely not because our praying changes your divine purpose. Absolutely not because you need to be informed. No, this method is for our benefit and not yours. You require us to plead, and bring out strong reasons, because
Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
You wait, because then we will feel the true value of your mercy. You make us seek, because then we attach the proper priority to what we are asking.
Oh Lord, if we were not thus constrained to pray, we probably would not even act like Christians! If all your mercies came forth as manna, we would grow as weary of them as Israel did in the wilderness. This way we get a double blessing: first in the seeking, then in the receiving. So the very act of prayer is a blessing. Bless us this week as we bless you today with our prayers. This is the true sign of a child dependent on the Heavenly Father. Hear us for Jesus’ sake.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Psalm 34-36 + Romans 4
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Psalm 45:3 Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.
O Most Mighty God and Father:
Since the Lord Jesus Christ has consented to wedlock with the church as his bride, that very union makes it necessary for him to enter into battle on my behalf. In heaven. Lord, you are in a state of rest. But you see how poor your church does in this spiritual warfare. As Head of your church, assist us to war against sin.
You are our almighty Champion, Bestir yourself on our behalf! How gloriously you went forth with your first disciples. They rode even to death under your leadership.
We, on the other hand, have fallen into days of peace and affluence. That affluence has bred apathy and a false peace that arises from laziness, stagnation, and spiritual death. We have need to cry to you, the Captain of our salvation, to gird the sword up your thigh and bring revival. Bring the war chariot of the Holy Ghost to the battle front for us. Make your enemies know that your power is as great now as ever in the ages gone by!
Lord, you have a sword. What is it? Certainly it is
Ephesians 6:17 … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
The Psalmist asked you to gird it upon your thigh. John the Revelator says,
Revelation 1:16 And … out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword
This sword is a sword of truth to pierce the hearts of sinners and the consciences of saints. No sword wounds like the sword of the Spirit. And no wound heals us like the wounds of the word of God. Wield it now among us! I open myself to you to produce revival. Start with me, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Psalm 37-39 + Romans 5
Thursday, July 23, 2009
2 Samuel 9:13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.
AMAZING grace shall always be my song of praise,
For it was grace that bought my liberty;
I do not know just why He came to love me so,
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary,
To view the cross where Jesus died for me;
How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul.
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary,
To view the cross where Jesus died for me;
How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

—Dottie Rambo, 1968

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S LIFE

Chronological Reading: Psalm 40-42 + Romans 6
Friday, July 24, 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.
O Lord Help Me Catch this Thought!
Because the best-praying person is the best-believing person. After all, my prayer is nothing but my pleading the promises of God. Prayer is personal utilization of your promises. Prayer not based on the promise of grace has no basis for being answered. I cannot merit your answer, even by hours of prayer. I “inherit” an answer based on laying believing claim to your promises. You hear, not for my sake, but in answer and to uphold your word.
You answer because of the richness of the word, like Jesus says. It is the check I have to present to get cash at the bank. So if I have your words abiding in me, I am equipped with the things that grab your attention. I can pray right now, because I meet you with your own words, and overcome omnipotence with omnipotence. That makes me want to shout! In proportion as I feed on, retain and obey your word in my life (for that is abiding), then I can master the art of prayer. I can wrestle the Covenant Angel with skill. Amalek will be smitten, Israel delivered, and God glorified (Exod. 17:11).
I bow my will today and ask you to teach me what to want. I am not fit to judge apart from your word. If my soul is sanctified in this way, then I know it is safe for you to answer. If I trust in you with all my heart, and refuse to lean on my biblically uninformed understanding, and thereby acknowledge you along the way, you will not fail to direct my path (Prov. 3:5-6). The new nature will become second nature, and spirit-led instincts will guide me right. Grace will conquer all covetous greed and unclean desire. Your Spirit masters me when it partakes of the divine nature by your great and precious word (2 Pet. 1:4). Hallelujah! Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Psalm 43-45 + Romans 7
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Psalm 119:46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
Glorious God and King:
What a multitude of mercies comprise my salvation. There are the mercies of sparing me before my conversion, and mercies leading me to conversion. There is calling mercy, regenerating mercy, converting mercy, justifying mercy, forgiving mercy.
The ultimate problem on every human mind is guilt. Guilt wounds me, and is not removed except through the mercy of justification by faith in Christ’s blood.
Then there are the many mercies I need to get me safely to heaven. Salvation is surely a combination of mercies beyond comprehension, priceless in value, never-ending in application, and enduring for eternity. To you be the glory!
David stood before kings while he was an exile from Saul. Later, he sanctified politics and let the members of his cabinet know that you were the real Governor. As a king he spoke to kings about the King of kings.
Psalm 119:45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
Diplomacy would have suggested he not bring up the matter of his religious convictions. We always fear to talk about religion in the presence of royalty (they often worship other gods). He said, I will walk, but he does not allow his righteous conduct and godly lifestyle to be an excuse for sinful silence. So he also adds, I will speak…and not be ashamed.
God, give grace so that my cowardice vanishes. I have no need to fear if I operate in faith. If I speak for you I will not be embarrassed, but be given your power. This I look for so that I can go beyond “lifestyle evangelism” to having evangelistic lips. Help me do this today for Jesus’ sake and the gospel. Amen.

First Worship Service

• Everlasting God by Brenton Brown and Ken Riley
  • Hear it on Women Of Faith Worship Team’s album “Infinite Grace”
• Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman and Beth Redman
  • Hear it on Anthony Evans’ album “The Bridge”
• Nothing but the Blood by Robert Lowry
  • Coming soon on KCBT’s worship album
• Indescribable by Laura Story – Guest artist in concert on July 19th at 6:00pm!
  • 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”
  • En Español: Benjamin Rivera’s “Cambia Tu Historia”
• Above All Else by Vicky Beeching
  • Hear it on Vicky Beeching’s album “Yesterday, Today and Forever”

Second Worship Service

• Every Move I Make by David Ruis
  • Hear it on The David Crowder Band’s album “The Lime CD”
• Take It All by Matt Crocker, Scott Ligertwood, and Marty Sampson
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”
• Jesus Washed by Chuck Dennie
  • Hear it on By the Tree’s album “Hold You High”
• Hosanna by Brooke Fraser
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “Saviour King”
• Revolutionary Love by Jeremy Bush, David Crowder, and Jack Parker
  • Hear it on The David Crowder Band’s album “Illuminate”

This week saw the removal of the main parking lot; the main doors are no longer accessible. You can enter the main KCBT building from the office entrance, new doors near what used to be the Reality Living bookstore, the glass doors near the gym, and at the stairway door near the Fellowship Hall.

The remainder of our old parking lot (Lot A) is now designated for our handicapped members and Temple Heights residents. Parking is available in our lots across 55th Street, with shuttle service offered from the ballpark lot. Our five shuttles will begin service at 8am and continue up to 1pm. We anticipate increased traffic on 55th Street, so be sure to use the designated crosswalks and sidewalks if you opt to walk to the building.

Driving lane signs will be posted on Sunday to help direct drop-off traffic to the main building. Drivers will enter from Blue Ridge Boulevard (near the gym), then route around the Fellowship Hall up to the South Entrance (near the old bookstore) to drop off passengers. Please do not stop in this single driving lane. Connections Team members will be available to assist your passengers enter the building.

The RS09 Construction teams are now forming! Visit the Get Involved section of our website to find out how you can help aid people entering the building or managing traffic.

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Psalm 10-12 + Acts 24
Monday, July 13, 2009
Psalm 33:13 The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.

God and Father in Heaven:
No figure of speech pictures you in a more gracious light than when you are stooping from your throne and coming down from heaven to pay attention to my wants and my woes. Sodom and Gomorrah were full of iniquity, but you would not destroy them until you had made a personal visitation to them.
When I pray, you are inclining your ear from the highest glory and putting it to the lips of a dying sinner. My failing heart longs for you. How can I but love you when I know you number the hairs of my head, you mark my path, and you order my steps.
Especially is this great truth brought to my heart when I pray for the lost, like __________ and __________. I remember how attendant you are, not just to the material needs of your creatures, but to their spiritual thirst and heart concerns as well.
Leagues of distance lie between me, the finite creature and you, the infinite Creator, and yet prayer links us both. When I weep a tear you watch, for
Psalm 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
Make my sigh move your heart to save. Let my prayer stay your hand of judgment. Help my faith stretch your arm in mercy. You sit on high, and yet you take account of me, and especially of all who are lost. Great as you are, you know how to condescend to my cry when I pray.
2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.
Show strength; show mercy, show salvation, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: Psalm 13-15 + Acts 25
Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Hello Lord:
Our prayer is not art or science, but nature. All our prayers are the outflow of a consecrated congregation. We will not be restrained by liturgy, and yet we afford this opportunity to get our spiritual life sparked by praying together today.
Our earnest expectation is for the youth at camp this week. Speak to their hearts in your royal tenderness. Our faith works by love, and so we trust you for many mighty testimonies on their return.
We do not, all of us, pray from a position that is free of our own needs this week. But we recognize that those who dive into prayer from a sea of affliction can bring up rare pearls. We are often subject to fits of worldliness. Give us this week “a fit of faith.”
We mourn at how often we have hours for the world but only moments for Christ. Hours for media and entertainment, but only minutes for Jesus. The world often gets our best, and our prayer closet receives only leftover time. We confess how we give our strength and freshness to Mammon, and often our weariness and fatigue to discovering the ways of God. Forgive us, Lord, we pray.
You understand what heavy hearts we have. Under a sense of sin and regret Satan whispers, “Why should you pray? How can you expect God to answer?”
So we thank you, Lord, that we are commanded to pray, because otherwise in times of depression we would be tempted to give it up. If you command us, then as unfit as we may be, we must approach the throne of grace. And since you command, Pray without ceasing, though our words fail and our heart itself wanders, yet will we stammer from our hungering soul—Lord, at least teach us to pray!

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Psalm 16-18 + Acts 26
Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Job 23:4 I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

My Father and My God:
WHAT ORDER SHOULD I OBSERVE IN PRAYING FOR REVIVAL?
First, I have to feel like, in praying, I am doing something that is real.
Second, I have to recognize I have no right to what I seek, I can only expect to get it as a gift of your grace.
Third, I must consider what I will ask for, focusing my mind by ordering my arguments.
Fourth, I ask for it through Jesus Christ.
If I would just reflect before I pray I would see how many things I desire that I would be better off not getting. When I meditate a moment first, I often discover a motive at the bottom of my request that is not Christlike. It is selfish. It forgets God’s glory and caters only to my own sense of comfort.
Lord, never let my ease interfere, or my success ever impede in any way with your glory! Mingle with my acceptable prayer a holy salt of submission to your will.
At the same time, if I know what I ask for is for your glory, I will be like Jacob, wresting at the Jabbok. I will seek try to “pin” the angel of the Lord, rather than be sent away without the blessing you promise.
Help me today to put these things together. First, a deep spirituality that recognizes prayer as real conversation with the invisible God. Second, a distinctiveness borne from the reality of prayer that is purpose-driven for what I know you want.. And third, an earnest fervency, believing my prayer to be the necessary prerequisite to revival. But above all else, I submit to your will, for this is how I must order my arguments and plead my cause before you, Lord. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Psalm 19-21 + Acts 27
Thursday, July 16, 2009

2 Samuel 9:7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.

THERE is a Name I love to hear, I love to sing its worth;
It sounds like music in my ear, the sweetest Name on earth.
It tells me of a Savior’s love, Who died to set me free;
It tells me of His precious blood, The sinner’s perfect plea.

It tells me of a Father’s smile beaming upon His child;
It cheers me through this little while, through desert, waste, and wild.
It tells me what my Father hath in store for every day,
And though I tread a darksome path, yields sunshine all the way.

It tells of One whose loving heart can feel my deepest woe;
Who in each sorrow bears a part that none can bear below.
It bids my trembling heart rejoice. It dries each rising tear.
It tells me, in a “still small voice,” to trust and never fear.

O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus, because He first loved me!

—Frederick Whitfield, 1855

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S LIFE

Chronological Reading: Psalm 22-24 + Acts 28
Friday, July 17, 2009

Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

Heavenly Father:
By abiding in Christ and having his words abide in me, I get a glorious liberty and prevailing power in prayer. Why?
First, because of the fullness in Christ. Whatever I need I can ask and receive, because it is already found in you. Do I seek the assistance of an ungrieved Holy Ghost? I can go to the Lord’s anointing. Do I need to perfect my holiness? I can look to the Lord’s example. Do I want to sense the pardon of sin after confession so my fellowship is restored? I plead your blood. Do I need my current sinful state to be put to death? I look to your cross. Do I need my old nature to be buried to the world? I can go to your tomb and meditate. Do I want to feel the fullness of the heavenly life? I behold your resurrection. I want to rise above the world and all its allure. So then, I mark your ascension. I right now need to think on heavenly things, so I remember that you sit on the right hand of God, and
Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
I can see clearly now how the branch gets all it wants of what it needs while it abides in the stem. Do I want more than the stem can give? If I do I shouldn’t, because the only life I should live is what I get by sucking life out of the vine.
This is my request then, Lord. Deny me any wish that wanders outside your will. It pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell in you. What pleases the Father pleases me as well. This is what gives me contentment, because I am glad to draw everything from Jesus. Give me grace to so see my wants, desires and needs today in light of my attachment to the vine, for I so ask in Jesus’ name.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Psalm 25-27 + Romans 1
Saturday, July 18, 2009

Psalm 119:33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

Lord Whom I Love and Long For:
This section of Psalm 119 is made up of a prayer and a plea. It teaches me the keys to prayer, because a desperate dependence and sense of extreme need are woven into the tapestry of this text. The previous eight verses shudder with a sense of sin, quiver with a feeling of weakness, and tremble with a childlike admission of folly. They cause the man of God to cry out for the only help by which any soul can be rescued from falling into sin. So do I!
I long to have you, Lord, for my teacher. My heart will not intuitively grasp what it needs to know, and it will not learn from a less-effective instructor. A great sense of slowness to learn drives me to seek a great teacher.
I thank you, Lord, that my very desire to learn your way so well is in itself an assurance that you will teach me. If you make me long to learn the marrow of your word, surely you will satisfy my desire.
This I need so badly, for only those who are taught of God never forget their lessons. When divine grace sets me on the true and right path, then I will stay true to it. When I give up the grace of faith for flights of fancy, I am left to my own devices, because mere human intelligence has no enduring influence. Perfect my holiness in the fear of God as I progressively comprehend your promises (2 Cor. 7:1).
If I begin in God, stay with God, and live by God, I will endure faithful to the end. But those who start without the Lord and do not continue in the word get deflected and stray from true spirituality. I want to drink-in divine instruction so I can keep my integrity, walk uprightly, and be godly in Christ Jesus. Amen.

During the construction of our new building, volunteers are needed in several areas to help members navigate into our building. Help is needed on Sunday mornings and at designated times throughout the week. Please contact Chris Ruzicka to sign-up or for more information about these areas of need.

Watchmen – Provide aid and security for Sunday services and special events.

Traffic Facilitators – Direct traffic on Sunday mornings during the Campus Expansion.

Parking Lot Aids – Transport the physically challenged from Lot A to the doors of our church on Sunday mornings.

Shuttle Drivers – Deliver members and guests from the upper parking lot to the front door.

Evening Patrol – Patrol the parking lots weeknights from 5-9pm.

Both worship services

• Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key and John Stafford Smith
  • Hear it on the Gaither Vocal Band’s album “God is Good”
• July 5th Celebration Medley: Arranged by Jeremy Schell
  • God of Our Fathers: Text by Daniel C. Roberts; Music by George W. Warren
  • Eternal Father, Strong to Save: Text by William Whiting and Robert Nelson Spencer; Music by John Bacchus Dykes
  • The Solid Rock: Text by Edward Mote; Music by William H. Bradbury
• Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: Text by Robert Robinson; adapted by Margaret Clarkson; Music is a traditional American melody; John Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred Music, 1813
  • Coming soon on KCBT’s worship album
• Hosanna by Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown
  • Hear it on Paul Baloche’s album “A Greater Song”
• How Firm a Foundation: Arranged by KCBT Worship; From Caldwell’s Union Harmony, 1837; “K” – in Rippon’s Selection of Hymns
  • Coming soon on KCBT’s worship album
• To the Glory of His Name by Arturo LaCruz
  • Coming soon on KCBT’s worship album
• How Great Thou Art by Stuart Wesley Keene Hine
  • Hear it on Paul Baloche’s album “Our God Saves”
• In Christ Alone by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
  • Hear it on Anthony Evans’ album “The Bridge”
• How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves
  • Hear it on Chris Tomlin’s album “Arriving”

We’ve been working hard to get our systems setup to be able to show you a time-lapse video of the progress on the construction of the new building each week.  We are excited to announce we have it up and running and here is this weeks time-lapse video.  Come back each week, and we’ll post a new video of how the construction is going or you can view all of the construction videos (and other videos from KCBT at the KCBT Youtube page located at http://youtube.com/kcbtmedia)

If your a fan of RSS you can subscribe to the KCBT Youtube RSS feed here.

http://gdata.youtube.com/feeds/base/users/kcbtmedia/uploads?alt=rss&v=2&orderby=published&client=ytapi-youtube-profile

Dates: Wednesday and Fridays
Time: 6am
Location: The Upper Room (The Point)
Contact: TK Fu

Read the rest of this entry »

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Job 34-36 + Acts 18
Monday, July 6, 2009

1 Kings 18:43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.

My Lord and My Father::
Success is assured if I am acting on your promise. I have pled month after month for the souls of __________ and __________, and it seems like you have not answered. But it is not possible that you are deaf, because I am insistent, this is for your glory and according to your will.
Elijah on Mt. Carmel continued to wrestle for the souls of his people. He never gave in to the fear that his prayer was not suited for your ear. Six times the servant returned. Six times the answer was the same: Go again.
I cannot consider being distrustful. I will hold onto faith even to seventy times seven. Faith sends hope on an errand of expectancy to look from Carmel’s cliff. If nothing is yet seen, she sends again and again. Far from being crushed by repeated disappointment, faith is animated to plead more earnestly with you. She is humbled, but not crushed. Her groans are deeper and her sighs more frequent, but she never relaxes her hold on the promise.
It is more agreeable to my flesh to have a speedy answer, but my belief has learned to be submissive, and to find good in waiting for as well as waiting upon the Lord. Delayed answers set my heart to searching itself. It leads me to contrition and spiritual reformation. Deadly blows are struck against sin’s corruption and the chambers of my imagination are cleansed.
The great danger is for me to faint and miss the blessing. I will not fall into that sin, but continue praying and watching. Elijah was a person of like passions, so his power did not lie in his own merits. And if his believing prayer availed, why should not mine? I plead the precious blood today in Jesus’ name. Amen.

TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: Job 37-39 + Acts 19
Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Psalm 22:2-3 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

O, Our Holy God:
We will never succumb to the temptation to give up our hold on our only strength and our solitary hope—prayer! Under no conceivable circumstance will we give place to the dark thought that you are not true and faithful to your promises. We did not in the days after 9-11, and we do not now.
Even if our prayer is unanswered for seven years we will say, Lord you are still enthroned as the Holy One. That is settled in our minds. The faintest breath of suspicion will not be allowed to condense on the fame of our Most Holy God. You are true. You are faithful. Psalm 22 was the worst of all cases. And since it is a Messianic Psalm, it shows us how you did not deliver your Son from death, but delivered him up for our sins. Yet in due time, you did finally raise him from the dead. We do not know why you sometimes deal with us so strangely, but we should never think you unfaithful. We will not be distrustful. Not for an instant.
We will never stop praying. The glare of daylight will not make us cease. The gloom of midnight will not make us quit our cries to our God. Why? Because we recognize that one of the Devil’s main goals is to get us to lay aside the weapon of all-prayer. As long as we continue to cry, Satan knows he cannot devour even the weakest member of our flock. Prayer always prevails in time.
Our faith is even more resolved not to put our dependence anywhere but God. It is not every knock at mercy’s door that will open it, but one eventually will! Cold prayers beg for denial; red-hot prayer prevails. We bring them as a bettering-ram, our army of souls engaged in the conflict, besieging the mercy seat to win the day. With that confidence we pray, Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Job 40-42 + Acts 20
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Job 23:4 I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

My Father and My God:
WHAT ORDER SHOULD I OBSERVE IN PRAYING FOR REVIVAL?
First, I have to feel I am doing something that is real, humbly petitioning for mercy through the Savior’s blood. When I feel like I am in the presence of God, then I can take my rightful place in that presence.
Second, I have to recognize I have no right to what I am seeking. I can never expect to get it except as a gift of your grace. My only hope of mercy is grace, because that is what brings you glory.
Help me remember that you have narrowed the options through which you will give me mercy—it comes only through your dear Son. I put myself right now, by prayer, under the patronage of the great Redeemer. Let me feel that it is no longer I that speak, but Christ who speaks with me. While I plead, I plead his five wounds pouring out blood for me. I plead his spotless life, his sacrificial death, and his infinite self. This is truly ordering my cause.
Third, I must consider what I will ask for. I want to aim at clarity and be definite, direct and distinct in my heart-cry for revival. If I ordered my cause, it would focus my mind.
This is my prayer closet. It is not necessary for me to ask for every imaginable good thing, or catalogue every want that I have and need that I feel. But what I need right now—my present need—is revival. That is my daily bread. Eloquence and oratory mean nothing to you. My words are few, but my heart is fervent.
Fourth, I ask for it through Jesus Christ. Some prayers would never be offered if I just thought. This one I offer because I do think, and love you. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Psalm 1-3 + Acts 21
Thursday, July 9, 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.

YOU are God and we praise you; you are the Lord and we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father; all creation worships you.
To you all angels, all of the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and seraphim sing in endless praise,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of power and might;
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you;
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you;
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the whole world the holy church acclaims you,
Your true and only Son worthy of all worship,
And the Holy Spirit, Advocate and Guide,
You Christ are the King of glory, the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free You did not abhor the virgin’s womb.
You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God’s right hand in glory;
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then Lord and help your people, bought with the price of your own blood;
And bring us with your saints to glory everlasting.

—Te Deum (Fourth Century Prayer, Latin for “You Are God”)

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S LIFE

Chronological Reading: Psalm 4-6 + Acts 22
Friday, July 10, 2009

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

Faithful Savior:
HELP ME ABIDE IN YOU AS TO MY FRUITFULNESS. The branch has to bear fruit, but I cannot produce even one grape by myself. The fruit of this branch comes through my stem. My work for you has to be your work in me, or else it is not good for anything. I am wary of slick plans, programs and productions. Help me simply do for you what you bid me to do.
HELP ME ABIDE IN YOU AS TO MY LIFE. If I were old as Methuselah, I still could not do without you, Lord. As a Christian, my very being depends on my clinging. Even this you must give me, because it all comes from you and you alone. I am still trusting, still desperately dependent, O Lord.
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.
That is the key qualification. How important is your word! Verse 4: Abide in me, and I in you. The parallel: If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you. Are you and your words identical? In practical terms, indeed.
I know some who talk so spiritually about Christ being their master, but they do not submit to sound doctrine as declared in your word. If I separate Christ from the word, I have done something despicable.
You are the word (John 1:1,14)! How dare I call you Master and Lord, and do not the things that you say? If I do not obey your precepts you do not accept me as a disciple. Christ, his cross, and his commands are one. Help me, Holy Spirit to live in communion with Christ through his commands, so I can powerfully preach the cross. Oh, for grace to do more, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Psalm 7-9 + Acts 23
Saturday, July 11, 2009

Psalm 119:28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

Heavenly Father and Redeemer:
Like the troubled psalmist, I complain about my bondage to earthly things. Sometimes my soul cleaves to the dust from which I was made. I feel like it melts for heaviness. I cry for freedom from this invisible prison. I could dissolve away in tears. The solid strength of my confidence is in danger of turning to liquid in the heat of my afflictions. Heaviness of heart seems like a killing thing. It threatens to turn the life that I have into nothing more than an extended death. It seems like I experience nothing but perpetual grief.
Job 3:24 For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters.
Tears are the distillation of the heart. When I weep, my soul wants to waste-away in the erosion. I am nearly water spilt on the ground, never to be gathered up. What shall I do?
Lamentations 2:19 Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him
I must remember, it is better to be melted by depression than to be hardened by defiance. You strengthen me by pouring me out, and then pouring your grace in. You pour grace in through your word, and then your Spirit can certainly sustain me (I verbally confess it so the enemy can hear it!).
Grace is what enables me to bear the constant stress of lasting sorrow. It repairs the decay caused by the perpetual tear-drip. It gives me the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. When depression comes I will pray, because that is the shortest distance out of discouragement. And in that prayer I plead nothing but the word of God. Amen.