“GOD WILL DO SOME THINGS WHETHER WE PRAY OR NOT. BUT

THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT GOD WILL ONLY DO IF WE PRAY.”

- PASTOR STEVE GAINES

TAKE TIME TO PRAYFERVENTLY

LIKE IT MATTERS

30-DAYPRAYER GUIDE

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” James 5:16b

James used Elijah as an example of praying for healing. He prayed fervently like it mattered for God to be honored and for people to change. Elijah saw the spiritual healing of many as they turned back to the Lord declaring, “The LORD, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39). God also used Elijah’s prayers to bring healing to the drought-stricken land of Israel, which desperately needed rain. “Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.” (James 5:18). We need all kinds of healing in our nation, hearts, homes, and churches. We must begin by praying like it matters. You can be a part of that!

USING THE 30-DAY PRAYER GUIDEBellevue has provided this prayer guide to assist you in praying fervently for our nation in the days leading up to the election. Each day contains a key passage of Scripture and a brief word from Rick Shepherd, Minister of Prayer and Spiritual Awakening.

PRAYING FERVENTLYAt the end of each daily devotional, you will find a section titled “Praying Fervently.” The purpose of this section is to help you start your prayer time each day. As you begin with the suggested phrases provided, allow the Holy Spirit to bring specific needs to mind as He guides you in prayer.

All scripture taken from the NASB® unless otherwise indicated.

PRAYER MATTERS!Prayer matters to God! Prayer is the open door to sweet fellowship with Him. When we talk with our Father about what is on our hearts, it honors and blesses Him. We ask for the needs we see, and He delights to reveal His power.

Prayer matters to each of us! I can know God better, grow in my walk, and deepen my intimacy with Him. The more time I spend with Him, the greater is my capacity to know, grow, and enjoy Him—and see His answers.

Prayer matters to others! I can see God make a difference in those close to me, in the life of someone I just met, and in the lives of so many others.

Yes, prayer matters—to God, to each of us, and to those we pray for. God will do some things whether we pray or not. But there are some things that God will only do if we pray. Pray like it matters—because it does!

III John 2,

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DAY01 “IF…”“If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people…pray…” 2 Chronicles 7:13–14a

There are many “if” statements in the Bible. God Himself gave three in one verse, revealing to His people the importance of depending on Him, loving Him, and praying with the whole heart. He speaks to the heart of His people. After giving the possibilities of His chastening hand, God gave the possibilities of His healing hand—“and if My people…pray.” What if we prayed? What if we prayed like it really matters? God presented the possibilities of healing the entire land—if His people prayed.

PRAYING FERVENTLY Our Father, we have seen many calamities in our land and ignored many warning signs. Forgive us, we pray.

Father, show me any corruption in my life and call me to repent in those areas. Show me any area in which I am not pursuing a passionate relationship with You.

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DAY02 “MY PEOPLE…”

“…if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray…” 2 Chronicles 7:14a

“My people”—Anyone who repents; turns from sin to God; believes Jesus took all sin, guilt, and shame on Himself on the cross; and personally receives Him as Lord and Savior becomes a child of God. That person belongs to God. He calls us His people, His children, His sheep because we belong. That’s great security—eternal security. Thank Him.

He has also promised to be the Shepherd for His people as He leads us where we need to go (Psalm 23; 100:3; John 10:9, 27). Romans 8:26 assures us He also helps us in prayer. As you pray for His name to be honored, for your neighbor to be touched, and for our nation to be healed, trust Him to lead you.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, I call on You as one of Your children. Thank You for convicting me of sin, calling me to come to Jesus, saving me by faith, and securing me. Please guide me in prayer today. As a nation, we are in great need.

Father, show me how to better honor and love You and love those around me. I pray for my neighbors today.

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DAY03 “HUMBLE…”

“…If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways…” 2 Chronicles 7:14a

God’s commands are never to hurt us, always to help us and help our relationships—and pride hurts everyone. He wants us to love Him, care for others, and share Jesus.

He daily calls us to humble ourselves—not to think less of ourselves, but to stop thinking only of ourselves. We are constantly trying to climb one step higher in our self-esteem. God wants us to have true “God-esteem,” seeing and loving Him for who He is and praying in light of that. Ask the Lord to show you anywhere you’re thinking too highly of yourself and not highly enough of Him.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, remind me of Your ways, the things You have done in my life, and the power You have to change us.

O Lord, there is so much pride in this land and in me. Give me eyes to see Your ways and ears to hear Your Word.

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DAY04 ALL KINDS OF HEALING

“Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.” Matthew 9:35

The Lord has always been a healer. In Israel Jesus healed all kinds of diseases and sicknesses. Just like He can heal a sick body, He can heal a sinful heart, a family, a community, even a nation if people turn to Him.

What kinds of healing do we need today? God has called us to be a catalyst for spiritual awakening in Memphis and beyond. All kinds of healing can take place in our midst.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, I ask for discernment about praying for needs near me.

Please show me areas of my own life that need Your touch and Your healing.

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DAY05 FILLED WITH HOPE!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

The Lord never loses hope. He is the God of hope who knows all that is going on throughout our nation. Paul wrote at a time when life was not hopeful. He obeyed, wrote, and prayed like it mattered because he knew to Whom he belonged.

Peter wrote, “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account of the hope that is in you…” (1 Peter 3:15). And he wrote about “a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3), which can lead to hope-filled praying. Pray fervently to the God of hope.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, thank You for being the God of hope. So much looks hopeless; help me fix my eyes and heart on You.

Lord, show me where I am failing to hope in You and how I can have a confident expectation in You and Your power.

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DAY06 RIGHTEOUS AMBITION

“Therefore, also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for the deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:9–10

People are ambitious about all kinds of things. Is ambition wrong? Not if it matches God’s heart. Paul had an ambition to be pleasing to Christ.

Knowing he belonged to Jesus, he walked in faith and instant obedience (2 Corinthians 5:1-8). Paul also knew of his accountability to Jesus before the judgment seat to receive the rewards of faith and obedience (2 Corinthians 5:10). What ambitions do we have? To pray and obey? To be Christlike? That’s the foundation for being a catalyst for revival.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, by Your Holy Spirit reveal to me the true picture of my ambition. Teach me to have a heart in line with Your Word.

Search me, O God, and show me any wrong ambition. Work in our nation to bring about righteous ambition.

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DAY07 PRAY FOR OTHERS

“They told Him about her at once.” Mark 1:30

When we see another in need, we have an open door in prayer with our Father. He gladly receives a humble plea for the needs of another. When Peter’s mother-in-law had a debilitating fever, they told Jesus and He healed her.

Who is in need? Who is God reminding you to pray for? Tell Jesus of that need and look for ways to tell that person about Jesus. What needs do you see in our nation? Bring those needs and those people before the Lord.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, I come before You for _____. The need seems impossible to meet in my eyes, but I lay this in your hands.

Father, bring to my mind and heart the neighbor for whom You want me to pray. I ask for Your wisdom about this situation.

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DAY08 WHAT CAN GOD DO?

“Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” Genesis 18:14

Anything—That’s a powerful statement, but that is what the Lord said to Abraham about giving him and Sarah a son. It seemed impossible to them but not to God. And a year later, they were holding baby Isaac. God answered and fulfilled His promise.

What impossibility are you facing? Jeremiah affirmed God’s promises as he faced the looming judgment through the Babylonians. “Nothing is too difficult for You” (Jeremiah 32:17). We need to pray for our neighbors and our nation in light of who God is, rather than in light of the situations we see.

PRAYING FERVENTLYO God, You are exalted in the heavens. May You be exalted as God on earth and in our nation. I look to You for the situations we are facing.

Lord, You know the needs in the lives of those on my heart. I pray for those near to me.

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DAY09 FREE TO SPEAK

“Grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence… And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:29, 31

The words “confidence” and “boldness” come from the same Greek word, which means “all speech” and “freedom of speech.” It refers to speaking publicly all that is on one’s heart. Early Christians prayed for that and God answered. We can pray that too—for the opportunity to speak in public all that God has given us in His Word.

Freedom of speech is not license to give personal opinions; it is freedom to give God’s holy and loving Word, and His call to come to Jesus for eternal life. Pray fervently for open doors, open ears, and open hearts to receive the Word of God.

PRAYING FERVENTLYLord, give me boldness, confidence, and compassion to speak Your Word.

Father, You know the needs of people. Give me the right words at the right time to help others.

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DAY10GOD “GIVES TO ALL LIFE”

“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things.” Acts 17:24–25

Life—God’s gift every day. Death—sin’s wages every day. While God continues to provide for the physical and material needs of the world from conception to the grave (Luke 1:41–44; Acts 14:16–17), He longs for people to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Pray for God to raise up leaders who humbly recognize their lives are in His hands. Pray that each repents of any sin, believes in Jesus, and receives Him as Lord and Savior.

PRAYING FERVENTLYLord, I pray that the candidates running for office would receive the truth of who You are and what You promise.

Father, I thank You for life and breath and pray others will thank You as well.

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DAY11 PRIORITY PRAYING! “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority…This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1–4

It is always the will of God to pray for those in authority—it’s a priority. Paul wrote to Timothy when government leaders were corrupt and idolatrous. Each one needed to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. How do we pray for our current and future leaders? Pray the Word of God.

Remember, God is being patient, even as in the days of Noah (1 Peter 3:20). He is listening to each person’s words. Call on Him today.

PRAYING FERVENTLYLord, give me insight into Your Word as I read. Pray and guide me in prioritizing my prayers Your way.

Father, You know the hearts of all men and women. You know the truth and the needs of every person. I pray for discernment in praying for my neighbors and for our nation.

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DAY12 THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

“For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:12–13

Two evils. This is about the foolish choices of God’s people, not other nations. When we begin walking away from loving God, it leads quickly to not loving people, not sharing Jesus, and not making disciples. When we turn our backs on biblical truth and choose “broken cisterns,” we begin chasing a thousand lesser gods, idols that provide nothing.

God reveals our wrongs so we can repent, change direction, believe and receive the truth, and begin truly living once again.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, forgive me for chasing after deceptive, death-filled idols—broken cisterns. Show me the way back to Your “living waters.”

Lord, I am burdened for some who have made foolish choices. O God, turn their hearts to You, and quench their thirsty lives.

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DAY13 WHOSE KINGDOM?“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things [you need] shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Hebrews 12:25–29 tells us to bank on His unshakeable Kingdom. All earthly kingdoms shake and crumble—but He is “a consuming fire” ever energized to carry out His will.

One translation states clearly that the matters of daily life like food, clothing, and shelter “dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs” (Matthew 6:32NLT). What dominates our thoughts? Are we daily pursuing a passionate relationship with the Lord above all else?

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, show me any shakable “kingdoms” in my life so I more fervently follow You and seek Your Kingdom.

Lord, at this season in our nation, reveal the shaky foundations of earthly kingdoms and the sure foundation of Your Kingdom. Make the choices clear that we need to make.

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DAY14 TRUE TREASURE

“The twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” Revelation 5:8

Before the Throne of God are Golden Bowls filled with sweet, aromatic incense—a reminder of those who have sought the Lord, wanting only what God wants. These are true riches that last forever, safeguarded and treasured in Heaven before God’s Throne. These prayers are clearly seen and heard—a sweet, pleasing aroma.

Pray as David prayed, “LORD, may my prayer be set before You as incense” (Psalm 141:2). Lord, guide me in praying incense-like prayers for my neighbors, our nation, and this election.

PRAYING FERVENTLYLord, teach me to value what You value and who You value.

Father, may my prayers before You be as incense that is lasting and pure.

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LORD, YOU ARE ENTHRONED FOREVER AS KING of Heaven. You raise up kings and put down kings. Guide us in choosing righteous officials who discern between good and evil with Your wisdom from above that is pure, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and righteous.

RAISE UP OFFICIALS WHO HUMBLY RECOGNIZE THEIR life is in Your hands and seek to honor You. Give us leaders who fear God, men and women of truth, who hate dishonest gain. Appoint officials who will make righteous decisions so that all live in peace, godliness, and dignity. May each serve faithfully as a minister of God for good as they resist evil, protect people, and lead justly.

GIVE EACH LEADER A WISE AND UNDERSTANDING heart to hear You, hear people, and make righteous judgments. May each repent of any sin, believe who Jesus is and what He has done, and receive Him as Lord and Savior.

A DAILY PRAYER FOR OUR ELECTIONS

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WE PRAY YOU WILL RAISE UP GODLY LEADERS for each city. For every heart and home we pray Your peace. Bring in Your order and rest, rather than chaos and strife, so people may come to the knowledge of the truth. May each leader know Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Mediator between God and man.

FOR THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER, IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, AMEN.

A DAILY PRAYER FOR OUR ELECTIONS

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DAY15 PEOPLE—GOD’S TREASURE“For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from your empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom He paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” 1 Peter 1:18–19NLT

We pay what we think something is worth. God saw the exact worth and sin in each of us. And He saw what He could do. He paid the greatest price ever calculated—not stores of gold and silver, but the precious blood of His Son Jesus. He had no sins, guilt, or shame, but He paid the full price for our sins. What a Savior!

We see worthless choices in our nation and people living an empty life, but God chose to pay the price. Seeing treasure like God sees, we can pray for our nation and the world.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, thank You for the great love You showed in giving Your only Son for us. Help me grasp the price You paid and the treasure You see.

Lord, guide me this election year in praying for our nation in the light of Your will.

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DAY16 WHO’S AT THE TOP?

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17

Too many people are climbing the ladder to get to the top, but there is only One who is King and always at the Top. Paul exploded in praise in this encouraging letter to timid Timothy living in harsh, corrupt Ephesus. Paul knew who had mercifully saved him and who would be forever King. Wanting Timothy to grasp God’s greatness, Paul focused attention on Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 6:13–16

Like Paul, consumed with hope in and love for the living God, we need to focus attention on the One who reigns over all nations. We can pray, love people, and share Jesus in light of that.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, You alone know the truth about the present and the future. You see everyone as they truly are. Lead me in praying for those around me and for our nation.

Lord, guide me in living in the sight of God, in Your view of people and of our nation.

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DAY17 LOVING GOD“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4

Is it possible to truly love God with one’s whole heart? God said David was “a man after My own heart, who will do all My will” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). David himself testified in Psalm 18:1, “I love You, O LORD, my strength.” He taught people the truth about God and led them to make righteous choices. He was not perfect, but he was pointed in the right direction. His relationship with God set his internal compass. For most of his life, he pursued a passionate relationship with the Lord.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, I love You, but not as I should. I ask for greater grace to love You more and increase in my love for people.

Lord, thank You for Your love and the work of Your Spirit. May I be filled with Your Spirit and overflow with love for You and others. Bring to my heart those I need to pray for today.

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DAY18 BLESS MY NEIGHBORS

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24–26

To bless someone in Scripture carries the idea of desiring for that person to be and do more than is naturally possible by the supernatural will and work of God. As we Love God and Love people, we can bless them—meaning we desire that God would work in them, keep them, and guard them with his favor and grace. This is the need of everyone we meet. It is the need of those leading our nation and those who desire to lead. Without the blessing of God, all is lifeless like the wood, stone, and metal idols that fill the pages of history.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, You tell us to guard ourselves from idols (1 John 5:21). It’s a real danger. Bless my neighbors with insight about life and bless them with Your working.

Lord, our nation is sorely in need of Your blessing, but first in need of repentance.

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DAY19 SERVANTS, INCORPORATED“…Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26–28

Wouldn’t it be amazing if there were companies and corporations that had a servant’s heart? That’s what God has wanted all along. Creating man in His image in Genesis 1:26 included being a ruler over all creation. We do this by seeking God’s best for all. Jesus showed that everywhere He went.

Jesus gave the pathway for greatness—be a servant to others, seeking their best. It is Christlikeness to Love God, Love People, Share Jesus, and Make Disciples.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, You are the ultimate Servant as Your Son revealed day after day. Show me how to best serve others.

Lord, give me discernment about what is truly best for others, not by my definition, but Yours.

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DAY20 THE KING MAKER

“Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. And it is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men, and knowledge to men of understanding.” Daniel 2:20–21

God raises up kings and puts down kings. He has wisdom and power. His wisdom is impeccable, untainted, never selfish or self-serving, always holy, and purposeful. We need to pray wisely with His insight. No man or woman has the answers to the dilemmas of today’s world, but biblical truth will certainly guide the right way.

Call on His name. Ask God to give our nation true wisdom.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, I praise You for Your wisdom and power. Please give me insight today.

Lord, You are Lord indeed, and we look to You as You rule over all the nations all the time.

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DAY21 WHERE’S THE BATTLE?“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy...” John 10:10a

Where do we find thefts, robberies, and battles for territory? Wherever there is something treasured. Perhaps it’s gold, jewels, money, or a car. The common element is value.

Where are the battles today? Salvation, Sharing Jesus, biblical truth, Jesus Himself, the Church, family, creation, moral purity… All of these are battlefields where the enemy wants to steal, kill, or destroy. Let’s pray fervently like it matters about each of these battlefields.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, You know the battles better than I do. Lead me in prayer.

Father, I pray for insight into Your Kingdom and Your will for our nation, my neighbors, and my life.

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DAY22DRESSED FOR THE

BATTLEGROUND OR THE PLAYGROUND?

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand … praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…” Ephesians 6:10–11, 18NKJV

Sharing Jesus and Making Disciples is no playground; there is a battleground all around us. The battle is also within us as we deal with our own sin. Romans 7:18–24

Romans 7:25 triumphantly declares where our victory lies, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ.” The Lord gives us His armor for the battle, and calls us to get dressed and pray! Ephesians 6:10–20

PRAYING FERVENTLYLord, thank You that You are a Warrior (Exodus 15:3) and know how to win battles.

Father, my times of defeat sometimes overwhelm me. Thank You that You never leave me nor desert me (Hebrews 13:5). I look to You in the battles I face.

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DAY23 GOD’S PROTECTION“Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us… In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:34, 37

Jesus told His disciples about the battles they would face, and He asked God to “keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). Paul told believers, “the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). We are more than conquerors through Christ, winning battles in His name.

As we live out biblical truth and pursue a passionate relationship with Jesus, He will be faithful to protect us and guide.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, I come to You facing many battles. I pray for others in Jesus’ name, asking for Your work and Your will, especially in the elections. 1 John 5:14–15

Father, I ask for Your insight and protection as I pray for our nation.

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DAY24 LOVE MATTERS

“Now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

God has called us to love—to Love God and Love People and to seek God’s best for others. John revealed how loving God goes with loving a brother in need and exhorts us to love with action. 1 John 3:16–18

First Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5:22–23 describe the love God has and the kind God produces in His children. He wants to see this increase in His children. Paul prayed this for believers in 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13. Loving people includes praying for the election of leaders who fear God.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, thank You for loving me unconditionally. Give me Your ability to love others in increasing measure.

Father, Your love is practical and helpful. I pray for leaders who fear God, who hate dishonest gain, and who seek the well being of all.

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DAY25 WATCH WHO AND WHAT YOU BELIEVE“Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:6

You can believe everything on TV and the internet right? Not exactly. Jesus warned His disciples about the “leaven” of the Pharisees and Sadducees infiltrating and influencing in the wrong way. He wanted His disciples to discern the truth and walk by faith built on truth. Jesus is the Truth. He is our foundation.

Pray for the spread of biblical truth in our nation and the downfall of deceit. Pray that truth will draw more to faith in Jesus, creating a passion to pursue a relationship with Him. That’s the heart and soul of spiritual awakening.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, give me discernment about what I hear and see. Guide me in prayer based on biblical truth.

Father, I desire to walk by faith in You. I want to know and follow Jesus in an intimate relationship and help others do the same.

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DAY26BEHAVING LIKE YOU

BELIEVE AND BELONG“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, a royal priesthood, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Exodus 19:5–6 reveals God’s design and destiny for His people. They belonged to Him as His “own possession.” That meant serving, obeying, and worshiping Him as His holy people. New Testament believers have the same destiny.

As we pursue an intimate relationship with Him, taking in Scripture regularly, our faith deepens and our behaviors change.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, show me any unholy area of disobedience. Guide me in praying for our nation and the upcoming elections.

Father, remind me of Your many excellencies and give me boldness and a confidence in proclaiming who You are. May I pray fervently in light of your greatness.

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DAY27 HELP IS ON THE WAY“We are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12

King Jehoshaphat and Judah faced the coming of three enemy armies. They gathered and prayed to the LORD, “our eyes are on You.” God sent His Word and gave a great victory.

David, being chased by Saul, declared, “Behold, God is my helper” (Psalm 54:4; 30:10). Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would be our “Helper” forever. (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, abundantly available for help in tight places.” Pray fervently for God’s help in our nation.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, I need You as my Helper for every situation You lay before me. I also pray for Your work in the life of our nation and those around me.

Thank You for never leaving us—for being an ever-present help.

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DAY28GOOD STATEMENTS—

GOOD QUESTIONS“For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:34–36

T.W. Hunt was known for his statement often said in light of several unanswered prayers and bewildering questions, “God is God.” He did not understand all the ways of God, but knew His wisdom and His ways were unsearchable and unfathomable.

What do we do when we don’t know what to pray or do? We pray. We trust. We love God and continually pursuing Him and His Word.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, though I do not know how to pray over all the needs of our nation, but I lift up this country to You.

Father, I have some perplexing questions and few answers. Guide me day by day.

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DAY29 FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7–8

The good fight is the battle for what God says is good—His Word, good seed, good fruit, Christlike works, clearly Sharing Jesus. Paul did that and more. He gracefully ran his race, true to the faith. Not always easy!

Paul believed Jesus laid down His life, and he received Jesus and His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:17). One day every believer will live on the New Earth “in which righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, thank You for making every believer justified in You through the righteousness of Christ. May I stand in that biblical truth today.

Father, so many do not know You. I pray for an opportunity to Share Jesus today.

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DAY30“FIXING OUR EYES

ON JESUS”“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1–2

The devil uses distractions and deceptions to lead us to defeat. Jesus leads us to victory in truth. He surrendered to His Father and willingly laid down His life. John 10:18

We can help others fix their focus on Jesus. We must pray fervently, lifting up His Name, our neighbors, and our nation. That will make an eternal difference.

PRAYING FERVENTLYFather, I pray my life pleases You, revealing the grace I have received through Jesus.

Father, our nation needs a spiritual awakening. I ask you to use me as a catalyst in Memphis and beyond.

CIRCLE OF PRAYER CARDS

Use your “Circle of Prayer” Cards to pray for the needs of our nation and your neighbors. Praise and thank the Lord, exalting His Name. Write Scriptures to pray back to the Lord as you praise Him and lift your needs to Him. Carry these cards with you—and in your heart.

Additional Online Prayer Resourcesbellevue.org/prayer

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Dr. Steve Gaines, Pastor2000 Appling Road I Cordova, TN 38016 (901) 347-2000 I bellevue.org

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