Filled with the Knowledge
“Filled with the Knowledge of His Will.”
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:9-12).
Pray that We Might be Filled with the Knowledge of God’s Will.
It is God’s will for us to pray for God’s people that they would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will for all areas of our lives and in His kingdom; praying that we be filled with all wisdom and spiritual understanding. The Lord, as our teacher, desires to teach us all things. He loves it when His people want to have His mind, goals, and truth. Pray for our leaders on all levels that they may know and walk in the knowledge of God’s will in all the areas in which they have authority. Pray that the children of God no longer walk in darkness but have clarity of wisdom and spiritual understanding. Pray that the children of God will no longer follow their own will, but will earnestly seek after the perfect will of God for their lives instead.
Pray We Walk Worthy of the Lord unto All.
It is God’s will that we are pleasing to Him, fruitful, and continually increasing our knowledge of Him. He desires for us to know Him so that we may please Him and become fruitful in our lives toward Him. Pray that we may walk worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray We are Strengthened with Might According to His Power.
God wants us to walk in His glorious power, displaying the wonderous works He did on Calvary and in His resurrection. He wants to display His power in our lives as we are dead to sin and walk as new creatures in Christ. Jesus’ quickening power wants to reveal itself through the children of God. While this world is seeking for strength in many areas, God wants to show His strength through us. We must not fear weakness, for it is in our weakness that God’s strength is revealed. Pray that the children of God’s light will shine so that they will draw all men out of the darkness and into the light of His strength, glory, and goodness, displaying to all what God can do in a life surrendered to Him.
Give Thanks and Praise.
As a conduit for Christ all knowledge, strength, fruitfulness, and increase can flow from the
heavenly places into and through our lives. He knows all, He has done all, and He can do all. We don’t need to produce something miraculous. We just need to allow Him to flow through us. Prayer sets us in the proper alignment to do just that, giving praise and thanks that we are partakers of the glorious inheritance and illuminating light!
Deborah Smith
District Prayer Coordinator
South Texas District
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
Without Ceasing
“Pray Without Ceasing” from Pastor Phillip Hofstetter
What does “Pray Without Ceasing” really mean? Here is something to think about: Have you ever gotten into prayer, but you had to stop because of an appointment or an interruption? What should you do when you pray again later? There isn’t a need for you start over, you start where you left off.
Every prayer connects to the last prayer, whether you are at the altar at church or the altar at home. No matter where you are praying, when you start your prayer again, you can continue where you left off in your last prayer. We should look at our relationship with God as a continual, lifelong prayer. It is a daily prayer, as each day connects to the last day, each week to the last week, each month to the last month, and each year to the last year. It is all connected.
That is why it is so important to journal your prayers so when God answers, you can remember the prayer and write in the way God answered. How many prayers constituted the memorial prayer of Cornelius in Acts 10:1-8? It was an ongoing, continual, daily prayer, each prayer connecting to the last. That is how we pray without ceasing.
Don’t be discouraged when you cannot continue to pray at a particular time. just continue where you left off. Jesus will never forget what you spoke to Him before in prayer. He waits for you to continue your conversation with Him.
Pastor Phillip Hofstetter
District Prayer Coordinator
Florida District
(Info from Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
Great Awakening
“Prayer for a Great Awakening”
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32).
In this prophetic context, the messenger of God speaks to Daniel about a time of great spiritual conflict. The people of God have been captured. Ungodly leaders have stolen the sacred and polluted the sanctuary. Pagan worship and pagan agendas rule the day. The covenant of God is being perverted. Seduction is common. Flatteries and hypocrisies are the climate of political conquest … BUT… in the midst of all this chaos, the messenger assures Daniel of this promise: “They that know their God shall be strong and do exploits.”
In our days of economic and political flatteries and seductive rhetoric, the Body of Christ should not only be strong enough to stand, but should also do exploits. The Kingdom of God should advance. Those who stay strong through their relationship with God should go forward. The promises of deliverance, provision, peace, and joy are still true for the righteous. Truth is truth, regardless of the upheaval in our world.
Paul tells us in the book of Ephesians: “Be strong in the Lord and the Power of His Might” (Ephesians 6:10)! Being strong is not an option. God doesn’t need us to echo the nightly news or even talk-radio. He expects us to have the audacity in this hour to do exploits; not to merely “hang in there,” but to go forward, to advance, to believe, to declare, to receive marching orders, and yes, to do exploits.
Darkness can’t put out light. David admonished the righteous to remember that “even in darkness, light dawns.” Our charge in this hour is not to give in to echoing the rant of panic, but to give voice to the truth of God’s Word. Our charge is to know Him, be strong, and to do His exploits!
It’s set up time for the greatest awakening our world has ever known!
PRAYER FOCUS:
Greater unity resulting in a greater kingdom harvest.
Greater anointing in our pulpits with greater empowerment to our people in the pews for faith to do exploits.
Let us pray for our bi-vocational pastors, that God will supply their needs both spiritual and monetary and that revival with be birthed in their churches.
God, give spiritual awakening for our youth and children.
God, in this dark and dismal hour let Your light so shine through the Church so that men will see with clear delineation the path that You have set before us.
Pastor Steve Blaylock
First Pentecostal Church of Columbus
Mississippi District Prayer Coordinator
(Info from Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
Our Father who art in Heaven
“Back to School with the Lord’s Prayer.”
Our Father who art in Heaven …
Remember God is your child’s father too, so worry less.
Hallowed be Thy name …
This is a statement that recognizes God’s powerful presence in every place. God is at school, too. Teach your children this so they will feel safer, and so they will remember Him throughout their day.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven …
Pray that God’s kingdom rule comes more fully into your child’s world and to yours. Pray for the people your child knows who are outside the kingdom.
Give us this day our daily bread …
Asking God for our daily food reminds us of our dependence on Him for everything — we obtain nothing by ourselves. God is providing daily for you and for your child. Teach your little one this so that they learn to trust Him.
And Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us …
Just like the chalkboard at school can be wiped clean, so God is willing to wipe our sins away. No doubt someone will hurt your child’s feelings. Someone will sin against him or her. What will you teach your child about dealing with this offense?
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil …
This is poetic way of submitting our will to God; we want to go His way, but we know we have an enemy who wants to keep us from that way. God is our Hero and can deliver us. Children are well acquainted with the language of heroes and enemies, so speak to them in these terms about God.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever …
What news could be better for parents sending their children out away from the nest of home? God is reigning over every place, even your school!
Amen!
WNOP
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
School and Prayer
“Back-to-School Prayer”
August is here and that means school is starting up again. It doesn’t matter if your student is a first-time, returning, elementary, high school, or college student; online or in class; public or Christian or home school; in town or far away; your child or grandchild, nephew or niece, neighbor, or friend, your student needs your prayers.
Your church can conduct a back-to-school, special time of prayer one Sunday where all students, regardless of age, gather at the front to let families and the church gather around to pray for them.
Provide prayer cloths that leadership has anointed and prayed over, then let families take home one for each student in the family. A family will pray over each one before placing a prayer cloth in each student’s backpack. Conduct a prayer walk at each school represented by students in the church with the approval of school leadership. Provide copies of this prayer guide to families so they can pray over their students at home before they leave for school.
Focused Prayer:
Pray for protection to and from school for each student.
Pray for protection at school, that it would be a safe place without bullying or terror attacks.
Pray for good health to prevail in every family throughout the school year.
Pray for teachers to show kindness, grace, and understanding, as well as wisdom in dealing with situations in the classroom.
Pray that God will provide for every financial need.
Pray for parents to offer strong guidance and support, offering encouragement as well as expecting fair accountability.
Pray that your student would understand and do well in the learning process.
Pray for peace in your student, that each would not be afraid of situations or people present.
Pray for confidence for your student, that each would try new things and bravely tackle all assignments given.
Pray for your student to make wise choices in their friendships, speech, manners, and reactions.
Pray that your student would do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Pray that your student would stand with boldness and integrity on the Word of God, especially when presented with beliefs and teachings contrary to truth.
Pray that God will strengthen your student as each builds their relationship with Him.
Pray that your student will introduce someone to Christ and help that friend grow in Christ.
Pray for the Holy Ghost to always lead, protect, and anoint your student.
J. Owens
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
Trusting in the Lord can be difficult
“Trusting in the Lord”
Trusting in the Lord can be difficult with all the struggles that life brings. It can be hard to believe that God cares about us and sees where we are. However, we can have peace knowing that our Lord loves us, cares about us, and desires for us to be happy. Therefore, when we are called, we can have peace and comfort, knowing that His will is the best thing for our lives. He will not give you a calling and then leave you, rather the Lord will help you every step of the way.
When you are worried about the future or struggling to trust in the Lord, pray:
Lord, help me to see myself the way you see me and assure me of my calling.
Give me strength and comfort through my situation and help me to know that you are always there.
In the good times and the bad, help me to remember to give my problems and situations over to God.
Lord, I thank you for the calling you have placed on my life and for always making a way for me.
Sarah Smith
Guest Writer
Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com
When we call on the name of Jesus
“When God is in the Midst”
When we call on the name of Jesus, He is there, whether we believe it or not. He may not always answer immediately, but He is always on time. He has answers to problems that we might not always like or understand, because God works according to His perfect will. God’s ways do not always make sense to our carnal minds because they oppose Him. In spite of our failures and infirmities, He does not abandon us in our time of need. However, we can cause Him to withdraw from us by taking our problems to sources other than Him. When we invite Him into our dark and discouraging situations, He will show up. God is drawn to darkness because He desires to shatter it with His marvelous light. We must call upon Him. We cannot curse the darkness without actively being the light that dispels it. We cannot be that light without the presence of God. God manifests His presence where the elements of prayer are carried out. The Hebrew word for prayer, tᵊp̄illâ (pronounced tef-il-law’), is defined as: “a hymn, intercession, and supplication.”
When we worship, intercede, or ask for something earnestly or humbly (supplication), we demonstrate faith. Prayer enables love that is pure and without ulterior motives. This is agape love that is obtained by a connection with the Spirit of God. Our worship of God must be pure. We cannot offer “the sacrifice of praise” that is tainted by idolatry, or unrepentant sin. We see these types and shadows of pure worship in the Levitical Law pertaining to where the sacrifices were to be offered. God gave this command because sacrifices were being made to idols. For the sacrifices to be accepted by God, they were to be brought to a place designated by The Lord, “This is so that the sons of Israel may bring their sacrifices which they were sacrificing [to idols] in the open field [where they killed them], that they may bring them in to the Lord, at the doorway of the Tent of Meeting to the priest, and sacrifice them as sacrifices of peace offerings to the Lord” (Leviticus 17:5 AMP).
Those sacrifices, which were an act of worship, when offered according to God’s plan, brought peace between God and His people. When God was in their midst, He performed great signs and miracles. He supplied all their needs. He caused their enemies to fear them. We acknowledge the intercessors in the Bible such as Abraham, Moses, and Daniel. But we may not consider the power we have been given to bring God into our situations, and into the lives of those who don’t know Him. We have power with intercession and supplication to turn the tide of judgment and seek the Peace of God for ourselves and others. When a person whose life is in turmoil chooses to try things God’s way, they will find that way of peace that can only be found in the presence of God. This is how lives are changed forever. There is great peace when God is in the midst.
Beth Marie Evans
Prison Ministry
International Christian Fellowship – Brookfield, Illinois
Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com
Divine Illumination
“Divine Illumination: The Anointed Eyes”
According to John 9:5-7, Jesus “anoints” the eyes of a blind man with mud and saliva, enabling him to see. This event serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual transformation and the illumination of one’s heart and mind. It also teaches us about the importance of faith, the compassion of Christ, and the transformative power of the Gospel.
The story of Jesus anointing the eyes of the blind teaches us several essential life lessons:
The power of faith: Like the blind man, we need to have faith in Jesus and entrust ourselves to His transformative power.
The compassion of Christ: Jesus demonstrated His love and compassion by healing the blind man. We, too, should show kindness and compassion to others, especially those in need.
Spiritual blindness: Reflecting on our own lives, we should examine if we are spiritually blind or lack understanding of the truth. We should seek Jesus’ intervention to open our spiritual eyes.
Transformation through Christ: Just as the blind man’s life changed completely after encountering Jesus, we can find new life and purpose in Him. We should allow Jesus to transform us from within, opening our eyes to His truth.
Pray:
Pray for a deepening of faith: Ask God to strengthen our faith in Him and to help us trust Him fully, even in challenging circumstances.
Pray for compassionate hearts: Seek God’s guidance to develop a compassionate attitude towards others, particularly those who are disadvantaged or facing difficulties.
Pray for spiritual sight: Ask the Lord to open our eyes to spiritual truths and grant us wisdom and understanding of His Word.
Pray for transformation: Invite Jesus to bring transformation in our lives, to renew our minds, and to empower us to live according to His will.
Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler
WNOP International Harvest Prayer Coordinator
(Info from Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
Spiritual Eyesight
“Spiritual Eyesight with Insight”
The Power of Focused Prayer.
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).
King David knew that his help came from above, that it why he set his spiritual eyesight on the Lord. Likewise, we too must cast our vision upon the Lord in focused prayer, and present to Him specific needs according to His divine will.
Focused Prayer: This entails targeting specific needs in prayer that special attention is given to. In the context used here, the word focus means “to cause to be concentrated; a center of activity, attraction, or attention.” In effective, focused prayer it is important to identify the need(s) and to be specific, in accordance to God’s purpose and will.
In Mark 10:46-52, Blind Bartimaeus prayed an unspecific (general) prayer, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” He cried unto Jesus. However, there are many mercies in the Bible, so Jesus then asked him what he specifically wanted. In reply, Bartimaeus answered, “Lord, that I might receive my sight.” He now spoke specifically, and Jesus granted his request! God wants us to have spiritual “eyesight with insight” and at times to render focused prayer that is specific. In doing so, such prayer should be accompanied with an expectant heart and unwavering faith, as we focus on the Problem Solver and not the problem.
Years ago, when I was a college student, I purchased a $60 Bible study chart as I endeavored to teach Bible studies to reach souls on campus and abroad. Shortly thereafter, I met a less financially fortunate couple at a fellowship event who were new to the church and just beginning in ministry. The Lord spoke to me to give away my Bible Study chart to this couple. I focused in on prayer later that God would somehow replace this chart with another one, or with funds to buy it. The very next day, my non-apostolic brother came to visit. He was not aware that I had given away my chart. While departing from his stay, he suddenly turned back around and gave me $60 as a gift. Wow! God had answered my focused prayer! Prayer works!
By looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith the eyes of our understanding will be enlightened. “To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary” (Psalm 63:2). As we experience the power of focused prayer when we lift up specific needs to Him, greater than ever, God will give us spiritual eyesight with insight, and do great things!
Flo Shaw
Director
World Network of Prayer
(Info from Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
Forgiveness is central to the message of Jesus Christ
” Finding Freedom ”
A Guide to Healing Guilt, Shame, and Forgiveness
In Christianity, forgiveness is central to the message of Jesus Christ. It is through God’s grace and forgiveness that believers can experience freedom from guilt and shame. By praying for those who are struggling with guilt, shame, or a lack of forgiveness, it demonstrates a compassionate and empathetic mindset that aligns with the teachings of Christ. This prayer encourages believers to seek healing and restoration, just as King David did in the Bible, and to actively support others in their journey towards experiencing God’s forgiveness and the joy and freedom it brings.
By asking for God’s guidance in molding us into vessels that honor Him, glorify His name, and reflect His love and mercy, we acknowledge our need for His transformative power in our lives. It highlights our desire to align with God’s will and teachings, demonstrating a surrender of our own desires and priorities.
This prayer also recognizes that our lives should not only be centered around ourselves but should ultimately be directed towards impacting the world around us. By reflecting God’s love and mercy, we aim to serve as representatives of Christ and be a positive influence on others.
Thus, this prayer serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God’s will, aligning our lives with His teachings, and living in a way that honors and reflects Christ in all aspects of our lives.
Pray:
Heavenly Father, we lift up those among us who are struggling with guilt, shame, or a lack of forgiveness.
Just as you lifted up King David, bring healing and restoration to their lives.
Help them experience the fullness of your forgiveness and leap forward in joy and freedom.
Lord may the lessons taught by King David inspire us to become men and women after your own heart.
Mold us into vessels that honor you, glorify your name, and reflect your love and mercy to the world around us.
In Jesus’ powerful name, we pray. Amen.
Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler
WNOP International Harvest Prayer Coordinator
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
God was always on the move
” FREEDOM! “
Getting Out of Your Rut
“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2).
From the beginning of time, we see biblical evidence that God was always on the move. So, why shouldn’t we be? For we are created in the image of God. He moved upon the face of the waters and brought order in the midst of void and darkness. God wants us to have order in our lives and to move and have freedom and not to get stuck in a rut!
A rut is defined as a “groove in which something runs; the same old, same old thing; a continual routine; a track worn by a wheel or by habitual passage; a groove that prohibits progress.” A standard definition of stagnant is “not advancing or developing; stale; long disuse; a standing body of water; not flowing in a stream.” Quench not the Holy Spirit (rivers of living water), but allow God to flow through you.
Someone said, “A rut is a grave with an end open on one side.” Think about that statement. For some people, they never arise or get free from it, and it eventually becomes their graves. God has validated your value greater than just an old tire stuck in the mud with your wheels spinning… moving nowhere.
Why do we need to get out of our ruts? To help ourselves and to help others! But first we must be in the right position ourselves to be able to help others effectively.
II Kings 7:3-9 states, “And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?” I’m sure most of us are familiar with the story of the four lepers, who made the choice to experience freedom and to not remain stagnant in a rut and die. Rather, they became mobile and confronted the enemy in the camp. In doing so, God magnified the sound of their footsteps as a mighty army, even the noise of chariots, horses, and a great multitude, and as a result, the enemy fled. Then, the lepers spoiled their tents and were able to help themselves and others. It’s time for us to get up and go into the enemy’s camp to take back what he stole from you… and more. The lepers could have either stayed in a “rut” to “rot,” but they decided to move on.
Some remedies for ruts: Recognizing and acknowledging you are in a rut and determining that you will get out, changing your attitude, believing for the best outcome, making a concerted effort, and creating a solution designed to reach your destiny. Move and seek God’s help and remember, “faith without works is dead;” setting and achieving continual growth goals to assist you in snapping out of your monotonous routine.
What are some ruts that you face and want to get out of now? You know what these are. Are you engaged in some non-edifying practices or habits that may not necessarily be classified as sin, but are things that are not expedient and are actions that hinder your prayer life? Do they prohibit you from reaching your maximum potential in God’s kingdom, and from doing what He desires?
Lord, help us to enter into the full freedom of our calling to pray and to be committed Christians. Even King David “encouraged Himself in the Lord,” when he encountered adverse circumstances (I Samuel 30:6). Sometimes it takes guts to come out of your ruts. By your sincere efforts and through God’s help, please strut out of your rut! Don’t keep your wheels spinning, but strut out of your rut. And it’s okay to add a little humor during your exit, by leaving some dirt on the face of the enemy from the backsplash as you move forward to “strut out of your rut” to FREEDOM!
Flo Shaw
Director
World Network of Prayer
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
You are the Salt of the Earth
” The Salt of the Earth. “
You are the salt of the earth when you pray.
Salinity (saltiness) is a physical characteristic that impacts where marine organisms live and thrive. Salinity is determined by the amount of salt that is dissolved in ocean water. The salinity of the oceans varies based on rainfall, evaporation, river runoff, and ice formation. When salinity lowers or increases it affects marine life. Most marine creatures keep the salinity inside their bodies equal to the salinity of the water surrounding them.
This is how prayer works. One person who carries the heart of God for souls, for intercession, and for the increase of Jesus Christ in their community is impacting the spiritual “marine life” of their church. Prayer produces spiritual salt and transforms the environment.. We are the salt of the earth. If we lose our savor we are good for nothing. Salt is a preservative for kingdom values and kingdom purpose.
Ask God to increase His power in you, through prayer, and He will impact the spiritual salinity in others around you by the spirit of prayer.
Pray:
God enlarge my heart by Your grace, through prayer, to manifest Your passion for people. Help me decrease so You may increase and so I can influence others relationally with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Increase the fire of Your Word through me to influence and impact the destinies of the people I serve and come in contact with.
Increase Your transforming love in me to break generational patterns in family church relationships and a lost and dying world.
Increase my capacity to carry Calvary’s love to the hurting and the wounded so I won’t be offended with the cross you called me to bear for others.
Indeed, you are the salt of the earth through prayer!
Pastor Don Rogers
The Pentecostals of Wisconsin
WNOP North Central Regional Prayer Coordinator
(Info from Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
There is a clarion call for Saints
” The Clarion Call “
Some time ago, I had an awesome vision of four powerful white horses pacing the sky. Without warning, all four horses took off in unison at a tremendous speed in the same direction. As I was observing the scene, I realized that these horses had heard something that I could not hear, and whatever they heard required a quick response. The only thing that was left at the scene was the cloud of dust that formed from their hooves.
In this season, there is a clarion call for saints of the Most High God to move from their current location and hasten to their destination, in order to accomplish our assignment on this earth. Sadly, not all of God’s people can hear this sound from heaven. There are many among us that are content to be spectators and observers. But to God be the glory, there is a remnant that will set their faces as flint and answer the call.
Let us pray:
That we will develop such a holy hunger for Jesus that it will consume every aspect of our lives.
That we will dare to go beyond ourselves in our personal and corporate consecration so that the Lord can start working in us as never before.
That we will be totally dissatisfied with “church as usual” and truly start seeking after the Lord as if our lives depended on it.
That the words of our testimonies and prayers will no longer be the regular church cliché, but that we will get real with the Lord and start praying gut-wrenching prayers, and grab onto the horns of the altar like never before.
That our very presence, and our words, will change the spiritual environment in geographic regions.
For the supernatural to happen in our midst, and expect that the Lord will bring it to pass.
“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus, will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name” (Psalm 64:1-4).
Sheryl Harris
Mount Vernon, New York
( Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com )
If I may touch but his clothes
EXPECTANCY: “The Master’s Touch”
“If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole” (Mark 5:28).
Expectancy is defined as “the state of thinking or hoping that something, usually pleasant, will happen. It is the anticipatory belief or desire of something that is expected.”
Expectancy is the atmosphere for miracles. A lady that is expecting in the natural indicates that a birth is forthcoming. Truly, childbirth is a miracle, a new creation. The woman with the issue of blood, in Mark 5:28, expected a miracle. If she touched Jesus, with expectancy, then surely she knew that He would touch her with a miracle.
Humans possess five natural senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. Touch places us in direct contact with our world. When we touch something, we become closely involved with it. We touch thousands of things every day in our lives without even thinking about it. We touch objects. We even affect change in the objects, or even the people, we touch., but there is nothing much more powerful than the touch of God!
Jesus touched a leper, and he was healed. His touch changed “Jacob” (deceiver) into “Israel” (a prince having power with God). His touch changed Moses from a murderer into a leader. His touch can remove sicknesses. His touch can raise the dead. His touch can heal blind eyes. His touch can unstop deaf ears. His touch can lift up the down and out. His touch can change us on the inside. His touch can make all things well on the outside!
If you are expecting, then God desires to birth something new and great in your life! Are you seeking God with EXPECTANCY? Touch God with your prayer, and He will touch you with His power!
Flo Shaw
Director
World Network of Prayer
( Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com )
The Spiritual Captive
” Prayer Guide for the Spiritual Captive “
Prayers for the spiritual captive should be passionate prayers. Interceding for others in need should be done with prayers that pour out of you like the cries of a mother in travail (Isaiah 26:16-17). As you pray for the spiritual captive, pray earnestly and specifically for them by name and for their specific needs.
This prayer guide is based on the actions of the church in Acts 12 as they prayed for Peter who was bound in chains in prison. Their continuous prayers led to his miraculous release. May we follow their lead and pray accordingly.
Concerning the Spiritual Captive:
Pray for understanding and for their eyes to be opened to see truth, their true condition, and to see the Lord’s helping hand reaching for them.
Pray for the Lord to “wake them up,” shake them, startle them, and get their attention!
Pray for the Lord to speak to them–speak to their soul, their needs, and their hearts.
Ask the Lord to bring them to the point of repentance, causing them to cast off all they used to be. “Draw them to You! Call them to follow You!”
Pray that the Lord would do a miraculous work in them that even they can’t believe!
Specifically name a miracle they need.
Pray for the spiritual prison doors to be opened around them, for their chains to be loosed, and for them to be set free. Ask Jesus to remove any obstacles that stand in the way of their victory. “Order their steps with Your Word, dear Lord!”
Pray for the Lord to give them boldness to tell others about their deliverance and for the Kingdom to grow through their testimony.
In an act of faith, declare victory in their life. Instruct their chains to break, their prison doors to be opened, and their pathway of life to be made straight. Pray in the authority of the Word of God. Quote scriptures that are applicable to their situation.
Thank God for all He is doing in their life. Rejoice over their salvation!
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
Rick Lovall
Director
UPCI Stewardship Group
(Information from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
We live in such a dark world
“LIGHT”
We live in such a dark world, yet we are filled with the light of Jesus Christ. We must learn to let that light shine bright in every place we go. Matthew 5:14 and 16 says, “Ye are the light of the world … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Please Pray:
we will not fear the darkness of this world
we will learn to be a light no matter where we are
that those who want to leave the darkness will be drawn to God’s light in us
You will be ready to be a light to those who are seeking.
Tiffini Countaway, Conference Services Manager
MyHopeRadio Web Producer
United Pentecostal Church International
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
The Blind
“The Country of the Blind”
“And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” (II Kings 6:17).
I heard a story mentioned by Rev. Ken Gurley during a daily devotion session that caught my attention.
H.G. Wells wrote a short story called “The Country of the Blind.” It has such a parallel to our battle in helping our world to see Christ!
A mountain climber gets hurt during climbing and stumbles into a village that has been separated from the rest of civilization.
As he began stumbling down to the village late in the day, he called out to the people he could see in the village. They turned toward the sound of his voice, but did not really see him.
As he came closer, he noticed no windows in the homes, ropes along the walking paths, and discovered that they were all blind.
They helped minister to his wounds and were kind, but when he tried to tell them about what he saw on his climb, they didn’t believe him, because they never could see.
Decades ago, a disease had begun to strike the children with blindness, and as time went on, all who could still see, died off. With them the stories of vision died also.
So, as he told of what he saw, they didn’t believe him. As time went on, he healed up and began to work with the community. They thought he was crazy when describing what he would see. They would do work at night as the heat of the day was uncomfortable.
He fell in love with the leader’s daughter, and wanted to marry her, but they thought his craziness of seeing things was too much. They finally had the doctor of the community check him out. When examining him, he felt the darting and movement of his eyes and determined that this was the cause of his craziness. So, he would be allowed to marry the daughter, if he would let them remove his eyes and be like them. He agreed.
However, at sunrise on the day of the operation, while all the villagers are asleep, He saw the morning, like a golden armored angel coming down the steps, it seemed to him, that before this splendor he and his blind world in this valley, and his love were no more than a pit of sin.
He then understood the following: My world is sight! He then climbed out of the village, and left the Country of the Blind.
Our world wants to remove our eyes, what we have seen in Christ, what He has told us in prayer, what we have seen in His glory!
Your world is seeing the truth of God’s power, promises, and truth. The world has forgotten the sights of Christ, His promises, and love. Because they have walked in the world so long, they may have forgotten how to see Christ. Don’t let them remove your eyes that see, but pray that God restores their sight. Spiritually, pray for The Country of the Blind.
Rev. Patrick Alvarez
WNOP NW Regional Prayer Coordinator
Washington District Prayer Coordinator
(Info from: Prayer Connect Newsletter – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)
The Glory of God
” Seeing the GLORY of God! “
As the coming of the Lord approaches, now is the time to move from the natural to the supernatural. God led His people by a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). He is still leading us today by His Spirit (John 16:13). Prayer is a vital key in our endeavor to see the glory of God manifested today.
The supreme purpose of prayer from God’s vantage point is to accomplish His perfect will in His kingdom, in our lives, and in the lives of others. Some key components in helping us see the glory of God are:
Put God First and Practice Self-Discipline in Prayer