With my whole heart

Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

6 He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

7 The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

9 He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

(Info from: Psalm 111:1-10 KJV)

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law.

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

(From: Galatians 3:1-14 KJV)

Let not your heart be troubled

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Scriptures from: John 14:1-21 KJV

The Most High

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

(From: Psalm 91:1-16 KJV)

My say on Back to School

Every year all over the world kids/children go Back-to-School in just about every civilize country. And keeping that in mind, its no wonder one of the most special moments in Pentecostal Apostolic Churches I know over the years, is the Back to School Prayer for the Kids/Children, Parents, Guardians, Teachers, and so on. I still believe that is really special and awesome. Even if you are not a Religious Person but you are someone who believes in God or Jesus, you will love the Back to School Special Prayer for those mentioned above, etc.

Every year at every level of School Life there will be some very strange or unexpected events happening that will adversely affect kids/children, teens, and young adults. Good health, safety, guidance, and protection for them all is still truly important. 

The School Term is not long. But the School Year is. And I know in January they normally do not have that Special Back to School Prayer, etc., in Schools, Churches or elsewhere. So August/September is the normally accepted time. That does not mean that parents, relatives, guardians or friends do no pray every day or all year long for the Kids/Children, etc. It just means extra attention and prayers is given now at this time of year.

No one will normally wish or hope for any evil towards someone else Kids/Children. Because the same you wish for someone else may happen to yours as well or instead. Its just better to be kind or humane. We were all Kids/Children once upon  time. And so we know what others are now facing, to a certain extent, in their life as kids, teens, or young adults. So we help each other and one another - in Jesus Name.   

READ:
John 15:12 - This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Romans 15:1 - We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Some things weigh us down

"Things to Leave Behind" by Gayla Baughman.

Not too long ago I was getting ready to go somewhere. I picked up my purse and realized it was way too heavy to carry around! I started taking out the things I did not need. The task became too daunting, so I finally poured all the contents out on the bed and sorted through what I needed and what I did not need.

When I picked up my purse to head for the airport, it was much lighter and easier to carry. As I embarked upon my journey, I was so thankful I left some heavy items behind. I could tell the trip was going to be much more enjoyable due to my wise decision.

There are some things we carry around in our spirits that weigh us down. Things that are heavy on our hearts, and sludge to our progress. We hold on to things that ultimately become the culprit of snatching away valuable opportunities and experiences. They get in the way of our success.

It may be time to take inventory of some things we are carrying around in our spirits. What are the things that will slow us down on our spiritual journey? Now is a good time to pour our hearts out and sort through the things that are edifying and useful on our spiritual journey from those things that slow us down.

Wounds that sting and scars that ache left unattended fester and breed bitterness. Lay aside the grudge you hold tenaciously to. Separate the things that edify your spirit from the things that pull your heart down. Many of these things are not worth carrying around. Little sins that slow your walk to a crawl aren’t worth intercepting your spiritual goals. Your step will be lighter. Your day will be brighter as you lay aside useless things. You will be so thankful you left the heavy items behind as you sprint to the finish line and God says, “Well done my child!”

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT).

Information from: Pure Ministry Newsletter - UPCI Ladies Ministries - ladiesconnections-upci.org@shared1.ccsend.com 

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)

The Love of God

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
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.

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

(From: Romans 5:1-11 KJV)

I am sure not to be the only one

"Better Than a Blanket" by Harmony Pace.
    
Though I am sure not to be the only one, I have a confession to make. With a little confidence (seeing that I had experienced motherhood for more than two years already), upon the news that we would once again be adding to our family, I set out to do something I had not done before. The most beautiful, soft, blue yarn was chosen. Care was taken to purchase the proper sized hook for the yarn size that was chosen. Things were set in order. Between caring for a toddler and a home, I excitedly began crocheting a blanket for our coming son.

The result . . . not what I had imagined. Though soft and of beautiful color, it was more of a lopsided rectangle the size of my lap than any crocheted blanket worthy of covering a newborn. An attempt was made with all the right elements, but the execution was less than perfect. In truth, I gave up.

 
Many moms might say that prayers for our children have also, at times, been comparable to the experience detailed above. Maybe, frustrated in our botched attempts to “really pray” for our children, we have been tempted to stop at just “a good effort.” Let me encourage you to keep on praying.

 
Prayer can sometimes look like hours of praying over the different aspects of our children’s lives. At other times, there may be a still small voice that nudges you to pray the blood of Jesus to cover and keep them in a single moment. Sometimes, our attempt at praying feels a little lopsided and insufficient to cover even our own laps . . . but pray on! You have all the key elements.

 
The covering of prayer isn’t in the beautiful sufficiency of the flowery prayer that I pray. The sufficiency of the One I pray to is what covers my children completely. The beautiful thing about prayer is that when it is prayed in faith in Jesus’ name, it doesn’t matter if it’s less than “perfect.” No physical blanket that I might crochet could cover my son for a lifetime. The covering I create for him through prayer, however, will long outlive me. Prayer never dies. Through prayer, it is my desire to build a place of refuge, an access point, for both of my children to access the shelter of HIS wings and HIS truth— a covering better than any blanket!

 
Pray long, pray short, pray less than perfect, but just don’t give up praying. It will cover them!
 

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:4).

Info from: Ladies Prayer International Newsletter - UPCI Ladies Ministries - ladiesprayerinternational-aol.com@shared1.ccsend.com 
 

Covering our Children

"Covering Our Children in Prayer" by Dianne Dupree.

As a mother, I am a “fixer.” I imagine you are also. We watch over our babies, caring for them from before birth until they grow up and move away. We kiss boo-boos, both real and imaginary. We chase away monsters, all imaginary. We counsel; we coach; we cheer. And when words aren’t enough, we cuddle. 

 
We fix things. We make things better. But as much as we want to make everything alright for our children, it is impossible. We may sometimes feel like Superwoman, doing it all, but we have no real power on our own. With a friend like Jesus, we don’t have to worry.

 
More times than I can count, as a child growing up in the church, we sang the old song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. The words say, “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.” I don’t have all the answers or all the solutions to the problems my children face. But my friend, Jesus, does. I cannot heal, save, deliver, or work miracles. I cannot mend a broken heart. I cannot protect them from danger. But my friend, Jesus, can do all this and more.

 
My own children are now grown and have children of their own. They are all mine. The children in my Sunday school, the youth that sit on our pews, they are “mine” as well. It is imperative that I carry my children to God in prayer. He sees when I cannot see. He knows and understands the thoughts and intents of the heart. He has all wisdom and knows what is best for now and the future; therefore, I am confident He will take care of my children.

 
I pray the Word over my children. I pray for protection. I pray for good health. I pray they will be wise concerning good and simple concerning evil. I pray their conscience will be tender concerning the things of God. I pray that they will learn, live, and love the truth. I pray they are filled with the Holy Ghost. I pray they will be worshipers, that they will love the ways of God, love the man of God, and love the house of God. I pray their steps will be ordered by the Lord. I pray against evil. I pray they will be rooted, established, and built up in the faith. I pray they will learn to pray, that they will delight themselves in the Lord. I pray they develop the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. I pray against deceit. I pray they have a forgiving and a teachable spirit. I pray against fear.

 
And then I can rest assured friend Jesus has got it covered.


Info from: Ladies Prayer International Newsletter - UPCI Ladies Ministries - ladiesprayerinternational-aol.com@shared1.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

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) 
 

Change and the Faith

If you are someone who is a saved Bible Believer for 20 or more years, do you believe that if Jesus second return/coming does not happen in the next 20 years will you still remain a Believer? Not sure? Maybe? See 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 KJV.

Sometimes I think that since we live more abundantly in the times of Artificial Intelligence (i.e. AI) most, not many but most, people are changing their minds about God - the love of God. The bible says "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" Romans 5:5 KJV. So the love for God is changing. 

There is an YouTube Channel name "Ready to Harvest" that gives some useful information about many Denominational Churches that are changing in the wrong way. Because the Liberal Lifestyle of this world is very much now entrenched in the Church Worship and Administration for those Religious Christian Denominations that function on the principles/beliefs of modern "Intelligent People" views than Bible/Scripture Information.

Man has never and will never do things like God. The bible says  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV. So the Holy Biblical ways of God from the Old Testament to the New Testament will never change. The world that is "governed" by men/women (as God will allow) will always change with the times, opinions, views and knowledge of men/women. 

Men/women do not "consult" God or ask him of His ways most of the times. Otherwise, we would not see so many changes in the World and the Christian Churches (including Oneness Apostolic) that are contrary to God's Way. So as the world changes in one direction, so man ways go along with that direction.  But not all will ever go along with the world. There will always be a "remnant" who love the ways of God.

Change in this world is always coming and will always take place. But the "remnant" of God's People who love his ways must keep the faith in God's way of doing things - in God's Church. Our Salvation is from God (and comes from God) not man/woman. So God must always remain above man. God is holy and will always be holy (1 Peter 1:15-17 KJV).
 

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 )

For the preaching of the cross

The Bible says...
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

READ: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 KJV

To some the Bible is just a Book

" I Can Speak HIS Word " by Tara Dillon
    

To some, the Bible is just a book with a lot of words that some say they don’t understand. But to a desperate child of God, it is life and hope.

I am a mother to four very wonderful people. I have two beautiful girls who are married to wonderful ministers of the gospel and two handsome young men still at home. My husband and I have been very fortunate in the child-rearing area of teenagers and young adult stages of life. This year, however, the devil attacked our family in a new deceptive way that we never could have imagined.

In this crisis, I became desperate for God’s direction and leading in our family and home. We prayed more, fasted more, sought counsel, and began to re-evaluate some things in our lives.

We both work, myself part-time and my husband full-time, on top of Hyphen ministry, Bible quiz coaching, church leadership team, and jail ministry. If you asked us what we enjoyed, we would tell you all of it. However, did we love it more than family? Nothing matters more than our family and home.

We realized that while we were working for the Kingdom, but we were not ministering where it was the most important: our family. We began evaluating every area of our lives. As a result, we kept the same ministries, but we tweaked how they affected our daily lives. During this time, God quickened me to pray the Word over my children and home. This concept was not foreign to me. After all, I have years in Bible quiz ministry. I encourage young people to pray the Word, and I have prayed the Word many times.

I prayed constantly throughout the day and part of the night. Although things changed, it was still a battle. I woke up and anointed my boys’ clothes, prayed over their pillows, prayed over the house, and rebuked any hindering spirits in my home. But I needed something stronger.

When I felt the nudge of God to pray the Word, HIS Word, my thoughts first went to Proverbs for instruction. I placed my child’s name in the scripture. For example, in Proverbs 1:8 you can pray, “Let (child’s name) hear the instruction of their father and not forsake the law of their mother.” In Proverbs 4:13 you can pray, “Lord, help my children to ‘Take hold of instruction; let her not go; for she is their life.’” Make scripture personal when you pray over your kids!

In closing, after praying the Word over my children and my home every night, things began to fall into place. Sister Joy Haney’s, PRAY the Word, became my best strength. God began leading and guiding us step by step. He was moving before, but my words are not HIS Words!! For example, I had prayed Hebrews 4:12 many times before, but this time I prayed that verse with tears pouring down my face. During this time, I realized that HIS Words are exactly what I need.

 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

This scripture incorporates it all, for the Word is what I need spiritually, physically, and mentally all the time. When I don’t know what to pray, HIS Word is the answer.

(Information from: Ladies Prayer International Newsletter - UPCI Ladies Ministries - ladiesprayerinternational -aol.com@shared1.ccsend.com)