Browsing Tag

God

IT’S NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IN AMERICA 2023!

Today is the annual National Day of Prayer in America!

What a blessing that every year millions of people across our nation on the first Thursday in May to join together in prayer for the land—and the people—we love.

Whether they gather at one of the hundreds of prayer events around the country, or watch the livestream (on Thursday evening, May 4, 2023 at 8 p.m. Eastern on the NDP website and on many Christian radio and TV stations), or pray in small groups or alone, it is a time to call upon our great God to help and heal our nation.

The National Day of Prayer website provides a wealth of information about the event. 

Here are some suggestions they provide for why we pray for America—with added practical lists on what to pray for specifically.

WHY PRAY FOR AMERICA?

God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware.

Through prayer, we are able to tap into His wisdom, strength, protection, and peace. He stands ready to respond to our needs when we humbly ask for divine intervention in the affairs of men.

As we Pray for America whose pledge of allegiance recounts that we are “one nation under God”… and we want Americans to encounter the God who rules over their country. 

“He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth—the LORD God Almighty is His name.”
—Amos 4:13 NIV

He is the One who gave us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

As we humbly and diligently seek Him, we’ll be changed, and we’ll see transformation in America through prayer!

HOW TO PRAY FOR AMERICA
PRAY FOR SEVEN (7) CENTERS OF INFLUENCE IN OUR NATION

1. GOVERNMENT
Pray for your leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity. (I Kings 3:28; I Timothy 2:1-2; Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 11:3; Romans 13:1-2)

Federal Government
Consider praying for our President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Congressional Leaders, Supreme Court Justices

State Government
Consider praying for your Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders, Judicial Leaders

Local Government
Consider praying for your Mayor, City Counsel, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, County Officials

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Provide leaders with wise and godly counselors who will provide honest wisdom and encouragement
• Well up humility in the hearts of leaders to make apologies or adjustments when these things are necessary
• Lord, pour out a spirit of cooperation between elected leaders
• Break down the barriers that are built up by selfish ambition for personal power

2. MILITARY
Perseverance to endure hardship (Isaiah 43:2; Deuteronomy 31:6)

Wise leaders who inspire respect from those under their command (Romans 13:1)

Protection and support for the families they have left behind (Romans 1:8-10)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Pray for the leaders to make wise and righteous decisions based on biblical principles rather than personal career gains
• Lord, help all military personnel see You working in their daily lives, that You are with them, whether they are in the field, at home, or abroad
• Remove stigmas for seeking medical attention for mental and physical needs
• God, hold the families of service members close, and may they look to You for the strength and peace that only You can give
• Comfort the spouses who are separated due to military jobs—keep these marriages strong

3. MEDIA

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Lord, encourage the believers who are called to use their creative gifts to glorify You and cultivate a culture of concern for one another
• Teach us to use the news as prayer prompts and ideas for how to serve our local community
• Pour out wisdom for people who bring funding to entertainment media to fund things that are wholesome and speak the truth of God
• Send creativity for artists to create thought-provoking works of art and entertainment that point towards Your redemptive plan for humanity
• Strengthen the Christians in these spheres to boldly stand for Biblical truth in the writer’s rooms, board meetings and creative processes

4. BUSINESS
For areas that need an economic boost (Psalm 132:15).

For Christian workers to display Christ-like humility and service to their co-workers.

Suggestions for WHAT to pray

• May each business leader be of great character: of integrity, humbleness of spirit and heart, honest in speech and actions, empathetic and vulnerable.
• Lord, raise up a workforce that is filled with a spirit of excellence and unity in all they do

5. EDUCATION
For a safe atmosphere conductive to learning

Excellence in educators (Exodus 18:20-21)

Equal opportunities for every student to achieve their full potential (Philippians 1:9)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• To stir the hearts of parents to take an active role in the academic, spiritual, and emotional formation of their children
• Guide school boards to be wise in choosing curriculums that uphold the truth of the Word
• Set young people free from the hopelessness, despair, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and substance abuse
• Bless teachers with an outpouring of grace and endurance of such magnitude it overflows onto their students, their schools, and their communities

6. CHURCH

For the church would find a new zeal and commitment to the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ (Matt 22:37)

Unity with and among churches that reveal God’s love to the world (John 17:23)

Integrity–that God’s people look and act differently from the world (I Peter 2:11; 1 Corinthians 13:6)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• God, use Your Church as a beacon of light and joy to a world that is searching for answers
• Jesus, give your pastors keen wisdom and insight that is in tune with your Spirit so they would never lose sight of the mission of Your Church
• Lord, open hearts in the church to care for people outside the church, to be praying for them and to become visibly and tangibly concerned and helping them in needs and struggles
• Remind us to eagerly look for ways to use our time, talents, and treasures to build up the Body of Christ

7. FAMILY
Unity and love in individual families that reach out in hospitality toward others (Romans 12:9-13)

Establish healthy relationships between parents and children (Malachi 4:5-6)

Suggestions for WHAT to pray
• Wisdom in choosing a spouse; to be equally yoked together in faith
• Grant us humility, and with that humility bring stability and peace to families
• Give husbands and wives the grace to consider each other before self
• Endurance for single parents or grandparents stepping in as parents
• Comfort for families moving forward through grief
• Strengthen families who also serve as caretakers for medically fragile family members
• Give empty-nest parents comfort in transition and the vision to grasp their new role as full-time intercessors for adult kids
• Harmony in blended families
• Create a means of escape and healing from harmful family dynamics

Finally, from the National Day of Prayer website, here is the 2023 Prayer for America:

2023 National Prayer For America

We come with fervent hearts to praise You Lord.
You are The Word, the Way, Truth and Life.

The Alpha and Omega, Lion of Judah, Almighty God
who was, and is, and is to come.

You clothed Yourself in flesh and dwelt among us, to remove
our sin and clothe us in Your righteousness that
we might dwell with You forever and ever.

With broken, humbled hearts we repent of our
sins. Confessing to You our faithlessness,
prayerlessness, and disobedience. 

Forgive us for our doubt, our prideful and quarrelsome words
that reveal our unclean hearts. 

Cleanse us and renew a right and steadfast spirit within us we
pray.

With grateful hearts we thank You fervently for
the blessings in our life and throughout
America; they are more than we are able to
count. 

We will remember Your grace and testify
to Your goodness in all generations. 

Help us to refrain from complaining, but instead be
prompted to pray faithfully in every
circumstance. Teach us to have a content heart
knowing You are always enough for our every
need.

As the Church we commit to pray and love our
neighbor and nation as You loved us, that our
reputation in this world would be rooted in Your
love. 

Holy Spirit work and overflow through us
in every prayer, thought, word, and deed. May
our character, conversations, and conduct
reflect the righteousness in which You clothed
us and command us to live.

With an obedient heart we put on the full armor
of God; Your breastplate of righteousness
guards our heart from which flows the springs of
life. 

We pray fervently for our communities and
country; the people who are in the Church,
Family, Education, Business and Workplace,
Military, Government, Arts, Entertainment and
Media. 

Every person is Your workmanship,
fearfully and wonderfully created and loved.
With hopeful hearts we pray that all would
choose to receive Your love and follow You. 

We pray that America would confess, “Jesus is
Lord” and reflect Your righteousness in every
sphere of influence, and every aspect of our
lives. We ask that heavenly hope would flood
our hearts, silence hate, and that You will heal
our land.

Believing You; all You are, all You said, and all
You have promised, we pray fervently in
righteousness and avail much. In Jesus Name
we pray, Amen!

–Kathy Branzell, President, National Day of Prayer Task Force

Prayer changes things! And it changes us.

Remember, “…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16).

We choose to trust God, and pray on!

 

PRAYER RESOURCES by Jackie M. Johnson

Power Prayers for Women

Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough

Prayers With Purpose for Women

60-Second Refreshment: Power Prayers for Women

 

Photo credit: Aaron Burden, Unsplash

By
Share Tweet Pin it +1

New Year New Perspective: 6 Ways to Make it Better

It happens in a blink of an eye.

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, suddenly it’s a brand new year. A blank slate.

A new beginning.

I, for one, love a fresh new year. It’s so full of potential and possibilities. Anything can happen!

I’ve been pondering what will make this year different? And how to make this year the best year yet.

How can we move from doing nothing to having goals–or from having goals to actually achieving them?

I think it starts with prayer and a change in perspective. 

Here are six (6) ideas to consider for making this year a really good one:

1. Start with prayer. Take some time to talk with God about your life. Reevaluate what’s really important to you. Wait and listen for answers.

God always answers prayers. Maybe not always in the way you think He should or on your timetable. But it’s in those conversations with God that old patterns fall away and new ideas come forth.

Prayer will be the foundation for your best year yet, and for your life.

2. Ask questions. Get a notebook or a device and start answering some basic questions that will help you move forward:

What am I thankful for?

What do I need to get rid of (or let go of) in my life (e.g., bad habits, unhealthy relationships, etc.)?

What do I need more of in my life (e.g., more rest, more time with my friends, more self discipline, etc.)?

What do I really want in life?

3. Get a new perspective. As you ask yourself the questions above, don’t forget this key question: What does God have for me? The good news is that God is loving and good. He wants the best for you!

4. Make a plan and take action. Write down your top goals for the year and list action steps you want to take under each goal.

For example, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, some of your action steps could include:

1) See my doctor.

2) Find recipes with healthy foods that taste good.

3) Make time in my schedule each week for grocery shopping, cooking and packing lunches.

4) Make a workout schedule.

5) Have a friend to call for encouragement when I don’t want to do any of these steps.

And so on.

It helps to break down your goal into smaller steps you can achieve on a daily or weekly basis.

5. Overcome obstacles. In any attempt to change, there are often roadblocks. Think about what is keeping you from what you really want. What are the obstacles and how can you overcome them?

Sure, those are big questions. As a Christ follower, I have learned—often the hard way—that I can’t make change happen in my own human strength. I need the power of God working in me and through me to make lasting changes. I need His power to take action and His power to wait. 

6. Remember the basics. As you think and pray and make a plan for the new year, it’s helpful to get back to the fundamental things that help build a better life and a healthier you like: getting enough rest and exercise, drinking plenty of water, eating healthy food, getting fresh air, taking in copious amounts of God’s truth, having positive relationships (and not isolating yourself when you feel lonely), serving others, expressing your creativity, managing stress and making time for fun, play and laughter.

So pray and plan.

Take action and trust God.

Start small and don’t freak yourself out.

Remember: God is with you. And He will lovingly lead you step by step.

Thinking about making changes this year? It’s time.

The rest of your life starts right now.

 

By
Share Tweet Pin it +1

The Wonder of Christmas: Experience His Love Anew

Imagine a night with a million stars in the sky. 

It is cold and dark. You are a young shepherd sitting on a hillside tending the flock. It is quiet, except for the occasional bleating of the sheep. And a few words with your fellow shepherds. 

It is an ordinary night. 

Then suddenly, a bright light bursts open the darkness! And there’s an angel. 

An angel! 

And the angel is speaking to you in your own language. What would you do?

Here’s the true story:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 

But the angel said to them, 

‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. –Luke 2:8-19

Long ago, ordinary shepherds were astonished that an angel had chosen them to hear the extraordinary good news: 

He’s here! 

He came! Just like the prophets of old said He would hundreds of years before. Messiah. Jesus Christ. Deliverer has come!

What else could they do but go to see—and fall on their knees in awe and worship.

And now, we celebrate again the wonder of night Christ was born. 

And we, too, fall on our knees and worship in awe. 

Grateful for the Love that changed everything.


God loved the people of this world so much 

that he gave his only Son, 

so that everyone who has faith in him 

will have eternal life and never really die. 

John 3:16 (CEV)

 

For more Christmas and Advent posts by Jackie M. Johnson:

Preparing Your Heart for Christmas (Part 1) 

Preparing Your Heart for Christmas (Part 2)

Preparing Your Heart for Christmas (Part 3)



Photo credit: Kailash Kumar, pexels

By
Share Tweet Pin it +1

When You Feel Lonely: Powerful Hope for Living Connected

Loneliness. It’s not a topic most people talk about.

Whether you’ve just ended a relationship and friends are scarce, or you’re so busy at work that you don’t have time for new friendships—there are many reasons we feel isolated or alone.

In fact, we can be lonely because we are physically alone, or we can feel left out or alienated even when we are surrounded by people.

No matter what the reason, it hurts to feel isolated, disconnected or unnoticed.

Loneliness vs. Solitude
But there’s a difference between loneliness and solitude. Sometimes we need the peace and quiet time alone brings; other times we need connection with others.

Solitude can be replenishing after a hard week at work or in our prayer time with God. With the One who loves us most we can pour out our problems to God, ask for help, and thank Him for all He has done for us.

Hosea 2:14 reads, “I will lead you into solitude and there I shall speak to your heart.” In the stillness, in the quiet, we can hear what God is trying to communicate to us. Away from noise and distractions we can absorb truth in new ways.

Loneliness is different.

One definition says that “Loneliness is a painful awareness that we lack close and meaningful contact with others. It involves a feeling of inner emptiness, isolation and intense longing.”

In addition, you may feel feel sad, anxious or inferior because you are unable to connect with people—or connect with a certain person.

The importance of connection
We live in society that exalts self-reliance, and a time when we are more disconnected than ever.

From my living room in Colorado, I can email my family in Minnesota or Facebook with readers in Brazil. Other the other hand, technology may limit a person’s face-to-face-interactions and in-person friendships.

Online, for instance, we may go wide (have a lot of ‘friends’) but not go deep (as in having meaningful relationships with good friends).

We all need to connect with other people.

We can do so by building bridges to other people, and connecting in person, and not living solely a virtual life. Bridges provide a link from one place to another. Friendships connect one isolated person to another, and soon community is built.

Getting connected
We were created to need each other and to serve each other’s needs. Indeed, our longing for love, friendship and heart friends (close friends) is real. It’s vital to our emotional wellbeing.

The truth is, you can build connections in all different areas of life. Consider these areas of community to connect with others:

• Spiritual community with people at church, or in a small group, prayer group, missions team or one-on-one with someone like-minded.
• Social community through a bowling league, mom’s group, singles group, coffee with friends.
• Intellectual community with people from work, joining a book group or other group with shared interests.
• Physical community in joining a sports team, dance class or getting workout partner for the gym.
• Neighborhood or city community can be built be showing up at your local playground, a neighborhood block party, or mentoring a disadvantaged youth.
• Virtual community is a way to connect with others, but make sure it’s not your only connection with other people.

Connecting with God

Of course, the first one to make a connection with is the most important One, with God.

Through prayer and our relationship with God we have the most primary and meaningful connection possible.

Prayer is talking with God, not at Him. It’s a holy conversation of both speaking and listening. Your words don’t have to be perfect or rehearsed, just real and from your heart.

Tell God how you feel and what you need. Thank Him for all He has done for you and for those you love. When you don’t know what to say, even the simple prayer of, “Help!” will reach the loving ears of God.

How to overcome loneliness
• Ask God to make His presence real and close to you today. Ask Him to help you have hope things really can change in your life. You can also ask God to give you courage to reach out to another person today or to bring caring relationships—like friends, family, or other new people into your life.
• Pray. Below are some starter prayers to help get you out of feeling lonely and back to feeling hopeful again.
• Ask yourself: What is one thing you can do today to build a bridge, to connect with another person?

Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

When you know God, you are never alone.

***

Here are some short prayers on Overcoming Loneliness to get you started…


Turn to me and be gracious to me, 
for I am lonely and afflicted.
Psalm 25:16
Lord, You know the pain I am in right now. I feel so empty and alone. I know I’ve been isolated and need contact with other people, but sometimes it’s hard. Will you please help me learn how to build bridges to other people? I need closer friendships. I need close-knit community. I long for it. Help me to overcome and find joy again. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.


And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:20
Lord, what a comfort it is to know that You are always with me, and that You never leave. So many times people disappoint me. I want to trust and make connections with people, but it hasn’t happened yet. With you, there is peace and stability. You are my strength when I am weak, my true consolation when I am sad. Here in Your presence I abide, I dwell. Thank you for always being near. I am never alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


God sets the lonely in families…
Psalm 68:6
Lord, I need you. I have felt alone and friendless lately. Will you help me to get connected with my family, or people who may become like family to me? Will you fill this emptiness in me with Your love, so I can be filled up and have something to offer others? I need community. I need friendship. Please show me where I belong. I want to walk this path of life with others who will build me up, not tear me down. And, I want to encourage others, to give and take. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.


What, then, shall we say in response to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31
Lord, it makes me glad to know that you are for me! You, the One who is ultimate love and ultimate authority designed me and has favor toward me. Thank you. In my desolate desert times I have felt so alone, so desperate at times. But when I remember the truth that You are with me and for me, it releases the pain and fills my heart with hope and joy. I am grateful. And I praise Your holy name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


More resources by Jackie M. Johnson:

• When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty (How to Get Over a Breakup)
• Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough (Hope and Encouragement for DifficultTimes)
• Hope on the Go (Bite-Sized Encouragement for Busy People)
• Singles Blog


Photo: Jure Širić, Unsplash  



By
Share Tweet Pin it +1

Single on Valentine’s Day? 5 Ways to Find Hope and Joy

For some singles, the February 14 heart holiday, celebrating all things love and romance, can be challenging–especially if you don’t have a special someone in your life right now.

I know people in the “uncoupled” stage of life who bemoan their single status and gripe to just about anyone who will listen:

I just want a boyfriend.
I just want to be married.
Why does she get a second husband when I haven’t had one at all?

You probably know single people like that.

I know I do.

Then there are the cynical one who mock V-Day with snide remarks like,

Who cares? It’s just a Hallmark holiday anyway.

And yet, on a positive note, I know interesting and intelligent single women who celebrate with friends; they throw a party and just have fun.

Indeed, singles look at Valentine’s Day with very different attitudes.

So if you don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend, or a special someone, you can not only endure but enjoy Valentine’s Day.

Here are five helpful ways singles can find more HOPE and JOY on the love holiday—and throughout the year:

1. Know that you are enough. It’s OK to feel discouraged when you don’t have someone special to love (or like). But don’t set up camp there. Move forward with hope by telling yourself the truth about your identity and your single status. The truth is:

• You are dearly loved by God. You are the “apple of His eye.” He is with you; He is for you. He cares about every area of your life, even your love life.

• You are loved by others. Don’t discount the other kinds of love in your life—family love, friend love, and more. You may not have romantic love right now. But choose to be grateful for those in your life whom you love, and love you.

• You are not alone. Nearly 50.2 percent of us (or 124.6 million) American adults are single.

2. Let it go. Sometimes we hold on so tightly to what we think we want and how the whole dating/marriage thing is supposed to play out in our lives. We see what others have and get envious or jealous.

Instead, I’ve learned the way to find peace is to surrender, to let go of your heart’s desires and give them to God, the One who loves you most. Allow God to reign in this area of life. Knowing that God wants the very best for me allows me to trust Him.

In my book When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty I talk about the fact that God is all about love and relationships.

But sometimes we try to fill that desire for lasting love with other things, or people, and they lend up leaving us feeling empty and alone.

“Often we try to load up our heart and fill the holes with what another person thinks, says, or does when it was meant to be filled by God. He won’t let anyone be our total fulfillment, otherwise we wouldn’t need Him.

It’s not wrong to want a relationship. God is all about relationships…As we put God first in our heart affections, He fills up the emptiness and we are able to receive the love of others, retain it, and give it away.

Perhaps you think because God hasn’t given you someone to love, that He doesn’t care or that He’s forgotten about your desires. God is not forgetful or uncaring. He is constantly at work in the lives of His children, and everything God does is for a reason—even His divine delays.” — When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty, by Jackie M. Johnson.

3. Prepare. Are you ready to be in a relationship? What needs to change in your life? Maybe it’s time to think about being the right person before finding the right person. For instance, getting rid of emotional “garbage” in your head and your heart—like bad attitudes about the opposite sex or a critical spirit.

Then, think about what you really want in a relationship and how things can be different next time. For example, maybe the last guy you dated was too serious and you want someone more playful? Or, you want to have your boyfriend or girlfriend attend church with you. Think about what’s important in your life.

4. Pray. Ask God to show you what needs to change in your own life to prepare for your next relationship—like your spiritual life, physical, social, financial and the like.

Also, pray for your future husband or wife. Ask God for His best for you. You can come confidently and boldly to Him and ask for your heart’s desire.

5. Choose joy now. Don’t wait to have a man in your life or a woman on your arm to be happy.

Sure, it’s Valentine’s Day and love is in the air. But you, single friend, can choose to have peace and joy in your life despite your circumstances.

Make a plan to get together with other single friends.

Celebrate love of all kinds and maybe send a card, e-card, or text to family members or friends to show you care.

Instead of drowning your sorrows in massive amounts of chocolate this Valentine’s Day, rejoice in who you are—dearly loved, special and chosen by God.

Don’t let one candy-infused, heart holiday hijack your hope. Despite your feelings, or marital status, you can choose joy today.

I, for one, choose to be confident and hopeful—on Valentine’s Day and every day of the year.

Photo by Jill Wellington from Pexels

By
Share Tweet Pin it +1