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June Prayers for Evangelical Christians

June Daily Prayers

 

June 1


by Ed Vasicek

 

Gracious Lord,

 

You are a God of order. Confusion and chaos may result from Your judgment and wrath, but Your Word tells us that "God is not a God of disorder but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33). Indeed, the opposite of disorder seems to be peace. The fact that You are the God of Peace is connected to the fact that You are the God of order. We can have peace because everything is under Your control; You order all. Even the disorder around us is part of a greater ordering. Ultimately, You have a plan that is so infinitesimally organized that I cannot possibly see how the tiny bits of it work as part of the whole. But I cling to Your promise that "all things work together for good."

 

Help me to be an orderly person but not an obsessed person. Keep me from being a Martha in the name of order, but keep me from being passive and oblivious like Nabal the fool. Help me to thrive in that middle ground of "relatively ordered" putting my priorities to love You and to love people above my love for order.

 

Today I remember the poor, especially those who are poor through no fault of their own. In many parts of the world, even menial work is unavailable. The sickly and downtrodden also have my sympathy. O Lord, minister to those who are living in the misery of constant sickness, infirmity, pain, or weakness. Help those who have been abused, the true victims in this world. Help them, Lord, to escape that victim mentality that handicaps a person for life.

 

Lord, help me to bear up under the trials, disappointments, fears and tribulations of life including: __________.

 

Let me remember that You are developing my faith and that You often use difficult times to make me stronger in You. Though I admit that I usually hate such trials, I do appreciate what You have done in my life through them. My choice is to go through them with You or without You. I will go through them either way. I choose to go through them hand-in-hand with You.

 

Lord, I pray for the people of Malaysia. Despite the pressures from Islam, the evangelical church is growing. Thank You that 4.1% of the population claim to be born-again evangelicals and I pray that this percentage would double over the next 5 years! Lord, the church itself is sending forth missionaries and I ask that Malaysia would eventually become a pillar of the Kingdom of God. You have worked in great ways in this land, O Lord, please keep working! May the government be friendly toward Christianity and stop its attempts to restrict the Gospel, I pray.

 

I remember in prayer some missionary families I know personally or some missionary families my church supports including: __________. Bless them with health, provide for their needs, bless their families, protect them and send angels to guard them and fill them with Your Holy Spirit that they might minister with Your power and direction. Give them a fruitful and useful ministry, whatever their particular task in the grand picture of world missions.

 

Help me to be a team player for You today, I ask in Jesus' Name, Amen

 

June 2


by Ed Vasicek

 

Dear God,

 

Your Son called Himself the "True Vine" (John 15:1). He meant we gain our nourishment through Him. As He said, "Apart from me, you can do nothing." If we try to serve Him in our own power, we will not please Him. The kind of service He wants from us flows from our relationship, our connectedness, to Him. Then we can produce enduring and healthy fruit. Lord, we want qualities in our lives that glorify Him, expand His kingdom, and influence others to believe in Christ. We want to urge others to conform to Your will because of how we live. This is the foundational relationship of a meaningful life.

 

Lord, I remember what we call the Golden Rule, the words of our Savior in Matthew 7:12, “Do to others as you would have them do to you." This is so much easier to recite than to do. Remind me to put myself in other people's shoes and to determine what it is I should do, if anything. My goal is not to please people, but rather to determine what is in their best interest.

 

Father, I remember those individuals who are struggling with substance abuse: alcohol, illegal drugs, legal drugs, or other abuses. Father, although the road upward is slow, one step at a time, the road downward is a steep and slick slide. How easy it is to destroy a life because of an enslaving habit! This is certainly true of substance abuse, but also true of a variety of addictions. O Father, help Your children break free of these things. Bind Satan and his cohorts who promote these enslaving practices. Guide Your children to helpful resources and agencies. Offer them renewed hope and direction, I pray. Help me practice moderation, and remind me that I, too, am vulnerable.

 

I remember parents and their children. Lord, parents are crucial in the lives of those little ones entrusted to their care. May parents everywhere protect and train their children in humane and balanced ways. Help them to love their children, not to spoil them. May they encourage them toward positive directions. We pray that Christian parents would prove to be consistent role models for their young ones. Send angels to protect them, I pray.

 

Lord, I pray for the Asian island republic of the Maldives. This nation is Islamic and the number of evangelical believers is minuscule. All forms of Christianity together make up less than. .1% of the population and the practice of any religion other than Islam is forbidden. Although the government has tried to stop Christian radio broadcasts, the shortwave weekly one-half hour broadcast in the language of the Maldivians is spreading the good news. Lord, grant many there the repentance that leads to life!

Thank You, Lord, for the Arabic Bible Outreach Ministry as they seek "to glorify God by proclaiming His Word through the Internet to the unreached peoples of the Arab and Muslim world.... [They] commit to work diligently using all the tools provided on the Internet to win lost souls and establish believers in the precious faith."

 

Lord, lay Your hand of blessing upon me and upon my loved ones today, I pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

June 3


by Ed Vasicek

 

My Lord,

 

You are the one Who "takes out." You chose the nation of Israel for a separate purpose, to be a holy people, not because they earned or deserved it in some way (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). You have "visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for [Your] name" (Acts 15:14). Indeed, the word "church" means the "called out ones." And You are the One Who called forth our Savior from the dead. Your call for me right now, Lord, is to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). Although I am legally holy in Your eyes, my walk does not match my talk. Help me to aspire to "walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory" (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

 

Lord, help me be kind to others. Keep me from mocking them when they are clumsy or make sarcastic remarks or use put-down humor. Help me to correct but not to scold, to assert myself so I do not store up rage, but to assert myself kindly. Keep me from the crude behavior modeled on television and contemporary movies. Alert me to where I need to improve my manners and guide me to books, resources, or people that will help teach me about kindness and courtesy.

 

Lord, I have some specific requests to bring before You today. They are: __________.

Lord, marriage is hard work, but it is better to work smarter not harder. Help my marriage – and the marriages of those close to me – to be successful. Help marriage partners to focus upon their own failings rather than those of their spouses. Remind each one that the "heart is deceitful and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9) and therefore it seems to everyone that they got the short end of the stick, that they are not so bad in light of how they have been treated.

 

Today, I pray for my community. People who need to know Jesus Christ surround me. Many are lonely, depressed – and perhaps even dangerous to themselves or others. Lord, I can't help everyone, but help me to help someone. Give me the wisdom to know whom I should not try to help; a need does not constitute a call. I can't be involved in everything, but help me be involved in something. Keep me from cocooning in my own little world, or using the church to meet my needs while not meeting the needs of others. Even if I am mixing with my community for fun events, I can still be salt and light. Keep me from hiding my light under a bushel and may Your Spirit move mightily in my area.

 

Thank You, my Father, for Biblical Ministries Worldwide, "a mission agency whose passion is to help churches plant reproducing churches through evangelism, discipleship and leadership development." Thank You for the churches they are planting in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. We pray that You would grant them harmony among themselves, Your Spirit's power to make their ministry effective and pleasing to You, safety, wisdom, bountiful fruit for their labors and provision for their needs.

 

We pray for those who are struggling with their sexual identity. We know all You created was good, and You created mankind as male and female. Sin messed everything up: we know evil is the ruining of the good. We are all damaged in one way or another: thank You that Jesus is helping to restore us, but that does not always mean it is easy. Help those, Lord, who are struggling as they seek to obey and serve You.

 

Now, Lord, provide for my needs today, I ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

June 4


by Ed Vasicek

 

Dear God,

 

You have made for “yourself a glorious name” (Isaiah 63:14). When You divided the waters of the Red Sea, when You delivered Israel, indeed when You resurrected Jesus Christ from the dead, You made Your might and power known. Your Name is awesome and to be revered. You, O Yahweh, do great works for Your Name’s sake. Your fame will one day extend from shore to shore and all creation will acknowledge Who You are and the awesomeness of Your Name.

 

Lord, I am thankful for many things. Two things that come to mind are: __________.

Lord, I pour myself out before You so that You may fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I find my hope in His power and dare not trust my own. May Your Spirit completely influence me today, I ask. Help me realize that nothing on earth can meet the hunger and longings of my heart; it is only in heaven that I will be completely satisfied. I agree – as far as ultimate longing goes – with the psalmist in Psalm 73:25, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”

 

Lord, help my church be harmonious. May the leaders be firm when it comes to the clear teachings of Scripture and gracious about the not-so-clear matters. Keep antagonists, trouble-makers and those who resent authority away from our congregation. Help my church to be effective in evangelism, discipleship, loving one another and world missions.

 

Dear God, remind me that my obedience does not bring acceptance with You; You accept me in Christ. My obedience brings You pleasure and glorifies Your Name. My disobedience incites Your anger and brings You displeasure. Remind me that I exist to glorify You!

 

Father, I pray for the African nation of Mali. Most of the people there are Muslim and the nation has its share of problems and a number of people groups without the Scriptures in their language. Thank You for the growth we saw in the 1980s, but things hit a brick wall in the 1990s. O Lord, we pray that future growth would make the 1980s pale in comparison. Only. .8 % of the population claim to be born-again evangelicals. Lord, multiply that number five-fold over the next decade. Guide the Bible translators and draw many, many people to Yourself, I pray. Use literature, cassette tapes and the Jesus film to reach hundreds of thousands, I ask. Please maintain the freedom of religion now present in this land.

 

Lord, bless the Gospel Mission of South America. “Founded in 1923 by William M. Strong, Sr. as a means of evangelizing the military in Chile, Gospel Mission of South America continues to enlist dedicated men and women who will go, pray and give to enlarge the work. Supplication, service and sacrifice are needed so that the message of redemption might be presented through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Bless their work in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. May they successfully plant churches and make many disciples of Jesus Christ. Grant them harmony among themselves, the power of Your Spirit and protect them and provide for them, I request.

 

So I likewise ask You to empower me, protect me and provide for me this day, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

June 5


by Ed Vasicek

 

My Father in Heaven,

 

Lord, You are the God Who is praised by Your creation. The sun, moon and stars exalt You. So do the waters, the deep sea creatures and all heaven (Psalm 148:3-7). Although we cannot visit the depths of the sea or rocket to the highest heaven, these things exist to glorify You, for You alone see them all. And You will expound Your wonder to Your children, who will learn of You and the wonders of Your grace throughout eternity (Ephesians 2:7). So we say not only that everything that has breath should praise You, but also we know that even Your inanimate creation brings You glory.

 

Your Word tells me that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me those sins, and You will purify me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I accept responsibility for my sins and freely bring the ones Your Spirit brings to my mind now: __________.

 

I pray for parents of children who have gone astray. Whether in the realm of premarital, extramarital, or perverted sex; drugs, alcohol, gambling, crime, violence, bitterness toward parents, abandoning the faith or in any other way. Lord, this hurts like nothing else can. Comfort parents and restore these wayward sons and daughters.

 

Lord, I pray for harmony and reasonableness within family relationships. Sometimes it is difficult to get along with in-laws, parents, grown children, siblings, or other family members. Some people contend with irresponsible or meddling family members and tensions can run high. Help me to be reasonable, but firm when I need to be. Help me not to allow others to walk all over me, yet let me exercise a reasonable compassion. Keep me from enabling others to continue in their addictions and sins, yet keep me from assuming the police-like stance.

 

Lord, help me to develop humility. You command me to humble myself before You, but You also want me to be humble in my dealing with others. Help me to not look out for only my own interests, but the interest of others.

 

Today I pray for the small European island-nation of Malta located in the Mediterranean. Thank You for the 1% of the population claiming to be born-again evangelicals. May that number double over the next decade. Thank You for the Maltese Bible translation. May people in this land hunger for You. Grant them the repentance that leads to salvation. Use the Christian radio station to bring in a harvest for Your kingdom, I ask.

 

Lord, thank You for Remnant Ministries whose mission is "to evangelize Jews in this present age, to reach the 'remnant according to the election of grace' (Romans 11:5). Our method is quality witnessing through personal contacts developing mutual trust and expressing authentic Christlike love. A Jewish believer is then discipled and directed to a local New Testament church." Bless their work in Cleveland
(main office and mission home), Cincinnati, Charleston, Huntington, WV, Sebring, FL, Phoenix, Brazil and Israel. Empower them by Your Spirit, give them harmony, provision and protection, I ask.

 

Help me to look for opportunities to share the Gospel today, I ask in Jesus' Name, Amen

 

 

June 6


by Ed Vasicek

 

Father in Heaven,

 

Your Son, our Lord Jesus the Messiah, was referred to as “The Chosen One” (Luke 9:35). This does not mean that there were other candidates to become Messiah; indeed, the humanity of our Savior is unique in that He was conceived of a virgin and although fully human and a descendant of Adam, He was not contaminated by Adam’s sin. Although He could be and was tempted, He did not have a predisposition toward sin that we have.

 

When He was tempted, He never surrendered to sin. The human nature of Jesus was perfect; You chose to unite this perfect humanity to God the Son, and Jesus became one Person with two natures: a human and a divine. He was and is “The Chosen One.”

 

Lord, sometimes I confess that Your ways truly are above my ways. I sometimes have difficulty understanding what Your Word reveals; I dare not think about what Your Word has not revealed. I remember the wisdom of Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever.” Help me to understand what You want me to understand; give me neither a lazy brain nor a mind that loves to speculate in unprofitable areas.

 

Lord, I have some specific requests to bring before You today. They are: __________.

 

Help me with my thought life today. Help me think positive and pleasant thoughts today, thoughts that please You. My mind is important; You value it greatly. Help me to be cautious about what I put into it.

Lord, today I remember the Latin American island of Martinique. Thank You that 5.4% of the population claims to be born-again evangelicals and that the church is growing. Lord, triple the church over the next decade, I ask. Help the believers to become firm; many are from messed up homes and need the stability and reasonability that comes from a close walk with You. Raise up leaders and help the Christians who reside in France (Antillean) to make a difference in that nation, too. May Your Spirit grant many the repentance that leads to life.

 

Father, thank You for the ministry of Rogma International. Their goals are: “To win lost souls to Christ and to encourage and strengthen the saints in every way possible. To provide missionaries with an effective means of enhancing and enlarging their ministries. To promote and disseminate sound and clear Bible teaching throughout the world by books, tracts, cassette recordings, radio and The ROGMA International Free Bible Correspondence courses. To translate our Correspondence Course into as many languages as possible so as to reach vast numbers of people with their native tongue.” Bless their outreach, educational and ministry efforts. Grant them harmony with one another. Empower them by Your Spirit. Protect them and provide for them, I pray.

 

I pray for those who work in the petroleum, mining and geological fields. Keep them safe, bless their efforts and may those who know You shine Your light and spread Your good news.

 

Bless me today, I ask in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

June 7


by Ed Vasicek

 

Precious Lord,

 

You are Who You Are, the Great I Am, the One Who Has Always Existed, Yahweh, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You are the God Who keeps His covenant and honors His agreements. We cannot fathom Your majesty; as we examine the vastness of the universe, we get just a taste of Your power and grandeur. We are awestruck at Who You are and thus we should be. I, O Lord, marvel that You should even know who I am. But more than that, You know every detail of my life and You care about me more than I can imagine.

 

Help me to resist temptation and the lures of the Satan today.

 

[For the married]

Lord, thank You for what marriage has done for our society and this world. Help my marriage to be a blessing. Guard it, put a hedge around it and help us to be determined to work out our differences with an unswerving commitment. Help us to respect one another, to talk to one another, to compromise with one another and to enjoy one another's company. Help us to work at our marriage, to nurture it, to go out together, to occasionally read a book to help us renew our marriage and to really understand one another. When I do not understand, help me to know this. Do not allow me to think that I understand my spouse when I do not. Never let an attitude of contempt or sarcasm master me.

 

[for the single, divorced, separated, or widowed]

 

Lord, I have to admit that sometimes life is lonely. Although friends and family enrich my life, sometimes I regret that I am alone. At other times, I appreciate it! Help me to appreciate the blessings of the single life: time to focus upon You, freedom to come and go as I please and a simplicity of life. Help me to participate in church and community. If I am left out, help me to become tough to that. Help me dive in and include myself. Help me remember that this is usually not intentional. Many couples have no idea I want to be included and their minds blind them to pick up on my desire to be included. Help me express to them in no uncertain terms that I want to be included. Keep me from taking the stance of a victim and help me to celebrate the single life.

 

Today, Lord, I am praying for the African ministry of Mauritius. Thank You for the 7.9% of the people who claim to be born-again evangelical Christians. Yet this is a tough land to evangelize because of its religious diversity: Hindu, Islamic and other religions are competing with the Gospel. Empower the missionaries and Christians and may Your Spirit draw many to Christ. Please double the evangelical population within the next decade, I ask.

 

Thank You for the ministry of Titus International. "The mission of Titus International is to train nationals to reach their world for Christ. This objective is being accomplished primarily by...missionaries (American and national) serving in the United States and on foreign fields.... Nationals work full time...in Moldova...in Romania, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Austria and Jewish evangelism." Lord, bless this ministry: protect them, provide for them, empower them by Your Spirit, and grant them harmony.

 

I pray for the those working in rail-track laying and maintenance-equipment operation. Keep them safe, help them do their job well to keep others safe and may those who know you display a good testimony of the grace of God.

 

Help me keep my eyes on You today, I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

June 8

 

by Ed Vasicek

 

Dear Lord,

 

When the people of Israel had turned to Baal, You brought Your prophet Elijah to challenge the prophets of Baal and to force the people of Israel to a decision. When two altars were built, Baal’s wood would not ignite, but when it was Your turn, You sent fire from heaven. The people then rose up; for You, Yahweh, are the true God. Although my choice is different, it is still a choice: I have to choose between honoring You each day and honoring my sinful nature. During the day, I am often called to make that same choice again. O Lord, help me to choose You consistently. Help me remember that You are the God Who answered by fire.

 

Father, sometimes I think that my life is too complex. The technology around me, the red tape it takes just to live daily life, all the time I spend in maintaining my family, my surroundings, and myself overwhelm me. And the more I am absorbed in these things, important as they may be, the easier it is to forget You. Help me to meditate upon You and Your Word especially while doing the menial things of life.

 

Almighty One, I could thank You for many things, but two of them are: __________.

 

Lord, I want Your Spirit to fill me, so I choose to yield myself to You. May I find my strength in His power not my own. May Your Spirit empower me today.

 

King of kings, help me to become a more mature Christian. This does not happen in giant leaps, but by small and steady steps. Help me take those steps. I pray for some friends at church, that they might grow a little more every week: __________.

 

Father, I remember the nation of Mexico. Thank You that 6.7% of the population claims to be born-again evangelical Christian, but somehow it seems that number should be greater. Lord, please double that percentage within the next decade. The Mexican media portrays evangelicals as anti-Mexican spies and claims they are destroying Mexican culture. Yet the evangelical church is growing at a good clip. Father, keep working in this land; I pray for spiritual breakthroughs especially in Mexico City. May the many minorities hear the Gospel and may Your Spirit work mightily.

 

My Creator, I praise You for Worldwide Tent-makers, Inc. whose purpose “is to assist local churches in the promotion, preparation and placement of self-supporting witnesses worldwide. A tent maker is a dedicated Christian man or woman living and working under nonreligious auspices for the express purpose of using their secular position to witness worldwide for Jesus Christ.” Thank You for their work in China, Croatia, Poland and Scotland. Grant harmony to the missionaries, give them fruit for their labor, safety, provision and the power of Your Holy Spirit.

 

Lord, I pray for those who work as riggers. Give them safety on the job, help them do their work well and may many in this field come to know You and live for You. Help those who know Christ to set a good example and to share the claims of Christ with others, I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

June 9


by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

You are a God Who needs nothing. You have no voids, deficiencies, or complexes that need addressing. You take pleasure in Your creation, but You do not need us. We need You, but You take pleasure in us and find joy in relating to us. As we grow in You, we learn to both rely upon You and we begin to take pleasure and to rejoice in You. But we will forever need You. So since You are not dependent upon us, You do whatever You please. And it is in Your good pleasure to call us Your friends, to adopt us into Your family and to shower and lavish us with Your grace. Although when it comes to money management, we view frugality as a virtue, You are anything but frugal with Your grace!

 

I pray for the elderly, sickly and shut-in including: __________.

 

Sometimes, Lord, I have to admit that I feel like I am in a rut. A happy routine can be wonderful, but a boring one is not so exciting. Remind me that it is in the daily grind of routine, duty and habit that gives me the best opportunity to prove myself faithful. And help me remember that as long as I live for You, there is always more to discover; there are always more adventures to be had, always new avenues to pursue. Help me stretch the muscles of faith and tackle something that will help Your kingdom. May Your joy in my life be real, not forced or contrived!

 

Lord, I pray that You would protect my loved ones and I throughout our lives. Send guardian angels to watch over us, I pray.

 

I remember my brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted. Thousands have died for their faith over the last decade, while others have been tortured and discriminated against. I especially pray for the nations where persecution is worst: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Peru, Cuba, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Burma, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, China, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Sudan, Nigeria and Eritrea.  O Lord, may the persecution stop; give believers wisdom to evade persecution and when they cannot, help them to be strong. (For more information about the persecuted church, go to www.persecution.com.)

 

My Lord, I ask You to bless the ministry of REAP Mission Inc. in Japan. Thus far they have started 41 congregations, they conduct over 30 evangelistic campaigns per year, distributed over 111 million pieces of literature in less than 50 years and sent out 301 Japanese believers to 24 countries. O Lord, may the next 50 years – should You tarry – be five times greater. Bless this mission with the continued power of Your Spirit, provision, safety, great fruit and harmony among the members.

 

I pray for those who work as tire builders. Give them safety on the job and help those who know You to shine by their good works and disposition. Help them to share Jesus with their fellow workers, to bear witness casually and honestly.

 

Now send angels to watch over my loved ones and me today, I ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

June 10

 

by Ed Vasicek

 

My Wonderful Lord,

 

You are my best Friend, out for my best interest. You are Abba, my affectionate Father.

 

You are my Shepherd, my King, and my Tower of Refuge. But You are also my Judge. Thank You Father that as a believer in Jesus Christ, I will be judged through Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. I will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), and all my works will be evaluated for the purpose of determining my rewards in Glory. Although I am saved by grace through faith apart from my works (Ephesians 2:8-9), I was saved to glorify God by – among other things – my works (Ephesians 2:10). Help me balance that I have been accepted in Christ with the truth that I am also accountable.

 

Father, I have learned that I cannot succeed in the Christian life by sheer will power, trying harder, or working up enthusiasm. It takes the daily routine of prayer and Bible study plus being engaged in active ministry of some kind. But even more so it takes Your Spirit's work within otherwise what I do is forced and contrived. Create in me a willing heart. Please continue to work in me. Help me be faithful in the routine of life; keep me from going the way of making "decision after decision," as though there were a quick fix for all my areas of weakness. Instead, give me a hunger of You.

 

Lord, strife within families is awful. Please bring together members of my family or of a family I know who are at odds with other family members. We ask that the offenders would embrace repentance, apology, restitution and taking responsibility. Help them to be reasonable and willing to establish credibility over time, if that is what is needed. And we pray that those offended would be gracious, yet not naive. We know some situations can never be fixed, but we pray that many relationships would be reconciled.

 

Today I remember the small countries included under the term, "Micronesia" including the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Northern Marianas and Palau. These small nations are affiliated with the U.S. in varying ways and there is a high percentage that professes to be born-again evangelical, averaging over 20% per country. Yet many professing Christians still practice native superstitions and these nations are weak when it comes to sexual morality. Lord, raise up strong leaders from within the church and help the Christians there to take deep root and forsake their pagan heritage.

 

Bless the ministry of Seamen's International Christian Association as they distribute literature in various American ports to sea merchants and their crews who hail from around the world. Seamen's uses literature in a variety of languages and serves as a way to "seed the Gospel" to remote areas or closed countries as individuals from around the world dock at American ports.

 

Now, Father, help me carry on responsibly with today's challenges, I pray, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

June 11

 

by Ed Vasicek

 

Great God,

 

The Lord Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He Himself bridges the gap between sinful man and You, a holy God. No church or ritual is the way – He is. He is the Truth because He alone is the Messiah. And He is the Life; He came to give us the abundant life (John 10:10) and we can be born-again to new life through Him. As God the Son, He is the source of all life.

 

Father, I open myself to You. Help me be honest with You, others and myself. There are qualities about me that are not all positive. Sometimes I doubt, feel bitter, get depressed, arrogant, lazy, controlling perhaps even addicted to my own adrenaline. The room for improvement is a big room. Thank You, Lord, that You are not finished with me yet, but You are developing me. Thank You that imperfect and flawed people surround me. I am not alone. And thank You that, when I see Jesus, I will become perfect. I will be what I sense I should and could be.

 

Remind me that it is not good for me to focus on myself too much. I need moderation in all things even introspection. Also remind me that the best way to find my life is to lose it in pursuit of You and in service to others.

 

I pray for my lost friends and family members including: __________. Remind me that unbelievers are not the enemy; they are the victims of the enemy.

 

Father, please send Your Spirit to draw them to Yourself and grant them the repentance that leads to life.

 

Today I pray for the Arunchal Pradesh province of India. Thank You the Christian churches have grown to 13% of the population and thank You that most of those churches are evangelical. Thank You that the persecution by the Hindus in the 1970s and 1980s has stopped and thank You that the believers there have a vision to reach other parts of India. May the work progress, O Lord.

 

I also pray for the Assam province. Things there have not been very positive; only 3% of the population claim to be Christian and that percentage has shrunk from 6.4% in 1960. The believers desperately need a work of Your Spirit, O Lord. Reverse this negative trend and may the percentage of believers double over the next five years. Raise up evangelists and leaders. Work in a mighty way, Lord of the Harvest, I ask.

 

Lord, thank You for Mission Without Borders. "'Reaching people for Christ' has been and continues to be [their] heartbeat at Mission Without Borders,...an international organization dedicated to serving the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those suffering the effects of poverty and/or persecution. Today, the countries of Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and China are sites of [their] mainstream operation." Their programs include "child rescue international, child care, family care and christian outreach." Father, provide, protect and enlighten the missionary workers. Grant them harmony with one another and empower them by Your Spirit.

 

Empower me to serve You today here at home, I ask in Christ's Name, Amen.

 

June 12

 

by Ed Vasicek

 

Father in Heaven,

 

Thank You for hearing Your children on earth! I look forward to joining my spiritual brothers and sisters in heaven along with mighty angelic armies as I enjoy Your presence, fellowship and glory forever.

 

God the Son, Lord Jesus, You are my one and only Mediator. Your Word says that there is only one mediator, and that is You (1 Timothy 2:5). I need no other. Through You I approach the throne; I have direct access.

 

Lord, I know temptation is part of the Christian life although You encourage us to pray that we be not lead into temptation. Instead we ask You to deliver us from the evil one. Father, between the devil’s legion and my personal sin nature, temptations can pull at me. Help me to remember that it is not a sin to be tempted, for even Jesus was tempted. But it is a sin to give into temptation. So help me to resist temptation and turn my attention to other matters. If I have started down the road of sin, remind me that the earlier I turn back the better. And if I have sinned, help me find the cleansing that comes from confessing my sin to You (1 John 1:9).

 

Great One, help me to learn some simple lessons from the ant (Proverbs 6:6). The ant plans in advance and looks ahead. He does not wait for the winter, but stores up food in anticipation of it. The ant is industrious and works hard. Help me to develop those similar traits that I might be a truly wise person.

 

Lord, I have some specific requests to bring before You today. They are: __________.

 

Lord, I am thankful for many things, three of which are: __________.

 

Lord, I empty myself before You so that Your Spirit may fill me. May I find my strength in His power, not my own. May Your Spirit control me today.

 

I pray today for the Eastern European nation of Moldova. Like many of the nations formerly under Russian communism, Moldova is a poor country. Thank You that 3.3% of the population claims to be born-again Christians, but their work is often hindered by the dominant Orthodox church. Father, guide in the training of leaders, provide missionaries and help the churches to multiply. May the percentage of believers double over the next five years. May Your Spirit draw many to Christ.

 

Lord, thank You for the work of World Team Mission. They are focused upon the “10/40 Window,” that part of the world where the Gospel has barely penetrated. “Two billion people in our world are considered 'unreached'. They are isolated from the Gospel because of language, culture, geography, social, or political circumstances. They are waiting to hear the Gospel communicated in a culturally appropriate manner. [Their] desire is to make His name known among those who have never heard.” Give them harmony, provision, safety, wisdom, personnel and the power of Your Spirit, I ask.

 

So, Lord, I give this day to You. I do so in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

June 13

 

by Ed Vasicek

 

Thank You, Lord, that You are Yahweh-nissi: “the Lord my banner.” When the children of Israel fought their adversary, God wanted them to remember that He had fought for them and was on their side. He was their banner, their flag identifying where their allegiance was, whose soldiers they were (Exodus 17:15). So we Your children, Lord, are among Your armed forces though we are not armed with weapons for physical warfare. Instead they are spiritual weapons, for we do not fight against flesh and blood.

 

Lord, I pray for balance in my life. Your Word challenges me in so many areas, it seems like I am on a sailboat sometimes running from one end to the other to keep it from tilting into the water. If I grow in discipline, I find myself becoming less compassionate. If I focus on godly behavior, my zeal for You dissipates. If I focus on overcoming the world, I start viewing lost people as the enemy rather than victims of the enemy. I remember the example of Jesus who socialized with tax collectors and sinners, but I also remember “bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

 

Gracious Master, some of the people I have to deal with are unpleasant or unimaginative. Sometimes my own personality defects make me uninviting! So help me, Lord, to be patient with others but to humble myself and check my own arrogance or rudeness.

 

Help me to resist temptation and the lures of the Satan today. Help me to remember that my faith is like an anchor to my soul. It reaches through the deep and troubled waters of life and makes a firm connection with the Rock of Ages, the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

We pray for the many young people who grew up under the influence of Bible-believing parents and/or a Bible believing church or youth group, and have now turned away from the faith. Draw them to yourselves by Your Holy Spirit. Grant them the repentance that leads to life, O Lord.

 

Lord, I remember the small European nation of Monaco. Even though it is tiny, many vacationers travel through this land. I pray that the meager statistic – namely that 1% of the population claims to be born-again and evangelical – would triple over the next decade. Also, bless the ministries that use Monaco as a production base to reach Muslim countries with the claims of Christ. Lord, multiply the follow-up ministries that help disciple new believers, I ask.

 

Lord, bless the ministry of AIDS Orphans and Street Children “established in 1993 to help care for the nearly 38,000 children who are living in sub-Saharan Africa that have been left orphaned (or who do not have a sustaining family) because of the HIV/AIDS virus. AOSC runs an orphanage in Mozambique and operates AIDS Orphans Rescue Units in several sub-Saharan African nations. Food, clothing, shelter, discipline, Bible studies and practical training in such things as sewing, cooking, construction, gardening, farming and mechanics are provided. [Their] goal for these children is to grow up to be self-sustaining in their adult life.” Lord, empower these workers, provide for them and may many of these children come to know Jesus and live responsible and productive lives, I ask.

 

Now help me to love You today, I ask in Messiah-s Name, Amen.

 

June 14


by Ed Vasicek

 

Great God and Savior,

 

Your Word refers to our Lord Jesus Christ as the Chief Cornerstone (Mark 12:10). He is the foundation upon which Your Kingdom rests. Everything that is good and true is anchored to Him. By walking with Him, we are not moved or led astray. We can lean upon Him, rest upon Him and cast all our cares upon Him, for He is strong enough to bear their weight. He is without fault or flaw, but a dependable foundation upon which to build our lives. As the hymnist wrote, “all other ground is sinking sand.”

 

Father, in a day when many challenge the idea of absolute truth, I remember my Rock, my Cornerstone. When doubts arise, when I am in a panic, I remember Jesus Christ. When false teachers show up at my door, when I read of those who claim to know You fall away or deny the truth of Your Word, I remember that I am built upon the Cornerstone. I cannot determine for others to be so built, but I choose to build my life on You.

 

I pray for my pastor, staff, church board leaders, officers and teachers. If any do not know You, may they become born-again. Help them to be true to the Bible and to put Your Word over their own personal agendas. Help them to have genuine integrity, Biblical convictions, love, wisdom and courage. Help them put their walk with You first, their families second and their ministries third. Do not allow others to intimidate them into neglecting their families and remind them: "the fear of man works a snare." Help them be most concerned about pleasing You while also seeking peace and harmony within the congregation.

 

Father, I have some personal health concerns including: __________. I also pray for the physical, mental, or spiritual health of others including: __________.

 

Today I remember the nation of Mongolia. Though the country is massive in size, its population is under 3 million. Yet only one percent claim to be born-again evangelicals. Yet in 1989, there were only 4 Christians in the land, while the number now might be approaching 10,000, and I praise You for that great growth! Unfortunately, cults are also growing. The nation is exceedingly poor, with only a $390 annual income per person. Bless the various outreach attempts: literature, broadcasting, the Jesus film, etc. May Your Spirit hover over this land and may the church double over the next five years, I ask.

Lord, bless Ambassadors Fellowship, “a growing agency with short-term and long-term ministry opportunities in Latin America, Europe, East and West Africa, West and South Asia. Ambassadors Fellowship is involved in church planting, church assistance, disciple reproduction, leadership development, youth ministry...AIDS prevention and Micro Business projects.” Bless the 14 missionaries on the field and may they and the home staff work together in harmony and agreement. Empower them by Your Spirit, provide for them, protect them and may they glorify You, O Lord, and make Your Name famous.

Now, my God, help me to reflect Your grace today, I ask in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

June 15


by Ed Vasicek

 

Dear Father,

 

Your Word refers to Your Son as the “Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4). And that He is. Although we may have pastors (shepherds) who try to nurture our faith and train us, they are all accountable to the Chief Shepherd and – if true to the Word – are His servants. While it is very important for us to respect them, we do more than respect our Lord Jesus Christ: we worship Him as the incarnation of God Almighty! Thank You that He watches over our souls; keep us from resisting Him and fighting His leading. He speaks to us by His Spirit through His Word; help us pay attention and seek His direction. When He corrects us with His rod, it is not pleasant; help us remember that He is out for our good. He is not just our Shepherd, He is also our Chief.

 

Lord, I have some specific requests to bring before You today. They are: __________.

First John says that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me those sins, and You will purify me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I confess the sins I am aware of now, and I ask Your Spirit to search my heart. (Pause to admit them to God.)

 

Father, when I disagree with someone, help me disagree agreeably. Let others see that I have found security in You by how I disagree. If my ego, my self-esteem, or confidence is not on the line, others will see it. If on the other hand I view a disagreement as a personal attack, others will see that I do not sense my security in You. So let me be mature, kind but firm, concerned about truth and respecting the rights of others. Let me allow them to determine whether I am presenting truth that is convincing or not.

 

Today I pray for the tiny Latin American island nation of Montserrat. Thank You that more than 27% of the population claims to be born-again evangelicals, while other born-gain people attend non-evangelical churches in addition. Keep the church strong and help this tiny nation recover from devastation caused by severe volcanic eruptions.

 

Thank You, Father, for Athletes in Action, founded to “capitalize on society's great love of sports and utilize the platform given to athletes to reach the world for Jesus Christ. Included in the ministry efforts of AIA are ministry to college and professional athletes and coaches. International competing teams partner with in-country staff and other mission organizations to resource ministry around the world. AIA's media tools and materials expose millions of sports fans to the Gospel each year.” Father, grant harmony to the staff and volunteers, empower them by Your Spirit, provide for and protect them and may they see more fruit every year!

 

Lord, I pray for subway, streetcar, and other rail transportation workers. Give them safety, help them serve their passengers well and may many come to know You.

 

Now use me today to bear witness to Jesus Christ, I ask in His wonderful Name, Amen.

June 16


by Ed Vasicek

 

Father,

 

You are the God of Hope. You enjoy it when Your children hope in You, for this glorifies You. The contrast between us is striking: we are weak, You are strong. We cannot and You can. You are in control and we are often victims or observers. So when we hope in You, we worship and glorify You. You are truly the God of Hope.

 

Lord, I know that it is more important to fear You than to fear man. I know that You alone are worthy of worship. Yet keep me from going to the other extreme: holding mankind in contempt. Although we humans are rebels against You by nature, we are also in Your image. Even though that image has been marred by sin, it still survives in its less than perfect state. It is a privilege to be human, to enjoy life, to be creative and an active participator in the good things of society. Thank You, Lord, for making me a human being!

 

Lord, in addition I am thankful for many things two of which are: __________.

Lord, I pour out myself before You and ask Your Spirit to fill me. I surrender myself afresh to You today. Create in me a clean heart, and give me a hunger for the Word of God. May it ever be on my mind and in my heart.

 

Lord of the Harvest, I pray for the nation of Morocco. Father, sharing the Gospel here has been tough. The percentage of evangelical believers is so small that it is rated at 0%. There are perhaps 500 believers in a nation of over 28 million. The Islamic religion has long ago obliterated Christian witness, missionaries are not allowed and there is no official recognition of the church in this nation. Lord, multiply the church in Morocco exponentially. Use the Jesus film, satellite TV, radio and Bible recordings to get the word out. Help those who do believe to grow in maturity and to multiply themselves. O, Father, may there be 50,000 believers within 10 years. Send the mighty power of the Holy Spirit to draw these people to Yourself like a magnet draws iron particles, I pray.

 

Thank You Lord for Bible Basics International and their "50 missionaries and volunteers and a wonderful outreach for the Gospel through radio, literature, evangelism and training ministries, and church planting." Thank You that "Bible Basics produces a variety of radio programs which teach basic Bible truths. Our Bible Basics series of 52 programs on basic doctrine has been translated into more than 25 different languages from Assamese to Zulu. [Our] Spanish programs air on more than 100 radio stations throughout the Americas." Father, bless this outreach and discipleship ministry; provide for them, grant them harmony with one another, empower them by Your Spirit and direct their decisions, I ask.

 

I remember those who work as automotive glass installers and repairers and ask that they would do their job with pride. May many come to know You and may those who do freely share their testimony, I ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

June 17


by Ed Vasicek

 

Father,

 

We look forward to the day when, "The pride of the man will be humbled and the loftiness of men will be abased," (Isaiah 2:17), for You "alone will be exalted in that day." You are a god Who reveals Himself to the humble. Although You do reach and save many socially-respected people, You take great delight in revealing Yourself to common, ordinary people. In this way, You are the One Who receives the glory and thus it should be. For You are a God Who will not share Your glory with another.

As for me, Lord, my heart is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). It is hard for me to be fair about matters involving myself and I tend to remember the past in ways that make me look better and others worse. Lord, help me be aware of this human tendency to lie to myself and to hold it in check.

 

I turn my hurts and dashed dreams over to You. Help me to find Your purpose and joy in life. There are many things I cannot change, but I can share all my thoughts with You. Thank You that You do not stifle me or pressure me to "get over it." You are a God Who feels with me.

 

I gird parents in my prayer. Lord, parents are so important to those little ones entrusted to their care. May parents everywhere protect and train their children in humane and balanced ways. Help them to love their children, not to spoil them and to encourage them toward positive directions. We pray that Christian parents would prove to be consistent role models for their young ones. Send angels to protect them, I pray.

 

I bring the African nation of Mozambique before You in prayer, O Lord. Thank You that over 13% of the population claim to be born-again evangelicals, that religious freedom is now a reality and that disasters have softened hearts and people are spiritually hungry. Disease, violence and unusual hardship make it tough on the missionaries. But thank You for the harvest of believers and we pray that their numbers would double over the next decade. Guide missionaries and church leaders and use the Jesus film, radio and literature to reach people. There are between 10 and 15 language groups that do not have the Bible their own language; I pray that You would provide translators.

 

Lord, thank You for the ministry of Camp China which "provides opportunities for Christian college students across North America to experience service overseas in East Asian countries during the summer months. Participants are placed on Asian campuses to teach conversational English to middle and high school students. The 'camp-like' nature of this program provides the foundation for life-changing relationships to be formed. Camp China believes that China and East Asia will play a very significant role in the future of the 10/40 Window. Camp China desires to have a positive influence in this very strategic part of our world." Lord, bless this ministry and use it to reach lost people, develop Christians and provide strong relationships that will result in expanding Your Kingdom, I ask.

 

Now use me today, I ask in Christ's Name, Amen.

 

 

June 18


by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

You are El Gadol waw Nora, "the great and terrible God" (Deuteronomy 7:21). The fear we feel for You as Your people makes us revere and respect You, and one day Your enemies will be in fear and dread of Your wrath and rightly so. You show Your might in the way You save Your people, but those who are far from You will experience the terror of Your divine wrath.

 

Lord, help me face the trials, disappointments, stresses and sorrows of life including: __________.

 

Help me, O Lord, to break the sinful habits that control or ensnare me. May that part of the fruit of the Spirit, self- control, grow within me. Help me exercise it like a muscle, I pray.

 

Remind me that You are growing my faith and that You sometimes use trials to make me stronger in the long run. I will trust You, Lord, even though I do not always understand. Thank You, Lord, that You are pruning me (John 15:2) as a vine-dresser does a vine. You do this so that I may bear more fruit.

 

Thank You, Lord, that as a follower of Jesus Christ, I enjoy fellowshipping with other believers and working together as a family. Help me to love my brothers and sisters in Christ in practical ways (1 John 4:11-12).

 

Lord, help those looking for work. Guide Your children into fields and places of employment based upon Your purposes. Especially prosper those who work honorably and honestly.

 

As for me, dear God, help me to be a good steward of the money I must handle. Guide me when it comes to saving and giving, and help me know when to say no. Help me control my money. Do not let money control me.

 

Today I remember the Asian nation of Myanmar, just north of Thailand. Although freedom of religion exists on paper in this nation, the military regime has a track record of forcing others to convert to Buddhism. Thank You that the evangelical church has grown to 5.2%, despite this pressure and despite the expulsion of missionaries in 1966. Thank You that missionaries have been allowed in. We pray that You would bless the translation work as 14 translations are started – but another 14 need to be started as well. O Lord, may the number of believers double within the next decade. Use Christian radio, the Jesus film and the testimony of believers. Provide solid education for church leaders and may the government become more tolerant.

 

Thank You for the ministry of Caring for China, whose vision "is to share the love of Christ with the people of China by sending Christians to work alongside them. [They] do this by placing teachers of English in positions at universities and secondary schools in China where there is a great need for teachers and by providing suitably qualified, motivated and experienced personnel to care for orphaned, handicapped, abandoned and sick children in cooperation with appropriate local authorities. In addition to providing practical help and care, the outworking of [their] vision involves training local personnel to assist [them] in this work of compassion." O Lord, bless their efforts, give them unity of Spirit, provide for and protect them and may they reach many.

 

Lord, bless those who work as millwrights. Help them work honestly and may those who know You be bold to share Christ with their peers.

 

Now help me honor You throughout my day, I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

June 19


by Ed Vasicek

 

Dear God,

 

Though You have special plans for specific people, You are a God who still disciplines His own. When Moses, who had been faithful to You for years, struck the rock in anger when You had commanded him to merely speak to the rock (Numbers 20:8-13), you disciplined him. You told him that he would not have the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. You showed Yourself to be holy. I am reminded that a humble man like Moses could take you for granted. How much more do I struggle with getting "too familiar" with You? Help me, Lord, to always reverence Your Name. Do not allow familiarity to breed contempt.

 

I pray for my lost friends and family members, including: __________. Father, please send Your Spirit to draw them to Yourself and grant them the repentance that leads to life.

 

I pray for the elderly, sickly and shut-in people I know or know of including: __________.

 

Father, help me to value my conscience. When it speaks to me, help me to be online. The new nature you've given me has intensified my conscience, making the Law of God written on my heart more pronounced. Help me to align my conscience with Your will. I do not want to become the weaker brother by cringing under the false guilt of an unhealthy conscience. I do not want to harden my heart and dull the whisper of conscience.

 

I choose to rejoice in You today. I reject all the thoughts of Satan's kingdom and instead I claim my victory through the Lord Jesus Christ and declare my allegiance to His Kingdom.

 

I remember the African nation of Namibia. Thank You that over 10% of the population claim to be born-again Christian evangelicals. Many people claim some form of Christianity, but theological liberalism has overtaken many churches. As a result, people are turning away from liberal '"Christianity" while others are Christians in name only; the youth are turning to drugs and rejecting Christian values. Thank You that the evangelical Christianity is on the increase. Thank You, Lord, but the challenges are great. May Your Spirit work mightily in this nation, recall it from a "post-Christian era" and may the percentage of evangelicals double over the next decade, I ask.

 

"Casas por Cristo is a non-denominational missions agency dedicated to encouraging Christians to become involved in service projects that will enable the church in North America to grow. We offer service opportunities to people of all ages through short-term projects in Mexico. Typically our projects involve building a home for a poor family in Juarez, Mexico that is sponsored by a local church.... Participants are involved in cross-cultural outreach." Lord, use this ministry to glorify Yourself and to influence many for the Kingdom of God. Grant the workers safety, the power of Your Spirit and prosper their attempts to share the love of Jesus.

 

My God, bless those who work in small engine mechanics. Give them safety, help them to work with enthusiasm and may those who know Christ freely share their faith.

 

Work to make me more like You today, I ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

June 20


by Ed Vasicek

 

Dear Abba Father,

 

You are the Father of Mercies (2 Corinthians 1:3). You delight in showing mercy over and over again to Your creation and to human beings in particular. You are so merciful that we presume upon Your mercy and we are surprised on those occasions when You pull back Your mercy. We thank You not only for Your mercies which keep us alive and sustain us, the rain for our crops or the health we have – but we especially appreciate the spiritual blessings You offer us. Through Jesus Christ, we escape what we deserve (Your mercy) and You grant us a favored status (Your grace). Thank You for being the Father of mercies!

 

Lord, I empty myself before You so that Your Spirit may fill me. May I find my strength in His power, not my own. May Your Spirit control me today.

 

First John says that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me those sins and You will purify me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I confess the sins I am aware of now and I ask Your Spirit to search my heart (Pause to admit them to God.).

 

Today I pray for the small Pacific Island of Nauru. Thank You that 9% of the population claim to be born-again evangelicals. Continue to use the Jesus film to reach people. I pray that the number of believers there would triple over the next decade and use this island as a spiritual lighthouse in the region.

 

Thank You for the ministry of Children to Love International. "As a result of [their] efforts, orphaned children are becoming fully devoted followers of Christ through the ministry of Christian churches in their country.... Every effort is extended to meet the goal of having children discipled by the local Christian churches in Romania. This is the primary way they...grow in their spiritual life." We know that Romania has tens of thousands of orphaned and abandoned children. Help these missionaries as they love them in Jesus' Name.

 

I pray for college and university students everywhere. Lord, college professors – especially in the social sciences – are noted to be negative, cynical and out to destroy the faith of Christians or others who stand in the way of their agendas. Thank You that not all are this way. Help all professors to learn to respect their students and their views, even if they disagree with them.  Help them hold back from intimidation and persuasion by mockery. Keep them from exploiting a captive audience. Instead, may they respectfully educate their students as to the nature of various viewpoints and to encourage them to think reasonably. O Father, stop the virus of cynicism and intimidation. May Your children not be moved by professors with egos out to replicate themselves.

 

Bless those who work as earth drillers. Whether it is drilling for water, oil, natural gas, or a number of projects, give them safety and help them to do their jobs well. May those who know You shine and help them to share Jesus with their comrades.

 

Now open my eyes to Your will for me today, I pray in Christ's Name, Amen.

 

June 21


by Ed Vasicek

 

God in Heaven,

 

Thank You that though You are so much above us in every way we can still know You. True, we can never understand You completely. You are infinite and the total of the knowledge of Your creatures is not even a drop in an immense ocean compared to Your knowledge, Your depth and Your greatness.

Because we cannot know You fully does not mean we cannot know You truly. To know You involves at least two things: to be in personal relationship with You and to have learned about some of Who You are. As our relationship develops and our knowledge grows, we come to know You better. Throughout eternity, our relationship will deepen and our knowledge broaden. But we will never reach a limit, never master You, and we will never be bored with You. I praise Your Name for that!

 

Lord, I remember my marriage (if I am married) and the marriages of my extended families, friends and church families. Lord, hold them together. Helped married couples to lean upon you and to work hard at addressing problems and experiencing harmony. I also pray for those who are divorced, that You would help them to go forward with Your hand in theirs.

 

Today I pray for missionaries that my church or I support including: __________.

 

Father, Your Word tells me that, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). Help me to run from pride and to pursue humility which is simply sanely seeing reality from Your perspective and looking at things in proper proportion.

 

I pray for the Asian nation of Nepal, the world's only Hindu Kingdom. Even today, persecution is still a problem in this nation though it has lessened since the 1990 democratic constitution was enacted.

 

Thank You for the 1.6% of the population that claims to be born-again evangelical. Thank You for the new opportunities to train leaders and the twelve languages into which the Bible is now being translated. Yet there are 83 other languages in this nation where translation has not even begun. Bless the outreach of individual Christians, literature ministries, tape ministries, radio and the Jesus film. May the number of born-again evangelicals triple over the next five years, I ask.

 

Lord, bless the mission of Christian Outreach International, "formed in 1984 by a group of believers concerned about the spiritual needs of the lost people of the world. The task is twofold” reaching the lost and the development and training of believers who are called to "go into all the world and preach the Gospel." [Their] aim is to aid believers in being witnesses to the world by reaching people where they are on the streets, in sports arenas, at places of business and in their homes...." Bless them, Lord, by empowering their efforts by Your Spirit. Provide for them, protect them, grant them fruit for their labor and help them to work harmoniously, I pray.

 

Help me to be at peace with You today, I request in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

June 22


by Ed Vasicek

 

Great One,

 

Your arm is mighty (Psalm 77:15). Although, as God, You are a Spirit and You have no physical body per se (although God the Son is now joined to a body in the Person of Jesus Christ), Your "arm" refers to Your action and strength. The picture is that Your sleeve is rolled up and Your mighty muscles exposed. Although You have neither sleeves nor arms nor muscles, we can relate to this illustration. Thank You for condescending to what we find familiar so that we can better understand You.

 

Lord, like everyone else, I have fears and insecurities that haunt me. Sometimes they get me depressed or worried. They rob me of the joy You want me to experience. I give them to You and ask You to help me constantly do so. Help me with my thought life today. Help me think positive and pleasant thoughts today, thoughts that please You.

 

Father, You are sovereign over world events. Lord, I ask that You would grant us a time of peace, safety and freedom, if this is Your will. I know that near the end things will get worse and worse and that there will be no ultimate peace until the Prince of Peace returns to reign. I also pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).

 

Lord, help me to be friendly and sociable. May I make the effort to know my neighbors or folks I see everyday. Help me to be a team player within my church, neighborhood and community. If I am to love my neighbor and others, I need to get to know them! Help me overcome social anxieties and may others enjoy my company because Christ has brought me joy.

 

I pray for the European nation of the Netherlands. Thank You that 4.5% of the population claims to be born-again evangelical. In a way, this is sad because the Dutch nation was at one time one of the most evangelical nations of the world. Although most of the mainline churches have adopted liberalism and left the straightforward faith of the Bible, independent evangelical churches are growing. I praise You for that growth. Thank You that outreach ministries aimed at teens and young adults have been successful. Raise up a new and invigorated generation of believers. Use them, we pray, to make a big difference. May the number of evangelical Christians double over the next decade, I ask.

 

Lord, bless Engineering Ministries International and its mission "to mobilize Christian design professionals to serve the poor in developing countries “[they] proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ by empowering people to transform their world” through the design and development of hospitals, schools, orphanages, bridges, water supplies, wastewater facilities and more. [They] commit to provide excellent service to our clients, our volunteers, and to people in need.... EMI mobilizes both experienced design professionals and college students and recent graduates" for short or medium term ministry. Use these engineers to lead people to Christ, testify to the grace and compassion of God and to show the love of Christ, I pray.

 

Use me to show compassion today, I ask in the Master's Name, Amen.

 

 

June 23


by Ed Vasicek

 

My Father,

 

You are a generous God. According to Matthew 5:45, Your generosity extends to both those who love You and those who do not: "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Your generosity is connected to Your grace, for grace means that You do favors for us we do not earn or deserve – nor can we repay. You often do what You do with extravagance; You are the God who lavishes us with grace.

 

Lord, help me to handle anger as a gift from You. Like atomic power, anger can be used to help others and provide a needed energy for me to address problems. Or it can be used to destroy and contaminate. If I stuff it, I become depressed or eventually explode. Instead, help me use anger to energize me to tackle problems in a reasonable and effective way. Help me address offenses as they occur so that I do not accumulate "straws," with one eventually breaking the back of the proverbial camel. Help me distinguish between sinful anger, legitimate anger and the type of anger known as righteous indignation.

 

Lord, sometimes the devil tempts me to misdirect anger. Help me to resist the fiery darts of the devil by taking up the shield of faith. Help me to go on the offense with the sword of the Spirit. May I stand firm, O Lord. Remind me that the Christian life is often a battleground, not always a playground.

 

Today I remember the Province of India known as Bihar and Jharkhand. Over 75 million people reside in this province and less than 2% of them profess any sort of Christianity. Many Christians are lackluster about their faith and the cultural and social obstacles are many. Of the 200 people groups in the region, 20 are blessed by a significant outreach, 100 groups have new Christian outreaches while 80 have no work at all. Thank You for the 500 new churches in the region; O God, bless them, prosper them and may Your Spirit draw many, many to Yourself! Guide the missionaries and strategists and help the believers to mature and be zealous for You. May the percentage of born-again evangelicals double over the next two years!

 

I also pray for the Province of Delhi, with its 11 million residents. Less than 1% of the population claim any form of Christianity. Millions dwell in slums. O Lord, work in this poor region; may the number of believers triple over the next five years, I ask.

 

Today I pray for my church. Help us to reach out to our community, to disciple those who come to faith, and to stay true to You in every way. Bring folks into our church who would benefit from the ministry here and who would have a good effect on the body; lead those who would not benefit here to congregations that will develop them. Keep troublemakers and wolves in sheep clothing far from us, I ask.

 

Lord, I ask You to send angels to watch over my loved ones and I, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

June 24


by Ed Vasicek

 

Great God,

 

Lord, You are the God of Israel. When You led Your people out of Egypt, You did so by Your mighty arm: the plagues, the Passover, the crossing of the Red Sea – all so amazing. And then You rose up to fight for Israel, closing the waters of the Red Sea and drowning Pharaoh's army. You are a long-suffering God: the Israelites were slaves in Egypt for centuries before You destroyed Egypt's army. Entire generations were born and died without seeing Your deliverance. Though You act slowly by human standards, we know that You are in no hurry. Help us to believe that Your plans will all come to pass in Your time. Help us to be patient; we are such slaves to time.

Father, thank You that I have received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, He became a curse for us so that we could be delivered from the curse You put upon us (Galatians 3:13). Thank You that I have escaped the curse of 1 Corinthians 16:22, "If anyone does not love the Lord – a curse be on him." I pray that Your Spirit would bring to spiritual life my loved ones and friends. It grieves me to know that they are under Your curse.

 

Lord, I am thankful for many things three of which are: __________.

 

Lord, I remember my country's chief executive officer (President, Prime Minister, Secretary General, etc.) and our legislative and congressional branches. May they all these leaders favor true and complete religious freedom. We want to be able to peacefully share our faith and live out our convictions; may they respect our rights to do so. Help them to govern with righteousness and equity.

 

Lord, I have some specific requests to bring before You today. They are: __________.

 

Thank You, Lord, for the believers in Netherlands Antilles. Almost 8% of the population of these Latin American islands claims to be born-again believers. Although many people claim some form of Christianity, the society is immoral, superstitious and often carried away toward strange sects. Help the true believers remain firm; may the genuinely regenerate, pursue You and gain spiritual and moral stability, I pray. Double the number of solid believers within the next five years, I ask. May those who truly know you cease dividing themselves between the world and You.

 

Lord, thank You for the ministry of ESI (Educational Services International) as they give "North American Christians an opportunity to build significant friendships in classrooms around the world through teaching conversational English, business...and other subjects." They build relationships "with students in Muslim, Communist and former Communist nations" like "China, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam." Lord, use this ministry to sow seeds and reach the lost through friendship evangelism. May Your Spirit empower their efforts, grant them harmony and provisions, I ask.

 

Lord, bless those who work as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. Give them safety, help them to do their work well and help those who know You to share their faith with fellow workers and when appropriate with clients.

 

May Your Spirit, O Lord, fill me and control me throughout this day, I ask, in Yeshua's (Jesus') Name, Amen.

 

June 25


by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

You are not a God with needs or issues. You are a completely independent God. You do not need us; You are complete in Yourself. Yet you choose to befriend us, to love us, to feel with us and to experience emotions toward us. You allow Yourself to be grieved, so we are urged not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Your wrath burns against the non-repentant and You rejoice with us when we rejoice and You share our grief when we grieve. You sent Your Son to pay the price of our redemption not because You had to redeem us but because You chose to do so. Human hands do not serve you as though You needed anything nor do you dwell in temples we build (Acts 17:24-25).

 

First John says that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me those sins, and You will purify me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I confess the sins I am aware of now and I ask Your Spirit to search my heart (pause to admit them to God).

 

Father, I pray for my health. My body is special, for You created not only man's spiritual nature but also His physical body. Since my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), I should care for it. Abusing my body by harsh treatment does nothing to make me more godly (Colossians 2:23). Yet keep me from being obsessed with it; help me place the focus upon the spiritual (1 Timothy 4:8).

 

Lord, today I remember the nations in which believers are persecuted, facing death, dismemberment, torture, rape, sexual abuse, imprisonment, slavery, or confiscation of goods. The ten worst nations for persecution include: Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Laos, China, Turkmenistan, Iran, North Korea, Vietnam and Maldives. O Father, may these and the others among the 86 persecuting countries become enlightened in the realm of human dignity and God-given rights, including the right we have to choose and practice our religious convictions. May the persecutors themselves be won to faith in Christ, may the governments mandate and enforce the recognition of true religious freedom and help believers by granting them an extra portion of wisdom. Help them to evade persecution when possible and help them to find their strength in You when they cannot. Bless those ministries (Open Doors and Voice of the Martyrs and others) that seek to minister to these victims. May believers everywhere remember the persecuted church in prayer.

 

Thank You, Lord, for the European Christian Mission International, "an international and interdenominational organization...called by God and commissioned by local churches to serve in partnership in the evangelization of the peoples of Europe. [They] are currently working in 18 countries of Europe with approaching 200 workers and partners from 20 countries around the world serving with [them].... Ministries extend beyond these areas through radio, literature and technology initiatives." O Lord, bless this outreach and reignite what few embers remain in Europe. May Your Spirit move mightily and grant many the repentance that leads to life. Provide, protect, guide and grant harmony for all staff members, I ask.

 

Now use me today, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

June 26


by Ed Vasicek

 

Dear Great God,

 

When You sent Israel the bread from heaven, they ate of the manna day after day. From this, we learn that You are the God Who provides our daily means and You are not limited by nature. You spoke the word and the Israelites could sustain their lives. Those sweet bread flakes kept the children of Israel healthy and full. So we must learn that we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from Your mouth. And even the bread we do eat is by Your grace and provision. You are the God Who provides.

 

Lord, it is sometimes frustrating to know how to deal with people. Some people are sincere, open and forthcoming; others are deceptive, dishonest and manipulating; yet others are so tight lipped that I have no idea what is really going on. On the one hand, You want me to make an effort to encourage or help those who are on the level and open to truth; on the other hand, You warn me not to waste my time by casting my pearls before the swine. Please, Lord, give me discernment when it comes to determining where I should place my efforts.

 

I pray for my lost friends and family members, including: __________. Father, please send Your Spirit to draw them to Yourself and grant them the repentance that leads to life.

 

I pray for Christians who are straying from their first love or compromising their walk with You. Rekindle the faith they once professed and help them fervently love the Savior once again. Remove their boring view of serving You and help them see the adventure and fulfillment of walking daily in Your light. Stir up their hearts and help them make the routines of godliness a part of their lives. I especially remember: __________.

 

Abba, I pray for the Pacific island nation of New Caledonia. Thank You that 7.5% of the population claim to be born-again evangelical Christians. May that number double over the next decade, I ask. Bless the seven Bible translation efforts that are ongoing among these language groups and provide survey and translators for the other twenty-one if that is Your will, O Lord. May the Christian churches that have strayed away from the faith of the Bible begin to return.

 

Praise Your Name for the ministry of Every Child Ministries (ECM). Lord, I know children are precious and close to Your heart; this ministry must therefore be especially precious to You. ECM "emphasizes showing the love of Jesus to the neediest of African children in practical ways and using African nationals to train their own people. ECM shows love of Jesus through mercy ministries to homeless street children, through seeking to release and retrain slave children and through medical and rehabilitation ministries to the sick and handicapped." They "also train African leaders and churches to teach children and youth." O Lord, provide for this ministry, protect them, empower them by Your Spirit and grant them great success in these areas! Also give them harmony amongst themselves.

Lord, help me to experience Your peace that passes all understanding today. When I feel hemmed in from all sides, remind me to look up toward You, I pray, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

June 27


by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

When Ezekiel saw a vision of You, he first saw wheels within wheels full of eyes and cherubim, each with four faces. He marveled at what He saw, but He then saw a vision of You. Although no man has seen God at any time as He is, You have appeared in a vision on several occasions. Ezekiel saw a throne of sapphire and a figure in the shape of a man, a vision of You. You appeared as glowing metal from the waist upward and downward You appeared as a fire with a rainbow-like brilliance surrounding You (Ezekiel 1:26-28a). At this vision, Ezekiel fell on His face before You. So when we get just a taste of Your majesty, we cannot help but be overwhelmed, for You are an overwhelming God!

 

O, Lord, please help the hurting, the emotionally wounded and the devastated. Strengthen those stung by disappointment, encourage the demoralized and bind up the emotionally wounded. Especially help: __________.

 

Father, I pray for those who go from marriage to marriage, job to job, church to church, credit card to credit card. Perhaps this includes me. Others are tossed when it comes to belief; again, perhaps I have this tendency. May I decide once and for all that my life is first and foremost about You, not me. Unite my divided heart, O Lord.

 

Lord, help me to be cautious myself, for I am prone to wander. I am not above falling away from You or being ensnared. Your Word warns, "Let him who thinks He stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). My own vulnerability and propensity to sin is easy to rationalize or deny. Please keep me from such foolishness. Help me make no provision for my sinful nature.

 

Father, we live in the age of the impostor, people trying to be who they are not, dissatisfied with the way You made them. Help me to be the real deal, O Lord.

 

I pray for New Zealand and the 22% of the population who claim to be born-again evangelical Christians. Yet, Lord, the younger generations are not nearly as likely to be involved in church, and Christianity is often viewed as irrelevant in "the real world." The Maori minority has hardly been reached. Thank You that some new churches are tapping into the younger generations and for the missionary zeal of the churches that are dynamic. O Lord, move by Your Spirit and draw sheer numbers of people to Christ. May the churches that are true to the Word grow at a good rate, doubling the number of believers over the next decade. Help them reach and disciple the youth, I ask.

 

Thank You for the tent-making, ("tent-making" means serving as a missionary while working at a secular job), ministry of Global Opportunities whose mission is to "mobilize and equip missions-committed lay Christians to serve abroad as effective tent-makers, primarily to least-reached peoples. [They] provide prospective tent-makers with overseas job resources, job and missions' counsel, training and mentoring to increase effectiveness, connections with coworkers in country, and limited support on the field. Global Opportunities seeks to partner with individuals, churches and mission agencies to accomplish this task."

 

Now help me bear witness to Your grace today, I pray, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

June 28


by Ed Vasicek

 

Gracious Master and Father,

 

Your Son, Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the King of Kings. Of course as God the Son, He is equal to You, even though He made Himself subservient to You when He was here on earth as a man (Philippians 2:6-7). In His human nature, He was King, for He was heir to the throne of David. He was genetically connected to David through Mary and He received the right to rule through His stepfather, Joseph, a man who would have been King had the line of David been honored. So both from human and divine perspectives, God the Son is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! And to think that He has identified Himself as our brother! (Romans 8:29).

 

Father, I have so many things I think I should do: chores around the house, errands to run, things to clean or organize, people I really should invite over, assignments I should be working on, matters of exercise or diet.... O Lord, sometimes I am overwhelmed and do not know where to begin. I always feel behind, under the pile and crave a simpler life. Yet, on the other hand, I need purpose and dislike being bored. Help me to accept that it is a no-win situation and that most of us struggle with these same things. So give me peace and guidance. Help me to prioritize things based upon Your will and let me take time to smell the roses.

 

Lord, I am thankful for many things, two of which are: __________.

 

Lord, I present myself before You; may Your Spirit fill me. I trust in His power, not my own. I surrender control of my life to Your Spirit today.

 

O God, the Beijing Municipality is the capital province of the People’s Republic of China with nearly 14 million people in this city area. Maybe 4% of the people there are evangelical Christians. Since this is the seat of Chinese government, the persecution in this province is especially severe. Lord, help the house churches and percentage of believers to double over the next 5 years despite the government’s effort. Lord, turn the hearts of government leaders to You and toward true religious freedom, I ask.

 

Grant the believers special wisdom as they seek to live out the Christian life in such a dangerous area. May Your Spirit work mightily in this region!

 

Adonai, thank You for Global Partners, USA which aims to "glorify God by evangelizing the globe by developing local leadership in cooperation with creative mission strategies." They seek candidates for short- and medium-term mission trips in CIS (former Soviet), Chile, China, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, Paraguay, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan. O Lord, use this mission to make an impact on the world for Jesus Christ, I pray. Empower them with Your Spirit, protect them, provide for them and give them great fruit for their labors.

 

Lord, bless those who work in the fields of installation and repair. May many in these fields come to know Jesus. Help them do their work well.

 

Now, Lord, help me to work or fulfill my responsibilities in a way that reflects positively upon You, I ask in the Messiah’s Name, Amen.

 

 

June 29


by Ed Vasicek

 

Wonderful Lord,

 

Your Holy Spirit is the Great Purifier. He purifies us as a fire disinfects and cleanses (Matthew 3:11). To be baptized by the Spirit is to be purified by divine fire. This happens when I accept Christ as my Savior (1 Corinthians 12:31, Romans 8:9). Your Spirit searches my heart and prays for me (Romans 8:26); He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. O Father, unleash His power in me! Although I cannot get more of Him because He is a Person, He can get more of me!

 

Lord, we all have burdens to bear. Some of us have a small number of them and the burdens are not that bad. Others have many heavy burdens constantly and relentlessly. Most of us are somewhere in between. O God, Your Word tells us to cast all our cares upon You, for You care for us. I give You my burdens, my heartaches, my fears. Your Word also encourages us to bear one another’s burdens. This means I have to be on the lookout to care. It is rather counter-intuitive, but when I help bear another’s burdens, mine are lessened. And when others help me, theirs are lessened.

 

Help me to resist temptation and the lures of Satan today.

 

Father, I have some personal health concerns including: __________. I also pray for the physical, mental, or spiritual health of others including: __________.

 

I pray for the nation of Nicaragua. Thank You for what You are doing there: over 16% of the population claim to be born-again evangelicals—praise Your Name. Many others claim to be born-again but attend non-evangelical churches. Thank You that almost the entire nation has seen the Jesus film. Lord, this is a poor country that had been ravaged by the horrors of a long war. Help the nation to rebuild and may the Christians mature, unite and affect their country for the good of all. Help the percentage of evangelical Christians grow by 50% over the next decade, I ask.

 

Lord, praise Your Name for Globalserve Alliance, “a virtual airline serving the Christian charitable markets. The underlying motivation of the organization is to move Missionaries around the world in as efficient and cost effective way as possible. Not a Travel agency, but a virtual airline sold worldwide through various mission’s travel offices, the Internet and associates. Backing up the virtual airline are travel professionals placed worldwide monitoring and following through all activities. All involved are committed Christians with a heart for missions. Globalserve and its associates are currently directly involved in and facilitate workers with: · an orphanage in Indonesia · mercy ministries in China · tentmaking missionary employment opportunities in creative access nations like Romania, Dubai, India and China. · Mountain Biking! An exciting Short Term Mission Adventure reaching rural Asia with the Gospel.” Lord, use this ministry to help transport missionaries in a cost-effective way, give them safety, wisdom, provision and guidance, I ask.

 

I pray for those working as mining machine operators. Keep them safe, help them work efficiently, help them get along with one another and management and may those who know You shine!

 

Help me shine today, I ask in Yeshua’s Name, Amen.

 

 

June 30


by Ed Vasicek

 

My Awesome God,

 

I thank You that You appeared to Jacob as a man. You wrestled with him through the night and afterward touched his hip socket, dislocating it. Jacob would not let You go until You blessed him (Genesis 32:22-32). For the rest of his life, that limp reminded him that he had wrestled with You, O Lord. Jacob needed to be humbled and You humbled him. He needed to understand that You had chosen to bless him in unique ways and You made him to understand that. Although he repeatedly failed You, You did not give up on him, for You are a God Who perseveres in His purpose. You orchestrated today's events from currents You sent rolling centuries or even millennia ago. Although so many of Your deeds seem scattered, random and disconnected, You have an intricate plan far more detailed than we can imagine.

 

Lord, I have some specific requests to bring before You today. They are: __________.

 

First John says that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me those sins, and You will purify me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I confess the sins I am aware of now and I ask Your Spirit to search my heart (Pause to admit them to God).

 

Lord, the nation of Niger is a poor nation and such is the case as far as the church goes as well. Only.. .1% claim to be born-again evangelicals. Almost 98% of the population claim Islam for their religion. Nonetheless, this nation has a fair amount of religious freedom. O Lord, may the church double every year over the next five years. Give wisdom to the missionaries and help the believers to be bold for Jesus. May Your Spirit do a great work in this land. Help Christians reach the many unreached people groups, I pray. Bring laborers into these fields.

 

Today I pray for Good Samaritan Missions (GSM). This organization "provides short-term mission opportunities for students, both undergrad and grad, in health sciences (med/dent/vet/opt/nursing, public health, etc.), K-12 education, and other majors. [Their] program provides an academic as well as service component for credit in many of the fifty plus schools with whom [they] partner.... Projects are travel intensive and are known for offering students more hands-on experience. GSM also provides a student sponsorship program and other financial aids. It is [their] mission to not only minister with the poor in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, but to serve the church at large by having a hand in recruiting students for long-term missions in the future." Father, we pray that You would bless this outreach ministry and use it to further Your Kingdom.

 

I remember those who work as brick masons, block masons, and stonemasons. Give them safety, help them do quality work and may many in these fields come to know You. Help Christians in these fields to display the love and integrity of Christ and to freely share the good news of Jesus Christ.

 

Now help me live for You today, I ask in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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