July Prayers

 

July 1

by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

You are a no-nonsense God. You become angry with those Who give you mere lip service, as You explain, when "people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me" (Isaiah 29:13). You are not a God Who wants image or impression; You want substance and heart-felt sincerity. You do not want our token efforts or half-hearted allegiance. You want us to love and serve You with all of our hearts. Your Son discouraged us from praying with useless repetition or a sheer volume of words (Matthew 6:7). You are only pleased with the simple and sincere. You are a no-nonsense God.

 

Lord, I remember those who have humble means. Others are fighting horrible illnesses, diseases, or constant pain. Others have gone through trials that defy description. O Father, shower Your grace upon such people. Reveal Yourself to them and provide for their needs. Bring people into their lives who can bless them, I ask.

 

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

 

Lord, I remember that the trying of my faith works patience, and patience experience, and experience hope (Romans 5:3-4). You use trials in my life to develop me, to teach me, to try me, to discipline me and to make me strong, for when I am weak, then I am strong. Lord, sometimes this sounds more like theory than practice. I often do not appreciate this program You have to develop me. I wish You would consult me first for my opinion. But then I remember that You are God, the potter, and I am the clay. The only rights I have are the ones with which You endowed me. So, with Your help, I'll try to trust You, even when I cannot understand Your ways.

 

Lord, I pray for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. a rather large nation with over 100 million people. Thank You that 23.5% of those people claim to be born-again evangelicals. Thank You, Lord! On a sad note though, the northern part of the country is mostly Muslim and has a track record of persecuting Christians. But the Christians there are a praying people and You have been answering many prayers, but some of the northern states enforce Islamic law and still persecute believers. Thousands have died over the last 15 years because of persecution. We pray that the entire nation will experience religious freedom and we pray that many Muslims would come to know Christ. Lord, help the percentage of born-again evangelicals grow by 50% in the next decade, I ask.

 

Today I remember the missionaries my church supports. I pray that, if it is Your will, you would raise up individuals from our congregation to serve in full time ministry, be that missions, pastoral work, evangelism, or any of many ministry opportunities.

 

I pray for those who work as plasterers and stucco masons. Give them safety, help them do their jobs well and may those who know You share their faith freely by example and by word.

 

Now use me to serve You today, I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

July 2

by Ed Vasicek

 

Holy Father,

 

You are a patient God. You are longsuffering and rarely in a hurry. Because of Your patience, You delay Your wrath. You are not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. Before You drove out the people of Canaan before the Israelites, You gave them decades – even centuries – to repent.

 

Before You sent the children of Israel into captivity, You gave them centuries, about 490 years. Because they did not observe the sabbatical years every seventh year, You caught up by giving the land rest for 70 years, the Babylonian Captivity (2 Chronicles 36:21). Without our repentance, Your wrath is merely delayed. But during the times of Your patience, You call us to turn from our sins and to turn to You.

 

I remember parents. 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. Parents are just as important to junior and senior high teens. Even though parents change the way they relate to older children, help them adapt but not pull back. Remind them that their kids still need them even though teens may not want to admit that. 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 both parents and children, I pray.

 

Thank You Lord for Norway. Father, Norwegian Christians have been among the most missions-minded in the world and they still are! Thank You that over 9% of the population claim to be born-again evangelicals, while about 5% claim to be born-again but attending non-evangelical churches. I know that for Europe, this is exceptional. I thank You that a renewal seems to be taking place and I pray that it would result in great progress for Your Kingdom. May the percentage of born-again believers double over the next decade and help Norwegian believers to reach Muslim immigrants for Christ. Thank You for the remarkable fact that the State Church is very evangelical in belief. May Your Spirit move mightily in this land.

 

Bless the ministry of Gospel for Asia, O Lord, as they seek to “plant churches among the unreached.... Gospel for Asia trains and sends native missionaries because they have proven extremely effective. They are already familiar with the language and culture and they live at the level of the people they serve, thus removing many social barriers.” Lord, Asia is one of the most unreached sections of the world. Bless this ministry. Empower them by Your Spirit, provide for them, protect them and grant them harmony and efficiency, I pray.

 

Lord, I pray for those who work as roofers. Give them safety, Lord, and wisdom. Help them do their tasks well and may those who know You freely share their testimony with their coworkers. May they be used of You, O Lord.

 

Now help me to honor You today, I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

July 3

by Ed Vasicek

 

Ever-present Lord,

 

You are the God Who delivered Daniel from the Lion's Den. You worked a miracle and closed the mouths of those hungry lions. Yet on the other hand, lions in the Roman Coliseum killed many faithful Christians. You are the God Who can deliver, but You do not always choose to do so (Hebrews 11:32-38). And so, Lord, we trust You and Your power, but we also acknowledge that Your ways are higher than ours, for we cannot reduce You down to a formula. And we ask, not command; we request, not demand; we can plead our case, but we do not always understand Your long-term purpose.

 

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

 

Father, many couples struggle with their marriages. Lord, help struggling couples to endure, to address problems as they arise and to humble themselves before You. Help wives to accept the nature of men and men the nature of their wives. Help individuals to repent of the sins that create problems and help each one to face his or her own sin, reminding each one that they cannot change their spouses, only themselves.

 

Father, I intercede for believers who are struggling with substance abuse, addictions, or other bad or undesirable habits. Some practices are wrong, even in moderation. Others are wrong in excess. Others are wrong only because they become enslaving. Help us all to put off our bad ways and replace them with positively constructive ways. Rather than steal, let us labor to give to those in need. Rather than gossip, let us praise. Instead of being drunk with wine, help us to be filled with Your Spirit. Help us replace the undesirable with the good – or at least the neutral.

 

Great God, only .3% of the Asian nation of Oman claim to be born-again evangelicals and most of those are foreigners who reside in Oman. The Muslim majority (over 92%) is largely unreached. Thank You for Christian radio broadcasts and the Internet which at least make it possible for many of these people to be exposed to the Gospel. Lord, use these means and othersto reach the Arab peoples of Oman, I ask. May Jesus Christ be exalted as many come to know Him. My prayer is that within a decade 2% of the population would know Jesus in a saving way. Please display Your Spirit’s regenerating power to this nation.

 

Lord, I pray for Great Commission Ministries which "plants and develops churches in the United States and overseas that both tell the story of Christ in the language of the emerging generation and foster Christian growth. [They] currently have a ministry presence on 44 U.S. campuses and in 23 countries.

GCM mobilizes people in vocational ministry through [their] staffing program.... GCM sends missions to serve churches in Asia, Europe and Latin America and seeks to help believers become mission-minded, culturally aware Christians." Bless this work with fruit, keep them in tune with Your Word and Your Spirit and grant them harmony, I pray.

 

Help me keep my mind on You today, I ask in Messiah’s Name, Amen.

 

July 4

by Ed Vasicek

 

Dear Lord,

 

You are a relational God and a God who loves families. You are the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. You connected Yourself to men of faith, men who were sinners and flawed but men whom You declared righteous by faith. Because Jesus Christ would eventually die for their sins and because You, O Lord, are not bound by time, You could retain holiness yet freely endear Yourself to mortal men. You currently endear Yourself to those of us who know Christ Jesus our Lord. O Father, may Your faith also permeate my family for generations to come. Help me to enjoy my relationship with You so that I too, like Abraham, may be Your friend.

 

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.

 

Father, because I am so vulnerable, I sometimes am strapped by fear. On the one hand, Your word tells me that a wise man is cautious, but when that caution turns to fear, I am held in bondage to it. Help me, therefore, to be cautious but not fearful; trusting in You but not presuming.

 

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, troublemakers and those who resent authority away from our congregation. Help my church to be effective in evangelism, discipleship, loving one another and world missions.

 

Speaking of missions, today I pray for the nation of Pakistan. Most of the people are Muslim while evangelical believers number less than .4%. Those who come to Christ from an Islamic background do so at the risk of their own lives. Pakistan is a land where all sorts of things take place: kidnapping, violent crime and strife between people groups. Lord, bless the missions which are true to Your Word, use correspondence, literature, the Jesus film, Christian radio and recordings and the discreet witnessing of believers to reach others. Keep the believers safe, give them wisdom and help them to be able to evade persecution, I pray. May the number of believers grow tenfold over the next five years.

 

Thank You for Heart To Heart International Ministries whose "purpose is to share the gospel of Christ in Romania. [They] minister to children and youth, focusing on orphans, street children, homeless and poor. As [they] share the gospel of Christ, [they] meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs. [They] minister by providing food and clothing; by educating and equipping with skills." Lord, bless this work; give them fruit for their labor. May they make a big difference for Christ; empower them by Your Spirit and provide for their needs, I ask.

 

I remember those who work as bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists. Grant them safety on the job. Help them to do their work well and may those who know You freely share Christ and set a Christian example, I pray.

 

Help me to set such an example myself, I ask in Christ's Name, Amen.

 

 

July 5

by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

Even before I was saved, it was obvious that You exist. My innate instincts told me so; the fact that I have a conscience means that I recognize the concept of law and if there is a law, there must be a lawgiver. The complexities of nature are beyond mere chance. And I instinctively know that things like love, compassion, or the ability to dream dreams implies a reality beyond the mere physical. But Lord, apart from these evidences, it took the Gospel message to bring me into a true relationship with You. Christ died for my sins, was buried and rose again! When I turned from my sin and turned to Christ in faith, I began a new life.

 

Lord, it burdens me that some of my loved ones and friends do not know You. They have not been regenerated; they know nothing of a personal relationship with You. To them, You are either a God to be kept at bay, or they only want You when they need You. Please, Lord, grant them the repentance that leads to life!

 

Father, when I came to know Christ, I was blessed by You to be led to a Bible-believing Bible-teaching, and mind-building church. I did not have to check my mind at the door, but neither did they compromise Your Word. I found satisfying answers to my questions and I eventually developed some good Christian friendships that nurtured my walk with You. Lord, many of Your children are not part of a spiritual family. They are missing so much. Lord, every church on earth is imperfect, but some at least try to take Your Word seriously. Lead them to such a church, I pray.

 

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.).

 

I pray for parents of children who have gone astray. Lord, bring them to Yourself if they do not know You; if they do, may they return as did the prodigal son, I pray.

 

Lord, the Palestinian Authority is a mess of a region. Father, may peace prevail. Thank You for the .1% who claims to be born-again evangelicals while over 86% of the population is Muslim. The instability makes it difficult for Christians to witness – even difficult to be safe. Lord, may many of these people come to know Jesus. Work out Your will in this area, for matters are complicated.

 

Lord, thank You for Hellenic Ministries. They desire "to see Greece evangelized and the Greek Church mobilized for cross-cultural missions service. [Their] motto is 'Christ for Greece and the Nations'. (HM also seeks to see Greece as a stepping-stone for ministry beyond the Mediterranean.) HM's ministry distinctives are Evangelism, Mercy Ministries, Discipleship and support of the local indigenous church." Lord, bless this work, empower the missionaries, grant them harmony, safety, provision and much fruit to Your glory!

 

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

 

July 6

by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

You are a God Who can be depended upon. Although I try to be a person of my Word, I cannot always do what I promise because I limited and unforeseen circumstances might rob me of the ability to follow through. I may be sincere, but I cannot always deliver. Then sometimes my motives may not be pure or my sincerity impeccable, for I have a heart that is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). But You are never self-deceived, insincere, taken by surprise, or unable to do what You promise. Your dependability is what keeps our universe together. It is responsible for every breath I take. Thank You that Your promise never to leave me is also dependable!

 

O God, sometimes life overwhelms me. The older I get, the faster time seems to move. Surprises await me around the corner and I find myself swamped with work, responsibilities, or commitments. But You have a perfect schedule for me; You do not hold me accountable for what is impossible. Instead You want me to prioritize life based upon Your will, not what is screaming loudest.

 

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. Also help me to spend time in Your Word on a regular basis.

 

I pray for Christian (and other) marriages around me. Lord, it is in our nation’s best interest when marriages hold together – especially when there are children involved. If I am married, help me to continually nurture my marriage by intentionally dating my spouse, reading books that would help me and focusing on how I can be a better spouse, I ask.

 

I pray for the Chongqing Municipality province of China. This area is heavily polluted and over 31 million people populate this industrial area. Thank You that statistics show that over 2% of the population claim to be born-again evangelicals. Help the churches to grow significantly; may 4% of the population profess the above within the next decade, I ask. May Your Spirit draw many to Yourself there.

 

I thank Your also for the Fujian province where nearly 11% claim some sort of Christianity, most of them evangelical. May many more in this province of 34 million come to know Christ personally. Especially reach down and save many from the “She” population, few of who know You, O Lord.

 

Lord, thank You for the North American ministry of "Here's Life Inner City," "the urban ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, a non-denominational, evangelical organization. [They] partner with holistic inner-city churches and ministries, seeking to transform neighborhoods through the redeeming power of Christ. [They] provide resources to these indigenous churches so that they can connect with the needy in their communities." Bless these ministries and we pray that their fruit would be so noticeable that even the lost will see the transforming power of Christ can do what no government program can.

Help Christ to work mightily through me in my little world, I pray in His Name, Amen.

 

July 7

by Ed Vasicek

 

Great God and King of Kings,

 

I worship You as the Infinite One. You, O Lord, have no boundaries. You fill the entire universe and Your attributes are extending outward toward infinity. Just as we never run out of numbers, so neither are Your attributes exhausted nor Your power limited. When we consider the billions of stars, some of which are actually galaxies whose light combines as though they were but single stars, we have to admit that we cannot comprehend the vastness of the universe. But You, Lord, are so much greater just as infinity is greater than any number.

 

Lord, I thank You for the Church. I thank You for the Universal Church made up of all those who truly know You. I thank You for my local church where I can use my talents and gifts in coordination with others so that we can do together what we cannot do alone. I thank You for the teaching of the Word, the accountability I have to the leadership and the way I learn to work with and love others who sometimes differ from me. Thank You that church involvement stretches me and helps me to focus on giving and helping others, not just "taking in."

 

Father, may Your joy be evident more and more in my life. Help me to appreciate salvation – especially my relationship to You __ so that I am filled with joy.

 

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

 

Lord, help me to be a good steward of the funds with which You provide me. Proverbs 17:18 reads, "Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom." O, Lord, may I be a wise person. Help me be wise in all areas including money management.

 

Lord, You have worked mightily in the nation of Panama. In 1970, 4.8% of the population was evangelical Christian. In 2000, the percentage rose to 18% for which I praise You. Lord, may many more come to know Christ and follow Him. Father, the illegitimate birthrate of 72% bears testimony to messed up family structures. Help the Christians to change that. Help believers to let their faith affect their daily lives and choices, I ask. Train strong leaders and work a great deepening of the church, I ask.

 

Thank You for the ministry of Horizons International, "a nondenominational missions organization which exists to carry out the Great Commission." They are trying "to reach out to the millions of internationals in the US.... Horizons [also has] ...international teams in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East preaching the gospel." Bless this ministry; keep them true to Your Word, empower them by Your Spirit, provide for them, protect them and grant them harmony, I ask.

 

I remember those who work as heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians. Give them safety on the job, help them to perform their tasks well and may those who know You freely share Christ with their fellow workers.

 

Help me remember that I am a pilgrim in this world, I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

July 8

by Ed Vasicek

 

Mighty God,

 

Thank You that Your ways are not like ours. We think bigger is better or more is better. We think comfort and prosperity are what makes life meaningful. But You teach us otherwise. When they built Solomon's Temple with all its splendor, the people were not as dedicated to You as those who built the simple Temple of Ezra. In Ezra's day, the people celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles with zeal and obedience unseen since the days of Joshua (Nehemiah 8:17). You taught us that "success" as defined by the world is worthless (Luke 9:25). Indeed, You are the God of the remnant. Help us to value what You value, for this is often counterintuitive for us. Thank You that Your thoughts are above ours, but thank You that You want us to learn from You and of You.

 

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.

 

Lord, I know the church gathers so that believer can build one another up in their faith, the result of this is spiritual maturity as seen in faith, hope and love. Help me to become a more mature Christian. This does not happen in giant leaps but by small baby steps. Help me make those steps. I also pray for the following, that they do would grow a little more every week: __________.

 

Father, help me be an approachable person. When another comes to correct me, may I not react in anger or laugh it off; instead let me assess the criticism and determine how true it is, if it is. May I learn about myself and seek to change what needs to improve with Your help. Let me be the wise person who accepts and welcomes reproof.

 

Lord, I remember the Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea. Thank You that over 21% of the population claim to be born-again evangelicals. Thank You for the freedom of religion in this land and the many good things You are doing. Yet, Lord, there is a lot of compromise with the previous pagan beliefs: witchcraft, evil spirits, etc. Additionally there are many unreached people groupsand at least 133 languages in this nation need a translation in their own language with perhaps several hundred more people groups needing their own language version. Lord, help the Gospel be brought into every area of life for each believer and may this nation become a strong bastion for the faith of the Bible.

 

Thank You for Hospitals of Hope. They operate a hospital in Bolivia seeking opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and demonstrate His love. In addition to this work, they offer a "hospital in a can," as they supply medical supplies for missionaries in several nations – 18 thus far. O Lord, please provide for this ministry, use them to reach out with the love of Christ, grant them harmony and great fruit for their labor in both the physical and spiritual realm, I ask.

Now use me today to bless others, I ask in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

July 9

by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

You are the Matchless God. Although Satan thinks he is hot stuff and although many of we humans think the sun rises and sets just for us, the truth is that it does – but for You! At our best, combined with all the saints and angels, we are not even a drop in the infinite ocean of Who You are. There is no comparison at all. That is why, when we reflect upon the reality of Who You are – and who we are in comparison – we are humbled and You are exalted. You have no real rivals. You are without equal, incomparable, our matchless God!

 

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

 

Lord, I pray that You would protect my loved ones and I throughout our lives. Sends guardian angels to watch over us, I pray. Keep us from harm and evil of all kinds: physical, spiritual, mental and relational. Help me, and those close to me, to love You with all my heart, mind, soul, spirit, will and strength. Let all we are be laid before Your feet as a living sacrifice. May my integrity and value system be such that others know that I do not associate money with happiness, but I take seriously the command to owe noone anything except to share Your love.

 

Father, help me view my daily life – and especially Sundays – as times of training for Your service. The training never ends, for I can always be closer to You. There is always so much more to learn, so much growth to experience. Please do not allow me to rest on my laurels. And help me take advantage of the opportunities around me.

 

Lord, I remember the South American nation of Paraguay in my prayer today. Thank You for the 4.8% who claim to be born-again evangelical Christians, but, Lord, most of them are from immigrant colonies. The mainstream culture of Paraguay is in dire need of solid evangelical churches. Please, Lord, send laborers into the fields. Also raise up institutions to train leaders and help the immigrant believers to have a burden to reach their neighbors, I ask.

 

Thank You, my God, for the creative outreach of Infinity Sports as they enlist and involve “Christian sportsmen and sportswomen in international sports ministry.” They focus upon the many unreached people found within the 10/40 window. This means their focus is upon "North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, China and South East Asia." They seek to reach people in the "Gateway Cities" and within nations that restrict missionaries or even the freedom to share the Gospel.

Lord, bless this work and empower it by Your Spirit. Grant the workers harmony among themselves, protection, direction, provision and much fruit for their labor, I pray.

 

I remember those who work as automotive service technicians and mechanics. Grant them safety on the job, help them do their work well so that others are safe and may those who know You shine and share Christ.

 

Help me to shine for You today, I ask in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

July 10

by Ed Vasicek

 

Dear Father,

 

When the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, many of them were arrogant, demanding and had an attitude of entitlement. You let them get hungry before You provided them with manna. You let them get thirsty before You provided them with water from the Rock. So, Lord, You are our Divine Developer. You create a thirst in us which only You can satisfy. You are out for my best interest. You enjoy seeing Your children mature in their faith and You take us in paths we ourselves would not choose.

 

But too often, Lord, I fail You. 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, 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.

 

I especially remember those who are seriously ill and have younger children. Lord, we all expect to die – unless delivered by rapture. But, Lord, children need their parents so badly. Please preserve their lives and their health, I ask.

 

Today I remember the South American nation of Peru. I praise You that 8.7% of the population claims to be born-again evangelical. I thank You for the great growth rate. Father, this nation has experienced many internal wars. We pray that peaceful and just government would be established. Poverty, unreached people groups and native superstition are all challenges for the church. Thank You that translations of the New Testament are in progress for 17 people groups with 12 in planning. Lord, may the number of evangelical believers grow in Peru and may Christian values spread rapidly. Help the nation to become wealthier as these values are put into practice. May Your Spirit draw many to Yourself.

 

I pray for The International Fellowship of Evangelical Students, "a global fellowship of indigenous national student movements formed in 1947 with the aim of starting and sustaining students witness in every university in the world. From an initial 10 movements, today the work spans more than 140 countries including IVCF in the United States alongside IVCF and GBUC in Canada." Lord, help Christians in these universities to stand strong and find answers to their questions. May they win many others to personal faith in Jesus Christ and see them discipled as Your Spirit empowers, provides and motivates Your children on campus.

 

I pray for those who work as home appliance repairers. May they do their work well. Help them to be fair, honest and wise in dealing with people. May those who know You share Christ freely with others especially with their peers.

 

Use me to Your glory today, I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

 

July 11

by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

You are a God Who does not want to be forgotten. Sometimes we fail to realize how much You enjoy our thanksgiving. Your Word warns us, "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:18a). So, Lord, remind me that though You do not need my thanksgiving, You delight in it. And You take this very seriously. It is more than a manner of courtesy: You want us to remember that we are completely dependent upon You. This truth is very humbling, but we need to be humbled, for our hearts are prone to arrogance.

 

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.

 

Father, I thank You that one day Jesus Christ shall return to the clouds, and we will meet Him in the air. The dead will be raised and those of Your children alive on earth will be changed into immortality as they ascend upward to meet You, all in the twinkling of an eye. We eagerly await this "blessed hope."

 

So, Lord, help me to have endurance as I wait for Christ's return. Sometimes life becomes overwhelming and I become disappointed in circumstances, disappointed with people and, frankly disappointed with myself. Sometimes, I confess, I even feel disappointed with You. So help me to endure, to persevere in faithfully serving You because I know my labor in You is not in vain.

 

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 not to look out for only my own interests but the interest of others.

 

Father in heaven, thank You for Your work within the Asian Republic of the Philippines. Father, a whopping 16.7% of the population claims to be born-again evangelicals. The church has grown rapidly. Yet there are many unreached people including Muslims, the ethnic Chinese and a number of island people groups. O Father, continue to work mightily by Your Spirit in this nation. May the evangelical church double over the next decade and help the Gospel to penetrate all people groups and areas, I request.

 

Lord, I pray for International Messengers, "an interdenominational missions sending agency committed to evangelism and discipleship in all nations through partnering with local churches. [They are] involved in church renewal, Bible teaching, training and sending. [They] seek to bring about renewal in the local churches of eastern and central Europe by drawing their adult membership into ministry alongside our staff and short-term teams.... [They] seek after national pastors with a heart for evangelism and discipleship to come alongside them for involvement in the above-mentioned process."

 

I pray for those who work in automotive and vehicle body repairs. Help them do their work with skill, integrity, fairness and interest. May those who know You shine before their fellow workers and their clients, I ask.

 

Now help me to reflect the light of Christ today, I ask in His Name, Amen.

 

July 12

by Ed Vasicek

 

King of Kings,

 

Lord, You are a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows (Psalm 68:5). You become angry when people abuse the vulnerable and one day You will bring judgment upon those who do so. Father, although the unrighteous may seem to prosper, often their prosperity is short-lived. Eventually in this life or in eternity, You will right all wrongs because You are a just God. Even though Your martyred children in heaven call out for You to take revenge, You will do so only in Your time (Revelation 6:9-11), but You will do so.

 

Lord, help me not to envy sinners; instead help me to be zealous for You (Proverbs 23:17). Sometimes those who do not know You may be healthier, wealthier, or seemingly happier than me. Help me to remember that this is an illusion. Whether they show it or not – or face it or not – they have an emptiness I do not have. I know where I've come from, where I am going and my purpose in life: to glorify You. My life is not one constant distraction from the big issues! No, I have meaning and purpose and wisdom from You. Thank You, Lord.

 

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.

 

Lord, the Gansu province of China, with about 26 million people, has only about 1.9% of the population who claim any form of Christianity. Although most of these are evangelical, Lord, so many need to hear of Christ and trust Him! Thank You that FEBC broadcasts have reached many. But because there are too few trained leaders, false sects are emerging. Lord, provide training and leadership and may Your Spirit draw many to Christ from this region. May evangelicals double over the next three years here, I pray.

 

The Guandong Province with its 73 million people also has a small percentage of evangelicals perhaps 1%. Persecution is especially heavy in this province. O Lord, may Your Gospel powerfully penetrate this province. May the percentage of believers double in this area over the next five years, I ask.

 

My Master, I pray for International Students, Inc. They "exist to share Christ’s love with international students and to equip them for effective service in cooperation with the local church and others. [Their] vision is to see every international student befriended, led to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and discipled for His service. There are over 699,000 international students and scholars on U.S. university campuses today, from over 200 nations – the majority from restricted access nations that limit traditional missions (10/40 window nations.) They are lonely, spiritually hungry and incredibly strategic to the cause of Christ in their respective homeland. They will return home to make impact. ISI is mobilizing the Body of Christ in America so that their impact will be for Christ!" Lord, prosper this work, I ask. Grant the leaders harmony and the power of Your Spirit.

 

Now empower me today, I ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

July 13

by Ed Vasicek

 

Gracious Lord,

 

Lord, You are not only the God of Abraham and Sarah, but also the God of Hagar. When she was cast out into the desert with her son, Ishmael, she was prepared to die of thirst. But You, O Lord, are the God Who sees. You saw her plight and directed her to water so that she and her son might live. Even though Hagar and Ishmael were not in the line of promise, You still love and care about individuals. You are truly the God Who sees. And I know that You see and care for me!

 

Help me to resist temptation and the lures of the Satan today. I know he and his forces are out to deceive me, to tempt me and to hinder my effectiveness for You, O Lord. Please bind Satan and help me to stand firm, dressed in the armor of God.

 

Lord, I pray for family, friends and acquaintances who suffer from dementia. Our minds are so very precious and when they deteriorate, Lord, it is so very tragic indeed. You rarely heal those who have such an ailment, but You can do so if You will to do so. I pray that in these cases You would do so. Yet, like Jesus at Gethsemane, I say, “not my will, but Yours be done.”

 

Father, help me take time to unwind. In Your Law, folks not only rested on the Sabbath, but they did not work the first year of marriage. They took off every seventh year and there were several scattered holidays – plus the time it took to make the three annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem. They even camped out for a week during the feast of Tabernacles. Help me remember that You, the Lord, are my Shepherd, not my foreman.

 

Lord, the nation of Poland, with it 39 million people, has very few evangelicals, less than .2%. There are more Jehovah’s Witnesses in Poland than born-again Christians! New age teaching and paganism are gaining ground. Yet, Lord, the church is beginning to grow. Thank You for the radio broadcasts and strategic studies being done. O Father, may the evangelical church grow tenfold over the next decade and then tenfold again over the next decade, should Jesus not come before then. May Your Spirit move over this nation; draw the multitudes to Him, I ask.

 

Thank You, Lord for the Jian Hua Foundation (JHF) which means "build China." Their “vision is to serve the peoples of China by sending: language teachers, specialists in other fields, medical and social workers, relief and development workers and businessmen and women. While committed to the majority Han Chinese [they] also have a special interest in helping the poorer parts of the country and reaching some of China's national minority people groups.” Although they do not technically send out missionaries [something not allowed], Christians are encouraged to connect to a Chinese Church and be the salt of the earth. Father, bless this ministry and use those who serve to testify to Your grace and bear much fruit. Guide the leaders, empower them by Your Spirit, protect and provide for them, I ask.

I commit this day to You, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

July 14

by Ed Vasicek

 

Lord,

 

You take delight in Your people. This is so very amazing that You should be involved with us at all. How much more amazing is the fact that You are acquainted with all our ways. You are complete in Yourself and You know what is going on with everyone who makes up planet earth’s billions. Yet You are the God who enjoys people, a God Who knows how to celebrate and rejoice. Many of Your children fail to realize that You are a happy God. We know about Your wrath, but we often forget Your delight.

 

I pray for my pastor, staff and 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: __________.

 

Lord, help me remember that “A righteous man is cautious in friendship” (Proverbs 12:26). Since my friends do influence me, help me to be cautious in friendship. My arrogance tells me that I am not like other people, but Lord, like it or not, I am. I am vulnerable.

 

Today I remember the European nation of Portugal. Thank You that 3.1% of the population claims to be born-again evangelicals. The church has been growing, for this I praise You, O Lord. May Your Spirit bring many more to repentance. May the percentage of believers double over the next decade, I ask. Many counties have no evangelical witness at all and many churches are also into prosperity teaching that diverts the true mission of the church. Work in these situations according to Your will, I ask.

 

Lord, bless the Macedonian Project. “The Mac Project is the short-term sending arm of the Jesus Film Project. Through short-term mission opportunities, [they] seek to give everyone everywhere a chance to see and hear Jesus in their own language, so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus. [Their] focus is primarily the 10/40 Window.” O Lord, bless this ministry and the Jesus Film project. You have used this tool as a mighty outreach vehicle. So many thousands have come to know You through this. Bless this ministry more than ever; double the fruit this year, I ask. Protect, provide and empower by Your Spirit, I pray.

 

Lord, I remember those who work as iron and steel workers. Keep them safe on the job, help them to work well and may those who know You share Christ with their fellow workers. Help them exemplify Christian character to Your glory as well.

 

Use me, Lord, I pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

July 15

by Ed Vasicek

 

LORD,

 

When Ezekiel saw a vision of You, this is how he described the vision: "Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking." (Ezekiel 1:26-29) Lord, when I get just a small glimpse of Who You are, it humbles me. Like Ezekiel, I prostrate myself before You.

 

My Father, pride is such an awful thing. That I constantly need to remind myself of Who You are. Familiarity breeds contempt: it is possible to get too familiar with You. But getting to know You better breeds deeper respect: You are an awesome God. For the more I learn about You, the more I marvel.

 

Lord, life can drain me of my energy. I thank You that through renewing my strength by spending time with You I not only regain a sense of peace (Philippians 4:4-7) but I also regain internal energy and motivation (Isaiah 40: 29-31). Help me spend plenty of time in the Word and talking to You.

 

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, I pray for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Thank You that 27.6% of the population claims to be born-again evangelicals Yet, Lord, the translation of Your Word into daily life has been a weak link in the chain. Alcoholism, drugs and crime rates are high. Lord, help the churches grow in discipling believers and help those who know Christ to make Him their priority.

 

Thank You Lord for MAP (Medical Assistance Programs) International, "a Christian relief and development organization that addresses the total health needs of people living in the world's poorest communities. Working in partnership with Christian nationals, missionaries and other Christian health organizations, MAP provides community health training and essential medical supplies for hospitals, clinics, and emergency relief.... MAP offers short-term mission fellowships for medical students, enabling them to have first hand experience in a Christian mission hospital." Bless this ministry, O Lord. Provide for them, protect them, give them fruit for their labors, empower them by Your Spirit and grant them harmony amongst themselves, I ask.

 

Now help me to live out the Christian life at home, I ask in the Savior's Name, Amen.

 

 

July 16

 

by Ed Vasicek

 

Yahweh,

 

When You appear to Isaac, we read, "The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, 'Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham.'" We see here that You care about where we live, when we travel, and the part our current actions play upon future generations. We see that life is not just about us, but about Your glory and the long-term purposes You have. We also note that You are a God Who makes promises and keeps them. So, Father, keep us from looking at only our own lifetime, but help us to serve You with future generations in mind and for Your glory.

 

Remind me that, "one generation will commend your works to another" (Psalm 145:4). Help me therefore to associate with believers who are older than I and to invest my time in the younger generations. Help me disciple or influence those who will one day assume the reigns.

 

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.

 

Lord, give me a hunger for Your Word. Your Word is sweet like honey, nourishing to my soul. There is no famine of the Word of God, but if I do not feast on it, there may as well be! Only You, Lord, can give me the appetite I need to devour the Scriptures, to digest them, to make them part of me.

 

Father, I pray for the small evangelical church in Qatar. Most of the 2.5% of the population who claim to be born-again evangelicals are foreigners who moved to Qatar for work, while most of the indigenous population is Muslim. Thank You for the few who have made commitments to Christ. Father, may many more come to know Jesus. May Your Spirit move mightily over this land and we pray that freedom of religion would be a reality in this land.

 

O Lord, how I praise You for the wonderful ministry of Mercy Ships. "Mercy Ships...has operated hospital ships...[and] brings hope and healing to the forgotten poor, mobilizing people and resources worldwide and serving all people.... Mercy Ships has impacted over 5.5 million people; delivered more than $21 million of medical...completed close to 350 construction and agriculture projects including schools, clinics, orphanages and water wells; and demonstrated the love of God to people in 95 ports in 53 developing nations." Thank You for the "career and short-term volunteers [who] raise their own support and pay crew fees to serve. 850 career staff and over 1600 short-term volunteers from over 40 nations join together to serve the poor and needy."

 

O Father, may those who serve experience harmony among themselves and may they not only heal bodies, but also use them to reach people for Jesus Christ by Your Spirit, I pray.

 

Help me to reach out for Christ too, I ask in His Name, Amen.

 

July 17

by Ed Vasicek

 

My exalted God,

 

Lord, You have a mighty hand. You do not have a physical body, for Jesus taught us that "God is Spirit." Even though God the Son is forever one with human nature of Jesus and thus has a glorified body, Your essence is spiritual not physical. Being in Your image does not mean we look like You, but rather that we too have a spiritual existence – in addition to our physical bodies. So when You speak of Your hand, You mean Your decisive power. Since You are infinite, so are Your resources. Your word also talks about us dwelling under Your wings (Psalm 91:4). This does not mean that You have physical wings, but it pictures the reality that You are a shelter for us.

 

Lord, I have some disappointments and burdens in life. I have to find refuge under Your wings and need Your mighty hand to work in my life. Some hurts are deep and have left scars including: __________.

 

I turn them 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. You are a God Who feels with me. You help me to go on and grow and direct my attention elsewhere, while at the same time not pressuring me to "get over it."

 

I remember parents. 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.

 

Lord, I thank You for the work You are doing in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. These people are related to the Thais and there are hundreds of local languages in this region populated by 48 million people. Perhaps 1% of the population professes some sort of Christianity, mostly evangelical. Thank You that the number of Christians has grown tenfold over the last half-century. Lord, I pray that the church would multiply by ten again over the next decade! Father, help the government to stop persecuting Christianity in this region and throughout China. May genuine freedom of religion replace the oppressive regulations now in place, I ask.

 

I pray for MECCO Middle East Christian Outreach. Bless them as they seek to nurture evangelism, discipleship, servanthood and prayer within evangelical Middle Eastern churches. Their burden is to reach the main "21 cities with populations of over a million people, including some of the world's largest: Cairo (10m+), Tehran (8m+), Istanbul (8m+), Baghdad (nearly 5m), Alexandria (3m+) and Ankara (nearly 3m)." They are also burdened to work among "the refugees meeting physical needs, ...demonstrating God's love and grace." O Lord, bless this mission's work. Empower them with Your Spirit, grant them harmony among themselves, safety, wisdom, provision and great fruit for their labor.

 

Lord, may I labor for You today, I ask in Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

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