Saturday, January 26, 2013

January 26, 2013- Healthy Schools

Prayer focus for the week of January 26-February 1, 2013
The church we are praying for this week is:
Bethany Baptist Church
1375 Hiller Road

Father God I pray for the safety and protection of the children in the schools.  I pray they are free from all harm, all epidemics and all predators.  As Your Word says, that no evil befall them and no plague come near their dwelling, (Psalm 91).  I pray for a healthy learning environment where they are able to develop in their individual gifts and talents.  That they don't follow a social/peer directed path for their life but that they look to You and follow You.  Lead them by the peace in their heart.

I pray for all of the teachers in all of the schools in Waterford-elementary, middle and high school.  All private schools, alternative schools and home schools--I pray for the principals and administrators and those on local, state and federal boards of education.  Those teaching the colleges and universities as well.  I pray that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ shine in their hearts.  That they believe in You and are saved.  That they look to You for guidance and they follow Your ways in building and directing our educational system.

Let there be revival in our schools and in our educational system, amongst all of our teachers and educators.  Let the Name of Jesus Christ be lifted up and exalted once again over our educational system.  Touch the heart of every child, every teacher, every parent, every home.  Draw them close to You Lord Jesus and show them Your ways.

Father, I pray for our churches as well, that they truly become sources of life, and not just a form of religious works and behavior that is not life-giving.  Sweep through all of the churches in Waterford with Your breathe of life!

Saturday, January 19, 2013

January 19, 2013- Salt is Good

Prayer focus for January 19-25, 2013
The Church we are praying for this week is:
Base Church7325 Maceday Lake Rd

Jesus said salt is good.  He told us to have salt in ourselves.  He said that we are the salt of the earth but that if salt loses its flavor then its not good for anything.  Mark 9:50, Matthew 5:13

Father God I pray that every Christian, every Christian family, every Christian Church in Waterford Township be salty.  I pray that our saltiness be restored and that we truly become the salt of the earth the way You want us to be.

We don't want to go around spreading salt that has lost its flavor.  You can't tell by looking at it that salt has lost its flavor.  Restore our saltiness to us God, like only You can!

Saturday, January 12, 2013

January 12, 2013-Daily Encounters

Prayer focus for January 12-January 18, 2013
The church we are praying for this week is:
Wellspring Bible Church
4350 Elizabeth Lake Rd

As I was praying I really felt an All-Township Prayer type of meeting would really accomplish much for the Kingdom of God.  A prayer and praise--harp and bowl--type meeting.  (Rev. 5:8).  God, let us not be jealous of each other.  Just as there were twelve tribes of Israel, all of the churches in Waterford have a unique calling from You.  Help us to encourage each other and not compete or be envious.

Remember that the prophet Amos said that the Lord would raise up the tabernacle of David in the last days so that the unbelievers can seek the Lord. (See Amos 9:11-12 and Acts 15:16-17).  The heart of David was worship--in fact 24/7 worship.  God said he was a man after His own heart. (Acts 13:22).  David was one that didn't care about what it cost him to follow God's ways.  He wouldn't even kill Saul when he had the opportunity, even though Saul was trying to kill him! (1 Samuel 24:4).  David loved to worship and praise the Lord in such an expressive way that he even danced before Him.  (2 Samuel 6:14).  God, we want this type of attitude and worship towards You, build Your tabernacle and reach the lost.

It may seem like a dry season at times--the waters receding--where people are not turning to the Lord or even having any kind of desire to follow Him or worship Him but when the spring rains come--when the Lord pours out His Spirit then get ready for a flood that will be marvelous!  Father God, we long to see people come to You for salvation, but we, Your church, need to be ready!  Help us to prepare our hearts  to make disciples of those who come to Jesus.  We want revival but we need the new wineskins to hold the new wine!  (Matthew 9:17).

God, help us not to want business as usual.  Let us truly look for, expect, desire, crave, see and experience an encounter with You every day.  Let them be good encounters of your love, mercy and goodness that leads to repentance and worship from a pure and sincere heart.  God we don't want to settle for good behavior but changed hearts.

Father, raise up the intercessors, the worshippers, the artisians who will tap into Your Spirit and release Your presence into Waterford Township.  The earth cries out for the manifestation of the sons of God--let us walk as true children of the living God.  (Romans 8:19).

Saturday, January 5, 2013

January 5, 2013-Choices

Prayer focus for the week of January 5-12, 2013

The church we are praying for this week is:
Lutheran Church of the Ascension
4150 Pontiac Lake Road

I pray for the mission statement of this church to become a reality, beyond what they could even dream.  It says on their website, "As followers of Jesus and as a faith community, we are called and sent to make disciples and be Christ's presence in the world."  I pray they truly do follow Jesus, become a faith community and fulfill their call to make disciples and be His presence in the world.

Today I also prayed for several families I personally know who live in Waterford.  That the Spirit of God would touch each of their hearts bringing salvation and life to their families.  I would encourage everyone reading this to pray for those you know who live in Waterford as well.

Also I pray for the choices made by each of our five groups of focus:
  • the residents of Waterford
  • the business owners
  • the school staff and board members
  • the church pastors, leaders and volunteers
  • and the governments of Waterford, Oakland County, Michigan and the United States.
I pray each choice leads to life.  That each choice furthers the Kingdom of God.  That each choice is divinely influenced by the Spirit of God.  That the choices each of these people make are not made carelessly.  That their decisions are birthed from hearts of peace, love and the wisdom of God.  That in all their ways they acknowledge You and You direct their paths. Proverbs 3:6.