Sunday, December 21, 2014

The Worshiping Minstrel and the Prick



Last night I woke up with a strolling minstrel on my mind--a worshiping minstrel. I could see this minstrel travelling through Waterford worshiping the Lord and bringing the presence of the Lord as he went. Today, instead of going to church, Tim and I drove around Waterford praying. I guess we were like strolling minstrels, travelling through the township breathing out words of prayer and praise. We drove by many of the churches and pulled into the parking lots of some of them. We prayed, we worshiped, we watched people coming and going into the churches and we sought the Lord. I could feel the love of the Lord for the people. He really does love everyone.

At one point the Lord showed me something quite interesting. I saw a "prick," something like a thorn, under a person's skin. This prick was the conviction of the Holy Spirit. (The Lord used this word when speaking to Saul. He said, "It is hard for you to kick against the pricks." Some translations say goads instead of pricks). What I saw was this thing inside of a person and he was resisting it--the conviction of the Holy Spirit. As he resisted the Holy Spirit, the prick became overlaid with guilt. Like the body was trying to encapsulate the object as a form of protection. The person imposed his own feeling of guilt on himself rather than facing the conviction of the Holy Spirit. But he wouldn't be at rest until the prick was out of there. There will always be inner irritation when one resists the Holy Spirit. This is true of a sinner who resists the Holy Spirit drawing to Jesus, and it's also true of a saint who is resisting His guidance.

When we live our lives from a guilt motivation rather than from the leading of the Holy Spirit, we end up religious people who try and find peace through good works. We will try and earn our salvation and either take pride in our accomplishments, or condemn ourselves for not living up to the standards of our self-imposed work-based religion. This is how people have a form of godliness yet deny the power. There can be no power as long as a person resists the Holy Spirit.

Father God, I pray all forms of religious, self-righteousness be removed from Your Waterford Church. Show us how we have resisted You, not willing to surrender to You completely. Let us be a people who yield to Your Holy Spirit in every way and in every situation. I pray Your people realize how great Your love is and that You can be trusted with every area of their lives, and that Your judgments are true and right. You cause everything to work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. We yield to Your Spirit and do not trust in our own efforts to save us!

Acts 26:14; John 16:7-15; 2 Timothy 3:5; Romans 8:14; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:28
Re-prayer December 24, 2011


Saturday, December 20, 2014

Prayer Leaders Arise!

I pray for the prayer ministry leaders of the Waterford churches. God, raise them up in every church. Give them a prophetic influence and anointing. Let Your prayer leaders have a voice of influence that becomes strong and increases. Raise up prayer leaders who are pure in heart and words. That they do not have a divided tongue and are not a double headed fountain that spews out both sweet and bitter waters, but speak by the Spirit of God and for the Spirit of God. Let them rise up as eagles to see and pray from Your perspective. That they impart a prophetic, intercessory, watchman, sons of Issachar anointing among those who gather and pray with them. Not to gather a following for themselves, for they are humble people. Lead them O God, in prayer for the township, the nation, the churches, schools and residents by Your Spirit. Show us O God, what is on Your heart. Lead us to speak Your words of life into and over those areas You desire to move in.

Psalm 19:14; James 3:11; 1 Chronicles 12:32
Re-prayer December 17, 2011

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Let the Children Come

I remember three years ago sensing God's heart for the children of Waterford. I felt He wanted to touch them in a great way, even giving them special encounters with Him. I still believe this today. At that time I felt that the churches would need to be prepared to minister to a greater number of children, even going out to get them if necessary. I feel it's important for us to realize that God doesn't view children as being less than adults in any way. Jesus said we must receive the kingdom of God like a child in order to enter in. He rebuked those who tried to keep the little children away from Him. I'm not convinced that ministering to the children means sending them off to a separate room. They are a part of the body of Christ, no less than the adults are. I think there are times to have the whole body together, including the children. When we come together, our main purpose is to minister to the Lord, not to be ministered to. We minister to Him in praise, worship and giving. When it comes to teaching, it may benefit to have the children separate, but other times it may not be such a good idea.

Father God, I pray You touch the heart of each child in Waterford. Open their hearts to receive Your love. Let them become aware of Your goodness towards them in a powerful, life-changing way. Give them special encounters with You--dreams, visions, revelation and visitation. Let them experience all they need to fulfill what You have called them to do. Let them receive the instruction, the mentoring and the impartations they need to be fully equipped for their purpose in life. May they become leaders in government, education and business. Impart wisdom to them that will benefit the township, the county, the state, even our country. Fill them with creative ideas and witty inventions. May they be spiritual leaders who know You and love to spend time with You. Let them be an army of worshipers with praise and thanksgiving continually on their lips. Position them O God, where they need to be. Speak to them O God so they know Your voice and follow You all the days of their lives. Open the eyes of the adults so we see the value of these children. That we see them how You see them and help them in their walk with You.

Mark 10:15; Matthew 19:14
Re-prayer December 10, 2011

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Inside-Out Conversion


Lord, I pray for there to be a true, heartfelt sincerity among Your people concerning prayer. That the people truly desire for You to have Your way in this community. That we pray, not out of a sense of obligation but that we see that we need Your wisdom and we want to walk in Your ways, seeing that they are much better than what we could ever do on our own. I pray that we love and embrace Your ways. That we yield to You in every aspect of our lives. I pray that the same is true for the businesses of this community. 

Let the township have a true inside-out conversion experience. That we don't just appear to honor You outwardly, but we sincerely do honor You inwardly. I pray that there is true conversion--true salvation and sanctification--of this community and not just a shuffling around of the good, the evil or the religious. We don't want to see those who are not living for You be driven off to another community, but we want to see them become followers of You--becoming Your disciples. Not so we build a kingdom to ourselves, but so we build Your kingdom.

I pray for a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit of God to blow through this region, drawing men, woman and children to the Father through Jesus Christ. That each one grow up to maturity and function in the call You place on their lives. That they find the land of their anointing and worship You in it. I pray this be true for everyone, whether they live, work or visit this community--that they find their place in You and in the body of Christ.

Water-ford. May it truly be a ford--a place of crossing over. A place of new birth and new life. A place where people can pass from death to life. A place where we die to ourselves and live for You. A place where sin, selfishness and greed convert to holiness and righteousness!

Re-prayer December 3, 2011

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Prayer for Free Worship


O Lord, let the church be free to worship You. Let there be freedom in the churches today. Freedom to express true and sincere worship to You Lord, from a pure heart. Let everything that would stop people from worshiping You be removed--fear of man, intimidation, complacency or a lack of understanding our ultimate purpose to worship You. Let every chain be broken and let there be freedom and expressive worship and praise.

Let all who name the name of Christ depart from iniquity and abandon all that is contrary to Your purposes. Let them be filled with Your Holy Spirit and let us breathe out the Spirit of God into our churches, as well as our homes, neighborhoods, streets and communities. 

The atmosphere of the Holy Spirit, combined with a spark of God's love, ignites a worship explosion!

Re-prayer November 28, 2011

Saturday, November 22, 2014

A Prayer for our Politicians




Lord God, I pray You reveal Yourself to our politicians in such a way that their minds and hearts are free to see the truth of Your reality, Your kingdom and Your purpose for them being in the position they are in. I pray the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ shine in their hearts, that they believe in the Lord Jesus and are saved. I pray that they, along with all the people, understand a true fear of the Lord and that we all humble ourselves before You.

I pray for Your anointing and wisdom to be upon the leaders of this land. I pray that those with pure and humble hearts, which are surrendered and yielded to you, increase in influence. That their voices become the strongest voices of influence and wisdom. That the voices of those who oppose Your purposes in our land decrease and weaken. 

Alert our politicians to all of the deceptions and distractions that would keep them from their true task and from the purposes for which this country was founded. Let us not only return to the purpose for which You created this country, but let us become even better at it than we were before. Let us learn and mature from our mistakes and become an even stronger, more effective nation for the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that all distractions and disturbances--spiritual or otherwise--that would try and make our politicians, lawmakers, judges, and educational authorities inefficient be stopped. Let them become efficient, prioritizing their efforts properly. May the kingdom of God advance in every governmental arena. Let truth prevail and all confusion dissipate from the hearts and minds of our leaders.

2 Corinthians 4:4; Proverbs 9:10; James 4:6-10; 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Re-prayer November 22, 2011

Saturday, November 1, 2014

The Enticement of Gangs


My son, if sinners (gangs) entice you, do not consent. 
If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait for blood, 
Let us ambush the innocent without cause; 
Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, 
Even whole, as those who go down to the pit;
We will find all kinds of precious wealth, 
We will fill our houses with spoil;
Throw in your lot with us, 
We shall all have one purse,"
Proverbs 1:10-14
(parentheses added)

These are the words of a father to a son, instructing him not to forsake the instructions and teachings of his parents to follow a group of sinners---gangs. The breakdown of a family does more than break down a family. It breaks down a city. Why are youth attracted to join a violent gang? There are three enticing things spoken in these verses:
1. "Come with us..." In other words, we accept you as you are and want to include you in our plans. We want you!
2. "We will find all kinds of precious wealth..." This will be a good thing. It will be profitable. You'll find status--you will be someone important!
3. "We shall all have one purse..." We are a family and will share everything. You will be in on decisions.
Of course it goes on to say that their violent ways will end up costing them their own lives, but this is not obvious in the beginning. "It is useless to spread the baited net in the sight of any bird." (vs. 17). If they knew how it would end for them then of course they wouldn't take the bait and get trapped--nobody would. But the deceptive enticement wins them over. Why?

Those who follow this path find those three things enticing-being wanted, feeling important and having a group to belong to. Everyone needs those three things and a family is the place we are meant to experience that. If our young people don't feel loved, or like they belong, or like they have a place and purpose on the path they are currently on, then they will look somewhere else for it.

Of course it doesn't mean children are not to be disciplined--quite the contrary. But the discipline must not exclude them from the family or make their gifts and purpose in life seem unimportant or unattainable. Wisdom is crying in the streets, discipline helps them to hear it and choose it. But they must feel that they are wanted, important and belong--not only to God but to the family as well.

Father God, I pray for the families of Waterford. I pray they are healed and restored. I pray strength for the families of Waterford. I pray every child and teenager and young person finds their place of belonging in a healthy, godly family. May they have hope and vision and see the path of their purpose. May they respond to the cry of wisdom that is calling for them. May the churches of Waterford arise and reach out to the families providing prayer, encouragement and help.

Re-prayer November 5, 2011 The Mayflower Compact also spoke of their commitment to one another, as well as to the advancements of the Christian faith.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Township Prayer-Godly Businesses



God I pray for the business community in the township. I pray that businesses are established by people who love the community, and those who are doing what they are called to do. I pray that the businesses of the township are owned and operated by people who are godly and wish to establish a godly businesses. I pray for a godly fabric to be woven into the township. That the government, the churches, the schools as well as the residents and businesses be made up of people whose hearts are after You and pursuing You. Let righteousness flourish. Let it be known as a place where You can be found.

Re-prayer October 29, 2011

Wisdom from America's Founding Fathers



God founded America. It has grown to be a wonderful place of freedom and prosperity. Truly the blessing of the Lord has been on the United States of America. Yet we must remember that God established this country for a reason. To remain free and under the blessings of God we must remember Him and continue to seek Him concerning the purpose for America.

  One of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, said at the constitutional convention in 1787:
"We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel:"1
Our founding fathers realized that God had a purpose for America from the beginning. However, they were not so arrogant as to think that they could even begin to build the country without His "concurring aid." They prayed and sought the Lord for divine guidance and God answered. We still need the concurring aid of the Lord today. Not that He concurs with our plans, but that we concur with His. If we try to build, or maintain, this country without the Lord our efforts are in vain. We will be no better than the builders of Babel. We must not mistake His past blessing for current approval, we need to seek Him daily.

Father God, I pray that America seeks You wholeheartedly. I pray we remember You and Your purpose for this country. I pray we don't assume we have Your blessing, but we continue to look to You for guidance and direction and that we are open to Your correction and to the direction You want us to go. I pray that we fulfill the purpose for which You've established this country, even more so than we ever have in the past. I pray we gain a deeper, more accurate understanding of Your will for our nation. Forgive us for arrogance in every form. We look to the Lord Jesus Christ for righteousness, knowing we do not have it in ourselves without Him.

Ezekiel 26-28, Psalm 127:1; Genesis 11, Deuteronomy 8
1 Source: http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/debates_628.asp
The Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787, Reported by James Madison, a delegate from the state of Virginia. Ed. by Gaillard Hund and James Brown Scott, Oxford University Press, 1920.

Re-prayer October 28, 2011

Two Kinds of Surrender



There are two kinds of surrender--willing and unwilling. The Bible tells us that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Some will do so willingly and some not. The idea of surrendering is that you yield your life over to another whom you acknowledge to be greater. God is looking for a people who will surrender to Him, not only in word and deed, but with a willing heart. When you surrender to the Lord with a sincere heart, He doesn't lock you up like you are an enemy. He liberates you. He places you into the land of your calling, equips you and gives you the freedom to live, to create, and to enjoy fellowship with Him and His people. We are not defeated when we surrender to Him, because we do not suffer the loss of life or anything good. Any loss we experience as a result of surrendering to the Lord is a loss of something that is not good and brings death. God is full of life and imparts His life to those who yield to Him.

Father God, may the people of Waterford and the neighboring regions see the truth about surrendering to You. Touch the hearts of the people with Your mercy and grace, drawing them to You, that hearts become softened, yielded, surrendered and free.


Philippians 2:9-11, 2 Corinthians 3:17, John 8:32, 36

Re-prayer October 22, 2011

The Price of Truth



What kind of things are we doing that we think are in service to the Lord? Are they really? I pray that we don't just do something to pacify our conscience. That we don't just compare ourselves to others and say that at least we are better than so and so. I pray that we don't falsely think that what we're doing is pretty good and God should be pleased with our efforts. No, instead I pray we seek the Truth. That we want to hear from God as to what is on His heart, what is His will, and what are those things that are important to Him. That we pray as Jesus taught, "Your will be done in earth as it is in Heaven." Let's open our hearts to hear from Him, to really hear from Him. Let's get still and wait for the truth, not letting impatience get in the way, deceiving ourselves into thinking that our ideas must be His ideas--that if it looks good and sounds good it must be good. The price of truth is worth whatever we have to pay to get it.

God I pray we don't judge things according to our own standards of what is good or good enough. I pray we don't look to our own minds or our own ideas and base our plans off of what we think is right. May we press in and seek You. May we press in and go after Your heart. May the cry of our heart be that we become like You, that we think like You, that we love what You love and hate what You hate. May we be so filled with Your Spirit that our heart beats in sync with Yours. May our judgement and our perception be the same as Yours. May we realize we are seated with You in heavenly places and we can see things from Your perspective. May we stand up and do it--look from Your view. May we not be duped into believing something or following something just because it sounds good. May we pay whatever the price to buy the truth.

Matthew 6:10, Ephesians 2:6, Proverbs 23:23

Re-prayer October 21, 2011

Deer Season



"As the deer pants for the water brooks,
so my soul pants for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God..."
Psalm 42:1-2

Father God, let the heart of Waterford be one that has been created new by Your Spirit. We lift up our eyes to You, we long for You. I pray that all of Waterford look to You with faith arising in their heart, confessing You as Lord, with the miracle of the new birth as a result. Create a new heart in us, one that longs for You, one that offers praise to You all day long, one that is not satisfied with anything else but being close to You. God I pray that Your Holy Spirit draw us all close to You. That Your light cut through the darkness that would try and deceive or cloud the truth about You. Respond to the goodness of the Lord! Respond to His drawing and calling! May we praise You with a sincere heart. May we long for You above all else. Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.

Psalm 67:5

Re-prayer October 6 & 18, 2011

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Follow the Leader



I pray for a shepherd anointing to rise up in Waterford. I pray that leaders arise who will lead people in paths of righteousness. I pray for leaders to arise who are following the Lord Jesus and will lead others in His path. Let there be small groups and bands of brothers and sisters whose hearts are pure and full of the love of God.

I speak strength to those godly leaders who have been weak and distracted--pulled away and prohibited from taking the leadership position that God has for them. Let them rise up in schools, churches, homes, neighborhoods, places of business and community groups. Let them take their place with an anointing and equipping from the Holy Spirit and filled with the love of God. Let these groups carry the life and freedom of God with them.

Re-prayer October 3 & 5, 2011

Saturday, August 16, 2014

School Prayer 2014-2015


Father God I pray for safety regarding the Waterford schools this school year, and for all the children who live in Waterford. I pray for protection from predators, man or natural disasters and from all that would harm the children, teachers or staff of the schools. I pray for grace and mercy upon the children, their teachers, staff, parents, families, buildings and buses. 

I pray for a healthy learning environment. For peace in the classrooms, buses and all school grounds. That a love of learning arise in the kids and a love of teaching arise in the teachers. Give the teachers the strength, wisdom, provision and freedom they need to teach as You would. Let there be a spirit of cooperation, tolerance, respect and freedom of speech. Let there be freedom to pray and express faith in You without retaliation.

I pray the behavioral and discipline problems be defined as You define them and that they are dealt with properly according to Your standards of love, truth and justice. I pray for deliverance from addictions of all kinds in both children and adults. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Let Your Spirit flow freely through the schools!

I pray that parents recognize their high call and love parenting and love their children. Give them strength, wisdom and provision. I pray that abuse and neglect towards children come to light and the kids be protected, delivered and healed. That the abusers no longer cause any harm, and are delivered and healed themselves.

Reveal Yourself to the children. Speak to them, remind them of You and Your Word. Let there be words of praise fill the playgrounds, hallways, lunchrooms, bathroom and classrooms. I ask that You coordinate friendships, orchestrate meetings, arrange classrooms all to Your glory and to provide the most peaceful and healthy learning environment.

Father God I ask that You prepare this generation, equipping them with all they will need for their future. Let each child discover the gifts You've placed within them. Let them discover You as their Creator, their Savior and Lord. Let Your army of worshipers arise! Teach them Your way and lead them in Your paths, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Psalm 121:7: The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
Psalm 34:17: The righteous cry, and the Lord hears And delivers them out of all their troubles.
Psalm 91:14: “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
Psalm 29:11: The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.
2 Corinthians 3:17: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Mark 4:22: For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light.
Joel 2:28:  “It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions.
Psalm 34:1: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.


Boundaries



A boundary is a visible mark designating a limit. A bound is the limit itself and may be an imaginary line, but a boundary is a mark that reveals that line. So just because we make a mark and call it a boundary doesn't necessarily mean that is the real boundary. In other words, God establishes the true boundaries and limitations of all habitations.1
"and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;" Acts 17:26-27.
Boundaries are important for they determine areas of authority and responsibility. Everyone has a personal boundary. God's design is for you to have your own life you are responsible for and have authority in. This is your free will. There are boundaries (laws) in society that keep people safe and keep a community within certain bounds. Some communities have ordinances about things that others do not. Then there are state and federal laws which create certain bounds as well.

The above Scripture tells us that God determined mankind's boundaries so they would seek Him, perhaps touch Him and find Him. The boundaries we have are supposed to be for the purpose of maintaining a relationship with God within those boundaries. You can have boundaries in your personal life that keep you in relationship with God. For example, spending time in prayer and study of the word, and abstaining from sinful behavior. A community can have boundaries that ensure people are free to worship God as they desire. Laws and ordinances are made, and enforced, to protect those boundaries.

Our first responsibility is within our own boundaries--personal, family, community etc. and it's important we seek the Lord for His will to be done within those boundaries. Within these boundaries we worship Him and grow in intimate relationship with Him. Yet that's not to say we become shut off from those outside our boundaries. 

Father God, I pray for the people of Waterford to recognize the boundaries in their life--personal, family and community. I pray You reveal the wisdom of Your ways to all in this community. Help us with our responsibilities, and help us see the joy in these areas as well. I pray for safety, protection and freedom within our families and community so we may worship You and live our lives the way You have designed for us to. I pray for our neighbors as well, and those people and cities around us that are struggling. We pray Your path to freedom becomes clear to them and that You help them on that path, in Jesus' Name, Amen!



1 Noah Webster 1828 on-line dictionary. 1828.mshaffer.com retrieved 8-16-2014
Re-prayer September 9, 2011

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

The Foundation of Family


"You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul;...
You shall teach them to your sons, 
talking of them when you sit in your house 
and when you walk along the road 
and when you lie down and when you rise up." 
Deuteronomy 11:18-19

In the beginning, God established families. He created them as male and female parents producing children. The foundation of any community is families. As a family adheres to the Word of God and shares the fresh breath of the Spirit of God, it will grow and prosper. Each member of the family individually will discover his or her place and learn, with joy, how to fulfill that place. God designed families so people would be able to grow and learn in an atmosphere of intimacy and love.

Without a firm family foundation, a person doesn't have the atmosphere of love saturated within him or her that is necessary to flourish. We need the acceptance and intimacy found in a family or we become insecure in our gifts and won't be able to offer our gifts properly to our community. Our provision will be lacking, and others will not be blessed by what we are meant to contribute to society.

The attack on families has been horrendous. There is a strong line of thought that's been thrown out into world that would have us think that a traditional family with a mother and father is not that important. However, by weakening the family unit, we weaken our communities and our country. Of course there are tragedies that sometimes cause a family to be missing either a mother or father, but that isn't supposed to be the norm. Being a parent--a mother or father--is an honorable position to be in. Raising a child through the discovery process of their life's purpose is an awesome, yet very fulfilling, task. We need to protect the family and do all we can to preserve and strengthen it. 

The attack on families may come from without, or within. Within many families strife, selfishness, self-centerdness and a feeling of lack or missing out is common. These are destructive attitudes that are sent from the enemy of mankind. The only way to combat these is through the Lord Jesus. Sinful attitudes dim the light of the gospel of Christ which we must have in order to see clearly. If our vision becomes clouded then we become confused. Once confusion sets in, the way is paved for deception.

Families must be strengthened by keeping their light shining bright. With clear vision, each family member can develop properly, see their dreams clearly and flourish in them, bringing joy and sharing in provision with the community. Children bring fresh life and growth to a family, and families bring life and growth to a community. 

God I pray for the families of Waterford. Strengthen them by bringing the enlightenment of Your Word and the Lord Jesus Christ. Let the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ shine brightly in the hearts of the families. May parents see the importance of their position over their children. Fill their hearts with love for their children. Let them see the value of their children and the uniqueness of their gifts. Help them to help their children grow and develop in what You have gifted them to do. Encourage and strengthen the parents of Waterford. Give the churches wisdom, along with a desire, to help the families be all that You've called them to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen!


Genesis 1:27-28; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:2
Re-prayer June 17, 2011

Friday, July 4, 2014

Tell the Stories



"For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him
to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice
so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him." 
Genesis 18:19


God loves families. He designed it for parents to teach their children the ways of the Lord, so that His promises may be fulfilled in the earth. Children become history. They become His story. We must tell them our stories and the stories of history so they will keep the way of the Lord and continue telling His story. We must teach them the stories of the Bible. They must hear the stories of Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, Elijah and all the heroes of faith.

God I pray for the safety and protection of the children of Waterford. I pray for the parents, the teachers and all who influence our children. I pray our children grow in a fertile environment, rich with Your presence. I pray they have encounters with You. That they learn to hear from You and grow in relationship with You. Pour out Your Spirit upon our children! 

I pray for the Waterford Historical Society. That the history of Waterford is preserved accurately. I pray we learn to search out our local history, as well as our state and national history. I pray you show us your plans for Waterford so we can pass that on to our children. Let this land be all You desire for it to be. I pray for the Parks and Recreation department. That the natural beauty of Waterford be preserved and restored. Let us learn of You in all that is around us. 

Let the families talk of You, Lord, around the dinner table. Let them attend church together. Let them enjoy each other surrounded by the beauty of Your creation. Turn the heart of the Fathers back to the children and the children to the Fathers. May the fathers and mothers, the grand-fathers and grand-mothers recognize the high honor of their position and train the children in Your ways.

Joel 2:28-29, Malachi 4:6, Romans 1:20, Deuteronomy 11:18-21
Re-prayer June 15 and June 17, 2011

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Activate Community Gifts

"Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly..." Romans 12:6

God, I pray that You help the people of Waterford identify their gifts, receive the education and training they need, and open up doors of opportunity for them. Arrange our community in such a way that brings true unity/community to our township as You have designed. Let each neighborhood have diversity of gifts--arranged by You in perfect harmony. In good times and in difficulties we will each play our part, cultivating the great garden of Waterford. However, I pray this not only for Waterford, but for all the communities of Oakland County, southeast Michigan and beyond. Let the people discover, enjoy and prosper in their area of gifting, their work, their jobs, their call. Let us quit wishing, pretending and escaping reality, but let us receive the hope, the strength and the vision we need to go out and start making it happen. Let us recognize what You have planned for us, agree with You and take the steps necessary to walk that path all the way through to the end.

Re-prayer June 1, 2011; Recognition With Humility

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

The River



In 1963 the Clinton River, which ran through downtown Pontiac, was covered in cement to prevent flooding. Oddly enough, the Clinton River is the very reason the first settlers came to Pontiac. In 1818 a group of men led by Colonel Stephen Mack came together and purchased 1280 acres of land in what is now central Pontiac, (adding 160 acres in 1822 bringing it to 1440). They settled on the north side of the Clinton River, (then called the Huron of St. Clair), opposite the Chippewa Indians who used to camp annually on the south side while travelling from Saginaw to Detroit for trade purposes. The land of Pontiac was full of life. It was called by some a "forest." There were many trees, including fruit trees, as well as an abundance of wildlife. They settled by the river to use the water-power for their mills. They built a saw mill and a flour and grist mill. They also built a distillery early on as they found it was good for trade with the Indians. Life wasn't easy at first, but they stuck with it and it worked.1 

There is recent talk of "daylighting" the Clinton River, meaning they want to uncover it, allowing it to flow above ground through the city once again. I think this is a wonderful idea. Remember the words of Joni Mitchell who sang, "pave paradise and put up a parking lot?" This is literally what was done in Pontiac. The Clinton River is buried under the Phoenix Center and "Lot 9." I'm not saying a river can solve all the cities problems, however consider this--nature shouts with the attributes of God. When we cover it up how do our children explore, not only to see God in the world around them, but to unearth their own gifts within? They learn from teachers and artists which of course is wonderful, but when a generation is far removed from the natural beauty that inspired the teachers and artists from days gone by, something is lost. There is nothing like learning from the Master Artist Himself. What better way to learn math, science, architecture, music or fine arts then by studying from the Creator of these things?

As great as education is, we don't want it to replace experience. We don't want intoxication to replace inspiration, or the work of man to replace the work of God, which leads to idolatry and brings violence into a land. Lord I pray, unearth those things in Pontiac which flow with Your life. Let the earth itself cry out Your beauty for all to see. Let the children see Your works, learn from You and flourish in the gifts You've put within them, bringing honor to You!


Ezekiel 7 & 8, Romans 1:20, The Psalms
1. Pontiac...The Making of a U.S. Automobile Capital 1818 to 1950 by Esmo Woods
Re-prayer: May 23 & May 25, 2011




Wednesday, May 14, 2014

The Innkeeper's Call

Beginning today, we are going back and reviewing the prayer blogs from when Pray For Waterford Michigan first started on May 23, 2011. I felt that the Lord wanted us to "re-pray" each one of these prayers, adding additional insight from Him as He shows us today.

Initial Prayer included:
  • Waterford being a host to those passing through-hospitality
  • Providing a place of peace, safety, comfort
  • A place of bursting fresh fountains, not stagnant waters
  • Those feeling their position and gifts are not important or not being recognized, possibly leading to feelings of worthlessness or arrogance and attempts at self-promotion
  • Humility being a key
  • Recognizing your value comes from the Lord
I believe the Lord wants to raise up spiritual "innkeepers." These are the ones that will tend to those who have been wounded by the violent and ignored by the religious. The innkeepers have hearts full of compassion and are equipped to bring rest, nourishment and healing.

I feel the Lord wants to establish innkeepers throughout Waterford who are solid anchors of hope. They may seem scattered throughout but in reality are strategically placed. As people pass through, or move in and out of the area, these people have stability and will tend to the wounded until they are healed. 

Everyone is called to be a neighbor, and Jesus Himself is the perfect example of this. Like the good Samaritan, Jesus paid for our healing. However, He calls us all to be neighbors and pay the price of ministering to people, tending to their wounds, carrying them in prayer, and bringing them to those who are specifically equipped for healing if needed, paying whatever the cost until the person is healed. The main characteristic of a neighbor is love and compassion.

Innkeepers might be churches. In fact churches should be "Inn's." However, there might be innkeepers in neighborhoods or places of business. Like the neighbors, innkeepers are full of great love and compassion, and they are equipped for healing. They are the fresh fountains, providing living waters as well as the rest and nourishment needed--an atmosphere and environment that promotes healing and health.

The wounded often feel they are not important or recognized as having any value. They are those who feel their lives are worthless and that they are half dead already. Helping them to see how much the Lord values them, and that He's placed gifts within them, will begin the healing process. Sometimes a wounded person fights, might be defensive and proud, and ends up beat up and wounded. Part of their healing process is for them to see that their gifts are from the Lord and not to be a source of arrogance or self-promotion. Pride and self-promotion are really a persons attempt to see value in themselves when they don't know that the Lord loves them. Rather than getting angry with the proud or self-centered, the neighbors and the innkeepers will be in place to help them heal, once they are in a position to recognize they need help. 

Are you an innkeeper?

Luke 10:25-37

Saturday, May 3, 2014

May 1, 2014-National Day of Prayer: The Sound of Liberty

The Liberty Bell


May 1st was the National Day of Prayer. As I prayed for the United States, I found myself praying that God's full and true purpose for which the USA has been established be revealed. By the revealing of it we will be able to get in on it. Daniel sought the Lord after he read in the prophecies regarding what His plan for Israel was in setting them free after seventy years of exile. (Daniel 9). Just as Daniel had been searching the prophecies, there has been a fresh desire rise in the hearts of the Christians in America to return to the purposes for which this country was established. We've been uncovering a lot regarding God's plans and the place of Christianity in our foundation. 

Once Daniel found God's plan he sought the Lord in prayer, fasting and repentance. He petitioned the Lord for forgiveness, to fulfill the prophecy and return His people to their land. We too, as Christians have been praying and seeking the Lord. After Daniels prayers the angel Gabriel came to bring understanding. He brought great insight into God's timeline. I believe we need to be open for God to show us His full and true purpose for the United States of America. I believe we need to look upwards and receive His enlightenment as to what His purposes are for us. As we see His plans, we will be able to take our part in those plans. Yes we must search the Scriptures and the historical documents, yes we must pray and seek the Lord with humility and ask Him to fulfill His plans, but we must also open our eyes and see the answer when He brings it to us so we can take our place and do our part!

I pray that our foundation be even stronger than it was in the beginning so we will fulfill God's purposes for establishing the United States. Two thoughts that came to my mind as I prayed on May 1st were the Liberty Bell and the Statue of Liberty. God established this country as a free country, however we know that true freedom comes only from the Spirit of the Lord. We might be independent, especially from oppressive religion, however we must never be independent from the Spirit of God which brings true liberty.

The crack in the foundation of America's liberty will be restored when we discover our true and full purpose! 

The original Liberty Bell, (wasn't called the liberty bell originally), was inscribed with Leviticus 25:10:

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof. Lev. XXV X"

Leviticus 25:10 You shall thus consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim a release through the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family. (NASB)

The Liberty Bell has had troubles from the start. It was recast twice. It had cracking problems from the beginning and people didn't like the sound of the bell. Some people who lived in the vicinity of the bell became annoyed with the sound of it. Eventually it suffered a fatal crack on February 26, 1846 on George Washington's birthday. Do we agree with the sound of liberty? Do we try and make it sound pleasing to us instead of accepting it for what it really is? Does the sound of true liberty annoy us? Today, because of its condition, the Liberty Bell is gently tapped on certain occasions and not rung. I pray that as our true and full purpose is revealed and embraced by God's people that the sound of liberty is carried throughout the land by the Spirit of the Lord. Proclaim liberty throughout all the land!

Read more about the Liberty Bell history

2 Corinthians 3:37

Monday, April 7, 2014

April 7, 2014- The Waterford Church


The Waterford Church is one church, in God's eyes. It may not be one church in the eyes of man, but in the eyes of God it is. His people are one body. His people are those that believe in Him. His church is not a physical building, it's the entire body of believers in Jesus Christ throughout the world.

God I pray that we, Your people, recognize our brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray that all the spiritual sibling rivalry is done away with. Show us Lord, if there is any way we can partner together with each other to accomplish more for Your kingdom, for the benefit of future generations. Show us what we can do for our children that will make things better for them and enable them to worship You freely. Help us to recognize each other's call and gifting--both individual people and individual churches. May we help each other, pray for each other, and find our own purpose so we do not have to envy or compete with each other. May we be secure in our place in Your body and help everyone find their place in You as well.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

March 30, 2014--Melt the Hearts



Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;
and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26

Lord I pray You come close and melt all the cold hearts. 

The backslider heart
The religious hearts
The educators hearts
The kids hearts
The elderly hearts
The church hearts
The political hearts
The naive hearts
The stubborn hearts
The wicked hearts
The violent hearts


Jesus, come near and melt all the cold hearts. Melt them in Waterford, the center of Oakland County, so central to Michigan. Give us hearts of worship. Touch our hearts and ignite them with the hot coals of passionate worship for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Let the warmth of Your Son melt every frozen, stubborn area in our hearts!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

March 26, 2014--Parental Blessing



Father God, I pray for all of the parents in Waterford. I pray they recognize the importance of their call as a mother or father. I pray You touch their hearts and draw them close to You where they can receive all of the strength and wisdom they need to raise their children. I pray You bless them with mercy and grace to help in their time of need. Lord God, move upon the hearts and homes of the families in Waterford so Your light shines bringing truth, deliverance and healing where needed.

Hebrews 4:16, Ephesians 6:2

Saturday, March 15, 2014

March 15, 2014 --The New and the Different



Ezra, a scribe, prayed when he heard that God's people had been unfaithful to Him and married foreign women. Others joined with him in prayer and the people repented to the point of divorcing their wives. O God I pray, like Ezra, that You show us any areas we have been unfaithful to You in. May we divorce ourselves from all unfaithfulness to You. Let us put away excessive consumption, greed, waste and ungratefulness. Let us put aside following our own paths and pursue Yours instead.

Lord I pray we don't lose our hope and expectation for new things to happen. I pray we don't allow ourselves to get stuck in a rut, thinking everything is going to go on and on the way it always has. Give us fresh hope! Give us a glimpse of what You desire to happen in our lives. Enlighten us as to how that can happen. Show us the steps we need to take.

Ezra 9-10, 2 Peter 3:4

Saturday, March 8, 2014

March 8, 2014--Fill the Vacancies


Father God, I pray that any injustices against children be stopped--child pornography, abuse etc. I pray You wrap Your loving arms around the children of this community. Fill the vacancies--the vacant homes and hearts with Your presence and Your Spirit. Fill the vacant places with Your love, mercy, grace and forgiveness. Heal the broken hearts so they can be filled with Your love.

The Lord is raising up an army of young people who will not be afraid to pray and speak in the Name of Jesus. God is their defense, His angels will go with them and protect them from evil. He is their rock and fortress. Some people think the young people movement that is coming will be teens, but it will be even younger than that! Elementary age kids and preschoolers will be filled with His Holy Spirit and speak for Him!

Acts 2:17-18; Psalm 91

Saturday, March 1, 2014

March 1, 2014--One Body



As I was praying for Waterford today, I kept find myself praying, "Let the Waterford church arise!" Over and over I prayed this. The church in Waterford is the group of people who have Jesus Christ as their Lord. It is not a building and there are not 50 separate churches in Waterford. The body of Jesus Christ is not divided. It is one body! Let us arise together as the body of Christ that we are! The other word I kept praying was "center." Jesus, be the center of us all and the Head we gather together under!


Saturday, February 22, 2014

February 22, 2014--Consistently Closer


God I pray Your people consistently draw closer to You. I pray they walk in Your peace and patience, not trying to figure it all out. I pray we carry Your peace with us consistently throughout the day. I pray the atmosphere of patience always surrounds us. May we not try to figure it all out in our own wisdom, but seek You and acknowledge You in everything, following the path you have set before us. I pray we don't just do this when we feel like it, or only when it's easy, but at all times and in everything!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 3:5-7

Saturday, February 15, 2014

February 15, 2014--The End of the Path


You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Psalm 16:11
 
If we all could see the truth, along with the love, mercy and goodness of God, we would serve Him whole-heartedly and unashamedly. I pray for a greater revelation of God's characteristics. I pray the goodness of God be revealed to all the people of Waterford Township leading them to turn away from all those things that would separate them from Him. I pray the eyes of the lawless and violent be opened so they see the end of the path they are on. I pray we all seek the Lord as to where the current path we are on is leading us. Let us embrace these truths and not run from them. Let us not be afraid to pursue the fear of the Lord, let us go after it passionately that our lives may be pleasing to Him in every way.
 
Lord God, open the eyes of all of Waterford so we see the spirit influencing us in our actions and appetites--in all we do. Ignite Your churches with passionate, worship-filled holy fire to lead people to Jesus and make disciples for Him! Send a reinforcement of Your holy angels to create an atmosphere of divine influence throughout Waterford.
 
 
 

Friday, February 7, 2014

February 7, 2014-School Reorganization

Public School Literature in Michigan

Lord God I pray for the schools in Waterford Township as they go through a period of re-organization. I pray you lead and guide the decisions and actions concerning which schools to close, which to leave open and all decisions concerning staffing. I pray for those who believe in You--those who will stand up for Your truth and righteousness--that they are given favor and protection. I pray You place those who are Yours in position to teach our children. I pray that not only is the Word of God allowed to be spoken in the school district, but is encouraged. I pray these schools become Christian training centers for the army of worshipers You are raising up in these days!


Saturday, February 1, 2014

The Fear of the Lord


"no one knows who the Son is except the Father
and who the Father is except the Son,
and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
Luke 10:22

Lord I pray You reveal Yourself in such a way that we stand in awe of You and worship You. Let us see Your magnificence to the degree that we instantly realize You are worthy of all honor. May lawlessness be destroyed by the brightness of You appearance--by the revelation of who You are. May we tremble at Your word and at Your presence so we may become a home for You.

We turn from evil, trust in You and walk in Your ways. We listen to You and treasure Your commandments. We cry out for Your wisdom and discernment. We praise You, speak of Your love and give offerings to You. We have an undivided heart that fears You always.

Lord I thank You for Your promises to those who fear You--promises of lovingkindess, salvation, long life and healing. Thank You for revealing Your hidden secrets and keeping us hidden and sheltered from evil. Thank You for providing for us and delivering us during times of trouble. Thank You for Your Fatherly compassion and wisdom and knowledge of Your ways.

1 Isaiah 66:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:18, 1 John 2:28, Revelation 1:7, Romans 2:4