Why 40 Days of Prayer?

The purpose of 40 Days of Prayer is for us to prepare ourselves for God’s use through spiritual restoration of fellowship between believers and our Lord.

We are praying for revival, and revival needs to begin within us
Revival comes from God to His people. The power of the Holy Spirit is the only power we need for personal revival.

Instructions For Each Day:
Every day you read and pray through this guide will be time well invested.

1. Set a specific time and a quiet place to work through the daily prayer guide.
2. Use your Bible to read the scriptures. As you read, remember you are in the presence of God.
3. Answer the questions and follow the suggestions.
4. Don’t take any shortcuts. It is more meaningful to put forth the effort and have the privacy needed to examine yourself.

God can:

• Forgive every sin
• Cleanse every stain
• Save any sinner
• Overcome all doubts
• Quiet every fear
• Meet every need
• Use His people in soul-winning
• Bless His people with revival
• Give victory!

Each Day Will Involve

1. Worship

Each day you will spend time showing the Lord His worth to you.
 

2. Praise

Each day you will have the opportunity to thank Him for blessings you have received. You will have a Biblical identity to claim and rejoice over.

A Biblical identity is a standing we have in God that makes us special to Him. The World wants to rob us of this by redefining us as less than we are. Rejoice, God has made you more than you think you are!
 

3. Confession

Each day there will be heart-probing questions posed to help you hear God’s answer to the prayer in Psalms 139:23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Confession means agreeing with God, acknowledging each offense as sin, asking God's forgiveness, and thanking God for cleansing you.

Three kinds of sins which we must confess:

1. Private sins against God alone must be confessed to God alone.
2. Personal sins against others. There can be no peace until these sins are confessed to God. As God leads, you will need to confess to the person you have wronged. You must make an effort to restore disturbed fellowship.
3. Public sins against the church include gossip, neglect of duty, and wrongful attitudes. You can name many others.

1 John 1:8-9 "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
 

4. Requests

Pray for Yourself

• Pray for cleansing, strength, and courage to forsake the sins confessed.
• Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit.
• Surrender all self-will, ambition, desires, plans, hopes, times, talents, all. Put all in His hand. Trust Him - fear not!
   

Pray for your family

Ask God's guidance and blessing in your home.
 

Pray for your church

• Pray for your pastor and other leaders.
• Pray for weak members.
• Pray for unity and love within the church.
• Pray for the unsaved.
• Ask God to burden you for individuals and to use you to reach them.

Thank the Lord for the wonderful privilege of entering His presence because of the finished work of Christ on the cross.

"My prayer for you is that your life with Christ will be revived and renewed through your prayer time." - Pastor

Day 1

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 6:1-6

Key Verse:
Matthew 6:5

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."

The Point:
Children know how to pray. They are simple, sincere, and not worried about how it sounds. Our prayers need to be the same. Pray for God’s glory and our good. God wants to hear from you.

Confess:
Confess and forsake any known sin.

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Probing Questions:

• What keeps you from loving God more fully?
• Are there any idols in your life that you need to turn from?

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I am a child of God.

Romans 8:16 "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."

Request:

• Ask God to speak to you directly through this 40-day challenge.
• Pray the Lord would increase your love for Him.
• Ask God to let revival begin with you.

Day 2

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 6:7-8

Key Verse:
Matthew 6:7

"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do..."

The Point:
A short prayer offered with passion accomplishes far more than a lengthy prayer with rehearsed thoughts and language. If your prayers don’t move your heart, it probably won’t move God’s heart either.

Confess:
Confess and forsake any known sin.

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Probing Questions:

• Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I'm a better Christian than I really am spiritually? In other words, am I acting like a hypocrite spiritually?
• Am I honest in all my words or do I exaggerate?
• Are there any sins that I know I need to confess to God?

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I am forgiven.

Colossians 1:13-14 "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"

Request:

• Ask God to transform you for His glory through this 40-day challenge.
• Ask God to help you pursue holiness and be completely obedient to His commands.
• Promise God now that you will pay the price for personal revival.

Bonus Question:
What is one specific area you want to grow in? Ask God to Help you grow.

Day 3

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 6:9-13

Key Verse:
Matthew 6:10

"Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."

The Point:
When we touch Heaven in prayer, God changes things on Earth. Prayer is God's means to implement His will on earth.

Confess:
Confess and forsake any known sin.

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Probing Questions:

• Do I believe the Bible’s promises are God’s will for me?
• Do I embrace God’s commands as His personal will for my life?
• Are there transgressions I need to repent of today?
• Am I willing to do anything He asks me to do to be right with Him?

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I am saved by the gift of God’s grace.

Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"

Request:

• Ask God to perfect His will in your life.
• Ask God to increase your desire and love for both the Bible and prayer.
• Ask God to help you put Him first in every area of your life.

Day 4

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 6:12-15

Key Verse:
Matthew 6:12

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

The Point:
Forgiveness is the choice to release a debt. It is not a feeling. It is a decision.

Matthew 6:14-15 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Confess:
Confess and forsake any known sin.

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Probing Questions:

• What actions do you need to take to put out of your life the sins God has revealed to you?
• Is there anyone to whom you need to apologize? (Seek out anyone God brings to mind.)
• Is there anyone whom you need to forgive?

Pray right now and release every debt you are holding against another.
"Lord, today I choose to forgive / release (name your offenders) for hurting me."

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
Praise God for His forgiveness.

Psalm 103:12 "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."

Request:

• Ask God to convict you of specific ways you sin and then confess those sins to the Lord.
• Ask God for a fresh filling of His spirit. Thank Him for filling you now.
• Ask God to develop the discipline of purity of mind in your life.
• Ask God to bring to your attention any impure things in your entertainment.

Meditate On:
Psalm 101:3

Day 5

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 6:19-34

Key Verse:
Matthew 6:33

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

The Point:
The pursuit of God, and advancement of His name, His kingdom, and His will, are to be first in our lives before the pursuit of our daily bread.

Confess:
Confess and forsake any known sin.

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Probing Questions:

• Is there anywhere in your life you have failed to put God first?
• Are you making decisions using your own wisdom and desires rather than by seeking and following God’s will?
• Do any of the following interfere with your surrender and service to God?
  • Ambition
  • Pleasures
  • Loved Ones
  • Friendships
  • Desire for Recognition
  • Money
  • Your Own Plans

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I am justified and have peace with God today.

Romans 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"

Request:

• Ask God to renew your mind and draw you closer to Him as you read today’s Bible verses.
• Ask God to develop the discipline of purity of mind in your life concerning lust.
• Ask God to bring things to your attention in your interactions with others.

Meditate On:
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

Day 6

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 7:7-12

Key Verse:
Matthew 7:7

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"

The Point:
"So prayer is asking and an answer to prayer is receiving." - Dr. John R. Rice

Confess:
Confess and forsake any known sin.

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Probing Questions:

• How long has it been since you last prayed?
• How long has it been since you had an answer to prayer?
• Do you publicly take credit for the good circumstances in your life and rob God of the credit?
• Do you thank God for all things?

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I Am Sanctified.

1 Corinthians 6:11 "And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."

Request:

• Ask God to develop the discipline of purity of mind in your life concerning relationships.
  When you find your mind fantasizing about other people, cast the fantasies down.
• Ask God to give you increased love for your family members.
  • Are there any family members that are especially difficult for you to love?

Meditate On:
When you are struggling to love, meditate on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a and Galatians 6:9.

Day 7

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 8:1-4

Key Verse:
Matthew 8:2

""And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean."

The Point:
When God says "yes," praise Him. When God says "no," trust Him.

Confess:
Confess and forsake any known sin.

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Probing Questions:

• Have you avoided witnessing because your life has not shown you to be a real Christian?
• Do you miss church to avoid the conviction of Biblical preaching?
• Have you taken matters into your own hands instead of trusting God?
• Have you allowed any of the following to interfere with your surrender or service to God?
  • Ambition
  • Entertainment
  • Friendships
  • Desire for Recognition
  • Money
  • Your Own Plans

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I am a partaker of His divine nature.

2 Peter 1:4 "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

Request:

• Ask God to draw to salvation any of your family members that don't know Him yet. There is no one beyond God's ability to save.

Meditate On:
When you are tempted to doubt that someone could/would be saved, mediate on 2 Peter 3:9 and 1 John 5:14-15.

Day 8

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 8:23-27

Key Verse:
Matthew 8:25

"And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish."

The Point:
An answer to prayer is God doing what only God can do.

Confess:
Confess and forsake any known sin.

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Probing Questions:

• Are you prone to taking matters into your own hands rather than seeking God's wisdom first?
• Are you prone to worrying rather than praying?
• Are you self-conscious about what others think, rather than Christ-conscious?
• Do you allow feelings of inferiority to keep you from attempting things in God's service?

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I am accepted in the beloved.

Ephesians 1:6 "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."

Request:

• Ask God to develop the discipline of relationship building in your heart.
• Ask God for His love to empower you to love others as He loves them.
  • Meditate on Ephesians 5:25
• Ask the Lord to bring reconciliation to damaged relationships in your family. Remember, reconciliation and unity are important to God and good for you. Are there any actions you need to take to facilitate reconciliation?
  • Meditate on Mark 11:25-26

Day 9

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 9:27-31

Key Verse:
Matthew 9:27

"And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us."

The Point:
When Jesus asked the men if they believed, their statement of faith was made in verse 28: "Yea, Lord."

Confess:

• Confess and forsake any unbelief you have had in God.
• Confess and forsake any doubt in His promises or His character.

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Probing Questions:
Have you been neglecting time every day in His word?

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I am a joint heir with Jesus Christ

Romans 8:17 "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

Request:

• Ask God to forgive you as you reconfirm your faith in Him and His promises to you.
• Ask the Lord to give you increased boldness to share the gospel with your family and tell them how Jesus changed your life.
  • Ask God to help you identify what holds you back from sharing the gospel with them.
    • Meditate on Romans 1:16

Day 10

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 14:19-23

Key Verse:
Matthew 14:23

"...He went up into a mountain a part to pray... He was there alone."

The Point:
"Great men and women of God rush from the limelight to be alone in the presence of their God." - Dr. Walter Allen Yoho

Confess:
Confess and forsake any known sin.

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Probing Questions:

• Have you ignored the calling of God’s Spirit to come and be with Him?
• Have you let other things take priority over time with God?
  • If so, apologize for making other things more important.
  • Confess, by faith, your belief that you need time with Him.
  • Ask God to help you give Him the best part of your day.

Recommit to spend a few moments with Him in prayer before your feet touch the floor in the morning.

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I am overcoming the world.

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Request:

• Ask God to save people in your life who don't know Him yet. There is no one beyond God's ability to save.
  • Start talking to God now about your friends', neighbors', and coworkers' salvations before you talk to your friends, neighbors, and coworkers about God’s salvation.
• Ask God to begin "drawing" your friends, neighbors, and coworkers to Himself so that they will be saved for His glory. (Reference: John 6:44)
• Ask God for wisdom on how you can deepen your relationships with your friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
• Ask for specific ways you can serve these people so it can lead to a gospel conversation in the future.

Day 11

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 14:22-33

Key Verse:
Matthew 14:30

"...and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord save me."

The Point:
Some of the most pitiful prayers still produce powerful results.

Confess:
Confess and forsake any known sin.

Have there been times when you have lost sight of what God can do and sought other means of help? Confess these and apologize to the Lord for them.

Recommit, in faith, your belief in His promises to you.

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I am overcoming the wicked one.

1 John 2:14 "I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."

Request:

• Ask God to save your friends and give you opportunities to share the gospel.
  • Ask God to help you identify what keeps you from sharing the gospel with your unsaved friends. Repent of this.
• Ask God which friends He would have you reach out to this week

Meditate on:
Jeremiah 32:17
"Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Day 12

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 15:21-28

Key Verse:
Matthew 15:25

"Lord, help me."

The Point:
God’s delays are not God’s denials. Sometimes delays are tests of our faith that allow our faith to be evidenced and expressed.

Have there been times when you were impatient with God’s timing and took matters into your own hands, only to later realize that God had it under control and knew what He was doing?

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:
Confess and apologize for your lack of faith in God and His perfect timing. Ask God to forgive you for not trusting His choice for what’s best. Commit to God, in faith, to follow Him in prayer before making decisions going forward.

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I am overcoming the spirit of the Antichrist by following Christ:

1 John 4:4 "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."

Request:

• Ask the Lord to bring salvation to your coworkers.
• Ask God for wisdom on how you can be a proactive witness at work.

Meditate On:
Acts 1:8

Day 13

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 17:14-21

Key Verse:
Matthew 17:21

"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

The Point:
Prayer is the acknowledgement of need, and fasting is the denial of self.

When combined, these two elements of faith (prayer and fasting) can bring about incredible results. Prayer activates God's ability to do the work, fasting eliminates man's ability to do the work.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Are you secretly pleased by the misfortunes of others?
• Are you secretly annoyed by the accomplishments or advancements of others?
• Are you guilty of contention, strife, quarreling, or arguing?
• Are there people you deliberately slight or insult for amusement?

Thank Him now for cleansing. 1 John 1:9

Praise:
I am a new creature in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Request:

• Ask God for boldness to obey His command to share the gospel with friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
• Ask God to help you develop the discipline of excellence.

Meditate On:

• Do you ever feel afraid to tell others about Jesus? Meditate on Psalms 118:6.
• Meditate on 1 Corinthians 10:31 and think about the discipline of excellence.

Day 14

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 18:19-20

Key Verse:
Matthew 18:20

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

The Point:
The presence of God changes everything about the way people pray.

Reach out and pray with someone today. Your spouse, a parent, a child, or a church member are good places to start. Even if it is over the phone, God's presence changes everything.

By faith, commit to attending a prayer meeting at church and/or pray with your spouse or family member at the next meal and watch what the Lord does.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions
Have there been times when someone has asked you to pray with them, but you were too self-conscious about what they might think of you?

Confess this pride and ask God to forgive you for missing that opportunity to come into His presence.

Praise:
I am overcoming evil with good.

Romans 12:21 "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

Request:

• Ask God for divine appointments for you to share the gospel with those around you. Remember who shared the gospel with you and praise God for them.
• Ask God to empower you to be that person for others.
  • Meditate on Ephesians 6:14-15
• Ask God for some ways you can reach out to those who don't know Christ.

Day 15

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 19:13-15

Key Verse:
Matthew 19:13-14

"Then were there brought unto Him little children, that He should put His hands on them, and pray... Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

The Point:
Children understand God; it is adults and teens who complicate the understanding of our Father in Heaven.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Have you, at times, viewed God as an angry parent or an angry tyrant?
• Have you misunderstood God's loving correction as hatred or rejection of you?
• Have you neglected to seek to please God in all things?

Confess this sin and apologize for not taking Him at His word.

Recommit to believing that God's Word and God's love for you have never changed.

Meditate On:
1 John 4:16, 18-19

Praise:
I am overcoming the Devil through the blood of the lamb.

Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

Request:

• Pray God would bless, protect, and strengthen your pastors and their families.
• Ask God how you can encourage and be a blessing to your pastors today.
• Ask God to develop the discipline of church in your life.
• Ask God to develop a love and a passion to attend church to fulfill Hebrews 10:24:
  "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:"

Day 16

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 20:29-34

Key Verse:
Matthew 20:30

"...two blind men... cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord..."

The Point:
Even when others do not seem to care, Jesus still does.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Have you, like the bystanders in the story, failed to believe that God can love anyone? Do you believe that he can heal and forgive anyone?

Confess this sin and ask God to forgive you for a lack of faith in God's word.

Commit now to believe that, through faith and prayer, others can be saved regardless of the sin they are involved in.

Praise:
I am more than a conqueror through Christ.

Romans 8:37 "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

Request:

• Intercede with God on behalf of someone who needs to be saved.
• Intercede with God on behalf of someone who needs to be delivered from addiction or restored from a personal failure.
• Ask the Lord to bring a deep unity and love for each other to every person in your church.
• Ask God to heal any contentions between brethren which are hurting the unity of your Church.
• Ask God how you can encourage and be a blessing at your church to your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Pray daily and believe God will fulfill his promise to answer.

Meditate on:
1 John 5:14-15

Day 17

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 21:12-17

Key Verse:
Matthew 21:13

"And said unto them, it is written, my house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."

The Point:
Every building has a purpose for which it was built. It is prayer that allows the people to encounter and experience God. Without prayer, the other activities at church would be far less meaningful. God's house is a very pleasant place to enter when it is "prayer conditioned."

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Why do you come to church?
• Do you come to meet up with friends or with God?
• Do you avoid church because you feel uncomfortable in the prayer time?
• Do you attend every service you are able to as Hebrews 10:25 commands?
• Do you secretly find yourself wishing the invitation would be shorter?

Closeness to God is created in an atmosphere of prayer from a pure heart.

Confess, repent, and forsake this sin.

By faith, commit to pray for each service before you arrive. Ask God for each service to fulfill His purpose for His Glory and your good.

Praise:
I am redeemed from the curse of the law.

Galatians 3:13 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree."

Request:

• Ask God to speak to you through each church service, sermon, or Bible lesson.
• By faith, ask God for the grace to commit to an additional church service each week.

Meditate on:

• Hebrews 10:24-25
• Ask God to bring unsaved people to your church so they can hear the gospel for His Kingdom's sake.
• When was the last time you invited someone to church?
• Pick up some invitations in the church foyer and ask God who you can invite to church this week.

Day 18

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 21:18-22

Key Verse:
Matthew 21:22

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

The Point:
Prayer is not a blank check that guarantees we will receive anything that we ask for. However, asking must be accompanied by anticipation when we pray.

Matthew 7:11 "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?"

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Has prayer been your good luck charm?
• Has prayer been your last resort?
• Is prayer your last priority when responding to a daily need or a crisis?

Confess and apologize for your lack of faith in God to answer you when He has promised He would.

Praise:
I am delivered from the powers of darkness.

Colossians 1:13 "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:"

Request:

• Ask God to increase your faith in Him as you read and meditate on His Word.
• Ask the Lord to help every person in your church stay faithful to the Scripture.

Meditate on:

• Romans 10:17
• What happens if a church deviates from God's Word?
• What actions do you need to take to ensure you hold fast to the Scripture?

Day 19

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 23:5-15

Key Verse:
Matthew 23:14

"...and for a pretense make long prayer..."

The Point:
Effective praying is determined by the heart, not just by the number of words or minutes.

The Pharisees often sought to impress those who were observing them, so they prayed long prayers which accomplished nothing. Jesus was not condemning long prayers but the motive behind them. He exposed the hypocrisy of those who are more concerned about what others think of their prayers, instead of what God knows about their prayers.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Have you allowed your self-conscious pride to keep you from praying?
• Are you offended easily?
• Do you get angry easily?
• Are you more concerned with what other people think of you than with what God thinks of you?

Confess, repent, and forsake this pride.

Praise:
I am free from all bondage.

John 8:36 "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

Request:

• Ask God for the boldness to pray and only be concerned about what pleases Him.
• Ask God to intervene, for His name’s sake, on any specific challenges or problems that your church is facing.
• Ask God how you can be part of the solution to any of the problems.
• Ask God to reveal to you if any of your actions have contributed to the problems and how you could contribute to the solution.

Day 20

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 26:36-46

Key Verse:
Matthew 26:36

"Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder."

The Point:
Surrender is the prayerful response that says, "Yes, Lord."
There is more we can do after we pray, but there is nothing we can do until we first pray.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Have you argued with or blamed others because of your circumstances?
• Have you blamed the Church or your brethren for your circumstances?
• Have you spent your nights in sleepless worry and fear rather than in prayer?

Confess this lack of faith in God as sin, and ask God to forgive you as you recommit to surrender to His will for your life in all things.

Praise:
I am strong in the power of His might!

Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."

Request:

• Ask God to meet with you daily as you "cast all your cares upon him," for you know that "He careth for you."
• Ask God to point out the burdens we have been unwilling to let go of.
• Ask God to give wisdom to local and state leaders to help them lead in His way.
• Ask God to forgive you for criticizing your leaders more than you prayed for them.

Request:
1 Timothy 2:1-4

Day 21

Today's Scripture:
Matthew 27:45-54

Key Verse:
Matthew 27:46

"Jesus cried with a loud voice... My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"

The Point:
This may be the most pitiful prayer ever prayed in history. For three hours, God the Father refused to look upon His Son as the sin of the world was placed upon Him. During these hours, Jesus experienced the essence of Hell - a total separation from God. His cry portrays the agony of a soul that is separated from God because of sin. In the case of Jesus, it was not His own sin but the sin of all mankind. Eternity will be filled with the similar cries of individuals who reject God's offer of salvation in Christ.

"Amazing love how can it be, that Thou my God shouldst die for me!" - Charles Wesley

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Have you denied Jesus by remaining silent when the opportunity to witness arose at work?
• Have you failed to share the gospel with someone because of your fear of what they might think of you?
• Are you more afraid of others’ opinions of you than the destiny of their eternal soul?
• How much do you have to hate someone to not tell them about Heaven?

Praise:
I am able to do all things through Christ!

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Request:

• Ask God to give you love for your lost family and friends which manifests as strength to overcome our fear of rejection and self-conscious pride.
• Ask God to give you the opportunity and the words to tell your salvation story to someone today.
• Ask God to strengthen and use your church and pastors to reach souls.
• Ask God to give you a love for your church and a desire to serve in it for His glory.

Day 22

Today's Scripture:
Acts 1:9-14

Key Verse:
Acts 1:14

"These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication..."

After Jesus ascended to Heaven, the disciples went back to Jerusalem. They went, not to the planning room, but to a prayer room. They went, not to a planning meeting, but to a prayer meeting. Their mission was clear; it was to be saturated in prayer. This initial prayer effort lasted for at least a week. They prayed before they preached.

The Point:
When prayer comes first, the effects of our preaching will last.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Are you more likely to plan instead of pray?
• Are you not dependable and cannot be trusted with responsibilities in the Lord's work?
• Does the Lord stir your heart for serving the HIM, but doing nothing about it?
• Do you complain and hinder the work of the church with your complaining?

Praise:
I am walking by faith and not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight:"

Request:

• Ask God to actively prosper the church planting missions in our area.
  • Pastor Young Bae and Jung Mi Kim Kingstowne Korean Baptist Mission - Burke, VA
  • Pastor Alan and Julie Schoeff, Benchmark Baptist Fellowship - Fredericksburg, VA
  • Pastor Pedro and Trina Morales, Baltimore Baptist Church - Baltimore City, MD
• Ask God how can you support these local ministries serving in our area.
• Ask God how you can get involved in these ministries.

Day 23

Today's Scripture:
Acts 1:21-26

Key Verse:
Acts 1:24

"And they prayed... show whether of these two Thou hast chosen."

A replacement apostle for Judas Iscariot was being chosen in verse 25.
Recognizing that the Lord knew "the hearts of all men," they determined to know God's will through prayer. Before any decision was to be made, there was a definitive effort to align themselves with God's perfect plan. God then gave them the direction needed, and a decision was made.

The Point:
We should desire the will of God. Nothing more. Nothing less. Nothing else.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Have you made decisions without asking God’s will?
• Have you followed your own thinking without consulting God’s Word on the decision?
• Do you find yourself praying about a decision after you’ve already made and executed it? Do you hope to appease God after the fact or to have God fix your mistake?
• Is this your typical decision-making process?

Confess it, repent of it, apologize, and promise the Lord you will seek His will before you make decisions regarding your desires.

Praise:
I am bringing every thought into captivity to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"

Request:

• Ask God to move powerfully with conviction of sin in in local schools and universities.
• Ask God to open the hearts of the children in the local schools to the gospel.
• Ask God to open the hearts of the teachers and administrators in the local schools to the gospel.
• Ask God to develop the discipline of integrity in you.
• Ask God to show you where the Bible draws the lines of proper conduct.

Day 24

Today's Scripture:
Acts 2:41-47

Key Verse:
Acts 2:42

"...they continued steadfastly... in prayers."

The Point:
Continuing daily shows the emphasis on faithful prayer. Prayer creates the climate of a church, a home, and a person; without it, the atmosphere grows stale and stagnant. If you want to measure the spiritual temperature of a church, do not just look at their Sunday morning service; look at their prayer meeting.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Have other things taken priority over your prayer time?
• How long has it been since you had an answer to prayer?
• What is your personal spiritual climate?
  • Think about your marriage, family, and church.

Repent and confess the sin of neglect in your prayer life.

Praise:
I am being transformed through the renewing of my mind.

Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Request:

• Ask God to break through the worldly thinking in your mind and rewrite your thoughts according to His Word.
• Ask God to forgive you for neglecting time with Him and commit to open time with Him each day.
• Ask God to break through the barriers of apathy in your life through conviction of sin.
• Ask God to break through the barriers to the gospel in the lives of our neighbors because of false religions.

Meditate On:
Psalms 96:3

Day 25

Today's Scripture:
Acts 3:1-10

Key Verse:
Acts 3:1

"Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour."

The Point:
Prayer can be spur-of-the-moment, but there are significant benefits in having a scheduled prayer event. Scheduling allows for planning and preparation which makes prayer more meaningful and effective. Do not allow prayer to be something you do because a "better" alternative didn't arise.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Am I impatient?
• Am I irritable?
• Am I offended easily?
• Am I allowing my past hurt feelings to keep me from serving God?

Praise:
I am reigning in life through Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:17 "For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ."

Request:

• Ask God to point out any grudges that you need to let go of.
• Ask God to reveal any resentments that you need to let go of.
• Ask the Lord for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in our city and state.
• Ask God the Holy Spirit to bring revival.

Day 26

Today's Scripture:
Acts 4:23-31

Key Verses:
Acts 4:24

"...they lifted up their voice to God with one accord..."

Acts 4:31

"...they spake the Word of God with boldness."

The Point:
After Peter and John's release from custody, they returned and reported to "their own company" (verse 23), they started praying for boldness (verse 29), and they received a fresh filling of the Spirit (verse 31). God responded, not by changing their circumstances, but by changing them. Without prayer, there is no power. Without power, there is no witness

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Question:

• Has the Holy Spirit prompted you to speak up about God to others, but you disobeyed out of embarrassment or fear?

Meditate On:
Mark 8:38 "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

Confess this sin of disobedience, ask for forgiveness and for boldness to obey and speak on the next opportunity God gives you.

Commit now to never again be ashamed of Him and to stand and be identified as His.

Praise:
I am created for good works.

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Request:

• Ask God to reveal if you have been dishonest with Him in any way.
• Ask God to reveal any hidden sin in your life.
• Ask God to reveal any broken promises you have made to God.
• Ask for our president to truly know God and to lead the nation in a way that honors Him.

Meditate On:
Romans 13:1-4

Ask God to save our vice president, Congress, and state leaders for His glory.

Day 27

Today's Scripture:
Acts 6:1-7

Key Verses:
Acts 6:4

"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word."

Acts 6:6

"...and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them."

The Point:
The disciples had become preoccupied with other areas of service and were neglecting the priorities on their "to-do" list of "prayer... and the ministry of the Word."

Seven men were chosen to carry out the responsibility of ministry for the Apostles. A prayer of dedication was offered as these godly men "of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom" (verse 3) began their ministry.

When we are chosen, commissioned, and saturated with prayer, words like "increased" and "multiplied" will accurately describe the results of what God does through us (verse 7).

"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" - Corrie Ten Boom

Everything else is of secondary importance when prayer is of primary importance

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• What priority is does your time with God have each day?
• Do I ignore the important things, so that sleep, entertainment, play, hobbies, or professional pursuits can take first place?
• Would your marriage last if you spent the same amount of time talking to your spouse as you do God?
• Have you hurt someone in your family or church and you need to make it right?

Praise:
I am chosen of God.

1 Peter 1:2 "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied."

Request:

• Ask God to develop a Godly Attitude in you.
• Ask God to appoint godly people to government positions that will honor the Lord.
• Pray about specific positions and issues you feel led to pray about.
• Ask the Lord if there any actions you can take, such as sending a letter to your representative or supporting a ministry that works on a particular issue.

Day 28

Today's Scripture:
Acts 8:5-25

Key Verses:
Acts 8:22

"...and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."

Acts 8:24

"Pray ye to the Lord for me..."

The Point:
For many years, Simon was an instrument of Satan and lived in the Flesh (verses 9-11). Like many people, he made a profession of faith and was baptized.

Simon's life had been poisoned by "bitterness," and he was in the prison of "iniquity" (verse 23). He desperately needed relief and release that only God could give. His request was simple: "Pray for me."

To be free, an individual must desire freedom in the Lord, and they must direct their prayer to Him first. The prayers of others will make a significant impact. When Simon asked for prayer, the door of opportunity opened for his life to be changed.

True conversion changes a man both on the inside and on the outside. Until the heart is changed by God, nothing else changes. Deliverance ultimately comes through the response of a prayer-hearing God. It comes initially through the request of prayer-praying people.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:
Is your life one of bitterness? Is it littered with the wreckage of living in the flesh? Freedom is available, but God can't make you want it.

Confess the sin of bitterness, ask God to forgive you of your past mistakes, ask God to free you from the anger, regret, and pain of past loss as you embrace the promise of His glorious future.

By Faith, forgive those who have hurt you and transfer their debt to God and let him collect on their debt against you.

John 8:36 "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

Praise:
I am part of a royal priesthood and have direct access to the heart of God forever.

Revelations 20:6 "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."

Request:

• Ask the Lord to appoint godly judges who will make wise decisions according to God's word.
• What are some specific issues or rulings that you can pray about.

Meditate on:
Psalms 33:12

Day 29

Today's Scripture:
Acts 9:36-43

Key Verse:
Acts 9:40

"But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed..."

The Point:
Dorcas was one of nine individuals in the Bible who were brought back to life after they had died. Peter and the other Apostles had prayed that through their lives "signs and wonders" (impossible prayer requests) would be done in the name of Christ (Acts 4:30). Peter became the channel through which God's power restored Dorcas to life again.

It was not a great prayer, or even a great man, but a great God that brought Dorcas back to life.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Are you afraid to ask for impossible things?
• Is your faith so weak and your view of God so small that God can't _______________?
  • Confess this lack of faith as sin. Ask God to forgive you and to help you grow your faith as you read His Word.
• Ask God for help in the areas of unbelief that are stifling your life and spiritual growth. Cast off this sinful attitude of "God can't because it's me asking" and start believing "God can" because of who He is.

Praise:
I am a peculiar person in that I belong to God.

Titus 2:14 "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

Request:

• Ask God to release his goodness upon national ministries that seek to honor God and point many to Christ.
  • Ask God how you can be more active in supporting these ministries.

Day 30

Today's Scripture:
Acts 10:1-8

Key Verse:
Acts 10:2

"A devout man, and one that feared God... and prayed to God alway."

The Point:
Though an unconverted Gentile, Cornelius sought to know God. He prayed to the One who is "the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). God found a seeking man, and a seeking man found God. Very soon thereafter, Peter was sent to Cornelius and his household with the message of salvation in Christ. This resulted in the salvation and baptism of the entire family. Many missionaries that have been first into a specific field have testified of finding their "Cornelius" there. God never plays "hide-and-seek" with anyone who truly seeks Him.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Are you seeking God, or are you playing "hide-and-seek"?
• Are you hiding from God to maintain your favorite sin?
• Are you indifferent to the lost souls that live around you?
  • Ask God to send Missionaries to those places where souls thirst for the gospel.
  • Ask God to send you to the immigrant that has arrived here and has never heard the gospel.
• Is it fair that you have access to the gospel everywhere you live, when others have never heard it once?
  • Confess your ingratitude that the gospel is prevalent here.

Confess this, repent of this sin, ask God to forgive you for being given so much and disregarding it.

Praise:
I am delivered from the power of darkness.

Colossians 1:33 "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:"

Request:

• Ask God to raise up church planters to start gospel-preaching churches in our area.
• Ask God how He would have you participate in our next church plant through the church.

Day 31

Today's Scripture:
Acts 12:1-5

Key Verse:
Acts 12:5

"...but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."

The Point:
James was dead. Peter was in prison awaiting execution. This was a crisis time for the Jerusalem church. Humanly speaking, nothing could be done, but they did the one thing they could do; they prayed "without ceasing." A prayer effort began and would not end until the answer came. Either death or release would be deliverance for Peter. When it seems there is nothing man can do, there is one thing he can do - pray.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Do you often pursue your own solution to problems rather than ask God to provide?
• Do you use prayer as a last resort?
• Are you ashamed to pray with others unless it is a desperate or hopeless situation?

Confess this lack of faith, repent and believe that God wants to answer you and is waiting to hear from you.

Praise:
I am a child of Jehovah-Shalom, and He is my peace!

Psalms 29:11 "The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace."

Request:
Ask the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin and repentance to many people as we prepare for the revival services in October.

Day 32

Today's Scripture:
Acts 16:20-25

Key Verse:
Acts 16:25

"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them."

The Point:
Midnight in a prison cell hardly seems like the right place for a prayer meeting! Their feet were bound, their bodies were beaten, but these men started praying and singing because God was there with them. Genuine faith flourishes in adversity. This proves the realness of God in the lives of those who are suffering. Prayer and praise made a powerful statement for God to the jailer and the other inmates. The best sermons are not always preached in the best of times; sometimes they are lived in the worst of times.

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Have I grumbled or complained today?
• Have I failed to praise the Lord for His goodness today?
• Have I been faithful to recognize his faithfulness to me?

Confess your ingratitude as sin.

Praise God for His active goodness to you today, for you have not suffered as our forefathers have for their Gospel.

Hebrews 12:4 "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin."

Praise:
I am never forsaken or alone. Jehovah-Shammah is with me. (Ezekiel 48:35)

Hebrews 13:5 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Request:
Ask the Lord to bring to your awareness His Biblical truths that need to be added to your life for God’s glory.

Day 33

Today's Scripture:
Romans 1:1-9

Key Verse:
Romans 1:9

"...without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers."

The Point:
The Apostle Paul is known as a great preacher, writer, missionary, and evangelist. Nearly every one of his letters mentions his prayers for the ones he is writing to. Though many miles may separate brothers and sisters in Christ, they still can meet at the throne of grace through the blessed privilege of prayer. When you cannot "be there" in person with the ones you love, you can still "be there" for the ones you love in prayer.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Proverbs 28:13 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Praise:
I am a child of Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord, my provider. (Genesis 22:13-14)

Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Request:
Ask the Lord to revive each of us at the church so the church would be healthy and reach others for God's Glory

Day 34

Today's Scripture:
Romans 5:1-5

Key Verse:
Romans 5:2

"...we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand..."

The Point:
The blessing of prayer is that we can go directly to God to communicate what is on our heart. Being saved "by grace through faith" (Ephesians 2:8) unlocks and opens the door to God.

"Access" is provided anytime, anywhere, and for anything through the wonderful provision of prayer.

"We have access" means that a welcome mat is in front of God's door, the light is on, and God is home and ready to receive us.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:
Honestly ask the Holy Spirit:

Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Probing Questions:

• Have I surrendered everything to the Lord?
• Have I ever prayed like this, "Lord, everything that I know to be sin, and everything that you show me to be sin, l give it up and turn to Jesus Christ"?
• Have I placed all of my trust and confidence in Jesus Christ?
  • Read Ephesians 2:8 and John 14:6
• Do I have a sincere desire to do God's will in every area of my life? The will of God is never contrary to the Word of God.
  • Read 1 John 2:16 and Matthew 7:21
• Do I love to read and meditate upon the Word of God?
• Are my personal devotions consistent and regular?
• How long has it been since I prayed for something that only the supernatural power of God could fulfill, and God answered?

Praise:
I am a child of Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord, my victory banner. (Exodus 17:15)

1 John 5:4 "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

Request:

• Ask the Lord to raise up more missionaries who will take the gospel around the world.
• Ask God for a specific country or group of people you can pray for.
• Ask God for revival to begin in you.

Psalms 85:6 "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"

Meditate On:
Matthew 9:37-38

Day 35

Today's Scripture:
Romans 8:26-34

Key Verses:
Romans 8:26

"...for we know not what we should pray for as we ought..."

Romans 8:27

"...The Spirit... maketh intercession for the saints ..."

Romans 8:34

"Christ... at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us"

The Point:
Even though we don't always know what to ask for in prayer, we are sure that we’re not praying alone. God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are assisting us as we pray. Even when our words fail us, the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus will not. The essential truth is to remember to have our heart in agreement with the mind and will of God. Pray something like this, "For your glory, not mine. My will is to see your will done."

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Have you demanded your will instead of seeking God's will to be done?
• Have you prayed selfish prayers for your desires rather than seeking to fulfill God's desires?

Confess and repent of the sin of pride. Ask God to forgive you as you recommit yourself to delight in what brings joy to the Lord.

Praise:
I am a child of Jehovah-Ezer, the Lord my helper. (Psalms 33:2)

Hebrews 13:6 "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

Request:

• Ask God to protect Christians around the world who are being persecuted.
• Ask God to strengthen persecuted Christians and maximize their witness abilities.
• Ask God to embolden persecuted Christians for His glory.
• Ask God for revival to begin in you.

Psalms 85:6 "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"

Day 36

Today's Scripture:
Romans 10:1-4

Key Verse:
Romans 10:1

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved."

The Point:
Paul had a burden to see the salvation of the Jewish people. The people of Israel were religious ("a zeal of God" written in Romans 10:2), but they had "not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God" (verse 3).

Paul did not simply repeat or recite prayers as part of a routine, but he prayed for his own people with a heart stirred from passion.

Casual praying from the hearts of men does little to reach or touch the heart of God. Prayers that do not move your heart will likely not move the heart of God either.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Do I find it hard to ask forgiveness of another for a wrong or offense from my family or acquaintances?
• Is it hard for me to admit when I am wrong?

Praise:
I am a child of Jehovah-Elyon, the Lord most high, and I desire to see His will done. (Psalms 97:9)

Joshua 24:24 "And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey."

Request:

• Ask the Lord to grant religious freedom to believers around the world.
• Ask the Lord to open countries that don't have the gospel.
• Ask God for Revival to begin in you.

Psalms 85:6 "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"

Meditate On:
Acts 16:6-12

Day 37

Today's Scripture:
Romans 15:23-33

Key Verse:
Romans 15:30

"...that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me."

The Point:
Paul invited the believers at Rome to join him in prayer for deliverance and service in Romans 15:31. He used the phrases "with me" and "for me" to make it clear that this was a united effort.

Prayer is not limited by time or space, so minutes and miles are not an issue. When believers combine their efforts in prayer, they strengthen each other for the work of God being done. Through prayer, the work of God is accomplished even by those who are separated by countries or continents.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Do I tend to want credit for accomplishments?
• Do I desire to be recognized?
• Do I defend myself when a fault or sin is pointed out in my life?
• Is it my primary drive to look out for myself rather than serve others?

Praise:
I am a child of Jehovah-Sabaoth, the Lord of hosts whose army is fierce. (1 Samuel 1:3)

Psalms 27:1 "(A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

Request:

• Ask God to expose false religious leaders and for the millions deceived by them to come to Christ.
• Ask God to reveal His truth to any people you know who are involved in a false religion.
• Ask God for revival to begin in you.

Psalms 85:6 "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"

Day 38

Today's Scripture:
1 Corinthians 6:9-20

Key Verse:
1 Corinthians 6:20

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

The Point:
Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. Where we go, He goes. What we see, He sees. We expose Him to all kinds of things. Our behavior can grieve the Holy Spirit without us realizing it when we are calloused spiritually due to sin.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Are you in any way careless with your body?
• Do you fail to care for your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit?
• Are you guilty of intemperance in eating or drinking?
• Do you have any habits that are defiling to your body, and thereby they grieve the Holy Spirit?

Praise:
I am a child of Jehovah-M'Kaddeshi, the Lord my sanctification. (Exodus 31:13)

Jude 1:1 "Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:"

Request:

• Ask the Lord to remove oppressive leaders who resist Christianity.
• Ask God for revival to begin in you.

Psalms 85:6 "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"

Day 39

Today's Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Key Verse:
2 Corinthians 9:6-7

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."

The Point:
2 Corinthians 9 is a chapter about living, giving, caring, and sharing. The passage also addresses the prayers of generous people. Their prayers became channels of God's grace into the lives of those in need. Though they needed food, clothing, and shelter, they needed the grace of God even more. Prayer is the human confession of need, while God's grace is the divine provision of that need. Grace is all that God is for all that we need.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Have you robbed God by withholding your tithe?
• Have you robbed God by withholding his due of your time and talents?
• Have you failed to support mission work through either prayer or offerings?
• Do you confess your sins by name, or do you hide in generalities?

Praise:
I am a child of Jehovah-El Gmolah, God our great recompense. (Jeremiah 51:56)

Malachi 3:10 "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

Request:

• Pray for a church-wide movement with many people being drawn to the living God.
• Ask God for revival to begin in you.

Psalms 85:6 "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"

Day 40

Today's Scripture:
Ephesians 3:20-21

Key Verse:
Ephesians 3:20

"...Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think..."

The Points:

• God's ability to answer is greater than our ability to ask.
• Prayer moves us from the level of the natural to the level of the supernatural.
• The ultimate goal of prayer is to bring glory to God (Ephesians 3:21), which happens when God does what only God can do.
• When man accomplishes great things, he gets the credit. When God accomplishes great things, He and He alone gets the credit.
• It is foolish to assume that God is limited by human limitations.
• Prayer focuses on what God can do, not on what man can do.

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Are you self-conscious rather than Christ-conscious?
• Do you allow feelings of inferiority to keep you from attempting things you should in service for God?
• Are you undependable and cannot be trusted with responsibilities in the Lord's work?
• Do you allow your emotions to be stirred for the things of the Lord, but you do nothing about it?
• Are you allowing Jesus Christ to be the Lord and master of every area of your life?

Praise:
I am a child of Jehovah Tsur, the Lord our strength. (Psalms 144:1)

Ephesians 6:10-11 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Request:
Pray for the return of Jesus.

Recap

Our 40 Days of Prayer has come to an end, but your daily time with God doesn't have to stop. You can continue using these principles to have a powerful and rewarding time with God each day.

Just Like The 40 Days Challenge...
Set a specific time and a quiet place. Remember you are in the presence of God.

Each Day Will Involve Your Bible
Use your Bible to read the scriptures. If you are new to the Bible, start in the Gospel of John. Ask God to speak to you as begin to read. If a verse touches your heart, this is the Holy Spirit ministering to you. Underline it, mediate on that verse, and consider memorizing it. Pray and thank the Lord for teaching you something from His word.

Each Day Will Involve Prayer; Include the Following:

1. Worship
   Each day will begin by praising the Lord for who He is and for His character. A suggestion would be to read a chapter from Psalms for inspiration. The Psalms were written to help us worship God, such as Psalms 95 and 96. Praise God for His glorious character - His holiness, love, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, and generosity toward us. Ask that His will be done in our lives, homes, and hearts.
    
2. Praise and Thanksgiving
   Thank Him each day for the blessings you have received.
   James 1:17 and Romans 8:28 tell us that these blessings are from God to us for our good.
    
3. Confession
   Each day, ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and expose the sin that is hindering your fellowship with your Heavenly Father. Psalms 139:23-24 is an excellent request to get us started. Confession means agreeing with God that each offense is sin, asking God's forgiveness, thanking God for cleansing you and ask for the strength to forsake the sins confessed. Read 1 John 1:9 and Proverbs 28:13.
    
4. Requests
   Philippians 4:6 tells us that prayer is asking.

Pray for yourself

• Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit.
• Surrender all-self, ambition, desires, plans, hopes, time, and talent to him.

Pray for your family

• Ask God's guidance and blessing in your home.
• Ask God's guidance, blessing, protection, and provision on whoever God brings to your mind.

Pray for your church

• Pray for your pastor, staff, and workers.
• Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ.
• Pray for unity and love in the church.
• Pray for those you know who are unsaved.
• Ask God where He would have you serve.

Thank the Lord for the wonderful privilege of entering His presence because of the finished work of Christ on the cross.

If you have questions about a topic to study, a Bible reading plan, or a devotional plan, don’t hesitate to reach out. We have resources to share with you.