[__ Prayer __] 40 Days of Prayers

[AirDancer]

This thread will focus solely on prayers… 40 days of prayers, concluding on 6 November (US election day). Prayer focus will be on our localities, our nations, our world; our elected officials, whether local, state or national. Prayers will also include all those seeking office as well as for members of the media.
Prayers will be offered for all who may not know our Lord as yet as well as for those who are questioning their faith. And, prayers will include ourselves, that we be measured worthy, and that we employ discernment.

I invite you to join in prayer, to add your voice in supplication, during these days...and beyond!

 

[AirDancer]

I pray for Your healing touch, Lord, for Your amazing grace and mercy, on each of us gathered here as well as for all in our world. Create within me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast (upright) spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10, NASB) Allow the Holy Spirit to direct where cleansing, forgiving, and healing are required in me, so as I pray for this country, the elected officials and those who seek office, my supplications will be found pleasing to You.

O Lord, my country is hurting. Many who reside within these lands are hurting. Many eyes have turned away from You and from Your Word. Many hearts have hardened against You. O Lord, I pray for Your healing touch for all of us, for with Your loving guidance, we will be able to alter the straying course which our country and many of our people have chosen.

I humbly yet joyfully pray this in Jesus’ name, O Lord, that Your will be done. And I praise you, O Lord, for listening to my poor but heart-felt entreaty. Amen.



- Day 1 -

 

[farouk]

Humble, dependent prayer at the foot of the Cross of Christ is where healing must begin.

 

[Eugene]

1 Timothy 2:2. (Pray) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Sometimes it is so easy to blame-shift our problems to those God puts into authority (Romans 13:1), and there is certainly many ungodly actions and legislation, but our intercession has positive results; let us not neglect those things we should be doing. Remember that in Romans 9:17 even Pharaoh was raised up for purpose.

Dear Father, please watch over us and protect our nations as we occupy until You send Jesus for us. Have Your way in our lives that will produce Your righteous will in us, and glorify You in Jesus' name. Thank You and amen.

 

[AirDancer]

Hear this plea, O Lord, I pray. My community, my State, even my Country, have turned a deaf ear and a blind eye from their original foundings. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that these ears are opened and these eyes are made to see that You are needed in each of our lives.

Your Word says: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7, NASB) Without a firm stance with You, the hardened hearts of some elected officials easily dispel responsibility for their actions. They turn from You, and the discipline required to make sound decisions, to use discernment for the betterment of their constituents, which include Your sons and daughters. Some leaders, on all levels, have rejected Your Word as the basis for right and wrong. And that is why this earnest prayer is made to you, O Lord.

More than 200 years ago, Thomas Jefferson wrote: “And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever.” (Paul Leicester Ford, ed., The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, 10 vols., Notes on the State of Virginia (New York; G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1892-99), Query XVIII,4:232.)

In a scant 2 centuries, some hearts, minds, ears and eyes have turned focus from You to themselves. Some leaders, even within congregations, seek that which is popular, according to polls or questionnaires; they seek to lead astray to nothingness, to enslave for their own selfish exaltations and elevations.

Without Your blessings, O Lord, we are nothing; without Your mercy, we are lost; and apart from You, we can do nothing. (John 15:5, NASB) Therefore, I lift my voice in heart-felt prayer that You will touch all of our hearts, so we may all become Your blessed; that the gift of discernment will be bestowed so Your Word will illuminate the path You want us to walk; that we may accomplish what You wish, according to Your will.

I pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
- Day 2 -

 

[AirDancer]

Matthew 18:20 promises us that “where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Our Lord, I stand on this promise as I humbly pray.

I humbly pray for all in authority who govern my nation and for those seeking to govern. From the local level to highest in the land, I ask that Your loving hand will guide them in righteousness and wisdom, to return this land from chaos and confusion to Your uncompromising clearness of purpose. (1 Corinthians 14:33)

O Lord, here I am, on my knees, begging if You please to touch the hearts of us all as we seek to do Your will. (Psalm 9:9-10) Guide and support this land as we turn from sin and place our focus on You. Let our hearts be glad as we give You all the glory for all Your wonderful work in our lives. (1 Chronicles 16: 20-12) For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. (Matt 6:13) Amen.

Day 3 -

(All Scripture references: NASB)

 

[farouk]

Yes, gathering prayerfully in the Precious Name is far, far better than being occupied by the doings of politicians (though we should pray for them, too).

 

[Eugene]

Dear Father, You have allowed us entrance to Your throne of grace 24/7 365 days a year so to speak, and have chose to have us pray for those You put in authority for our good. I do not question Your will and will continue. Please bring all called by Your name to know Your direction for us and help us with Your power to do those things that are pleasing in Your sight and for the good to all men if possible in love. Have Your way Father now and forever, and allow us to be good stewards of Your great grace towards us that we may spread it freely unto everyone in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

[AirDancer]

I praise your name, O Lord, and I thank you for the blessings of Your Word. Your gentle guidance during these troubling days has humbled me, for You continue to direct my life. You have delivered me from bondage (Romans 8) and have promised me joy even when I feel unworthy.

You know my heart and my thoughts, dear Lord; You know my concerns and answer my questions even as I am seeking fuller understanding. (Psalm 139:23-24)

Prayers are now lifed for those who sit in positions of judgement; Hear my voice, as joined with many others, as I seek righteousness in those who judge us. As You directed in days of yore, "Then I charged your judges at that time, saying, 'Hear the cases between your fellow countryment, and judge righteously between a man and his fellow countryment, or the alien who is with him. You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not fear man, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’ 18 I commanded you at that time all the things that you should do.” (Deut 1:16-18)

Many of the judges seated within my country, O God, have had their focus shifted away from You. They seek guidance from sources other than You and Your Word. Decisions are handed down which threaten to separate Your sons and daughters from Your loving kindness.

On this day, in addition to continued prayers for my country, I pray You hear my voice as I ask for Your healing touch on all those in the position of judgment, including those who are not seated on a bench with the title of ‘judge.’ I stand in trust that You will heal them, just as I trust You will heal this land. (Psalm 5:11-12; 57:1-3; 2 Samuel 22:2-4)

I pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and I continue to thank You and praise You for Your love and protection. Amen.

Day 4 -

(All Scripture references: NASB)

 

[AirDancer]

My Father in heaven, You know my heart; You know the full extent of my thoughts and actions. You know the concerns and joys I hold. I sincerely thank you for allowing me another day, this day, as I continue to pray for those in positions of leadership, You know my reasons for focused prayer on church leadership.

O Lord, please strengthen those who stand fast and true to Your Word, and teach us the reality of what scripture says so our relationship with You grows closer. Fortify these humble and selfless servants with Your love, and embrace them as they seek to do as You have instructed. I offer my simple praise and appreciation for these special people, my Lord, for they are not aware of their true value.

There are many leaders within the body of believers who artificially puff up their worth. They seek reward in this world, and desire their congregations’ eyes to focus on them as opposed to You, as it should be. These wolves in sheep’s clothing lead astray Your young; they incrementally introduce lies so the fellowship will accept behavior and words that are false. And when those who seek You, Lord, know within their hearts that these leaders are not worthy, those seekers turn away in disgust and become more enmeshed in this world. The loss of even one soul because of the wrongful betrayals of Your Word is devastating.

As has been written in Malachi 2: 1-9, false leaders are to be disciplined, lest disaster befalls them and all who follow them:

"And now this commandment is for you, O priests. 2 If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name,” says the Lord of hosts, “then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings; and indeed, I have cursed them already, because you are not taking it to heart. 3 Behold, I am going to rebuke your offspring, and I will spread refuse on your faces, the refuse of your feasts; and you will be taken away with it. 4 Then you will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that My covenant may continue with Levi,” says the Lord of hosts. 5 “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as an object of reverence; so he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. 6 True instruction was in his mouth and unrighteousness was not found on his lips; he walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many back from iniquity. 7 For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

8 But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says the Lord of hosts. 9 “So I also have made you despised and abased before all the people, just as you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction.”

For this reason, O God, I pray that Your sons and daughters remain in Your arms, so we have the fortitude, enforced by Your Word, to correct our church leaders, so we are able to retain our eyes on, and our hearts to, You. Remove from positions of leadership those who are themselves not focused on You, and who will not listen to Your admonishments. Expose those self-proclaimed prophets who prophesy falsely and church leaders who rule on their own authority. (Jeremiah 5:31)

I give You all the honor and glory as well as my deepest thanks for all You have provided in my life. I fervently pray this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, O Lord. Amen.

Day 5 -

(All Scripture references: NASB)

 

[farouk]

Yes, good to pray with an open Bible, Thy will be done, and act before the Lord and not men.

 

[AirDancer]

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)

I rejoice in Your embrace, for through Your Word, I have and will continue to strengthen my resolve and maturity, more free on a daily basis from whatever fears threaten my peace and contentment.

For this purpose, I lift my voice in further supplication, not just for myself but for all around me within my country. Ease the concerns – the fears, even – that disturb my serenity like ripples on the pond’s surface. So many in this land do not have their eyes, their hearts, focused on You, whether by deliberate decision or by lack of true introduction to You. For these individuals, I pray for Your loving touch, Your amazing grace, Your gentle reminder that we are nothing without You.

Entreaties are now made on their behalves, that they, each one of them, come to know how perfect You are. May they soar with wings of the eagle as Your sons and daughters do, in full acceptance of You, in faithful obedience to You. Bless them with the ability to know Your promise that:

"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles; They will run and not get tired; They will walk and not become weary." (Isaiah 40:31)

It is through You, O Lord, that truthful discernment is granted. Touch their eyes so they see right from wrong; caress their hearts so they feel love, according to Your Word; whisper to their consciousness so their thoughts and decisions are based on Your teachings.

With joyful songs of Your praise in my heart and on my lips, O Lord, I pray for their salvations. And I ask this in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, in accordance to Your Will. Amen.

Day 6 -
(All Scripture references: NASB)

 

[Eugene]

Dear Father, I have no idea the future of individual parts of our country, but as You ask I pray for those ministers You put over us that it may go well with us, and our country. Have Your way in our lives and look over this country that we may be a blessing to others. Lord, I do believe You are coming soon and with that things of the world will deteriorate quickly. Please help us to make decisions that will glorify You, and lead many to know You. I don't even know the reason for this forty days of prayer as we ought to be always in prayer, but make Your will know unto me and all Christians. Thank You Father and I ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

 

[AirDancer]

Your great mercy, O Lord, brings joy to my life. Your diligent care and concern surrounds me with comfort. I sing praises to You, and thank you each and every day for my life.

You know the concerns I hold for my country and those in positions of decision making. I pray for these people, as I do for each individual within this country. For it is each of us, one by one, who hires the decision makers, who are charged with the duties to wisely guide us towards the future.

Lord God, just as in the days when Your people dwelt in terrible conditions with the Egyptians and cried out to You for protection and relief, so, too, do I cry out, along with those who pray with me, for Your protection and relief. Hear our voices, O Lord, as we pray, and send angels to protect us as we struggle against those of the world. (Numbers 20:16)

Extend Your hand to stay the overt and covert attempts to make slaves of Your sons and daughters in my country. Touch the eyes and hearts of the decision makers on all levels, that their minds compose laws that return this country to Your fold; that their hands are steady as they write rules and regulations; that their speech is not filled with double-talk. For it is stated in Matthew 23,

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; 3 therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. 4 They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. 5 But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their [a]phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. 6 They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 and respectful greetings in the market places…”

Likewise, there are many individuals in my country who do not know You, Lord. They seek to imitate those in leadership who care only for themselves. These individuals do not love their neighbor, as Your Word says we must. (Matt 5:43; 19:19; 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27, et al)

For these individuals, Lord, I pray for the softening of their hearts so they may feel Your presence and Your love, and the opening of their ears, so they may hear You. Bless them with the knowledge of Your truth, so they will turn from their self focus and understand the importance of unselfish love. Heal them of their blindness so they may clearly see the path that leads to You, and to follow Your Word.

And, Lord, I beseech You to fully extend Your blessings to all in this land. Bring us to worthiness to receive Your amazing grace and love. "For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God...." (Hebrews 6:7)

I thank You, praise You, and pray this in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, in accordance to Your Will. Amen.

Day 7 -

Note: [a]: i.e., small cases containing Scripture texts worn on the left arm and forehead for religious purposes.

(All Scripture references: NASB)

 

[farouk]

Yes, angelic forces are out there; they are 'ministering spirits, sent to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation' (Hebrews 1); we need to depend prayerfully on the Lord Who is sovereign and working out His own will.

 

[AirDancer]

Thank you, Lord, for this day you have presented. May today’s actions of this humble servant shine with Your light so Your grace will illuminate within the hearts and minds of those who struggle or who have yet to come to know Your precious way. (Matthew 5:16)

Just as I know You have not given up on me, my Lord God, I fervently pray that You will withhold final decision against the lands in which I dwell. All honor and glory are given to You, whose mercy is immeasurable. Your mercy is humbly sought for all, as my voice is joined with many others who seek the return of our nation to Your fold, that we are each named as Your true and faithful son or daughter.

You promised in the days of Jeremiah:

“The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 2 “Stand in the gate of the Lord’s house and proclaim there this word and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you of Judah, who enter by these gates to worship the Lord!’” 3 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, “Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. 4 Do not trust in deceptive words, saying, ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.’ 5 For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly practice justice between a man and his neighbor, 6 if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor walk after other gods to your own ruin, 7 then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever.” (Jeremiah 7: 1-7)

O Lord, bless Your children with discernment, so we will be worthy to spread Your truth, Your Word, to those around us. So we can, through You, bring others to amend ways and deeds. So we can, with Your loving guidance, return justice as You have instructed in scripture. So this nation can be brought back to a land blessed by You. For through You, Lord, every thing is possible. (Matt 19:26; Mark 9:23, 10:27, 14:36)

I sing praises for Your boundless mercy, Your faithful love, and Your amazing grace, Lord God. And I thank you for listening to my simple words.

I pray this in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, in accordance to Your Will. Amen.

Day 8 -

(All Scripture references: NASB)

 

[farouk]

Yes, wisdom and discernment is so necessary to pray for. Paul tells us that the Lord Jesus 'of God is made unto us wisdom' (1 Corinthians 1.30).

Blessings.

 

[AirDancer]

I joyfully sing praises to you, O Lord, for You give peace and comfort to me during these days of real concern for my nation and my fellow citizens. You alone know the depths of the disquiet for which I pray for Your infinite mercy, Your loving blessings. In the midst of my supplications, You have gently reminded me of the words written in Psalm 71: 1-6:

"In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed.
2 In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
Incline Your ear to me and save me.
3 Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come;
You have given commandment to save me,
For You are my rock and my fortress.
4 Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man,
5 For You are my hope;
O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth.
6 By You I have been sustained from my birth;
You are He who took me from my mother’s womb;
My praise is continually of You.”

In addition, Isaiah 26: 3-5 reassures that: "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever." For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.”

For You are my hope, and You are my Rock. In You, I place all trust, for You truly are the source of peace and comfort, of joy and serenity. You listen to the humble words I pray; You understand what I seek to express, in genuine concern for my troubled nation and all who live here, for You alone know my heart.

All the honor and the glory and the power belong to You, O Lord; for Your boundless mercy, Your faithful love, and Your amazing grace, I give You praise and thanks.

I pray all this in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, in accordance to Your Will. Amen.

Day 9 -

(All Scripture references: NASB)

 

[Eugene]

Dear Father, I do want to remember to pray for our nation and those of the world that we might see an increase in righteousness throughout them, but it is with sadness that just the opposite is occurring. Men do wax worse as the love of many grows cold, but I'm so thankful for Your everlasting arms that thrusts out our enemies before us. Please continue to direct us in Your ways and turn our days into gladness as we look to Your soon coming. Have Your way now and forever and I thank You for it in Jesus' precious name. Amen.

 

[AirDancer]

What a glorious day You've gifted us with today, Lord! And what a welcome blessing this day brings to us all. "I will sing a snew song to You, O God; upon a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You...." (Psalm 144:9) You bring such precious joy into our lives.

Our children, our nieces, nephews, grandchildren and neighborhood children are such blessings in our lives, and I thank You, Lord, for these special gifts. I pray You continue to provide direction to us, as we in turn guide these younger treasures. Grant to us further knowedge to raise up these sons and daughters in Your Word, with complete trust in and unwavering love for You. "Let our sons in their youth be as grown-up plansts, and our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace….” (Psalm 144:12)

Retain them in Your loving embrace as they meet each new day and as they face each new challenge. Open their hearts and eyes so they understand and discern right from wrong, truth from lies. Strengthen their resolve so they continue to seek You, O Lord, and follow Your Word.

In addition, O God, I pray You purify us as examples so our children know without question that “…we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4: 5-6)

"How blessed are the people who are so situated; How blessed are the people whose God is the Lord!” (Psalm 144:15)

I give You praise, for Your precious gifts to us, and for this wonderful day You have made. In the name of my Lord Jesus Christ, in accordance to Your Will, I pray this. Amen.

Day 10 -

(All Scripture references: NASB)