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Day 21 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/21/2022

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DAY 21
Saturday, May 21, 2022

Psalm 115:1
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

Scripture Insights
When I was fifteen years old, the walls and shelves of my bedroom displayed my glory. I had trophies, ribbons, and awards. Today, our social media walls are filled with photos of accomplishments, opinions, and selfies to highlight our glory. This seems harmless, but big problems can develop with an accumulation of human-centered glory—it is self-seeking, limited, and temporary.
Psalm 115 starts with a repeated cry, “Not to us, Lord, not to us.” The writer expresses a deep feeling of resistance to humans being the focus of glory. The writer may be thinking of a corrupt king, a fame-seeking celebrity, or even the pride of his or her own heart. Who should get glory? Only the Lord! Only the Lord is truly loving and faithful. God’s glory is appropriately vivid in our Lord Jesus Christ, who faithfully loved with sacrifice and servant leadership.
It’s been two thousand years, but humans are still in awe of Jesus’s humble yet radiant glory! Today, we lay our trophies and selfies down and worship the only one whose glory is unlimited and eternal.

Today’s Prayer
God, we thank you for the glory of your love and faithfulness! We fix our eyes on you and not on the glory of any human. As your glory illuminates our lives, help us to walk in your humble ways today.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—David Mowry, District Superintendent, Northwest
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Day 20 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/20/2022

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DAY 20
Friday, May 20, 2022

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Scripture Insights
Scripture optimistically calls us to the best in the middle of difficult circumstances: Hope is great, but joy in hope is greater; surviving affliction is great, but patience in affliction is greater; occasional prayer is helpful, but faithfulness in prayer is greater.
Qualifiers make the difference: “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” I wonder, is Paul saying that prayer elevated to steadfast, faithful prayer reaps a better harvest? Oswald Chambers surely thought this when he wrote, “Prayer does not equip us for greater works—[faithful] prayer is the greater work.” So I ask, Could it be that even (especially?) when you need hope in the throes of affliction, your faithfulness in prayer produces joyful hope along with life-changing patience? We may prefer Scripture to say “Faithfully pray and all your troubles will disappear,” but thankfully Scripture possesses a deeper insight: circumstances need not limit your joy or define your patience.
Thanks be to God!

Today’s Prayer
Almighty God, every day your optimistic gospel calls to a high standard. Stretch me, Lord, into goodness, wholeness, and your holy ways. Help me not to settle for less, grumble through difficulties, or obey randomly when it suits me best.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Phil Fuller, District Superintendent, Virginia
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Day 19 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/19/2022

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DAY 19
Thursday, May 19, 2022

Romans 8:26-27
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Scripture Insights
Paul is reminding us of the wonderful gift the Holy Spirit is to us. The Spirit stands by to provide the assistance we need. When we are weary and weak, the Spirit helps us. When we don’t know how or what to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us with sounds from deep in the heart that cannot be put into words. When we begin to veer off course, the Spirit intercedes to bring us into alignment with God’s will.
The Holy Spirit’s power is available to us today— strengthening us, shaping us, directing us, and leading us into God’s good plan for our lives. What an advocate we have in the Holy Spirit! What a wonderful gift God has provided his people!
What a wonderful privilege to live life in the Spirit!

Today’s Prayer
Father, we are grateful for the gift of the Holy Spirit. As you pour out your Spirit upon us, may our ears be attuned to your voice, our hearts to your desires, and our lives to your will.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Eddie Estep, District Superintendent, Kansas City
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Day 18 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/18/2022

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DAY 18
Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Romans 8:15
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Scripture Insights
We were foster parents to a teenage girl. We had the opportunity to remove the term “foster” from our relationship. The adoption decree stated that “she shall be deemed and taken to be the child and heir in all respects the same as though born to them in lawful wedlock.” Her adoption came with all of the rights and privileges of belonging to our family.
When we put our faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family and transformed by the adoption process. We move from slaves to royal heirs of an eternal kingdom. Our identities and perspectives change. We have more confidence and no longer live by fear but live daily dependent on the Spirit’s guidance.
Becoming a son or daughter of God is all-encompassing and all-consuming. How we approach God is also affected by our adoption. When we cry “Abba, Father,” we are approaching the Father the same way Jesus did when he prayed—with dependence and confidence.

Today’s Prayer
Abba, Father, thank you for adopting me into your family. Teach me to fully embrace my adoption as your child so that I may live in complete dependence on you, knowing your love, which overcomes fear.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Steve Hoffman, District Superintendent, Prairie Lakes
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Day 17 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/17/2022

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DAY 17
Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

Scripture Insights
The principle of fasting figures high in today’s text. I could go in many directions to plumb the riches of fasting, but my focus is on its aid to fervency in prayer. James 5:16 gives us a three-part formula for availing prayer. I liken these three to the necessaries of fire (fuel, heat, oxygen). The first essential of prayer is praying for the right things, or praying in the will of God. Scripture calls this “effectual” (KJV) prayer (this is the fuel). The second essential is praying with the right spiritual temperature, or “fervent” (KJV) prayer (the heat). The third is praying in right relationship, “the prayer of a righteous person” (oxygen).
Throughout much of my life’s journey I have valued “effectual” and “right relationship” prayer, but I hadn’t searched the power of “fervent” prayer. Of late, however, I consider this to be the primary of the three components for availing prayer. Fervent prayer is not about working ourselves up emotionally. Rather, it is spiritually recognizing our need to get a hold of God. It is recognizing our desperate need of God!

Today’s Prayer
Dear Father, open our spiritual eyes so that we may see our desperate need of you. Help us to hunger and thirst after you. Give each of us a heart like Jacob’s—a heart that cries, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Gen. 32:25).

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Dan Gilmore, District Superintendent, Northern Michigan
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Day 16 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/16/2022

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DAY 16
Monday, May 16, 2022
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Acts 4:31
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Scripture Insights
Following Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was actively empowering and expanding the body of Christ. As opposition arose, the faithful turned to the Lord seeking even greater boldness and the assurance of his continued presence through a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit.
The Greek word for “boldly” is parreˉsia, which means “boldness,” “openness,” “confidence.” It conveys the idea of freedom to speak openly or plainly, freely without hindrance.
Many in our day are speaking boldly, proclaiming ideologies from A to Z, but notice the disciples “spoke the word of God boldly.” Could it be that a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit would bring an enablement to the body of Christ to boldly proclaim the powerful, redeeming, reconciling love of Christ to a world desperate for hope, help, and healing.
How would the Lord Jesus like to use each of us in these days of division, increased lawlessness, and tremendous need? We need a new Holy Spirit infilling, bringing freedom to openly share his word with confident boldness.

Today’s Prayer
Lord Jesus, open our eyes and ears to see as you do. Create in our hearts a new hunger for intimacy with you and a fresh infilling of your Spirit, bringing freedom and boldness in sharing your love and good news.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?

—Paul Hartley, District Superintendent, Alaska
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Day 15 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/15/2022

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DAY 15
Sunday, May 15, 2022

 Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Scripture Insights
Pentecost stirred up a hunger for prayer within the church. People were brought together “in one place” (Acts 2:1). Through corporate prayer, they experienced a powerful unity, and this resulted in the Lord bestowing his blessings and “life forevermore” (Ps. 133:1, 3). This kind of prayer changes a church’s culture—and it becomes contagious! This kind of prayer brings about the favor of God and favor with other people. “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:46-47).
Deep, unifying prayer lies at the heart of all spiritual movements. This kind of prayer is planted in the hearts of spiritually hungry Christians. “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1) together as the church did at Pentecost so that we can experience Paul’s prayer: “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Phil. 2:2).

Today’s Prayer
Lord, make us one—one like the early church on the day of Pentecost, one like the prayer of Jesus for us: “May [they] be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me” (John 17:23).

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Larry McKain, District Superintendent, Chicago Central
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Day 14 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/14/2022

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DAY 14
Saturday, May 14, 2022

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Scripture Insights
Can you imagine how impossible this promise must have felt to those who first heard it? How could they be witnesses to the ends of the earth when few of them had even been outside of Judea? Even with all our technology, and the entire world at our fingertips, it seems daunting. In our own power, we know it is impossible. But Jesus promised them his power! So, instead of focusing on their small numbers, lack of resources, or societal marginalization, they went to the upper room and “joined together constantly in prayer” (Acts 1:14a) until the Holy Spirit’s power came at Pentecost. Filled with the Holy Spirit, and united around the mission of Jesus, this little band of Christ followers witnessed to the love of God through their words and deeds. Today, as recipients of their faithfulness, we are invited to join them in committed prayer, where we can receive Christ’s power for witness and where we can participate in the fulfillment of this promise in our own generation.

Today’s Prayer
Jesus, renew our commitment to prayer and our passion for your presence and power as we seek your heart, listen for your voice, and respond in obedience to your will for our generation.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Mark Lindstrom, District Superintendent, North Arkansas
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Day 13 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/13/2022

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DAY 13
Friday, May 13, 2022

2 Chronicles 20:6
Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.

Scripture Insights
The rhetorical question at the beginning of this verse is a reminder that we are not praying to just any run-of-the-mill god. We are calling out to the God of heaven, the one and only Lord of heaven’s armies!
Sometimes our prayers are routine as we go through our typical moments and days. At other times the circumstances and problems we encounter are anything but routine; they seem insurmountable. And then there are those moments when the Holy Spirit challenges us to trust and obey for something way beyond our own abilities and resources. Those moments call for serious faith, surrender, and confidence in our all-powerful God.

Today’s Prayer
Father, I ask you today that the full force of heaven would be present in what I am called to face. May I trust that your power and might will overcome any challenges and bring about what honors you, blesses your children, and speaks to all who need to know you.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Jeffrey Johnson, District Superintendent, South Texas
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Day 12 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/12/2022

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DAY 12
Thursday, May 12, 2022

John 17:15
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

​Scripture Insights
At times the world seems to have gone mad. Most of us would rather be transported out of it. “Beam us up, Jesus,” would be our prayer. The disciples probably had similar thoughts. Jesus made some pretty awful predictions about what would be ahead for them: others will try to kill you, you will weep and mourn while others rejoice, you will be filled with grief, the world will hate you, and so on. These all sound like things sensible people would want to escape. Who wouldn’t? The disciples were about to experience that “dark night of the soul.”
Jesus, knowing this, doesn’t pray that they would escape from it but that his Father would protect them in it. This reminds me of when I was a passenger in a van that rolled over three times while traveling eighty miles per hour. I was sure I was about to die. When the dust settled, I walked out unharmed. I think this is what Jesus is asking the Father: when the dust settles, let them walk out unharmed.

Today’s Prayer
Father, remind us today that Jesus asked you to protect us from the one who seeks to kill us, steal from us, and destroy us. Quiet our hearts in the midst of turmoil, and speak what you wish to say to your church.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Mark Bane, Director, Evangelism and New Church Development
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Day 11 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/11/2022

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DAY 11
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Wednesday, May 11, 2022

John 15:16

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Scripture Insights

Directly from the heart of Jesus, he has called each one of us to bear fruit, to be productive in ministry, and to win people to the Lord. And it all begins with prayer. Our prayers must always be connected with Jesus, because as we abide in him, and he in us, we know that the Father is always watching.
Jesus reminds us in this passage that he is the Vine and we are the branches, and as we remain in him, we will become fruitful. Today, Jesus is building his church, and he is using you and me as his stones to build on his firm foundation. He has chosen you to step up, trust in him, and share the message of
hope, faith, and love with everyone you encounter. What a joy it is to see, in so many nations today, that people are turning to Christ Jesus as their Savior!
Think about your neighbors, coworkers, and friends who have not yet sought the Lord as Savior. Take time to pray, seek God’s counsel, and become bold in sharing your faith with them.

Today’s Prayer

Lord Jesus, grant to me the Spirit of boldness to be your light and your salt to everyone I encounter today so that I may win people to you. Thank you, Lord, for choosing me to become one of your fruit bearers.

Prayer Journal Reflections

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?

—Greg Garman, District Superintendent, Los Angeles
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Day 10 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/10/2022

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DAY 10

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Scripture Insights

Have you ever forgotten where you left something? We all have misplaced an item. Our human nature is to forget. Backtracking is a way to remember where that item is. I begin by reversing my actions in my mind and remembering in sequential order what I did. I work my way through each action and place until I can remember where I left the item.
Jesus taught and said many things. I know I cannot remember them all. Today we read that the Holy Spirit helps us “backtrack” or remember all the things Jesus said. The good news is that just as much as we tend to forget and just as much as the world distracts us from remembering what Jesus has taught us, so is the Holy Spirit continually speaking or advocating and teaching us anew the things that Jesus said. Discover (or remember) how the Holy Spirit walks with you and talks to you today.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit, who advocates on our behalf. I am grateful that when I cannot remember what Jesus said about a particular issue, concern, or situation, your Holy Spirit will teach me.

Prayer Journal Reflections

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?

​—Sam Flores, District Superintendent, South Carolina
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Day 9 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/9/2022

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DAY 9

Monday, May 9, 2022

Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Scripture Insights
As a children’s pastor, a favorite song was “Pray,” by Mary Rice Hopkins and Gary Hopkins. “Pray” tells how Daniel, Jonah, Abraham, Sarah, and Jesus faced every challenge with prayer. The chorus states when we need a friend, are in trouble, or need to talk to someone, we pray.  The answer is always pray.
In the parable, an unrighteous judge is worn down by the repeated requests of a widow. Jesus reminds the disciples that our righteous God responds speedily to his people (Luke 18:8). We do not coerce God by repetitious prayer. When we pray our heartfelt concerns, God responds, accomplishing his good purpose in us. We pray, pray often, and pray concerning the same things, not convincing him of our need, but bringing ourselves into harmony with his will, learning to trust him. Consider how much more abundantly our God will respond than will an unrighteous judge! The answer in every circumstance, for every need, and every day, is pray.

Today’s Prayer

Lord, thank you for deeming every need and concern worthy of your time. May our lives be punctuated by trusting, continual prayer, knowing that you eagerly respond according to your will for our lives, our homes, and our church.

Prayer Journal Reflections

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?

​—Virgil Askren, District Superintendent, Colorado
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Day 8 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/8/2022

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DAY 8

Sunday, May 8, 2022

Luke 10:2
He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Scripture Insights
Farmers understand this metaphor all too well. I once made my living as a potato farmer in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. We invested a lot of energy and work to get every potato into the bin before winter. We knew what to do.  Harvest was about effort!
We are naturally drawn to the words “work” and “harvest” in this text, but we must not get ahead of ourselves. We think of all we need to do to make Christlike disciples. Perhaps the most important word here is “ask.” This is the only prayer request Jesus recorded in Scripture, to my knowledge. Our work begins and ends with asking and obediently listening in prayer. The work of harvesting is our Lord’s work. We need to connect daily in prayer to follow his lead.
My three-year-old granddaughter recently jumped into my lap when my phone alarm, set for 10:02 (Luke 10:2), went off. She said, “Time to pray, Papa!” Will you join us as we pray for the harvest?

Today’s Prayer
Lord, today we ask you to send workers into the harvest, for it is white! Lord, send pastors, church planters, missionaries, and great leaders into the harvest. And most importantly, Lord, send me into the harvest today. Help me to be mindful of someone who might need a witness today in both word and deed.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Jim Bond, District Superintendent, Kansas
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Day 7 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/7/2022

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DAY 7
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Saturday, May 7, 2022

Luke 6:12
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.

Scripture Insights
Jesus is a great example on whom to model our life of prayer. Practical applications come to the one who spends time delving into the different practices of his prayer life.
This passage from Luke highlights one of those practices—spending time alone with his Father for significant decision-making (see v. 13). Indeed, many of the Gospel writers mention that Jesus would often spend time in lonely places to pray.
There are many other times besides decision-making when Jesus chose solitude in prayer. Those times included relationship building with his Father, quiet times of reflection, strengthening for upcoming challenges, and the renewing of passion and focus.
May we find great encouragement on this prayer journey to carve out time and space for extended communion alone with the Father, if for nothing else then to deepen our relationship with him. As that happens, we will be more in tune with areas of protection, direction, and revelation. Solitude with the Father brings certitude for the journey.

Today’s Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach me to create time and space so that I may experience your grace and become more like you in this your harvest field. By and in your Spirit, I pray.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?

—Ken Stanford, District Superintendent, New England
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Day 6 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/6/2022

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DAY 6

Friday, May 6, 2022

Genesis 1:3
And God said . . .

Scripture Insights
Our first encounter with God in Scripture is in the creation account of Genesis 1. Notice that all God’s actions in these verses originate from his voice. Nine times in twenty-nine verses we find the words “God said . . .” At the spoken word of God, the universe and all it contains came into being.
When God speaks today, I think we can all agree that it is pretty important. There is power in his words that can create the Milky Way galaxy, give sight to the blind, raise the dead, and transform a life. With that being true, why is it that the prayer life of most Christians is filled with us talking to God rather than with us listening for his voice?
Prayer starts with a listening posture. The big voice in the room is God’s, not ours. Let’s begin our day—let’s begin our prayer—with similar words as those of the prophet Samuel, who said to God, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:10).

Today’s Prayer
Lord, open our ears to hear your voice. Speak to us and teach us your ways. Breathe fresh life into us through your still, small voice. We are listening.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?

—Scott Rainey, Global Director, SDMI
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Day 5 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/5/2022

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DAY 5
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Thursday, May 5, 2022

Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Scripture Insights
Jesus links our privilege of being forgiven by God to our responsibility to forgive those who offend us. In Luke 11:4, the correlation is just stated “forgive us . . . for we also forgive everyone.” In Matthew 6:14-15, after Jesus teaches the fundamentals of prayer in seven petitions, the only petition that elicits his added emphasis and explanation was the one having to do with asking God for forgiveness. Nazarene New Testament scholar Roger Hahn noted that “verses 14-15 amplify this point and make it clear that forgiveness from God will be forfeited if we refuse to forgive those who have offended us.”
Nelson Mandela insightfully said before he left prison, “As I stand before the door of my freedom, I realize that if I do not leave my pain, anger and bitterness behind me, I will still be in prison.” Forgiveness means letting go. Our release from guilt by God is simply inextricably linked to our letting go of the pain, anger, and bitterness we hold toward those who have wronged us.

Today’s Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, who asked for forgiveness for those crucifying him, please forgive my sins and fill me with the Spirit of Christ so that I, like Christ, will be able to forgive those who hurt me deeply.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?

—Sam Vassel, District Superintendent, Metro New York
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Day 4 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/4/2022

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DAY 4 

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Scripture Insights
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt. 4:1). Before beginning his public ministry, Jesus established the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting, which helped him to resist temptation. Prayer was the means through which Jesus was in constant communion with the Father.
On several occasions, Jesus invited his disciples to accompany him to pray, and in doing so, he taught his disciples what was essential for prayer. Jesus exhorted them, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (26:41).
Prayer might be seen as an easy spiritual devotion, but in reality, that isn’t the case. When we pray for our own spiritual journey and intercede for our brothers and sisters and for the mission of the church, we learn that prayer is a hard task. Jesus made clear to his disciples that prayer requires discipline: “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (v. 41). With the Holy Spirit’s help, we can develop a spiritual life of prayer and fasting, as Jesus modeled for us.

Today’s Prayer
“When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation’” (Luke 11:1-4).

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Roberto Hodgson, Director, Multicultural Ministries
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Day 3 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/3/2022

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DAY 3

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Scripture Insights
Our four children grew up knowing they could ask Roxanna and me for anything. They grew up that way because we gave them permission to ask us for anything. Now, of course, they didn’t always get what they asked for because some of the things they asked for would not have been reasonable for them to receive.
In today’s verses, God is giving us permission to ask him for anything, with the promise that if we ask, it will be given; if we seek, we will find; and if we knock, the door will be opened for us. It is, however, important to keep in mind that our heavenly Father knows what we need and when we need it. He knows what is best for us. We don’t always get what we ask for, but he always hears our prayers and always answers those prayers according to his will for our lives. You may not always get what you ask for, but you will get what you need. The heavenly Father knows what’s best for you and me to receive.

Today’s Prayer
Father, help us to come boldly to your throne, knowing that we can ask you for anything but always trusting that you know what we need. Open doors that need to be opened, close the ones that need to be closed, and give us the wisdom to know the difference.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—Dan Cole, District Superintendent, Nebraska
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Day 2 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/2/2022

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DAY 2

Monday, May 2, 2022
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Matthew 6:9, 12, 14
This then is how you should pray: . . . Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. . . . For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Scripture Insights
Confessing sin—other people’s sin—is an obsession in our culture. Conversations regularly turn to the details of someone’s transgression. I think the little boy overheard in prayer had it right with his petition: “Forgive us our trash passing as we forgive those who pass trash against us.” Jesus reminds us that to see the need in someone else, we must first remove what obstructs our vision (Matt. 7:5). In these days set aside for prayer, I want to start by searching my vision and checking for cataracts. My critical assessment of others softens with the honest examination of my own heart. I remember what my friend Dana Walling used to say: “A critical mind isn’t sin, but a critical spirit is, and there is a short hop between the two.” I have discovered that my honest confession of need opens pathways for others that my harsh judgment never does.

Today’s Prayer
O Lord, it is easy to fall into the pattern of the culture around us and become harsh and critical. Please help us by your grace to speak words of hope and life. Help us to see what you see.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
​
—Jerry Kester, District Superintendent, Washington Pacific


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Day 1 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

5/1/2022

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DAY 1

Sunday, May 1, 2022

Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Scripture Insights
Jesus spoke these words from a hillside with his disciples and a crowd around him. The verse for today is from the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7). It is found in a section where Jesus is talking about fasting, praying, and giving. Jesus begins his teaching about each of these important practices with the word “when.” He doesn’t say “if” you pray, fast, or give. No, he says “when” you pray, fast, or give.
In the hustle and bustle of our lives we know we should pray. However, it is very easy to fill our days and hours with other tasks. When prayer becomes an “if” instead of a “when,” we will find ourselves disconnected from God, from our neighbor, from ourselves, and from the world around us. What we need desperately is for those connections to be restored and renewed. Prayer is one avenue for us to be made whole. Today, let’s make prayer a priority as we seek to be Christ’s disciples.

Today’s Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, make us like you. Help us to daily enter into quiet spaces, in humility, to honor you, ask things of you, and listen to you. Heal our brokenness when we come to you in prayer.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?

—Olivia Metcalf, District Superintendent, Upstate New York

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Sermon Notes 5.1.22

4/30/2022

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The Baton  5.1.22
Pastor Blake Owings

2 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT


• It has be the RIGHT baton.

• The space to pass the baton is LIMITED.

• A DROPPED baton is not the END of the race.
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Devotions with Pastor Bill Ritchey

4/29/2022

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James 3:13-18tells us, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

The Bible clearly contrasts two types of wisdom, God’s and the world’s. Godly wisdom is innocent, gentle, reasonable, peace-loving, impartial and sincere. It is full of mercy and willing to yield to others. It leads to godliness and peaceful relationships with others. Worldly secular wisdom tends to be self-centered. It exalts one’s self. God’s Word calls such wisdom “earthly, unspiritual, demonic“ (James 3:15b). Without Godly wisdom we cannot have the peace associated with the serenity we are seeking – rather, it could actually lead into a form of useless, toxic rage about that which we desire to change but cannot.

“Courage to change the things we can” results when we have the guidance and empowerment to work on submission to Father GOD’s will and plan. Acceptance of non-Biblical, worldly wisdom may provide courage to change but the changes will be based on worldly, secular values. That type of change may well bring success according to worldly values, but at what cost? Will that type of change bring honor and glory to our LORD GOD Almighty, I don’t think so!
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”(Rev. 4:11) “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31)
​
Shalom, Pastor Bill
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Devotions with Pastor Blake Owings

4/28/2022

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Our Mission
John 21:2-3. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin),[b] Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.
3 Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.

Before the disciples became, disciples most of them were professional fisherman. This story takes place shortly after Jesus was resurrected and revealed Himself to them. They knew that Jesus had defeated death. This is life changing information. But where are the disciples?. Doing exactly what they were doing before Jesus came into their lives. They had fallen back into their comfort zones.

Later in this chapter Jesus has a conversation with Peter.

John 21:15-17
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.

Jesus is challenging Peter by asking, "Do you really love me? Do you really trust me? Do you really believe all the things that have happened these last three years? Because, if you do, you can no longer be content to just be a fisherman again. Jesus was inviting Peter on a brand new mission. To teach and care for the people who followed Jesus, as well as people who hadn't yet come to trust in Him.

Jesus gives us this same mission. Matthew 28:19-20 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

With the knowledge that we have of Jesus we can no longer go back to what we are comfortable with. We cannot be content with what we had before. We have a mission — and to accomplish this mission, we need to start doing what we are called to do., How will you carry out this mission this week?
Pastor Blake
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Devotions with Holly Woodbridge

4/26/2022

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STEPS: A Pondering by Holly Woodbridge

Galatians 5:16-26 English Standard Version -Keep in step with the Spirit

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Steps, I thought very little about steps until I had a stroke.  Now, I have a mantra: heel, heel, heel… so I can remind my body to put my heel down first. As I Iay in my hospital bed, staring at the ceiling, I remembered a bit of the verses above; KEEP IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT. I may be a bit wobbly for the next few months as I learn to walk again, a very humbling place to be, but I am even more determined to keep in step with the Spirit.  I want to live for Jesus, come what may. This has been a tough one and I will sometimes still cry, but I am determined to make my life count for my King.

The psalmist said this about steps:
Psalm 37:23-24 King James Version 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.
​

I use a walker now, but it is God who holds me up!
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