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DAY 31
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 James 1:6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts islike a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Scripture Insights When it comes to prayer, there can be a real struggle with faith and doubt. We bring to the Lord our prayer requests and often wonder if the Lord will answer. Our doubts may stem from past failures, feelings of inadequacy, or even an unclear understanding of God’s relationship to us. Even as a brother of Jesus, James had to overcome his own doubts to truly believe (see Mark 3:21; John 7:5). James speaks of doubt as a wavering between conflicting ideas, much like a boat being blown to and fro by the wind. The call to believe without doubting means to have a steadfast confidence in the character and love of God. Prayer is the opportunity to bring our cares, concerns, and confessions to the Lord, who is faithful and true. We never need to doubt the reality and unchangeableness of God’s love for us. We can walk and talk with our Savior at all times, with complete confidence in his faithful presence. Jesus is with us! Today’s Prayer Jesus, forgive me when my focus has been on the uncertainties of life rather than on you! I trust in your unfailing love and choose to walk in faithful obedience as your disciple. I make my requests with complete confidence in 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? —Mark Lehman, District Superintendent, Southwest Oklahoma
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DAY 30
Monday, May 30, 2022 Jeremiah 29:12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Scripture Insights One of the paradoxes of living in a fallen world is that bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. Today’s verse is part of a letter that Jeremiah wrote to over three thousand Jews who found themselves in exile because of their willful disobedience. Whether our negative circumstances come to us because of our own rebellion or as a result of living in a fallen world, this verse offers great hope. Regardless of why we find ourselves in “exile” from God, Jeremiah delivers good news. God says, “If you call, I will listen.” Verse 13 adds, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” The phrase “with all your heart” is the key. God doesn’t just hear us; he listens when he hears the cry of a person who holds nothing back. Second Chronicles 16:9 reminds us that God is searching to support those whose hearts are completely his. He will hear you, he will listen to you, and he will deliver you. Today’s Prayer Father, hear our cry! Help us in our world of exile to be witnesses who point others to you—a God who hears, listens, and delivers. 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? —Ron DeWitt, District Superintendent, East Tennessee DAY 29
Sunday, May 29, 2022 Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Scripture Insights Recently a friend told me of the anxiety her mom was experiencing when she was told she did not have long to live. However, after a few days she heard a family member singing the chorus “I’ll say yes, Lord, yes to Your will.” The daughter said that immediately her mom’s anxiety gave way to peace and that she even “checked herself into hospice.” Our verse today demonstrates that Jesus lived a fully human life that included “fervent cries and tears.” Because of his humanity we have the assurance of a great High Priest who can identify with our “weaknesses” (Heb. 4:15). While comforted in knowing Jesus understands, we find him to be an example for us too. His agonizing prayers were in submission to the “one who could save him from death” (5:7). To say yes in reverent submission to God does not mean our way will be easy. In fact, it might be harder. However, our confidence is that we will be “heard,” as Jesus was. Today’s Prayer Lord, may your Holy Spirit so fill me that your will, not mine, will be done in 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? —Geoff Kunselman, District Superintendent, Northwestern Ohio DAY 28
Saturday, May 28, 2022 Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Scripture Insights The first line in this verse gives me an incredible picture of God’s protection, presence, and peace. It has been amazing to me over the years to hear of the peace that God provides through my presence in the lives of people who are hurting and struggling with life’s circumstances. I do not believe it is me. I believe that God uses my position as pastor, which represents his presence, to bring his peace and provide wisdom and counsel. He continues to use all his people to bring peace and hope on this journey. Today more than ever, we must be people of hope, trusting and believing God to bring joy in everyday life, knowing he will cover us with his presence. As you pray today, picture the Lord blanketing your life and our church with his rest and a Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and strength. Today’s Prayer Father, I am so thankful that you will cover us with your presence. Help me to trust you more today and allow you the freedom to work in my life to bring peace and love to our church and our world. 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? —Terry Armstrong, District Superintendent, Illinois DAY 27
Friday, May 27, 2022 1 Timothy 2:8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. Scripture Insights Have you ever felt anger and bitterness toward God, a person, or circumstance? There is potential for those experiences to grip our hearts and hold us negatively captive in our relationships. Jesus came to give us freedom from sin, death, and anything that enslaves us. As Paul is writing in this verse, he says our prayers should not be limited by location or expression and should be without anger or dispute. He describes a freedom in prayer that comes from the inward condition of the heart. Holy hands are lifted from a holy heart, which is surrendered, molded, and transformed by the Holy Spirit. What a joy it is to lift holy hands in praise to God in prayer, celebrating his goodness and love! There will be pain, disappointment, and difficulties in our lives. But Jesus has promised release and healing through the holiness of God. Has there been brokenness in your life recently that needs God’s healing or mending? Lift up holy hands, pray, and experience real freedom! Today’s Prayer Our Father, thank you for helping us to pray with holy hearts and hands! Please keep our minds and hearts in the center of your will and in the power of your presence. 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? —Kevin Donley, District Superintendent, Wisconsin DAY 26
Thursday, May 26, 2022 1 Timothy 2:1-2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Scripture Insights In Paul’s first recorded letter to Timothy, a young leader appointed to give guidance to the Ephesian church, Paul offers Timothy advice for his congregation. Chapter 2 addresses the importance of proper worship. Paul’s priority for prayer as worship must not be lost on us. He urges our prayers to include “petitions” (making requests for specific needs), “prayers” (bringing people before the throne of God), “intercession” (appealing boldly on their behalf), and “thanksgiving” (offering thankfulness for them). Paul goes on to specifically exhort the Ephesians to pray “for kings and all those in authority” (v. 2). Why? The duty of the state is to keep the peace, protect its citizens, preserve law and order, and punish evil. John Stott questioned, “[Is] the slow progress towards peace and justice in the world, and towards world evangelization, . . . due more than anything else to the prayerlessness of the people of God? . . . What [would] happen if God’s people throughout the world learned to wait upon him in believing, persevering prayer?” Our petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving are to be made for everyone! Today’s Prayer King of Kings and Lord of Lords, guide us to pray for your coming kingdom. Forgive us for the times we have made it about our perceived empires. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 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? —Rose Brower-Young, District Superintendent, Canada West DAY 25
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Scripture Insights Psalm 145 is a powerful psalm of praise written by David. The first stanzas declare the greatness of a God who is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love. This God is mighty, and his kingdom is everlasting; it will endure through the end of time, from generation to generation. David goes on to say that the Lord is faithful and promises to be near to those “who call on him in truth” (v. 18, emphasis added). We can trust him. So, why is it that sometimes when I pray to the one who sees and knows it all, I put on my “best face”? Why is it that sometimes I couch my prayers in sentiments I think may please God instead of just telling the truth about my own brokenness? Scripture tells us that David was a man after God’s own heart. Perhaps that is because he practiced coming to his Lord in truth. We see this faithful practice all through his story and in the psalms he wrote. Whether he was hiding in a cave from Saul, repenting from his sin with Bathsheba, or declaring victory over giants who threatened to fell him, David bared his soul to God. May it be so in me. Today’s Prayer Lord, may I learn to trust you as David did. May I set aside pretense and performance when I pray, knowing that nothing is hidden from you. May I come to you in truth. Your compassion and endless mercy is my hope. 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? —Bonnie Perry, General Editor DAY 24
Tuesday, May 24, 2022 Matthew 9:37-38 Then he said to his disciples, “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 Everyone loves seeing the harvest, and at times God provides glimpses of the harvest to encourage us. However, we are not the “Lord of the harvest.” God is! Certainly the harvest happens in many seasons year after year, but working in the fields requires us to rethink what it means to harvest. We ask God for workers because the harvest field is not barren. It is plentiful. What if we could truly comprehend that the harvest is directly related to prayer? The seeds we are planting in prayer will produce results. The workers will go out into the field. There will be a harvest because five hundred thousand Nazarenes asked the Lord of the harvest for help! What is fascinating to consid er is that the harvest of our work may not be what we think. It has the potential to be greater than we could ask or imagine. Our task is to simply ask! Robert Louis Stevenson said, “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” Today’s Prayer Jesus, we ask you to increase the harvest. Provide us with workers around our region to realize the harvest you have for us. May we plant seeds so that others find you. We trust in you because you are the Lord of the harvest. 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? —Wendell Brown, District Superintendent, North Central Ohio DAY 23
Monday, May 23, 2022 Psalm 116:1-2 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Scripture Insights One of my favorite songs, written by my friend Dr. Terry Toler, is titled “He Still Speaks.” What a great thought: God speaks to us; we can know his voice. But what is equally amazing is that God listens. The psalmist powerfully reminds us that the Lord “heard my voice” (Ps. 116:1). This psalm is a beautiful reminder that God hears us. How did the psalmist discover this? In the psalmist’s cry for mercy, God heard. He heard, not when the psalmist deserved it, not when the psalmist had earned a listen, not in the psalmist’s goodness, but when the psalmist cried for mercy. Many translations say, “He inclined his ear to me” (e.g., NRSV). The NLT says, “He bends down to listen.” What a beautiful picture of the Lord being so hungry to hear from us. A reading of the complete psalm tells us that the psalmist discovers on multiple occasions that it was good to pray. Let us be reminded today that in each of life’s seasons and situations, the Lord is bending down to hear our prayers. Today’s Prayer Lord, we give you thanks for a listening ear. You hear our cry of confession, our pleas for help and healing, our prayers of adoration and thanksgiving. May your church rise up as a mighty army of prayer as we seek your direction. 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 Mason, District Superintendent, North Carolina DAY 22
Sunday, May 22, 2022 Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Scripture Insights As the apostle Paul concludes his prayer, he shifts his focus to the one to whom he is praying. He declares that God is capable not only of answering his prayers but also of doing more than anyone could ever imagine. Think about that for a moment. There is no prayer we can offer that is too big for God, so we can pray boldly. How will God respond to the faithful prayers of his people? Can we begin to imagine what God will do? What might God ask of us? Move the focus from yourself to him. What does God want to do in and through you? What does he desire of our churches, educational institutions, compassionate ministry centers, pastors, and people? Remember, it is his power at work in us that our world needs. “To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations” (Eph. 3:21). Today’s Prayer Today, we ask for the things that we cannot even imagine but that you desire. We ask for a holy, loving, and unifying Spirit to fill us. We ask for holy boldness, courage, and wisdom. Fill us with your power and purpose. May we never forget your power, which is at work within us. 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? —Tim Crump, District Superintendent, Southwest Indiana 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? —David Mowry, District Superintendent, Northwest 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? —Phil Fuller, District Superintendent, Virginia 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? —Eddie Estep, District Superintendent, Kansas City 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? —Steve Hoffman, District Superintendent, Prairie Lakes 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? —Dan Gilmore, District Superintendent, Northern Michigan DAY 16
Monday, May 16, 2022 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 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? —Larry McKain, District Superintendent, Chicago Central 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? —Mark Lindstrom, District Superintendent, North Arkansas 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? —Jeffrey Johnson, District Superintendent, South Texas 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? —Mark Bane, Director, Evangelism and New Church Development DAY 11
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 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 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 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? —Jim Bond, District Superintendent, Kansas DAY 7
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 |
AuthorNotes from the Staff @The Woods Archives
January 2023
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