Join us in 40 Days of Prayer as we lead up to Easter with our ONE KC series.
Week 1: GOD’S WORD – Daily Prayer Prompts
Day 1 Devotional Prompt For the week:
God’s Word, by Gary Kendall “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Matthew 22:37-39
My wife, Belinda, and I took a guided tour into a cavern in Tennessee. We admired the icicle-like stalactites that hung from the cave ceiling and marveled at the other-worldly stalagmites that grow up from the floor.
Maybe you’ve been on a similar tour where it seems that your balance is off because the environment is so unfamiliar. It’s eerie.
My confidence was in our guide and the light he held. At one point, with a clear warning, he switched off the light. I didn’t know darkness could be so suffocating. I couldn’t wait for the light to come back on. My heart was in my throat when finally, he threw the switch. Immediately I felt reassured.
2020 is a year where we feel unsteady. Our world looks foreign in new ways since last year at this time. We need the light of God’s Word to light our path.
Just like we need the dawn every day, which brings new light, we daily need God’s Word.
In the Lenten season leading up to Easter Sunday, make it a priority to get into God’s Word every day. Challenge yourself to listen to the audio version of Matthew, Luke, and John on the Bible.is If you also watch the book of Mark on the Luma videos in a Watching Group, you will hear all four gospels in the forty days leading up to Easter.
My guide in the cavern had a flashlight, my wife, Belinda, and I still had to follow his lead to get back up to the top. God’s Word combined with the leadership of the Holy Spirit, points the way. You must take steps to get where you want to go.
Application step: Pick a morning where you can watch the sunrise with your Bible open on your lap. Let it remind you God has light for your world.
Prayer—Lord, Jesus, be my guide. I need Your light. Thank You for giving me Your Word. Amen
Day 2 Prompt:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Trusting God is not always easy – especially when you’re in uncharted territory. In what areas do you need to trust Him more, and lean less on your own perspective and opinions? Lay that before Him today.
Dear Jesus, your word is trustworthy. Today I choose to trust you. Help me with my unbelief. Amen.
Day 3 Prompt:
I can testify that the Word is true and deserves to be received by all, for Jesus Christ came into the world to bring sinners back to life—even me, the worst sinner of all! Yet I was captured by grace, so that Jesus Christ could display through me the outpouring of His Spirit as a pattern to be seen for all those who would believe in him for eternal life.
Because of this my praises rise to the King of all the universe who is indestructible, invisible, and full of glory, the only God who is worthy of the highest honors throughout all of time and throughout the eternity of eternities! Amen!
1 Timothy 1:15-17 (TPT)
If one thing is for certain, we are 0% perfect, but 100% forgiven when we receive Jesus. We do not deserve His saving grace, but God’s Word assures us that it is there for receiving! What person, or area of your own life, do you have a tough time forgiving? Lay that before the cross today, and then, like Timothy, lift your praises high for what He has done for you!
Dear Jesus, though I do not deserve it, thank you for your merciful forgiveness. Help me follow your example today by forgiving others and forgiving myself. I praise you for your mysterious glory and power to conquer death! Amen
Day 4 Prompt:
Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
you have done wonderful things,
things planned long ago.
Isaiah 25:1 (NIV)
In times of uncertainty, we can take comfort knowing God is working out a plan He set in motion at the beginning of time. Today, praise Him for His trustworthiness in the middle of life’s storms.
God you are the King of Kings! I exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness, you continue to fulfil your plan and promises in our world and in my life. Amen
Day 5 Prompt:
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:12-15 (MSG)
Living a life of Christ-filled integrity is not easy. To be certain, persecution increases day by day in our world. But a life with Jesus is the path of hope and eternal life. Stay the course.
Dear God, you never said this life would be easy, but your word promises the outcome will be exceptionally good. Help me today to stay the course, trusting you and walking in integrity, so that others will also find you. Amen
Day 6 Prompt:
God wasn’t attracted to you and didn’t choose you because you were big and important—the fact is, there was almost nothing to you. He did it out of sheer love, keeping the promise he made to your ancestors. God stepped in and mightily bought you back out of that world of slavery, freed you from the iron grip of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know this: God, your God, is God indeed, a God you can depend upon. He keeps his covenant of loyal love with those who love him and observe his commandments for a thousand generations. But he also pays back those who hate him, pays them the wages of death; he isn’t slow to pay them off—those who hate him, he pays right on time.
Deuteronomy 7:7-10 (MSG)
There is nothing we can do to make ourselves any more attractive to God. His word tells us He loves us because He chooses to! His dependable character is unchanging, and He has His eye on you – in good times and bad. What do you need to trust Him with today?
Dear God, thank you that you are a dependable God who keeps watch over all your creation. Our world and our city need you today more than ever! Please intercede on our behalf Lord, Jesus and open wide opportunities for others to discover the great and dependable love you freely give to all who trust your word! Amen
Day 7 Prompt:
‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.
Zechariah 1:3b (NIV)
“Return to me and I will return to you!” The Lord repeats this truth throughout the Scripture. It is a promise we can count on! Our nation has become further and further estranged from God the Father, but we are never beyond His reach!
Dear God, my deepest desire for our city and nation is that we, as a people, will return to you. Let godliness, righteousness and integrity prevail, so that revival may sweep our land. Amen.
Week 2: Love your neighbor –Daily Prayer prompts
Day 1 Devotional Prompt For the week:
Love God and Love Your Neighbor, by Gary Kendall
“Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart…(and) love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39
Did Jesus mean my actual neighbor? And, if I do believe He is speaking to me about my neighbors, how would I go about loving them?
I’ve struggled with this question because Jesus said, all the law and prophets hang on these two great commandments, love God and love your neighbor as yourself.
I’ve come to believe that, in today’s context, my neighbor equals those with whom I live, learn, work and play. Essentially my neighbors equal my sphere of influence.
When I love God, His love flows to me in a relationship. It is natural that, in my human relationships, His love flows out of me to others.
I’ve found there are three simple, repeatable, things I can do that facilitate healthy relationships, it’s is a lifestyle–I pray, care, and share.
As I pray, I listen for God to speak to my heart. I don’t usually hear an audible voice in my ear, but over time I’ve come to discern His gentle whispers to my soul. Even as I pray the Spirit leads me to care. As I care, opportunities to share come naturally.
God is always reaching to His children to reveal His love. I can share my influence, my story, and the good news of Jesus. It is personal and timely.
I’ve come to see prayer, care, and share, as the natural, unforced, rhythms of life and love. My love for God spills over to my neighbors. They can see it or sense it or both. Before you know it, they believe they are valued in my life, and they want to know why. The door is open to God. God steps through to their heart.
Application step: Offer yourself to God and be sensitive to others as they intersect your day. Watch for what God will do Step into open doors and give God a chance. Watch for receptivity. Build your relationship to others like a bridge over which Jesus can walk.
Prayer—Lord, I offer my life to You today to use as You see fit. Amen
Day 2 Prompt:
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37 (NIV)
Loving and caring for others isn’t always convenient or comfortable, and sometimes we need God’s help to push through our own attitudes.
Dear God, loving others is hard work. I confess some people in my life are just hard for me to love! Teach me to build bridges in love through patience, compassion and mercy. Help me to be sensitive to the needs you’ve placed in my path. Today I specifically pray for…
Day 3 Prompt:
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Lavish! What a marvelous word when connected to God’s love! …And what a tall order for us as we seek to love others as He first loved us!
Dear God, let my actions and my words toward others be an extension of your love so that others may know you! Give me the desire to love others as you lavishly love us and guard my heart and my mind from any offense. Hurtful words and actions come from hurting people. Help me remember that. Today, I specifically pray for…
Day 4 Prompt:
“Whoever embraces one of these children as I do embraces me, and far more than me—God who sent me.” Mark 9:37 (MSG)
Our children are struggling. Suicide is at an all-time high. Today’s youth are considered the most un-churched generation in US history. They need our love and our help. One of the most loving ways we can care for children in our community is to pray for them.
Dear God, it must break your heart to see our children are under such vile spiritual and physical attack. Help your people to raise up and love them, showing them truth in action through kindness, acceptance and concern. Help me to bring hope to children in my sphere of influence today by showing them I care.
Day 5 Prompt:
With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous[b] love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience. Be faithful to guard the sweet harmony of the Holy Spirit among you in the bonds of peace” Ephesians 4:2-3 (TPT)
Family can bring incredible joy to our lives, but when we are grumpy, or someone has disappointed us, it can be all too easy to respond in un-loving ways. Who is the hardest family member for you to love?
Dear God, my family is one of the most precious gifts you’ve given me, and yet, I confess, I haven’t always treated them that way. Help me speak life-giving words into my spouse/children/parents/siblings and help me to respond with humility, patience, gentleness and generosity.
Day 6 Prompt:
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:16-17 (NIV)
Good news! You are KNOWN by God! In fact, He spent a lot of time thinking about you before you ever breathed your first breath. He did the same thing for our neighbors. Each person you meet, God created and God loves!
Dear God, you overwhelm us with your love. Every person, in every culture, is a precious, beautiful creation. I pray today for cultural healing in our city. Let your Spirit fill our city and bring a new Christ-centered unity across the different nationalities and cultures. Restore trust. Restore kindness. Restore love.
Day 7 Prompt:
Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. Luke 11:17 (NIV)
One of the most concerning and unloving aspects of our society today is “cancel culture.” Jesus warned about this unloving behavior. How can the world know Jesus when we willingly divide ourselves? Check your heart today.
Dear God, I believe your love is the key to healing. Holy Spirit show me today any unloving behavior. Help me be part of the solution.
Week 3: Unity – Daily Prayer Prompts
Day 1 Devotional Prompt For the week:
Unity in the Church, by Gary Kendall
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
It’s easy to disagree. It’s natural to separate from those with whom you disagree. Our nation is polarized, and the evidence is all over social media. Have you watched a talk show recently? When did it become normal to shout at each other and all talk at the same time?
We wouldn’t let our children talk to each other like the political candidates did in the national debates.
Division is natural; it’s human nature.
Unity—that takes God’s work in us. Perhaps that’s why Jesus said unity in the Church would be a sign of God’s presence in His people. The world will notice.
What does it take to get to unity?
First, let’s agree that unity doesn’t mean we all agree. Unity doesn’t mean we share the same doctrinal beliefs or practices. Unity doesn’t even mean we feel warm feelings for each other.
Unity is a choice. When we choose unity, it means we invite Jesus to live in us and through us. Start there.
Let’s agree on Jesus, His death, resurrection, and salvation through His grace. Let that central truth unite us. Then love the family of God and appreciate the differences in His children.
Keep Your focus on Jesus. Let Him do His part which is to be in control; if He is, we don’t need to be. It’s important to know what we believe and why but that doesn’t mean that we police others and separate if they have their own unique view.
Love is our highest calling. If we love well, others will see God in us. They will want what we have, and Jesus is honored. The world will take notice.
Application step: Pray for at least five churches who’ve chosen to be a part of ONE KC in the next five days. Pray for some that believe or practice differently than you. Listen to what God says to you in this exercise and follow His leading to love.
Prayer—Lord, I acknowledge You are God and I am not. I trust You to direct and control your children. Help me love like You love. Amen
Day 2 Prompt:
How truly wonderful and delightful
to see brothers and sisters living together in sweet unity!
It’s as precious as the sacred scented oil
flowing from the head of the high priest Aaron,
dripping down upon his beard and running all the way down
to the hem of his priestly robes.
This heavenly harmony can be compared to the dew
dripping down from the skies upon Mount Hermon,
refreshing the mountain slopes of Israel.
For from this realm of sweet harmony
God will release his eternal blessing, the promise of life forever!
Psalm 133 (TPT)
Take a moment to consider this; are you growing in unity with others? Or is it becoming easier to find faults? King David knew the value of unity within his nation. He compared it to a sacred scented oil and the dew on the mountain of God that refreshes the earth. When God’s people take a moment to choose their battles and then choose to love wisely, God is indeed glorified!
Dear God, forgive me for the divisiveness in my human nature. You have called me to the high calling of love and unity. Help me grow in love for others and bring unity to my home, city, and nation by loving others.
Day 3 Prompt:
When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”
Matthew 18:19-20 (MSG)
Jesus gives us insight into the power of unity. If we agree on a common issue or concern and bring it to God in prayer, the Father goes into action to respond! Unity among believers’ ushers in the very presence of God! If we are so busy fighting each other that we can’t even find the things we DO agree on, how can we successfully resist the enemy of our souls? Great things happen when we work together! Consider who you might sit together with today in prayer. Find the concerns you agree on and take them before the Father.
Dear Jesus, thank you for revealing the mysterious power of praying together in unity!
Day 4 Prompt:
In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises.
Galatians 3:28-29 (MSG)
“In Christ’s family there can be no division.” Those are powerful words! The global church is beautifully diverse; therefore, it is not surprising we hold many different views. But at the end of the day, God says there should be no DIVISION! We need each other and are stronger together.
Dear God, let your church come together in our city in unity! We are one church, serving one Lord. Let our harmony testify to your love!
Day 5 prompt:
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:1-4 (NIV)
In a united church, there is no room for selfishness, pride, or bitterness. Do you need to seek forgiveness from someone today?
Dear God, purify my heart so that I can live in the kind of humility that brings your people closer. I pray that you would help me recognize the needs of others and step in to help.
Day 6 Prompt:
With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience. Be faithful to guard the sweet harmony of the Holy Spirit among you in the bonds of peace, being one body and one spirit, as you were all called into the same glorious hope of divine destiny. For the Lord God is one, and so are we, for we share in one faith, one baptism, and one Father. And He is the perfect Father who leads us all, works through us all, and lives in us all!
Ephesians 4:2-6 (TPT)
Tender humility, quiet patience, gentleness, generous love, and peace are some of the church’s markers of unity. Do they mark your life? Where do you need a little fine-tuning?
Dear God, I want to be a peacemaker! Today, help me hold my tongue, demonstrate gentleness in my responses, and walk-in humility that honors others and who you created me to be. Let unity begin with me!
Day 7 prompt:
I have a serious concern to bring up with you, my friends, using the authority of Jesus, our Master. I’ll put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common.
1 Corinthians 1:10 (MSG)
Unity. It is the opposite of what we see happening in our world today. It is countercultural. It is a deliberate action and choice. Unity is divine so we need God’s help to practice it.
Dear God, we need you! Please intercede and reveal where brokenness exists in our hearts so we can forgive and be forgiven. Help us set aside our differences to unify on the things that matter most and show the world your true nature of love!
Week 4: Witness – Daily Prayer prompts
Day 1 Devotional Prompt For the week:
Witness, by Gary Kendall
“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah,’ and he brought him to Jesus.” John 1:41, 42
Who introduced you to Jesus? For most of us, it was a friend or relative. Not only is a personal invitation from a friend the typical way a person becomes aware of Jesus, but if a person receives Jesus, a friend or family member is most likely to begin the disciple-making process.
Have you considered that your friends and those with whom you live, learn, work, and play are more open to what you say about Jesus than they are to your pastor? You pastor agrees, by the way.
A study asked the question, with whom do you have the most trust, a salesman, a teacher, or a friend? Not surprisingly, three out of four said they trust a friend.
In the ONE Kansas City Initiative, there are built-in opportunities to invite your friends to Jesus.
You could invite friends and family to a Watching Party where you watch a beautiful re-enactment of the book of Mark. It’s available in many languages. Even if you can’t gather to watch due to COVID, you could watch and discuss the application questions via Zoom.
You could invite a co-worker, neighbor, friend, or relative to listen to the other three gospels through the audio version with the bible.is app. You could text or call each other to stay up to date with their questions and learning.
You can share the Sunday messages. They could meet you at church, or you could watch online and even meet each other in the chat during the service to talk about what you are hearing.
Consider that your relationship may be the bridge Jesus would use to reach those in your sphere of influence.
Who will you bring to Jesus?
Application step: Make a “top five” list and pray for them daily. Add to the list as God would lead. Pause as you pray and ask God, how do You want to use me?
Prayer—Lord, show me who. I’m willing to be like Andrew.
Day 2 Prompt:
To live like this is all the more urgent, for time is running out, and you know it is a strategic hour in human history. It is time for us to wake up! For our full salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:11 (TPT)
Nobody knows the day or hour when Christ will return, but with each passing day, we DO know the clock is winding down! Because of that, we must share Jesus with urgency!
Dear God, help me not to become lazy or squander any moment. Time is short! Let my life testify to your saving grace and redemptive love.
Day 3 Prompt:
It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. Rather, as it is written:
“Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”
Romans 15:20–21 (NIV)
70% of the world’s population lives in oral communities. 50% cannot read at a functional level. How will they hear the gospel? ONE KC is partnering with Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) to support Bible translation and audio recording in every heart language in the world. FCBH would love to see that happen by 2033. Wouldn’t you?
Dear God, it’s hard to imagine what it is like for a people where your Gospel has not yet reached! Bless those working to translate and record your Word. Provide the resources needed to accelerate the accomplishment of this important work.
Day 4 Prompt:
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.
1 Peter 1:23-25(NIV)
We can have the confidence to share Jesus with others because His word endures. It is unchanging and reliable. It always accomplishes the purpose of God.
Dear God, strengthen my confidence as I consider who to invite to participate in ONE KC. I know your Word is true. Please help me share and invite! Open their heart to say yes.
Day 5 prompt:
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Matthew 4:19 (NIV)
Jesus leads us by example. His early ministry was all about inviting people and introducing them to a new way of life. What they did with that invitation was up to them. Jesus cast a line. Some bit, some nibbled, and sadly, some swam away.
Dear God, thank you for your example. Sharing Jesus is a simple invitation. It’s my job to put it out there, and it’s your job to do the rest. Send me, Lord!
Day 6 Prompt
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.
Acts 4:31 (NIV)
God is our source of courage to live our faith publicly. When you feel weak or intimidated, pray! Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you and use you to speak God’s Word. The more He speaks through us, the more effective our witness.
Dear God, give me the courage and boldness to speak the truth in love!
Day 7 Prompt:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Romans 1:16 (NIV)
It only takes one or two experiences of someone making fun of you to intimidate or even shut you down. Paul reminds us that when it comes to the gospel message, we need to push back. That gospel carries with it the power of life or death. Let’s think more about what the other person needs than we need. Remember, there was a time someone shared with you. You can be that person to someone else.
Dear God, please open the doors for me to invite friends to know you. Prepare their hearts and fortify me with Holy Spirit boldness, for your word is filled with power!
Week 5: PRAYER Daily Prompts
Day 1 Devotional Prompt For the week:
Prayer, by Gary Kendall
“Abba, Father, he said, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:35
Near the end of the gospel of Mark, we come to an agonizing moment for Jesus. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays with intimacy and surrender.
Starting prayer with Abba, and following it with Father, is a clue to what went on in the head and the heart of Jesus.
The word, Abba, implies the intimacy a child has with his Father. A typical first word for a child in English is Dada; Abba is the Hebrew equivalent.
Jesus illustrates that we can pray to our Father with the confidence that He will respond even in challenging times. God is not a distant deity who doesn’t want to be disturbed. He is a daddy who is there for his child.
But there is more. By adding the word, Father, right after Abba, Jesus implies that He acknowledges and submits to the will of the One to whom He prays. There is a reason Jesus used both words back to back.
Jesus acknowledged He has the right to come as a child to His daddy, and at the same time, He positions Himself as submitted to His Father’s will. Jesus accepted the authority of His Father.
If there are two things we need to remember as we pray this season, it is intimacy and surrender.
As crazy and challenging as the world is right now, it’s helpful to know; we have intimate access to our Abba. It’s not irreverent to call God, Daddy, or Abba. As strange as that may feel, it could be helpful.
We also must come to our Father with a surrendered heart. We are invited to pray for what we want and need. He is best able to supply our request when we come acknowledging He knows best.
Application step: Start some of your prayers this week with the words, Abba, Father. See if it helps you grasp the Father’s intimate invitation and reminds you of the need to commit to doing His will. Trust is an indicator of intimacy. Intimacy is key to the answer.
Prayer—Abba, Father, thank you for Your open arms and listening ear. I come acknowledging from the beginning that You have the right to decide how best to answer my prayer. I agree to follow Your way. Since I’ve determined this from the start, I offer my prayer with confidence. Amen.
Day 2 Prompt:
Pray like this:
‘Our Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms,
may the glory of your name
be the center on which our lives turn.
Manifest your kingdom realm,
and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth,
just as it is fulfilled in heaven.
We acknowledge you as our Provider
of all we need each day.
Forgive us the wrongs we have done as we ourselves
release forgiveness to those who have wronged us.
Rescue us every time we face tribulation
and set us free from evil.
For you are the King who rules
with power and glory forever. Amen.’
Matthew 6:9-13 (TPT)
Prayer is the most important conversation you’ll have today, but for many, it can feel intimidating. Jesus gave us a blueprint. His prayer’s first three points focus on God and His Kingdom (honoring His name, manifestation of His Kingdom, and His will on earth). The next three are about us (our basic needs, forgiveness, and rescue). If you don’t know where to start, in humility, begin with the Lord’s prayer. He will teach you.
Graphic: Our Father in Heaven
Day 3 Prompt:
He responds to the prayer of the poor and broken
and will not despise the cry of the homeless.
Psalm 102:17 (TPT)
Do you know God loves hearing from you? No matter where you fall on the ladder of success, how much money you don’t have in the bank, or how much of the Bible you’ve read or memorized, you MATTER to God! That knowledge alone should give us the confidence to approach Him today.
Dear God, Thank you for caring about me. I don’t understand it, but I trust your word. I am here, Lord, and I am listening.
Day 4 Prompt:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Mother Theresa once said, “Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God.” How wise are those words? Giving thanks in ALL circumstances – especially when life deals a tough hand – does not come naturally, but we can be assured that nothing that touches our life hasn’t first filtered through the hand of God. He has a purpose for everything and will redeem even devastating circumstances for His glory, and our good.
Dear God, I confess I’m struggling to put a smile on my face today because of ___. However, I’m thankful I can trust you with my life. Lord, you know the burden of my heart for ___. I lay that at your feet and pray for your perfect will.
Day 5 Prompt:
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree.
Jeremiah 29:11-13(MSG)
Do you feel distant from God lately? Maybe it’s time to ask yourself, “who moved?” Here’s a hint: It wasn’t God! Obedience in prayer is central to building a stronger connection between God and us. When we spend time with Him, that intimacy flourishes.
Dear God, I’m serious about strengthening my relationship with you. Forgive me for willfully ignoring this important part of spiritual life. I surrender my will to you today. Thank you that you are more than able to resolve every challenge in my life today and that you know best.
Day 6 Prompt:
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
Approaching God’s throne with confidence means we can go with boldness and courage, speaking from our heart without fear. Because Jesus experienced every kind of heartbreak known to man, we have an amazing advocate on our side.
Dear Jesus, how comforting it is that you empathize with every heartache and joy in my life! Because of this, I can stand firm in my faith despite life’s circumstances and trust that you have a way forward that is both reliable and perfect.
Day 7 prompt:
Most of all, I’m writing to encourage you to pray with gratitude to God. Pray for all men with all forms of prayers and requests as you intercede with intense passion. And pray for every political leader and representative, so that we would be able to live tranquil, undisturbed lives, as we worship the awe-inspiring God with pure hearts. It is pleasing to our Savior-God to pray for them. He longs for everyone to embrace his life and return to the full knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (TPT)
How often do you pray for our city, state, and national leaders? If you don’t align with their political party, is it hard for you to pray for them? God puts no conditions on this command: pray for all men…every political leader… In fact, the end of this passage reminds us that their soul may be on the line! If you don’t know who they are, do some research today on who your leaders are. Commit to praying for these people – by name – regularly. It might just change your heart, too.
Dear God, today, I lift up every leader under whose authority I sit. If they do not know you, please bring godly influencers into their lives so that they may find you. Protect their mind and heart from evil people in their circle and frustrate wicked plans. Fill their spirit with wisdom and discernment and bless them with the courage to stand for what is right. Bring healing to our divided land and raise up godly men and women to lead.
Week 6: Missions – Daily Prompts
Day 1 Devotional Prompt For the week:
Missions, by Gary Kendall
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.” Acts 1:8
Two thoughts jump out of the scripture. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to live on-mission. And when we are His witnesses, there will be ripples of impact near and far.
Jesus, in His instructions, doesn’t approach being a disciple with a conditional mindset like, maybe you would think about being a witness; it is expected and understood.
A disciple replicates the life of his Master, and a disciple of Jesus lives on-mission to make more disciples.
How do we do that? We daily invite the Holy Spirit to lead us. Every believer receives the Spirit of God by grace, and He is the One who directs our steps. He leads, and we follow—this is a daily exercise.
Start where you live, learn, work or play; that is where you are likely to see the “near” impact. If you go to Blesseveryhome.com, you can adopt your neighborhood to pray, care, and share. Every day you have five neighbor names come to you via email, and it literally walks you around your neighborhood. You can add friends, co-workers, and family members to your prayer list.
The ripple effect of living on-mission will reach beyond you to other extended families, and as people chose Jesus, it will change generations.
When you consider a “far” impact. What about adopting a portion of a Bible translation during the ONE Kansas City Initiative. Check into how you could partner with your church or others you know to fund a translation for an unreached people group.
Jesus was right; with the Holy Spirit’s help, your witness can transform your world, and it can also impact “the ends of the earth.”
Application step:
Adopt your neighborhood with Blesseveryhome.com.
Contribute to a Bible translation by joining your church plan. If you church doesn’t have a plan you can participate in the city plan. Go to xxx for details.
Prayer—Fill us with the Holy Spirit so we will be your witnesses. May our lives have an impact near and far.
Day 2 Prompt:
He turned to his disciples and said, “The harvest is huge and ripe! But there are not enough harvesters to bring it all in.
Matthew 9:37 (TPT)
Jesus said the harvest is ready for the taking, but where are the workers? We often pray God would bring new believers, but we forget an essential element – we are invited to be part of God’s work!
Dear God, raise up workers to bring in the harvest! Fill me with Holy Spirit courage to live life on mission. Help me to recognize doors and windows of opportunity to share your love and the good news of the gospel!
Day 3 Prompt:
But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
Romans 10:14-15 (NLT)
Do you have beautiful feet? Not the prettied-up manicured type…but the kind that bring good news!? Does your arrival bring joy to others? God doesn’t need us, but He chooses to graciously include us in His work for His glory. Sometimes that work is simply encouraging someone. Other times that work may be speaking a hard truth.
Dear God, I want to have beautiful feet! When you call me to move, I want to move so that others hear about your saving grace and the great love you have for them. Thank you for involving me in your salvation work.
Day 4 Prompt:
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 1:7-8 (NIV)
Charles Spurgeon once said, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.” Which are you? God’s call can feel daunting, but He has a significant promise – He is with us and will rescue us! We don’t need to be afraid of anyone! So, whether you are young, old, or somewhere in the middle, stop making excuses…He won’t leave you hanging!
Dear God, forgive me for making excuses to obey your will. Thank you for your promises that assure me you have got my back – always. Today, I choose obedience!
Day 5 Prompt:
Then I heard the Lord saying, “Whom should I send to my people? Who will go to represent us?” I spoke up and said, “I will be the one. Send me.”
Isaiah 6:8 (TPT)
God is calling you! Will you respond in boldness like Isaiah? Or, will you look for the nearest closet in which to hide? Spend some time in prayer today, asking God what He desires from you. Prayer is the best strategy to align our hearts with God’s heart.
Dear God, I open my heart to you completely today. I’m putting it all on the table. I know a life lived with you and guided by you is a life characterized by adventure. Direct my steps today. Speak into my heart that I will begin to understand your plan and how I fit into it.
Day 6 Prompt:
And then he told them, “You are to go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.
(Mark 16:15 (TLB)
Is what you are living for worth it? The disciples left EVERYTHING to follow Jesus – and then continued to share the good news. God may not ask you to leave your home like He did the 12, but do you know your mission field? It’s everyone you know! Ask him to open the doors.
Dear God, there is nothing you want more than for all people to know you as their King! Open doors for new conversations with people I care deeply about today. Fill my mouth with truth, wisdom, and boldness to serve and to share.
Day 7 Prompt:
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
1 Corinthians 3:6–7 (NIV)
Sharing Jesus with others is a team effort. Isn’t that encouraging? Every investment you make in the life of someone is simply part of their journey to find Jesus. Whether you plant seeds, water with encouragement, or help bring in the harvest, God has uniquely positioned and equipped you for the job!
Dear God, the ministry is a team effort – thank you! Thank you for equipping me for the part you have for me. Please open my eyes to see the opportunity to serve others and give me ears to hear your call to meet the needs.