At the start of our a new year, we want to turn our attention to the Lord – not just because it’s the first of the year and that is something we should do. It’s more than that. It’s our recognition that given the challenges of our day, we know these are times to rely on human wisdom and human strength. Rather, this is a day where the resources of heaven need to be employed for the wisdom, strength, impact and change we need to see come to pass.

Included in this guide is a prayer focus covering a separate topic for each day. Consider including this guide as part of your devotional discipline over these next seven days. May the scriptures prompt faith and courage to pray bold prayers. Ask God for a breath prayer that you can use through out the day as a way to hold the need before the Lord.

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results…

James 5:16

Day One: Clarity and Courage for Church Leaders

Thank-you Lord for being the kind of God who readily guides our steps and leads us according to your righteous right hand. Bless our pastors with wisdom and insight. May your voice be clear to them. Provide confirmation of your ways and give them favor with those who are being led by them. May their teaching be inspired and their wisdom embraced. And together may we all courageously reflect you in this great hour of need!

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Isaiah 31:21

Day Two: Wisdom for Government Officials

Lord, you invite us to ask you for wisdom and you give it generously to those who ask in faith (indiscriminately). Therefore, we come to you on behalf of our political leaders - nationally, in our state, and our local communities. Grant them the benefit of your counsel – even if they don’t/won’t recognize it as such. May they find it compelling and prompt within them a desire to heed it and follow through on it. And Lord, protect them from deception and those with evil intent.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6

Day Three: Unity in Our Country

Your word reminds us how much you love unity under your headship. It is core to your purposes with humanity! In light of all that is happening in our world, might you work in the hearts of people from across the political and philosophic divide. Bring people together. Help us to find common ground and foster and build unity in our country. To your honor and glory!

How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!

Psalm 133:1

Day Four: Spiritual Revival in Our Nation

These days are a reminder that we cannot ‘do life’ without you. Our world is in desperate need of salvation and healing. Turn our attention toward you. Lead us to repentance and submission to your ways. Remind us to pray – far beyond these days – for your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. And may great numbers of people be drawn to you!

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:9-10

Day Five: Healing for the Sick

There are so many who are suffering with sickness and the complications of this pandemic and with many other illnesses. And even those who are not personally ill-effected, have had other health-related concerns complicated by the pandemic. Never-the-less, you are the God who invites us to cast our cares upon you, because you love us – and by your stripes we are healed. We hold fast to your promises and ask that many will be touched by your healing grace!

Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases…

Psalm 103:2-3

Day Six: Reassurance for Families Overcome by Worry

Lord, you are a very present help in times of trouble. This is why we look to you and trust you – even when it feels like things are caving in around us. Our eyes will not be distracted by the chaos happening around us. We will not give in to worry, knowing it cannot add one good thing to our lives. Rather, we will remind ourselves of your care; praying with thanksgiving, leaning into your unending faithfulness and care!

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalm 46:1-3

Day Seven: Provision and Blessing in the Year Ahead

Many people have suffered on many fronts under an insecure economy, closures due to the pandemic, restricted supply chains, job losses, childcare challenges. Extend your mercy Lord! May we be reminded that every good and perfect gift comes from you. Therefore, as we look to you and honor you with the first fruits of all you have given to us, may your great blessing return to us all. Restore what the locusts have devoured and provide for us in your own miraculous way!

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Psalm 5:11

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