Please join us for 21 days of prayer. Below you will find 21 days of scripture, devotionals and prayers which we will be using between Jan 5 and Jan 26, 2020. Or if you would like to receive a daily text with the scripture, devotional and prayer of the day you can text Prayer to 805 979-2003.
21 Days of Prayer
Day 1:
Scripture:
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread. Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:1-4 NIV
Devotional:
Right after Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him and the Father declared Jesus’ Sonship. Immediately, He was led into the wilderness where He fasted and was tempted. Knowing Jesus was physically and emotionally depleted, the devil attempted to get Jesus to question His identity. Jesus prevailed; He responded with Truth.
Think of a time when you’ve been with the Lord in prayer and reading the Word, after which you’re feeling confident in who you are in Christ. A challenge arises, an opportunity to walk out your spiritual confidence. Do you respond as Jesus did, taking thoughts captive and standing strong in your identity? We have the same Spirit in us that Jesus relied on during His time of temptation by the devil; His strength was from the same Holy Spirit that lives in us. Jesus knew His identity and truth. Because Jesus prevailed, so can we.
Prayer:
Jesus, like You, we want to walk into every challenge the enemy brings with a strong sense of who we are and how our Heavenly Father sees us. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that leads and guides. May we have ears sharply attuned to Truth.
Day 2:
Scripture:
When the day of Pentecost had come, they (the disciples) were all gathered in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. There appeared to them tongues as of fire being distributed and resting on each of them. Acts 2:1-3
Devotional:
Revival—a word used a lot these days. We talk about it and pray for it. But what does it really mean? To some, it means attracting people to the church, getting people saved, and church growth strategies. According to John Burton, author of The Coming Church, revival has nothing to do with church growth or the lost. Rather, it means, “church awakening”—contending in intercession and attracting the fire of the Holy Spirit. The Acts revival that erupted in that roomful of remnants (Jesus’ followers) resulted in explosive church growth and Kingdom advancement.
Are we a church of marginally committed, comfortable, entertained “non remnant” people? Or are we a “furnace of intercession”, electric with supernatural activity and powerful encounters with Jesus? Let us be people called into the supernatural, out of a casual place into radical surrender!
Prayer:
Jesus, forgive us for being marginally committed, comfort-seeking, complacent followers of You. We want to break out of comfort and be awakened by Your Holy Spirit. We give You permission to “erupt and explode” in us individually and corporately. Call us out of our worldview and ignite us to help You bring heaven to this earth!
Day 3:
Scripture:
And Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20b NIV
Devotional:
The Holy Spirit Himself is one of the greatest gifts we ever receive. Knowing the value of His presence brings us newly discovered intimacy with Him. From this relationship, things that seem impossible can happen because the Spirit of Jesus is with us. But while God never contradicts His Word, He is very comfortable moving above and beyond our understanding of it. Jesus promised to be with us forever; it is up to us to choose to live boldly, as if He is!
Prayer:
Father God, we thank you for your gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Thank you for the ministry of power that comes through our relationship with you. Make your dreams our dreams. Encourage and empower us as we press in to know you more and to walk in the impossible—made possible by your glory in us!
Day 4:
Scripture:
Our God is in heaven; He does what pleases Him. Psalm 115:3 NIV
Devotional:
We read this verse, nod our heads and say, “Yes, I let God do what pleases Him.” But if He does something that doesn’t fit into our life’s paradigm, we sometimes balk or complain. Holy Spirit wants us to follow Him off our grid and beyond what we know. As the Psalm says, “He does what pleases Him.”
In the title song of her EP “Boxes”, worship leader Jena Brancart addresses breaking down walls, fears, and wrong ideas of God:
“All my boxes, they are breaking, and my heart is re-arranging, coming in alignment with who You are.”
What “boxes” do you have God in? Do you allow God to do what pleases Him in your life? Or do you allow only what fits in your “boxes”? Pray for the boldness to allow God permission in our lives and in our church to move as He pleases—off our grid and out of the box!
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, as scary as it may feel to us, we give You permission to fully do Your will in and around us. Empower us to follow You off our grid and out of the comfortable “boxes” we’ve put You in. Rearrange our hearts, bringing us into alignment with who You really are!
Day 5:
Scripture:
For our God is a consuming fire Hebrews 12:29 NIV For the Lord your God is a consuming fire; a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:24 NIV
Devotional:
This passage in Deuteronomy, reiterated in Hebrews 12:29, is a warning to worship God with reverence and awe. In Deuteronomy, Moses is warning the Israelites against idolatry, because God will not share His glory with worthless idols or tolerated having His holiness disrespected. Thankfully, through the blood of Christ, we do not have to fear the consuming fire of God’s wrath but is does NOT mean that we avoid the consequences of idol worship, or that it does not affect our relationship with Him. Even if we don’t have other idols before God, do we have a mindset of being comfortable where we are in our relationship with Him? Are we attending church because we like the music, sermons or programs? Let us pray that New Life will NOT be a church that is satisfied with warming our flesh by the fire but wants to be CONSUMED by God’s fire!
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, convict our hearts, and show us where we are being content with our comfort zones, whether in our beach/vacation culture, programs, social events or being just “pew sitters”. Move radically in our hearts, igniting a flame to earnestly seek You above all else. May Your Kingdom come, Your will be done here at New Life Church, just as it is in heaven!
Day 6:
Scripture:
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you…but when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. John 16:7,13a NIV
Devotional:
Smith Wigglesworth’s* great granddaughter, Lil de fin, commented on this verse where Jesus was telling His disciples about the arrival of the Holy Spirit. She imagined that Jesus was very excited that the Holy Spirit was going to come. Does it say that in the Bible? No, but can you imagine Jesus saying, “That Holy Spirit guy is coming to replace me, but He’s better than nothing.” NO! He said, “It is GOOD that He goes away, so Holy Spirit can come. Jesus was excited for what the Holy Spirit was going bring and do, therefore so should we!
Prayer:
Lord we want to be a church filled with the Holy Spirit and power. We desire to hear Your voice, yield to Your presence, follow Your lead, and partner with You to bring salvation, healing, and deliverance to all people. Every time we gather together, we host Your presence. Empower us to dwell in unity as brothers and sisters in Christ, humbled to be a place for the Holy Spirit to land!
*Smith Wigglesworth was a British evangelist who was influential in the early history of Pentecostalism
Day 7:
Scripture:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV
Devotional:
It is easy to become disheartened or weary as we attempt to live a godly life, or plant seeds to reap eternal life for the people around us. It can be especially discouraging if we do not receive a word of thanks or see any tangible results. But since God sees the big picture that we don’t, our job is to obey Him, and leave all the consequences of our actions to Him. Keep pressing in and doing the good you are called to do. You will reap a harvest of blessing in due time!
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, thank You for being an encourager to us. We want to keep pressing in and doing the will of Father God even when we don’t see the results of or receive adulation for our efforts. Thank You that You see what is happening behind the scenes—all that we can’t yet see. Continue to help us as we seek to glorify You!
Day 8:
Scripture:
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, “He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness.” 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 NASB
Devotional:
This verse is not meant to discourage us from pursuing knowledge but is a warning that if worldly wisdom holds us back from God, it is not wisdom at all. God’s way of thinking is more valuable, even though it may seem foolish to the world. We are constantly bombarded with the values, opinions, and wisdom of the world through our excessive exposure to all forms of media. We must put on our “God-filters” and avoid thinking that we can become wiser before Him with the world’s standards!
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord for creating us to be seekers of knowledge and to grow in wisdom. As the world around us presses in and pressures us more and more, help us to remain vigilant in filtering through all the information, help us to avoid its foolishness and be foolish only for Your will, ways and wisdom!
Day 9:
Scripture:
I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love. John 15:9 NLT
Devotional:
By following closely in Jesus’ footsteps and being obedient to His will, we allow Him to nourish our hearts. This is vital in order for us to pour out and give to our hearts to others. Giving from our own strength and determination depletes us and causes weariness. Giving from a heart nourished and filled by Jesus brings peace and joy. Have you been feeling depleted and burned out? Check in with the One who brings His love to the deep places of your heart and spend some time getting refueled!
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for loving us as the Father loves You. There is no greater joy! We want to press in more, press in deeper, and press in longer to You, so You can fill our hearts to capacity. We submit to fully relying on You, so that we can give to others out of the overflow of our own hearts!
Day 10:
Scripture:
“Love your enemies, do them good and never lend despairingly. Your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind toward the unthankful and the evil” Luke 6:35
Devotional:
Buried in Jesus’ Sermon of the Mount is this simple statement that, for many of us is so hard to follow. When we are wronged, we often retaliate. If we are cut-off while driving, we become angry or frustrated at the other driver. But have you ever made a mistake while driving and could discern that other drivers were irritated? In your case you may wish the other driver gave you some grace for your mistake. But how easy it is for us to become irate to others and not offer them grace?
If the God of the universe gives us grace and is also graceful to even the “unthankful and the evil” who are we to not do likewise. Are we so above God that we are allowed to be ungraceful to others?
God is merciful because He knows what we are made of. He understands our failures and foibles; good or bad and gives us grace anyway.
Prayer:
Lord, I confess to you as your child that though given so much grace from you, I still am often not graceful to others who need it as I do. Grant me the wisdom and power of your Holy Spirit to be graceful to others, for your name’s sake. Amen
Day 11:
Scripture:
“…let us not neglect meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, now that the day of His return is near.” Hebrews 10:25 NLT
Devotional:
The writer of Hebrews (likely Paul) connects two Biblical doctrines. He references the return of Jesus and “gathering together”. The word “gathering” is sometimes translated, meeting, assembling, meeting for worship. Plainly, Paul is talking about the Church and the Second Coming of Jesus. In the last days before Christ returns Believers will avoid going to Church. In this century we see this. The absence of non-believers doesn’t mean much. The absence in church of those who claim Jesus as Savior is different. Today believers adopt attitudes like “I don’t need to go to church I can worship anywhere.” or “I’ll worship God my own way.” The most telling is the churchgoer who “church hops”. That is the believer who visits churches like a buffet; not staying to regularly assemble together or be committed to a church. What’s the difference? Assembling regularly with the same group, you get to know, you grow, participate, serve and are ministered to by others. Not so in making the rounds of churches and “not assembling/worshipping” with a consistent group.
Prayer:
Lord I am having difficulty settling into church. I want to commit, but I haven’t yet. Please lead me, and open my heart to regular attendance so I can grow, serve, and be ministered to as part of a family. Amen
Day 12:
Scripture:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Devotional:
When I find that I am anxious, I ask myself the important question, “Where did I lose my peace?“ If I can answer that, I am usually able to spot the lie I believed that brought about such conflict in my soul. Confession and forsaking sin follow, which is what God uses to restore peace. And that place of peace is the place where faith matures.
Prayer:
Father, I acknowledge that Jesus made it possible for me to come before you. This privilege is not something I could have earned. So I rest in the accomplishments of Jesus on my behalf. I also recognize that in my surrender to You, Your heart becomes manifest through me. And that is my great desire. Be glorified in and through me this day!
Day 13:
Scripture:
“You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.“ Acts 10:38
Devotional:
This verse gives us a synopsis of what is already revealed through out the gospels: Jesus healed and delivered all who came to him. Sometimes when we feel our weakest, we turn to anxiety and fear without thinking. Today when you feel like the weight of life is all too much, take a moment to think about Acts 10:38. Remember that Jesus is with you, He loves you, and He has power over the things of this world that cause us to stumble or be afraid.
Prayer:
Help me to become more aware of Your presence upon me in my daily routine and in my most intentional moments. I pray that I would not become confident in my own abilities, but know that my strength is found in You. Let this day be a blessing to those around me as I allow the Holy Spirit to be present in my comings and in my goings.
Day 14:
Scripture:
When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
John 4:47-50
Devotional:
Sometimes when I read the Bible, I take the miracles of Jesus for granted. Sounds like a strange thing to say, but imagine seeing Jesus actually heal lepers or blind people and raising people from the dead! The fact that Jesus cares enough to take time to restore us is amazing! Rejoice in that fact because it is truly a miracle in and of itself!
Prayer:
Heavenly father, Your goodness and kindness are beyond my comprehension. I love You so much for always going past my expectations. Please help me to stop evaluating how well I am doing; instead, help me to be caught up with who You are and what You are like. I come to you as I am, with blemishes and weakness included. I thank You in advance that You will complete the good work You have started in me.
Day 15:
Scripture:
The Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation. Deliver us from evil. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (Luke 11:2 NRSV)
Devotional:
There is no prayer “formula”. It is conversing with God as you would a parent who loves you and wants the best for you. God loves you perfectly. The “A.C.T.S.” model helps you grow in your prayer life. “A.C.T.S.” stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Adoration is expressing to God your recognition of His attributes. Confession is agreeing with God about what you have done wrong. Thanksgiving is gratitude for God’s blessings to you. Supplication is telling God your needs and those of others,
Prayer (example):
Almighty God, I am humbled by your grace, mercy and love. I confess I am not where You want me to be. My attitude and interactions with others are sometimes not a reflection of Jesus. I surrender this to you to change my life. I am thankful your Holy Spirit can transform me. You have blessed me and continue to bless me. I give you my health, marriage, family and my church for you to sustain and grow in ways you know best. Amen
Day 16:
Scripture:
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:12-14
Devotional:
Verse fourteen describes we that are of the Spirit as “children of God.” What a great and wonderful honor…to be called a son or daughter of the Most High! Take time to think about that. Can you or I be placed any higher than that? What an Honor…an honor we do not deserve…but He has bestowed that title on us…Wow!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we thank You that Your Spirit is with us and for us. That You care for our well being is a joy and we cannot rejoice enough. As we journey through a new season, would You remind us that You are near to those who call upon Your name? Journey with us children and restore creation to Your glory! Amen.
Day 17:
Scripture:
“I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, Lord, but only with justice—not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing.” Jeremiah 10: 23-24
Devotional:
When life happens, and the things in life that we try to control fall swiftly from our hands we can in humility and helplessness realize that our life is not our own. When every effort we have made to do things right or to be successful has still left us in a place of depletion, we come before the Father with pleading and crying out. And it is then that we realize the kindness, gentleness and compassion of our Savior.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, in this life we will have loss. Loss of jobs, relationships, health, and even life. But we ask in your mercy to remind us in a way that only you can, that our life is not our own and no matter how hard we try, we cannot control our circumstances. Help us to understand that it is a good thing to have you direct our steps and when we give it all to you, you bring meaning, restoration and healing to all that we have to face. Help us to lean into you in times when we don’t have the strength to even know how to move forward. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 18:
Scripture:
“Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I hear the voice of one speaking.” Ezekial 1:28
Devotional:
We live in a place of beauty where each day, we see God’s creation in new and stunning pictures across the sky, in nature, on our beaches, wildlife and wildflowers. He creates for us a new masterpiece each day to enjoy and provides for us gifts and blessings everywhere we turn. But I wonder how many of these little sentiments we miss. How many times do we see a display of His glory and in our hurriedness to get the next task done, or arrive at our next appointment, that we glaze over all He had waiting to share with us?
Prayer:
Glorious Savior, your likeness is demonstrated in our lives daily. If we really understood the beauty of who you are and treasure you wish to share with us, we would fall facedown and glorify your holy name. May we never lose sight of all you have given to us. May we never take for granted the place we live. May we be still and contemplate the works of your hands and the wonders you have made and in awe be still and listen to what you are speaking to us today.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 19:
Scripture:
“The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” Proverbs 20:5
Devotional:
Many question, what is my purpose? What have I been put on Earth to do? I don’t believe it is a question that we can answer in a day, a month or year, but is something we will spend a lifetime to uncover from the deep waters of our hearts. Every time we sit in the presence of God or see Him move in our lives and others, we dig deeper into those waters and bring them to the surface. In pieces, phases and processes we begin to see all that God has called us to be.
Prayer:
Father God, may I look to you each day for more understanding of who you have created me to be. May I search for more depth and fish out from the darkness what lies deep in my heart that you have put there ready to be brought to light. May I be patient to your timing and diligent to pursue daily the work and discipline it takes to follow you without restraint. May no fear of failure or what others may think of me, keep me from walking with you in the fullness of your purpose for me. May I understand that it is not of my efforts that greatness will come forth, but in humility and obedience that I learn of the masterpiece that lies within. In Jesus name, Amen.
Day 20:
Scripture:
“I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 NIV
Devotional:
Many times we shrink back from speaking the testimony in our lives and hearts because we think we need to have eloquent words, scholarly words and a more powerful story. Like Paul, we may even come with fear and trembling. But our words are not our own, but obedience to allow the Spirit to speak in and through us. Being transparent in the midst of struggle can have some of the greatest impact. It is in our imperfection that we can speak the loudest for the cause of Christ.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to speak out the words you put on my heart. That even with fear and trembling I would be able to speak aloud all that you have and done and are doing in my life. May I rely on your wisdom and not my own. You transform lives; I am just a vessel to partner with you in the Kingdom of the Most High. In Jesus name, Amen
Day 21:
Scripture:
“See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:11-12 NIV
Devotional:
Our Savior has given us an inheritance. Besides the Kingdom of God, what gifts has our Lord promised to you that you are not taking hold of? Who is standing in your way of what God has for you? Is it you? Is it fear? Is it a mindset of bondage? Stand boldly knowing that it is not in our power that we fight battles and win, but in His power. May we take hold of it, knowing we are worthy to receive it, by His blood.
Prayer:
Father God, so many times we come to a crossroads where we say, “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” We ask for you to reveal whatever is standing in our way to the freedom and inheritance that you have waiting for us. We look to you to move forward and claim all you have and the gifts you so desperately want to bless us with. May we not look at our past, our weaknesses, or our mistakes to disqualify us, but may we instead know we are qualified as your heirs. In Jesus name, Amen.