College Ave. Church of Christ

Day 40

2015-11-05T04:00:00.000-06:00

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13

Observation: Pray for the restoration of good people.

Prayer: Father, as we close our 40 days of prayer, we pray for the people of our community to stand up for what is right and put their faith in action. Give us a spirit off boldness, working with all of Your Energy (Colossians 1:29), to accomplish Your Will for our community.

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Day 39

2015-11-04T04:00:00.000-06:00

“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Observation: This is not a command about speaking non-stop prayers but it means to never stop praying. It refers however, to the attitude of prayer, or reverence before God. The Christian’s life of righteousness and his approach to relations and responsibilities should be such that he maintains a constant attitude of being in God’s presence. Such a person will pray often and about many things, including requests, praise, and thanksgiving. This command also means that we should never quit praying.

Prayer: Our Father who art in Heaven we pray that we are regular and constant in the observance of the stated seasons of prayer. We are to observe the duty of prayer in the closet, in the family, and in the assembly convened to call on the name of the Lord. We are not to allow this duty to be interrupted or intermitted by any trifling cause. We are so to act that it may be said we pray regularly in the closet, in the family, and at the usual seasons when the church prays to which we belong. Most Holy Father help us to maintain an uninterrupted and constant spirit of prayer. We are to be in such a frame of mind as to be ready to pray publicly if requested; and when alone, to improve any moment of leisure which we may have when we feel ourselves strongly inclined to pray. Amen

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Day 38

2015-11-03T04:00:00.000-06:00

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”
II Corinthians 10:3-6

Observation: We must have the courage to dispel evil doings

Prayer: Father, we pray against the evil that plagues our neighborhoods, our community, and our nation. We pray for the ones who commit the evil and against the sources that cause evil to persist. We pray against weapons that destroy lives and families in our community and for the people who use these weapons.

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Day 37

2015-11-02T04:00:00.000-06:00

"You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”
Leviticus 19:18

Observation: We are called to be people of love and leave revenge to God.

Prayer: Father defeat the spirit of revenge that is so prevalent in our world today. Comfort those who are living out this dilemma in their lives. Give them peace and comfort in their season of distress. Give us the strength to love those who are hardest to love. Give us a heavenly perspective when it comes to dealing with difficult folks in our lives.

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Day 36

2015-11-01T04:00:00.000-06:00

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
Romans 12:9-10

Observation: The marks of a Christian should be obvious to those living in darkness.

Prayer: Father, help us to live out our faith in tangible ways and may our walk be consistent with our talk. Forgive us when our walk and talk do not match and give us the wisdom to see the difference.

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Day 35

2015-10-31T04:00:00.000-05:00

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Ephesians 6:1-3

Observation: We need the restoration of respect and honor from children

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray that children will come in compliance with the rules and will learn to respect parents, grown folks, and elders. We pray that children will respect their home, neighborhood, school, school teachers, church and elders, and show respect wherever they may be.

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Day 34

2015-10-30T04:00:00.000-05:00

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20

Observation: We are more powerful when we stand together in the name of Christ.

Prayer: Father, help us to dwell on things of importance and keep our eyes on the prize. Forgive us when we find ourselves consumed with the trivial in our lives and in the world. May we be about Your business.

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Day 33

2015-10-29T04:00:00.000-05:00

“For by grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: It is the gift of God.” -Ephesians 2:8

Observation: Faith is not a natural response, it is not tangible. Faith is a spiritual feeling and according to Hebrew 11:1 it is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. God fills our body with his Spirit and assures us he will not leave us nor will be forsake us. The bible clearly shows us in John 3:16 we are to have faith in God to be saved. Our faith in God ensures his believers will have everlasting life.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I praise you for giving me the Christian eyes to see you and a Christian Heart to love you. I pray that my faith and trust in you continue to shine through me in all that I do so that the non-believer can see how your love, grace and mercy can be life changing.

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Day 32

2015-10-28T04:00:00.000-05:00

“Turn from Evil and Do Good, Seek Peace and Pursuit it.” Psalm 34:14

Observation: It states that not only acts of beneficence to all in necessitous circumstances, but every good work; whatever the word of God directs, or suggests should be done; and which should be done from right principles of faith and love, and to right ends, the glory of God, and the good of his interest; and Christ should be looked and applied unto for grace and strength to perform; all which are evidences of the true fear of God; in the world, and with all men, as much as possibly can be; in neighborhoods, cities, and states, and in the churches of Christ, and with the saints, as well as with God through Christ; and which in every sense is to be pursued after with eagerness, and to be endeavored for with diligence.

Prayer: Our father we know that evil is near to men and it is also approaching fast. Evil keeps close to us, and should be declined and shunned at any and all times. All sorts of evil must be shunned; evil men, and their evil company, evil things, evil words and works, and all appearance of evil. The fear of the Lord shows itself in a hatred of evil, and a departure from it. We ask all of this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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DAY 31

2015-10-27T09:01:00.003-05:00

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13

Observation: Where the heart is right the conduct will be right. Love will soften the tones, will instinctively teach what we ought to be and do, will take the bitterness out of opposition and diversity, will make even rebuke, when needful, only a form of expressing itself. If the heart be right all else will be right, and if there be a deficiency of love nothing will be right. You cannot help anybody except on condition of having an honest, beneficent, and benevolent regard towards him. You cannot do any man in the world any good unless there is a shoot of love in your heart towards him. You may pitch him benefits, and you will neither get nor deserve thanks for them. You may try to teach him and your words will be hopeless and profitless. The one thing that is required to bind Christian men together is this common affection. That being there, everything will come. It is the germ out of which all is developed. As we read in that great chapter to the Corinthians-the lyric praise of Charity,-all kinds of blessing and sweetness and gladness come out of this, It is the central force which, being present, secures that all shall be right, which, being absent, ensures that all shall be wrong.

Prayer: Our Father who art in Heaven we want to thank you for letting us see one more day. Our Father without you we would be nothing and we thank you for everything you have done for us and for all of the things you will do for us. You said we have to love each other as we would love ourselves and we ask in your name for us to love each other as you loved your Son, Amen

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Day 30

2015-10-26T04:00:00.000-05:00

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3

Observation: This is the first great duty which God has enjoined on children. It is to do what their parents command them to do. The God of nature indicates that this is duty, for he has impressed it on the minds of all in every age, and the Author of revelation confirms it. It is particularly important. Because the good order of a family, home and of the community, depends upon it, no community or family will be prosperous where there is not due subordination in the household. Because the welfare of the child depends on it, it being of the highest importance that a child should be early taught obedience to “law”, as no one can be prosperous or happy who is not thus obedient. Because the child is not competent as yet to “reason” on what is right, or qualified to direct himself, and, while that is the case, he must be subject to the will of some other person.

Prayer: Father we pray that you watch over our young children. Father we ask that you help us guide them to your word and that you will give them understanding. Father help us to care for one another, taking time today to reach out and help someone in need.

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Day 29

2015-10-25T04:00:00.000-05:00

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Titus 3:1-2

Observation: We must be people who show respect and honor where it’s due

Prayer: Father, we pray for all of our leaders who have been elected positions in the city. We pray for their safety and for the safety of their families. We pray for our first responders, for their safety, and for the safety of their families. We pray that they will faithfully fulfill their duties according to the title they carry.

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Day 28

2015-10-24T04:00:00.000-05:00

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7

Observation: Let believers be of one mind, and ready to help each other. As the apostle had found the benefit of their assistance, he knew how comfortable it would be to his fellow-laborers to have the help of others. Let us seek to give assurance that our names are written in the book of life. Joy in God is of great consequence in the Christian life and Christians need to be again and again called to it. It more than outweighs all causes for sorrow. Let their enemies perceive how moderate they were as to outward things and how composedly they suffered loss and hardships. The Day of Judgment will soon arrive, with full redemption to believers, and destruction to ungodly men. There is a care of diligence which is our duty, and agrees with a wise forecast and due concern; but there is a care of fear and distrust, which is sin and folly, and only perplexes and distracts the mind. As a remedy against perplexing care, constant prayer is recommended. Not only stated times for prayer, but in everything by prayer

Prayer: Our Father we know Joy replaces anxiety in life, so Paul advised the Philippians and us not to be anxious about anything. Father, worry and anxiety from focusing on your circumstances will lead us nowhere. Anxiety or worry doesn’t accomplish anything, but prayer does. We know the peace of God comes from prayer involving both asking God for earthly needs and thanking God for His presence and provision. God’s peace reflects the divine character, which lives in serenity, totally separate from all anxiety and worry and Father we ask for Peace. Such peace is not a dream of the human mind. The human mind cannot even comprehend this kind of peace, wholeness, and quiet confidence we all need. My Father, such peace protects the two organs of worry; heart and mind, that produce feeling and thoughts. Such protection is real and available in Christ Jesus. Those who do not trust and commit their life to Christ have no hope for peace. Father we trust and love you, Amen.

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Day 27

2015-10-23T04:00:00.000-05:00

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Luke 18:1

Observation: Prayer is not one quick session of listing needs and expecting immediate results. Prayer is continuing to talk to God with persistence. Prayer is based on absolute faith in God so it never gives up, knowing God will answer when and where He chooses. Prayer also knows that God expects us to keep on praying until the answer comes.

Prayer: Our Father all God's people are praying people. As we see here earnest steadiness in prayer for spiritual mercies is taught. The widow's earnestness prevailed even with the unjust judge: even though she feared she might set him more against her; but our earnest prayer is pleasing to our God. Even to the end there will still be ground for the same complaint of weakness of faith. Father we thank you, Amen

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Day 26

2015-10-22T04:00:00.000-05:00

“Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome.” Psalm 5:1-4

Observation: God is a prayer-hearing God. Such he has always been, and he is still as ready to hear prayer as ever. The most encouraging principle of prayer, and the most powerful plea in prayer is to look upon him as our King and our God. David also prays to a sin-hating God. Sin is folly, and sinners are the greatest of all fools; fools of their own making. Wicked people hate God; justly are they hated of him, and this will be their endless misery and ruin. Let us learn the importance of truth and sincerity in all the affairs of life. Liars and murderers resemble the devil and are his children, therefore it may well be expected that God should abhor them. These were the characters of David's enemies; and such as these are still the enemies of Christ and his people.

Prayer: Our Father we pray as David prayed, early in the morning, David declaring his loyalty to You just as we must declare that same loyalty to You as we pray for our city. We, like David, express our concern about the sinfulness that grips our community and pray that You would not only deliver our city but we all would be conformed to the image of Your dear Son, Amen

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Day 25

2015-10-21T04:00:00.000-05:00

“Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” -1 Timothy 4.12 (NLT)

Observation: Fields of Faith will be held on Wednesday, October 21 at 7pm at Memorial Stadium. This is a student-led event sponsored by the FCA huddles at Barton Jr High, El Dorado High, Smackover, and Parkers Chapel. Come hear local student athletes testify about their faith. For info, contact Danny Rivers 870.814.4064.

Prayer: Our Father God, today we pray for all students in Union County. We pray for their safety. We ask, Lord, that you position angels to guard them from any attack. We ask that you increase their abilities in every area - mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. May their minds be open to learning and their hearts be open to you. We pray for a great harvest tonight at Fields of Faith.

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Day 24

2015-10-20T04:00:00.000-05:00

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” - Proverbs 3:5

Observation: We should trust in the Lord in all we think and do. Don’t trust your own judgement, but ask God to lead us and direct our path.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we come to you humble and thankful. Thanks in advance for leading us and directing us. Thank you for being a lamp unto our feet. Thank you for new Grace and Mercy everyday. Thank you for telling us in your word to trust you with all our hearts. This is a prayer of thanks! We are not asking for anything just want to let you know we thank you for all you have blessed us with in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen

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Day 23

2015-10-19T04:00:00.000-05:00

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” -Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Observation: There is a time for all these things we do in life

Prayer: We pray dear Father, that you will guide us and tell us the time to do your will, the time to be still, the time to speak and the time to be quiet. In Jesus name, Amen

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Day 22

2015-10-18T04:00:00.000-05:00

“For God so loved the world that he gave his begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Observation: AWESOME! That’s the only word that came to mind to describe someone who loved us enough even in our sins to give His best to cover our mess.

Prayer: Dear Lord we come to you as humble as we know how. We thank you for giving your best. We thank you for you precious Son, Jesus. We thank you for His death, burial and resurrection. Thank you so much for making it possible for anyone to come and be a part of a great family. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Day 21

2015-10-17T04:00:00.000-05:00

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” -2 Chronicles 7:14

Observation: God gives us choices, but with choices come consequences. We have a choice to be humble, we have a choice to pray to Him. We even have a choice while breath is in our body to turn from our wicked ways. The consequences of doing all the above is Christ will forgive our sins and heal our land, but the consequences of not doing these things will be death and destruction.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Please forgive us of our many sins and continue to love us right where we are in life. Help us to turn from our wicked ways and and seek you. We pray for the just as well as the unjust, and we also pray the blood of Jesus over our city.

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Day 20: Halfway Point

2015-10-16T04:00:00.000-05:00

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Observation: Sooner or later everyone is tempted to do what is hurtful or harmful to others. God gives us wisdom, and God gives us wise neighbors to help us find a better way, the way of God’s love. It’s a choice. Pray that we may choose wisely.

Prayer: O God, whenever we are tempted to do something hurtful or harmful to our neighbor, give us the gift of your wisdom; surround us with wise and caring companions; and show us the better way of your love. Amen.

Today marks the halfway point in the 40 Days of Prayer around which our community has united. God has already been moving through our prayers, and he has more work to do. God is infinitely more wise than we could ever be, and He will give only what is best for us. But, note there is an implied promise in asking, seeking, and knocking daily and persistently. "And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." - Luke 11:9-10

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. —Psalm 145:18-19

Let's keep going!

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Day 19

2015-10-15T04:00:00.000-05:00

Scripture: “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:10 (KJV)

Observation: Do you care what happens to you and your loved ones? Then have that same care about what happens to others. This is the love which does no harm, and fulfills the royal law of God.

Prayer: Help us, O God, to care about others as much as we care about ourselves, hurting no one, but instead pleasing you in the way we treat one another. Amen.

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Day 18

2015-10-14T04:00:00.000-05:00

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

Observation: Human beings come in all different shapes, colors, and sizes. In the end we are all God’s beloved creation. None of us has the right to exalt ourselves or debase our neighbors, for God has made us all one in Christ.

Prayer: Strengthen our efforts, O God, to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer)

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Day 17

2015-10-13T04:00:00.000-05:00

“And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” Genesis 2:15 (KJV)

Observation: From the beginning God gave us jobs to do, not just to provide for ourselves and our family, but to give us the gift of dignity which work brings. Lack of opportunity to get a job leads to frustration, and this can lead to violence - the violence of stealing and domestic violence.

Prayer: Bless, O God, the efforts of all who are looking for work; and bless our community with an abundance of good paying jobs. Help our community end the frustration of unemployment and the violence it can bring. Amen

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Day 16

2015-10-12T04:00:00.000-05:00

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom Heaven. -Matthew 5:3 (KJV)

Observation: We may think we are smart, clever, and can do anything we put our minds to. But until we recognize that it is only by God’s grace that lasting good can be accomplished, we will fall short every time.

Prayer: God grant that each person will grow to depend more and more on your love, that all may know the joy of your love and grace. Amen