Ephesians 5:8-14 March 24, 2017

Slumber

“ 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for

the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what

pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose

them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything ex-

posed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This

is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,

rise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

Sleep is what most of us look forward to and what most of us need. Whenever life becomes

overwhelming or difficult we take pleasure in sleeping. Ephesians 5:8-14 states that we were

once in darkness but now we are light in the Lord and just as our father has called we should

answer. There will be times of trials and tribulation but we can always take comfort by living in

the light of our Savior. The last lines of this text says “Wake up sleeper rise from the dead and

Christ will shine on you” and so we must wake up from our slumber in order to do what the

Lord has called us to do. Let us not sleep on what the Lord has given us but stand strong know-

ing that the world has no power that can take away your faith.

Shakeela Nyakoojo

Prayer: Dear Lord we thank you for this day help us to stay strong in our faith and let the light

of your works shine through us. Amen.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: Holy Spirit reveal ways

for you to lead

John 1:1-9 March 25, 2017

“In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly

God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. And with this Word, God created all

things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created received its life from

him, and his life gave light to everyone. The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has

never put it out. God sent a man named John, who came to tell about the light and to lead all

people to have faith. John wasn’t that light. He came only to tell about the light. The true light

that shines on everyone was coming into the world.”

Jesus Christ is coming! What a great opening to the story of salvation. Jesus was coming to

spread the word of God to the people. He would be the light that would always shine even

through dark times – the deep political divisions in the country, the exclusion of immigrants and

refugees, war and other conflict in the world, and a good friend’s struggle and death from can-

cer. God has a plan for everything. He will help us through tough times and show us how to

cope with grief and loss. It is comforting to know that God is in charge!

Prayer: Dear Lord, you are the light of this world that shines upon each one of us through good

times and bad times. Thank you for showing us the way. Amen.

Brian Camp

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: God will reveal a new

truth in worship tomorrow

John 9:1-41 March 26, 2017

Blindness

“8His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, ‘Isn’t this the same man who used

to sit and beg?’ 9Some claimed that he was. Others said, ‘No, he only looks like him.’ But he himself in-

sisted, ‘I am the man.’ 10’How then were your eyes opened?’ they asked. 11He replied, ‘The man they call

Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and

washed, and then I could see.’ 12’Where is this man?’ they asked him. ‘I don’t know,’ he said.”

How would it be to wake up and not be able to see? There are many who struggle with blindness

and go through times of trial and tribulation without sight. John chapter nine tells the story of a man who

was blind since birth.

This man had no home no money, no friends or family to care for him; left to wander the streets

and beg only to be passed by neighbors. But one day while he stayed at the same place where he usual-

ly begged, a traveler came along with his disciples. The traveler noticed the beggar and stopped to see

him, one of the Disciples asked, “Rabbi who sinned, this man or his parents, that he be born blind?”

The Rabbi responded by saying, “This man nor his parents are to blame for his blindness but this

happened that the works of God may be seen in him.”

This seemed to puzzle the Rabbi’s Disciples as to how the works of the Lord could be seen

through a man who cannot see, but the Rabbi continued. The Rabbi spat on the ground, mixing the sali-

va and dirt to make mud which he had placed on the Beggars eyes. He then told him to go wash in the

pool of Siloam and the Beggar returned with sight. When the man was seen, the neighbors could not

recognize him. The neighbors went up to him and asked, “How are you able to see?” The man respond-

ed with, “A man named Jesus placed mud on my eyes and told me to wash in the pool of Siloam. I

did as he said and now I can see.” The Beggar was seen as forgotten; no one thought that this old

blind beggar could ever be used for anything, but someone considered the beggar worthy. That man was

Jesus.

He saw more in the man and so stopped to show the true blessings that came from the man. Just

like the Beggar we all have potential that we have become blinded to and so people pass us by without

considering what we are worth. But Jesus knows the plan for our lives. So we should follow Jesus and we

will be able to see what we are truly capable of.

Shakeela Nyakoojo

Prayer: Dear Lord, may you help us to focus on you and go on to do what you have called us to do.

Amen.

March 27, 2017 Psalm 146

“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life. I will sing

praise to my God as long as I live.” (Psalm 146:1-2)

This reminds me of praising God through the rough and difficult times. But it’s also about

praising him through the wonderful and joyful times as well. This relates to my life sort of

like my swimming. I usually pray to God that I will get through the practice and do well,

because I need to get out of my head when I am swimming so I will not hold back during

practice. This is so I will keep improving and I will get better. If I do well at that practice,

afterward, I praise God for helping me get better at what I love to do. But sometimes when

it may have been a particularly hard practice that I did not do very well on, I would go to

God to give me the strength I need to grow and flourish. I tell you this because through

this we can learn to praise God always and he will love and nurture us forevermore.

Kiera Ceely

Prayer: Dear Lord, please guide us in remembering that we should always be praising you

for what you have done for us, thank you for this wonderful life and love you give us.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: For the millions of immi-

grants among us

Colossians 1:9-14 March 28, 2017

“So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good

work…” Colossians 1:10

One of the things I enjoy about summer, is heading out to one of the local farms nearby and taking ad-

vantage of the “pick-your-own” produce opportunities. How fun it is to spend a few hours picking straw-

berries, cherries or apples and then coming home to enjoy the wonderful bounty of fresh fruit!

In our scripture, today we find Paul writing to the people at the church in Colossae. And in verse 10, he

asks them to consider not whether their fields are bearing much fruit, but if their lives are bearing fruit?

As growing Christians asking ourselves, “have we fruit?” is a very good question for us to consider on our

daily walk with God. If our spiritual life is only fulfilling to us, then we can be pretty sure we’re not bear-

ing much fruit. In the Message, Eugene Peterson, phrases verse 10 this way, “We pray that you’ll live

well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard.”

We’re reminded here that our spirit lives must remain active and growing so that we can learn how to do

God’s work. If we leave our spirit lives on the bottom of our to-do lists, we can be assured that we’re not

working very hard in God’s orchard and we’re not bearing much fruit.

When I pick my own fruit in the summer, as fun as it is, it’s also hard work and I’m always happy to head

home after a few hours. It’s a reminder that working in God’s spiritual orchard can also be hard work,

but it’s rewarding work too, for when we bear much fruit, we can be assured we’re helping others and

that God is rejoicing in our faithfulness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to attend to my faith daily so that I may bear much fruit in your kingdom

here on earth. We also pray today for the migrant workers and their families who work long hours for

low wages in fields and orchards, so that we may enjoy your bounty. Amen.

Rev. Martha Maxham

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: For increased knowledge

of their journies

March 29, 2017 Matthew 9:27-34

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”

When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe I am able to

do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be

done to you”, and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about

this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region. While they were going out,

a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. And when the demon was

driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has

ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out de-

mons.”

We pray and ask Jesus to heal us from our illness, right the wrongs in our lives and the lives of others

and bless us in our daily walk. But do we believe? In this passage, two blind men followed Jesus through

the streets of Capernaum repeatedly asking him to heal them of their blindness. They even followed Je-

sus into the house to ask for his mercy and for him to give them their sight. Jesus responded by ques-

tioning their faith. Jesus wants us to come to him with our needs and concerns but he most importantly

wants us to believe. Jesus had performed several healing miracles in Capernaum that day but the two

blind men had not been able to see any of them. They had nothing to rely on but their faith that he could

and would heal them. They believed in what they could not see. Jesus touched their eyes and healed

them according to their faith. After this, Jesus cast out a demon from a man that caused him to be mute.

Scripture says that a whole crowd of people witnessed this and were amazed. The Pharisees who saw this

accused him of being the prince of demons. Unlike the blind men, the Pharisees saw with their eyes but

did not believe. As witnesses to Christ in this world, we are asked to see through the eyes of faith and

believe. If the blind men’s faith wasn’t genuine, would their sight have been restored? Do we have the

faith to see Christ’s work in our lives?

Kim Berger

Prayer: Lord, give us the faith to see - to see the miracles you perform in our lives each and every day.

Strengthen our faith to withstand the ridicule of those who cannot see because they do not believe.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: For increased knowledge

of their journeys

Psalm 130 (NLT) March 30, 2017

“Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry

for mercy. If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is for-

giveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits,

and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning,

more than watchmen wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with

the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all

their sins.”

Sometimes it can be hard for us as people to forgive others, and sometimes it’s even hard for

us to forgive ourselves. What if God kept a record of every sin we commit? If God can forgive

us when we sin and fall short, why do we keep record of other’s wrong doings? God’s love co-

vers a multitude of sins and he continues to pardon us. When we seek God’s forgiveness for

ourselves, we must turn it over to God and move forward. With this in mind, we should be

open to forgiving others and be grateful that we serve a God who forgives us. As we attempt to

be more forgiving, let us wait on the Lord and place our hope in Him. Forgiveness can be a pro-

cess, but God can provide us courage and wisdom through the journey. God’s grace and mercy

are sufficient, and His unfailing love prevails and restores.

Shantel Perkins

Prayer: Dear God, as I humble myself and acknowledge my sinfulness, I thank you for your

love, your grace, and your mercy towards me. Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven

me. During this Lenten season, help me to remember that Jesus paid the ultimate ransom; His

life for my sins. Amen.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: Courage to have a meal

with an immigrant family

March 31, 2017 Revelation 11:15-19

“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:

‘The kingdom of the world has become

the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,

and he will reign for ever and ever.’

And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and wor-

shiped God, saying:

‘We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,

the One who is and who was,

because you have taken your great power

and have begun to reign.

The nations were angry,

and your wrath has come.

The time has come for judging the dead,

and for rewarding your servants the prophets

and your people who revere your name,

both great and small -----

and for destroying those who destroy the earth.’

Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And

there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.”

I’ve heard it said, “From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells us God’s plan.” Today’s scripture in

Revelation is about the end of God’s plan when the kingdom of the world will become the kingdom of Our

Lord, and He will reign forever and ever. Wow!

As I contemplated this scripture, I thought about how I live my life on a daily basis. Do I live as

though I believe God’s plan? Do I seek God daily for guidance and ask him to use me, or do I structure

my day with little thought about God? We all have things that we need to do each day to take care of

and provide for ourselves and our families. But do I get caught up in the temporal things rather than

seeking God and asking him to help me live my life daily in light of eternity?

Janie Griffin

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to seek to grow in our personal relationship with You. Help us to know You

and hear Your voice. Help us to be sensitive to what You want us to do to further the gospel and your

kingdom. Amen.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: Unity in our congrega-

tion about immigrants

Luke 6:31-36 April 1, 2017

“Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that

to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that

to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners’, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do

good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be

great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be

merciful, just as your father is merciful.”

Every one of us will be angry, whether at each other, life, or the world in general. However, that

doesn’t mean that we are allowed to be hateful in return. If someone is rude to you, then you

shouldn’t be rude back to them. In recent times, we humans have all had our difficulties with each

other. In politics we have all disagreed drastically, and we continue being divided today. Just be-

cause someone might disagree with you, do not let your emotions explode. We all have our opinions

of what justice is, and what is right or wrong. Do not judge a situation you have never been in. We

must trust each other to make the right decisions based on our lives and the current circumstances.

I myself have had difficulties. People at my school have said mean things, commented on how I

look, and have judged the way I dress. Even though they are mean to me, I must remember that I

have to love them. Do to them as I would have them do to me. Even through the hard times, we

must remember to be good. Be kind to everyone, not as a reflection of their character, but of ours.

Love our enemies, no matter how evil they may be.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us remember to be kind to everyone, no matter how tempting our hatred is.

Please shine your wisdom through us, as your holiness will block the tempting of evil. Thank you for

giving us love when we are presented with hate, and knowledge when we are presented with stu-

pidity.

Emma Grimm

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: Christ-like love for all

our neighbors

April 2, 2017 Ezekiel 37:1-14 (Key Verse 14)

“I will put my spirit within you and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil, then you

shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act,” says the Lord.

Regardless of how bad things are in our lives, there is always hope. We all have experienced times

when we thought we had hit the bottom of the barrel, but if we are in the Lord and the Lord is in us,

nothing is too big for Him. Regardless of how worthless we may feel or how deep in sin we are, God

can restore us to life through His Word and through His Holy Spirit. Whatever the circumstances,

we must never stop seeking the Lord and working on His behalf. Didn’t He promise Israel that they

would be restored to their land, and that He would bless them again? Unlike us, God cannot lie. If

He says it, He’ll do it!

The same is true for the church. When it seems like we are in our last days, God will step in. He

will restore and rebuild, not only the physical building, but also the church within each of us. God

will still bless those who live under His Will and His Ways. Regardless of how broken we have felt,

regardless of how dry our spiritual life might have been, regardless of the number of sins we may

have committed, and moreover, regardless of how hopeless we may have felt, as we live in the try-

ing times between life and death, God is not finished with us. We are and forever will be a work in

progress.

Prayer: Almighty God, You promised new life to your people of Israel by breathing into a valley full

of dry bones. Breathe on us, O Breath of God, dwell in us that we may live passionately knowing

that our hope is in You. Amen.

Charlene M. Tyler

Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24 April 3, 2017

The Dream House

1Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2Let Israel say: “His love endures for-

ever.” 14The Lord is my strength and my defense[a]; he has become my salvation. 15Shouts of joy and

victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! 16The

Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” 17I will not die but live,

and will proclaim what the Lord has done. 18The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given

me over to death. 19Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. 20This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. 21I will give you thanks, for you an-

swered me; you have become my salvation. 22The stone the builders rejected has become the corner-

stone; 23the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24The Lord has done it this very day; let

us rejoice today and be glad.”

Give thanks to God because he constantly deserves to be praised. Through all the mess that we

call life, God wakes us up every morning. Through all the dirt, He gives us the ability to walk. Through it

all, He loves us. That’s more than enough for every tongue to confess that He is Lord. God has already

won, we are free and have the victory. If all of us think of the palace in heaven, all the storms that we

think will consume our lives will really be a drizzle. In Psalms, this poem praises God for everything that

he has ever done for us, but I like to think of this poem as comparing God to a house. Everyone has a

dream house with huge rooms, several pools, and tennis courts. This house is perfect. It provides the

foundation that you walk on. It has a rail to help you climb up to the next level. The kitchen has clean

fresh water that you can drink when you're thirsty. Down the hall there is a room that you can lay down

in when you need help, and most Importantly, there is a roof over your head to provide shelter and keep

you safe. God is perfect. He provides the foundation you walk on through your life. He helps you climb up

to the next step in your life because you can’t do it on your own. When you’re thirsty and nothing can

quiche it, God will give you some of the living water. At the lowest point of your life he provides a safe

haven for you to rest in. Most importantly, God hovers over your life everyday and keeps you safe. So

through your story, take time out to praise the creator of your story, because He is there with you in the

good times and the bad times. Praise him because He loved you so much He sacrificed His only son for

the sins that you committed.

Shamim Nyakoojo

Prayer: Dear Lord, You’ve made the earth, the sky and all the living things in it. You thought so much of

me to sacrifice your son for my life. I ask that you guide me through each day, so every day that I walk

with you I get closer to you and the goal you have for me. Help me through all my struggles so that I can

receive the blessing you have prepared for me. You are the author and finisher of my faith. I thank you

for everything that you’ve done, from me waking up this morning or healing me from a sickness. I know

every step I take, every breath I breathe, is a blessing from you. Amen

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: God would give us his

desire for change

April 4, 2017 Romans 8:6-11

“Following the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace, but following the old nature leads to death.”

It was not coincidental that water was mentioned in the Bible more than any other natural resource on

Earth. Old Testament writers knew that water was essential to life. Because of the scarcity in the hot de-

sert of the Holy Land water was valued by the Israelites more than any other people in the ancient world.

Recently, my 4th & 5th grade Sunday School students took a closer look at the story of John the Baptist

and contemplated how essential water is to all forms of life, including people. All living things need water.

Our creator must have had that truth in mind when he sent John throughout the territory of the Jordan

River preaching the Good News using the river to baptize people, including Jesus—telling them to change

their ways and to turn away from their sins.

When Jesus came up out of the water of the Jordan, God’s spirit came upon Jesus in the form of a dove

(the symbol of peace). A voice said, “This is my beloved son, with you I am well-pleased.” (Matthew

3:16-17)

Jesus validated what John the Baptist proclaimed when Jesus told Nicodemus that unless one was “born

of water” (baptized), he could not enter the kingdom of God—”flesh gives birth to flesh and Spirit gives

birth to spirit.” (John 3:5)

Romans 8:6-11 tells us, “Those who let themselves be controlled by their lower nature live only to please

themselves, but those who follow after the Holy Spirit find themselves doing those things that please

God.” It continues,…”following after your old nature leads to death, but if you are controlled by your new

nature, you have the Spirit of God living in you. He will make your dying bodies live again.”

According to John, Jesus offered the Samaritan woman at the Sychar well “living water.” Jesus was

speaking metaphorically—his living water was a symbol of the eternal life which comes from within the

redeemed.

Jesus said to this woman, “If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you

would ask me for some living water. People soon become thirsty again after drinking the well water. But

the water I give becomes a perpetual spring from within, watering them forever with eternal life.” (John

4:13-14)

Bunny Sours

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us to recognize this wonder gift that you offer us this day. Help us to

feel the power of your spirit within us—to turn from our selfish behavior and do what pleases you. Amen.

Please see next page for poem & photos that accompany this devotion!

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: A deeper understanding

of the fallacy of race

Artwork by:

Chloe Bartlow

Hanna Lemley

Ana Mondragon

Anna Primozic

Sasha Richards

Macallister Sykes

Abbey Whelan

Caitlin Whirley

Heather Whirley

Poem that goes along with April 4

Devotion by Bunny Sours

Artwork

created

about

water by

Bunny’s

Sunday

School

Class

Jeremiah 29:11-14 April 5, 2017

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to give you hope and a future.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me

and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD,

‘and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I

have banished you,’ declares the LORD, ‘and will bring you back to the place from which I car-

ried you into exile.’”

Each person has their own story, their own faith journey, their own ups and downs. Fre-

quently when we get stuck, we focus on the negatives/wrong things; and let’s face it, we some-

times blame God for our troubles. But Jeremiah is telling us differently, Jeremiah gives us hope

and reassurance. As Jeremiah 29:11 says, God has a plan for us, and He will not allow anything

harmful or stressful happen to us without good coming from it. God loves us equally regardless

of how far we have strayed from Him. God is like a parent; He is always ready to listen and

help and is protective of His children, but He still knows when we must learn a lesson or be

challenged. But God didn’t banish Adam and Eve and leave us behind in a sinful world, but with

hope of salvation. So don’t despair, there is hope!. He is waiting for you now, waiting for you to

repent and just explain to Him what is going on in your life. So go! Talk with Him, find the right

path for you, and spread the hope and encouragement shared in Jeremiah.

Chloe Coursey

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: Courage to lead an in-

tentional, multicultural life

April 6, 2017 Jeremiah 31:1-6

Every Story Has a Conflict

“1At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my

people.” 2This is what the LORD says: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilder-

ness; I will come to give rest to Israel.” 3The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you

with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. 4I will build you up again, and you,

Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful. 5Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit. 6There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Come, let us go up to Zion, to the

LORD our God.’ ”

What makes a good story? I’ve read some pretty bad stories where although the events were something

society would consider interesting, the book was pretty predictable. Authors or directors are given these

events and they choose how to tell a story to convey a message. So think of God as an author or direc-

tor. God needs to convey a message through your life, but it’s not going to come by you constantly get-

ting what you want. Like every good story, there has to be a struggle, whether it be mentally or physical-

ly. Every struggle that you go through in life, makes your life more valuable, because it’s molding you

into a better person. When reading this scripture the line, “The people who survive the sword will find

favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel,” stood out to be me because it reminded me of

a show. In this show, the main character was a great General, who was praised by the people for his

victory and humility. The young king caught wind of this and out of jealousy used the General’s sword to

kill him. For years the people prayed over the General asking God to save him. That day came when

many of the villagers who remembered the General were all seniors and the young ones thought of him

as a myth. God gave the general the power to return with everlasting life, using the same sword that

killed him. In the same way God blessed the General, God can take your problems and make them into

your strength. God uses all of your struggles to bless you and the people around you, but it’s up to you

how you accept it. God is the author, but you choose how you receive his plot.

Shamim Nyakoojo

Prayer: Dear Lord, You’ve made the earth, the sky and all the living things in it. You thought so much of

me to sacrifice your son for my life. I ask that you guide me through each day, so every day that I walk

with you I get closer to you and the goal you have for me. Help me through all my struggles so that I can

receive the blessing you have prepared for me. You are the author and finisher of my faith. Amen.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: A sense of Godly hope

for the country’s future

Philippians 1:21-30 April 7, 2017

Paul is caught in a struggle in this passage: to live for Christ, or to go and be with Christ. On one

hand he says it is better for him to live. By being alive he can do the fruitful work that Christ has

called him to. He understands that his work is not done yet and he can still have an impact on his

generation. However, on the other hand, he desires to go be with Christ and experience the pres-

ence and fullness of Christ.

By understanding his work is not done, Paul knows he is to stay alive, so that that others can expe-

rience the joy of their faith. He is to help people have pride in their faith in Jesus Christ. Instead of

dying and being with Christ, Paul challenges folks to live like Christ; to be citizens of Heaven here

on earth standing together and fighting the enemy together. Clearly Paul leads the charge and the

fight of faith with the other believers.

What does this mean for us? We are given an opportunity to step up to the plate like Paul does. A

chance to lead others in their faith journey by living out our faith as a reflection of Christ. Through

this passage we see the passion of Paul and the heart of Jesus through Paul. He sets the standard

for us.

Every day we are blessed with a new opportunity. It is something that may be easy some days,

and more challenging on other days, or week to week. The challenge is real. We will face opposition

and need others to rally alongside us to fight through it. The opportunity we have is to live as

Christ would to a world that needs it every single day. It is a chance to show the world our Passion

and Love for Jesus, by living out his heart to the world. Many people we encounter may never step

into a church or read their Bible. So we, as Christians, have a chance to be Jesus to them—to show

them his love, compassion, and kindness. This isn’t easy. Each day Satan will throw a trap or snare

in our way, and try to catch us up in it.

The beauty of our living in Christ is that we are in this together. We can pick each other up when

we stumble and fall. The challenge to you is to take a moment each morning, before you start the

day, and really focus on Jesus. It may be asking him to use your interactions to bless others, that

your actions and attitude can be positive, and that when we stumble you will have others there to

pick you up. “To live in Christ” is being Christ to the world. Live Christ every day and you will im-

pact many people.

Kevin Burroughs

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: A multicultural vision for

our churches

April 8, 2017 Lamentations 3:55-66

“I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea, …”

“You have taken up my cause, O Lord, you have redeemed my life, …”

“You have heard their taunts, O Lord, all their plots against me, …”

“Pay them back for their deeds, O Lord, according to the work of their hands, …”

Isn’t it amazing how the Bible is full of teachings and messages that are as relevant and mean-

ingful today as they were to the Neo-Babylonians in 586 BCE after the fall of Jerusalem? The

book of Lamentations is just that – a book of laments centered on the people’s struggle with

Jerusalem’s fall. Read the words. Hear how they speak to us now. How many of us have hit

rock bottom, or know someone else who has? Have we not prayed for redemption, or prayed

this for someone close to us? Many of us have longed for God to hear our struggles – some-

times rooted in the unfairness of situations in life. And, who hasn’t prayed for justice to an un-

just situation? Yes, the poets who crafted these books were focused on Jerusalem’s plight -

this is what was dominating their life at the time. We are dealing with our own plights in

“modern times” – as these are what dominate our life, right now! These verses remind us that

God has always been there to help His people, and he continues to be here for us all these

years later. What a blessing. Thanks be to God!

Liz Haslbeck

Prayer: Lord, let us call upon your name in regular prayer. Help us to trust you will hear us

now as you heard your people before and after the fall of Jerusalem. Put our minds at ease

and help us to know you will care for us during our times of struggle, provide relief from our

torments, and bring justice to our situations where justice is due.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: Worship God in spirit

and in truth tomorrow

Matthew 21:5-9 Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017

“Say to the Daughter of Zion, See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the

foal of a donkey.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and

the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on

the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went

ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ”Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes

in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”

Many years ago, on Palm Sunday, my Children’s Choir here at MCP sang a delightful anthem “Little Grey

Donkey” by Natalie Sleeth. The words follow:

Little Grey Donkey do you know just who it is you carry on your back?

Tis no ordinary load, no mean or common pack.

You are blessed of all beasts to carry into town

Christ the Lord of Galilee, He wears no earthly crown.

Once you were a simple beast of poor and lowly state.

Christ Himself hath chosen you and honoured is your fate.

Though your path with palms is spread, make haste along the way;

You were destined here to ride on this triumphal day.

Yonder is a grassy hill; it’s known as Calvary.

Up against the cloudless sky a barren cross you see.

Little grey donkey, little grey mare, don’t hide your head in shame.

For you bear the Lamb of God, and Jesus is his name.

Carole Mattis

Prayer: As we celebrate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on this Palm Sunday, may we remember

that our talents might be ordinary, but when Jesus is in charge our gifts become extraordinary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzY8BFZZgF4 (link to a version of the above song)

April 10, 2017 Hebrews 9:11-15

“14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit of-

fered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to

death, so that we may serve the living God! 15For this reason Christ is the mediator of

a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inher-

itance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed

under the first covenant.”

This passage talks about how Christ’s sacrifice on the cross entirely cleansed us of our

sins. Since Jesus died on the cross, nobody else has to suffer that way. I think it also

means that you don’t have to have people watch you do good things. You just have to

do good deeds in a quiet way and you don’t have to show others how you did a good

deed. If you do good deeds for attention, you will not be held as high as someone who

did it out of the goodness of his heart.

Charlie Sharp

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: Opportunities to grow on

racial matters

Psalm 71:1-14 April 11, 2017

You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame. Deliver me in Your righteousness and

cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me, and save me. Be my strong refuge, to which I may re-

sort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my for-

tress. Deliver me, O my God, out the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and

cruel man. For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth. By You I have

been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be con-

tinually of You. I have become as a wonder to many, but You are my strong refuge. Let my mouth

be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day. Do not cast me off in the time of old age;

do not forsake me when my strength fails. For my enemies speak against me; and those who lie in

wait for my life take counsel together, saying, “God has forsaken him; pursue and take him, for

there is none to deliver him.” O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!

Let them be confounded and consumed who are adversaries of my life; let them be covered with

reproach and dishonor who seek my hurt. But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more

and more.

God has always been by my side. God protects you from the world that you live in until you are

called home to be with Him for eternity. As you go through life and grow older, you begin to see

the world for what it really is, a place that is full of hurt, disappointments, mistakes, attacks from

others, and sins that come along with the whole package of living. You have ups and downs, you

become, at times, tired and weary. It sometimes seems like nothing is going right. God, our Father

in heaven, is there for you always. He will protect you and guide you through any situation that you

may face. He will defend you from anyone or anything. Remain steadfast in your belief and love of

God. He is always there for you. There were so many times when distress and hopelessness made

me reach out to God for comfort, guidance and wisdom. I encourage others to do the same.

Janice Ray

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for all of your blessings and protection from our adversaries. I pray

that the church will spread the word of Your love for us all.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: Commitment to stay at

the work of reconciliation

April 12, 2017 Hebrews 12: 1-3

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight

and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking

to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him, en-

dured the cross, disregarding the shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary

or lose heart.”

We live in strange times where many of our trusted values are set upside-down and leave us confused.

Hebrews tells us to put aside the obstacles that have held us back and to follow Jesus’ example, perse-

vere in the race and do not grow weary or lose heart. In this, I hear a call to stand up for the under-

served, the forgotten and the abused. When the Confirmation class visited Baltimore a few weeks ago,

we met with a Pastor from the Methodist church in the neighborhood where Freddy Gray had lived. He

had just completed a funeral for a murder victim that hundreds of people had attended, including gang

members, drug dealers, addicts, church people and people who need a church. He asked us “not to

judge” the people in the neighborhood as they are trying to survive in a very inhospitable environment.

He saw them all as good people – what a paradigm shift! We must look at each individual as God’s

child.

Later that day we met folks at a Waterside ministry in Fels Point. They were reaching out and making

contact with their neighbors, building community with each other including the homeless around them.

They made sure they were aware of all the resources that were available in the community, so that

when they saw someone’s need they could help find a resource. Most importantly they looked people

in the eyes and treated them with compassion – everyday. Sometimes that compassion meant not giv-

ing them what they asked for. Understanding that enabling an addiction does not help them, they in-

stead offered help to find feeding stations and shelter. I was humbled by their faith and courage to

“live” the life God asks of us particularly when it pulls you out of your comfort zone. Christianity wasn’t

meant to be comfortable – it wasn’t for Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help us have the courage and selflessness to follow a life of serving others as

Your son Jesus taught us. Thank you for making us able and allowing us to choose Your way.

Mindy Willer

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: A sense of God’s role

for you as a reconciler

Psalm 116:1-2 Maundy Thursday, April 13, 2017

“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;

he heard my cry for mercy.

Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”

In the past few years I have had problems in my life. I was afraid at times, so I turned to God. I asked him to help me. I prayed over and over. Sometimes he answered me right away.

Sometimes he answered me later, but sometimes I felt that he hadn’t answered my prayers at all.

In 5th grade I started having some problems in my Karate classes. During one class I did a

move wrong and hurt my legs. The pain wouldn’t go away so I had to go to the doctor. He told my family and me that I might have crushed a growth plate. He told me to not go to school for a while to let my legs rest. Over time the pain continued so I went to physical therapy. Finally I found out it

was short Achilles tendons and I had to do more exercises to stretch them. During this past year the pain got worse and nothing seemed to help. Not just my legs hurt but also my soul. I was devastat-ed. The pain and the fear that my tendons would snap forced me to stop doing the things I love to

do. I used to run every day. I still am praying for God to help make the pain stop. So I found out that I might be able to have a surgery in the next four years. I pray now for god to give me strength to continue moving forward till the surgery.

Lenten season reminds us that Jesus took our suffering to bear it as his own. The pain I am now feeling is nothing compared to what he has suffered for us. I thank God for getting us through tough times. I know he is listening to all of our prayers.

Prayer: Dear God, I thank you for helping me bear the pain and for helping others bear theirs. I also thank you for being with me to comfort me.

Matthew Wyett

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: For the healing of our

churches and nation

Good Friday, April 14, 2017 Mark 15: 37

One of the greatest gifts that God has given to us is His son, Jesus Christ, who was sent to die for

our sins. Just as God had a plan for Jesus’ life, he also has a plan for your life as well. Although that plan

may not always seem to be clear to the world and even yourself, God wants us to trust his word, just as

Jesus did when he made the ultimate sacrifice.

When things are going well in my life, I would say, God’s plan is in full effect and working for my

good. When things are not going well, I often forget that God still has a plan for me. My actions show ev-

idence of worry, fear, and doubt. I begin to question the existence of God’s presence in my life. Just as

Jesus felt when hanging on the cross in agonizing pain and suffering, in the midst of my storms, I too felt

like God had forsaken me. However, just as God raised Jesus from the dead, He too raised me. He con-

tinues to raise me above my troubles and use me to be a living testimony of his magnificent glory and

grace.

In the scripture, Jesus knew the plan for his life and the importance of following God’s word. Alt-

hough He paid the ultimate sacrifice with his own body, Jesus followed God’s word. He followed God’s

word during the good times and the bad times. He followed God’s word in the midst of false accusations,

torture, betrayal and emotional turmoil. As a result of Jesus’ obedience, we all have the opportunity to

have eternal life.

You may be suffering from relationship problems, family problems, and/or a problem at your job,

but God has not forgotten you. You may feel weak and the weight of the world may feel like its all on

your shoulders but God still has a plan. Keep his word, during the good times and the bad times, and

God will show victorious in your life.

Will Hannah

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for being in my life. I thank you for sending your son to die

for our sins, so that we may have eternal life. I ask that you continue to give me strength during my bad

days, so that I may continue to recognize your glory. When the world is against me, and the good I have

done is forgotten and misunderstood, I ask that you help me keep my eyes on you, Lord. God, I know

you have a plan for my life and I know your plan is good. Give me strength and guide me so that I too

can be a living testimony of your glory. Thank you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: That God’s will be done

in you.

Hebrews 12: 1-3 April 15, 2017

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything

that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked

out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set be-

fore him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of

God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary

and lose heart.”

This verse reminds me of the distractions in our daily life and responsibilities that overwhelm our

ability to maintain our focus on God. Among all distractions, technology is often easy to become en-

tangled with, and it’s hard to resist its power on us. It’s possible to make time to hear God through

reading the Bible, talk to Him through prayer, and be with Christian friends whom we can relate to

and encourage one another.

Most sports athletes are very disciplined in their training and doing practice routines, because they

are focused on the goal of succeeding in their sport. The Bible compares living the Christian life to

running a race. Just as running a race wearing a heavy backpack would slow a runner down, sin can

also end up getting in the way of our ability to live our lives in a way that honors God. Sin can take

away our time and energy and takes our focus off of God and slow us down in our faith journey.

The Bible helps us to understand that God allows life to get difficult at times so we can learn to de-

pend on Him. Even though life’s circumstances can be harsh, it produces character and peace of

mind. Just as athletes push themselves to do hard work during a race by focusing on winning and

achieving goals, we should consider relying on Jesus for encouragement and strength when we are

running our life race.

Sarah Selvaraj

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for speaking to me through your scriptures. Help me to fix my eyes

and focus on you, so I can get through the day with your help. Amen.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Lenten Prayer Schedule: A fresh resurrection of

Christ in your heart

Easter, April 16, 2017 Matthew 28:1-10

“1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at

the tomb. 2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the

tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as

snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5The angel said to the

women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has

risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has

risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” 8So

the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus

met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to

them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

For something beautiful to appear, it often takes something ugly to happen first. What does this mean? In con-

text, for something as beautiful as everlasting life to appear, it takes something as ugly as God’s son being

beaten, tortured, and put on a cross to hang and die to happen first.

So, what do we do now? We have this beautiful object in our grasp, but we don’t even know if we’re worthy of

it. Jesus said to Mary, “Do not be afraid.” Fear is the root of all destruction. If we fear as a nation we discrimi-

nate, and as a nation we fall. If we fear, we tell the enemy “You have power over me.” If we fear the plan God

has for us, the story that he wants us to tell will be locked away—shut down, because we’ve shut down. So

don’t be afraid when God shows up in your life and says you have to move.

Shamim Nyakoojo

Prayer: Dear Lord, You’ve made the earth, the sky and all the living things in it. You thought so much of me to

sacrifice your son for my life. I ask that you guide me through each day, so every day that I walk with you I

get closer to you and the goal you have for me. Help me through all my struggles so that I can receive the

blessing you have prepared for me. You are the author and finisher of my faith. I thank you for everything

that you’ve done, from me waking up this morning or healing me from a sickness. I know every step I take,

every breath I breathe, is a blessing from you. God help me to value myself and the ones around me. I know

that I am walking hand and hand with your son to your throne, and that is worth more than anyway some per-

son thinks of me. God bless me so that I am not afraid to praise your name. In the midnight hour, when eve-

ryone else is against me, I know you are for me. You will help me make it through. Guide me in your way Lord

Jesus, so that fear doesn’t consume my life. Day after day when society is telling me to panic, give me a calm

spirit. In your son's name Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.