40 DAYS OF GUIDED PRAYER & DISCERNMENT


  • "But as for me, I am filled with power— with the Spirit of the Lord." (Micah 3:8)


    Prayer

    Gracious God, we are amazed at Your incredible love that has embraced us and embraces all the brokenness and alienation of the world around us. We love You, and we trust You. Take our lives and shape them as You will. Open our eyes to the daily reality of Your guidance through the Holy Spirit. And we are aware that our power cannot bring the transformation, the change, or the fruit, that You intend to bring into our Judea, the neighbors and friends who surround us. So, we invite You, Holy Spirit, to empower us. Take away our fears of what it means to submit our lives to You. Take away our small expectations of what You can do through us. Open our eyes to needs and opportunities we’ve never seen before. Give us boldness in place of our timidity. Exalt the name of Jesus in us and through us, and by Your mighty, sovereign hand, move people toward Christ, because it’s in His name that we pray. Amen.

  • “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11)


    Prayer

    Almighty Lord, please guide the direction of our path filled with intentional purpose to truly seek Your will.  We ask that You give us wisdom in every small and every large decision as we step into this season of discernment. Thank You that we never have to rely on our own understanding, as we know that Your wisdom will guide us. Thank You that we can come to the throne seeking and experiencing Your guidance.  We thank you for the gift and power of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.

  • “So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-13)


    Prayer

    Christ our King, we thank you for the gift of our clergy.  You anointed them to be here, leading us and allowing us to experience your presence through them.  Help them to be strong, filling them with wisdom, understanding and strength.  Set their souls on fire with love for Your people and divinely inspire them with words they need to share the Good News of You.  Father, pour deep joy into their souls so that nothing can stand against them in their service.  We ask that You allow them to lead us and become instruments of Your way.  All these blessings we ask for our clergy in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

  • “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation (Psalm 85:6-7)."

     

    Prayer

    Today, Lord, I ask You for revival in our minds, our spirits and our church body. My soul is too often weary, dry, and lifeless and I need You to revive me, to give me new life, to wake me up again. Please hear this prayer and grant me the ability to hear You, feel You and lean into You when life is a struggle.  You alone are the life source and I ask You to bring about an undeniable Spirit led revival for our entire congregation.  Please start with me, right here, right now.  Renew my desire to serve You, God. In the sweet name of Jesus, Amen. 

  • "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)


    Prayer

    Father, thank You for the opportunity to serve alongside all the members of FUMC Shreveport.  We are brothers and sisters in the name of Jesus Christ.  We are bonded to Him by Your Spirit in a love relationship for life. Please surround us collectively with Your protection allowing us to see and feel the flow of Your love.  Bind us together on this journey so that we stand strong for You.  I ask all of this in Your name, Amen.

  • "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)

     

    Prayer

    Jesus, as I think of You, the Holy One, bending low and washing the feet of Your disciples, the realization of true humility comes to light.  I want to be like You.  Help me to not have pride or vainness in any area of my life.  Help me to daily choose humility. Grant me Father the heart and mind of servanthood.  Awaken awareness of Your truth deep in my soul.  Amen.

  • "So, Eli told Samuel, 'Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ So, Samuel went and lay down in his place.” (1 Samuel 3:9)

     

    Prayer

    Lord, open my ears to be fully attentive when You speak. Help me to stay quiet, giving me a heart and mind that are ready to hear Your voice and Your Word before You start speaking.  I ask You for favor in this area so that I can know exactly what You want me to hear and speak as well as what actions to take.  These things I bring before the throne in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.

  • “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:9-10)

     

    Prayer

    Father, this day I pray You give me a heart of wisdom. I pray that I will make wise choices and trust in Your guidance when I feel uncertainty creep in.  Grant me a clear mind and willing heart to obey You.  I want to respond in faith to the wisdom You give me.  Keep me rooted in Your counsel and away from paths that might lead me astray. Write upon my heart the daily reminder the wise path is sometime the most difficult choice, but in the end, it’s the most rewarding.  I ask for Your thoughts and ways to be my thoughts and ways.  Amen.

  • "Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!' He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.” (Matthew 8:24-26)

     

    Prayer

    Christ Jesus may today and in all the days ahead my faith in You and Your abundant promises be ever increasing. At times when I cannot see what lies ahead and feel uncertainty looming around me, please gently remind me that You promised to never, ever leave me and I can rest in You. True faith is what I seek. True faith is what I want to exhibit so others know You are the Lord of my life. Amen and Amen.

  • “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” (Luke 16:10)

     

    Prayer

    Abba Father obedience is a disappearing part of today’s society. But we, Your children, are made for obedience because You have only the best intentions for us when we heed Your commands.  Help me to follow you and to remain obedient to Your word, Your callings.  As Jesus demonstrated in His life obedience wasn’t easy, ending even in death for us.  Thank You for His perfect example and be with me as I strive to follow that example.  In the name of the Most High, Amen.

  • "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” (Psalm 95:6-7)

     

    Prayer

    May You hear the songs of admiration in my heart and on my tongue oh Lord. You and only You are worthy of the highest praise. Thank You for who You are and what You have done in my life—for loving me, choosing me, saving me, making Your home in me, and bringing me safely home to You. May the amazing fruits of Your Spirit-- mercy, grace, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness, joy and love become ingrained in every fiber of my being so that You know how much I truly love You.  Hallelujah, Amen.

  • "But God has put all parts of our body together in the way that he decided is best. A body isn’t really a body unless there is more than one part. It takes many parts to make a single body.” (1 Corinthians 12:18-20)

     

    Prayer

    Heavenly Father, show me the place You want me to serve in the kingdom work. Use the gifts and talents given to me for Your glory. Help me to recognize the important role set before me.  And remind me not to envy others’ abilities because they are gifted exactly as You want them to be. I trust Your workmanship to be perfect and thank You for the good works You prepared in advance for me to do. May each member of our church live fully into our role and create a strong body of believers doing what we are called to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)


    Prayer

    God may I always be aware of the choice of contentment. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may know what it means to be content whether I have plenty or I am in need. Create in me the longing for not the things of the world but for a deeper relationship with You.  Help me to see each blessing I have all day, every day. And in this awareness please Father calm my soul so that I am fully content, understanding that You are in control. Amen.

  • "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)


    Prayer

    Jesus, thank you for leading me into the light of Your world. As the Word teaches us, we should seek You and You promise to be with us when we truly lean into You. Give me a heart and head full of the knowledge that following your ways leads me to a better life. I praise You now Lord for all You are going to do in my life, the life of my family, the life of my church and the lives of those You put into my path. I choose to seek You Father God. Amen.

  • “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (Matthew 25:35-40)


    Prayer

    Thank You good and abundant Lord for the many blessings You have bestowed upon me.  Giving me food, water, clothing, shelter, time, talents, and treasures that I may in turn share with others who cross my path.  What a deep emotion I feel when I read Your words that sharing with others is a form of giving to You.  Truly this is another gift and blessing from You. May I clearly see those who need help and step up to offer it with a gracious heart…a heart like Yours. Amen. 

  • “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)


    Prayer

    Emmanuel, “God with Us”, the very One who blew air into my lungs, I am grateful that You created me, You gave Your life for me, You saved me.  How can I do anything but sing and shout praises for who You are. Lord, tender my heart to feel Your presence, silence the noise around me so that I hear Your voice and guide my feet, so they follow Your path. I will forever and ever and ever love and thank You. Amen. 

  • “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” (Psalm 5:11)


    Prayer

    You, Almighty God, protector of my soul, my life, my world, my all…I come before You in complete surrender asking for You to engulf me.  Please spread Your protection over my thoughts that they be freed from the worldly ways; over my actions that You are glorified by them; over my deeds that my motives are pure and only serve good.  Openly and honestly Lord I profess to need You and want You to be my all in all.  In love I ask these things, Amen.

  • “I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom[f] and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance” (Ephesians 1:16-18)


    Prayer

    I come before You, the Creator of the universe, the One who knows all things, sees all things and hears all things, asking for wisdom.  As Ephesians states, please Father, flood my heart and mind with Your light so that my words, my actions, my decisions, and my responses are governed by You.  Remove from me any stubborn ways that cause me not to see truth.  Forgive me where I have may assumptions and allow me to understand fully what it is You want me to know.  I whole-heartedly ask You to be the center of my life.  In the gracious name of Jesus, Amen.

  • “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)


    Prayer

    Savior, there are many parts of the body, and each has a truly important role in making a whole.  Those You have called into leadership and gifted with that specific ability I lift before You right now.  Hold each of them tightly---feeling Your love and the direction they are to lead those in their realm.  If any of the church leadership feels anxious, worried, concerned, unsure or tired I ask for Your Spirit to come upon them covering them in the Armor of God so that nothing can interrupt their duty.  Oh, Holy God, please comfort and care for those You choose for our leadership positions.  In Christ alone I ask, Amen. 

  • Prayer

    As I journey through this season of prayer, discernment, understanding, helping, healing, striving, Lord, I claim You as the One in whom I place my faith and trust.  Please show me the verse from the Holy inspired Word of God that I should focus on today.  I am going to be still in this moment and wait to hear where You direct me.  Thank You for these days of prayers in which my brothers and sisters in Christ are joining together to seek Your will.  I am thanking You in advance for the perfect verse on which I will meditate throughout the day.  What riches and glimpses of glory come from the Bible verses that I cherish and hold close to my heart.  Today, my eager heart anticipates what lays ahead from You.  Amen.

  • "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)


    Prayer

    Emmanuel, I freely pour out my gratitude for Your grace when I come before You confessing my sin.  So many times, I fall short of being the best person You created me to be. Today, I admit the parts of me that are not lovely, not giving, not caring, are prideful or not tender towards others.  I confess that I have not loved You with my whole heart. Forgive me today, wipe my slate clean allowing me to move forward and grow into a kingdom-minded Christian. For this I pray, Amen.

  • "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:19-20)


    Prayer

    Good Shepherd, You are my rock.  Allow the assurances of Your truth, mercy, and control over every event that touches me strengthen deep hope within my soul. Help me place my trust where Your Word tells me to place it.  Open the windows of my innermost being to reminders that Your promises are solid and full of truth. Oh, how I cherish an abundant future with You in eternity. In the sweet name of Jesus, I ask for these things to be granted, Amen.

  • "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)


    Prayer

    Father, fill me with your Holy Spirit so that others will see Jesus living in me. Let me see others as You see them and open my heart wider than ever before so that the love You bestowed upon me flows outwardly to them. Help me to realize what those who cross my path need and direct my actions in showing kindness to them. I am neither above nor below someone rather a friend to walk beside them.  May Your temperament exude through me to all people no matter how alike or different we are. Amen. 

  • "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

     

    Prayer

    Oh, Lion of Judah, how I pray You laud out Your strength and passion that I may be transformed into Your image.  Thank You for always standing beside me on this journey as navigate and grow into someone that reflects You in my attitude, my words, my actions and my ability to love. 


    Please reveal in me the things I need to change.   Lord, nothing is off limits. Truly, I want to be everything that You would have me be. Please convict me by Your Holy Spirit and conform me so fully that others are drawn to You because of my transformation.  I ask for these things, Amen.

  • “The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.”  Psalm 119:130

     

    Prayer

    As Your word teaches, we look dimly through this world because our vision is short sighted.  We have finite minds that can only comprehend human time, space and ideas.  Lord, please remove the scales from our eyes, the hardness from our hearts, the lack of compassion from our souls and move us towards a clear vision and understanding of what Your perfect will is for us.  Hallelujah to the King of Kings, Amen.

  • “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)


    Prayer

    My whole being sings with joy because I know that hope in You, belief in Your promises, is the best thing that could ever be.  Today God, I lay down my feelings of fear, uncertainty, insecurity, and frustration with all the noise the world throws my way.  And I cling to Jeremiah 29:11 with all my might that You will wash peace over me, minute by minute, in full measures as I need it.  I pray that also will do the same for every member of our clergy, our lay leaders, our congregation and the church universal.  Reign down on us all.  Amen.

  • "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

     

    Prayer

    Today I come before the throne speaking the desire of my heart to choose joy. Remind me moment by moment today how very loved and cherished I am no matter what may come my way.  In those reminders may joy dwells in the soul outside of circumstances because it comes from You.  With You all things are possible and so I will choose to rejoice at all times. 

  • “To abide in Jesus means to keep his commandments and to keep his commandments means to love God with all our hearts and souls and minds and to love our neighbor as ourselves.” (Matthew 22:37–39).


    Prayer

    As I lift my prayers to You, the One who is my anchor, who loves me, listens to me, and desires to lavish good things on me, I draw near to You.  I want to walk in Your presence, read Your word, listen for Your voice all with arms open wide, ready to receive what You have just for me.  I want to be an extension of You today, Christ Jesus.  In Your name, Amen.

  • "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.” (Daniel 6:10)


    Prayer

    As I recall the Bible stories of Mary, the disciples, and many who have lived before me as they proclaimed “Here I am Lord, use me” may I lean into You that exact same way no matter how I feel…afraid, happy, sad, or joyous. My security comes from knowing that the same God who met my needs yesterday will meet them today. I choose to put my all my trust in You Father. Amen.

  • "Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 8:10-11)


    Prayer

    Heavenly Father, there are many times in my life where I have not been teachable. Please forgive me for my willfulness and not seeking Your instruction first and foremost. I absolutely know You want only the best for me and can see far beyond that which my scope entails. Please grant my request to keep me on the path You have chosen for me. Lead me, Lord. Amen.

  •  “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

     

    Prayer

    The Great I Am, in today’s verse I am reminded that through Paul’s difficulties, God taught him that our weakness, our feelings of oppression or even downtrodden circumstances that Your strength and power is where I need to lean and that will give space for amazing things.  I am going to trust in Your grace.   You know what is best for me and will provide the strength I need for today.  Amen.

  • "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:24-25)


    Prayer

    O’ Holy One who provided manna for His children in the desert and provides all that I need even today. I acknowledge all that I have belongs to You and You have freely poured it out to me. Expand my heart to trust that You will continue to provide for my needs as I willingly, with a cheerful heart, share with others. Please Lord bless and refresh us through generosity. In Your name, Amen.

  • “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)


    Prayer

    Jesus, the name above all names, I am so filled with thanks that You gave Your life for me.  You loved me first.  And You want to understand the richness of life and eternal glory You have prepared for me.  Please open my heart, my soul, my mind, my ears and fill them with Your words so that I go into this day and every day ahead full of understanding what is the path You want me to follow.  Oh, Lord, how I praise You that You will lead and guide me all the days of my life.  Amen.

  • "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:1-3)


    Prayer

    Lord, please forgive me where I have failed.  I want to ask for restoration of my soul.  Teach me how to rest in You. I am praying the words of Isaiah 61:3-4 where we are taught You will bring comfort to all who mourn and provide for those who grieve.  You will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of Your splendor. Give me a hunger and thirst for You that can only be satisfied by time alone with You. Amen.

  • "And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46–47)


    Prayer

    My Shepherd, You have proven time and time again that Your presence puts everything into perspective.  From the depths of my soul, I pray that You feel the love I have for You.  And I ask that even through the imperfect lens of my life, may others watching catch a glimpse of Your greatness and rejoice alongside of me. Amen.

  • "...And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)


    Prayer

    My eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord. I want to meditate on You day and night so that my world reflects the best You have in store for me. When my thoughts wander or my actions stray, I ask that You draw me near so that I am led by Your Spirit and not trying to do things on my own.  Please keep me keenly focused on You and You alone. Amen.

  • “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:11-14)


    Prayer

    My Redeemer, as I sit now and ponder on the meaning of redemption, I feel overwhelmed.  How could someone love me so much that You laid upon that ragged wood with splinters and those rusty nails driven into Your hands all the while thinking of me?  You gave everything so that I am forgiven for my sins.  You have given me life.  You love me far beyond what my finite brain can comprehend. Oh, how grateful I am that in Your eyes I am worthy to be redeemed.  May I love You so deeply in return that Your redemption shines through my soul and draws others to You.  Please God hear my prayer.  Amen.

  • "For we, alive though we are, are continually surrendering ourselves to death for the sake of Jesus, so that in this mortal nature of ours it may also be clearly shown that Jesus lives.” (2 Corinthians 4:11)


    Prayer

    Almighty God, I surrender my whole life to you. Forgive me for the parts of my life that I have tried to control because I feared letting go.  All throughout the day please bring the familiar song words to my mind “All to Jesus, I surrender, All to Thee I freely give, I will ever love and trust You, in Your presence daily live. All to Jesus, I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee, fill me with Your love and power, let Your blessing fall on me.”  May all that I am and all that I have bring glory to you.  In Jesus’ name I ask.  Amen.

  • "Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)


    Prayer

    Holy Spirit, fill me with wisdom, courage, strength, and endurance to follow You each and every day. Teach me, Lord, not to depend wholly on my own thoughts and ways but to come to You for help in making life decisions to do the right thing at the right time. Oh Lord, may Your decisions be my decisions. Amen.

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


    Prayer

    Abba Father, thank You.  You are faithful.  You are concerned with every detail of my life, and I am grateful for who You are.  You are the way-maker, the promise keeper, the light of the world.


    I thank You for everything that You’ve done for me; seen and unseen. Show me where I am lacking in gratitude and give me strength to give You authentic thanks in those areas. I will praise Your name, forever! Amen and Amen

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