December Prayer Time
Written by: Kim Robinson Pruitt, Prayer Team
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 16–21 NIV)
As we move toward fully celebrating Christmas, many struggle with grief, financial anxiety, time pressures, and family demands. Writing may take a back seat!
When Jesus came to be with us, He entered human hardship as a refugee, a citizen in an oppressed land whose own brothers disavowed Him. How deeply He treasures us!
So, as you glance at the writing you want to continue, be at peace. Invite Him to be with you and linger with Him. He shares in your burdens as well as your joys. Have a warm and loving birthday celebration with Him and write for His kingdom.
November Prayer Time
Written by: Sandra Peterson, Prayer Team
“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips . . . Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience . . . 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 3:8, 12, 17 NIV)
Holy God, in this time of change in our country, as well as in our organization, we are confident You hear our prayers and will guide our decisions. Inspire us to live according to Your rules, seek peace when there is disagreement, and act in ways that honor Christ. Empower us, through Your Holy Spirit, to persevere in our writing, to honor Your purpose for us, and to grow Your kingdom. Make us aware of Your presence in all hardships so that we remain patient while You turn those hardships into good. Certain of your love, we trust Your Word as truth, and we accept Your astonishing gift of grace: our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
October Prayer Time
Written by: Sarah Pruitt, Prayer Team
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”
(Romans 15:13 NIV)
Thank You for filling us with joy and peace. Help us trust that You will bless us in the midst of life’s various interruptions, particularly as we approach a very busy time of the year. Remind us to see Your wonder in the smallest objects, gestures, or blessings.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
September Prayer Time
Written by: Donna Hues, Prayer Team Leader
“For who sees anything different in you? What have you that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 RSV)
Lord God, Heavenly Father, we bow before you in humble adoration. You are the God of the universe. The One who holds all things together. The One who sees every detail in this fallen and evil world. We pray, Lord, as Your redeemed children. We acknowledge the difference You have made in our lives: a difference to shine in the darkness, a difference to lead others to the Savior, a difference to glorify You. May we always remember that You created and gifted us for a purpose in this space of history. Let our words and actions reflect Your gracious work in and through us. If praise and honor come our way, let us give You the glory for gifting us according to Your plan.We ask this in the name of our triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
August Prayer Time
Written by: Carol Wilson, Prayer Team Member
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:8 ESV)
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;” (Hebrews 12:28 ESV)
Lord, Noah found Your grace and fulfilled a monumental directive from You while weathering his community’s depravity. We can imagine the protracted agony. Ridicule hammered when spikes pounded. Animals protested. Family emotions fluctuated. There was fear of the unknown as they departed the known. Floodwater outside and pandemonium inside. A likely constant refrain of “How long, O Lord?” But we also imagine Noah’s flood of gratitude and awe.
Lord, may we walk with the same measure of reverence as Noah. May we find grace in fulfilling Your writing directives and be flooded with gratitude and awe. Please give our words wings to fly—like doves delivering olive leaves of hope, peace, love, and joy to readers.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
July Prayer Time
Written by: Barbara Rice
Prayer Team Member
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4 ESV)
Lord, you have us in boot camp, (“count” is a military term) where we’re beat up so that we’re built up. You know what we need and what You need to do to strengthen us for the battle. So we ask for wisdom to have perspective to know that you are with us and that the battle is won. The enemy sends fliers down saying that we’re victims and not enough. Because without You, we’re not enough. So, let us live in the victory and pay the price, keeping our eyes on You, not the battle. Amen.
June Prayer Time
Written by: Kim Robinson
Prayer Team Member
“You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, Your did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, And You gave them water for their thirst.” (Nehemiah 9:20 NASB)
Heavenly Father, You are raining manna from heaven for us, with all the blessings You have prepared for each of us this June. Thank You for each one who is going to minister to us in our monthly Members’ Circle and at our June conference. Protect, strengthen, and nourish them. Please open the door for every writer You’ve called to attend that conference.
May there be joy, divine connections, wonderful insights, and kingdom fellowship throughout this month to refresh our writers and bless the work of our hands. May we polish our work under Your guidance, and may many be published successfully, their writing connecting with the readers You desire. Please encourage, strengthen, and bless the agents, editors, and publishers who are promoting Your children’s works. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
May Prayer Time
Written by: Sarah Pruitt
Prayer Team Member
“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me” (Psalm 139:5 NIV)
“You are all around me, behind me and in front of me. You hold me safe in your hand” (Psalm 139:5 NIRV)
Dear God,
Thank You for being with us wherever we go. Keep us sensitive to Your presence as we pray, examine Your Word, write, and prepare for the conference in June.
God, I ask special blessings on the people organizing and planning the practical details of our upcoming conference. Please bless the speakers, presenters, and all the behind-the-scenes workers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
April Prayer Time
Written by: Sandra Peterson, Prayer Team
“Sow your seed in the morning, And at evening let not your hands be idle, For you do not know which will succeed, Whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.” Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NIV)
Holy Lord, we praise and thank You for Easter and all You have done for us through Jesus. We confess we allow fear and procrastination to sidetrack us and that we often feel blocked.
Quiet our minds to trust Your calling and be assured You will equip us for Your purposes. Strengthen us to diligently write to finish. Guide us to opportunities You surely will provide.
Inspire us to boldly submit our work. Help us accept that our expectations may not match Your plan and timing. Empower us to remain diligent in our work so we can draw our readers to Your immeasurable grace, for we do it all for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
March Prayer Time
Written by: Carol Wilson, Prayer Team
“Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the LORD. . . . The earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance.” Psalm 68:4, 8–9 NIV
Lord, destructive words deluge us like category 5 atmospheric rivers. The turbocharged onslaught of disdain and distortion pummels Your image-bearers and denies our sovereign God who rides on the clouds. Many lament, “How long, O Lord?”
Will You gather our writings and cause the words to fall like atmospheric rivers of holy goodness for such a time as this?
Please replenish our wilted spirits with Your renewing rains. Allow Your flow of living water to invigorate our writing moments. Then may Your name be glorified when our words saturate the atmosphere with Your love and light. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
February Prayer Time
Written by: Donna Hues, Prayer Team Leader
“So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.”
(1 Corinthians 3:7–NASB)”
Lord, we’ve probably all planted a garden of one size or another. The excitement is in full swing when we drop the seed in the ground, spread a layer of dirt over it, and sprinkle it with life-giving water. Then with faithfulness, we continue the process until the seed sprouts, completing its growing cycle and fulfilling its fruit-producing purpose.
Sometimes, we’re tempted to take the credit for it, but in reality, You are the one who has caused the growth. Help us apply that principle to our spiritual lives, persevere in our writing endeavors, and give You praise for the growth. May we continue to plant the seeds of words, water them by learning skills, and honor You in the result: a garden of stories to go forth and feed a spiritually hungry world. Thank You for using us for Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January Prayer Time
Written by: Barbara Rice, Prayer Team Member
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4–NIV)”
Lord, thank You for the victories of the past. Thank You for the victories You will bring tomorrow and every tomorrow following. Thank You for the victory today, both what I can and can’t see as well as what You’re doing in and through me and those around me to bring fruit and love into the world through all those who trust in You.
I give You the oppression that looms over me at times; it is not from You. What You are building in and through me takes time, failure, and experiences You arrange for me. When You must discipline me, it doesn’t mean I’m a failure. It means I have had an opportunity to learn. Help me learn, God.
Set my eyes on You, not my failures, not my successes. So many of these things can become idols and take my eyes off You. I give You myself.
Give me today my daily bread, and help me to follow You, asking specifically for what I need and waiting for You to bring it. Amen.
December Prayer Time
Written by: Kim Robinson, Prayer Team Member
“And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:18–NIV)”
Light of the world, radiance of God’s glory, we also are amazed by all that You have done and will yet do. Open our eyes to see Your glory, to see the work of Your hands. Heavenly Father, may we, like Mary, treasure all Your works and words, ponder them in our hearts, and freely share them with this world. Holy Spirit, please guide our thoughts, our words, and our writing to reflect Your light, that the Kingdom of God may exult in the work of our hands. With joy in Jesus, we pray and wish You a happy birthday! Amen.
November Prayer Time
Written by: Sandra Peterson, Prayer Team Member
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28–31 (NIV)”
Loving God and Father, we praise You. We know You love us. We trust you even when something we once had is lost. Keep us aware of Your presence and inspire our writing as we focus on sharing Your Gospel. Shield the young from the lies of cultural messages that would lead them away from Your truths. Help us all live in the expectancy of Your promises. Holy Spirit, reveal what You would have us know, and use us as the answer to the prayers of others. Give us godly wisdom, compassion for others, diligence in truth telling, and self-control.
We ask that Christ be the life, righteousness, and wisdom in all we write. In His precious name we pray, Amen.
October Prayer Time
Written by: Sarah Pruitt, Prayer Team Member
Psalm 27:1, 3 (KJV): “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? . . . Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear”
Dear God, Thank you for being with us on the days, weeks, and months when our lives overflow with demands, lists, and duties. Calm our minds, God. Help us to focus on Your timing and on the choices You want us to make. Remind us in the midst of chaos that You are our light and our salvation, the giver of strength and courage to face each day without fear. Thank you, God. Amen.
September Prayer Time
Written by: Donna Hues, Prayer Team Coordinator
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be in dread of them: for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.”
2 Deuteronomy 31:6 (RSV)
Lord God, creator of heaven and earth, with all You have to do holding the universe in control, how do You have time for us? We are a speck of dust in the vastness of creation, yet You sacrificed Yourself on our behalf. Daily, You admonish us to be strong and have courage. Our strength comes from You. Our courage comes from You. Fear comes from Satan, whose sole purpose is our destruction. Please help us to be engaged with You every moment and shine forth Your word with our words. Direct our thoughts and steps to honor our Savior. You promise to go with us, never fail or forsake us. May we cling to that promise daily. Thank You for choosing us to proclaim Your glory.
Blessed be Your name forever. Amen.
August Prayer Time
Written by: Carol Wilson, Prayer Team Member
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
(2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV)
Lord, we come to our writing spaces with unique ceremony and intent. We light candles, play music, close doors, and visit favorite places. We come with an expectant hope—that ideas coalesce and words flow. Often, we capture these moments while battle-weary or disheartened because of squandered time. Even so, You graciously prime us with pondering walks, inspirational fellowship, intriguing research, and serendipitous stimulus.
Lord, before the tap of our fingers, before the glide of a pen, may our hearts cozy up to Yours. May our breath respire with Yours. Then, please let words stream with Your sufficient grace. And whether content ripples outward or remains between us, may we be revived by the gift of Your abounding grace.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
July Prayer Time
Written by: Barbara Rice, Prayer Team Member
“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 niv)
Lord, with all the voices in our heads calling us to create a work of significance, demanding perfection—discouraged from the steep incline the gift of writing entails and even feeling the lack of support—give us You. Center us, not on ourselves and the lies we believe about the task at hand, but on You—the creator of the universe, the one who died in brutal anguish and rose in victory. Now we can live without the constraints of those not given over to love. You call us to ask You for our specific needs because Your love for us is boundless. The earth cannot contain Your love, so let us surrender our anxiety and fear. Help us stand in peace, whether we feel supported or not, whether we know all we need to know or not, whether we’re equipped or not. As we turn over our failures and hopes, You infuse us with peace, and You go before us. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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June Prayer Time
Written by: Kim Robinson, Prayer Team Member
“The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
(Zephaniah 3:17 niv)
Father God, we are astounded by Your majesty and power, the Mighty Warrior who saves us. You abide with us, and You tuck us under the shadow of Your wing and cause destruction to pass us by. Your love is precious to us, and we are so humbled to imagine You singing over us!
As we enter the season of increased publication and fruitfulness, may we pause to marvel at Your purposes and Your heart. May we recognize Your correction and embrace it; may we discern the disparagement that is not from You and let it pass us by. What wonders You have planned for us—so delightfully engaged in each of our lives! May we sing our joy back to You, rejoicing in the Author of all Creation, of Heaven and earth, who sings over us. In Jesus’ glorious name, amen.
May Prayer Time
Written by: Sarah Pruitt, Prayer Team Member
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
(Psalm 61:1–2 niv)
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”
(Isaiah 26:4 niv)
Dear God,
Life can be challenging; yet we are blessed knowing You are in charge. When it feels like a door closes, guide us to an open one. Thank You for your infinite wisdom, endless patience, and constant love.
Please bless the team preparing for our summer conference. May their planning be smooth, their lives and writing flourish.
We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen
April Prayer Time
Written by: Donna Hues, Prayer Team Coordinator
“I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will rejoice and be jubilant in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1–2 nasb)
Father God, we bow before Your awesome splendor. A splendor displayed when You spoke creation into being by Your miraculous word. A splendor we glimpse in the budding of a springtime flower; the gentle water cascading over a precipice into a cooling, quiet pool; and the awakening of once dormant life bursting forth in praise to their Creator.
As we enter the season of spring, may we, too, sense a budding, a new growth, a refreshment in our writing. Help us drink deeply at the spring of the Living Water for cleansing our souls and renewed energy to proclaim Your love. We ask that, in Your grace, You would refresh our desire to write for Your glory alone. Holy Spirit, renew our God-given joy of proclaiming You. In our Savior Christ’s name. Amen.
March Prayer Time
Written by: Carol Wilson, Prayer Team Member
“On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. People will speak of the power of Your awesome acts, and I will tell of Your greatness.” Psalm 145:5–6 (nasb)
Lord, we read of Your majestic works from time’s beginning into eternity. We see Your splendor in stars and seas, summits and valleys, work and play, laughter and tears. We’re graced with living water. We’re challenged but given panoramic perspectives. Gratitude gushes.
One of your awesome acts—creative inspiration—flings galaxies of blessings into hearts and minds. As image-bearing writers, we’re honored to speak of Your greatness in countless ways. Draw us, Lord, to be meditators of Your majestic splendor. Then please impart glorious imagination. Help us assemble words to provide havens of rest, infusions of insight, and odysseys of fun. Use us to cast constellations into spaces where darkness drapes light.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
February Prayer Time
Written by: Barbara Rice, Prayer Team Member
“May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119:76 (niv)
Lord, we are at the beginning of a new year. A new year with infinite possibilities because You are God. In You, with You, because of You, I write and talk and live with the promise of Your unfailing love. Casting aside fear and doubt—because they are not a part of You—I want You to lead me into the well-honed fruit that leads the world to Your love and truth. Thank You that I am never apart from You. Amen.
January Prayer Time
Written by: Sandra Peterson, Prayer Team Member
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (nkjv)
Loving God, Creator and Sustainer, we come before You in awe of Your majesty, holiness, and grace. Despite our fallen nature, You choose relationship with us! Keep us mindful of Your presence as we begin a new year. Help us to walk in obedience to Your way. Inspire Your gift of creativity and give us confidence in Your promise to equip us for the plans You have for it. Help us pursue You above our own dreams and desires so that we always glorify You. Uphold us with the righteousness we have only through Your beloved Son, Jesus, in whose name we offer this prayer. Amen.
December Prayer Time
Written by: Sarah Pruitt, Prayer Team Member
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord’” (Luke 2:10-11 nasb)
Dear God, as Christmas approaches, take away our fears and worries. Help us find peace in the midst of the clamor, the crowds, and our own expectations. Remind us each minute, each hour, and each day that this season celebrates the birth our Savior. Let our thoughts rest on our blessings, the needs of others, and the glorious gift of Your Son. Amen.
November Prayer Time
Written by: Donna Hues, Prayer Team Leader
“Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; make His deeds known among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders. Boast [glory] in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord be joyful.” 1 Chronicles 16:8-10 (nasb)
Heavenly Father, creator of the entire universe, we call upon Your name and give You thanks. You alone are worthy of our praise. We honor You for the lives You have redeemed from this sin-sick world. You brought us out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. May we honor You by making Your deeds known to all peoples through the gifts You have blessed us with. The gift of writing—let us write to touch lives for Your kingdom. The gift of speech—may our words at conferences, gatherings, and workshops glorify You and edify others. The gift of music—let our songs resound Your glory. Wherever You have placed us in this moment of history, may we strive to use our gifts to bless others, and may our hearts truly seek You and be glad. In the name of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.
October Prayer Time
Written by: Barbara Rice, Prayer Team Member
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (niv)
Holy, eternal God, You know the future. Nothing escapes Your eyes. Accomplish all You want to do and be in and through us, for nothing else matters compared to You. We give You our need to create because it came from You. Help us allow You in the creative process. We give You our ambition and set it at Your feet. Help us see it from Your perspective. For then we can hold hands with our Lord through the day and night, play with words, have adventures with plots, and imagine characters with You. Be near us, oh God. Clear our brains of the fears and expectations that don’t come from You, so we can be single-minded in our quest to know You above all. Amen.
September Prayer Time
Written by: Sarah E. Pruitt, Prayer Team Member
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Father God, thank You for Your Son and for loving us even when we sin. Please help us guard our hearts against anger and bitterness at real or imaginary slights and anything else that blocks Your plans for our lives.
Help us fill our hearts with good things—forgiveness, love, charity, and kindness. Father, remind us daily that what is inside us affects everything we say or do.
Father, thank You for our lives, creativity, and joy in writing.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
August Prayer Time
Written by: Sandra Peterson, Prayer Team Member
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Almighty, Holy God,
We are grateful for the plans You have for us and how You reveal them to us. Train our teachable hearts in obedience to Your will, not ours. Help us grow into our gifts while You strengthen our self-discipline. Empower our passion for writing with wisdom and equip us to boldly share Your love with others.
Keep us aware of Your Holy Spirit as He guides us away from fear and into faithfulness. When circumstances divert us, pull us back to rest in Your presence, to remember victory is already ours in Christ. Fortify us to persevere to the end and always for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
July Prayer Time
Written by: Suzi Lucas, Prayer Team Member
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 (niv)
Father God, we thank You for being an awesome creative God! We need You constantly in our lives to keep us from conforming to this world. We ask You, Holy Spirit, to come alongside us and transform our minds so that our creativity reflects Yours. Renew our minds so that we are intentional in our spiritual growth, causing our writings to blossom with amazing creativity. Continue to work in our hearts, drawing us closer to You and teaching us what we need to know. Help us to keep focused, listening to Your Spirit for guidance. Give us discernment as we write and fill us with all that we need to bless our readers and give You the glory! We thank You that we can count on You for this life-changing transformation! We ask these things in Jesus’ name! Amen.
June Prayer Time
Written by: Darleen Beatty, Prayer Team Member
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27 (niv)
Heavenly Father, You welcome us into Your family. You teach us that words matter. We long only to hear Your voice and share Your words with others during these troubled times. Thank You for Your promises, our Lord and God. Nothing is too hard for You.
Open wide the doors of inspiration so we as authors can encourage all to seek Your Holy Spirit. Direct our pens to write what will glorify You and inspire others. Lord, provide us with a window into your wisdom—to a place where the impossible becomes possible and Your glory reigns.
Thank You, Lord. You are the God of all mankind. You ask us, “Is anything too hard for me?” Let us remember that nothing is too hard for You. Nothing!
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
May Prayer Time
Written by: Donna Hues, Prayer Team Coordinator
“Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in awe above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols; but the Lord made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.” 1 Chronicles 16:23–27 RSV
It’s spring, Lord, and all the earth is proclaiming Your salvation and glory. May we declare Your praise through the written words You lead us to pen. There is no one in all the world like You, O Lord. Help us recognize self-made idols that hinder us from victorious living. May we praise, honor, and serve You more each day. You are our creator and redeemer. Holy Spirit, guard our hearts and minds from discouragement. May any honor or praise we receive from our writing endeavors bring glory to You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
March / April Prayer Time
Written by: Barbara Rice, Prayer Team Member
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22–24 NIV
Lord, thank You for the opportunity to put my impatience and laziness before You to be crucified. This writing lifestyle bashes my fleshly desire to do something significant so that I may be worthy. In the fire of prayer for guidance, the hard work of writing, and the torture of never knowing enough, You have already made me worthy. Your grace has already accomplished everything I seek. The only things left are to play with words with all the joy and freedom of the children we are and to rest. It’s for You we labor, knowing You will accomplish your purposes with our obedience.
February Prayer Time
Written by: Sarah Pruitt, Prayer Team Member
“He found him in a desert land, and in the howling wasteland of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye.” Deuteronomy 32:10 NASB
Dear God. Thank You for coming to us in our hours of greatest need when we feel like we are nothing. When our prayers appear to be unanswered. When life feels lonely. Remind us in the midst of our deserts, both physical and spiritual, that we are the “apple of Your eye.” In Jesus’ name, Amen..
January Prayer Time
Written by: Sandra Peterson, Prayer Team Member
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will . . . rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)
Gracious Lord, we begin a new year with minds focused on Your holiness and goodness. Make us conscious of Your presence. Help us acknowledge Your ownership of all we have and trust You to provide our needs. Quiet our restless hearts so that we may discover the peace of living in Your presence. Inspire all we speak and write for the sake of the gospel of Christ. Rather than quitting when it seems impossible, or stopping when it’s difficult, may Your Holy Spirit empower us to persevere and live by faith alone. Give us the grace and strength to endure and see any weakness on our part as an instrument through which You prove Your power. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
December 2021 Prayer Time
Written by: Donna Hues, Prayer Team Coordinator
“Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim good news of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.” 1 Chronicles 16:23–26 (NASB)
Heavenly Father, Lord of the universe, Redeeming Son, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit divine, hear the longings of our soul. We have often gone astray and followed the foolish leadings of the world. Forgive us and turn our hearts back to You, back to the roots of our salvation. In all the world, there is no one like You. May we bow before the manger of the Babe of Bethlehem, our Ransomer and King. And like the shepherds, may we spread the good news. Infuse our writings with Your message of forgiveness and great joy to all people. What an honor You have bestowed on us to be called Your children and what a great privilege to serve You through our words. May they send light into the darkness as a reflection of Your call on our lives. We ask this in the powerful name of Emmanuel, our God with us. Amen.
