TAKE TIME TO PRAY
FERVENTLY
LIKE IT MATTERS
30-DAY
PRAYER GUIDE
“GOD WILL DO SOME THINGS
WHETHER WE PRAY OR NOT. BUT
THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT GOD
WILL ONLY DO IF WE PRAY.”
- PASTOR STEVE GAINES
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous
man avails much” James 5:16b
James used Elijah as an example of praying for
healing. He prayed fervently like it mattered for
God to be honored and for people to change.
Elijah saw the spiritual healing of many as they
turned back to the Lord declaring, “The LORD, He
is God!” (1 Kings 18:39). God also used Elijah’s
prayers to bring healing to the drought-stricken
land of Israel, which desperately needed rain.
“Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and
the earth produced its fruit.” (James 5:18). We need
all kinds of healing in our nation, hearts, homes,
and churches. We must begin by praying like it
matters. You can be a part of that!
USING THE 30-DAY PRAYER GUIDE
Bellevue has provided this prayer guide to assist
you in praying fervently for our nation in the days
leading up to the election. Each day contains a
key passage of Scripture and a brief word from
Rick Shepherd, Minister of Prayer and Spiritual
Awakening.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
At the end of each daily devotional, you will find a
section titled “Praying Fervently.” The purpose of
this section is to help you start your prayer time
each day. As you begin with the suggested phrases
provided, allow the Holy Spirit to bring specific
needs to mind as He guides you in prayer.
All scripture taken from the NASB® unless otherwise indicated.
PRAYER MATTERS!
Prayer matters to God! Prayer is the open door to
sweet fellowship with Him. When we talk with our
Father about what is on our hearts, it honors and
blesses Him. We ask for the needs we see, and He
delights to reveal His power.
Prayer matters to each of us! I can know God
better, grow in my walk, and deepen my intimacy
with Him. The more time I spend with Him, the
greater is my capacity to know, grow, and enjoy
Him—and see His answers.
Prayer matters to others! I can see God make
a difference in those close to me, in the life of
someone I just met, and in the lives of so
many others.
Yes, prayer matters—to God, to each of us, and to
those we pray for. God will do some things whether
we pray or not. But there are some things that
God will only do if we pray. Pray like it matters—
because it does!
III John 2,
DAY
01
“IF…”
“If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain,
or if I command the locust to devour the land,
or if I send pestilence among My people, and
My people…pray…” 2 Chronicles 7:13–14a
There are many “if” statements in the Bible. God
Himself gave three in one verse, revealing to His
people the importance of depending on Him,
loving Him, and praying with the whole heart. He
speaks to the heart of His people. After giving
the possibilities of His chastening hand, God
gave the possibilities of His healing hand—“and
if My people…pray.” What if we prayed? What if
we prayed like it really matters? God presented
the possibilities of healing the entire land—if His
people prayed.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Our Father, we have seen many calamities in our
land and ignored many warning signs. Forgive us,
we pray.
Father, show me any corruption in my life and call
me to repent in those areas. Show me any area in
which I am not pursuing a passionate relationship
with You.
4
DAY
“MY PEOPLE…” 02
“…if My people who are called by My name
humble themselves and pray…” 2 Chronicles
7:14a
“My people”—Anyone who repents; turns from
sin to God; believes Jesus took all sin, guilt, and
shame on Himself on the cross; and personally
receives Him as Lord and Savior becomes a child
of God. That person belongs to God. He calls us
His people, His children, His sheep because we
belong. That’s great security—eternal security.
Thank Him.
He has also promised to be the Shepherd for His
people as He leads us where we need to go (Psalm
23; 100:3; John 10:9, 27). Romans 8:26 assures
us He also helps us in prayer. As you pray for
His name to be honored, for your neighbor to be
touched, and for our nation to be healed, trust Him
to lead you.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, I call on You as one of Your children. Thank
You for convicting me of sin, calling me to come to
Jesus, saving me by faith, and securing me. Please
guide me in prayer today. As a nation, we are in
great need.
Father, show me how to better honor and love
You and love those around me. I pray for my
neighbors today.
5
DAY
03
“HUMBLE…”
“…If My people who are called by My name
humble themselves and pray and seek My face
and turn from their wicked ways…”
2 Chronicles 7:14a
God’s commands are never to hurt us, always to
help us and help our relationships—and pride hurts
everyone. He wants us to love Him, care for others,
and share Jesus.
He daily calls us to humble ourselves—not to
think less of ourselves, but to stop thinking only of
ourselves. We are constantly trying to climb one
step higher in our self-esteem. God wants us to
have true “God-esteem,” seeing and loving Him for
who He is and praying in light of that. Ask the Lord
to show you anywhere you’re thinking too highly of
yourself and not highly enough of Him.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, remind me of Your ways, the things You
have done in my life, and the power You have to
change us.
O Lord, there is so much pride in this land and in
me. Give me eyes to see Your ways and ears to
hear Your Word.
6
DAY
ALL KINDS OF HEALING 04
“Jesus was going through all the cities and
villages, teaching in their synagogues and
proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and
healing every kind of disease and every kind of
sickness.” Matthew 9:35
The Lord has always been a healer. In Israel Jesus
healed all kinds of diseases and sicknesses. Just
like He can heal a sick body, He can heal a sinful
heart, a family, a community, even a nation if
people turn to Him.
What kinds of healing do we need today? God has
called us to be a catalyst for spiritual awakening in
Memphis and beyond. All kinds of healing can take
place in our midst.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, I ask for discernment about praying for
needs near me.
Please show me areas of my own life that need
Your touch and Your healing.
7
DAY
05
FILLED WITH HOPE!
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing, that you may abound in
hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
The Lord never loses hope. He is the God of
hope who knows all that is going on throughout
our nation. Paul wrote at a time when life was
not hopeful. He obeyed, wrote, and prayed like it
mattered because he knew to Whom he belonged.
Peter wrote, “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts,
always being ready to make a defense to everyone
who asks you to give an account of the hope that
is in you…” (1 Peter 3:15). And he wrote about “a
living hope” (1 Peter 1:3), which can lead to hopefilled praying. Pray fervently to the God of hope.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, thank You for being the God of hope. So
much looks hopeless; help me fix my eyes and
heart on You.
Lord, show me where I am failing to hope in You
and how I can have a confident expectation in You
and Your power.
8
DAY
RIGHTEOUS AMBITION 06
“Therefore, also we have as our ambition,
whether at home or absent, to be pleasing
to Him. For we must all appear before the
judgment seat of Christ, that each one may
be recompensed for the deeds in the body,
according to what he has done, whether good
or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:9–10
People are ambitious about all kinds of things. Is
ambition wrong? Not if it matches God’s heart.
Paul had an ambition to be pleasing to Christ.
Knowing he belonged to Jesus, he walked in faith
and instant obedience (2 Corinthians 5:1-8). Paul
also knew of his accountability to Jesus before
the judgment seat to receive the rewards of
faith and obedience (2 Corinthians 5:10). What
ambitions do we have? To pray and obey? To
be Christlike? That’s the foundation for being a
catalyst for revival.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, by Your Holy Spirit reveal to me the true
picture of my ambition. Teach me to have a heart in
line with Your Word.
Search me, O God, and show me any wrong
ambition. Work in our nation to bring about
righteous ambition.
9
DAY
07
PRAY FOR OTHERS
“They told Him about her at once.” Mark 1:30
When we see another in need, we have an open
door in prayer with our Father. He gladly receives a
humble plea for the needs of another. When Peter’s
mother-in-law had a debilitating fever, they told
Jesus and He healed her.
Who is in need? Who is God reminding you to pray
for? Tell Jesus of that need and look for ways to tell
that person about Jesus. What needs do you see
in our nation? Bring those needs and those people
before the Lord.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, I come before You for _____. The need
seems impossible to meet in my eyes, but I lay this
in your hands.
Father, bring to my mind and heart the neighbor for
whom You want me to pray. I ask for Your wisdom
about this situation.
10
DAY
WHAT CAN GOD DO? 08
“Is anything too difficult for the LORD?”
Genesis 18:14
Anything—That’s a powerful statement, but that is
what the Lord said to Abraham about giving him
and Sarah a son. It seemed impossible to them
but not to God. And a year later, they were holding
baby Isaac. God answered and fulfilled
His promise.
What impossibility are you facing? Jeremiah
affirmed God’s promises as he faced the looming
judgment through the Babylonians. “Nothing is too
difficult for You” (Jeremiah 32:17). We need to pray
for our neighbors and our nation in light of who
God is, rather than in light of the situations we see.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
O God, You are exalted in the heavens. May You be
exalted as God on earth and in our nation. I look to
You for the situations we are facing.
Lord, You know the needs in the lives of those on
my heart. I pray for those near to me.
11
DAY
09
FREE TO SPEAK
“Grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your
word with all confidence… And they were all
filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak
the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:29, 31
The words “confidence” and “boldness” come
from the same Greek word, which means “all
speech” and “freedom of speech.” It refers to
speaking publicly all that is on one’s heart. Early
Christians prayed for that and God answered. We
can pray that too—for the opportunity to speak in
public all that God has given us in His Word.
Freedom of speech is not license to give personal
opinions; it is freedom to give God’s holy and
loving Word, and His call to come to Jesus for
eternal life. Pray fervently for open doors, open
ears, and open hearts to receive the Word of God.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Lord, give me boldness, confidence, and
compassion to speak Your Word.
Father, You know the needs of people. Give me the
right words at the right time to help others.
12
DAY
GOD “GIVES TO ALL LIFE” 10
“The God who made the world and all things in
it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does
not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He
served by human hands, as though He needed
anything, since He Himself gives to all people
life and breath and all things.” Acts 17:24–25
Life—God’s gift every day. Death—sin’s wages
every day. While God continues to provide for
the physical and material needs of the world
from conception to the grave (Luke 1:41–44; Acts
14:16–17), He longs for people to know Jesus as
Lord and Savior.
Pray for God to raise up leaders who humbly
recognize their lives are in His hands. Pray that
each repents of any sin, believes in Jesus, and
receives Him as Lord and Savior.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Lord, I pray that the candidates running for office
would receive the truth of who You are and what
You promise.
Father, I thank You for life and breath and pray
others will thank You as well.
13
DAY
11
PRIORITY PRAYING!
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be
made for all men, for kings and all who are in
authority…This is good and acceptable in the
sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to
be saved and to come to the knowledge of the
truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1–4
It is always the will of God to pray for those in
authority—it’s a priority. Paul wrote to Timothy
when government leaders were corrupt and
idolatrous. Each one needed to know Jesus as
Lord and Savior. How do we pray for our current
and future leaders? Pray the Word of God.
Remember, God is being patient, even as in the
days of Noah (1 Peter 3:20). He is listening to each
person’s words. Call on Him today.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Lord, give me insight into Your Word as I read. Pray
and guide me in prioritizing my prayers Your way.
Father, You know the hearts of all men and women.
You know the truth and the needs of every person.
I pray for discernment in praying for my neighbors
and for our nation.
14
DAY
THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE 12
“For My people have committed two evils: they
have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns
that can hold no water.” Jeremiah 2:12–13
Two evils. This is about the foolish choices of
God’s people, not other nations. When we begin
walking away from loving God, it leads quickly
to not loving people, not sharing Jesus, and not
making disciples. When we turn our backs on
biblical truth and choose “broken cisterns,” we
begin chasing a thousand lesser gods, idols that
provide nothing.
God reveals our wrongs so we can repent, change
direction, believe and receive the truth, and begin
truly living once again.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, forgive me for chasing after deceptive,
death-filled idols—broken cisterns. Show me the
way back to Your “living waters.”
Lord, I am burdened for some who have made
foolish choices. O God, turn their hearts to You,
and quench their thirsty lives.
15
DAY
13
WHOSE KINGDOM?
“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these things [you need]
shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Hebrews 12:25–29 tells us to bank on His
unshakeable Kingdom. All earthly kingdoms shake
and crumble—but He is “a consuming fire” ever
energized to carry out His will.
One translation states clearly that the matters of
daily life like food, clothing, and shelter “dominate
the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly
Father already knows all your needs” (Matthew
6:32NLT). What dominates our thoughts? Are we
daily pursuing a passionate relationship with the
Lord above all else?
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, show me any shakable “kingdoms” in
my life so I more fervently follow You and seek
Your Kingdom.
Lord, at this season in our nation, reveal the shaky
foundations of earthly kingdoms and the sure
foundation of Your Kingdom. Make the choices
clear that we need to make.
16
DAY
TRUE TREASURE 14
“The twenty-four elders fell down before the
Lamb, having each one a harp and golden
bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of
the saints.” Revelation 5:8
Before the Throne of God are Golden Bowls filled
with sweet, aromatic incense—a reminder of those
who have sought the Lord, wanting only what
God wants. These are true riches that last forever,
safeguarded and treasured in Heaven before
God’s Throne. These prayers are clearly seen and
heard—a sweet, pleasing aroma.
Pray as David prayed, “LORD, may my prayer be
set before You as incense” (Psalm 141:2). Lord,
guide me in praying incense-like prayers for my
neighbors, our nation, and this election.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Lord, teach me to value what You value and who
You value.
Father, may my prayers before You be as incense
that is lasting and pure.
17
A DAILY PRAYER FOR
LORD, YOU ARE ENTHRONED
FOREVER AS KING of Heaven. You
raise up kings and put down kings. Guide us
in choosing righteous officials who discern
between good and evil with Your wisdom from
above that is pure, full of mercy and good
fruits, unwavering, and righteous.
RAISE UP OFFICIALS WHO HUMBLY
RECOGNIZE THEIR life is in Your hands
and seek to honor You. Give us leaders who
fear God, men and women of truth, who hate
dishonest gain. Appoint officials who will
make righteous decisions so that all live in
peace, godliness, and dignity. May each serve
faithfully as a minister of God for good as they
resist evil, protect people, and lead justly.
GIVE EACH LEADER A WISE AND
UNDERSTANDING heart to hear You, hear
people, and make righteous judgments. May
each repent of any sin, believe who Jesus is
and what He has done, and receive Him as
Lord and Savior.
18
OUR ELECTIONS
WE PRAY YOU WILL RAISE UP
GODLY LEADERS for each city. For every
heart and home we pray Your peace. Bring
in Your order and rest, rather than chaos and
strife, so people may come to the knowledge
of the truth. May each leader know Christ
Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Mediator
between God and man.
FOR THE GLORY OF GOD THE
FATHER, IN THE NAME OF JESUS
CHRIST OUR LORD, AMEN.
19
DAY
15
PEOPLE—GOD’S
TREASURE
“For you know that God paid a ransom to save
you from your empty life you inherited from
your ancestors. And the ransom He paid was
not mere gold or silver. It was the precious
blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of
God.” 1 Peter 1:18–19NLT
We pay what we think something is worth. God
saw the exact worth and sin in each of us. And He
saw what He could do. He paid the greatest price
ever calculated—not stores of gold and silver, but
the precious blood of His Son Jesus. He had no
sins, guilt, or shame, but He paid the full price for
our sins. What a Savior!
We see worthless choices in our nation and people
living an empty life, but God chose to pay the
price. Seeing treasure like God sees, we can pray
for our nation and the world.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, thank You for the great love You showed
in giving Your only Son for us. Help me grasp the
price You paid and the treasure You see.
Lord, guide me this election year in praying for our
nation in the light of Your will.
20
DAY
WHO’S AT THE TOP? 16
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible,
to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory
forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17
Too many people are climbing the ladder to get
to the top, but there is only One who is King and
always at the Top. Paul exploded in praise in this
encouraging letter to timid Timothy living in harsh,
corrupt Ephesus. Paul knew who had mercifully
saved him and who would be forever King. Wanting
Timothy to grasp God’s greatness, Paul focused
attention on Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 6:13–16
Like Paul, consumed with hope in and love for
the living God, we need to focus attention on the
One who reigns over all nations. We can pray, love
people, and share Jesus in light of that.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, You alone know the truth about the present
and the future. You see everyone as they truly are.
Lead me in praying for those around me and for
our nation.
Lord, guide me in living in the sight of God, in Your
view of people and of our nation.
21
DAY
17
LOVING GOD
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is
one! You shall love the LORD your God with all
your heart, with all your soul, and with all your
strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4
Is it possible to truly love God with one’s whole
heart? God said David was “a man after My own
heart, who will do all My will” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts
13:22). David himself testified in Psalm 18:1, “I love
You, O LORD, my strength.” He taught people the
truth about God and led them to make righteous
choices. He was not perfect, but he was pointed in
the right direction. His relationship with God set his
internal compass. For most of his life, he pursued a
passionate relationship with the Lord.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, I love You, but not as I should. I ask for
greater grace to love You more and increase in my
love for people.
Lord, thank You for Your love and the work of Your
Spirit. May I be filled with Your Spirit and overflow
with love for You and others. Bring to my heart
those I need to pray for today.
22
DAY
BLESS MY NEIGHBORS 18
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD
make His face shine upon you, and be gracious
to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon
you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24–26
To bless someone in Scripture carries the idea of
desiring for that person to be and do more than is
naturally possible by the supernatural will and work
of God. As we Love God and Love people, we can
bless them—meaning we desire that God would
work in them, keep them, and guard them with his
favor and grace. This is the need of everyone we
meet. It is the need of those leading our nation and
those who desire to lead. Without the blessing of
God, all is lifeless like the wood, stone, and metal
idols that fill the pages of history.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, You tell us to guard ourselves from idols
(1 John 5:21). It’s a real danger. Bless my
neighbors with insight about life and bless them
with Your working.
Lord, our nation is sorely in need of Your blessing,
but first in need of repentance.
23
DAY
19
SERVANTS,
INCORPORATED
“…Whoever wishes to become great among you
shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be
first among you shall be your slave; just as the
Son of Man did not come to be served, but to
serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:26–28
Wouldn’t it be amazing if there were companies
and corporations that had a servant’s heart? That’s
what God has wanted all along. Creating man in
His image in Genesis 1:26 included being a ruler
over all creation. We do this by seeking God’s best
for all. Jesus showed that everywhere He went.
Jesus gave the pathway for greatness—be
a servant to others, seeking their best. It is
Christlikeness to Love God, Love People, Share
Jesus, and Make Disciples.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, You are the ultimate Servant as Your Son
revealed day after day. Show me how to best
serve others.
Lord, give me discernment about what is truly best
for others, not by my definition, but Yours.
24
DAY
THE KING MAKER 20
“Let the name of God be blessed forever
and ever, for wisdom and power belong
to Him. And it is He who changes the
times and the epochs; He removes kings
and establishes kings; He gives wisdom
to wise men, and knowledge to men of
understanding.” Daniel 2:20–21
God raises up kings and puts down kings. He has wisdom and power. His wisdom is
impeccable, untainted, never selfish or selfserving, always holy, and purposeful. We need
to pray wisely with His insight. No man or
woman has the answers to the dilemmas of
today’s world, but biblical truth will certainly
guide the right way.
Call on His name. Ask God to give our nation
true wisdom.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, I praise You for Your wisdom and power.
Please give me insight today.
Lord, You are Lord indeed, and we look to You
as You rule over all the nations all the time.
25
DAY
21
WHERE’S THE BATTLE?
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to
kill, and to destroy...” John 10:10a
Where do we find thefts, robberies, and battles
for territory? Wherever there is something
treasured. Perhaps it’s gold, jewels, money, or
a car. The common element is value.
Where are the battles today? Salvation, Sharing
Jesus, biblical truth, Jesus Himself, the Church,
family, creation, moral purity… All of these are
battlefields where the enemy wants to steal, kill,
or destroy. Let’s pray fervently like it matters about
each of these battlefields.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, You know the battles better than I do. Lead
me in prayer.
Father, I pray for insight into Your Kingdom and
Your will for our nation, my neighbors, and my life.
26
DAY
DRESSED FOR THE 22
BATTLEGROUND OR
THE PLAYGROUND?
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and
in the power of His might. Put on the whole
armor of God, that you may be able to stand …
praying always with all prayer and supplication
in the Spirit…” Ephesians 6:10–11, 18NKJV
Sharing Jesus and Making Disciples is no
playground; there is a battleground all around us.
The battle is also within us as we deal with our own
sin. Romans 7:18–24
Romans 7:25 triumphantly declares where our
victory lies, “Thanks be to God through Jesus
Christ.” The Lord gives us His armor for the battle,
and calls us to get dressed and pray! Ephesians
6:10–20
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Lord, thank You that You are a Warrior (Exodus
15:3) and know how to win battles.
Father, my times of defeat sometimes overwhelm
me. Thank You that You never leave me nor
desert me (Hebrews 13:5). I look to You in the
battles I face.
27
DAY
23
GOD’S PROTECTION
“Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who
died, and furthermore is also risen, who is
even at the right hand of God, who also makes
intercession for us… In all these things we are
more than conquerors through Him who loved
us.” Romans 8:34, 37
Jesus told His disciples about the battles they
would face, and He asked God to “keep them from
the evil one” (John 17:15). Paul told believers, “the
Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard
you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). We
are more than conquerors through Christ, winning
battles in His name.
As we live out biblical truth and pursue a
passionate relationship with Jesus, He will be
faithful to protect us and guide.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, I come to You facing many battles. I pray
for others in Jesus’ name, asking for Your work
and Your will, especially in the elections. 1 John
5:14–15
Father, I ask for Your insight and protection as I
pray for our nation.
28
DAY
LOVE MATTERS 24
“Now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but
the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
God has called us to love—to Love God and Love
People and to seek God’s best for others. John
revealed how loving God goes with loving a brother
in need and exhorts us to love with action. 1 John
3:16–18
First Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5:22–23
describe the love God has and the kind God
produces in His children. He wants to see this
increase in His children. Paul prayed this for
believers in 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13. Loving
people includes praying for the election of leaders
who fear God.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, thank You for loving me unconditionally.
Give me Your ability to love others in increasing
measure.
Father, Your love is practical and helpful. I pray for
leaders who fear God, who hate dishonest gain,
and who seek the well being of all.
29
DAY
25
WATCH WHO AND WHAT
YOU BELIEVE
“Take heed and beware of the leaven of the
Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:6
You can believe everything on TV and the
internet right? Not exactly. Jesus warned His
disciples about the “leaven” of the Pharisees and
Sadducees infiltrating and influencing in the wrong
way. He wanted His disciples to discern the truth
and walk by faith built on truth. Jesus is the Truth.
He is our foundation.
Pray for the spread of biblical truth in our nation
and the downfall of deceit. Pray that truth will draw
more to faith in Jesus, creating a passion to pursue
a relationship with Him. That’s the heart and soul of
spiritual awakening.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, give me discernment about what I hear and
see. Guide me in prayer based on biblical truth.
Father, I desire to walk by faith in You. I want to
know and follow Jesus in an intimate relationship
and help others do the same.
30
DAY
BEHAVING LIKE YOU 26
BELIEVE AND BELONG
“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, a royal
priesthood, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR
GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, that you may
proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called
you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
1 Peter 2:9
Exodus 19:5–6 reveals God’s design and destiny
for His people. They belonged to Him as His “own
possession.” That meant serving, obeying, and
worshiping Him as His holy people. New Testament
believers have the same destiny.
As we pursue an intimate relationship with Him,
taking in Scripture regularly, our faith deepens and
our behaviors change.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, show me any unholy area of disobedience.
Guide me in praying for our nation and the
upcoming elections.
Father, remind me of Your many excellencies and
give me boldness and a confidence in proclaiming
who You are. May I pray fervently in light of
your greatness.
31
DAY
27
HELP IS ON THE WAY
“We are powerless before this great multitude
who are coming against us; nor do we know
what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
2 Chronicles 20:12
King Jehoshaphat and Judah faced the coming
of three enemy armies. They gathered and prayed
to the LORD, “our eyes are on You.” God sent His
Word and gave a great victory.
David, being chased by Saul, declared, “Behold,
God is my helper” (Psalm 54:4; 30:10). Jesus
promised the Holy Spirit would be our “Helper”
forever. (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). Psalm 46:1
reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength,
abundantly available for help in tight places.” Pray
fervently for God’s help in our nation.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, I need You as my Helper for every situation
You lay before me. I also pray for Your work in the
life of our nation and those around me.
Thank You for never leaving us—for being an everpresent help.
32
DAY
GOOD STATEMENTS— 28
GOOD QUESTIONS
“For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE
LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or
WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT
BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him
and through Him and to Him are all things. To
Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
Romans 11:34–36
T.W. Hunt was known for his statement often
said in light of several unanswered prayers and
bewildering questions, “God is God.” He did not
understand all the ways of God, but knew His
wisdom and His ways were unsearchable
and unfathomable.
What do we do when we don’t know what to
pray or do? We pray. We trust. We love God and
continually pursuing Him and His Word.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, though I do not know how to pray over all
the needs of our nation, but I lift up this country
to You.
Father, I have some perplexing questions and few
answers. Guide me day by day.
33
DAY
29
FIGHTING THE GOOD
FIGHT
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished
the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there
is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to
me on that Day, and not to me only but also to
all who have loved His appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:7–8
The good fight is the battle for what God says is
good—His Word, good seed, good fruit, Christlike
works, clearly Sharing Jesus. Paul did that and
more. He gracefully ran his race, true to the faith.
Not always easy!
Paul believed Jesus laid down His life, and he
received Jesus and His righteousness
(2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:17). One day
every believer will live on the New Earth “in which
righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, thank You for making every believer justified
in You through the righteousness of Christ. May I
stand in that biblical truth today.
Father, so many do not know You. I pray for an
opportunity to Share Jesus today.
34
DAY
“FIXING OUR EYES 30
ON JESUS”
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of
witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside
every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily
entangles us, and let us run with endurance
the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on
Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who
for the joy set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and has sat down at the
right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1–2
The devil uses distractions and deceptions to lead
us to defeat. Jesus leads us to victory in truth. He
surrendered to His Father and willingly laid down
His life. John 10:18
We can help others fix their focus on Jesus. We
must pray fervently, lifting up His Name, our
neighbors, and our nation. That will make an
eternal difference.
PRAYING FERVENTLY
Father, I pray my life pleases You, revealing the
grace I have received through Jesus.
Father, our nation needs a spiritual awakening.
I ask you to use me as a catalyst in Memphis
and beyond.
35
Use your “Circle of Prayer” Cards to pray for the
needs of our nation and your neighbors. Praise and
thank the Lord, exalting His Name. Write Scriptures
to pray back to the Lord as you praise Him and lift
your needs to Him. Carry these cards with you—
and in your heart.
Additional Online Prayer Resources
bellevue.org/prayer
bellevuememphis
Dr. Steve Gaines, Pastor
2000 Appling Road I Cordova, TN 38016
(901) 347-2000 I bellevue.org
©2016 Bellevue Baptist Church. All Rights Reserved.
CIRCLE OF PRAYER CARDS