Praise and Worship – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “³ For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. ⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. ⁵ We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” One definition of a stronghold is, “a demonically induced pattern of thinking.” (J.P. Sprecher). In the verse above God has given us – the Church – the spiritual authority and power to destroy these strongholds. I am not suggesting that with one or two prayers we can make everything right in the world. That clearly is not how this works. There are many verses and 100’s of books on spiritual warfare. However, God has spoken to his Church very directly telling us that as we pray in unity with the Spirit, we can accomplish SO much! Let us join together to ask God to fight on our behalf for His children and destroy a pattern of thinking that is opposed to the Kingdom of God and replace that with His righteousness. As an example, here is a prayer focus for all aspects of our lives from Shari Lienau who is on the Art and Media team.

These days, the media that we and our entire global culture consume, is fast and furious. Reports and stories, both good and bad, are delivered with frenzy-like speed. Massive amounts of information, whether in the form of news, social media, or entertainment, invade our heart and mind-space with reports of evil, strife, and fear- along with just worthless content, at an insane pace.

Recently I am sensing the Lord say that it is more critical than ever to pursue the place of quiet stillness with Him to intentionally seek to rest with the God of Shalom- not just to avoid the chaos, but to hear the whispers of the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 30:15 (NLT) “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.

Resting in the Lord allows us to hear the whispers of his Kingdom. As media noise seems to increase, with sights and sounds of chaos- evil, strife and anxiety can be replaced with “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

While the enemy may fuel the atmosphere with bad reports and an overwhelming amount of images and messages to consume, we worship and advance the Kingdom by resting in Him. From this place of rest, he invites us to collaborate in creating His plans, stories, pictures and words. Resting in his quiet love, the Holy Spirit can stir and nurture visions to bring life and creatively influence the atmosphere of the culture we want to reach.

Pray for your neighborhood – your Family, Church, Schools.

Pray for your pastor(s), school staff, waitress, Dr., bank teller meaning those with whom you rub shoulders. You know these names and many of their stories. Pray that they will know Jesus loves them. Ask God for the opportunity to share your God-story with them.

In this prayer guide we will pray against the stronghold of fear in each sphere. This list is just a beginning as you will have many more ideas from your own experience.  Pray the verse listed as a seed to open your spirit to what God is asking you to pray. Remember the opposite of fear is FAITH! Pray that in each area faith would replace fear for we serve an ALL-Mighty GOD!

As we pray in each area we will follow the example of our Savior praying from the heart of the commandment Jesus gave us in John 13:34, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”

• Remember the LOWPC fundraiser banquet May 13
• If you want more info call or text Tim at 360-483-8691, email: timscott@lowpc.org.
• LOWPC website: lowpc.org

Praying for Whatcom County & the World

Art & Media                Philippians 4:6-7

• Pray against the fear of the content of the news, the commentaries on society, our kids being hurt, …

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Business                      2 Timothy 1:7

• Pray against the fear that is a basis of many of the decisions in the business community. Fear of economic insecurity, competitors, government over-regulation, trying new initiatives, insurance challenges, taxes, crime…
• “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

Church                         Psalm 34:14-15

• Pray against the fear of controversial topics, fear of losing people, fear of competition,
• “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.”
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Development             Isaiah 41:10

• Pray against the fear of: being overwhelmed by shear volume of the need, not having the resources for the person, not knowing what to do…
• “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Education                   Deuteronomy 31:6

• Pray against the fear of managing difficult kids (hardhearted), difficult parents, administration expectations, state test results, pressure to ‘get through’ all the curriculum…
• “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Family                     Psalm 103:17

• Pray against the fear of: economic recession, how their kids are doing, marriage challenges, work pressure …
• “But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children.”

Government                Isaiah 11:3-4

• Pray against the fear of man – public opinion, special interest groups, re-election, fear of the ‘other’ party…
• “He will delight in obeying the Lord (or the fear of the Lord). He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked.”

Health                       John 14:27

• Pray against the fear of funding cuts, administration directives, doing the ‘wrong’ thing, angry patients/family,
• “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

International Missions/Israel/Native Americans

Great Commission      Psalm 118:6

• Pray against the fear of community backlash and persecution if they leave Hinduism, Buddhism or Islam.
• “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

Israel                       Psalm 115:1

• Pray against the fear of anti semitism, terrorist attack, PTSD from these last 2 years of war, losing a loved-one
• “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”

Native Americans       Psalm 56:3-4

• Pray against the fear of community rejection if they leave traditional beliefs to follow Jesus.
• “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.”

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES in May – June

• National Day of Prayer, May 1
• Global Day of Prayer for the Jewish world – June 8, Pentecost
• 100 days of prayer.
• Bless Every Home – https://app.blesseveryhome.com/