2015 40 Days Prayer
P. 1
Prayer campaign unites community
After a summer of violence claimed inno- cent life in El Dorado, municipal and reli- gious leaders gathered in early September to work toward a solu- tion. They pointed to increasing levels of vi- olence, drug use and
a perceptible societal decay of moral values as ills to remedy.
What they created ultimately became a community wide rallying point and a
In the power of prayer!
heightened appreci- ation and respect for service.
The “40 Days of Prayer” campaign, which began on Sept. 27 and concluded Nov. 5, consisted of few moving parts. A daily scripture verse. A related prayer. But through 40 verses and prayers, those who participated had the opportunity to learn more about those who protect and teach
and serve and bind together their com- munity. Numerous people
contrib-
uted
to the
texts, as
evi-
denced
by the
dif-
ferent manners of prayer and scripture passages chosen. This inclusion was not
by accident. Indeed,
organizers wanted to involve as many people as possible.
Events held in conjunc- tion with the cam- paign allowed various groups
to honor and thank first-responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, school administrators, teach-
ers, elected officials and others who serve integral roles. A cul- minating prayer walk, attended by hundreds of area residents, wound through downtown El Dorado to specifically ask for protection and guid- ance.
And so it is that after the campaign has offi- cially ended, the sup- port for its ideals has not. Six weeks of daily prayer simply whet-
ted the community’s appetite. To commem- orate the “40 Days
of Prayer” campaign and applaud those who helped make it the overwhelming success it was, the News-Times is proud to publish this special supplement. It is our hope that you will keep this issue and refer to it in times when its messages can provide comfort and solace.
REVISITED
Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” - James 1:5
Obervation: We praise God for the gift of prayer; for being able to talk to our Father at any time and be confi- dent that He hears, He cares, and He is willing and able to answer our petitions. We give thanks for the mediation of Jesus, our High Priest, who speaks to the Father on our behalf when we approach God’s throne; and for the Holy Spirit, who intercedes for us when we do not even know what we ought to pray for.
Prayer: Father, we boldly ask in the name of Jesus that you bless us in the next 40 days with the wisdom we need to face life’s challenges and bring about unity in our community; through our High Priest we claim your prom- ise to draw near to us as we draw near to You; we ask that through your Spirit you will grant us a deeper sense of Your presence in our community in the days ahead.
Scripture: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” -Psalm 139:23-24
Observation: We must be willing to humbly address the sin in our own lives before an all knowing God in order for Him to fully use us to accomplish His will in our lives and in our churches and community.
Prayer: Search our hearts, O God, and know our anxious thoughts; deliver us from worry and give us more faith.
Scripture: “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” Hebrews 13:3
Observation: We remember today those who are in our jails and prisons and the families who must adapt to life without a loved one in the home.
Prayer: Father we pray for our families in the community that have been affected by the violent actions of others. Give them peace and comfort during their season of struggle.
Scripture: “Let every person be subject to the gov- erning authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13: 1
Observation: We are grateful for our elected officials and our first responders as they give of themselves for the betterment of our community. Be mindful and in prayer for their families as well.
Prayer: Father, we pray today for the men and women of our community who protect and preserve the security and peace of our community. We ask for their safety and success.
Scripture: “He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” Micah 4:3
Observation: Bring PEACE to our City
Prayer: Father, disarm our hearts and do away with racial and social groups. Walk with us and train us in YOUR ways of PEACE. Only you can do this. And we trust YOUR plan. Amen.
Scripture: - “All the ends of the earth shall remem- ber and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.” Psalm 22:27
Observation: Seek God on behalf of the Ethnicities in El Dorado
Prayer: Father, we beg you to overcome tensions between ethnicities in El Dorado. Thank you in advance for what only YOU can do. Amen.
Scripture: “But I say to you who hear, Love your ene- mies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Luke 6:27-28
Observation: A Challenge for Christ followers to seek and make peace.
Prayer: Father, there may be those who dislike or oppose us because of YOU. Nevertheless, change our hearts, shape our thoughts, and direct our deeds so that we become the blessing You desire us to be. Amen.
Scripture: – “But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:13-14
Observation: We long for God’s mercy.
Prayer: Father, there is a mountain of love beneath every act of Your mercy, so we refuse to despair. Instead, we are desperate in hope of Your love. Move in great mercy upon us. Amen.
DAY 1
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 2
DAY 7
DAY 3
DAY 8
DAY 4


































































































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