EACF 40 Days of Prayer 2019
Day 40: Praise and Thanksgiving
How often do you give praise to God? How often do you thank God? We must make it a habit to wake up every day and give thanks to God. Take some special time today to give thanks to God now and throughout your day. Thank Him for life and breath. Thank Him for the people in your life (even the ones you're not fond of). Thank Him for food, clothing, shelter. See how a heart of thankfulness transforms your day and keeps you mindful of God's presence! Enjoy Him today!
Thanks for joining in on this prayer journey! Keep praying!
"Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” - 1 Chronicles 16:8 ESV
"I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High." - Psalm 7:17 ESV
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Friday, February 8, 2019
40 Days of Prayer: Day 39 (2/8)
EACF 40 Days of Prayer 2019
Day 39: For Your Family
Our journey over these past 40 days started with our own hearts and ventured through our church, into the world, and back towards home. Today, pray for your family. This can mean your parents, siblings, cousins, and other relatives. This can mean your own household - spouse and children. How often do you pray for your family members? Our families are the first opportunity for us to experience community and a community of faith. We get to share and encourage one another in our faith in Christ. If your family members do not know Jesus, pray for them. If they do then pray for more depth in awareness of sin, a fuller grasp on the love of God, and a greater awareness of God's presence today. And pray that you will be a blessing to your family members!
"You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever. And when you come to the land that the LORD will give you, as he has promised, you shall keep this service. And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the LORD's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.” - Exodus 12:24-27a ESV
"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." - 1 Timothy 5:8 ESV
Day 39: For Your Family
Our journey over these past 40 days started with our own hearts and ventured through our church, into the world, and back towards home. Today, pray for your family. This can mean your parents, siblings, cousins, and other relatives. This can mean your own household - spouse and children. How often do you pray for your family members? Our families are the first opportunity for us to experience community and a community of faith. We get to share and encourage one another in our faith in Christ. If your family members do not know Jesus, pray for them. If they do then pray for more depth in awareness of sin, a fuller grasp on the love of God, and a greater awareness of God's presence today. And pray that you will be a blessing to your family members!
"You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever. And when you come to the land that the LORD will give you, as he has promised, you shall keep this service. And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the LORD's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.” - Exodus 12:24-27a ESV
"But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." - 1 Timothy 5:8 ESV
Thursday, February 7, 2019
40 Days of Prayer: Day 38 (2/7)
EACF 40 Days of Prayer 2019
Day 38: For Your Neighbors
Atlanta is known as a city of transplants: 37% of people in the metro area were born outside of Georgia (U.S. Census, ARC). Your personal experiences may vary, but how many of the ten households/dorms/apartments closes to you do you know personally? The inflow and outflow of residents in, out, and around Atlanta can be disruptive to the sense of community. But Jesus said to love our neighbors. We can start to follow through on this by praying for them. Pray for the ten households closest to you. And then ask God if He wants you to do more than just pray. Do this from time-to-time over the next few months and see what happens!
"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Galatians 5:14 ESV
"[Jesus concluding the parable of the good Samaritan] 'Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?' He said, 'The one who showed him mercy.' And Jesus said to him, 'You go, and do likewise.'" - Luke 10:36-37 ESV
Day 38: For Your Neighbors
Atlanta is known as a city of transplants: 37% of people in the metro area were born outside of Georgia (U.S. Census, ARC). Your personal experiences may vary, but how many of the ten households/dorms/apartments closes to you do you know personally? The inflow and outflow of residents in, out, and around Atlanta can be disruptive to the sense of community. But Jesus said to love our neighbors. We can start to follow through on this by praying for them. Pray for the ten households closest to you. And then ask God if He wants you to do more than just pray. Do this from time-to-time over the next few months and see what happens!
"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Galatians 5:14 ESV
"[Jesus concluding the parable of the good Samaritan] 'Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?' He said, 'The one who showed him mercy.' And Jesus said to him, 'You go, and do likewise.'" - Luke 10:36-37 ESV
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
40 Days of Prayer: Day 37 (2/6)
EACF 40 Days of Prayer 2019
Day 37: For Government Leaders
We live in a nation that has the best government system in the world, but because it is a government of and by the people, it is still flawed. With laws that sometimes promote mankind but ignore God's call to righteousness (see: abortion), Christians may end up as a minority with unpopular views. Pray for government to keep peace in our nation, that we may do the work God has called us to in sharing the Gospel and inviting people to know Him. Pray for specific leaders like our President, governor, and other key leaders. Pray for justice and fairness. Pray for God's truth and light to shine that our leaders may know what is right for them to do.
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." - 1 Timothy 2:1–2 ESV
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." - Romans 13:1–4 ESV
Day 37: For Government Leaders
We live in a nation that has the best government system in the world, but because it is a government of and by the people, it is still flawed. With laws that sometimes promote mankind but ignore God's call to righteousness (see: abortion), Christians may end up as a minority with unpopular views. Pray for government to keep peace in our nation, that we may do the work God has called us to in sharing the Gospel and inviting people to know Him. Pray for specific leaders like our President, governor, and other key leaders. Pray for justice and fairness. Pray for God's truth and light to shine that our leaders may know what is right for them to do.
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." - 1 Timothy 2:1–2 ESV
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." - Romans 13:1–4 ESV
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
40 Days of Prayer: Day 36
EACF 40 Days of Prayer 2019
Day 36: For Police and First Responders
First responders includes police, firemen, paramedics, and others who answer the call to help when emergencies happen. Danger is often a part of the job, but the goal is to help people, sometimes to save people. How much is the heart of Jesus demonstrated in these types of jobs? Give thanks to God for any first responders that you know and for all in general. Pray for God's protection over these men and women, and for faith and comfort for their families. Pray for their role against evil and in dealing with the brokenness of this world.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." - Matthew 5:9 ESV
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." - Romans 13:1–4 ESV
Day 36: For Police and First Responders
First responders includes police, firemen, paramedics, and others who answer the call to help when emergencies happen. Danger is often a part of the job, but the goal is to help people, sometimes to save people. How much is the heart of Jesus demonstrated in these types of jobs? Give thanks to God for any first responders that you know and for all in general. Pray for God's protection over these men and women, and for faith and comfort for their families. Pray for their role against evil and in dealing with the brokenness of this world.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." - Matthew 5:9 ESV
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." - Romans 13:1–4 ESV
Monday, February 4, 2019
40 Days of Prayer: Day 35
EACF 40 Days of Prayer 2019
Day 35: For Local Schools and Safety
In 2018 there were reportedly 94 school gun violence incidents in the United States (US Naval Postgraduate School data, vox.com, 12/10/2018). Back in October a 13YO Trickum Middle School student brought a butcher knife to school and stabbed one of his teachers. We are living in an era where potential violence and training for active shooter response are part of how schools have to operate. We have several teachers in our congregation. Let's pray for the safety of teachers and students and that our society would come to God to have the deepest needs and causes for violence addressed in His grace for us all.
"All your children shall be taught by the LORD,
and great shall be the peace of your children." - Isaiah 54:13 ESV
"He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8 ESV
Day 35: For Local Schools and Safety
In 2018 there were reportedly 94 school gun violence incidents in the United States (US Naval Postgraduate School data, vox.com, 12/10/2018). Back in October a 13YO Trickum Middle School student brought a butcher knife to school and stabbed one of his teachers. We are living in an era where potential violence and training for active shooter response are part of how schools have to operate. We have several teachers in our congregation. Let's pray for the safety of teachers and students and that our society would come to God to have the deepest needs and causes for violence addressed in His grace for us all.
"All your children shall be taught by the LORD,
and great shall be the peace of your children." - Isaiah 54:13 ESV
"He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8 ESV
Sunday, February 3, 2019
40 Days of Prayer: Day 34
EACF 40 Days of Prayer 2019
Day 34: For Visitors and Impact in the ATL
Atlanta today is welcoming a whole bunch of visitors - it's Super Bowl Sunday! Atlanta is a great town and a lot of people live here and more move here every year. We have visitors to our church as well. Let's pray today for our welcoming of visitors, not just for a cursory initial greeting, but for us to have Christ's heart in welcoming all who come to our community and to our church. Pray for us to be able to show real interest in others, to hear their stories and know their needs, to show them Christ and to invite them to grow together in faith. Pray for godly hospitality.
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." - Matthew 25:35–36 ESV
"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." - Romans 15:7 ESV
Day 34: For Visitors and Impact in the ATL
Atlanta today is welcoming a whole bunch of visitors - it's Super Bowl Sunday! Atlanta is a great town and a lot of people live here and more move here every year. We have visitors to our church as well. Let's pray today for our welcoming of visitors, not just for a cursory initial greeting, but for us to have Christ's heart in welcoming all who come to our community and to our church. Pray for us to be able to show real interest in others, to hear their stories and know their needs, to show them Christ and to invite them to grow together in faith. Pray for godly hospitality.
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." - Matthew 25:35–36 ESV
"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." - Romans 15:7 ESV
Saturday, February 2, 2019
40 Days of Prayer: Day 33
EACF 40 Days of Prayer 2019
Day 33: For Community Groups, Discipleship Groups
Our prayer for this year for EACF is that we would grow in how we love one another. Some ways we build relationships are our four community groups and our five ongoing discipleship groups. Please pray for depth of relationships and a real sensitivity to the Holy Spirit as we hope to grow in our ministry to one another. Pray for courage and faith to get real to share our burdens and to encourage and help one another. Pray for us to grow in our knowledge of God's Word and in our maturity in applying the Word of God, in confessing and repenting of sins, and in walking in the grace and Spirit of God by faith.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." - John 13:34–35 ESV
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 ESV
Day 33: For Community Groups, Discipleship Groups
Our prayer for this year for EACF is that we would grow in how we love one another. Some ways we build relationships are our four community groups and our five ongoing discipleship groups. Please pray for depth of relationships and a real sensitivity to the Holy Spirit as we hope to grow in our ministry to one another. Pray for courage and faith to get real to share our burdens and to encourage and help one another. Pray for us to grow in our knowledge of God's Word and in our maturity in applying the Word of God, in confessing and repenting of sins, and in walking in the grace and Spirit of God by faith.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." - John 13:34–35 ESV
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 ESV
Friday, February 1, 2019
40 Days of Prayer: Day 32
EACF 40 Days of Prayer 2019
Day 32: For ACCC and the network
Our congregation is the fruit of the labor and faith of those who have gone before us, and in the case of our church, that is the Atlanta Chinese Christian Church. While ACCC planted ACCCN in Johns Creek/Alpharetta and ACCCNW in East Cobb, our EACF congregation was effectively the first church plant...it just wasn't acknowledged as its own church back then!
Let's pray for ACCC, for Pastor Steve Huang and the elders, for the deacons and other servants. Pray in thanksgiving for their faith and legacy! Pray for the parents to care for their children in the youth and children's ministries. Pray for their outreach and for the kids who come without their parents, and there are many in that group at our church on Sundays. And pray for the other churches in the network, as ACCCNW is looking to fill several staff positions and ACCCN is still searching for their next English pastor.
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." - 1 Peter 3:8 ESV
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen." - Galatians 6:18 ESV
Day 32: For ACCC and the network
Our congregation is the fruit of the labor and faith of those who have gone before us, and in the case of our church, that is the Atlanta Chinese Christian Church. While ACCC planted ACCCN in Johns Creek/Alpharetta and ACCCNW in East Cobb, our EACF congregation was effectively the first church plant...it just wasn't acknowledged as its own church back then!
Let's pray for ACCC, for Pastor Steve Huang and the elders, for the deacons and other servants. Pray in thanksgiving for their faith and legacy! Pray for the parents to care for their children in the youth and children's ministries. Pray for their outreach and for the kids who come without their parents, and there are many in that group at our church on Sundays. And pray for the other churches in the network, as ACCCNW is looking to fill several staff positions and ACCCN is still searching for their next English pastor.
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind." - 1 Peter 3:8 ESV
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen." - Galatians 6:18 ESV
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