CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF FOR OUR NATION

Welcome to our time of prayer. Please observe all the guidelines on social distancing established for the Chapel. If you are on campus, please remember to wear your mask. This prayer guide is intended to be a general guideline for our prayer time together and for our 12-hour Prayer Vigil on campus or at home. Take your time to pray for each area of influence. Ask God to be with us, now and always.

Americans from all walks of life will gather on 6th to lift up our country in prayer on the National . Our nation has endured a year marked by unprecedented challenges, but we know prayer has carried us through these days and the hand of God will move us into a brighter future. This year marks 70 years since Reverend stood on the capitol steps in February 1952 and called for congress and the president to establish a day of prayer. By April of that year, President Truman signed the legislation into public law. Through the decades, the efforts of the National Day of Prayer Task Force have mobilized Americans to observe the National Day of Prayer in all 50 states and in U.S. territories to pray for those who lead and those in need in our nation. At St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, we affirm God’s Biblical mandate to pray. It is one of the core values of faith in our community and is one of the 5 Habits that establish our mission to transform our lives for the sake of Jesus Christ. We pray and worship to build a closer relationship of love with Jesus Christ. We are a community of prayer for our local community, our state, our nation and the world.

Our theme verse for this year’s National Day of Prayer is 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NRSV) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

We strive for freedom, liberty, and justice in our relationships with one another and the world. We join faith communities across the nation in praying this simple prayer: “LORD pour out Your LOVE, LIFE, and LIBERTY upon this land.”

Today we gather in our worship space, either in-person in the Chapel or at our appointed time of prayer at home, to lift up for our land and our people. We seek to remove every barrier that separates us as we pray fervently for one another. We ask God to meet us in prayer today and every day. HOW TO PRAY ON THIS NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

God is the One who gave us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” As we humbly and diligently seek God, we will be changed, and we will see transformation in America through prayer!

To begin, we offer these simple instructions: Reflect on each of these areas of prayer. Ask the Lord to hear your prayer, then listen for God’s guidance before moving to the next prayer topic. Be as specific and intentional as you feel led. Pray for the following Centers of Influence in our nation: Government Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. (Romans 13:1-2) Pray for our leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity.

Federal Government Consider praying for our President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Congressional Leaders, Supreme Court Justices State Government Consider praying for our Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders, Judicial Leaders

Local Government Consider praying for our Mayor, City Counsel, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, County Officials

Military “He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them...and encouraged them with these words: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him. With him only is the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles...’” (2 Chronicles 32:6-8) Consider praying for each Branch of our Military, for those who are serving in active duty, for those in reserve, for those who are veterans and for those who have died in defense of our country.

Media “...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8) Consider praying for our community, local, and national news media, publishers, print and online influencers. Consider praying for social media and its influence on our culture.

Business “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working...” (Exodus 31:3-4) Consider praying for those in leadership and the influencers in our local, national and international commerce. Education “If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:3-6) Consider praying for our local schools, private and public, and for our Universities. Pray for those who teach and for those who are called to influence the next generation.

Church “So then, just as you received Jesus Christ as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-8) Consider praying for the church, for devotion and commitment to the mission and purposes of God. Pray for integrity, unity, righteousness, grace, truth, and love for one another. Pray for a revival across the land, that the name of Jesus might be lifted above all in every corner of our land.

Family Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. (Romans 12:9-13) Consider praying for the family in whatever form it is manifest to the glory of God. Pray for the traditional family and pray for non-traditional families. Pray for single moms and dads. Pray for our children.

Personal “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29) Consider praying for your personal needs and concerns, for your hopes and dreams before the Lord.

Conclusion Prayer never ends. It is only paused for the moment while we live life out loud. As you depart from this sacred time, know that God goes with you. Proclaim the name of Jesus Christ by sharing the love of God wherever you go. Thank you for praying on this National Day of Prayer. PRAYERS FROM OUR PRAYER TEAM MEMBERS

Government Dear Lord, we are all blessed to live in the of America, a great nation founded on Judeo- Christian principles. Throughout the past year, you have been there to help us walk through the COVID-19 crisis, the deaths of over 560,000 friends and family members, racial bias, civil unrest and more. As , we know you are with us every day, through every difficult situation. It is your ever-present love that heals wounds and gives us the strength to forge on. Now as we pray for our government, we ask that partisan politics be pushed aside so the focus can be on the safety and security of this country, the health and well-being of all our citizens, and government officials who place their commitment to serve above personal goals. Please keep this country safe from foes outside our borders who try to steal our intellectual properties and our security. And let us always remember that our liberty and lives thrive when we remember that it is “In God We Trust.” Amen. – Nancy Walker

Military Heavenly Father, We pray for our nation’s military service men and women who have answered your call to serve our country. We thank you for their willingness to lay down their civilian life and sacrifice daily to keep us safe.

We pray for the Leaders, Advisors, and Commanders of our military. We ask that you would bless these leaders with wisdom and discernment to make every effort to keep peace and to know when they need to stand strong for what is right and good. We pray for our active duty servicemen and women who are working and training in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and other areas of service. Please protect them and let them feel your presence as they go about their day.

When they are called to dangerous situations, we pray that you would put your shield around them and clothe them in your full armor. We ask, God, that you would help them to know that you are always with them no matter where in the world they are serving. Guide them to be strong and courageous, and give them your peace that transcends all understanding.

Please also be with their families they leave behind to serve our country. We pray that you would surround these families with your loving presence and encourage them while their soldier is away. We also pray for those families whose soldier gave their life to protect us.

We pray that you would wrap your loving arms around these families and heal their broken hearts. Help them find ways to honor the memory of their beloved and give them courage to carry on in their absence. In the name of Jesus, who gave his life to save us, we pray. Amen. – Jana Gaddy

Media Heavenly Father, on this National Day of Prayer we are thankful for our nation that You have blessed since its founding. We pray You will continue to bless this land and its people. We also ask that You direct and guide its leaders in Your ways. On this National Day of Prayer we pray especially for the media: community, local, state, national news media, television, publishers, print and online influencers. We pray – if only for this day of National Prayer – for individual media representatives to set aside their affiliations and attitudes to concentrate on what unites us as a nation rather than what divides us. We pray for you to invest individual media representatives with the fruits of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control so they can better relate to the people of our nation and their needs. We pray for users of social media to concentrate on gentle and kind posts rather than to attack, belittle or shame those they contact. Finally, we pray for individual media representatives to remember and retain the fruits of the Holy Spirit for the 2022 National Day of Prayer. All of this we ask in your Son’s Holy name. Amen. – Neil Stovall Business Lord, we desire Jesus to be King over those in leadership and the influencers in our local, national and international commerce communities.

We pray for a repentance to spark a revival to influence businesses, banking, medicine, technology and other industries. We declare 2 Thessalonians 3:1-4, “Pray for us that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you. The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”

Father, we ask You to let Your word run swiftly throughout businesses, the banking industry, and the entire sector of businesses throughout our local and national levels in our country, that Your name would be glorified through Godly businesses that are full of integrity. We ask for Your national and international influencers to bring Your increase and influence from the states and nations. We ask for the natural and supernatural resources to come from both far and near into our city and county. Lord, as You bring life into our commerce.

We thank You that You will establish these Godly businesses and You will guard them from any plans the enemy has against them. We declare Your Word will run swiftly throughout these business districts as You bring transformation to our city! In Jesus’ name. Amen. - Kimberly VanBelle-Porterfield

Scripture References: Leviticus 19:35-36; Deuteronomy 16:19; Psalm 33:12; Isaiah 57:15

Education Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you, our great teacher, for the gift of education. We have so much to learn about living in your world. Please give us a love of learning and open our minds to new ideas, information, and insights. Then help us use these to change the world for the better.

We lift up school boards, school administrators, and personnel. Give them the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding needed to make well-founded decisions in the best interest of students, staff, and faculty and to provide a safe learning environment.

We pray great discovery, adventure, and creativity abound in our schools. We pray for educators from preschool to adult education in public, private, and church institutions. We thank you for those who with patience, grace, and compassion give their hearts to teaching. May materials and lessons be clear and concise supporting learners, playing to strengths, helping with struggles, and motivating best experiences. Give educators strength and endurance to perform their many tasks. We pray that students experience the joy of learning, work to their highest potential, and mature mentally, morally, and physically to grow their gifts, talents, and interests.

Please bless two new educational opportunities at St. Luke’s, PX Project providing job and life skills, and Small Steps providing early childhood education. Pour out your blessings on education. Amen. – Sandra Hendon

Church

Gracious Father, Thank you for your church, a place of certainty and comfort in this crazy and uncertain world. Thank you for this holy place to find your presence and might, peace and light, a place of joy and abundant grace. We ask that you guide your church to love your word and walk in your wisdom, humility, and strength. Let us be obedient to your ways. We pray for unity as we interact with gentle hearts and patience. May we pursue peace and building one another up. We pray that as your church, we may make a difference in the world for your glory. May your wisdom and joy be with us as we share your presence with others. May we offer comfort and strength to those in need. May we be known for our love for one another. As your church, send us to share your gospel. We pray you will guide us to be a light, bringing people to know the truth of who you are and all you have done. Give us courage to speak out and make a difference so that hearts will be directed to you, the source of our help, strength, and salvation. We pray that you would move in miraculous ways awaking all to you. Amen. – Sandra Hendon

Family

Almighty God, Gracious and Loving Father, as we gather on this 70 th National Day of Prayer we thank you for our families. We fervently pray today and every day to love, honor and respect all families throughout our great nation. Lord hear our prayers for those families in need whether it is from poverty, hunger, homelessness, illness or grief. To your glory, help us to serve one another with compassion, thoughtfulness and grace. We lift up our prayers for traditional and non-traditional families, single parents and children. We pray that family members hear the message and experience the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and that the Spirit of the Lord pours out, through and across America to fill the lives of our families. Father God, we pray for the wisdom, strength, protection, and peace of the Spirit-filled LOVE, LIFE and LIBERTY designed and defined by our Creator. In the holy and precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior we pray. Amen. – Lynda Isensee

National Office Holders President – Joe Biden Vice-President – Kamala Harris Attorney General – Merrick Garland Secretary of State – Antony Blinken Secretary of Treasury – Janet Yellen Secretary of Defense – Gen. Lloyd Austin Secretary of the Interior – Deb Haaland Secretary of Agriculture – Tom Vilsack Secretary of Commerce – Gina Raimondo Secretary of Labor – Marty Walsh Secretary of Health and Human Services – Xavier Becerra Secretary of Housing and Urban Development – Marsha Fudge Secretary of Transportation – Pete Buttigieg Secretary of Energy – Jennifer Granholm Secretary of Education – Miguel Cardona Secretary of Veterans Affairs – Denis McDonough Secretary of Homeland Security – Alejandro Mayorkas

Senate Majority Leader – Chuck Schumer Senate Minority Leader – Mitch McConnell

House of Representatives – Speaker of the House – Nancy Pelosi House of Representatives – Minority Leader – Kevin McCarthy

Supreme Court Justices John Roberts – Chief Justice Clarence Thomas Stephen Breyer Samuel Alito Sonia Sotomayor Elena Kagan Neil Gorsuch Brett Cavanaugh Amy Coney Barrett

State Office Holders US Senator – Ted Cruz US Senator – John Cornyn

US House of Representatives 7th Congressional District – Lizzie Fletcher

Texas Governor – Gregg Abbott Texas Lt. Governor – Dan Patrick

Local Government Office Holders Harris County Judge – Lina Hidalgo Mayor of Houston – Sylvester Turner

Council Members and City Officials