30 FOR 30 PRAYER PLAN
PRAY WITH US A simple way to read and pray Scripture every weekday during the month of April
DATE SCRIPTURE PASTOR Topic
❏ WEDS. APRIL 1, 2020 Phil 4:4-7 D.J. Horton, S enior Pastor
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❏ THURS. APRIL 2, 2020 Exod Adam Siskey, H igh Moses’ prayer for the Israelites 32:7–14 School Pastor
Description In today’s passage we see Moses interceding on behalf of the children of Israel. As The Lord is giving Moses the ten commandments on the mountain, the Israelites grow impatient and create for themselves a god in the image of a golden calf. As they are worshiping the false image, The Lord informs Moses of their rebellion and sets His sight to destroy them. Immediately we see Moses intercede to spare people on Israel’s behalf. The great news is that God heard His prayer and responded with mercy. God hears the cries of His people and takes pleasure in showing mercy for His glory. As you spend time in prayer today, take the time to lift up someone in your life who may be walking in disobedience to The Lord. Spend some time interceding on behalf of someone in your life who doesn’t have a saving relationship with Jesus, that God would show them mercy and forgive their sins.
❏ FRI. APRIL 3, 2020 1 Sam 1:9–18 Adam Siskey, H igh Hannah’s prayer School Pastor
Description We see in this passage an Israelite named Hannah who, for a lack of ability to produce offspring, has become depressed and overtaken with anxiety, even to the point of no appetite. When no one else, including her husband, could console her, she turns to the God of peace and lays all her anxiety and depression on The Lord. Immediately her grief turns to peace, and she even regains her appetite. Shortly after this, Samuel was born and was dedicated to The Lord. Maybe the current situation in our world has caused a deep sense of anxiety in your life. The reality is that we worry most about things that we cannot control. Spend time in prayer today taking your worries and anxieties to the God of peace who loves you and understands your deepest needs.
❏ MON. APRIL 6, 2020 2 Kings Jarrett McNeely, Hezekiah’s prayer about the 19:14–19 Connections Pastor king of Assyria
Description Have you ever received news that stops you in your tracks? In this passage, King Hezekiah received word from Sennacherib, King of Assyria, that an attack was imminent and he should give in by renouncing his faith in God. King Hezekiah immediately took action; he started praying to God. He acknowledged the all-powerful, holy nature of God, prayed for the Lord to save his people from this foe, and prayed that all the earth would know the Lord alone is God. In the midst of difficult times, respond like King Hezekiah; stop and pray from a place of confidence that our Creator God is in control. Pray specifically that God brings His people to saving knowledge of Him; for physical safety during times of threat; and that through the crises that come, the world would know that He alone is God.
❏ TUES. APRIL 7, 2020 2 Kings Jarrett McNeely, Hezekiah’s prayer for health 20:1–11 Connections Pastor
Description Health complications can often be a source of fear and anxiety. In today’s passage, King Hezekiah receives news that he is sick and will not recover. Even though he is distraught, the king immediately prays to God with deep, heartfelt requests to spare him from this sickness. The Bible says he wept bitterly. God heard King Hezekiah’s prayer and allowed His glory to be revealed through the miraculous healing of the king. Have you ever approached God from such a raw, broken place? The unknowns within times of poor health can feel overwhelming, but taking all of our feelings and requests of the Lord reminds us of His sovereignty and nearness even in the brokenness. Pray that God will bring physical healing to the sick and show you how you can be the hands and feet of Jesus to those hurting in the raw, broken places. Pray deeply for physical wellness and spiritual healing to come to our nation.
❏ WEDS. APRIL 8, 2020 2 Chron Charles Eaton, Senior God promises to hear prayers 7:11–18 Adult Pastor from the temple
Description Years had passed since Solomon’s prayer of dedication in 2 Chronicles 6:14-42, and yet God reminds Solomon here that He had heard his prayer. How often do we look for immediate answers to our prayers and, when nothing happens, wonder if God has heard us? God does hear and we must trust He will answer them at the proper time. In verses 14-16, God outlined His mode of operation when people pray and repent. He opens His eyes and ears to hear the prayers of His people. God said this particularly in light of the temple where the nation of Israel would go to offer sacrifice and become one with God again. For Christians, the temple has changed to Christ, and the sacrifice has changed to Christ’s death. As we pray, God hears! Will you trust Him today to make a difference in your life as you humbly pray, seek Him and repent of your sins?
❏ THURS. APRIL 9, 2020 Neh 1:4–11 Charles Eaton, Senior Nehemiah’s prayer Adult Pastor
Description In this passage, Nehemiah is crying out to God in prayer on behalf of his people, asking God to restore them to the promised land of Israel. The specificity of his prayer indicates that he intimately knew the God of Heaven. Nehemiah confessed that he and the entire people of God had become corrupt and had failed to keep the commands given to Moses. Although their disobedience brought exile, their obedience would bring blessing. God is in the restoration business! He is always ready to forgive us of our sins and restore us to Himself if we return to Him in obedience through prayer. Would you pray today specifically for the people around you, the leaders of our church, the leaders of our country and our world situation?
❏ FRI. APRIL 10, 2020 Ps 51:1–19 Kris Kuriger, M iddle David’s prayer of repentance School Pastor
Description As we look at today’s passage we hear the heart of the broken King David after the sin he committed with Bathsheba. Two things stand out in these verses. The first is David’s cry for mercy. Second is the awareness of his sin. Both of these are needed to come to a place of repentance. As you read these passages, pray that God would expose those places in your life that you need to repent and ask for His mercy. Don’t wait. Take this time to reflect on your sin and His mercy.
❏ MON. APRIL 13, 2020 Isa 1:10–17 Kris Kuriger, M iddle God refuses to answer the School Pastor prayers of a wicked people
Description As we look at today's passage, Isaiah the prophet testifies to the people of God that there has been too much physical sacrifice and too few transformed lives. Their sinful lifestyle has hidden the eyes of God from their worship. In the Psalms David reminds us that "the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart." (Ps 51:17) As you think of your acts of worship, are you going through the motions, or are you rendering your heart unto the Lord? Is He the reason you are worshiping, or are you doing things because that’s what we do? Take time today to examine your worship, come to Him, and seek inward repentance over outward ritual.
❏ TUES. APRIL 14, 2020 Dan 6:1–12 Josh Epton, Worship Daniel’s practice of prayer Associate Pastor
Description Daniel was serving as one of the King’s highest ranking officials. Not only was he above reproach in his character, but he served the king with excellence. When the king noticed this and sought to promote Daniel, his peers devised a plan to force Daniel to break the law and thus lose his position. The other officials knew that Daniel was devoted to God and nothing would prevent him from praying and spending time with the Lord. We can learn from Daniel that we, too, must be willing to spend time with the Lord before we do anything else...no matter the cost.
❏ WEDS. APRIL 15, 2020 Matt 6:5–15 Josh Epton, Worship The Lord’s Prayer Associate Pastor
Description One of the most difficult aspects and disciplines of the Christian life is prayer. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught those who were gathered how to pray. First He told them to be humble when praying and to pray in solitude. He also instructed them not to use empty phrases that have no meaning. Finally, He gave them a sample prayer, which we know as “The Lord’s Prayer.” There is something powerful in praying to the Father in the words of Jesus. Jesus said “when you pray…” meaning He expects His followers to pray. Make time today to follow Jesus' example and pray.
❏ THURS. APRIL 16, 2020 Matt Jason Williamson, Jesus curses the fig tree 21:18–22 Missions Pastor
Description Today’s passage presents both a warning and a promise. Following the Triumphal Entry, Jesus was dealing with much opposition from leaders in the temple. As evidence of His human nature, Jesus was hungry and wanted some fruit from the fig tree; but the tree had none to offer. As evidence of his divine nature, Jesus cursed the tree in frustration, and it withered and died. The warning is that we must not be hypocrites and that we, as Christians, must produce spiritual fruit, unlike the temple leaders. But, the beautiful promise as reflected in verses 21-22 is that, whatever we ask in earnest prayer and absolute faith will be granted. May your faith grow today as you seek the Lord Jesus and His will for your life through prayer.
❏ FRI. APRIL 17, 2020 Mark Jason Williamson, Jesus prays in Gethsemane 14:32–42 Missions Pastor
Description During this prayer journey, you will experience growth in your prayer life, your understanding of Scripture and your intimacy with the Lord. There is no better example to learn from than Jesus himself. In the Garden of Gethsemane, there are three important observations we can learn from Jesus. First, we see His necessity to pray to the Father. Jesus was soon going to be taken, tried and killed, but still He knew He needed to talk to the Father. Second, we see His submission to the Father’s will. Jesus asked that the cup, a symbol of death and judgment, be taken from Him. However, what Jesus wanted most of all was to be right in the center of the Father’s will. “Not what I will, but what You will,” Jesus declared. Third, we see Jesus’ dedication to prayer. After Jesus returns to find the disciples asleep, he goes back out to pray once again. Verse 39 tells us that Jesus prayed the same prayer with the same words as before. He sought the Father and pleaded with Him consistently. As you spend time in prayer today, do not be afraid to speak to God honestly about how you want Him to move in your life; but even more than that, do not be afraid if it is God who is asking y ou to move towards His will. Allow the Father to meld your heart with His.
❏ MON. APRIL 20, 2020 Luke 11:5–13 Chandler Davis, Preteen Ask, seek, knock Pastor
Description The Lord’s Prayer. We have all said or heard it said, from little league baseball to the songs we sing in our worship services. This prayer is the most well-known and quoted prayer in the Bible, but what about the words after “The Lord’s Prayer”? Most people would stop at verse four, but Jesus does not stop teaching us how to pray at the end of verse four; He continues through verse thirteen. Jesus begins to tell a story, and we all know when Jesus tells a story, there is always a deeper purpose or meaning to the story. In today’s reading plan, Jesus is teaching about the importance of seeking, asking and knocking in our prayer life. Sometimes asking God for things can be really intimidating. But, as Jesus teaches us in the Scripture today, when we ask, Jesus answers; when we seek, we will find; and when we knock, Jesus will open. After reading Luke 11:5-13, go to the Lord in prayer, be encouraged and know that we are praying to a Heavenly Father who “gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (v. 13b)
❏ TUES. APRIL 21, 2020 Luke 18:1–8 Chandler Davis, Preteen The persistent widow and the Pastor unjust judge
Description Pray! Pray! Pray! And when you think you’ll never get an answer, just keep on praying! This is what Jesus is teaching us in the parable of the persistent widow. A parable is a simple story Jesus used to teach a spiritual lesson. There are two characters in this story: a bad judge and a needy widow. The widow would not stop asking the judge for justice over her adversary. The judge finally gave in and answered her request due to her persistence. Jesus is teaching us that, if a judge, who did not respect God or man, would answer a persistent widow’s request, then how much more would a loving Heavenly Father hear and answer our prayers? Jesus is teaching us to never stop praying. We, as believers, must understand that there is power in a persistent prayer life.
❏ WEDS. APRIL 22, 2020 John Bill Cleminson, Pastor of Praying in Jesus’ name 14:8–14 Discipleship and Small Groups
Description Do you ever get discouraged when you pray and feel like your prayers just bounce back down off the ceiling? Do you ever feel unworthy when you pray? In this passage, Jesus had just shared with His disciples that He would be leaving them and going to the Father, but they (and we) could continue His work on earth and do even “greater things” than He did. “But how can this be?” you may ask. The answer is, we can pray “in Jesus’ name.” Because Jesus paid our sin debt and is with the Father speaking on our behalf, we can now pray to the Father based on Jesus’ authority, merit and righteousness--not our own. And we can have confidence when we pray “in Jesus’ name” that God will answer our prayers as long as their purpose is to bring glory to God and advance His kingdom on earth. As you pray today, pray knowing you are talking directly to the Father based on Jesus’ righteousness, not your own. Pray, “in Jesus’ name.”
❏ THURS. APRIL 23, John 17:1–19 Bill Cleminson, Pastor of Jesus prays for His disciples 2020 Discipleship and Small Groups
Description Wouldn’t it be neat if we had an actual recording of Jesus praying? Actually, we do. In this passage, we have an actual written recording of the Lord Jesus Himself praying for His disciples. But what does He pray? He prays that the Father would protect them from Satan, “the evil one.” Jesus’ prayer was not that God would take them out of the world, but that God would watch over them as they stayed in the world to tell others about salvation through Jesus. Jesus' prayer was, “As you sent Me into the world, I have sent them.” Just as Jesus sent the early disciples to go and make disciples, so Jesus is sending us to engage those we come in contact with and lead them to Jesus. As you pray today, ask the Father to protect you and our church family from the evil one and to give us the courage and intentionality to go into our community and make disciples that make disciples.
❏ FRI. APRIL 24, 2020 John Asheton Amerson, Jesus prays for other believers 17:20–26 Associate Pastor
Description In this passage, Jesus is praying to God the Father. Jesus is praying for the future salvation of people who will come to faith in Him. He is praying that once those people become believers, that they would become “one” with Jesus and the Father. Jesus’s hope and prayer is that this oneness and unity will cause even more people to trust in Christ alone for salvation. Jesus also prays that He will be able to show these future believers the same love that God showed Him. Pray today that you will be able to show others the same love that Jesus has shown you. Jesus’ hope is that your love for others will point them to the love of Christ.
❏ MON. APRIL 27, 2020 Rom Asheton Amerson, The Spirit helps believers to 8:26–30 Associate Pastor pray
Description It is a wonderful truth that, despite our sin and shortcomings, the Holy Spirit prays to God on our behalf. Sometimes the difficulty of the situation we find ourselves in leaves us speechless in our prayers. It is in those times when we struggle to find the words or even the strength to pray that the Holy Spirit goes before us. It is also a wonderful truth that, because the Holy Spirit and God are one, the Spirit will always pray for the will of God over our lives. We don’t always have the eyes to see this; in addition, our hearts don’t always want what is the will of God. In those times, we need the prayers of the Holy Spirit the most. Use your prayer time today to thank God for the prayers of the Spirit and that your heart would long for and desire more deeply the will of God in your life.
❏ TUES. APRIL 28, 2020 Phil 1:3–11 Ken Fisher, Executive Paul’s prayer for the Pastor Philippians
Description What a blessing to the Philippians to receive this letter of praise and thankfulness from the apostle Paul! He celebrated their steadfastness in the Lord, no matter the trials or circumstances. Paul’s prayer for the Philippians should translate into our prayer today. First, we need to seek wisdom from the Lord to discern what is best in all our thoughts and decisions. Second, we should strive to be holy, pure and blameless until our last breath or when Christ returns for us. Finally, we should pray for and strive to live a life which is filled with the fruit of righteousness. Pray for these things today, as a life that exhibits these traits will surely bring glory and praise to God!
❏ WEDS. APRIL 29, 2020 James Nate Brown, C hildren’s The effective prayer of faith 5:13–18 Pastor
Description At the beginning of the Book of James, James encourages believers that the testing of their faith produces steadfastness. He then wrote “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” As we read today’s passage and fast forward to the end of the Book of James, we see the power of that faith is important as we pray. He wraps up the book by encouraging believers to go to God when they are suffering, to praise Him when they are cheerful and to lift others up when they are struggling. He illustrates this by showing the power of Elijah’s prayers to hold the rain and then bring the rain back. When we pray, do not pray from weakness or as one without hope or who is helpless. Pray like the passage tells us, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Let this passage encourage you and challenge you in how you pray today.
❏ THURS. APRIL 30, Rev 8:1–5 Jeff Brockelman, Prayer from a heavenly 2020 Worship Pastor perspective
Description Revelation 8 begins with the image of complete silence and stillness. All of Heaven's throne room suspends every activity as the great High Priest, Jesus Christ (the “Lamb who is worthy to open the seal and read the scroll” Rev 5), offers the prayers of the saints of God as an offering to His Father. The Scripture describes the prayers as an incense or aroma offering unto the Lord. John uses a specific word picture of smoke hanging in the air, lingering in the very presence of our Savior. This scripture helps us visualize how intentional the Lord is to hear our heart’s cry. Not only does He regard us with focus as we pray, but He hears and absorbs our prayers as they linger in His heart and mind. Incredibly, He doesn’t just hear us, but He ultimately answers those prayers. Thank you Father for hearing the cries of your church in prayer and answering those petitions. One day we will see this picture with our own eyes as we glory in your presence in Heaven until then remind us always that you listen and answer our prayers..