APURPOSEFUL,P, RAYERFUL,R, ESPONSE TO THE HISTORIC CHALLENGES WE FACE AS A STATE Dear Christian Friend, Across Colorado there is a growing concern about the spiritual health of our state. A day seldom passes without some indication of a breakdown in moral standards. Important principles are being neglected in Colorado today—biblical principles that blessed our nation at its birth and kept us strong for more than 200 years. This is a matter for concern; but more importantly it is a matter for prayer.

“IF MY PEOPLE, The purpose of this unique initiative called Pray Colorado is to WHICH ARE CALLED help followers of Christ to pray fervently and strategically for BY MY NAME SHALL Colorado. Focused, biblically based prayer aligns our desire with HUMBLE THEMSELVES AND PRAY…” God’s desires. When we call out to God according to His will, He responds and brings His transforming grace. In the process, our lives are touched, our churches are renewed, our communities are influenced, and our country is blessed. God wants His people to pray, and throughout history He has provided an open line of communication. Through prayer, we have access to Him at any time in any place. The ancient Hebrew people understood this, and they were often reminded of the importance and impact of prayer. In a well-known passage of the Old Testament, God said; “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Like the Hebrew people of ages past, we also need to humble ourselves and pray and seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways. As a result, we too will experience

1 2 the matchless benefit of God’s forgiving, healing power—both individually and corporately. This is a timeless promise. As we pray, it is crucial that we give attention to those who do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord. The Bible describes people without Christ as being lost. The mission of those who know Christ is to communicate to the lost that Jesus alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. By life, by message and by influence, believers are to communicate this God News; and by faithful prayer we plead for the salvation of these who need God’s redemptive touch. Prayer is essential to a healthy relationship with the Lord. Just as a human relationship cannot be enjoyed without consistent communication, neither can one’s relationship with Christ prosper without consistent prayer. God has given us free access to come to Him in any moment and any circumstances of life to share our innermost thoughts and most profound longings. If we fail to take advantage of this access, we limit the richness of live that He intends. The Colorado Prayer Map is a practical tool to help followers of Christ to pray more effectively for our state. Whether used as a guide for individual or corporate prayer, the Map can be a valuable tool in strategic, systematic intercession for things that truly matter. Thirty-one days of focused, fervent prayer can bring much spiritual fruit. They can deepen our intimacy with the Lord, broaden our vision for the lost, influence non- believers to come to Christ and heighten people’s interest in matters of eternal significance. May God use this resource to help accomplish these purposes in Colorado as we turn our hearts to Him in prayer.

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ASTATEWIDE JOURNEY OF PRAYER

This unique resource is designed to help God’s people pray strategically and purposefully for Colorado. The Colorado Prayer Atlas is based on a 31-day plan of intercession for the entire state. As you make the Pray Colorado journey using the Colorado Prayer Atlas as your guide, remember to give thanks often, to confess and repent as God speaks to your heart, to praise the Lord and to rejoice in His presence. These simple practices should always be a part of prayer because they express and nourish our relationship with the God who loves us and calls us to himself. Praying for the State Over the course of the 31-day prayer plan, six state-level requests are each repeated three times. These requests address the executive, legislative and judicial branches of our government. Additionally, there are prayer requests for our Armed Forces, for Colorado’s spiritual renewal and for candidates for public office. As you remember these requests over the 20 days of prayer, keep in mind the following important details. Praying for our Governor and Lieutenant-Governor. As our state’s highest elected leaders, the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor bear responsibilities of enormous importance. Pray that their hearts would be guided by God, that their decisions would be wise and that their leadership would be principled. Praying for our Congressional Leaders. The one hundred men and women who serve in the Colorado Legislature—our Representatives and senators—oversee the state’s legislative business. Pray that they will govern with God-honoring discernment and preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Coloradoans.

4 Ours is a state pledged to justice for all; and though our system has its imperfections, it is markedly better than most of the world. Thousands in our society serve as police officers, prosecutors, defenders and judges. And, in the highest roles, seven individuals serve as Justices on the Colorado Supreme Court. Pray that all of these public servants will be vigilant, discerning and wise.

Praying for our Armed Forces. We are blessed with liberty because brave members of our Armed Forces have fought to keep us free. Today, a new generation of soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen/women and guardsmen/women are serving gallantly. Pray with appreciation for their service and ask God to bless them with strength and protection.

Praying for Spiritual Renewal. Colorado has many needs, but none more important than a spiritual awakening and a spiritual renewal. Pray for the Gospel to be communicated across the full spectrum of our society. Pray for biblical principles, long dormant, to bear new fruit. Pray that Coloradoans of all ages, races and backgrounds would be drawn to God and receive His life and salvation.

Praying for Candidates for Public Office. In our system of government, we the people select our leaders. This is a great responsibility and we must exercise it wisely and prayerfully. Pray for the candidates for public office, that they would be moved by God to seek what is honorable, just and moral.

5 Praying for the Districts Listed on most days of the 31-day prayer plan are the specific districts of Colorado. The goal each day is to pray for the leaders, Churches and Christians in those places. Following are some key thoughts to guide your intercession. Praying for Leaders in the State. The Bible instructs us to make requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving for all who are in authority, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). In our world, this means we are to pray for Governors, Lieutenant Governors and other leaders in authority. Specifically, we should pray that they would act justly, that they would serve with integrity, and that they would uphold moral standards. Praying for Churches in the State. Churches, of course, are not merely buildings: they are living, active bodies of believers. Colorado is blessed with thousands of churches of all denominations and traditions. As you intercede for these churches, both generally and specifically, pray that they would be lighthouses of truth, havens of hope and centers of love. Praying for Christians in the State. Jesus said that his followers are to be “salt” and “light” within society. Like salt, they should make others thirsty for the Gospel. Like light, they are to illuminate the world with the brightness of Christ’s love. As you intercede for Christians of our state, pray that they will be faithful witnesses of the Gospel, humble servants of Christ and positive influences within their communities. Does prayer really make a difference? Yes, it makes an extraordinary difference because God in his unlimited compassion responds to prayer offered in his name. As God’s children and followers of Jesus Christ, we must urgently, faithfully pray for our state and its people. Prayer can affect the course of history and shape the destiny of a state. As you pray day by day following the plan in the Colorado Prayer Map you can be sure that your intercession can make a transformational difference.

6 The Pray Colorado Daily Prayer Plan Each day of the Pray Colorado plan includes simple prayer requests. Read those requests, reflect on them, then pray sincerely for each one. For the requests that pertain to specific state leaders, remember these priorities:  Pray for the leaders of the state, that God’s Spirit would guide them to act justly, serve with integrity and uphold high moral standards  Pray for the churches of the state, that they would be lighthouses of truth, havens of hope and centers of love for all people.  Pray for the Christians of the state, that they would be faithful witnesses for Christ, humble servants of God and positive influences on society. Illuminating Scriptures & Inspiring Quotations Scriptures and quotations throughout the Colorado Prayer Map will give illumination through the truths of God’s Word and inspiration from the thoughts of extraordinary men and women. Read and meditate on these wise words. 5 Life-transforming Minutes per Day Following the Pray Colorado plan will take only 5 minutes per day, but it will make a difference in your life. You will be spiritually challenged and personally encouraged by this simple practice. And as you spend time in daily prayer you can do so knowing that thousands of fellow believers are following the same plan and experiencing the same benefits and blessings. A Journey to Every County in Colorado At the end of your 31 days through the Colorado Prayer Map you will have prayed for every Legislator in Colorado. You will have interceded for all the people who live in our state—more than nearly six million souls for whom Christ died and to whom He offers the gift of eternal life, in the process, you own life will be transformed and your spiritual understanding deepened as you participate in something truly remarkable. To further enrich your daily prayer time, consider keeping a journal of your prayer journey over the 31 days. Make note of spiritual insights or specific answers to prayer that you receive along the way. Prepare for the unforgettable experience!

7 Day 1 Pray for a great outpouring of God’s Spirit on Colorado. (Joel 2:28) Pray for Governor Jared Polis and Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, that their hearts would be guided by God, that their decisions would be wise and that their leadership would be principled. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” --2 Chronicles 7:14 Day 2 Pray that Christian leaders across Colorado would seek God’s heart for vision, wisdom and direction. (Jeremiah 33:3)

Rep. Jeni Arndt Rep. Rep. KC Becker Rep. Day 3 Pray for each of our Representatives and Senators who serve in the Colorado Legislature, that they will govern with God-honoring discernment and preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Coloradoans.

Rep. Rep. Sen. Jeff Bridges Rep. Perry Buck Rep. Janet Buckner

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Day 4 Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin and draw people to faith in Christ. (John 16:8)

Rep. Bri Buentello Rep. Rep.

Rep. Rep. Richard Champion Rep. James Coleman Sen. John Cooke

Day 5 Pray for those who serve as police officers, prosecutors, defenders, judges and Justices of the Colorado Supreme Court, that they would be vigilant in service and wise in judgment.

Sen. Don Coram Sen. Larry Crowder Rep. Sen. Jessie Danielson Sen. Kerry Donovan

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Day 6 Pray that the Church will deepen its commitment to prayer and never cease to call upon God. (Psalm 5:3; 55:17; Isaiah 62:6; Luke 18:1)

Rep. Rep. Rep.

Sen. Stephen Fenberg Sen. Rhonda Fields Sen. Mike Foote

Day 7 Pray for the soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen/women of our Armed Forces, thanking God for their service and asking Him to bless them with strength and protection.

Rep. Sen. Leroy Garcia, Jr. Sen. Bob Gardner Rep. Rep. Tim Geitner

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Day 8 Pray for candidates for public office, that they would be moved by God to seek what is honorable, just and moral.

Sen. Joann Ginal Sen. Julie Gonzales Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez

Rep. Sen. Chris Hansen Rep.

Day 9 Pray for a spiritual awakening across the nation, that the Gospel would be communicated across the full spectrum of American society and that people of all ages, races and backgrounds would be drawn to Christ and receive His life and salvation.

Sen. Owen Hill Sen. Dennis Hisey Sen. Chris Holbert

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Day 10 Pray for the children and youth of Colorado, that God will grant them protection of body, soul, mind and spirit and full them with godly desires and true hope.

Rep. Rep. Rep. Stephen Humphrey

Day 11 Pray for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, that God would guide their hearts, that their decisions would be wise and that their leadership would be principled.

Rep. Dominique Jackson Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis “We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions; much machinery but few results.” --R. A. Torrey

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Day 12 Pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done in your life and your family (Matthew 6:10)

Rep. Chris Kennedy Rep. Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp

Day 13 Pray for all of our Representatives and Senators who serve in the Colorado Legislature, that they will govern with God-honoring discernment and preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Coloradoans.

Rep. Lois Landgraf Rep. Colin Larson Sen. Pete Lee

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Day 14 Pray for the safety of those who live in your community – specifically, safety from conflict and crimes. (Psalm 122:7)

Rep. Larry Liston Rep. Sen. Paul Lundeen

“…True prayer is measured by weight, not by length, A single groan before God may have more fullness of prayer in it than a fine oration of great length.” --C. H. Spurgeon Day 15 Pray for those who serve as police officers, prosecutors, defenders, judges and Justices of the Colorado Supreme Court, that they would be vigilant in service and wise in judgment.

Sen. Vicki Marble Rep. Julie McCluskie Rep. Hugh McKean

14 Day 16 Pray for the genuine conversion and successful rehabilitation of those who have committed crimes.

Rep. Barbara McLachlan Rep. Jovan Melton Rep.

Day 17 Pray for the soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen/women of our Armed Forces, thanking God for their service and asking Him to bless them with strength and protection.

Sen. Dominick Moreno Rep. Rep. “Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer.” --John Bunyan

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COLORADO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES

 CHIEF JUSTICE NATHAN B. COATS

JUSTICE MONICA M. MÁRQUEZ 

 JUSTICE BRIAN D. BOATRIGHT

JUSTICE WILLIAM W. HOOD, III 

 JUSTICE RICHARD L. GABRIEL

JUSTICE MELISSA HART 

 JUSTICE JAMES E.C. PERRY

“HE HATH SHEWED THEE, O MAN, WHAT IS GOOD; AND WHAT DOTH THE LORD REQUIRE OF THEE, BUT TO DO JUSTLY, AND TO LOVE MERCY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH THY GOD?” --MICAH 6:8

16 THE STATE OF COLORADO

MOTTO: “NIL SINE NUMEN” – NOTHING WITHOUT THE DEITY

“BEWARE IN YOUR PRAYERS, ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE, OF LIMITING GOD; NOT ONLY BY UNBELIEF, BUT BY THINKING THAT YOU KNOW WHAT HE CAN DO. EXPECT UNEXPECTED THINGS ‘ABOVE ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK’” --ANDREW MURRAY

“…THE EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH.” --JAMES 5:16

17 Day 18 Pray for candidates for public office, that they would be moved by God to seek what is honorable, just and moral.

Rep. Sen. Brittany Pettersen Sen. Kevin Priola Day 19 Pray for a spiritual awakening across the nation, that the Gospel would be communicated across the full spectrum of American society and that people of all ages, races and backgrounds would be drawn to Christ and receive His life and salvation.

Sen. Bob Rankin Rep. Rep. Day 20 Pray for teachers and administrators of our educational systems, that they would be positive, God-honoring influences in students’ lives.

Rep. Sen. Robert Rodriguez Rep. Lori Saine

“I don’t ask God to bless what I do. I pray that He will help me to do what He blesses.” --Bob Pierce

18 Day 21 Pray for those who serve as police officers, prosecutors, defenders, judges and Justices of the Colorado Supreme Court, that they would be vigilant in service and wise in judgment.

Rep. Sen. Ray Scott Rep. Jonathan Singer Day 22 Pray that Christians in the workplace will demonstrate exemplary ethics and shine as witnesses for Christ. (Matthew 5:16)

Rep. Sen. Jim Smallwood Rep. Day 23 Pray for an increasing spirit of unity in the Body of Christ across the state of Colorado. (John 17:20-23)

Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg Rep. Sen. Tammy Story

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings

19 which cannot be uttered.”--Romans 8:26 Day 24 Pray for all of our Representatives and Senators who serve in the Colorado Legislature, that they will govern with God-honoring discernment and preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Coloradoans.

Rep. Tom Sullivan Sen. Jack Tate Rep. Sen. Nancy Todd

Day 25 Pray that there will be a growing number of people in your city or community trusting in Christ as Savior and Lord. (Acts. 2:41; 2:47b)

Rep. Sen. Nancy Todd Rep.

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Day 26 Pray for those who serve as police officers, prosecutors, defenders, judges and Justices of the Colorado Supreme Court, that they would be vigilant in service and wise in judgment.

Rep. Rep. Rep.

Day 27 Pray that Christians in the workplace will demonstrate exemplary ethics and shine as witnesses for Christ. (Matt. 5:16)

Rep. Rep. Dave Williams Sen. Angela Williams

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Rep. James Wilson Sen. Faith Winter Rep.

Day 28 Pray for candidates for public office, that they would be moved by God to seek what is honorable, just, and moral.

Sen. Rob Woodward Rep. Sen. Rachel Zenzinger

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Day 29 Pray for the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen/Women of our Armed Forces, thanking God for their service and asking Him to bless them with strength and protection. *

US Army US Navy

US Air Force US Marines

US Coast Guard

*This prayer booklet is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or any Military Service. Day 30 Pray for God’s will to be done on earth—where you live and throughout the state of Colorado—even as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9-13) Pray for a spiritual awakening across the state, that the Gospel would be communicated across the full spectrum of American society and that people of all ages, races and backgrounds would be drawn to Christ and receive His life and salvation. “Our prayer must not be self-centered. It must arise not only because we feel our own need as a burden we must lay upon God, but also because we are so bound up in love for others that we feel their need as acutely s our own. To make intercession for others is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them.” -- John Calvin

23 Day 31 Pray for a great outpouring of God’s Spirit on America. (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17) Pray for the admonition of 2 Chronicles 7:14 to become a reality in our nation: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” As Andrew Fuller observed, “A life of faith will ever be a life of prayer. Oh, brethren! let us pray much for an outpouring of God’s Spirit on our ministers and churches; and not upon those only of our own connection and denomination, but upon ‘all that in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both theirs and ours.’ ”

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”-- Ephesians 3:20-21

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Many, many books have been written on the subject of prayer. Almost without exception they pose two essential questions: Why should we pray? How should we pray? These are important concerns; but as we continue the journey of prayer let’s focus on a third question: When should we pray? Unlike other cultures or even our own historical past, we have no daily reminders to pray. Nevertheless, there are signals that should prompt our hearts to turn to God and call on him. We can see six such signals in the life of Jesus. Each one presents a call and an opportunity to make prayer a priority in our lives. 1. Pray when you get up every morning. Mark 1:35 says that Jesus go up “great while before day” in order to pray. In some people, metabolism makes this especially challenging; but for everyone who is physically able, a time of prayer first thing in the morning will set the pace and the tone for the rest of the day. In such times of prayer, we can commit the day to God. What’s more, getting in touch with the Lord the first thing in the morning facilitates keeping in touch with him throughout the day. 2. Pray when you have to make important decisions. When Jesus faced the decision of choosing the apostles, He spent an entire night in prayer (Luke 6:12-13). Although He knew that one would betray Him, another would deny Him, and all would fail Him, making the right selections was critical. Prayer was therefore essential. Looking at the motley bunch that Jesus chose you might be tempted to think that prayer wasn’t helpful! They were an unlikely group: uneducated fishermen, a freedom fighter, a tax collector, a traitor-to-be. They were ambitious, impulsive, pessimistic, fallible men. Nevertheless, they were chosen after a night of prayer and Jesus knew

25 they were the ones. We have a wonderful assurance that James 1:5-6 expresses in these encouraging words: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” So. Whenever you face an important decision, don’t bob around in a sea of uncertainty. Pray! Ask God to give you wisdom…and He will. It’s a promise. 3. Pray when you are under pressure. Jesus was often surrounded by crowds of people clamoring for his help. The pressure was great, the needs were never-ending. To deal with the constant barrage, Jesus had a simple strategy: “But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” (Luke 5:15-16) Some of the greatest pressures can come when you are serving God and ministering to the needs of people. In such times it is wise to make time to be renewed through fellowship with God in prayer. We must never deceive ourselves into thinking we need less than Jesus Himself needed. And we must never forget that beyond the usual physical and mental demands there rages a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 counsels us: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” How can we counter such forces? How can we deal with such pressure? There is no better weapon than prayer, no better release than the one that comes through intercession. 4. Pray when you have difficulties with others. Jesus once counseled Simon Peter, “…I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” When we encounter difficulties and trying situations with other people—especially with other Christians—the priority must be to show love and understanding. This can be difficult, of course; but it can be done much more readily if we are strengthened through prayer. Our human tendency is to criticize or judge others with whom we have difficulties; however, if we instead pray for those people the results can be

26 transformational. As Jesus said, we are to love even our enemies and to pray for those who mistreat us. (Matthew 5:44) So, when you experience difficulties with others, pray—pray earnestly, honestly and with determination. Prayer in such circumstances acknowledges that the real solutions come from God, not from ourselves.

5. Pray when you are hurting. In the depth of His agony on the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them…” at the moment of His most profound pain—physically and spiritually— Jesus prayed. What a lesson for us! When we consciously turn our thoughts toward God and pray for other people, our own pain can be relieved. Countless hurting Christians will testify that the only thing that keeps them sane and steady in pain— whatever its source—is communion with the Lord in prayer. Whenever you are hurting, whatever the cause of that hurt, remember that a time of pain can be used of God to transform us into the likeness of Jesus. But it can happen only if our perspective is right and our prayers are fervent. At the very beginning of His earthly ministry, Jesus was led by the Spirit into a wild desert to endure a series of temptations at the hand of Satan. As he resisted the enemy’s deceitful attacks, prayer was His spiritual safeguard. For forty long days and nights He fasted and prayed. He came through the trial unscathed; and in so doing He taught us a crucial truth: Whenever you face a strong temptation, or even a subtle one, pray! Remember the example of Jesus, and memorize the promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

27 6. Pray when you face a need. It is difficult for us at times to realize that God has not promised to solve all our problems. Fortunately, though, he has promised to supply all our needs! Philippians 4:19 says, “…God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God knows your needs before you express them to him; but He still longs to hear from you He still wants you to pray. At times we may not be certain about what to request; but, according to Romans 8:26, the Holy Spirit interprets our prayers to the Father. We can bring all our needs and desires before the Lord in prayer. Think about that simple but powerful phrase in the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.” If God cares to meet our most basic need—our daily bread—how much more does He care about the other needs we face! When should we pray? In a general sense, always. But in a specific sense, use these seven times and conditions as your personal calls to turn to the Lord. Remember to pray… When you get up in the morning. When you have to make important decisions. When you are under pressure. When you are hurting. When you are tempted. When you face a need. God hears you. God loves you. God will answer when you call out to Him. May the journey of your life be a journey of prayer.