Prayer Guide

October 3, 2024

This month’s prayer and fasting guide may seem familiar. It should. It came from a sermon Bro. Steve preached recently entitled “Pray for America.” Before you pass it off as something you have heard and are already familiar with, please listen to the following words from the book of James.

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:22–25 NLT

Bro. Steve gave us prayer points, not to simply put in our Bibles or in a notebook, but to pray. Now is the time for you to set aside 30 minutes, be still before God, and use the prompts below as a guide to pray. Feel free to look up the verses. Know the Holy Spirit is guiding you as you pray.

Remember God’s Word to Ezekiel: “‘I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one. Thus I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; their way I have brought upon their heads,’ declares the Lord God” (Ezekiel 22:30–31; emphasis added). God was looking for just one person who would pray so that He would not bring His wrath on the land, but He found no one. I praise Him for I know this guide will be seen by many who will stand in the gap and pray.

Bill Street

Pray for our governmental leaders

National, State, Local, and Military

• Psalm 140:7—8

No matter what political stance you claim, praying for the nation’s leaders is a call all Christians have. Regardless of our desires, the Lord has allowed our leaders to come into office, and they need prayer as they continue to lead the nation. As the election approaches, division can become rampant, but be steadfast in praying for each political candidate as they continue to guide our nation through debt, indifference, and conflict.

Pray for our churches

Students, Principals, Teachers, Volunteers, Curriculum

• Isaiah 54:13; Luke 2:52

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to build each other up through prayer. Pray for the Church to continue to be salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13–16) and that the Church will continue to grow and be fruitful. Pray for boldness in individuals to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Pray for businesses and our economy

• Philippians 4:19

All blessings and provision come from the Father, and as Christians we have been instructed to be good stewards of what we have been given. Pray for the businesses that are struggling, that they will have opportunities for growth and prosperity. The Lord remains in control even through financial insecurity. We must not idolize the things of this world but instead must steward what we have to further God’s kingdom.

Pray for life and against abortion

• Psalm 139:13—16; Jeremiah 19:5

The Lord is the Creator of all things and the Giver of life. Every human is made in His image and is seen as valuable in His eyes. Pray for the protection of unborn children and that their value will not be disregarded. Pray for their mothers, that they will receive support in every area they need and that they will feel the warm embrace of the Father. Also pray for the Holy Spirit to empower us to proclaim the precious gift of life and fill us with compassion and courage to defend the innocent.

Pray for biblical marriage and against sexual immorality

• 2 Timothy 2:22

Today it seems that lust and sexual immorality are the foundation of many relationships. But the gift of marriage is meant to reflect the holy covenant of Christ’s love for the Church. Pray that above all else the Lord will be the center of all relationships and that biblical marriages will be rooted in God’s love and faithfulness. Pray for people to guard their hearts against sexual immorality and that they will resist the temptations of the world.

Pray for racial reconciliation

• 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:28

We’re all made in the image of God, and all Christians are a part of the Body of Christ. No one is too far from the reach of the Father. Please pray for people to see and witness the love and inclusivity of Jesus. He is the Father of all the nations, and Jesus does not turn away from anyone.

Pray against occult activity

• Ephesians 6:11—18; Revelation 12:11

Jesus has conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness. No weapon formed against us will prosper if we stand firm on Him who sits on the throne. As we face spiritual battles, pray for strength and wisdom, and pray that we will equip ourselves with the armor of God. Bind up every spirit of fear, doubt, confusion, and chaos, and know that they are powerless in the presence of the Father. The Lord is on our side, and there is nothing the enemy can do to stop God’s kingdom from coming.

Pray for protection

• Numbers 6:24—26; Isaiah 54:17

With the Lord on our side, what do we have to fear? As we join in the fight against evil, pray for the Father’s hand of protection to be over all that we do. Take refuge in the Lord—find shelter in Him when hard times come, and stand strong on the foundation of His Word. Pray for His presence to go before us, surround us with safety, and guide us to the path of righteousness. His unfailing love will never leave us nor forsake us!

Pray for revival

• 2 Chronicles 7:14; Habakkuk 3:2

Even though America seems to be turning toward darkness, there is opportunity for revival. Pray for the hearts of Americans, that they will turn from the lies of the enemy and stand firm in the truth that God has written. Pray for brothers and sisters in Christ across the nation as they share the hope of the Gospel, that they will not grow weary in their work. Nothing is impossible with God on our side!

Joe Biden

Vice President of the United States:
Kamala Harris

Supreme Court Justices:
John G. Roberts, Chief Justice of the United States
Clarence Thomas
Samuel A. Alito
Sonia Sotomayer
Elena Kagan
Neil M. Gorsuch
Brett M. Kavanaugh
Amy Coney Barrett
Ketanji Brown Jackson

Governor of Tennessee:
Bill Lee

Tennessee Senators:
Marsha Blackburn
Bill Hagerty

West Tennessee Congressmen:
Steve Cohen
David Kustoff

Memphis/Shelby County Elected Officials

City Council:

Shelby County Commissioners: