Luis Palau

We thank you for the many blessings You have poured out on America and we praise You for Your mercy.

You have said: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”  We confess, O Lord, our national and personal sins.  We repent and ask forgiveness for all actions that dishonor You.

O God, bless our President and other leaders.  Provide them with wisdom and move them to honor You.

Deliver this great nation from all our enemies as we recommit ourselves to trust, serve and obey Your commands.

We pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Darrell Waltrip

Racing legend, Darrell Waltrip has made headlines again with his recent comments at the National Prayer Breakfast and there is no question that he has fully utilized the platform given him to share his love for Jesus Christ. So, we are delighted that Mr. Waltrip has made another bold stand for his faith by calling on all Americans to unite in prayer on the 64th annual National Day of Prayer (Thursday, May 7).

Darrell’s success as a former 3-time NASCAR champion, a television race commentator with the Fox Broadcasting Company, and columnist at Foxsports.com has given him a great deal of influence within the world of NASCAR (the biggest spectator sport in America). Darrell expressed great enthusiasm to see the National Day of Prayer car racing at Talladega Super Speedway, which motivated him to join in this historic call to prayer. In this commercial (below), Darrell talks about the vital role that prayer has played throughout his life saying that “no moment is more significant than one moment spent on your knees in prayer.”

Below you will find a new PSA (Public Service Announcement - audio and video) that you can use to help promote your prayer event:

[audio mp3="http://nationaldayofprayer.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Darrell-Waltrip-60-audio-2015.mp3"][/audio]

 

The Collegiate Day of Prayer is February 26

Join with us and thousands of intercessors as we unite across America at campuses to pray. Consider adopting a campus today - click here to learn more >>

The Scope of Our Prayers

When we pray we are sowing seeds of faith into the Kingdom of God. Our prayers today are literally adding to the prayers of all those who have gone before us. Yes, our prayers are contributing to a larger Kingdom story that has been unfolding throughout the generations. Psalms 9:12 says, "He does not forget the cry of the humble." Therefore, we can be assured that all these years of prayer will not be ignored or forgotten. The God who inspires us to pray is faithful to answer and awaken His Church. So, we must continue to pray for another student awakening. Yet, more than that - We must pray for our whole higher education system, along with all of it's professors and faculties to be awakened and transformed by the presence of Christ. We must stand together and pray as a united and multi-generational Church, until we see the Kingdom of Christ awakened and established in this generation.

The Purpose of This Prayer Outline

The following prayer points are designed to give you a general road map to follow throughout the course of a corporate prayer meeting. These three different themes or stages of prayer are meant to help you manage the direction and flow of your prayer meeting as you move from one prayer request to another. These points are not intended to be an exhaustive list of everything that you might need to pray concerning your campus. We understand that each college campus is different and that you will need to add to the prayer outline to better address those specific needs. The purpose of the outline is simply to provide a biblical and Christ centered approach to praying for a student awakening that will serve and respect the whole evangelical community. Follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit and use the outline accordingly.

Focus First & Foremost on Jesus Christ

Most importantly, start your prayer meeting by reflecting on the person of Christ with a significant time of worship and adoration. This will build corporate unity and put you in the right frame of mind to effectively pray together. An undivided focus on Jesus Christ is the best way to start and sustain a meaningful and rewarding prayer meeting. May God richly bless you in all your prayer efforts for this generation!

A Three Phase Approach to Praying for a Student Awakening:

1) Pray for an Open Heaven — A Posture of Worship & Adoration

• Pray for the fullness of the power and presence of Jesus Christ.

• Pray for an accurate view of the glory and majesty of Jesus Christ.

• Pray for a renewed passion and an intimate affection for Jesus Christ.

2) Pray for an Open Heart — A Posture of Humility & Submission

• Pray for a response of faith, humility and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

• Pray for a turning away from anything that would hinder a strong relationship with Jesus Christ.

• Pray for a revelation of the unfailing love, comfort and adoption of the Father through faith in Jesus Christ.

3) Pray for an Open Hand — A Posture of Joyful & Sacrificial Giving

• Pray for students to joyfully share the hope of Christ's love through generous acts of compassion and evangelism.

• Pray for students to defend the defenseless and care for the orphans and the widows.

• Pray for students to finish the remaining task of evangelizing every tongue, tribe and nation in this generation for the glory and pleasure of Jesus Christ.

Get involved and learn more 

Max Lucado

Dear God,

Not to us, O Lord, but to You goes all the glory.

We depend on you. You give birth and breath and determine our days. You make every nation and set every boundary. We exist by your power.

We exist for your glory. Showcase your power through this land. Display your justice in our courts, wisdom in our governments, guidance in our schools and love in our homes.

Have mercy upon our sins. We have disrespected Your word, disregarded your gifts, discarded your children. We are sorry. Forgive us, dear Father.

Grant strength to all our leaders. May they serve you first and honor you most. Remind us of the brevity of this life and the beauty of the next. Prepare our souls for the day we meet You in eternity.

This we pray in your holy name,

Amen

Shirley Dobson

Jesus said, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father” (John 14:13). How should those words affect our prayer? Tony Marshall Anderson addressed that question in Prayer Availeth Much:

Jesus revealed His purpose in answering prayer when He said, “…that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” In order to achieve His exalted purpose to glorify the father, the son has bestowed on His redeemed people the inalienable right to ask anything in His Name. In the clear light of this remarkable truth…the possibilities in prayer are as great as the purpose of the Son of God.

Pray daily that the Father might further be glorified in the Son through your life, too.

P.R.A.Y. for Today

Praise and thank God for allowing you to be His partner in ministry in this world;

Repent of any failure to step out boldly in ministry, empowered by Him;

Ask that the father may be glorified in the Son through your ministry;

Yield to Him by expanding your outreach at this time, in dependence upon Him.

- Shirley Dobson

Billy Graham

Our Father and Our God,

We praise You for Your goodness to our nation, giving us blessings far beyond what we deserve.

Yet we know all is not right with America.  We deeply need a moral and spiritual renewal to help us meet the many problems we face.

Convict us of sin.  Help us to turn to You in repentance and faith.  Set our feet on the path of Your righteousness and peace.

We pray today for our nation’s leaders.  Give them the wisdom to know what is right, and the courage to do it.

You have said, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”  May this be a new era for America, as we humble ourselves and acknowledge You alone as our Savior and Lord.

This we pray in Your holy name, Amen.

- Billy Graham

Dave Butts

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples" (John 15:1-8).

It is not unusual for Christians to pray. What is unusual is to see regular, positive answers to our prayers. Many believers have opted for a prayer life in which dramatic answers from heaven are rare. Though that seems to satisfy many, it doesn’t fall in line with the teachings of Jesus regarding answered prayer. Five times in John 13-17, Jesus seems to offer answered prayer to Christians as a mark of their walk with Him. The passage above from John 15 is one such instance. "...ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you" (v. 7). That’s pretty clear language. Jesus opens the door wide for Christians to expect to see amazing answers to their prayers.

Of course, it’s absolutely imperative that we not pull this verse out of context. The Lord gives this promise of answered prayer to those who will fulfill the condition of remaining in Him and allowing His words to remain in us. With that condition fulfilled, the amazing promises of prayer begin to be realized.

Another way of translating "remain" is "abide" or "dwell." Thinking of this in terms of living with Christ is helpful to me. Too many of us fail to grasp hold of the promise of Jesus that He and the Father would come and make their home with us –"If you remain in Me and My words remain in you..." (v. 7). God dwelling with us, and we dwelling with God. There is an intimacy, a closeness that can be achieved in this world as we draw near to God.

Let me try to give an extended personal paraphrase of what I believe Jesus is saying to us. I think He is saying, "I want you to walk through this world in such close intimacy with Me, that it is as though you were walking through My house with Me. In My house you will see the things that please Me and how I desire things to be ordered. You will continually hear My words and know what is on My heart. If you will live like that, you will be so in touch with My will that you will be able to ask Me for anything, and I will do it for you."

What an amazing promise from our Lord! Not a superficial granting of any request we desire, but instead an invitation to walk in such intimacy with Him that He allows us to participate in His plans and purposes by praying His agenda. The exciting point for us is that He is inviting every single one of His followers to dwell (remain) with Him and be a part of His desires and purposes.

If that isn’t exciting enough, do you see why this promise and its fulfillment in our lives are so important? Look again at this passage of Scripture from John 15. Answered prayer has other purposes. It brings glory to the Father and demonstrates that we are a part of His family (v. 8). When we pray and things begin to happen, it shows that we are walking with Jesus and belong to Him. Jesus called it "bearing much fruit." Bearing fruit is not just an option for the super spiritual. It is for all who follow Jesus.

Jesus equates answered prayer with bearing much fruit. That might be a radical thought for some. We typically think of bearing fruit either as winning people to the Lord or as the maturing process described in Galatians chapter 5 as the fruit of the Spirit. But here in the Gospel of John, Jesus adds another dimension to what it means to bear fruit. When we pray and God answers, that would be a demonstration of God at work and our partnership with Him in prayer is described as bearing much fruit.

I love that Jesus describes this whole prayer encounter as bringing glory to the Father! Prayer is such an awesome act of humility and dependence upon God. Rather than depending upon our hard work and careful strategy and planning, when we pray we entrust the results to the Father, who then receives glory and honor when things begin to change as a result of prayer. This doesn’t mean that our work and planning have no place…but that we realize that ultimately it is the work of God that is lasting and that brings transformation.

Are you bearing much fruit in your Christian walk? Are you seeing God glorified because He is answering your prayers? The life that bears fruit and brings honor to God begins by deciding today to accept the Lord’s invitation to dwell with Him in His house. You may have been a believer for many years, but have been living on the front porch instead of inside the house. You catch glimpses of the Lord, but you’re not dwelling where He is. Come on inside! He’s waiting for His whole family to join Him. Living each day where Jesus is (remaining in Him) will allow us to pray with power and authority and demonstrate to a watching world how amazing our God really is.

If you would like to read more articles by Dave Butts, please visit www.harvestprayer.com.

Monday, January 19, 2015


Make plans to join us for a special prayer call on the MLK: Supreme Day of Prayer, Monday, January 19 at 11:00 a.m. EST. Simply call: 712-432-0075, PIN: 4961322#

Together we will be “Undivided” in love and fellowship - under God.

In addition to this special prayer call, you can learn more about upcoming television specials, radio programs and prayer calls by visiting: https://mlktoday-undivided.eventbrite.com/

The annual MLK: Supreme Day of Prayer is a day when prayers of thanksgiving are offered around the nation and from the spiritual landmark honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Catch and Share the vision of this prayer movement that is sweeping the nation:

http://www.vtntv.com/ArkansasAliveMedia/AA_2015_011.mov

During the 5-hour event, organizers will offer prayers of reconciliation for race relations, prayers for peace and non-violence and for "brotherly love to continue" in the spirit and power of oneness in God as outlined in John 17.

Prayers from leaders across the nation and strong worship in music and the arts will fill the day with renewed hope, inspiration, tributes and most importantly greater faith in the power of God in our schools, nation and our world.

For more details, on how to participate, support and donate to this special gathering, visit the Supreme Day of Prayer website now 

- Rev. Arthur L. Hunt, Jr. D.D.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” I Timothy 2:1-2

On the First Thursday in May, the National Day of Prayer (NDP) will take place and millions of Americans will unite at more than 43,000 locations from coast to coast to pray. Every year there is a theme that the Chairman of the NDP Task Force, Mrs. Shirley Dobson, will select as a rally cry, and at 12 noon, a prayer will be given in unison throughout communities large and small.

So, this begs the question; does prayer even work? After all, why would millions of people stop what they are doing, gather together and then speak into the air or in the thought recesses of their minds with some expectation that things are really going to change? Is there truly someone listening who can do anything about the current state of affairs in our homes, work places, communities or even our nation? Our leaders have called for National Days of Prayer since 1775, so where is all the change these people have been crying out to God for?

Before we can talk about whether or not prayer makes a difference in our nation, we have to first address prayer for what it is and if it is making a difference in our personal lives. So, let’s jump into one of the greatest theological questions of all time. It was the disciples who inquired first, so you are not alone. While Jesus was praying he was asked, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John (known as John the Baptist) taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1). They could have asked him anything. They could have asked, “Lord, teach us how to turn water into wine” or “Lord, teach us to raise the dead”. No, they asked him how to pray and what he did was teach them how to build a personal relationship with God. Then and only then could they be ready to learn how to pray as a group with an understanding of what a solemn assembly was all about.

Jennifer Kennedy Dean states, “Prayer is an interchange of love between the Father and His child. That desire you feel to pray is His love drawing you to delight in Him. You only need to respond.”¹ For Christians, prayer (proseuche in Greek) is “communion with God.” It is the medium of divine revelation. Through prayer, we actually experience relationship with God. The quality of our prayer life then determines the quality of our relationship with God.

Prayer is talking with God and listening to Him, and it is enjoying the presence of God. In his book, Prayer on Fire, Fred Hartley describes prayer as, “What we do. It is our initiative to meet God, whether we are asking for favors, singing in celebration, or crying out in distress. Regardless of what shape or size in comes in, prayer is our effort to engage God.”² Prayer can take many forms, including worship, confession, thanksgiving, praise, petition (asking for what we need and desire), waiting (silent listening and sensing of God), and warfare (command).³ As believers, we can pray in the Spirit—even in language that may be unknown to us but is fully known to God (1 Cor 14:2, 27–28; Romans 8).

Our goal through prayer must be to know God better, to experience the fullness of relationship with Him. Through prayer, we honor Him. We give something back to the Almighty, something He desires greatly. God reveals Himself to us in the “prayer closet”—a quiet place where we cannot be distracted in our time with Him.

God desires relationship, but for many years I was preoccupied with works. Not only that, I was preoccupied with self. When I prayed, it was a preconceived line of thought followed by a list of needs and I was often impatient for results. In my mind, God needed to provide fast results, and if one prayer was not sufficient, I took measures into my own hands. Hey, at least I gave God a chance to perform, and then I did what any good Christian should do, right? But I was still missing the point.

The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 3:10,

[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death. (amp)

            And in Ephesians 1:17, he wrote, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Paul got it. And he wasn’t alone. Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah, had such a deep relationship with God that one day God just took him to heaven (Gen 5:22–23). Later, Elijah, who lived every day in wholehearted devotion to the Father, was escorted to heaven in a chariot of fire. That must have been an incredible sight.

Throughout time, God has opened Himself up to men and women to initiate friendship. Friends with the Almighty—what a concept! In Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To, DeStefano states,

The fact is that we have a God who loves to communicate. And the reason is that communication is the starting point for any relationship. Everyone has heard it said that God wants to be able to have a relationship with us. There is no truer point in all theology. Indeed, the thrust of God’s communication with mankind over the course of history has always been relational and not conceptual. That’s why he actually prefers it when we come to have faith in him through prayer, instead of through logical arguments alone. God doesn’t just want to satisfy a curiosity we have, He wants to enter into a friendship with us.⁴

If you knew that ours was the last generation before the coming of Christ, how would you live? When you stand before the throne of God, will you know Him intimately as your friend, or will you be a stranger? Are you going through the routine of your Christian walk without experiencing friendship with Elohim? Through Spirit-led prayer, your eyes will be opened, and you will have an indescribable relationship with God that is rich and fulfilling.

In Experiencing Prayer with Jesus, Dr. Henry Blackaby writes, “How deep is your relationship with the Lord as you pray? Do you pour your heart out to Him with complete confidence and trust in His help, because you’ve come to know and experience His love? It takes time, like any relationship. The more time you spend with Him, the more you’ll come to understand His ways, His heart, and His will as you pray.”⁵

Prayer is making a difference, transforming the landscape of homes and communities across the globe. A few years ago, Heritage Builders conducted an unofficial study of the American family to determine the factors that increased overall family health. What they discovered was truly incredible. A summary of their findings indicated that families who ate together at least four days a week and prayed at the dinner table showed the highest percentage of honor roll students and church-attending teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19.

A Lifeway Research survey estimates that 70 percent of Christian teens and young adults will walk away from the Church during college.⁶ But families that prayed together were among the 30 percent whose teenagers were more grounded in their faith.⁷ In the Lifeway survey, participants indicated that prayer was not just a part of religious practice; rather, it was the concerted effort of parents making sure that prayer was emphasized in daily living, not simply as a response to life’s trials and tribulations. Even secular universities agree that prayer makes a difference in relationships.

You may have heard the saying, “A couple that prays together, stays together.” Although we know this to be true, it is helpful to examine the evidence that best supports this common perception. An article published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology had this to say about prayer:⁸ “There is some evidence that religiosity is similarly related to several positive relationship outcomes. Specifically, greater involvement in religious activities [including prayer] is related to higher levels of marital satisfaction … and marital stability with three longitudinal studies indicating that religiousness predicts lower risk of divorce and divorce proneness.” The report goes on to cite that “prayer may help couples to more often ‘think of the needs of others, be more loving and forgiving, treat each other with respect, and resolve conflict.’”⁹ The researchers suggest that the relationship people experience with God through prayer helps them handle their emotions, be more empathetic, become less self-focused, and gain greater skills in reconciliation. They also note that “prayer for the partner might prime partners to think about each other in more loving or compassionate terms and so treat each other with greater respect and sensitivity.”

Praying regularly together also “helped couples prevent conflict in their relationships.” Researchers note that couples who included “God in their marriage through prayer” were more skilled in problem solving and reconciliation. Other couples “reported that prayer alleviated tension and facilitated open communication during conflict.”

            With this in mind, imagine what the action of prayer does for a community. If religious leaders are praying for civil leaders, they are honoring that which God has put in place. As Romans 13:1 states, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Paul also encouraged believers to pray for their leaders: “I urge … that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:1–4).

Let’s please God by actively seeking, through prayer, “peaceful and quiet lives” – for our nation and especially its leaders. Indeed, we must remain in fervent prayer for those who serve as representatives of the people. Mrs. Shirley Dobson has stated, “if Christians would follow through on this, we would change our lives and the course of history.”

Truth be told, a nation can be punished by the actions of its leaders (II Samuel 24) and disciplined with poor administrators because the heart of the people is wicked (II Kings 17). In the same way, a country can be blessed with good leadership because the people honor God (II Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 3:6-18; Proverbs 8:14-16) and Proverbs 29:2 reminds us that, “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan” (nrsv). Therefore, we can honor the structure of leadership that God has blessed (Exodus 18:21; Deuteronomy 17:14-20), by our humble intercession, even if we do not agree with all the decisions that those in authority are making, which is all the more reason to pray for them.

The action of prayer is healthy for a home and a community. We know that God does hear these prayers, which is where the real power resides and the evidence is undeniable.  So, with a resounding “Yes” we can say that prayer does work! It is making a difference in our nation today. From the farm lands to the booming metropolis’ of this great country, prayer is interfering with the plans of the enemy and I could share with you story after story of the change that is often unseen or unreported by the media. From the various reports showing declines in crime, cancer admissions, abortion, and divorce to the restoration of marriages, individuals in prisons, new salvations and more. The challenge we have today is to remain in prayer. The stories of change are powerful, showing that God does hear and heal, but the problem is that we often get complacent, return to our old ways and then wonder why our home life, work life and national life are all in chaos.

The concepts that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights are foundational to our country and have had a profound impact on the United States and the culture at large. We must continue to pray that God protects our nation asking that He would install in office men and women who are committed to serving their constituents with integrity. And we must remain in prayer for our elections, beseeching God to prompt our fellow citizens to become involved in this process. Voting is both a duty and a privilege, and the outcomes of our political races are critical in determining the future course of our nation. ¹¹

The need to pray is as great as the authority of God, who commands us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:17 nkjv). Prayer is so vital to all that God wants to do on the earth, and it is so essential to us, that He commands us to do it all the time. But the key to successful prayer is the relationship that develops in and through this interstellar conversation. Sometimes we just need to listen, while other times require focused intercession, even repentance, praise and petition. If you want to know the will of God, it is discovered only through devotion to the Word through prayer. So, let’s pray as we have never prayed before and be united in One Voice.

May God’s hand of wisdom and guidance remain upon each segment of our society, and through His Spirit, may believers be inspired to pray continually. We are assured that the Almighty hears our petitions. As people from coast to coast lift their voices in prayer, repentance, and humility, we simply cannot underestimate how the Lord will respond. Let us come before His throne with these words on our lips and in our hearts, “God Bless America!”¹¹

Let’s pray: Lord, we live in a diverse country with blends of many cultures, faiths, and values. I pray that the power of Your Holy Spirit would move among us and tear down the barriers that divide us. May You breathe upon us and instill in us a desire for unity and agreement through a spirit of mutual respect and brotherly love. Forgive us for any discrimination or cynicism or cruelty or superior attitudes we may have harbored I our hearts. I ask You to help my own heart to be free to bring peace to others, to work together with others who don’t share my perspective, and to make a difference in the world. Help me, Father, to be a force for unity (Psalm 133:1). Lord, teach me to be submissive to Your will rather than be filled with criticism for leaders who do not share my values. I resist the cynical spirit that wants to creep in, and I choose to trust in Your sovereignty over all the situations that trouble me. Help me to remember to show proper respect to all people (I Peter 2:13,17) and to pray for them earnestly, serving as a witness to Your love.  

Father, I pray that You will raise up godly and righteous men and women who are strong to stand up and represent Your values and purposes for our nation. May the right people find favor with the citizens and be voted into office, and may those who desire to be in office but lack the integrity be kept out. Give our leaders wisdom to govern and spirits that are willing to work together to do the best for our nation. Guide and bless them that they may enact such laws that please You, to the glory of Your name and the welfare of our people, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

 

About the Author:

John Bornschein is the Vice Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force and Senior Pastor of Calvary Fellowship Fountain Valley church. At 38 years of age, he and his wife, Brandi, have 5 children and together they have served in ministry for more than 20 years. To learn more, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org

 

 

 

 

 

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               ¹       Jennifer Kennedy Dean, Heart’s Cry: Principles of Prayer (Birmingham: New Hope Publishers, 2007), 18.

²       Fred A. Hartley, III, Prayer on Fire: What Happens When the Holy Spirit Ignites Your Prayers (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2006), 16.

               ³       List compiled by All About God Ministries, http://www.AllAboutGod.com, cited on National Day of Prayer Task Force Web site, http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org.

               ⁴       Anthony DeStefano, Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To: Divine Answers to Life’s Most Difficult Problems (New York: Doubleday, 2007), 10-13.

⁵       Henry Blackaby and Norman Blackaby, Experiencing Prayer with Jesus: The Power of His Presence and Example (Sisters, OR: Multnomah), 28.

               ⁶       Lifeway Research survey conducted April–May 2007, cited in Cathy Lynn Grossman, “Young Adults Aren’t Sticking with Church,” USA Today, August 6, 2007.

               ⁷       The Barna Group Ltd, “Twentysomethings Struggle to Find Their Place in Christian Churches,” September 24, 2003, http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/127-twentysomethings-struggle-to-find-their-place-in-christian-churches?q=twentysomethings.

               ⁸       Frank D. Fincham, et al., “Spiritual Behaviors and Relationship Satisfaction: A Critical Analysis of the Role of Prayer,” Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 27, no. 4 (2008): 362–88.

               ⁹       M.G. Dudley and F.A. Kosinski, “Religiosity and Marital Satisfaction: A Research Note,” Review of Religious Research 32 (1990): 78–86, cited in Fincham et al., “Spiritual Behaviors.”

            ¹⁰       Heritage Builders Association, http://www.heritagebuilders.com.

            ¹¹       Excepts from the book, “A Time for Prayer” – developed by Inspired Faith with the National Day of Prayer Task Force (2010)

Days before ringing in the new year, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams ran a two-part report titled “Power of Prayer” — an overview of medical evidence revealing the positive, even miraculous, outcomes from believers praying.

The daily evening program, with more than 9.3 million viewers on average, is America’s most watched newscast.