Day 21: Hearts of Service
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Father in Heaven, during the last 20 days, we have prayed to You for faith and wisdom, for family and community, for our country and our world. We have lifted our church and its leaders up to You. We’ve asked You to bless our pastors, the staff, our ministries and missions, and all our church groups and relationships. We’ve asked for Your guidance for the future of Valley and the next generation. We have also turned inward, seeking Godly minds, hearts, bodies and spirits. We can never thank You enough for all You do for us. Today we pray for what You can do through us. Use us in Your holy service, Lord. Open our eyes to opportunities to serve You and move our hands and feet to do so, with joy, and without hesitation. We live to serve You, Father. Send us this day. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Day 20: Hearts of Gratitude
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
Father, out of the 62 counties in New York, we rank 57th in overall poverty. And New York is one of the richest states in the union. We are extremely blessed when we consider Your material providence. Yet all of that pales in comparison to the boundless hope we have in Your Son, Jesus. Mother Theresa reminded us once that "In light of heaven, the worst suffering on earth, a life full of the most atrocious tortures on earth, will be seen to be no more serious than one night in an inconvenient hotel". Help us to always remember the infinite and eternal value of Your love for us. And lead us to love and appreciate others as You love and appreciate us. In Jesus’ precious name we pray.
Amen.
Day 19: Sound Bodies
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truthfulness."
Father, as we walk out our faith, even now, pour out Your Spirit upon us, oh God. Fill our hearts with Your fire and our homes with Your righteous wind. We are desperate for Your presence in our lives. Today we pray that the spirit in us, that You have imparted, be ever guided by Your Holy Spirit, that our souls would be acutely aligned with Your will for our lives. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life”. May Your Spirit lead the way, teach us Your truth, and help us to live lives that honor and glorify You. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Day 18: Sound Bodies
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies
Father, we live in a very processed day and age. Of the top 200 countries measured, our country ranks tenth in obesity. We rank third in cancers, behind China and India. If our bodies are temples, it would appear we are not keeping up the maintenance. Help us, God, to repent from our destructive ways. We need Your strength to fight temptations. We need Your wisdom to make better choices. We need a burning desire to clean up our temples and make them more presentable for Your Spirit. Help us, oh God, with all of this, we pray, In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Day 17: Pure Hearts & Prayer
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Our Father in Heaven, please purify our hearts. Root out all unforgiveness, any unhealthy pride, and feelings of contempt or cynicism. Bend us and break us until our hearts are teachable once again. Help us to see those around us as You see them. Open our eyes to the suffering in our church and our community, and guide our hearts to respond in such a way that Your name would be glorified and Your Holy Spirit honored. Let our hearts be ever saturated with Your loving presence. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Day 16: Clean Minds
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Father in Heaven, Your word tells us that what is loosed on earth was loosed in Heaven first. And what is to be bound on earth has been bound in Heaven. We give You our minds, Lord. Cleanse them and protect them. Guide our thoughts in righteous and holy ways, that we are able to refrain from sinning against You with what we allow in. Block out all evil and malcontent. Fill us instead with thoughts that honor You and bring glory to You. Let our minds be focused not on this world, but on Your kingdom here on earth! In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Day 15: Valley’s Future
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Immanuel, in this year of Jubilee, we look back at 50 years of Valley Church history in awe and wonder. We have come such a long way from those very humble beginnings. In that reflection, one thing is crystal clear; You were always there with us. Now we turn our gaze to the next 50 years, with full confidence that You will continue to be with us, every step of the way. Please bless Pastors Greg and Susie with clarity and wisdom, as they plot our future based on the guidance only Your Spirit can provide. Please bless Pastor Karen as she leads this next generation of children forward in Your name. Let the fire You have kindled here spread far and wide, that Valley Church would continue to be that city on a hill until You return in Your perfect time. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Day 14: Valley Staff
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
God in Heaven, each and every member of the Valley staff are driven by one thing; to reach Your people, who You have entrusted to us, with the truth of the gospel and an experience of Your amazing presence in their lives. That’s why they work here at Valley. They all have different roles, and work hard to fulfill their separate duties, day by day, week by week, year in and year out. Bless them Father. Bless their hands and feet. Bless their minds and bodies. Bless their souls and spirit. Let them never grow weary of serving You by serving us. Thank You, God, for such an amazing team! In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Day 13: Valley Kids, Equip2:10 School
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it"
Father, we are so grateful, and humbled, for the immense honor You bestow on us, to raise up our children with a Christian worldview. We know that we are but stewards of their souls, and we beseech You, Father, to help us teach them to love as You love. As we help them grow and learn, please give us the wisdom, patience, courage, and compassion we need to raise them up right. Let them see You in us. Let them feel Your presence in the love we pour out on them. Help us guide them down the narrow road that leads to life in Your son, Jesus Christ. We ask in His Holy name.
Amen.
Day 12: Valley Missions
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Heavenly Father, Your Spirit sends us out, north, south, east and west. Whether it be the tall mountains of Guatemala, the dry plains of India, the frozen streets of Moldova, Transnistria, or to the cities in our own backyard, it is with Your heart that our feet go, to bring Your love and grace and truth. Please continue to makes our paths clear, that we may take Your gospel, the good news of forgiveness through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ, to the masses. What an amazing experience. What an amazing honor. Thank You for all the opportunities You provide through these missions. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Day 11: Valley Ministries
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Lord God, You equip us with personality profiles and spiritual gifts designed to meet the needs of the communities You have placed us in. You give us the desire to serve in the various ministries that our church has started and maintain. Give us Your strength to keep doing these good works. Give us Your eyes to see the very real needs in front of us, and the providence we need to share Your resources with those who need it most. Help us be ministers that make You proud and glorify You, Father. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Day 10: Valley Groups
‘And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.’
Father God, Your word tells us that alone, one can be overpowered, but two can resist, and a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. There is strength in numbers, and our church groups, when gathered together, magnify Your spirit and wisdom in each individual life. Help us not tarry or grow weary of gathering together for support, friendship and edification. Groups are such a blessing to our congregation. Thank You, Lord, for linking our passions and interests, and helping us form solid support systems through Valley groups. Please continue to bless and guide our groups and all their leaders. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Day 9: Valley Congregation
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, And His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
Our Lord and our God, today we come before You, separately, yet unified as one congregation. Please bless our people. Bless our marriages. Bless our families and all our relationships. Bless the mission and ministry of our church. Teach us to love others as we love ourselves, that the world may know that we are true children of the living God. Let our lives portray a constant act of praise to You, to Your Son, and to Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Day 8: World Leaders
The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.
Creator God, You spoke and the universe burst into existence. Your thoughts formed the earth and all that is in it. You set the sun and stars in their places, and Your spirit sustains it all. As we move forward, from generation to generation, please forgive our sins and give us world leaders that will govern according to Your Word and will. Please help us, oh God, to live in a manner that honors You and Your creation. In Jesus’ precious name we pray.
Amen.
Day 7: Country
“Had it not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their anger was kindled against us
Eternal Father, You were there when America’s colonies were founded, and when our states were formed. You established our sovereignty during the Revolutionary war, and protected our unity through the Civil War. Despite world wars and attacks on our freedom, it is Your hand that saves and sustains us, even as our culture has drifted from Your will. Please forgive us, the people of these United States, Oh God, and lead us back to a place of humble obedience as we trust in Your providence and protection. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Day 6: State and Region
“For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea...”
Lord God, our Northeast region has a reputation for declining churches and minimal growth. Yet Your word tells us that a healthy church focuses on authentic prayer and love for one another; never failing to meet together in Your name, for Your glory. Please Lord, revive New York. Revive New England. Pour out Your Holy Spirit into every church in our region, and help us individually, to become people of love such that, we light the match that starts a national revival, spreading the fire of Your Spirit in America’s hearts. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Day 5: Local Community
“Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
Father God, we lift up our community and those who lead it. We pray for our town and county officials, our school administrators, law enforcement, fire officials, all our clergy, and the many missions, ministries, and volunteers that support the people of this area. Guide and protect them, Lord, and bless all their efforts. And move us also, to come alongside them with servant hearts. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Day 4: Families
“Look at how good and pleasing it is when families live together as one.”
Heavenly Father, You created us to be in loving relationships with You and each other, and that begins at home. Help our men take seriously the role of spiritual leader of the family. Help our women work beside them, being of one mind and spirit with them. Help our children honor their parents as they grow and learn about You. And, bless our homes with unity, through Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ precious name we pray.
Amen.
Day 3: Wisdom
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Father, You blessed King Solomon for desiring Your wisdom above all else. We also seek Your wisdom for our lives as we move forward in prayer. Help us see clearly, think righteously, and live compassionately, understanding that all we have is a gift from You, and You are truly all we really need. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Day 2: Faith
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Heavenly Father, Your word tells us that no matter what we face in this life, You are right there beside us. As we walk out these 21 days of prayer and beyond, help us remember that truth. We are to be strong and brave. We have nothing to fear, for Your Holy Spirit goes with us, and before us. Thank you, Father, for that wonderful assurance. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Day 1: The Year of Jubilee
You shall thus consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim a release through the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family.
Father in Heaven, in this year of Jubilee for Valley Church, we joyfully reset! We cast off all past burdens and return our hearts to You. We let go of the past and press on toward the goal of living a new life in Your kingdom, for Your glory. Help us forgive offenses, dissolve debts, and live in the freedom that You yearn for us to have. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen!