Celebrate 250 Crusade. 40 Day prayer calendar.

August 18-September 27

Day 1 – Week 1

· This is our nations 250th celebration. “Heavenly Father we seek your blessing on our nation.” Have you prayed that? I have and will continue to, but we must also ask his forgiveness for our shortcomings and the times we have failed Him. I think revival begins at the house of God, with His people.

· 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

o God desire is to bless this nation. Throughout history God has faithfully led us through trials, wars, economic crises and social issues coming to a boil. Every time God has proven Himself true to America beyond what we deserve. Let us begin our 40 Days of prayer thanking Him for what He has done.

o Hold up your hand with fingers spread to God and count down with your fingers 5 things you are grateful for and then with the other hand pray for these 5 things

o 1. For your Pastor. His family, leading, his strength, his anointing with the Holy Spirit.

o 2. The finances of this crusade. What is your part financially? Is it a sacrifice?

o 3. For Rick Gage the evangelist.

o 4. Pray for souls. Pray specifically for those who you know.

o 5. Pray for Revival in every church.

Day 2

“I have called upon You , for You will hear me, O’ God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech. “Ps. 17:6.

“Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.” Ps.116:2

The Bible encourages us to call upon the Lord in every situation in our lives. Our God who never sleeps will hear our prayers 24/7. A long time ago this pastor learned that “prayer is the work”. When we call on God He hears and answers our prayers. We work in prayer then God works.

Let’s not just stand here let’s pray something!”

Father, I thank you for hearing my prayers. I know you don’t do it because I am such a wonderful prayer, but because You love me and the verses in Your Word say you like to hear my voice. I am amazed about all of these facts. My prayer today is about me Lord. I need you to guide me in Your ways. I want no more to be guessing if I am pleasing You. In Your guiding I want You to let me see others as You see them.

Father I do want to please You and I know that this is a prayer that will please You. I think it will break my heart and draw me to repent of my lack of concern. It will make me into a “laborer” in Your field. Grant it Lord in Jesus, the Great Harvesters name, I pray.

Day 3

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6,7

As I write this, I live in a wonderful place called Anniston. It was named after one of the founders of the city’s daughter, Annie.it was Annie’s town, thus Anniston. Just like every city and town in America , God has promised us grace, mercy, and peace in the midst of pain and loss, sin and sorrow, worries and weariness. We can all find reasons to be concerned about our Cities, States and our nation and the direction we are headed in. Especially if you watch your favorite “news” commentator. But God gives you and I a different view on this, He says rather than to be anxious about all the stuff going on, may we choose to be prayerful

‘’Lord of Peace, help us to keep our eyes on You. You who has protected our lives and sustained our cities, States, our nation to this point. We want to be responsible citizens, so we ask you to give us daily wisdom to know when to stand and what to stand for.

Father, I would ask You to use me today to influence the world around me to have Your peace that comes with knowing Christ Jesus as the Savior. Guard our heart today to be peace makers. In Jesus peace giving name I pray.

Day 4

“Now it shall come to pass if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD Your God’ to observe carefully all his commandments which I command you today, that the Lord Your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: Blessed you shall be in the city, and blessed you shall be in the country. “

Duet.28:1-3

God is calling this nation to obey His voice and follow His leadership. Charles Stanley once said, “Obey God and leave the consequences up to Him.” We as a nation must repent of our independence from God and choose instead to follow Him, obey His commandments, and turn to Him for guidance when we face decisions. He has been faithful to this nation despite our unfaithfulness toward Him.

Pray, “My God change my faithlessness to faith in You and You alone! Push me into the fray of battle in order that I might stand bold in my faith because when you push I must depend on You.

Humble my heart today so that I will hear Your voice. We do know better than we are doing, for that, forgive our sin. Hold us to a higher calling. amen.

Day 5.

If praying is a conversation with God then the entire Book of Jonah is prayer book and prayers being answered. In the Book of Jonah the greatest revival in the entire Bible. In chapter !:2, you have the “call for the going” in revival. Now I know we would have said, God cares enough to send me, awesome.” Right? Well, I have pastored 4 churches in my life and I never heard that from any Jonah’s. So when we get to chapter 2 God has a rebel on his hands and He knows how to handle a rebel. Wow! Doesn’t it make you want to pray? Let’s do what Jonah did…

Father today, I am grateful to be able to come to Your throne and speak because the blood of Jesus grants me that privilege. Forgive us of our prayerlessness and make me a prayer and a supplicator for others. Make me go from a pitiful witness to an effective witness of You. Forgive me of the devotions of selfishness and help this Rebel to be devoted to you.

God of Jonah and God of me, may we see the days of Jonah again. Bring obedience out of disobedience, restoration out of ruin, salvation of the lost. Everything changes and nothing remains the same. In Jesus life changing name we pray.

Day 6

“ Hold on to the pattern of sound preaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you.” (HCSB) 2 Timothy 1:13,14

“ …Because the eyes of God are on the righteous and His ears are open to their request. “ Psalms 34:15

Let us pray for our Pastor today. Just as praying that God would give you someone to give the gospel today is a great prayer that God will answer . So is the prayer for God’s Pastors a very answerable prayer. God loves Pastors. Today let’s prayer for pastors. Pray for yours and if you do not have one pray that during this season of prayer He would give you one. Pray for the Celebration 250 Alabama Revival. Pray for the leaders of the Calhoun County efforts Pastor Eric Snider, Pastor Keith Screws, pastors David Haynes, Sam Fordham, Joey Hanner, Jeff

Knight, and Chris Sparks.

Father, I would ask that you would give wisdom and counsel to our pastors. We pray that they will preach with sound teaching in all faith and love. Let my pastor also preach boldly as he ought to get the Gospel to the people. Lord I pray for my pastor to know you in a deeper relationship and grow in his hunger for You. In doing so give Him a Kingdom vision and let revival take place in his heart to lead his people to repentance and salvation. Amen.

Day 7

I think and practice that prayer is a “relational encounter’”with God. In prayer the focus must be on “who God is” or “what He is doing.”God does not answer prayer, He answers people who are in a right relationship with Him. 6 Years ago I was in a room with Tim Tebow, a famous quarterback, and he said that to me as I was talking to him on the subject of prayer. He was amazed that God wanted you to know Him better. The only way that could happen he said, is for you and I ”spend time “with Jesus. Our prayer today is that God would develop our relationship with Him, and when that is so, then we would hunger to be with Him.

“He went upon the mountain an summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him.” Mark 3:13

Jesus my Savior, I find it amazing that You would want and desire to have a relationship with me. I knew that You made statements that You loved us and so much so You went to the cross to save me from the second death. But I haven’t been looking at it the right way. You really did all of that in order that You and I could draw closer together, so You could pour daily into my life. So You could teach me how to live. Thank You Father for that love that draws me closer to You. I pray this in the One who is King of Kings and desires a daily walk with me. I’m amazed. Amen.

Day 8 - Week 2

In Celebration 250 Alabama we are connected to the Go Tell ministry with Rick Gage. We will be in Revival beginning in September 27, 2026. Let’s renew our dedication to praying for the lost and the Churches that need renewal as well as Rick Gage this week. I am excited that you are joining in this time of prayer. Today let’s pray for the Church. Not just your church but the “of my people, who are called by my name” church. On a whole we are a weak group.

I remember going to a mall to get a pair of shoes and saw this sign on the the display window that said “Everything That Is On Display May Not be In Stock.”

I thought about that a while and I remembered Shakespeare said, “there are sermons in stones.” If there are sermon in stones surly there are sermons in signs also. The sign said, What Is On display May Not Be In Stock. I know some church people like that. Show love at Church but at work or home it’s not in stock, show patience around strangers you want to impress but you blow up with the family or the person who pulls out in front of you. You look like a person of peace outside but inside you know it ain’t in stock. You looked mighty joyful last Sunday but what happened to all that joy come Monday?

Pray; Lord of our Life I am fearful to ask you to check out my stock like David did because I am not right. Lord of my life I must seek forgiveness of my pride trying to fake stock. LORD I need a stock order in my life. I repent of trying to look one way when I know my stock room is empty. Fill my heart with You Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit fill me with the characteristics of Christ.

“ The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”(Galatians 5:22-23) I need Your help for it is impossible to have this in stock without You. In the stock filling name of Jesus I ask this, Amen.

Day 9

Let us continue on the theme of “If MY people which are called by My name , will humble themselves and pray.” The hard stuff for you and I.

In the past I have done what we called a “House of Prayer “ services on Wednesday nights, often. It would simple be themed prayer with 3-5 seasons of prayer. The favorite times of the House of Prayer nights would be the night I would set up 4-6 stations, a station was simply a chair or a table or even a box, with prayer instructions, and set the stations in different parts of the worship center. But you had to go to every station. (Let’s do one of them now.)

The people would go to their first station and it could have said, “ The Bible says that ‘all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’(Romans 3:23) in other words, we all mess up. Think through this last weeks of your life- your conversations, the things you’ve done with your friends, then things you’ve done when alone, your thoughts, and your behavior at school, work, home or at play. What is the moment you’re most ashamed of , kneeling and spend time apologizing to God.

Day 10

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways…”

This morning in speaking with THE God of peace we need, no we must, confess our sin. In Psalm 32:5 it says, “I will confess my transgressionS to the Lord.” To confess just means to agree with God in His judgement of its guilt and judgement.

I met with one of my accountability guys this morning and God used him to make me see what I knew was wrong but didn’t won’t to see. So as we prayed I prayed afresh as he prayed and confessed my transgress of pride that God hates. I have learned, over the decades of God developing a relationship with Him, that I MUST confess and turn or, there is a loss coming.

Holy Spirit I would ask that today, as I want a closer relationship with You, that YOU would convict me of my sin. I want to be clean before you. I will confess my sins to you and turn. In the convicting Name of Jesus I pray.

Day 11

In thinking of you and I being Christ followers and pray-ers, let’s talk legacy, just how do I pray with the end in view?

Acts 16:33 “And he was baptized and his whole family.”

Here was a guy that worked in a government prison and he was not a religious man, but there was a prisoner who he took home and the prisoner led him to salvation from God and then his whole family. Wow! That is a great day in God’s house, the church building when the baptisms came, but better yet,when the entire family was there.

I have seen this soo many times including my Mom and Dad and their 7 kids. Having Christ in my life as a young man we had 3 precious children and having the privilege to lead them to Christ and baptizing them and their mates and their (mine too) kids and mates. So my legacy is first, my family!

Pray-Holy Spirit please convict my children of sin and a loving Savior that awaits . Lord use Me as an instrument in that process. I will show them THE WAY. In the Saving name of Jesus

I ask, amen.

Day 12

I was asked if I wanted to be a part of interviewing Billy Graham in 2012. I jumped at the chance I had never met Dr. Graham personally but I certainly knew of him and my, how God has used that man to be the greatest evangelist ever. To my disappointment we were canceled at the last minute because of Dr. Grahams failing health. I wanted to discuss with him about solid marriages. I got his answer 12 years later in one of his old sermon he said that you and I could “improve and shore up and secure your marriage by 400% if you and your mate would do 3 things together. 400%!! 1. Attend Church together. Sit together in church, worship together. #2. Read your Bible together. Even if it’s just a chapter in a short devotional. Remember we are talking 400%. #3. Pray together. Guys we don’t necessarily like that because it declares our dependance on Him. We must pray with our mates.

Thank you Lord for my mate. I want my marriage to be secure for a lot of reason but I want to demonstrate what a godly marriage looks like to my children, to the church, to a lost and dying world. I confess that my mate and I are not doing all 3 but I will begin to change that today. I ask that you would join our hearts on this matter of importance, in Jesus name, amen.

Day 13

2 Chronicles 7:14b “…then I will HEAR from heaven and FORGIVE their sin and Heal their land.

The end of the verse we have been looking at, or should I say has been looking at us,t ends with a BANG! Let’s again do some exercise. This last part of the verse tells me to raise my hands and hold up 3 fingers. As we prayer, put I finger down as we are grateful for 1. A GOD WHO HEARS. God says, “ I hear you. I’m listening to all you say. I hear what you are saying with your mouth as well as what your heart is saying and it matches.

Thank you Father for hearing my pray. Thank you Holy Spirit for interpreting my prayers as they ought to be said in order for God to hear. 2. FORGIVENESS FOR OUR SIN. Father, I am so grateful for forgiveness of my sin that places me in your permanent salvation and Your forgiveness that keeps me in Your daily fellowship. #3. HEAL OUR NATION. What a word. Lord of the Universe, how grateful is our hope of a healed nation. Heal us from the hatred toward each other, the divisions in our homes, cities, States and Nation.

In the Mighty Name of Jesus I pray. Amen

Day 14

Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.”

On a Sunday when God poured out his Spirit on our service and we had 18 decisions for Christ, we were lengthy on the invitation and afterwards I had one of the “Gleaners” say to me, “pastor I prayed rightly for service today, but not like this! What are we going to do with all these new folks?” She was not right in her prayer because she wanted out early and her vision was too small.

Let’s pray “rightly” today for our evangelist, Rick Gage for the upcoming Alabama 250 Revival Crusade.

God of revival we come today knowing that you hear our prayer. Father we do want to prayer “rightly” so help us to do that by guiding us. We pray for our evangelist Rick Gage, for his health personally. Strengthen his body and keep him from sickness during the Revival. Also his spiritual health Father, may your Holy Spirit protect him from Satan and his schemes. Give him wisdom to know what to say and when to say it, give him knowledge to practice what he preaches. Give Rick Gage boldness to preach Your Word in Truth and love.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you would remove Rick Gage from Rick Gage so that when he preaches all anyone will see is Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. In the Righteous Name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Day 15 – Week 2

The smartest person I have ever met and had a conversation with was Ben Carson. Now don’t take it like I personally know him but we met and spoke briefly at the University of Mobile. But I took him as a man of great conviction. He knew where he was going and what he was going to do, no matter what.

Well this week in prayer is going in the direction of praying for the event of the Alabama 250 Celebration Revival Crusade in Calhoun County.

“Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His Harvest.” Matt. 9:38.

We should pray for “harvesters”. I read about a man named Frankie Jenner who lived in Sydney, Australia who would go out every morning in his city and stand at the corner of a busy street and simply say, “Hello my name is Frankie Jenner and I wonder have you ever thought about when you will spend eternity, I hope you will trust Jesus, Toodalou”. He did that for over 30 years. I heard about this man from an evangelist in Texas who traveled the world and ask about giving testimonies. He said he started hearing testimonies from military men and travelers about a little man in Sydney, Australia who came up to them and say my , “hello, I wonder sir have you thought about when you would spend your eternity? I hope you will trust Christ. The evangelist told me he heard that weird testimony about 25 times within a year and one day he said he was preaching in Sydney Australia and ask the Director of evangelism had he ever heard about this man and he smiled and said, “ Sir you are talking about Frankie Jenner, he is blind and bedridden but he if he is able to I will get you a meeting and he did. The Evangelist from Texas said he was carried to a little apartment on street level in Sydney Australia and went into a dark apartment where he told Frankie Jenner how he influenced over 30 people that he met in a revival to come to Christ. He said Mr. Jenner cried and thanked him profusely for telling him , he said, “up until this hour I did not know of one soul who had ever come to Christ. Mr Jenner died the next week as a harvester.

God forgive me for my lack of witness, I am so weak in this adventure. I want to be a faithful witness for You. Use me during the revival to tell others what you have done for me, You can do for them. I will be a harvester, I pray this in the name of the Seeker of harvester, Jesus Christ’ the Lord of the harvest. Amen

Day 16

Ezekiel 33:11 “Tell them: As I live—the declaration of the Lord GOD—-“I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked person should turn from his evil way and live. Repent, repent of your evil ways! Why will you die “ ‘that way?’

I remember the little girl who rushed into my office before the Tuesday night revival service began. I was praying with and over with our evangelist when she burst into the room. We both looked up from our posture of prayer, a little startled but when I saw who it was I smiled. I told the evangelist little Cindy name and shared how she had gave her life to Jesus about a mother ago and had followed in baptism. I ask her how she was doing and how did she get to church this night. She held her hand for me to stop talking she had something more important to say to me. Her eyes were now wide open and she began by saying, my daddy came to church tonight!” I said , “that is great,” turning to our evangelist I said, “we have been praying for little Cindy’s dad to get saved, Cindy how did you get him here?” She said Brother Mike, “he promised me if I got all A’s on my report card that he would get Mr anything I wanted, well, l did and I told my dad I only wanted one thing. So my Dad is here tonight Brother Mike.” Then looking over at the Evangelist she said,”And you better do good!”

I think with this crusade coming we all have a chance to do good, for there are many little Cindy’s counting on us.

Pray for the lost this way…Pray that God would move distractions that would hinder anyone from responding to the invitation from our outreach team. Pray for the personal invitations, that there would be many. Pray for the invitations every night. Pray for clarity in the hearts and minds of the responders. Pray for our counselor’s every night to communicate the gospel clearly.

Day 17

Let me illustrate our prayer topic for today.

There is a seemingly silly scripture in 1Peter 3:7 “ Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives with an understanding of their weaker nature yet showing them honor as condors of the grace of life, so that your prayers are not hindered.” Not so silly if God says if you are not getting along with your wife, God doesn’t hear your prayers. Whoa you say, is that right? Absolutely, because to live with a divided house is to cut off your prayers, because you must take care to unify your home if at all possible other Satan has the upper hand, has you distracted, therefore silence, and it ain’t golden.

Acts 4:24 “ they with one accord.”

Let’s pray for unity of the body, the Church. The enemy ‘s plan for the Church is to divide and conquer. The leaders of the Churches will/are face much spiritual warfare during this process. Individual churches will have an increase of spiritual attacks. Let us stand firm in our faith because faith is infectious, and infection spreads where numbers congregate. Unbelief on the other hand, thrives in isolation. Scriptures teach us that united prayer has a cumulative effect. I believe that Pentecost happened out of a fervent prayer meeting in an upper room.

I ask us all to get serious about this factor of unity. Plead with God to lead us to unity because souls are in the balance. Let there be unity to the commitment of the gospel by God’s people.

Day 18

“For God makes it His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.” Matthew 5:45b

Let’s pray today for some important “incidentals.” The weather is very important in an outdoor crusade. An old saying that does nit work well with God is, “If it doesn’t matter, why care? If you don’t care, then it doesn’t matter.” When it comes to the work of God almost everything matters so let us care. I really believe that “Prayer is the work! Then God works.”

Father of creation, we come to You would give good weather for the Go Tell Crusade to be held from September 27- October 1. We certainly that you create weather designs and hold dominion over it. We ask for Your favor and mercy over nature. Lord we give You glory and praise ahead of time for your grace over this crusade. In your controlling Name we pray, amen.

Day 19

Today let’s think of all the student assemblies that will happen during the week. We want to pray for these assemblies that the truth will communicated and that the Holy Spirit might work in the hearts of the students. Pray that the impact of the assemblies will draw them to the crusade to hear the rest of the story.

“ For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirits, of joints and of marrow,and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Heb. 4:12 esv

“Pray..that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.’

Father to fathers and mothers and to our children, we come before you asking that you would change our future for the better for your kingdom sake. Lord we are sure that these students have the ability to change the world for the better or for the worse. Our prayers this day is that the assemblies will be successful because of the gospel many are transformed. Let Your words open their spiritual eyes and ears in order that they may turn from darkness to light.

We believe, Father, that as Your Word is spoken You will anoint the speaker for I know that Your Word is alive and active. We ask that You would meet the needs in the assemblies of our youth and every student will know You Spiritually. Father we look forward to the day when all the peoples of the earth will know that the LORD is God and there is no other. Amen

Day 20

Psalms 121:8 “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 “ But the Lord is faithful. He will guard you against the evil one.”

Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and they are safe. “

Have you guessed by the scriptures what our prayer time is about today? Let’s pray today for the safety and security of the events.

A few years ago our church was threatened because of some things that we stood for. In particular, that all peoples are welcomed into the church no matter what label anyone put on them. So one Sunday before a particular service a few leaders came up to me before the service began to said, “Pastor, do not worry about any threats we got you.” I was naïve to what they meant until later, my daughter told me, “Dad, they just mean that they are packing, you know, like Peter was packing.” I was a little taken back by the ‘security’ that I had.

But we must pray for safety and security for all services, for to all the leaders and vigilant eyes for our security teams.

Father, you are our Refuge and our Fortress. I pray that you give your angels special charge over the crusade.

We pray the You would keep a vigilant eye on our security team and guard their very steps. We pray that you would turn back any spirit of darkness. In the Strong and Mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Day 21

“And also pray for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians 6:19

“Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience , desiring to act honorably in all things.” Hebrews 13:18

It has been since day 6 that we prayed for our pastor leaders. I understand that our crusade will have churches coming from 5 counties. That is a lot of churches and pastors. Being a pastor is a tough job but God calls us and He equips us for the task. In the 35 years I pastored I was taught every day to trust Jesus and His Word. I grew in trust in lonely and dark times. That was God’s way in my life to grow me. Sometimes my head was not where it ought to have been and my Father would speak to me in unmistakable ways to correct my course. The Church He had entrusted me with was a Hugh responsibility that I took seriously. I know that there were many of His people praying for me.

Father, I am so glad that You call Your men in the pastorate and not the sheep. We would not believe it if they did it and if we did we would have taken the first step downward toward pride. So guard the hearts of your shepherds against pride for nothing is so useless and dangerous.

Father allow Your pastors to preach boldly from Your pulpit in order that people might be saved. Put it in their hearts to plan the messages with that end in mind. To plan an invitation with that as their aim. Father have them shoot straight and aim well. Teach us Lord that unless your Spirit gets involved all is for nothing and our sheep are left unfed and we are full of nothing.

Father , I love my pastor, Keith Screws, ( your pastor) I thank You for how You are using him weekly. I thank You for loving me through my pastor. Keep him safely and keep him close to You and Clean. I thank you that my pastor is equipping the sheep for the upcoming crusade.

Father I close with this request, that You would continue to guard his family and have taught them to love deeply and strongly. Keep my pastor from loneliness of the battle with daily encouragement. I pray this in the loving name of Jesus. Amen.

Day 22 – Week 4

Psalms 42:7 “Deep calls to deep at the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and Your waves have gone over me. By day the LORD commands steadfast love, and at night His song is with me…”

I go to physical therapy 2 days a week because I have a movement disorder called Parkinson’s disease. They are constantly encouraging me to stretch my muscles before I get into my “real exercise.” So as a way of introducing you to each day of prayer we should warm up with some “spiritual stretches.” It is needed if we are to move forward in our intimate relationship with Him.

First let’s bow our head and read this as a prayer in a whisper:

“Find me here. Speak to me. I want to know you. I need to hear you. You are the light that’s leading me to the place where I find peace, again. You are the strength that keeps me walking. You are the Hope that keeps me trusting. You are the Life to my soul. You are my purpose. You are everything. And how can I stand here with You and not be moved by You? Would You tell me how it could be any better than this? You calm the storms, and You give me rest. You hold me in Your hands; You won’t let me fall. You still my heart, and You take my breath away. Would You take me in? Take me deeper now? And how can I stand here with You and not be moved by You? Would You tell me how it could be better than this? Cause You’re all I want. You’re all I need. You’re everything. Everything,” (“Everything” by lifehouse )

This week let’s take care of our soul because we can get weary in the work.

Day 23

For the last 50 years of my life I have been an avid student of God’s Word. I have been an avid reader because I know a learner is a leader and a leader is a learner. I remember like it was yesterday that I stood in line at a conference to speak to Dr Adrain Rogers along with many others. Many got his autograph in their Bibles or one of his books, some got a picture with him. All of us were a bit nervous of meeting this giant in the ministry. But I wasn’t nervous because I knew what I would do/say when I met him. He was so polite, shook my hand and called me by name and ask how God was treating me? I took that as small talk but he didn’t. I don’t remember what he said because I was anxious to ask my question before I had to move on. I still held his hand and said, “Dr. Rogers what book are you currently reading and do you recommend it?” He studied a minute, let go of my hand, and looking up toward the ceiling replied,” Brother Mike, that is a great question. I am reading “The Divine Conspiracy” by Dallas Willard, and it hurts my head to read it so I’m going to hold off on my recommendation of the book but the author is a wonderful writer.”

I went home bought the book and 5 years later finished it. It was a book that makes you put it down and think on it and then go back and read another page or as often the case, a paragraph.

Let’s stretch out some more in our prayer time today.

Recite this prayer:

“God help me:

To become a well informed, responsible follower of Christ;

To have a Christlike concern for all people;

To learn how the message of Christ is carried around the world;

To work with others in sharing Christ;

And keep myself clean and healthy in mind and body.”

Place your hand over your lips and meditate on this scripture.

“No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear.”

(Ephesians 4:29)

Day 24

I have not always enjoyed the early morning hours. I remember I was living in Chattanooga, Tennessee, my cousin was going to take me deer hunting and we were to meet at 4:30 in the morning. I went but hated it. I thought to myself, God I would talk to You but I think You certainly have better sense than I do and you are still sleeping warmly. But if You are up allow Your Spirit to remind me to never do this again. I joke at that because later when I was spending hours in school work the morning hours when my wife and 3 children slept I was meeting with God. So this week we are doing some spiritual exercise to get our selves fit for kingdom work.

If you are reading this in the morning hours I ask you to kneel and read this as you pray.

“Good morning my Lord and my God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road clearly ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But Father, I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And it is my hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing, I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. Dear Father, I know if I do this, You will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust You always though I may seem lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever either me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone,”amen.

If you are reading this in the evening hours I ask you to sit down with your head bowed.

· “Breathe in me, o Holy Spirit, that my thoughts to end this day May all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work too would be Holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit that I may love only that which is holy. Strengthen me, that I may defend all that is holy. Guard me, that I myself may always be holy. (Augustine) O Lord my prayer in ending this day is that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart will be found acceptable to you my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen

Day 25

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much; for without Me you can do nothing…as the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as you have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:5, 9-10.

I cannot even begin to tell you how life changing those verses are to all believers. You need to develop an abiding relationship with Jesus. Out of the overflow of that everything else happens! All the “bears “ come out. You will bear fruit and bear much fruit and you will keep His commandments because of the abiding not because you can do it. You can’t and never will. Are you bearing fruit? Much fruit?

I visited a friend who was in ICU and he did not know Christ, so in our final conversation of our lives I told him how Christ changed my life and he could be change , even now, as time was running out . He said he would love to do that. While we were praying I felt someone beside me. After rejoicing with my friend about his new found relationship, I turned to see 2 men . They ask could they speak to me outside. Having said my final goodbyes to my friend, I followed the 2 men into the next ICU room. There was their sister on her death bed at 40 years old. She said, “ Sir, I heard what you said to that man over there in that other room, is it really true that I can become part of Gods family, and know Him personally and have a real relationship with Him? I told her how Jesus died for her, rose from the dead to demonstrate that he was God in the flesh. I explained sin. Repentance and Faith. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said I want it soo bad. As we bowed to pray her oldest brother said, Sir, I want to do that also, the other brother said the same thing and as I began to pray the Daddy stoped me and asked was it too late for him? In that ICU that day was Much Fruit.

Prayer- Father, forgive us for being so self-absorbed and its activities that only bring temporal values. Help me to turn my heart back to you. Lord I do love you, teach me to love you more by abiding in you. Out of the overflow of getting to know more of you I will bear fruit and much fruit. In the abiding name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Day 26

He (whom the Lord has saved from the Pit) shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see his face with joy, for he restores to msn ahi’s righteousness. Job 33:26

The power of prayer is evident throughout the Bible. The effect it has on us individually and the impact it can have on our cities and counties are profound. I was in a meeting of the minds for our upcoming crusade, and was reminded of a wealthy car dealer in our city who gave to the crusade. I can’t tell you his motive for giving a new car to the Jay Strack crusade but he gave and came to the crusade. I like to believe the Holy Spirit of God was convicting him but that not the giver of a car met the eternal life giver and Sunny was never the same. My pastor at that said to me Mike God burdened my heart and I have seriously prayed for his salvation. Who is your One that is your burden? Pray for them that God would bring them to their knees to trust Him.

Day 27

“So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Eph. 10:17

“Sanctify them in the truth; Your Word is truth.” John 17:17

Pray for Rick Gage, our evangelist to be clear with the Word of God.

I love baseball and one of our greatest players was a man named Yogi Berra. A great player and later coach the New York Yankees in the 40’s , 50’s and the early 60’s. Yogi was known for his confusing Quotes. Here are a few of his most famous; “It ain’t over til it’s over.”, “I usually take a two-hour nap from 1 to 4.” Or this one, “Never answer an anonymous letter.” “The future ain’t what it used to be to be.”

These saying are funny but confusing. Let’s prayer that God will give Evangelist Rick Gauge clarity on what to say. We are praying that the Holy Spirit of God will bring revival to our cities and county’s and our State so we must the man of God to preach the Word of God with conviction. Also let us pray that as Rick Gage is bringing the messages the Holy Spirit draw them to the gospel like metal to a magnet.

Day 28

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests but also the interstate of others .” Philippians 2:4

“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

I know an old hymn that says, “ Burdens are lifted at Calvary.” A great hymn with great truth but let me be quick to say that when Calvary takes the burden of sin from us, God says burdens are easier when shared by others in the family of God. God is pleased when we have godly burdens. In Revival God will give us a burden for the lost. We all know folks at our work, play, or family that is lost. That’s who we are praying for today.

“God of Salvation, we are praying for you to send the lost man, woman, boy or girl to the crusade to hear the good news of Jesus Christ . Lord I pray that you will use me to invite them to the crusade. I know that you love the unlovable and me also. So God of my salvation give to me a person You want me to invite. I will obey. In closing this prayer , I first want to thank you for_______, who brought me to you, and also for ________ who led me to Christ. Now Father, I know this is a Prayer that you will answer, so I look forward to being obedient, in Jesus saving name I pray. Amen.

Day 29 - Week 5

“And my God Will supply all your needs according to His Riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these will be added to you.” Matt. 5:33

When you pastor one church for 21 years you get to see folks grow up and actually see them grow up to be …well like you , the pastor. This will illustrate what I mean. I have always been bold about offerings because Jean and I have always bee “ givers” . I didn’t say “tithers” because I think that is the least you and I should do. I don’t believe that you can be a giver until after you tithe. I use to pray, often, before the offering was taken and I would always include this quote, “ Lord, I ask that You would do with a dollar more than could normally be done. “ well now that I have retired and I sit in the pew, when the offering is prayed over I hear that quote often. I will open one eye and see a little proselyte.

Father, it seems like events like this rarely have enough money. Father I know that you do and you want this crusade to be fully funded. Father I know you will fund what you honor and the gospel meeting when souls are saved and lives are changed will honor You. So our Giver of Life we are asking that you give the funds needed to fully fund this work. Convict the rich, which is every person in our country, to be givers. And Father I ask You to do more with a dollar than can normally be done. Amen.

Day 30

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers…” Matthew 9:38

Whenever my family gets together, which is several times a year, we all have to pitch in and do our part. There are about 26 + now, so we have to all work close together. We love each other so it makes for a good time when the family loves to be with each other. The same thing applies when the family of God gets together. It cuts the work in half and doubles the fun.

We should pray for the many ,if not hundreds, of volunteers that will be required for this crusade to happen.

Father, thank you for such a large family. I pray that you would bring your people together to join hands in the work of the ministry. Demonstrate to a lost world how we love each other. In the loving son’s name I pray, amen.

Day 31

“Let us .. Trust in the Lord with all of our heart And do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. “ Proverbs 3:5

Let’s pray for the follow up team. This team will actually meet the ones making decisions after God uses the message.

Father, I pray for those who will be at the alter meeting those who You have been speaking through. These are special people who are trained to listen and recognize what You are doing in the lives of these precious people. Father ,give them wisdom to know You are speaking] and knowledge to know what to do with the information. I ask for clarity in the decision and patience to be able to demonstrate kindness to all your people.

Day 32

“Praying…that they may be one ; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” John 17:21

In the meeting today it was reported that there will be 5 counties coming to the Crusade. I find that amazing and awesome. It is a credit to the leadership of this crusade, and the working of God’s Spirit that can draw differing chinches, and denominations, as well as different kinds of people, gather together for the cause of Christ. It will be a little taste of heaven in Saks Stadium.

Father, what a week it will be for the Church body to come together under One Banner of the Cross. I certainly pray for the unity of the spirit, I pray for cooperation, and harmony that You bring to us as we share in Your grace and mercy and unite in your love, amen.

Day 33

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct,love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example to those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:12

There will be literally thousands of young people gathering in assemblies at school to hear the gospel . It is vital for the future of our nation to pray for these assemblies. We will certainly be listening to the news of God working out His plan in these young people. They have the possibility of changing their home environments, as well the State of Alabama. If you change a home you can change a community, which can change a city, which can change a State, which can change a Nation, which can change a world.

Father, do it again as in days of old. Would you use this crusade to change the world. It seems impossible when I just typed that Father, but I know with you all things are possible. Pour out You Spirit on our youth. In the Mighty Name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Day 34

Except for the time I spend in the military and a couple of years outside Alabama, I have live most of my 7 + decades in Calhoun County, Alabama. I have seen what God can do to change a County. I realize that there will be 5 counties that are represented in this crusade. So let’s pray for the county that you live in will be changed. The school system, the county and city governments of each county. What would that look like? Pray my friend pray for your particular county that God would take it over.

Day 35

“Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasp, but emptied Himself…” Philippians 2:5-6

One of my favorite authors is John Ortberg, in “It all goes back in the box”, he writes, “The entire life of Jesus isn’t the story of somebody climbing up a ladder; it’s a picture of someone coming down… a series of demotions. He gave up the right to have things His way and became a servant. Let us be careful to not act or behave as if they are kings and celebrities. The problem with spending your life climbing ladders is that you will go right past Jesus.

“Father forgive us when we have had the wrong attitude about what You ask of us. May we have Your Son’s attitude. Let us work in the field until all Your children come home. Let us use the time You have given us to redeem it for your cause. Amen

Day 36 - Week 6

When you are on any plane trip they will usually say something on the intercom like, “ Ladies and gentlemen we are coming in to the area of (wherever you are going) our final instructions are.. we will be landing at …”

Well the crusade is just about on us. Let’s remind ourselves just what is at stake as we get close to the time. Eternity sums it up.Our prayer today will be an exercise in praise.

“You are the peace of all things calm,

You are the place to hide from harm,

You are the light that shines in the dark,

You are the hearts eternal spark,

You are the door that’s wide-open,

You are the guest that waits inside,

You are the stranger at the door,

You are the calling of the poor,

You are the light, the truth, the way,

You are my savior this very day.” (The Celtic oral tradition.)

Day 37

Pray for encouragers. Enough said right? We all need them. We need them in the crusade by the millions. So pray for encouragers. Be an encourager. Come as an encourager and leave tired as an encourager.

Day 38

Pray for prayers. If you have gotten this far in the 40 days of Praying for the crusade, I thank you prayer for your prayers. As I write these last two days of prayers it is 11:00 pm . I have been guided by my Heavenly Father to pray for you.

Father, I don’t know anyone who will use this guide, but you do. Will You thank them for me. Our reward has been to know that we have kept You informed about what is going on in Your heart. I know that if you were human that would not make any sense but as far as the heavens are above the earth are Your ways higher than ours. Use this guide to draw us closer to You and to teach us to love you more. In Jesus name I pray amen.

Day 39

Pray for Rick Gage and his hard working staff. I am so pleased with the man of Hod named Rick Gage. He is a God sent. Pray for peace for him, pray for the refreshment of God’s love to pass over him. Pray for his precious family that sacrifices for us to have him. Please pray the same for his staff.

Day 40

Pray for a spirit of revival and readiness. The “you better do goods”, see day 16.

If you by chance miss any of these I will post them on my Facebook page daily. Mike Holcomb.