Prayer Guide

Californians were dismayed and disappointed when Judge Vaughn Walker overturned Proposition 8 and threatened a new wave of homosexual marriages in mid-August. Not only did he flagrantly reject the thoughtful votes of a majority of Californians who placed their confidence in the rule of law and government of the people, but he did so in a manner that insulted their integrity and their deeply held values and faith.

While the judge’s decision surprised many, we can be assured that our God was not surprised. He is never confronted with an unexpected situation that leaves him reeling, but only which he has expected and planned for. He is sovereign God Almighty.

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.” I Chronicles 29:11-12 

“I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2

“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:11

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naugh, and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.” Isaiah 40:21-23

Though we may feel under attack and outnumbered after this disconcerting judicial ruling, God Almighty stands ready to do battle with unseen forces. II Kings 6 tells the story of Elisha’s servant who awakened to find the city under siege and completely surrounded. In answer to the cries of alarm, Elisha responded, “Don’t be afraid, Those who are with us are more than those who are with them,” (verse 16) and – in answer to prayer – the servant’s eyes were opened to the unseen warriors fighting on behalf of God’s servant. 

Take courage, dear praying friend, standing strong in the grace of the Lord. Our never-changing God is the same today as in the days of Elisha. He stands ready to fight our battles in the heavenlies. As the Proposition 8 case proceeds to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals – and quite probably – to the United States Supreme Court, stand firm in the Lord, uplifting the battle to him, and trusting in his protection and provision. 

• and praise God for the godly heritage we share as Americans. Pray that Americans would awaken to the threats to their basic freedoms and protect their culture through prayer, involvement, conversation, and by voting wisely in November.

• for endurance and strength in the continuing battle to protect Proposition 8 and marriage nationwide. Give thanks to God for a favorable response from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to “stay” Judge Vaughn Walker’s order that homosexual marriages resume August 18. 
• that God would shepherd the Prop 8 appeal as it moves forward to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals – and quite probably the United States Supreme Court. 
• that Christians would remember that this battle is being fought in the heavenlies – an unseen battle in the spiritual realm – and can only be won through prayer – liberally and sacrificially poured out before the throne of grace. 
• for the stoppage of SB 906, which would create a new class of marriage – “civil” marriage – possibly an incremental precursor to redefining what marriage is. SB 906 is now on the Assembly floor and can be considered anytime. Pray that legislators and the governor would seek and receive godly counsel rather than accept politically expedient choices. 

• that truth, instead of hype, would rise to the top in media and public-policy discussions impacting the spectrum of life. 
• as leaders of California’s embryonic stem-cell research field consider pursuing another bond initiative – perhaps as early as 2012 – pray that the public will more willingly question the feasibility and morality of the stem-cell agency taxpayers financed in 2004 with the passage of Prop 71. 

• for teachers, students and parents as children return to school this month and next. Pray for teachers who want to work with parental values, for parents to remain aware and discerning as they send their children to school, and for God’s protection of impressionable, young children who are at risk of being exposed to ideas beyond their understanding.   
• that parents would remain alert and vigilant to societal forces – advertizing, media, movies, and even picture books – that desensitize young children to messages of truth and morality, and supplant biblical values with acceptance of promiscuity and immoral behavior. 

• that faith assemblies, such as churches and synagogues, will be involved in elections this fall – teaching their congregations about godly values and the importance electing godly men and women of integrity plays in our culture – confident and without fear of reprisal. 
• that voters will diligently consider their votes this fall, exercising discernment in the candidates they support and thoughtfully considering the nine complex, weighty initiatives on which they will cast votes. 
• for legislators and their staffs during the final legislative push, as they attempt to pass bills onto the governor prior to the August 31 deadline. Pray they will act with integrity and honesty in completing this legislative session. Pray, too, for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger who then has the month of September to make weighty decisions – about which bills to sign or to veto. Pray he would listen to truth and not rationalize pragmatic or political expediencies. 
• for a workable, God-honoring solution to California’s fiscal problems. Pray that legislators and the governor will carefully consider reforms to break the annual cycle of long-overdue budgets. Pray, too, that our elected representatives would take seriously the implications of the current recession on families who are already struggling to pay their bills. 

• for CFC’s continued efforts to serve God in 2010 by transforming the laws and culture of California. Please pray for the income necessary to fulfill what God desires of CFC. 
• that California would return to a biblical worldview, as the first step in restoring Judeo-Christian laws and culture. Pray for opportunities for the expansion of the message and lessons in Focus on the Family’s The Truth Project – and TrueU – in our state and nation. Pray for good attendance and receptive minds at CFC’s upcoming leadership training events – August 21 in Pasadena and August 28 in Roseville.
  

“Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name; For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.” Psalms 86: 8-10

United in passionate, effective prayer for California families