January 1, 2010 Prayer Guide
January 1, 2010
Dear Praying Friend,
A New Year is like freshly fallen snow, unblemished and perfect. Our new calendars have the scent of fresh print, as 2010 looms before us, ready to unfold with unimaginable potential. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) God has been our help and our anchor in past years. We can continue to trust his guidance into the new one with all its possibilities.
The challenges before us may often seem daunting, but choose to fill the blank slate of 2010 by putting the Lord first, trusting in Him, and praying for the families and culture of California – in addition to your immediate family and community. Pray for the challenges facing us as a state (and a nation), one that is ignoring the truth of our Christian heritage and finding itself enslaved by rebellion, promiscuity, and brokenness.
Our state legislators return to the Capitol January 4. Commit to pray for these men and women elected to represent us. Pray they will consider what is best for California families, instead of the wish lists of powerful special interests. These legislators must deal with serious, complicated issues – a sky-rocketing budget deficit, the confirmation of a newly appointed lieutenant governor, and a struggling economy. Against that backdrop, they will consider other arising legislative issues – health care, education, marriage, local issues, and parental authority. Pray that our state legislators will deal with problems honestly, with integrity, and from a foundation of biblical truth.
Pray, too, for judges who will decide weighty matters that affect us in California. Pray that these men and women will objectively examine the evidence presented to them and consider truth – not opinion – in making their decisions. Pray especially for the federal trial challenging Proposition 8, due to start January 11. Pray for presiding Judge Vaughn Walker and the attorneys representing the people of California who passed the constitutional protection of marriage as only between a man and a woman. Pray that God’s Spirit would be conspicuous in all court proceedings.
Pray for the families of California and the challenges they face daily. Praise God for the blessings of our families, and pray for parents raising teens and those raising young children. Pray for the grandparents and those families dealing with other demanding difficulties. Pray for a return to the Christian values and ideals that once made us strong as a nation.
Psalm 16:8-9 encourages us. “I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure.” Rest in hope this year. We serve a powerful God who is worthy of our trust.
California Family Council
P.S. CFC’s bimonthly prayer guides can also be found online at www.californiafamily.org.
Please Pray…
…for the sanctity of marriage
· that God’s presence would envelop the federal courtroom where the challenge to Proposition 8 is due to begin January 11. Pray that Judge Vaughn would competently fulfill his duty to evaluate the arguments presented, without bias. Pray that witnesses and attorneys will courageously portray the truth of the issue.
· for discernment and courage for the attorneys who prepare and present the arguments in support of Proposition 8. Pray for each of the men and women on the front lines, defending marriage from attack.
· that God’s truth of marriage as between one man and one woman would remain victorious in California – despite court challenges, petitions, future initiative drives, media blasts, and pro-homosexual voter-education campaigns. Pray that the people of California – and the nation – would discern the truth that natural marriage, a symbolic picture of the unity of Christ and his church, is the foundation of society and the best place for bringing up children.
…for the protection of life
· for policymakers, media, and special interest groups who choose to ignore the opinions and values of millions of pro-life citizens. Pray that, as we approach the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade later this month, 2010 will mark the turning of the tide in America and a reversal of policies from pro-abortion to pro-life.
· for the millions of women who have chosen abortion rather than giving life to a child. Pray for the women suffering from physical, emotional, and psychological trauma following an abortion, and pray that those considering abortion will find help and compassion from the pro-life community.
…for parental authority
· that legislators will strive to protect parental rights and authority – and not undermine the relationship between parent and child – as they consider legislation this session. This month, all legislation introduced last year faces a final deadline for passage. This includes SB 543 (Leno, San Francisco), which ignores the authority of parents and would allow children as young as 12 to receive counseling and mental health treatment without parental knowledge or consent.
…for California families
· that Californians of faith would engage in cultural transformation by serving in their churches, communities, and local schools and by participating actively in the political/legislative process.
· that California families will remain especially vigilant to anti-family measures now that openly homosexual Assemblyman John A. Pérez has been chosen Speaker-elect of the Assembly. The highest ranking member of the Assembly, the Speaker’s policy proposals are given deferential treatment. Under Pérez, pro-homosexual proposals will undoubtedly increase. Pray, too, that Speaker-elect Pérez will respond with courage to the Truth, not cultural lies that have deceived so many citizens.
· for California legislators who return to the Capitol this month. Pray that they will work with transparency, discernment, and integrity – in a spirit of unity – to solve the daunting issues facing California.
· for California families and individuals who face disappearing jobs, evaporating life savings, dissolving marriages, pregnant teens, sexual confusion, and moral failings. Pray they would find the answer to their uncertainties and challenges in the presence of a loving Savior.
· that legislators would listen to the people they represent and craft honest, workable solutions to a state deficit now estimated to be close to $21 billion. Pray for those families impacted by the downturn – through the loss of a job or home, debt, or rising, out-of-control costs. The families of California are making difficult choices. Pray that legislators would, likewise, seek wisdom and practice courage to solve California’s budget issues.
…for California Family Council
· for CFC’s continued efforts to serve God in 2010 by transforming the laws and culture of California. Pray that our upcoming Truth Project leaders’ training sessions – January 9 in Roseville and January 16 in Orange – would transform people into influencers, equipped to articulate a biblical worldview.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2
United in passionate, effective prayer for California families
www.californiafamily.org
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