December 1, 2009 Prayer Guide

 

Dear Praying Friend,

 

God delights in relating to each and every one of us. As we celebrate the birth of our precious Immanuel, “God with us,” this month, we reflect on but one facet of the many aspects of God’s nature and character revealed to us through the jewels of his names. Hebrews of old held great store in the many names of God. Our God is Jehovah (I Am), Elohim (God), El Shaddai (God Almighty), and Adonai (Lord). He is our Shepherd, our Helper, our Banner, our Healer, our Provider, and our Peace. Each of these divine names are full of meaning and reveal the essence of God.

 

Psalm 9:9-10 tells us, “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know thy name put their trust in thee, for thou, O Lord, hast not forsaken those who seek thee.” Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” In ancient times, strong walls and towers were security for citizens fleeing invaders. 

 

Today, we may not fear literal invaders, but, indeed, we are concerned by our culture that has been saturated with dangerous falsehoods. Our homes and schools are threatened by “missiles” of promiscuity - heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual. Our culture, media, and even Legislature are driven by an ideology counter to the one true God. Still, we take hope!

 

Martin Luther gave voice to the fear with the assurance of victory in A Mighty Fortress is Our God. 

 

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

 

This hymn for the ages gives voice to the spiritual battle of every generation. We cannot depend on our own strength, but must run to and hide ourselves in the Lord Sabaoth, “Lord Almighty,” “Lord of Hosts,” or “Lord of Armies.” Hide yourself in him, dear prayer warrior, as you deliver your concerns for our state and its culture to the throne of grace. 

 

California Family Council

P.S. CFC’s bimonthly prayer guides can also be found online at www.californiafamily.org.

 

·       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 marriage, a symbolic picture of the unity of Christ and his church, is the foundation of society and the safest place for bringing up children.

 

·       for the legal team representing Proposition 8 and the will of the people of California in the federal court challenge due to begin January 11, 2010. Pray for wisdom and discernment for the attorneys and that God would grant them favor and free them from opposition attacks. Pray for the men and women on the front lines, defending marriage from attack.

 

 

·       that Californians – and citizens nationwide – would recognize the sound principles inherent in abstinence education – not the “safe-sex” comprehensive sex education espoused by many educators. Pray that policymakers would recognize the fallacy in pro-condom education and the truth that abstinence delays sex among teens. Pray that teens and preteens would not be confused by mixed messages but heed the truth that abstinence is the only truly safe choice outside committed marriage. 

 

·       that federal legislators would listen to the voices of their constituents – not powerful special interests – about controversial federal health-care legislation. While most Americans reject the federal funding of abortion, thousands of pro-abortion activists will descend on the Capitol tomorrow to convince legislators to include abortion funding in any health-care bill. 

 

 

·       that parents would use the opportunities presented by the holidays – and time together as families – to teach their children the truths of Christianity. During a time when secular messages – in schools, marketplace, and culture – blast a humanistic message about Christmas – parents must undertake to insure their children are not confused by clashing messages.

 

·       for legislators who have returned to the Assembly to finalize changes in law to enable California to qualify for federal education money. Pray that legislators would be most mindful of the interests of Californians – not special interests.

 

·       that Californians of faith would confidently express their beliefs about Christmas and Hanukkah in the workplace, in schools, or in the public square. 

 

·       for California families and individuals who find it hard to rejoice this Christmas season – due to financial hardship, depression, or family illness and death. Pray that they would experience the love of a Savior who gave his very life for them. 

 

·       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 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 would transform people into influencers, equipped to articulate a biblical worldview. 

 

United in passionate, effective prayer for California families

www.californiafamily.org