Pray for our Pastors, that they be Godly leaders. Ask for protection from the evil one for each of them and their families. Pray for their physical well-being and that their financial needs would be met. Pray that our pastors would hold onto their joy in spite of everything they have to deal with in ministry. Pray that they will have the wisdom for the various situations they face. Pray that our pastors will find the time and space to stay refreshed, restored, recharge, rested, renewed, and rejuvenated.

Thank God for opportunities to serve. At whatever stage of life you find yourself, young or old, God still has a purpose for you. Even on a bed of illness you can pray—perhaps the greatest service anyone can give to our church.

Thank God for the Privilege of being part of this church. Yes we have struggles. Yes we have difficulties. Yes we have disappointments. But we also have so much to praise God for. As you enter into a time with God on behalf of Hanover Missionary Church, bring to mind at least two things you have reason to be thankful for.

Pray for any of our number struggling with illness or injury. Pray for God’s provision when work schedule is interrupted. Pray for marriages and families when normal routines are disrupted.

Pray for our Shut-ins. There are those of our number who find themselves unable to join in many of our congregational activities. Pray for them. Encourage them. Consider a phone call, a card, or a visit.

Pray for a growing love for God. Pray for a deeper sense of his Holiness. Pray for a boldness to come into His presence, but at the same time an awe for His majesty; a recognition of His glory.

Pray for the courage to let God use us as part of His answer. Obedience to the nudging of the Spirit is sometimes costly. God has proved Himself trustworthy, but still expects us to step out. Pray for the courage to obey even when we are terrified.

Thank God for the privilege of prayer. Take a few moments to reflect on the implications. The Creator of the Universe knows you by name. He is slow to anger and abounding in mercy. He loves you with an everlasting love. He invites you to come into His presence.

Pray for God to raise up Leaders among us. Pray for people willing to take up the challenging task of serving on Ministry Council. Pray for sensitivity to God’s leading in our own lives and anything He would ask us to do for our church.

Consider fasting in a broader context than just food. The discipline of saying NO for a short time to something we cling to makes saying NO to other things easier. Think of coffee, chocolate, TV, computers, iPhones. If you have never fasted before, try a 12 hour fast initially. Spend a moment or two in prayer each time the craving pulls. Although it is ideally a private decision between you and God, challenging one to two others to team up with you for the same time period can be helpful.