As a church, we’re spending 21 days in prayer and fasting as we look ahead for what God wants to do in the season ahead. It’s easy to join us! Visit our Facebook page, download the Central App (iOS or Android) for our daily prayer points

“HE MUST BECOME GREATER AND GREATER, AND I MUST BECOME LESS AND LESS.” – JOHN 3:30 (NLT)

PRAYER FOCUS:

God, as I prioritize prayer over these next 21 days, I do so from a place of surrender. In this moment, I surrender my plans, my ambitions, my ways, and I ask that Your will be done in my life. I am making more room for You to move, speak, heal, reveal, and to have Your way. I pray there will be more of You, and less of me. As I draw near to You, help me grow in my faith, and experience You like never before. I am looking forward to everything You will do! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

—Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

PRAYER FOCUS:

Today we unite together in prayer for courage. We pray courage over those who are striving for unity, fighting for social justice, facing fear, and those determined to overcome.

No matter how daunting our circumstances may seem, with God on our side nothing can stand against us. There is a call on every one of us, a call that will require courage, strength, and persistence. Let this remembrance of His mighty power strengthen your courage in whatever situation you’re facing. In your name Amen.

Jay Maguire

“YOU CAN DEVELOP A HEALTHY, ROBUST COMMUNITY THAT LIVES RIGHT WITH GOD AND ENJOY ITS RESULTS ONLY IF YOU DO THE HARD WORK OF GETTING ALONG WITH EACH OTHER, TREATING EACH OTHER WITH DIGNITY AND HONOR.” JAMES 3:18 (MSG)

PRAYER FOCUS: Lord, I come to You asking for You to bring supernatural health in every one of my family relationships. I know that there is hard work involved in truly getting along with each other, and I am willing to put the work in. Reveal the areas where I need to put myself aside and walk in love, grace, forgiveness, and selflessness. May I see those in my family as You do, believing the very best in others. Help me to honor my family both in words and actions. I pray You would bring restoration and healing where it’s needed. Help us let go of things that don’t matter, and embrace the things that truly do. Thank You for leading me and guiding me as I entrust my family to You. I am believing the best is yet to come for my family. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“DON’T FRET OR WORRY. INSTEAD OF WORRYING, PRAY. LET PETITIONS AND PRAISES SHAPE YOUR WORRIES INTO PRAYERS, LETTING GOD KNOW YOUR CONCERNS. BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, A SENSE OF GOD’S WHOLENESS, EVERYTHING COMING TOGETHER FOR GOOD, WILL COME AND SETTLE YOU DOWN. IT’S WONDERFUL WHAT HAPPENS WHEN CHRIST DISPLACES WORRY AT THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE.” – PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 (MSG)

PRAYER FOCUS:

Love drives away fear. When we pray, we are reminded that God hears us, cares for us, and cares about the things we care about. I am going to turn my list of worries into my prayer list. When my mind feels out of control, I pray You’ll help me renew my mind with Your Word. I command anything not of You to leave in Jesus’ mighty name. I proclaim I have a sound and healthy mind. I lay down all worries, all my physical and mental anxiety, and any attempt at trying to control it all. I surrender it all to You. 

*** (Tell Him the things you are laying down right now.) ***

I need You and Your peace that transcends my human understanding. Even if things are unstable around me, I pray Your peace will be evident in my heart and life. As I step into praising You, dissolve my worry and fear. I place my concerns before You and make You the center of my thoughts. I do not have to be afraid because You have us securely in your sight.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“FOR THE SON OF MAN CAME TO SEEK AND SAVE THOSE WHO ARE LOST.” – LUKE 19:10 (NLT)

PRAYER FOCUS:

Lord, I know Your heart is for no one to be lost without You. Prayer isn’t just an act, it’s a posture.  Today I pray specifically for those in our life who need to come to know Jesus and ask that You would continue drawing them to You through Your kindness as Your Word says. I know You would do anything for even just one person to come to know You so I’m asking You to keep pursuing their heart. Use me to be an extension of Your love in their lives. I pray Your Holy Spirit would reveal to them their need for a leader and forgiver. I pray they would have a spiritual awakening and thirst for You and what only You can give them. Open their ears to hear Your voice. I am thankful You are a God of transformation and life-change. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

PRAYER FOCUS:
Jesus, there are many things on this earth that will try to keep me from living the way You want me to live.  You have modeled a rhythm and practice of intentionally getting away from the noise and responsibilities to be alone with God.

I am thankful that you actively work and move in our lives.  You sent Your son Jesus to die on the cross and rise from the dead, erasing sin for all mankind – and that includes mine! I am thankful nothing on this earth has more power than the name of Jesus. I have victory in my life because of the victory of Jesus on the cross. Help me to block out the noise around me and desire you more than anything or anyone else. Thank you, God for Your freedom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“I URGE YOU, FIRST OF ALL, TO PRAY FOR ALL PEOPLE. ASK GOD TO HELP THEM; INTERCEDE ON THEIR BEHALF, AND GIVE THANKS FOR THEM. PRAY THIS WAY FOR KINGS AND ALL WHO ARE IN AUTHORITY SO THAT WE CAN LIVE PEACEFUL AND QUIET LIVES MARKED BY GODLINESS AND DIGNITY. THIS IS GOOD AND PLEASES GOD OUR SAVIOR, WHO WANTS EVERYONE TO BE SAVED AND TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUTH.” – 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4 (NLT)

PRAYER FOCUS:
God, today I pray for our government. I pray for blessings on their households and families. I pray for those in authority to surrender to You. Lead and guide them. I pray You would give them wisdom to lead and for peace and healing to flood our nation. May your truth prevail. Move in ways that are beyond what we could ask for, dream of, or imagine because that is the kind of God You are. Work all things for good for those who love You. I pray Your Name would become known and You would do supernatural work in our nation, as we are desperate for more of You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“LET ALL THAT I AM PRAISE THE LORD; MAY I NEVER FORGET THE GOOD THINGS HE DOES FOR ME. HE FORGIVES ALL MY SINS AND HEALS ALL MY DISEASES.” – PSALM 103:2-3 (NLT)

PRAYER FOCUS:

God, today and every day I ask for protection over me/us and my family and loved ones. I ask You to watch over our finances, possessions, health, and safety. Thank you for your angels surrounding us and protecting us from any evil or danger. I find comfort in Your promise of protection and live in the shelter in Your presence. 

 My hope is in You as our healer. Your Word says You are the God who heals. You are the Jehovah Rapha.  Thank You, Jesus for dying on the cross so that we can receive healing. I believe You are a miracle working God. Thank You that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me. I stand in faith believing in healing for the sick, and the broken hearted. Those that are far from you and those that can’t see past today.  Nothing is impossible for You, God! I look back on Your faithfulness and I trust You will be faithful again. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him.  1 John 5:14-15

PRAYER FOCUS:

Lord, thank you that you are always faithful and true, and that your steadfast love never ceases. Thank you that prayer is powerful and effective, and that even when we doubt, you still hear our prayers and act on our behalf.  Thank You for making a way for us to come to You in prayer through Jesus and give us the Holy Spirit’s power and strength to live our lives in constant prayer, and within the love of Christ.  

We confess our failure to remember to pray and seek new inspiration and wisdom even in familiar Scriptures. We seek to obediently take every thought captive as You admonish us to do in Your Word.  

So Lord, I ask you to embolden my faith.  Help me have confidence that you will always be there for me and will never leave or forsake me. Thank you for your tender love for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“FOR WE ARE NOT FIGHTING AGAINST FLESH-AND-BLOOD ENEMIES, BUT AGAINST EVIL RULERS AND AUTHORITIES OF THE UNSEEN WORLD, AGAINST MIGHTY POWERS IN THIS DARK WORLD, AND AGAINST EVIL SPIRITS IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES.” – EPHESIANS 6:12 (NLT)

PRAYER FOCUS:

Father, I recognize there is a real enemy at work in this world. Give me wisdom to discern the work of the enemy around me, and to oppose his schemes and plans. We pray for you to bless our enemies and to orchestrate events in their lives that will leave their hearts exposed before you. In some way, let them witness Your power and recognize that You are the source. We pray for conviction, for an honest evaluation of their own destiny, and for a sense of desperation if that’s what it takes for them to consider Your claims and to discover Who You really are. Pursue them, even allowing goodness to lead them to repentance. And give us patience and a deep trust in You, Lord, even when we can’t see any change in our enemies. When we waver, not wanting to pray for our enemies, help us to remember Your grace in our own lives, and what we would be without You. I don’t live in fear, but choose to live in faith. Just as Jesus defeated the enemy through the work of the cross, I also claim victory in my life.   I will meditate on your Word. I will walk in truth, allow Your peace to be my guard and my guide, and hold faith as my shield. Thank You for always planning a way for me to be victorious. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“THEREFORE, AS GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE, HOLY AND DEARLY LOVED, CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH COMPASSION, KINDNESS, HUMILITY, GENTLENESS AND PATIENCE. BEAR WITH EACH OTHER AND FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER IF ANY OF YOU HAS A GRIEVANCE AGAINST SOMEONE.

FORGIVE AS THE LORD FORGAVE YOU. AND OVER ALL THESE VIRTUES PUT ON LOVE, WHICH BINDS THEM ALL TOGETHER IN PERFECT UNITY.” – COLOSSIANS 3:12-14 (NIV)

PRAYER FOCUS:

Father, I come to You today asking that unity would sweep across our nation, across our city, and across our churches like never before. Your Word is clear on the selflessness it takes for unity to be developed and grow. I want to do my part and act in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and ultimately love. Give me eyes to see the everyday opportunities that are right in front of me to do so. Help me put into practice the commandment of loving my neighbor. Holy Spirit, make me aware and lead me in putting on love in every decision, response, conversation and in every action. As Your church, let us lead the way in unity. Use us to bring change in our families, communities, workplaces, and friendships. I am believing for You to move powerfully as we choose to represent You well in unity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND, THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM.” – EPHESIANS 2:10 (ESV)

PRAYER FOCUS:

Father, Today I’m praying for our volunteers and teams—without them, church wouldn’t happen! They were created on purpose, for a purpose to serve God by serving others.  These are an incredible group of people that are living for a cause greater than themselves.  As they discover all You have for their life, help them to live with intentionality each day.  To be used by You and put the gifts You’ve given them into action. Show them even more ways to make Your name known to others. We’re praying for fresh wind in their sails, rest for them and their families, and for more to join and help!  Increase our awareness of everyday opportunities where we  can live out our specific purpose. Thank you for using us to make a difference! In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

“SEEK THE LORD AND HIS STRENGTH; SEEK HIS PRESENCE CONTINUALLY!” – 1 CHRONICLES 16:11 (ESV)

PRAYER FOCUS:

Lord, I come before You to pray for our church, our student ministries, our worship team, other ministries here at Central and ask that you would bring the heart of our church in alignment with Your heart. I pray that You would break our hearts for the things that break Yours, and let us desire the things that You desire.  Thank You for the unity in our church body and I pray that no weapon formed against our church will prosper.  We pray that you will grow our faith and draw us closer to You than ever before. As we put you first, we pray your presence would strengthen and embolden us. Let others know us by our love. Thank you for the part we get to play in advancing Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“WHEN RIGHT-LIVING PEOPLE BLESS THE CITY, IT FLOURISHES.” – PROVERBS 11:11A (MSG)

PRAYER FOCUS:

God, today I pray for my city. I believe You have planted me in this community on purpose. I pray Your Holy Spirit would continually remind me to speak life and blessing over my city. May we walk in unity and love for one another. Give me your passionate desire and love to see the lost come to know Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord. Make the name of Jesus first on every believer’s heart, and prepare the unbelievers to meet us today as we interact in life. Make reaching out to those without Christ my joy. Remove fear, frustration, and insecurity from my heart and mind. Overwhelm me with your love as I long to be a reconciler of the lost with you. Use me in a way that causes those in need of Christ to look to him as Savior and Lord.  I thank you in advance that you are making me a fruitful and faithful witness for Christ today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.

—Hebrews 13:17 (NLT)

PRAYER FOCUS:

God, today I come before You on behalf of my pastors, leaders, bosses, and all those in a position of leadership. Your Word promises if we need wisdom, we can simply ask, and You WILL give it to us! So today I call on You for wisdom and ask You to give it generously to every leader in my life. Give them what they need to navigate this season with grace, intention, God-inspired ideas, care, and concern for Your people. I believe even right now You will begin to bring answers and solutions for everything they are facing. Thank You for them and I pray you would encourage them with Your truth. May they be strengthened and know they are equipped for the task at hand. We’re praying that God would guide their steps as they lead our church in Carroll, Creston and our online campus.  Lift up their family, and for protection from the enemy.  Nothing is too great for You, and I believe you are pouring Your wisdom into them even now. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“DO NOTHING OUT OF SELFISH AMBITION OR VAIN CONCEIT. RATHER, IN HUMILITY VALUE OTHERS ABOVE YOURSELVES, NOT LOOKING TO YOUR OWN INTERESTS BUT EACH OF YOU TO THE INTERESTS OF THE OTHERS.” – PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4 (NIV)

PRAYER FOCUS:

Father, I ask You to continue to transform me to be more like You. I want to walk in selflessness, preferring others above myself. Help me put on humility and become genuinely interested in others. I want to take the time to understand, to learn, to show love through listening, responding, and through my actions. When pride or selfishness tries to creep in, may humility prevail. Help us collectively, as Christfollowers, show the world we are Yours by our love for You and for one another. May we model our lives after You and exemplify unconditional love. Show me where I’ve put conditions on my love for others. Teach me in the everyday moments about sacrifice through my time and being willing to pause for others. Help me love like You do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
—Acts 2:46-47 (NIV)

PRAYER FOCUS:
Lord, I thank You for being my source. Your Word says You withhold no good thing, so I thank You for Your goodness to me. Today we’re praying for our Connect Groups, and Connect Group leaders that there will be accountability, humility and confidentiality.  . We’re praying that in our groups, more and more people can get connected into a life-giving community and find authentic relationships.  We pray that you will reveal small-group members’ spiritual gifts and create opportunities for those gifts to be used to honor you and serve the groups.  We’re also praying that God would raise up leaders to create even more spaces and places for people to have a chance to find family and community.  We ask God to lead new people into the right small groups, and pray for a spirit of acceptance and welcoming.  In Jesus name, Amen.

“LET NO CORRUPTING TALK COME OUT OF YOUR MOUTHS, BUT ONLY SUCH AS IS GOOD FOR BUILDING UP, AS FITS THE OCCASION, THAT IT MAY GIVE GRACE TO THOSE WHO HEAR.” – 1 CHRONICLES 16:11 (ESV)

PRAYER FOCUS: 

God, my desire is to be an extension of Your grace to others. I don’t want to be quick to judge or quick to assume, but to believe the best in others. I pray I am continually transformed into Your likeness by understanding Your grace for me so I can extend grace to others. Help me think before I speak and listen before I respond. May the words I speak build others up. Increase my awareness so others can feel grace, kindness, and Christ-like love. I pray You would help me grow daily in giving grace as You do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“WE WHO HAVE RUN FOR OUR VERY LIVES TO GOD HAVE EVERY REASON TO GRAB THE PROMISED HOPE WITH BOTH HANDS AND NEVER LET GO. IT’S AN UNBREAKABLE SPIRITUAL LIFELINE, REACHING PAST ALL APPEARANCES RIGHT TO THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD.” – PROVERBS 11:11A (MSG)

PRAYER FOCUS:

God, I am so grateful for Your unfailing and unchanging character. Trustworthy and faithful—that is who You are. I thank You that I can trust in Your promises and can dwell in Your presence. I place all my burdens at Your feet. Thank You for turning everything around for my good. As disappointment and discouragement tempt me, may I let hope anchor me. Holy Spirit, remind me that my hope is always steadfast in You. I choose to hold onto the hope You give me today and never let go! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

FOR BELIEVERS “THEREFORE, SINCE WE HAVE SUCH A HOPE, WE ARE VERY BOLD.” – 2 CORINTHIANS 3:12 (NIV)

PRAYER FOCUS: Lord, I am asking for an increase of boldness for all followers of Christ, including myself. You have given me the gift of a new life, and there are many people around me who are in need of all that You have for them. I pray You would give me boldness in sharing the Good News of Jesus with those in my influence. It’s not an accident that I live where I do, work where I do, and have the family that I have. I pray you would increase my awareness and love for those around me. I ask you to give me the right opportunities and the right words to share with others. Thank you, God, that You will embolden me so more people may know You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“FOR I AM ABOUT TO DO SOMETHING NEW. SEE, I HAVE ALREADY BEGUN! DO YOU NOT SEE IT? I WILL MAKE A PATHWAY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS. I WILL CREATE RIVERS IN THE DRY WASTELAND.” – ISAIAH 43:19

PRAYER FOCUS:
Father, in Jesus’ Name I am believing for a breakthrough in ___________ (be specific about where you need a breakthrough.) I believe what Your Word says: You ARE about to do something new and You WILL make a pathway through hardship. I declare You have a plan to prosper me and what the enemy meant for evil, You will turn around for good. Give me vision for what is ahead and hope for the future. I know You are a miracle working God, and nothing is impossible for You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!