2020 - Longview Point

Introduction 3

Purpose 4

Goals 5-6

Prayer & Fasting 7-46

Prayer Notes 47-49

40 DAYS OF Prayer and Fasting

Introduction

When I first announced a 40 day season of prayer and fasting, your internal responses were easily detected by the looks on your faces. For the most part, you fall into one of three groups of people.

The first group is just panicked. Forty days of prayer and fasting?! Let me set your mind at ease. I’m not suggesting a full 40 day fast, but I am strongly encouraging you to identify a day of the week for this 40 day period which you will commit to fasting from food as a reminder of our dependency on God. I’ve never been a fan of so-called fasts which abstain from certain foods or certain actions, but I recognize that in some cases health conditions simply do not permit fasting in the traditional since. Exercise wisdom. If you are concerned about your ability to fast, speak with a medical professional. Our physical hunger on fasting days is intended to be an ever-present reminder to pray and remember our deep need for Jesus. Abstaining from smart devices, television, etc. may serve the same purpose for those unable to fast from food, especially if screen time is an obsession for you. Make a plan and stick with it.

The second group of people is curious. What will this look like? Can I sustain a commitment to prayer over this length of time? How do I fast and what does that mean? Can I do it? I hope this booklet will guide your thoughts and prayers over these 40 days and provide you with the necessary direction. Work within your Connect Groups to gain further clarity and direction through this

time. Prayer and fasting have been a part of drawing near to God for all of Christian history. Use this time to draw near to the One who died for us.

The third group is enthusiastic. I could see in the looks on some of your faces the excitement generated by the thought of what God might do in and among us as we call out to Him in prayer. May your tribe increase! Some of you are passionate prayer warriors. Others may struggle to maintain discipline in this area. If you’re among this enthusiastic group look for others to pair up with or establish groups which can meet periodically. I’m with you. I couldn’t be more excited about the many ways God may work as His people call His name in prayer.

Purpose

In general, the purpose of prayer and fasting is to draw near to God, but let’s be more specific. The direction provided here for each of the 40 days of prayer falls into one of four categories:

1. Abide 2. Connect 3. Serve 4. Share

You might say these are the goals of each day. In truth, these should be everyday goals for followers of Jesus. Determine each day to abide in Christ. Make a genuine effort to meaningfully connect to the body of Christ, the local church, Connect Groups, service opportunities, your family, and your spouse.

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Look for opportunities to serve. We have a number of volunteer needs right now and a considerable number of members in our assembly who have no identifiable place of service. But, don’t just look for opportunities to serve on campus. Look for ways to serve the community around you. Last, but not least, be faithful to share the gospel over the course of these days. You’ll be amazed at how the Lord draws near when our goals are His goals, seeking out the lost with the life changing message of the gospel.

Goals

As we begin this journey together, take a few moments and establish some goals for the days ahead. Establish a Bible reading plan for these 40 days. Set a time for each day to commit to focused prayer. Pick a day of the week to give yourself to fasting and prayer. Identify a few verses of scripture to commit to memory. List a few names of lost people in your life that you can share with and pray for. Let’s be good stewards of this time in the life of our church. Labor to be brought near to God!

Write a brief description of your Bible reading plan:

Daily prayer time:

Day of fasting:

Scripture memory plan:

Lost friends to pray for and share with:

Other personal goals or issues I hope to address or overcome:

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PRAYER & FASTING - DAY 1September 1, 2020

Knowing GodJohn 14:6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Do you know Jesus? Are you trusting Him for the forgiveness of your sins, the promise of heaven, and access to the Father? One might know of God’s existence intuitively. We see His handiwork in creation and most acknowledge the work of a creator God by simple observation. But, we can assuredly know Him intimately through His Son. How can we know the God of the universe? The answer: through Jesus Christ. Salvation comes by believing in Jesus Christ and the sufficiency of His blood to cover our sins. We know the character of the Father as it is revealed through His Son Jesus. The goal of the Christian life is to know God. This goal may only be reached by trusting fully in Jesus.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would help you to know Him more. Pray that God would help you to focus your thoughts on Him each day. Determine to make the goal of these next 40 days knowing God and His matchless grace!

Missions Focus: Pray for the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The islands are home to 245 unreached people groups, many of which have no access to the gospel.


Drawing NearJohn 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.

How busy are you? We all have responsibilities that demand our time. Jobs, school, and family are all good things, but they can easily crowd out the best thing: our time with our Savior. What a privilege it is that we get to have a relationship with the Creator of the universe and that He calls us His children. When was the last time you broke away from the busyness of life to concentrate on drawing near to God?

When we care about someone and love them, we desire to spend time with them. The same is true of our walk with the Lord. We get to know Him by spending time with Him, reading His Word, and communicating with the Father through prayer. This is not a checklist to be accomplished. It is a blessing to be enjoyed. Don’t use the time to simply gain information about Jesus, but use your time to grow in intimacy with Christ.

Prayer Focus: Pray that drawing near to God will be the greatest desire in your life and you will view it as a relationship and not just information. Pray that God will convict you if you go through the motions and miss the joy that comes with spending time with Him daily.

Missions Focus: Pray for James and Alicia Cheatham. They have planted Grace Point Church in Greenwood, MS.

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Resting in ChristMatthew 11:28–30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Do you struggle with fear, anxiety, or guilt over your past sins? Are you burdened by the thought that you have not done enough to earn the favor of God? Perhaps you are struggling with real meaning and purpose of life. Jesus has invited us to find our rest in Him. This means that we can be free from our fear, anxiety, and guilt. When by faith we trust in Jesus we find rest for our soul (salvation). As we walk with Him, learning to trust Him, we find freedom from anxiety, guilt, fear and legalism. These are replaced with peace, joy, security and rest. Jesus has proved Himself faithful. Trust Him.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would help you surrender all your fear, anxiety, and guilt and know the rest that He provides through an abiding relationship with Jesus.

Missions Focus: Pray for Melanie Edwards in Southeast Asia. Pray for the grace she needs to engage the daily spiritual warfare. Pray that her projects will be successful, allowing her and her team access to the lost.


Repentance1 John 1:8-9 If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We serve a holy God! One that is perfect in righteousness and also full of grace and mercy. One of the greatest hindrances for intimacy in our walk with the Lord is unconfessed sin in our lives. Sin is disobedience to what God has commanded. There are two types of sin. The first type is what we have said, thought, or done against God’s law. This is what we typically think of when it comes to sin: gossip, greed, lust, anger, laziness, etc. The second type is something that we didn’t do that the Lord has commanded us to do. For example, not being kingdom-minded or not demonstrating love to the people God has placed in our lives. The good news is that no matter the sin, it is not beyond the grace of God. Christ has paid the price for your sin that you may be in perfect relationship with Him! Confess your sin to the Lord and trust in His forgiveness.

Prayer Focus: Start your time of prayer today focused on the holiness of Christ. He was tempted in every way but was without sin. Then confess your specific sins to the Lord. Finally, thank God that His grace and mercy are there for us to receive.

Missions Focus: Pray for Chris and Kristy Wallace. They are from Desoto County but have planted Hope City Church in Bismarck, North Dakota.

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PrayerColossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.

Because Christ has removed the barrier of our sin, His followers have the privilege of coming to God in prayer. The word “devote” here is an imperative. It is a command that we sacrifice our time and continue to spend focused time in prayer. Worldly concerns can wait until after we spend time with the One who gives us life. As we approach the tasks of the day, we can continuously go before the Lord in prayer. This is the task and privilege of the Christian, to spend time in prayer with Christ.

What is it that we should bring to the Lord in prayer? ALL THINGS! Praise Him for His goodness and grace. Confess your sin to the Lord, and repent of it. Pray for the salvation of others. Pray for those in need. Pray for leaders. Pray for Longview Point. God is a loving Heavenly Father who wants to hear from His children. The things that we pray about unveil the concerns of our heart to the Father. Lift your heart to the One who cares for you.

Prayer Focus: Thank Christ for removing the barrier of sin and enabling us to come before the throne of God in prayer. Ask God to mold your heart to look like His.

Missions Focus: Pray for the Bandhi Nagalu, a people group of 117,000 in South Asia. The vast majority of the Bandhi Nagalu are Hindu. Pray that they will submit to Christ alone.


FastingMatthew 4:1–2 “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. After He had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He was hungry.”

Fasting is always accompanied with prayer. My experience is that prayer and fasting have led to some of the most significant spiritual breakthroughs and victories in my life and the life of my family. Fasting is designed to lead us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God and allow Him to work. He will teach us more about Himself and show us the sin and issues in our own life that need to be dealt with. There is power in prayer and fasting that will open us up to the supernatural work of God. This begs the question: Why do we so often refuse to use this great resource that God has made available to us?

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would lead you in cultivating the discipline of fasting that you might experience Him in a greater way.

Missions Focus: Pray for Lawson and Beth Harlow and Mercy Hill Church, Olive Branch, MS. Pray that God would give Lawson wisdom and discernment as he leads this congregation. Pray that God would protect their marriage and bless their family. Pray that Mercy Hill will faithfully share the gospel and see people come to faith in Christ.

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Bible IntakePsalm 1:1-2 How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.

What does this passage say makes a person happy or blessed? Where do you tend to go for advice? Do you see a pattern of seeking advice from the Bible in your life? Often we talk about and think about what we delight in. Do you delight in the Word of God? Do you have a plan in place to spend time daily reading the Bible and meditating on it? These days of prayer and fasting are a great opportunity to ask God to give us a hunger for His Word. Through the Bible we have access to the mind and heart of God. We can fellowship with God! When our delight is in the Word we will read it and meditate on it day and night. It will guide us and bless our path.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would help you hunger for His Word. Pray that God would help you to focus your thoughts on His Word. Determine to make the goal to draw near to the Lord through reading and meditating on the Word during this time of fasting.

Missions Focus: Pray for James Langston who is serving in Sub-Saharan Africa. Pray for him to hunger for the Word and for his ministry to be blessed as he delights in the Word and meditates on it day and night.


Praying the BiblePsalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

Do you sometimes struggle with knowing how or what to pray? Do you ever get distracted when you are trying to focus on prayer? Do you sometimes wonder if your prayer is in line with the Father’s will? The answer: go to God in prayer through Scripture. When we use God’s words by praying Scripture, we are aligning our hearts with His. Then we can be sure we are praying according to His will. When you don’t know what to pray, open your Bible and allow Scripture to be your prayer. Praying through Scripture is a wonderful way to draw close to the Father.

Prayer Focus: Pray through some passages of Scripture. Pray Psalm 139:23-24 and ask God to search your heart. Pray Psalm 51:1-4 and seek forgiveness. Pray Psalm 103 and praise the Lord. Pray Psalm 96 and ask that God’s glory will be made known amongst all the nations.

Missions Focus: Pray for church planters, Stephen and Kaye Carson, serving at Connection Church Belle Fourche, SD. Pray for the unity of Connection Church as they experience growth. Pray for surrounding communities and towns where they are seeking to plant other churches.

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Scripture MemorizationPsalm 119:9-11 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word. I have sought You with all my heart; don’t let me wander from Your commands. I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.

While Scripture memorization may seem daunting, it is one of the most rewarding practices in the life of a Christian. Scripture memory is essential to the Christian life in so many ways. It conforms us to Christ. It helps us have victory over sin, flesh, and Satan (think of Jesus’ temptation in Matthew 4). Having Scripture memorized allows us to comfort others and encourages our own hearts. It also helps us communicate the gospel clearly (John 3:16, Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9). Enjoy the riches and blessings of hiding God’s Word in your heart.

Prayer Focus: During these 40 days of prayer and fasting determine to hide portions of God’s Word in your heart. Pray for opportunities to use Scripture to minister to others and to encourage your own heart.

Missions Focus: Pray for the Pa-O and Intha peoples of Myanmar. Pray that even in the midst of persecution that the few believers would be bold in proclaiming the Gospel. Pray for ongoing Bible translation. Ask that, as people receive God’s Word, they would believe.


Pray without Ceasing1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray constantly.

Do you find yourself praying constantly throughout the day? Do magnificent sunsets prompt you to tell God thank you? Does an ambulance on the road cause you to voice a prayer? Do you stop to pray before a meal during the day? Do you find yourself asking the Lord for wisdom when you’re stumped? All of these things are evidences of praying without ceasing. It’s not as much about how long your prayer is, but a constant awareness of His presence. It’s a continual relationship. He is always everywhere! We can pray to the King of the universe and seek Him throughout the day!

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would help you realize His presence. Pray that God would help you to practice His presence. Determine to make a goal of this time of fasting to draw near to God by praying constantly!

Missions Focus: Pray for Richard and Amber Crowson and Redemption Hill Church, Sioux City, IA. Pray for their relationship with God to continue to grow and overflow into their marriage and ministry. Pray for their mission field to be ripe and for many to come to Christ.

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Praying for Personal Health1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Don’t you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.

Our bodies are to be presented to the Lord as a living sacrifice. Disease and sickness are an ever present reminder of the fallen nature of our humanity. We often take for granted or neglect the body God has given us. We put a dangerous distinction between the physical and spiritual life. But the Bible clearly teaches us to glorify God in our body. In the context of 1 Corinthians 6, this means fleeing sexual immorality. But the text also means abstaining from other sinful practices: gluttony, drunkenness, laziness, overwork, and addictive or destructive behaviors. As a believer, you are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Consecrate your life to the Lord.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would help us establish healthy habits. Pray that we would maximize our life’s potential to advance His kingdom and glorify His name. Pray for the sick, that God would help, heal, and comfort.

Mission Focus: Pray for Chad and Alicia McCord who are serving in South East Asia.


Praying for MarriagesMatthew 19:4–6 “Haven’t you read,” He replied, “that He who created them in the beginning made them male and female,” and He also said: “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.””

Our marriages are under attack today. Our culture has drifted far from a biblical world view of marriage and family. People are giving up on marriage and opting for divorce for almost any reason at all. God calls for men to love our wives like Christ loved the church and for wives to respect their husbands in everything. This love and respect is unconditional and sacrificial. Our nature is to love and respect based on performance. This is contrary to God’s command. Doing marriage God’s way will lead to great joy and fulfillment in the relationship.

Prayer Focus: Husbands pray for the grace to deny self and love your wife with a sacrificial, unconditional love. Wives pray for grace to respect your husband even when he doesn’t deserve it. All of us should pray for the grace to forgive and not hold the past up to the other but move forward in unity.

Missions Focus: Pray for John Allen and Austin May and EastPoint Baptist Church, Lewisburg, MS. Pray for faithful preaching of the word and abundant gospel sowing in their community.

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Praying for ChildrenEphesians 6:4 “Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Parents and grandparents are the primary influencers and disciplers of our children. Fathers have that primary role but 2 Timothy makes clear the influence Timothy’s mother and grandmother had on his faith. We are all needed and responsible in the training of our children. Our children will ultimately make their own decisions. That is why praying for our children is so important. When we have done our part, prayer martials the power of God to do in their lives what we cannot. Maybe you are struggling today with a prodigal child. Release them to God and pray without ceasing. You can trust Him.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would draw our children to Himself and save them and use them for His glory. Pray for them to know Him and be faithful witnesses. Pray for the grace to release them to God to do with them whatever He desires to do.

Missions Focus: Pray for Dr. Paul Chitwood, IMB President. Pray for the thousands of IMB personnel that he leads to have open doors to advance the Gospel. Pray that God’s wisdom would prevail in his leadership.


Praying for Extended FamilyPsalm 145:4 One generation will declare Your works to the next and will proclaim Your mighty acts.

We have a family responsibility to physically care for our relatives, even outside our homes. We also have a sacred responsibility to spiritually care for our extended family from generation to generation. We must be committed to praying for our families’ spiritual needs. The Bible teaches that our prayers are part of the spiritual struggle against evil (Eph 6:12). A physical crisis is easy to recognize and easily lifted up in prayer. Spiritual obstacles are often harder to identify in the extended family. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead you in praying for family members outside of your home. Even when you don’t know how to pray, God knows their need. Even though we may not be in close physical proximity to our family members, we know God is.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would work in the spiritual needs of your extended family. Pray that God will open doors to have spiritual discussions that build up the family, either face to face or by other means. Pray for the next generation of your family to know and serve God faithfully.

Missions Focus: Pray for families engaged in adoption and foster care. Ask that God would raise up more families to love and care for children in need of a home. Pray that in the midst of often difficult and painful situations there could be healing through the power of the gospel.

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Family WorshipDeuteronomy 6:6-7 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

As a parent, Christ has entrusted you with the care of an eternal soul in each of your children. When they are babies, we often commit to raising them in the Lord, but it is easy to lose our focus as they grow older and there are more demands on our time. We have to realize that the time with our children is limited before they are launched out on their own. View that time as an opportunity to make an eternal investment. Make it a priority to study God’s Word together. It has multiple benefits for you and your children, no matter their age. It demonstrates the importance of time with Christ. It teaches them how to study God’s Word and helps your children to develop a Christian worldview. There is an intimacy that comes when we study together, pray together, and sing praises together.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would give you urgency to invest your time spiritually in your children. Pray for joy as you seek the Lord together. Finally, ask Him to point you to peers of your children who need discipleship, too.

Missions Focus: Pray for Stephen and Holly Wright who are IMB missionaries serving in Bangkok, Thailand.


Connect Group MinistryPhilippians 1:3-6 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

We are wired for community. Connect Groups provide community to grow in grace and to partner together in ministry. We need others to walk alongside of us, to encourage us, teach us, and spur us on. Our Connect Group vision is “Expanding God’s Kingdom by Making Disciples that Make Disciples.” Are you in a Connect Group? If not, this is a great opportunity to pray and take the steps to visit some groups. A complete list of Connect Groups is available at longviewpoint.org.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would bless our Connect Group ministry as we seek to make disciples that make disciples. Pray for the Lord to raise up more Connect Group leaders. Pray that our groups will be used to reach people in the community. Pray that every member at The Point will be in a group.

Missions Focus: Pray for Brian Tillman as he pastors Riverbend Church in Hernando, MS. Pray for their fellowship to grow in grace and numbers as they partner in the Gospel.

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Connecting to the Local Church1 Peter 4:10 Based on the gift each one has received, use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.

There are no “lone ranger” Christians. God’s plan for His people is for them to regularly gather for teaching, worship, fellowship, encouragement, and accountability. God also intends for believers to serve as members of His body, the church. Every follower of Christ is created to connect with the local church and to bring glory to God as they faithfully steward their spiritual gifts. We are better together than we are apart. Do you have a meaningful connection to the church? Are you a member of a church? Are you serving? Are you in a Connect group? There is not time like the present to establish a healthier connection to the local church.

Prayer Focus: Examine your connection with the church. Pray for believers across our nation to reconnect with the local church after times of separation during the pandemic. Ask the Lord to make clear to you your spiritual gifts and where they need to be put to use.

Missions Focus: Pray for the people of Japan. Less than .3% of the 125 million Japanese are born again believers. Pray for workers in the harvest and ask the Father to prepare hearts for the Good News.


Church MembershipHebrews 10:24-25 And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Church membership is about more than just attendance. Being a member of the church means being a part of the team. Church members are concerned for each other through faith. The members of the church are to be involved together in promoting love and good works. Service and commitment are greater markers of church membership than being added to an attendance roll. God has blessed each member with gifts to use in the church body. If we are concerned with one another, we look for ways to serve one another. A committed member cheerfully supports the church through attendance, service, tithes, and prayer.

Prayer Focus: Pray for our church and its members. Pray for God to reveal ways for you to serve and support the church. Pray that God will show you church members that you can encourage. Pray for your pastor and staff.

Missions Focus: Pray for Celebrate Recovery and the Landing, ministries for adults and teens with hurts, habits, and hangups. Pray many would find hope and healing that can only come through a relationship with Jesus, walking daily with Him. Examine your heart. Ask God to show you areas where healing needs to take place. Come join us at CR on Fridays.

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Helping Others ConnectActs 11:25-26 Then he (Barnabas) went to Tarsus to search for Saul, and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

Barnabas was an encourager (Acts 4:36). God used him to connect Paul with the other disciples that were afraid of him. God used Barnabas to bring Paul to Antioch and connect him to ministry. We all need a Barnabas in our lives. We can all learn from His example. Are you allowing the Lord to use you to connect others to The Point? Are you in a Connect Group and helping others connect? Most importantly, are you helping those that are far from God connect to Him through the Gospel? As we pray and fast together God will burden our hearts for those yet reconciled. Let’s be intentionally connected. Let’s help others connect.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would use you to connect others. Pray that God would help you be intentional. Ask the Lord to show you who to share the Gospel with.

Missions Focus: Pray for Levi and Lindsay Lance serving in South Asia. Pray for their family to walk with Jesus and for their home to be a shining light for the Gospel. Pray for wisdom and strategy as they lead others.


The Andaman IslandsPsalm 96:1-3 Sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to Yahweh, praise His name;proclaim His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful works among all peoples.

John Piper says, “Missions exist because worship doesn’t.” There are people groups on the Andaman Islands that have no contact with the outside world. None. Let that sink in. They have no idea of electricity, television, Covid 19… They have no idea of God’s love, mercy, justice, or salvation. God deserves their worship, and they need His salvation. Our church has adopted the Andaman Islands to engage them with the Gospel. We take several trips a year to cast vision and train local believers in the core missionary task. You are a part of that as a member of The Point!

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would cause you to love the nations. Ask Him to use you in reaching them. Beseech the Lord to draw these peoples to Himself and to grant us clear vision and strategy as we seek to reach them. Pray for the believers on the islands to be burdened for the unreached and unengaged peoples.

Missions Focus: Pray for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Pray for God to reach the hearts of the people there through the few faithful locals who are followers of Christ. Pray God will give those believers an urgency and boldness to reach with the Gospel those around them that have little to no contact with the outside world.

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GICPhilippians 1:5 …because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

Philippians 1:5 is our theme verse for this year’s Global Impact Conference.

We want to be a church that has a heart for missions and stays focused on the nations. Plan on being a part of this year’s GIC to learn more about how God is at work around the world. This special time is when you can meet and talk with missionaries from around the world. What will God do in your life through this conference? Is your “yes” on the table? Be open to how God wants to speak to you and use you in missions. It could be going on a short-term trip, giving, praying, welcoming the nations among us, or serving long-term. Come, learn, and see what God will do.

Prayer Focus: Pray for God to use this year’s GIC to increase your heart for the nations. Ask the Father to use this time to call people to go as long-term missionaries. Pray for God to give you direction on how you are to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering.

Missions Focus: Pray for Kenneth and Sara Brock serving as church planters at Mercy Gate Church in Rapid City, SD. Ask God to give them favor in the community they are trying to reach. Pray for salvations as the Brocks engage in new opportunities with Native Americans.


Short-Term MissionsLuke 10:1 After this, the Lord appointed 70 others, and He sent them ahead of Him in pairs to every town and place where He Himself was about to go.

Short-term missions are a great way of getting connected to God’s work among the nations. In the case of Luke 10, Jesus sent the 70 to pave the way and assist in establishing a gospel foundation in those towns and villages. Mission trips provide us with the opportunity to assist local churches and missionaries in reaching their cities and regions. These are great opportunities to see the Gospel at work in a different cultural context. I have never met a Christian who regretted participating in a short-term mission effort. What are your missions plans for 2021? The nations are waiting. Will you go?

Prayer Focus: Pray about using your time, talent, and treasure to serve in short-term missions. Pray about going, giving, and committing to pray for a people group or region. Commit to pray for short-term mission teams as they go out from The Point. Pray specifically about where the Lord would have you to serve in 2021.

Missions Focus: Pray for IMB missionary Barbara Dunbar serving in Japan. Barbara serves in one of the least reached nations in the world. Pray that God would give her favor and open hearts as she shares the Hope of Christ in her apartment complex.

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What Kind of Missionary are You?Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

You do not have the choice to not be a missionary. You are commanded to share the story of Christ with your friends, family, and neighbors. The only option you have is where God has called you to share the story of Christ. The church has been charged with taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. Missionaries come from families like yours and churches like ours. Are you called to be personally involved with taking that message to foreign nations? As you pray and fast, would you ask God if He wants you to be a fully committed partner in the global mission? If you do feel that call, you can trust that God will provide and equip you to faithfully expand His kingdom around the world.

Prayer Focus: Pray for a submissive and open spirit towards a call on your life for foreign missions. Pray for a spirit of boldness in sharing your faith with your friends, family, and neighbors. Pray about being involved in short-term mission projects through the church.

Missions Focus: Pray God will raise up people from our church family to go as long-term cross-cultural missionaries, to leave comfort and safety and go as laborers into the harvest. Ask the Father to use GIC and short-term mission trips to increase our hearts for the nations.


Praying for Widows and OrphansJames 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Adoption as the children of God is the highest privilege of the Gospel. We are not simply justified but we are brought into the family of the Most High King and made heirs of His promises. This truth is the climax of God’s grace. Psalm 68:5 reminds us God is the “Father to the fatherless,” so let us all also consider how we can care for the orphans. Is God calling you to adoption or foster care? Does He long for you to support local children’s homes or families in the process of adopting? Can you support local foster care families by giving them your time and talents?

Psalm 68:5 also tells us that God is the “champion of widows.” How can you care for widows today? It may be something as simple as bringing flowers, writing them a note, or stopping by to visit. This pandemic has left many people lonely and isolated. How can you encourage the widows of our church and those in need of the gospel?

Prayer Focus: Pray for God to open your heart to the widows and orphans around you. Make up your mind that you will say “yes” to whatever God calls you to do. Pray for those who are in the difficult process of adoption or foster care. Pray for widows to feel the presence of Christ and His church.

Missions Focus: Pray for Cody and Brynn serving in East Asia. They are in the process of adopting from that area.

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Praying for Leaders1 Timothy 2:1-2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

As followers of Christ we are sojourners in this life and our ultimate citizenship is in Heaven. Scripture is also clear that we are to pray for those in authority and to seek the peace and prosperity of the land in which we live. So we should pray for those in authority over us regardless of differences and all the more when we see leaders making ungodly decisions.

Prayer Focus: Pray for our leaders and those who are in positions of authority. Ask that the Father would give wisdom and guidance to our leaders. Pray that laws would be established that would honor God. Pray specifically for national, state, and local leaders as well as the upcoming elections.

Missions Focus: Pray for Syrian refugees. Fighting in Syria has displaced millions of men, women, and children resulting in loss, grief, and trauma. Pray for missionaries and local Arab believers who are ministering to these refugees. Pray that Syrian refugees would find hope and life in a relationship with Jesus.


FellowshipColossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

What do you picture when you hear fellowship? You may think of Wednesday night fellowship meals. That is correct in part. To fellowship is to share together. Biblical fellowship can include having meals together. It also involves so much more. We have fellowship through our faith in Jesus. We walk together in community and participate as one body. We worship together. We study and apply the Word together. We hold one another accountable. To fellowship is to participate. How are you intentionally fellowshipping with other believers? How could you be more intentional to fellowship with believers?

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would help you fellowship deeply with Him. Pray that God grants you deep and biblical fellowship with other believers. Ask God to teach you about fellowship through this time of prayer and fasting.

Missions Focus: Pray for Lawson and Beth Harlow. Lawson is the church plant pastor of Mercy Hill Church in Olive Branch, MS. Pray for sweet fellowship for their church family, and effectiveness in the Gospel.

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Spiritual Gifts1 Corinthians 12:4,6 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit…And there are different activities, but the same God activates each gift in each person.

Chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians is an instructive passage in understanding spiritual gifts. Each believer receives spiritual gifts, but it is the individual’s responsibility to recognize the gifts they have been given. It is also the believer’s responsibility to find the best way to use those gifts to build up the kingdom of God through service. Paul writes in this chapter about the importance of unity, humility, and teamwork within the believers in Corinth. Every believer should be serving in some capacity, utilizing the gifts God has given, bearing the fruit of faithfulness in evangelism, and working to strengthen the church.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would help you discover your spiritual gifts. Pray that God would give you opportunities to use your gifts in your relationships and in your community. Pray how you can best serve in the church using your abilities and spiritual gifts. Follow up and get connected!

Missions Focus: Pray for the Sentinelese, Onge, Jarawa. These are unreached people groups that are born, live, and die without a Gospel witness generation after generation.


Praying for the Nations Among UsActs 17:26 From one man he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live.

Do you know any people who are foreign to our country? What thoughts do you have when you bump into someone from a different nation? Are you prone to welcome foreigners? Do you feel suspicious of them? God is at work drawing people to Himself from every single people group. Undoubtably, one of the ways He is doing this is by bringing those from unreached people groups to us. Right here in the Bible Belt we have access to people from all over the world. What an amazing thought! What an amazing opportunity! Let’s pray for open hearts, opportunities to share, and for God’s kingdom to come.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would help you to see others the way that He does. Repent of any sin that He convicts you of. Pray that God would warm your heart for the nations among us. Pray that the Lord will show you opportunities to share the Gospel.

Missions Focus: Pray for Stephen and Kaye Carson. Stephen pastors Connection Church in Belle Fourche, SD. Pray for them to love Jesus and for their church to be a shining light of the Gospel in a dark place.

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Loving Your Neighborhood Mark 12:33 And to love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.

In many of our neighborhoods today, people drive into their garage, shut the door, and don’t see much of their neighbors. Ephesians 5:8 tells us to “Walk as children of light”. We need to become very intentional about being light in our neighborhoods. How can you be light in your neighborhood? Which family has a need that you can meet? Who around you is lost that you can pray for an opportunity to share the gospel with? What are some things that you could do to build a relationship with your neighbors for the purpose of being light? Ask yourself, if you moved from your neighborhood, would they miss you? If the answer is no, you can begin changing that today.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would show you how to be light in your neighborhood. Pray for opportunities to show love and share the gospel right there where you live.

Missions Focus: Pray for Pastor George Mbonye in Kisoro, Uganda. Pray that God would strategically use Pastor George and the leaders of the Kisoro churches to reach people in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.


Praying for Teachers and School AdministratorsPsalm 78:3-4 Things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from our children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.

Besides parents, teachers and school administrators are some of the most influential adults in the lives of our children and teenagers. They teach them much more than the subjects, sports, or activities they have been assigned. Students are also learning important character traits like honesty, integrity, hard work, and perseverance. It is important to lift up in prayer the teachers and school administrators for these very reasons. May they have wisdom and discernment as they invest in our students. May they see the needs of the students that go beyond academic pursuits.

Our schools are mission fields filled with students who have never heard the Gospel. Pray that teachers and leadership will have opportunities to not just embody the Gospel but proclaim it clearly.

Prayer Focus: Pray for teachers, administrators, and their families. Pray for good health through the school year. Pray for wisdom in the decisions that they will face in this unprecedented time.

Missions Focus: Pray for Richard and Amber Crowson. They are the church planters for Redemption Hill Church in Sioux City, Iowa.

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PRAYER & FASTING - DAY 31October 1, 2020

Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders1 Timothy 2:2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

We are blessed to live under the protection of our law enforcement officers and emergency responders. Our lives are more peaceful because we know that, in a crisis, there are trained men and women ready to serve our communities. We should live in a way that shows respect to the authority God has given and those He allowed to have that position. An attitude of gratefulness, humility, and obedience is required of the believer. That should be reflected as we pray for these men and women willing to risk their own lives to protect ours.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would protect the physical safety of our LEOs and first responders. Pray that God would protect their mental health as they deal with situations that are stressful and upsetting. Pray that you would have an attitude of thanksgiving and obedience in your dealings with authorities.

Missions Focus: Pray that God would raise up more church planters. Ask that the Father would stir people’s hearts and call them into ministry, specifically to plant new churches. Pray for areas and communities that God brings to your mind that are in need of Bible-teaching, gospel-proclaiming churches.


Prayer WalkingColossians 4:2-6 Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us that God may open a door to us for the message, to speak the mystery of the Messiah, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it as I am required to speak. Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.

What things do you notice in yards and driveways to prompt your prayers? You can pray for parents, children, grandparents, widows, and singles. There are many clues as you pay attention to the homes you pray over in passing. What is the best time of day to possibly interact with people coming or going or playing in the yard? As we intentionally draw near to the Lord, asking Him to help us love our neighbors, let’s also be alert for opportunities to share the Gospel.

Prayer Focus: Ask the Lord to burden your heart for your neighbors. Ask Him to draw souls to himself. Ask Him for wisdom and opportunity to share the Gospel. Ask Him for boldness and faith. Pray through Col. 4:2-6.

Missions Focus: Pray for John Allen May, pastor of EastPoint Baptist Church in Lewisburg, MS, and his wife, Austin.

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Gospel UrgencyActs 28:23 “After arranging a day with him, many came to him at his lodging. From dawn to dusk he expounded and witnessed about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.”

Paul established a pattern of urgency in his ministry. Even in prison he worked tirelessly to preach the gospel and make Jesus known. I must admit that much of the time I don’t have the urgency to share the Gospel that Paul modeled. I allow busyness, selfishness, and the cares of this world to sidetrack me and I miss many opportunities to share Jesus with the lost. What about you? Do you have a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel? What is distracting you from sharing the Good News that people all around us so desperately need to hear? How many people will pass away never hearing the Gospel because we have no urgency to share the Gospel?

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would convict you of your spiritual laziness and give you an urgency for sharing with the lost. If you are sharing faithfully, pray that God would expand your opportunities.

Missions Focus: Pray for the Pa’O and Intha People, Myanmar. Ask God for an outpouring of His Sprit among them, that they would experience a great spiritual movement and great numbers come to Christ.


Go!Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

We have received the power of the Holy Spirit to be God’s witnesses to the ends of the earth. We are called to love and reach those like us, different from us, near, and far. How are you being used by God to fulfill this task? Why is it so easy to lose focus? What can you do to expand God’s Kingdom here at home? How can you be used to expand His Kingdom around the world? We have many short term mission trips each year that go all over the world with the Gospel. Do you have a passport? If not, now is a great time to get one. Be ready to go! We have been commanded.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would use you to expand his kingdom across the street and around the World. Pray for boldness and grace. Pray for resources and opportunity. Pray for passion and eagerness.

Missions Focus: Pray for James and Alicia Cheatham and Grace Point Church, Greenwood MS. Pray for them to be encouraged daily in the Word and for effectiveness in planting a new church in the delta.

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Across the Street1 Thessalonians 1:8 For the Lord’s message rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out.

When the Gospel took root in the new believers in Thessalonica, it stood out. Their faith was an example of saving faith. The message of the Gospel rang out from them to surrounding cities and all over the region. Can that be said of the church at Longview Point? How is the Gospel ringing out from us? What about your own life? Do those closest to you see the Gospel at work in your life? Is the Lord using your life to testify to the power of his Gospel? Let’s be a people so in love with Jesus that others take note. Let’s live our faith in Christ out in such a way that it draws others to God.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would help us to live in the reality of the Gospel every day. Pray that God will help you love Him and desire for Him to be known. Pray that the Lord’s message would ring out from us, and that he would use us to draw many to himself.

Missions Focus: Pray for Monica Maxwell serving in South Asia. Pray for her to love Jesus and walk with him. Pray for her to be used mightily to draw multitudes to the Lord. Pray for the hearts of the people she is seeking to reach to be turned to God.


Around the WorldRevelation 7:9-10 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

At the end of the age, John sees a multitude of believers gathered around the throne of God. These believers are gathered from every nation, all tribes, people, and languages. What an amazing thought! God has guaranteed to gather sheep from every nation. Don’t you desire to be a part of this great work of God?! Don’t you believe that Jesus is with you always?! Perhaps you have been called to live in a foreign place to make disciples. We are all called to be a part of reaching the nations in some way. What is your role? Are you holding anything back? It is an oxymoron to say, “No Lord.”

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would help you to make disciples. Pray for missionaries. Pray about how much to sacrificially give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering.

Missions Focus: Pray for the Bandhi Nagalu people group in South Asia to be reached with the Gospel.

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Who’s Your One(s)2 Corinthians 5:17-20 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

Do you love Jesus? Are you trusting Him? Does His love compel you to be His ambassador? Who will you commit to pray for every day and intentionally share the Gospel with? Who do you long to see reconciled to God? Who’s your one(s)? It can be more than one!

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would break your heart for those you commit to pray for and witness to. Pray now that he would draw them to himself. Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel with them. Don’t give up. Keep praying.

Missions Focus: Pray for Chris and Kristy Wallace who are planting Hope City Church in Bismarck, ND. Pray for their family as they settle in a new place. Pray for a strong core group. Pray for the harvest in Bismarck.


Sharing with Those in Your Circle of Influence 1 Corinthians 7:24 “Brothers, each person should remain with God in whatever situation he was called.”

You are not where you are or in the circumstances you find yourself in by accident. God has strategically placed you there for His glory. I know a man whose daughter married a drug dealer. His first thoughts were, can we get this annulled and be rid of him? God led him to repentance and a realization that this drug dealer was now in his circle of influence and that he had a responsibility to share the Gospel and invest in him. That drug dealer, by the grace and purposes of God, is a faithful believer and witness to the grace of God today. God wants us to invest in those in our circle of influence, even the difficult ones. Just be faithful and God will work.

Prayer Focus: Pray that God would show you your prejudices and sins that keep you from sharing with those in your circle of influence and give you grace to faithfully share the gospel.

Missions Focus: Pray for Lawson and Beth Harlow and Mercy Hill Church, Olive Branch, MS. Pray that God will show them how they are to parent whatever children He blesses them with. Pray for all of the leadership of Mercy Hill to lead with compassion and wisdom in accordance with the Word of God.

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Sharing with Those at Work and/or School2 Corinthians 5:20-21 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

What is your reputation at your job or school? As we work closely with someone, we often get a good idea of who they are on their best days and on their worst days. God has put you in your job or at your school for the furthering of His kingdom. He has a purpose for you there. It is your mission field, giving you the opportunity to be a Cospel influence on the people God has placed around you. They may not have a Christian witness at home, but they come to work or school and hear what you say and watch how you respond. Do they see the Gospel in your life? Be ambassadors who not only speak the Gospel but also live out the Gospel with coworkers, classmates, and teachers.

Prayer Focus: Pray that you have a passion to reach your workplace or school with the Gospel. Pray also that you will have wisdom and grace in your conversations with your coworkers and classmates. Pray for the salvation of specific coworkers or classmates. Finally, pray for God to transform your work or school with the beauty of the Gospel.

Missions Focus: Pray for Rolando and Luci Canazas in Gallito, Peru. Rolando is a local pastor who also trains other pastors in the Amazon jungle region of Peru.


Sharing with Close Friends and Family1 Peter 3:15 But honor the Messiah as Lord in Your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

Witnessing to close friends and family members can be difficult. They have seen you at your worst and know your “true” self. A consistent witness through words and actions is necessary to reach those closest to you. Relentless devotion to knowing and serving God are key life priorities to demonstrating an authentic faith. Look for the Spirit to give you opportunities to share your faith. Trust in the knowledge that God also loves those unbelievers. He is working to reach their hearts through His call and through the work of other believers. This can be a heavy burden to bear, so find others that will pray with you for the salvation of your friends or family members.

Prayer Focus: Pray for opportunities to share your faith with those unbelievers close to you. Pray for the Spirit to guide your words, attitudes, and actions so that you show a witness through your life. Pray for brokenness and restlessness in the hearts of unbelievers. Pray for God to bring other believers into their life.

Missions Focus: Pray for the people groups within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Pray for our faithfulness in going to share and train believers there and for those believers to be received by the remote people with open hearts and a readiness to receive the Good News of Jesus.

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