Tag: faith

A Mass Prayer for Nations, Leaders, and Peace

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 “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

As believers, we are called to intercede for our leaders, nations, and for peace, especially in Jerusalem. In times of uncertainty and need, communal prayer is a powerful way to ask God to bring change, guidance, and healing. Below is a structured prayer for anyone who wishes to lift up these petitions over a community, a nation, or even the entire world.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, united as Your people. You are the Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and we honor You, acknowledging Your sovereign power over all nations. We gather in Your holy presence, seeking Your guidance, love, and protection over all people and lands.

Lord, we worship You

For You are good, and Your mercy endures forever. You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, worthy of all honor and glory. We lift Your name high above all the earth, praising You for Your greatness, Your compassion, and Your mighty works.

Thank You, Lord,

For the blessings You have poured out upon us and our nations. You have sustained us through every season, and Your provision and protection have been unwavering. We are grateful for Your faithfulness, for hearing our prayers, and for Your unending love that guides us.

Forgive us, Lord,

For any ways we have strayed from Your will. We confess any sins of our nations, communities, and ourselves. We ask for Your cleansing, renewing us and bringing us back into alignment with Your ways. As we turn to You, we seek Your mercy and forgiveness, knowing that You are a gracious and compassionate God.

Father, we intercede for the leaders of every nation,

Grant them wisdom, courage, and integrity as they make decisions that impact millions. May they lead with righteousness, justice, and compassion, promoting peace and unity. Let Your justice prevail in all nations, and let truth and fairness guide every action and law.

We pray for peace among all people, especially in Jerusalem.

You have asked us to pray for its peace, and we humbly lift this city and its people to You. Bring harmony and understanding to regions marked by conflict, and heal the divisions that have separated us. Surround every nation with Your protection, Lord, shielding the innocent and vulnerable from harm.

Lord, we ask for a spiritual awakening across the world.

Pour out Your Spirit on every land and community, that hearts may turn toward You. Bring about a revival in faith, hope, and love, so that we may see Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

As Your Word declares,

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). We stand on this promise, believing that as we humble ourselves, You will hear and bring healing and restoration.

Lord, we also pray for specific needs among the nations:

For those suffering from poverty and hunger, may You provide. For those impacted by natural disasters, may You bring comfort and relief. For the sick, may You bring healing, and for those who mourn, may You bring peace.

We trust in You, Lord,

Believing that You can do exceedingly and abundantly more than we ask or imagine. We thank You for hearing our prayers and for the answers that are already on the way. May Your will be done, Lord, and may Your name be glorified in all nations.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen 🙏

May this prayer bring unity and strength, inviting God’s presence, protection, and guidance over all people and nations.

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** Photo by Hugo Magalhaes at Pexels

7 Compassionate Ways to Live Out Your Faith Every Day

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Living Out Our Faith

As followers of Jesus, we are called to live out our faith in tangible ways, embodying love and compassion toward others. This isn’t about ticking off boxes on a checklist to earn our way to heaven; it’s about letting our actions flow from a heart transformed by God’s love. Salvation is a gift that comes through faith in Jesus, who completed the work for our redemption. Our good deeds are responses to that love, not a means to gain favor with God or impress others.

In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus emphasizes the importance of serving those in need: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” He reminds us that when we serve others, we are serving Him.

Engaging in acts of compassion is a vital part of living out our faith. When we actively seek to help others, we open our hearts to the transformative power of God’s grace. This not only blesses those we serve but also deepens our relationship with God as we reflect His character in our actions.

1. Feed the Hungry

You can make a difference in your community by volunteering at a local food bank or organizing food drives. These acts not only help those who struggle to feed their families but also foster a spirit of community and love. Remember, it’s not just about the food; it’s about showing care and compassion.

USA: The Salvation Army: A Christian organization providing food assistance, shelter, and other services to those in need.

UK: The Trussell Trust: A charity that supports a network of food banks providing emergency food and support, motivated by Christian principles.

2. Give Drink to the Thirsty

Support efforts to provide clean drinking water to those in need, especially in areas where it is scarce. You might participate in campaigns or donate to organizations that focus on this vital resource. Your involvement can bring life and hope to those who are parched.

USA: Charity: Water: A nonprofit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.

UK: WaterAid: An organization that works in 28 countries to improve access to clean water and sanitation, inspired by Christian values.

3. Clothe the Naked

Consider donating clothes you no longer wear or organizing a clothing drive. A clothing drive is an event where individuals gather gently used clothing to donate to those in need. This can be done through churches, schools, or community groups, helping to provide warmth and dignity to someone in need. This simple act can have a profound impact on someone’s life.

USA: Goodwill Industries: A nonprofit organization that provides job training and employment services while accepting clothing donations.

UK: Whitechapel Mission: A charitable organization providing essential support to the homeless, including free clothing, showers, and meals. It operates one of the largest clothing donation and distribution services.

4. Shelter the Homeless

Support local shelters or initiatives that assist the homeless by donating supplies or volunteering your time. You could also advocate for policies that create affordable housing. It’s essential to remember that every person deserves a safe place to call home.

USA: The Salvation Army: Offers various services, including shelters for the homeless and support for families in need.

UK: Shelter: A charity that supports people in housing need, offering advice and assistance to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.

5. Visit Those in Prison

Visiting inmates can profoundly impact their lives. Many feel forgotten, and your presence can provide them with hope and encouragement. If you’re not comfortable visiting, consider writing letters of support or contributing to organizations that help reintegrate ex-offenders into society.

USA: Prison Fellowship: A national nonprofit that serves prisoners, former prisoners, and their families.

UK: The Prison Fellowship: This organization seeks to transform the lives of prisoners and their families through various programs.

6. Comfort the Sick

Being there for someone who is ill can be a tremendous source of comfort. Simple gestures, like bringing meals or just spending time with them, show that you care. You could also volunteer at hospitals or nursing homes, providing companionship to those who may be lonely.

USA: American Cancer Society: This organization provides support, education, and resources for cancer patients and their families.

UK: Macmillan Cancer Support: A charity that provides support for people affected by cancer.

7. Bury the Dead

Grief often leaves people feeling lost and uncertain, especially about what happens after death. As Christians, we are called to bring comfort and hope, showing Christ’s love through practical support and gentle encouragement.

You can live out this work of mercy by simply being present—offering a listening ear, sitting with someone in their pain, or helping with practical tasks like preparing meals, running errands, or assisting with funeral arrangements. Sharing comforting Scriptures, like Psalm 34:18 (“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted”), can also bring peace.

When appropriate, gently share the hope we have in Jesus. Grief often opens hearts, and you can lovingly speak about the eternal life Christ offers. Scripture reminds us in Hebrews 9:27 that after death comes judgment, and salvation is through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). By listening, helping, and sharing the truth with compassion, we fulfill our calling to be Christ’s hands and feet.

USA: The Compassionate Friends: An organization that provides support for families after the death of a child, helping them through grief.

UK: Cruse Bereavement Support: A charity that offers support for people grieving the death of a loved one.

A Heart for Service

Living out our faith through acts of compassion is not about earning our way into heaven; rather, it reflects the love that has already been poured into our hearts by God. We are called to respond to that love by caring for others and sharing the message of grace.

As we engage in these actions, we do so with the knowledge that our good works are not a means to secure salvation but a response to the incredible grace we have received. Let us commit to living out our faith actively, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and shining the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it. By making compassion a part of our daily lives, we truly reflect the heart of Christ and contribute to the transformation of our communities.

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***Photo by James Frid at Pexels

How to Put on the Whole Armor of God Daily

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The “Armor of God” is a powerful metaphor that helps us Christians prepare for spiritual battles. Found in Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul describes this armor as a vital tool to withstand evil forces in our lives. This passage reminds us that our struggle is not merely against human opposition but against the unseen spiritual powers of darkness. In this article, we’ll break down each piece of the armor and explain how you can apply them in your daily life.

1. The Belt of Truth

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” (Eph 6:14)

The belt was essential for Roman soldiers because it held their armor together. In the same way, truth is foundational for Christians. To put on the belt of truth, we must live in honesty, integrity, and align ourselves with God’s truth found in Scripture. It means rejecting lies and deception, both from the world and from the enemy.

Application: Daily, remind yourself of God’s truth, whether it’s reading Scripture, speaking the truth to others, or being truthful in your actions. Know that standing firm in truth keeps your spiritual life intact.

Prayer: “Lord, wrap me in Your truth and help me to discern and speak the truth in every situation. Let Your truth be the foundation of my life, guiding me in all my decisions, in Jesus’s name I pray.”

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness

”…with the breastplate of righteousness in place.” (Eph 6:14)

The breastplate protects the heart and other vital organs. Righteousness—right standing with God through faith in Christ—guards our hearts from attacks like guilt and condemnation. It’s important to understand that this righteousness is not our own but is given to us through Christ.

Application: Live righteously by following God’s commands and trusting in His forgiveness. When you are attacked by guilt or shame, remember that your righteousness comes from Christ, not from your performance.

Prayer: “Heavenly Father, protect my heart with the breastplate of righteousness. Let my life reflect Your righteousness, and guard me from any attacks that seek to lead me into sin or despair, in Jesus’s name I pray.”

3. The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

”…with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Eph 6:15)

Roman soldiers wore sturdy shoes to keep their footing in battle. As Christians, the gospel gives us peace and readiness to face trials. The good news of Christ’s work on the cross enables us to stand firm in difficult situations and to share that peace with others.

Application: Reflect on the peace you have with God through Christ. Share this peace with those around you, knowing that it keeps you steady even when the world feels chaotic.

Prayer: “Lord, equip me with the shoes of the gospel of peace. Help me to walk in Your peace wherever I go, and use me to spread Your good news to those in need of Your saving grace, in Jesus’s name I pray.”

4. The Shield of Faith

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Eph 6:16)

The shield is vital for deflecting attacks. Faith in God is our shield—it blocks and extinguishes the “flaming arrows” of doubt, fear, and temptation that the enemy launches at us. A strong faith will help us trust in God’s promises when life’s circumstances feel overwhelming.

Application: Strengthen your faith daily by trusting God’s promises. When you feel attacked by negative thoughts or fears, use Scripture and prayer to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.

Prayer: “Father, strengthen my faith so that I can extinguish every fiery dart the enemy sends my way. Help me to trust in You completely, knowing that my faith in You is my greatest defence, in Jesus’s name I pray.”

5. The Helmet of Salvation

“Take the helmet of salvation…” (Eph 6:17)

The helmet protects the head, the center of our thoughts. Salvation through Jesus Christ guards our minds against doubt, confusion, and discouragement. Our assurance of salvation gives us confidence and hope in difficult times.

Application: Keep your thoughts focused on the assurance of your salvation. When your mind is filled with worries or negative thoughts, replace them with the truth of your eternal security in Christ.

Prayer: “Lord, protect my mind with the helmet of salvation. Keep my thoughts focused on You and remind me of the assurance of my salvation in Christ Jesus. Let Your saving grace guide my mind and decisions, in Jesus’s name I pray.”

6. The Sword of the Spirit

”…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph 6:17)

The sword is the only offensive weapon mentioned in the armor of God. It represents the Word of God—Scripture—which is alive and powerful. Just as Jesus used Scripture to combat Satan’s temptations, we must rely on the Word of God in our battles.

Application: Memorize and meditate on Scripture regularly. When you face temptation, confusion, or spiritual attacks, use the truth of God’s Word to stand against the enemy.

Prayer: “Father, I take up the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word. Teach me to wield it with wisdom and power against the enemy’s lies and attacks. Let Your Word be alive and active in my life, in Jesus’s name I pray.”

7. Prayer in the Spirit

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Eph 6:18)

Prayer is not a piece of armor, but it is essential in spiritual warfare. By praying in the Spirit, we invite God’s strength and guidance into every situation we face. Continuous, Spirit-led prayer ensures that we stay connected to God and vigilant against the enemy’s schemes.

Application: Cultivate a habit of prayer throughout your day. Whether you’re thanking God, asking for guidance, or praying for others, keep communication with God open and ongoing.

Conclusion

To “put on the whole armor of God” is to intentionally live out our faith every day. This armor equips us for the spiritual battles we face and helps us stand firm in the face of opposition. Each piece of the armor—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer—is a powerful tool in God’s hands. By putting on this armor daily, we stand strong in His power and resist the attacks of the enemy.

May we always be vigilant, prepared, and clothed in God’s armor as we walk through life in His strength.

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*** Prayers by Vlad Savchuk / Photo by Timeline Photos

From Supermodel to Advocate: Kathy Ireland’s Pro-Life Journey

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Kathy Ireland, once celebrated as a supermodel, has embarked on a profound journey of transformation, emerging as a passionate advocate for the pro-life cause. In an interview on the show Huckabee, she shared her personal evolution from being pro-choice to embracing a staunch pro-life stance.

Initially identifying as pro-choice while maintaining her Christian faith, Kathy’s perspective shifted as she immersed herself in medical literature and scientific research. She discovered the undeniable truth that human life begins at the moment of conception, equipped with its DNA, sex, blood type, and unique fingerprints.

The transcript from the show:

Interviewer: “We’re back with Kathy Ireland, author of the bestselling book ‘Real Solutions for Busy Moms and Dads.’ Kathy, what mom’s advice is all about?”

Interviewer: “But on a personal level, there’s another aspect of your life that I found fascinating, and you’re unafraid to talk about it. I think that’s so refreshing in the life of the celebrity who often says, ‘I don’t want to get into anything like this.’ You were once pro-choice but you became very clearly pro-life. What was the turning point for you? When did the switch click for you that said, ‘This is a human being?'”

Kathy Ireland: When I looked at some medical books and saw the scientific evidence ahead of me. As I mentioned, I was baby Christian for such a long time, even though I was a Christian, very pro-choice. I always have and I will continue to fight for women’s rights. And so, even though maybe I wouldn’t have one myself, who am I to impose my beliefs on someone else? It’s a woman’s body, it’s her choice.

After I really realized that I was on the fence, I dove into the medical books, I dove into the scientific research. What I learned is, at the moment of conception, a new life comes into being. The DNA, the genetic blueprint is there, the sex is determined, the blood type is determined, the unique set of fingerprints is there.

And I picked up the phone, I called Planned Parenthood. ‘Help me out here, give me your best arguments.’ And the best arguments were, ‘Well, if you get it early enough, it doesn’t even look like a baby.’

We’re clumps of cells and that unborn human being does not look like a baby the same way a baby does not look like a teenager; a teenager does not look like a senior. But that unborn human being looks exactly the way human beings are supposed to look at that stage of development.

Some people say, ‘Well if you get it at a certain state, it’s okay.’ According to the law of biogenesis, all life comes from pre-existing life and each species reproduces after its own kind. Therefore, human beings can only reproduce other human beings.

So, it doesn’t start out as one species and suddenly become a human being somewhere along the way. And some people say, ‘Well, it’s a woman’s body, it should be her choice.’ There’s a 50% chance the baby she’s carrying is a male child and he would have a penis. Women don’t have penises.”

So, it’s residing in her body, it is not a part of her body. And the bottom line is, I really believe if The Unborn is not a human being, have as many abortions as you want, whenever you want, no justification is necessary. If, on the other hand, The Unborn is a human being, no justification is adequate unless another human life is at risk, that being the mother’s.

But in that case, you’re not acting to kill, you’re acting to save a life. And I also believe that when an abortion takes place, there are at least two victims.

We cannot be condemning women. Women have been so hurt by this and they’re not given all the facts. And especially as Christians, we need to be so careful that we are not condemning her because by doing that we can turn her away from oh this person and their God and they’re being so unkind, I don’t want to have anything to do with their God. And not only that, they’ll tell 10 friends.

So, it’s an issue we need to deal with love but I believe we got to get politics out of it. We need to put this in the hands of science. Even if you don’t share our faith, an atheist can know that it’s wrong to take an innocent human life. That’s why I don’t mind imposing this on other people and the science on that is clear.

Interviewer: Kathy, your explanation is maybe the clearest, the most effective that I’ve heard, not just from a person who is a celebrity, from any person in politics or even from the pulpit. And I want to say thank you for the clarity with which you have brought about this topic.”

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**Interview at Huckabee © 2009 FOX News Network, LLC. / Photo by Today show

Topics of Interest:

Planned Parenthood Origins

Support for Crisis Pregnancies in USA & UK

GET INFORMED:

Please be informed and educated about abortion procedures and gain a better understanding of what they entail, visit: PRO LIFE CONNECT. This resource provides accurate, evidence based information designed to educate and inform people about the medical, emotional, and social aspects of abortion. Understanding the facts is a critical step in making informed decisions and engaging thoughtfully in the abortion debate.

The Tale of the Little Boy and the Sailboat

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I want to share with you a story about a young boy who lovingly crafted a small sailboat. He adorned it with fine gems and precious metals, polished it until it gleamed, and marked it with his signature, ensuring everyone knew it was his creation. When he took it to the river to test it, the boat sailed beautifully. However, a strong wind arose, sweeping the boat away, and the boy was heartbroken by the loss of his cherished creation.

Sometime later, while walking through town, the boy was astonished to see his boat in the window of a shop. Though some gems were missing and it was battered, his signature confirmed it was his boat. He rushed inside and told the shop owner, “That little boat is mine; I made it.” The owner replied, “I’m sorry, but I bought it from someone else. If you want it back, you’ll have to pay for it.” Determined, the boy worked tirelessly for weeks, saving every penny. Finally, he returned to the shop, slammed the money on the counter, and bought his boat back. Holding it aloft, he exclaimed, “Little boat, you are twice mine. I made you—and I bought you back!”

The Deeper Meaning

You might wonder how this story relates to us. In many ways, we are like that little boat. Each of us is uniquely created by God, reflecting His image and cherished deeply by Him. However, life’s storms and the lure of the world have swept us away from our Creator, leaving us battered and lost. The challenges of life and the wrong things we do separate us from God. The temptations of the world and our own pride hurt us, and the enemy, Satan—the fallen angel, who hates mankind—tries to keep us down.

The boy in the story represents Jesus, who came to save us. Despite our broken state, affected by sin and life’s hardships, Jesus recognized us as His own. Just as the boy worked hard to buy back his boat, Jesus paid the ultimate price for our redemption. He bought us back with His precious blood, shed on the cross. He did this to restore our relationship with God the Father, as God is holy and cannot abide in sin. We are twice His—created by Him and bought back with His blood.

Understanding Our Condition

All of us have done wrong and fallen short of God’s standards. Sin is not just about major wrongdoings but also includes knowing what is right and failing to do it. It encompasses acts like lying, stealing, unforgiveness, hatred, jealousy, anger, sexual immorality, idolatry, addictions, pornography, drugs, and wanting to live separately from God. These wrongdoings separate us from a holy and righteous God.

God judges the heart, including our thoughts, words, deeds, and motives. While people can pretend to have a holy exterior and act pious, God sees through our facades and knows our true nature. It’s not about religion, where you have to do things to be accepted by God. It’s about a relationship with God who is near and accessible. Our good works cannot save us; they are like filthy rags in comparison to God’s purity, you cannot buy salvation. The Bible states that the wages of sin is death—eternal separation from God in hell, a fate none of us would wish upon anyone.

The Sacrifice of Jesus

Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins on the cross so we can be restored to God, our heavenly Father. There needed to be a sacrifice, and God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, who was sinless, to take our place. It’s like a mother giving away her newborn baby or you giving away your only child to pay someone else’s debt, someone who couldn’t care less about you or love you back. God was willing to do that for you and me.

Jesus Christ was crucified, with nails driven through His hands and feet and a crown of thorns pressed onto His head. He was whipped until His skin was torn off, becoming unrecognizable. As He hung on that cross, He did it for your sins. He took our sins upon Himself, including the very sins that have destroyed our lives. He was destroyed for those sins on that cross. He bled and died for our sins, which were buried with Him in the grave. Three days later, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. Jesus is alive!

The Call to Salvation

This message is for everyone. Regardless of your wealth, status, sexual orientation or religious background, Jesus invites you to turn from sin and accept His gift of salvation. No amount of money, social standing, or religious observance can save you. It’s not about comparing yourself to others; the only comparison that matters is with God, and we all fall short, we all have sinned. God doesn’t want our religion; He wants a relationship with us. We are created with a God-shaped vacuum that nothing else can fill. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

Now is the time to respond. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This declaration and belief bring salvation. John 3:36 warns, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”

A Prayer of Salvation

If you feel the call in your heart, don’t wait. Embrace this good news today and pray:

“Dear God, thank you for loving me. I confess that I have sinned against you. I believe that Jesus, Your Son, died on the cross to pay for my sins. I believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. I ask that you forgive all my sins. I confess that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Thank you for Your gift of eternal life! I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Remember, it’s not the prayer that saves you; it’s the heartfelt belief and confession, turning away from sin, and choosing to trust in Jesus for a righteous life. Now is the time for salvation. Turn from darkness to light, from sin to salvation, and follow Jesus.

What next?

Download the free guide on the 7 Things To Do After Getting Saved:

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