Clear Fork Alliance Day of Prayer

DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING CONCERNING THE CORONA VIRUS OUTBREAK, MARCH 18, 2020

Read Acts 12:1-24

Prayers of Praise Acts 12:1-4

The church was caught off guard by Herod’s cruelty. But God is never caught off guard. Even when it seems as though things are chaotic, God is in control! Corrie ten Boom said, “There is no panic in heaven, only plans.”

God has not been caught off guard by corona virus. Take time to praise a sovereign God who is in control and works all things for good (Romans 8:28). Mention out loud or to yourself some of His attributes as you praise Him. For example: “Lord, we thank you that you are the same yesterday, today and forever!” “Father, we praise you that your love never changes!” Etc.

Prayers of Reflection Acts 12:5

Once the church got news of James’ death and Peter’s imprisonment they started praying. Prayer should be our first reaction to adversity, not an afterthought.

Rather than looking to Face Book or the media for how to deal with the corona virus, take some time now to just quiet yourself before the Lord. After a time of quiet, think of how amazing it is that prayer takes us into the very throne room of God (Hebrews 4:16). Thank God for the privilege of prayer. Take time to think of some of the amazing promises God makes to us concerning prayer. Start by thanking Him that He hears us (Psalm 34:15).

Prayers of Anticipation Acts 12:6-10

Look at all the miracles that happened as the church was praying: an angel showed up and Peter’s chains fell off (v. 7), the angel escorted Peter past two squadrons of guards and through a locked iron gate that flew open (vv. 8-10)!

Instead of focusing on all the bad things that are happening as the result of the corona virus, let’s ask God to do the miraculous, including: giving us opportunities to show the reality of God’s power in us, for people to turn to God and come to Christ during this crisis, for the church to show the world just Who Jesus is.

Too often we focus on reasons why prayers don’t seem to be answered yet forget the miracle of answered prayers which often are not only answered but answered in ways that go way beyond our anticipation.

Prayers for Deliverance Acts 12:11

Peter finally realized he had been delivered from prison in a way that the unbelieving community could not explain.

Pray for the corona virus to be eradicated; for cures to be found much more quickly than anticipated, for healing for those who have the virus, for protection for those who don’t, especially health care workers. Take some time to name some at risk people you know, to name some health care workers you know. Pray for business to experience prosperity that are in danger of suffering; for example, restaurants, tourism, airlines, etc. Take some time to pray for local businesses.

Prayer of Unity Acts 12:12

When Peter arrived at where the church had been meeting to pray, he found them still praying. One of the blessings with adversity like the corona virus outbreak is that it brings us to our knees. Especially in the church we can put aside nonessential differences as we unite in prayer!

Pray especially that churches will come together in powerful ways and that individual church members can put aside and even reconcile differences for the purpose of praying together. Take some time to name some of the local church in our area. Pray a blessing over them and for God to use them for His glory during this time.

Prayer of Faith Acts 12:13-16

When Peter arrives at the church the gathering of believers can’t believe that he is out of prison and walking around as a free man! It’s a common fault of Christians to pray about something and then be surprised when God answers.

Let’s aim high in our prayers and believe God will not only get us through this time but pray that we all be closer to Him and stronger in our faith when this all over.

Marching Orders from Prayer Acts 12:13-25

Look at what grew out of this prayer meeting! Peter is delivered from prison, the testimony of this answer to prayer is spread to others (v.17), the enemy takes it on the chin (vv. 18-23), the word of God is spread (v. 24).

Pray that God gives Christians clear direction in how we can help and what we can do. Pray that we are bold to share the gospel and testify to God’s goodness during this crisis. Let’s keep our eyes on the day when this is over and we can celebrate the victories!

Conclude this time of prayer remembering those in authority in government. Pray for them by name. Last and not least ask God to lay on YOUR heart one thing YOU can do for someone else; a phone call; an errand, a card to a shut in, a prayer to say with someone.

Remember FAITH, NOT FEAR! (II Timothy 1:5)

Thanks for praying,

Pastor Mike