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Did you ever think the Lord has a plan for the city in which you live? Ever wondered why some cities flourish and others experience setbacks? Why do some seem to be growing, and others experience a decline in population? Why some increase in crime statistics while others have little criminal activity? Why do some seem to be blessed spiritually, and others struggle to see any church growth? For our next prayer focus, we will be looking at each city’s history and goals. We will look at when it was established. Why did it start? What are its current challenges & priorities? We will pray over specific areas in a city so it will thrive, spiritually, economically, environmentally and socially. Jeremiah 29:7 GW Work for the good of the city where I've taken you as captives and pray to the LORD for that city. When it prospers, you will also prosper. Linked Podcasts below | Resources Listed at end | Post a prayer in the Comment Section MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 2/2 Introduction 2/3 2/4 2/5 2/6 2/9 2/10 2/11 2/12 2/13 2/16 2/17 2/18 2/19 2/20 2/23 2/24 2/25 2/26 2/27 Resources : God's Plan for Cities: Surprising Insights from the Bible - Victorious in Prayer   Topical Bible: The Role of Cities in God's Plan The Significance of the City in the Bible (and God's Plan For It) Cities in God’s Plan What Does God Think About Cities? - The Gospel Coalition | India

If you had one major request from the Lord for 2026, what would it be? What's His heart? God sent His one and only son for people who are lost. He emphasizes this throughout the Scriptures. There is a need to return to fulfilling the co-mission, for workers in the great harvest, for a cry to the Holy Spirit for power/boldness; for compassion for the lost, on the edge, the POWs; for persuasive words to counter the arguments. We need to be part of the search and rescue mission of God. Most importantly, we need to intercede for their salvation - their hearts, those who influence them, stronghold arguments and lies destroyed and to have ears to hear and eyes to see. Let's keep praying like Jesus urged, pray for workers because the harvest is great. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 NLT Linked Podcasts below | Resources Listed at end | Post a prayer in the Comment Section MONDAY [Specific Groups] TUESDAY [Jerusalem] WEDNESDAY [Judea] THURSDAY [Samaria] FRIDAY [Beyond] Jan. 5 - Call to intercede for the lost Jan. 6 - Unsaved immediate family [hearts] Jan. 7 - Unsaved Extended family [hearts] Jan. 8 - Unsaved neighbors, coworkers, classmates, city people Jan. 9 - acquaintances old/new, SM contacts, etc. Jan. 12 - Unsaved City & County Officials Jan. 13 - Influencers of Immediate Family Jan. 14 - Influencers of Extended family Jan. 15 - Influencers of Neighbors, Coworkers, etc. Jan. 16 - Influencers of Acquaintances, old/new Jan. 19 - MLK Holiday Prayer Jan. 20 - Strongholds in Immediate Family Jan. 21 - Strongholds in Extended Family Jan. 22 - Strongholds in Neighbors, Coworkers, etc. Jan. 23 - Strongholds in Friends, Acquaintances old/new Jan. 26 - Unsaved State Officials Jan. 27 - Declarations over unsaved Immediate Family Jan. 28 - Declarations over unsaved Extended Family Jan. 29 - Declarations over unsaved Friends Jan. 30 - Declarations over unsaved Acquaintances Resources : Family Members: 7 Strong Prayers for Their Salvation Prayers of Martin Luther King Jr. – Prayer & Politiks 30 Prayers for Unsaved Loved Ones with Scriptures to Back - CentralBibleStudy How to Pray for Unsaved Family Members - Monthly Christian Magazine 8 Prayers for Your Unsaved Friends | Positive Encouraging K-LOVE Seek God to Remove the Blinders ( mailchi.mp ) 14 Bible Verses To Pray For Your Unsaved Family Members

The Holidays can be a joyful celebration, grievous for those who are gone, difficult for those holding grudges and a mix of emotions. During November and December, we will focus our prayers on families to be strengthened by looking at issues that help, heal and hurt. Let's pray families find ways to unify, show mercy, love and be loved, build and not tear down, heal and find joy again. Check out the podcasts, scriptures and resources & join us. BUT we have The Father in Heaven , in whom we can seek restoration, redemption & reconciliation. Last Podcast for Strengthening Families Friday, Jan. 2nd - Praying God’s Word [Personalize Promises of God over our Families] Family topic podcast:   Praying what God says about our Families [His word vs our opinion] Prayer Points/Scriptures: We pray that as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15 NLT). Thank you, Lord, for knowing the plans you have for my family—to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).  Father, give each of our family members discerning hearts so that we may be able to distinguish between right and wrong (1 Kings 3:9 NIV). May our families look to the Lord and His strength; seeking His face always (Psalm 105:4 NIV). And  trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and lean not on our own understanding. In all our ways, we submit to Him, and He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV). May they listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end we will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails over my family (Proverbs 19:20-21 NIV). May our family flee from sexual immorality. Lord, give us the understanding that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-19).   God loves my family, and He has good plans for all of us—even those family members who have no idea who He is yet. May our eyes be opened to His faithfulness in our lives! May we see His goodness and His tender, compassionate heart everywhere we turn.   Think of Exodus 34:6 as a description  of God’s heart for your family. Speak the following points out loud over your family: The Lord is compassionate. He is gracious. He is slow to anger. He abounds in love. He abounds in faithfulness!  The Lord’s great love is the story He’s telling with my family! May we come into a deeper understanding of His mercies today and how they are new toward us! May we come to know how deeply He loves us, how He hasn’t turned His back on us, and how He’s working on our behalf. Lam 3:22-23   God longs for my family to know Him even more than I do! He’s arranged our lives so we can see Him and feel our way toward Him. May we start to understand how CLOSE God is to us! He is not far away—He is right here, listening to the cries of our hearts.  Jer. 3:19 Salvation for the household: Paul tells the jailer in Philippi, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household" (Acts 16:31). A promise for children and future generations: Peter states, "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:39).  Phil. 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within our famlies, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.   Resources : 8 Scripture Promises for Christian Parents — Family Fire ; Declarations for Blessing Your Family — Becoming The One Wednesday Dec. 31st NEW Year's Eve & Thursday Jan. 1st New Year's Day - Holidays no podcast Tuesday, Dec. 30 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Leaving a Godly Legacy [Living to Pass On the Torch of Godliness] Podcast: Leaving a legacy [Living to Leave behind what matters to God] Prayer points: What do you want to be known for – faith or fear? Consider the following ideas, some inspired by articles listed below, others from David’s last words to his son Solomon. Live to leave a legacy of - joy during hardships, receiving & giving grace, modeling forgiveness & apologies, encouraging & inspiring others to greatness, giving your time, money & possessions for God’s work; giving unconditional love; hearing & doing God’s word; doing good & productive work; leading & discipling people & looking toward your heavenly home. What else would you add? Scriptures: Ps. 112:1-3; Matt. 6:20-21; Prov. 13:22 Resources: Leaving a Legacy: 10 Things I Want To Be Remembered For ( whatchristianswanttoknow.com ) ; 4 Ways to Pass Down a Spiritual Legacy - Kathy Howard ; 12 Steps To Leaving A Godly Legacy To The Next Generation | Brian Dodd on Leadership Monday, Dec. 29 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Empty Nesters & Retired [Now what?] Podcast: Empty nesters [Finding new normal, keeping active & persisting in prayer] Prayer points: hand over children to the Lord and trust He will care for them; accept the paradox of children given to us not ours, able to find new things to do while kids are gone, making home a safe place to visit; for retired to find ways to fill time that are fulfilling and not wasted; both find ways to mentor others, leaving a legacy from their experiences, learned skills and wisdom. Scriptures: Phil. 1:6; 2 Cor.10:10; Prov. 22:6 Resources: Tips For Empty Nesters | How to Prepare for the Empty Nest ( emptynestblessed.com ) ; 7 Powerful Encouragements for the Empty Nester ( crosswalk.com ) ; Your Empty Nest Is God’s Opportunity | Christianity Today ; Are you facing the empty nest? 10 Scriptures you need + hope! - Christi Gee Wednesday/Thursday/Friday - Christmas Holiday No Podcasts Enjoy your family Tuesday, Dec. 23 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: FAMILY & SPORTS [Playing, Watching, Paying, Idolizing] Podcast: Sports [Team, Spectators, Time, Costs; when is it an idol?] Prayer points: Pray about behavior when playing or watching, parents teach good sportsmanship, how to lose and win gracefully, monitoring time/costs involved, is it drawing families closer or farther apart; ensuring it doesn’t take God’s place in their hearts; keeping God their first priority. Scriptures: 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17; 1 John 5:21 Resources: Spring Sports and Sunday Church | Desiring God ; The Christian and Sport | Desiring God ; 3 Questions to Detect Sports Idolatry ( thegospelcoalition.org ) Monday, Dec. 22 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Grandparents [legacy, PUSH, modeling] Podcast: Grandparents [leaving an enduring influence; praying until something happens; modeling Christ & God’s love] Prayer points: they would first focus on God and their love of Him would spill over to those around them, they would recognize what they do & say affects many; they would apologize, forgive and not hold offense from any family member; model persistent prayer & prayers of faith; their ending days would demonstrate the power of the Gospel; they would teach and not be afraid to speak the truth to their family in love; be grounded in God’s love & rock solid in their faith Scriptures: Ps. 145:4 ; Deut. 6:5-7 ; Ps. 78:1-8 Resources: How to be an Intentional Christian Grandparent - Grams and Pops ; 4 Tips for Helping Grandchildren of Divorced Parents - Christian Grandparenting Network ; 7 Essentials For Grandparenting Your Grandkids - Focus on the Family Friday, Dec. 19 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Sabbath [Families Discover Blessings in Rest] Podcast: Sabbath [resting, intermission, work break] Prayer points: yoke with Christ, learn from his gentle & humble walk; plan for the day, make it different than the rest; work less; social media refrain; quality time with friends/family, spend time with the Lord reading the Bible, listening to worship music, choosing entertainment that builds the Spirit; reevaluate your activities – what to keep what to stop. Scriptures: Ex. 20:8-11; Lev. 23:3; Matt. 11:28-30; Is. 58:13 Resources: 15 Activities Strictly Prohibited on Shabbat in Israel - Secret Israel ( secret-israel.com ) ; Modern Day Sabbath | How to Rest & Refresh in a Time-Crunched Culture ( debpreston.com ) Thursday, Dec. 18 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Podcast: Geographically distant [loving them close when they are far] Prayer points: set specific times to communicate on a regular basis; a regular time to pray for the distant loved one each week, a way to connect and make them feel valued and important, how to work out the holidays, financially, schedules, loneliness, not feel detached though geographically distant, ways to maintain the relationship, what best builds and guards the rapport, support for both sides, how much is too much, how much is too little communication. Scriptures: Proverbs 17:6; Luke 6:31; Matt. 19:19 Resources: MF2979 Loving Long Distance: Families Separated by Distance, Fact Sheet ( ksu.edu ) ; Five Ways to Intentionally Grandparent from a Distance: Part One - Christian Grandparenting Network ; 20 Long Distance Activities for Dads at a Distance ( fambooks.com ) Wednesday, Dec. 17 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: RESENTMENT [dividing tasks, teambuilding or tug-of-war, sharing costs] Podcast: Resentment [dividing tasks & teambuilding & sharing costs] Prayer points: members deal with their resentment, find solutions to share chores, costs and responsibilities; confront not avoid or give up; create rules that build teamwork and camaraderie, encourage mutual engagement, invitational communication, clear communication of expectations for each member at events, gatherings and meals; ways to unite not divide; lighten loads. Scriptures: Eccl. 4:9-12; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Eph. 4:16 Resources: Developing Family Teamwork - Kelly Crawford ( crosswalk.com ) ; How To Build A Strong Christian Family – The Bottom Line, Ministries ( tblfaithnews.com ) ; 5 Ways to Build Teamwork in Your Family - First Things First Tuesday, Dec. 16 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Singleness [Remaining single; Seeking Mate; Following God] Podcast: Singles [by choice or in waiting mode] Prayer points: begin praying for their mates in advance, not just to have one but for their life, for God to bring the right one and not a decoy, a believer not unequally yoked, healthy ways to find a mate, peace and joy in the journey, acceptance for those seeking a celibate life, opportunities to do things without a partner, loneliness turn to ways to connect with others, not give in to fatalism but know God has good plans for them, faith to believe. Scriptures: Jer. 29:11; Eccl. 3:1-8; Ps. 84:11 Resources: 15 Bible Verses About Singleness | What God Says ( justinemfulama.com ) ; Christian Advice for Singles (The 4 Phases) | ApplyGodsWord.com ; Lesson 8: Practical Advice For Singles (1 Corinthians 7) | Bible.org Monday, Dec. 15 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Prodigals & Unsaved loved ones [calling them home through intercession] Podcast: Prodigals & Unsaved loved ones [praying God’s word UNTIL . . .] Prayer points: : persistence in prayer, removing any offense towards the one we pray for; asking for others to speak to them about the Lord, for them to see their condition from God’s perspective, to experience a pigsty moment like the prodigal and want to come home, for those who influence their lives be saved or removed; for God to remove the stony stubborn heart and replace with a tender, responsive heart, for dreams and visions of God’s love and judgment. Scriptures: Ezekiel 34:16; Jude 1:22-23; Luke 15:11-32; John 10:28-29; Ezek. 36:25-27 Resources: Pray Them Home: Three Prayers for Prodigal Children | Desiring God ; Prayer for the Prodigal Son or Daughter ( missionariesofprayer.org ) ; 7 Prayers for Your Prodigal Child ( ibelieve.com ) Friday, Dec. 12 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Dealing with family mental illness [without going nuts] Podcast: Dealing with family mental illness [for the one experiencing and the one caregiving and the one observing – all need divine intervention and wisdom] Prayer points: for the one experiencing - wholeness, healing, deliverance, able to forgive those who harmed, feel valued and important & see purpose in the body of Christ; freedom from fear/anxiety, mental disorders, able to make healthy choices; for the one caregiving - discernment, wisdom, patience, compassion; for the one observing – no judgment, empathy, intercession, words of encouragement, help person see they matter. Scriptures: Ps. 139:4; Ps. 34:17-18; Ps. 23:3; Is. 53:5 Resources: What does the Bible say about dealing with mental illness? | GotQuestions.org ; What Does the Bible Say About Mental Illness? Thursday, Dec. 11 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Caregivers & Family Member needing Care [I need help! They need help! Will you help me?] Podcast: Family caregivers & Member needing care [loving God & self to receive and give love to others] Prayer points: spending quality time with God; taking Sabbath time to restore; renewed with love and joy to care for family member; finding joy in the care & member, combatting fatigue with enough sleep & down time, paying attention to red flags in the member and in self, able to receive care without feeling like a burden; more than a duty – it’s a service to God, clear communication of needs, getting help, sharing the load.   Scriptures: 1 John 3:17; Phil. 2:4; Gal. 6:10 Resources: Caregiving: Christian Helping and Coping - Christian Life Resources ; Caregiver Action Network ; A Biblical Perspective on Caregiving | Joni and Friends Wednesday, Dec. 10 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: College & Adult children [letting them fly, letting them go, letting them learn] Podcast: College & Adult Children [Co-dependent on Holy Spirit ; Dependent on God; Interdependent on Body of Christ] Prayer points: : truth would win out over lies taught in some college classes; resolve to stay true to what they learned and believed about God while attending college, parents to release kids to God’s ultimate care; for godly friends to surround them when they leave; for support from other parents in prayer and ways to love kids from a distance; hedge of protection against the worldly temptations, a desire & ability to stay the course to follow Jesus, no matter what, to be a light in the darkness. Scriptures: Rom. 15:13; Phil. 1:6; Eph. 4:16 Resources: Lead Your Adult Children Back to Christ - Christian Parenting ( crosswalk.com ) ; 10 Things to Remember When Your Adult Child Leaves the Church ( ibelieve.com ) ; Parenting Adult Children: Six Steps to Sanity - Christian Parenting ( crosswalk.com ) Tuesday, Dec. 9 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Teenagers 12-19 [Questions! Answers? Trusted Source?] Podcast: Teenagers 12-19 [grounded in the Word, supportive families & in God’s love for them] Prayer points: find faith in God and his love; find answers in the Word; sexual purity; filter sources; find safe family members to talk to; healthy peers; able to stand their ground despite pressure to conform; find beauty through God’s lens; protected from taking drugs laced with fentanyl; feel valued, important and needed Scriptures: James 1:21–26; Eph. 3;14-21; 1 Cor. 15:33 Resources: 10 CHALLENGES FACING CHRISTIAN YOUTH ( jeremiahinstitute.com ) ; Supporting Your Teenager: A Christian Counselor’s Advice, Part 2 | Bellevue Christian Counseling ; 7 Challenges Teens Face Today - CCCRD | Center for Christian Counseling & Relationship Development Monday, Dec. 8 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Children & Adults with disabilities [Social, Physical & Mental] Podcast: Families with Children or Adults with social, physical or mental disabilities [hope, healing or deliverance] Prayer points : find living hope, ongoing hope in the Lord for grace & strength; healing to the disabled, medical progress and success, not give up when tired; see the heightened traits of those challenged, appreciate and savor the good moments, support from extended family, cast their cares on the Lord and not take them back. Scriptures : 3 John 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:3; 2 Thess. 3:13 Resources : 15 Scriptures To Pray For Your Child with Special Needs ( embracing.life ) Friday, Dec. 5 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Parenting [Exhausting, Engaging, Embracing] Podcast: 3 Parenting Issues [Exhaustion vs Yoking up with God & finding rest; Disconnect vs Playtime; Regretting moments missed vs Stopping to savor the moment] Prayer points: yoke up with the Lord to parent their kids, get energy and wisdom from the Lord; seek friends who are older parents, not do it alone; take breaks from kids to regroup; put away cell phones when kids need their attention; show the kids they are important and valued early and reinforce through the years; savor the moments when they are good and praise them openly; being honest and real; helping them see it’s not perfection that makes a good family; it’s love and forgiveness and a reliance on the Lord’s strength Scriptures: Matt. 11:28-30 ; Is. 40:11 ; Eccl. 3:1 Resources: 8 Promises for Exhausted Parents - Christian Parenting ( crosswalk.com ) ; 7 Ways to Connect with Your Children ( childdevelopmentinfo.com ) ; 32 Ways to Savor Your Children While You Have Them ( ericalayne.co ) Thursday, Dec. 4 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: Adopted, Orphans, Foster Kids [Parents & Children] Podcast: Adopted & Fostered [Kids who need a forever family; Couple who needs a forever kid; Celebrate our adoption to God’s family] Prayer points: Children waiting for adoption, hope, process smooth, adapting goes well; foster children in the system, foster children after the system ends, foster parents, for the right reasons, ethically, lovingly, treat as their own; adoptive parents, patience, ability to love through assimilation, both foster & adoptive parents supported by extended family, gratitude for having a Father who will NEVER leave us NOR forsake us and who provided us a forever family.  Scriptures: Ps. 10:14; Ps. 10:18; Ps. 82:3; Is. 1:17 Resources: 5 ways you can pray for adoptive families - ERLC ; Adoption Prayer - Prayer Ideas ; Prayer for Orphans ( knowing-jesus.com ) ; Foster Care as the Way of Christ | Desiring God ; The Powerful True 'Story of Possum Trot' - How This Church Went All in to Rescue Foster Kids Wednesday, Dec. 3 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus: K-6 th  grade Children [seeking the Great Shepherd to protect these little sheep] Podcast: K-6 children [praying for their protection from harm; prevention from false teachings; resilience from school safety concerns and encouraged by the Holy Spirit] Prayer points: parents voice their concerns at the schools their children attend not allowing anyone to pick up their child; that this bill backfires and has to be stopped; predators caught before harm comes to children; parents educate and monitor children’s social media use; parents heard and empowered at school district meetings; voice of parents greater than Dept. of Ed.; books with explicit/implicit sexual overtones be banned from K-6 th grades; families resilient despite the multiple school challenges and shootings; families uses it as dialogue to strengthen and inform, children feel valued and important at home Scriptures: Jer. 29:11; Matthew 19:14 ; 1 Timothy 4:12 Resources: How to Pray: 11 Creative Ideas for Teaching Kids - Ministry Spark Tuesday, Dec. 2 Strengthening Families Focus - Childless by Choice or Not [barren, bitter or better] Podcast: Childless by choice or not [No advice please, Never assume who is infertile; No children but still fulfilled in God] Prayer points: direction and open doors for those wanting children; safe people to discuss their pain, acceptance & no judgment by others for those that don’t want kids; renewed hope and strength as the childless couple looks for options; ways to deal with naysayers & when others conceive around them, hope where there’s despair, encouragement despite barrenness; the miracle of life & children, ways for them to love kids while waiting Scriptures: Is. 54:1; Luke 23:29; 1 Cor. 7:8; Prov. 30:15-16 Resources: :  How You Can Care for the Childless ( thegospelcoalition.org ) ; When a Christian is Childless — World Childless Week ; Don't Judge Me Because I'm Childless | Today's Christian Woman ( todayschristianwoman.com ) Monday, Dec. 1 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus - Babies & Toddlers [They’re so cute but I need a break!] Podcast : Babies & toddlers [never too early to teach about God, simple less is best, remember parents need spiritual formation too Prayer points : parents find ways to get short breaks; others help them raise these little ones, protection, early they will know the Lord as savior, discipline appropriately to guide, divine wisdom through temper tantrums, parents & godly people speak good words over them, parents get sufficient input that is spiritual, physical and mental; they would be dedicated to the Lord early; taught to love the Word of God and worship. Scriptures Prov. 22:6; Is. 40:11; Mk. 9:37 Resources : Powerful Prayers for a Baby - Holy Land Prayer ; 35 Scriptures to Pray Over your Children (with Free Prayer Calendar) - ( garmentsofsplendor.com ) Thursday & Friday Thanksgiving Holiday Wednesday, Nov. 26 Strengthening Family Prayer Focus – Savoring Moments Together [being present, enjoying time, laughing & storytelling] Podcast:   Savoring Moments Together [connect, concentrate, celebrate] Prayer points : intentional focus on who you are with and what is going on around you; families will put down phones when a family member communicates, willing to share stories of past experiences together, be quick to laugh at each other’s faux pas, be present in the moment, hold off on pictures when the experience would be more memorable, recall the last get together, choose time over entertainment, good conversations with healthy boundaries, ask questions to catch up; share latest scripture or song that ministers to them; celebrate together, start the day with gratitude; look for the good in each other and share it; enjoy the small things; eat together without entertainment or phones Scriptures : Ps. 34:8-10; Is. 55:1-2; Prov. 17:9 Resources : Savoring the Moment Takes Time ; Savoring the moments…. - Restore Ministries, Inc. ; Don’t squander sacred moments: 5 daily practices to sweeten your family’s life - Christian Parenting Tuesday, Nov. 25 Strengthening Family Prayer Focus – SCHEDULES [His plans or ours? Quality vs Quantity time: what should be on it?] Podcast:   Schedules [Allotting time for God, family and self-care] Prayer points : seeking God for what to keep and what to eliminate and what to add; making appointments to spend with family undistracted; 1:1 and communally, ensuring there’s time to care for body, soul & spirit. Scriptures : Ps. 37:5; Eph. 5:15-17; Matt. 6:33; Is. 58:11 Resources : 10 Bible Verses about Schedule, Schedules & Scheduling. – Daily Bible Verse Blog ( jollynotes.com ) ; Your Parenting Goals Seem Good, So Why the Struggle? ( connectedfamilies.org ) ; How to get your family organized and on a schedule—in three steps ( todaysparent.com ) Monday, Nov. 24 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus  - Blended Families [Stepping into a Frying Pan] Family topic podcast : Blended Families [How to heal? How to help? How to unite?] Prayer points : Clarify expectations, work together, form new bonds, Mourn the losses; cry together, share what you miss, and then identify what you gained. Understanding, patience, wisdom, comfort; Build a team with new and old ones; don’t forget to work on the marriage intentionally, help the children heal not their fault nor blame; find conflict solutions, agree on discipline, build a strong relationship with God & other believers to support and help, practice forgiveness, recognize it takes time.   Scriptures : Galatians 3:28; Psalm 127:1; Eph. 2:14 Resources: Christian Advice for Blended Families: 7 Helpful Tips ( whatchristianswanttoknow.com ) ; Blended Families - Problems, Challenges, Bible Verses | Preach It, Teach ItAsk Roger Detail | Preach It, Teach It ( preachitteachit.org ) ; Christian Family Counseling: Blended Families and Parenting | Mill Creek Christian Counseling Friday, Nov. 21 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus – Reconciliation & Forgiveness [Apologies; 77X; Not keeping records] Podcast:   Reconciliation & Forgiveness [Initiating I’m sorry; Harboring no offense; Forgiving mercifully] Prayer points : regularly forgive offenders, recognize how much they’ve been forgiven by God, daily pray the Lord’s prayer, listen to how they speak about family members, admit it is sin to speak ill of anyone, keep forgiving until it is from their heart, not retelling the offense, able to be the first to own their part in the problem and apologize, recognizing one of the things God hates is someone who causes division. Scriptures : Matt. 18:21-22; Prov. 17:9; Matt. 6:9-13 Resources : Forgiveness within Christian Families | Help Club for Moms ; Lesson 12: Reconciled Families (Malachi 4:4-6) | Bible.org Thursday, Nov. 20 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus – Sharing Jesus with Unsaved Family [Timing, Openness, Lovingly] Podcast:   Sharing faith with unsaved family [right motives, right methods and right material] Prayer points : for hardened hearts to be tenderized and open to hear; breakdown of arguments; overcome by our testimonies, understanding and good questions to ask, discerning the time and situation when sharing [are they tired, sick, or hungry]; God to give them eyes to see and ears to hear above all the other noise; we model a good Christian life, apologizing and forgiving as needed, clothed in humility, remembering but for the grace of God we could still be unsaved. Scriptures : James 5:16; Eph. 4:18; Acts 4:29-30 Resources : How Can I Pray for My Unsaved Loved Ones? ( christianity.com ) ; Sharing Your Faith 101 ( billygraham.org ) ; How Christians can reach out to unbelieving family members ( christiantoday.com ) Wednesday, Nov. 19 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus – Extended Family [our Village; our Culture; our History] Podcast : Extended Family – Loving everyone in our sphere of influence Prayer points : Reminder Jesus is with you all the time when we take in entertainment, be aware of little ones around, whether music, movies, video games or other types would not be an idol in our lives, for Holy Spirit to help you understand the Bible’s entertainment principles, for wisdom as you establish family media standards, to get rid of temptations [i.e. stop a streaming service, throw away what uses foul language, sensual, or God’s name in vain; fast it for 30 days, for strength to resist the temptation to indulge in entertainment that doesn’t glorify God; that the changes made will last Scriptures : Ps. 119:37; Ex. 20:3; Josh. 1:8 Resources : Making Wise Entertainment Choices - Focus on the Family ; Hymn: Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see ( hymnal.net ) Tuesday, Nov. 18 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus – Grief [Memorials, Memories, Missing] Podcast:   Grief [Memorials, Memories, Missing – for outsider; to speak or not to speak that is the question] Prayer points : during memorials cover the griever in prayer; emotions free not held back; find the source of comfort, the Holy Spirit, the comforter; words inappropriately spoken overlooked, during times of remembering pray people show their love by their actions fewer words spoken; for the later days when they miss the loved one pray for the griever to want to live, not give up, care for themselves and not seek destructive things to numb the pain; pray they recognize it’s a process and eventually accept it and work through it until they see their future purpose.  Scriptures : Ps. 23:4A; 2 Cor. 1:3-4; Is. 40:13 Resources : How to Heal from Grief - GriefShare ; Helping Those Who Grieve - Association of Certified Biblical Counselors ( biblicalcounseling.com ) Monday, Nov. 17 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus - Gender Identity [Finding freedom in God’s Initial Design] Podcast: Gender identity [who am I or better who did God design me to be] Prayer points: For family members who chose to be LGBTQ+; for family members dealing with those who chose it; first that we always define others as children of God; for the family member to draw closer to Christ; for wise counsel, not derision or coddling; that homosexual friends and family respect their Christian loved ones; for them to know they were designed by God; for healthy conversations, protection from suicidal thoughts, truth would set them free; for loving people to speak to them. Scriptures: Gen. 1:27; Rom. 1:26-27; John 8:7-11; Deut. 22:5 Resources: How to Pray for Homosexual Friends and Family Members ( crosswalk.com ) ; HOME ( fearlessidentity.co ) ; Christian parents on how to respond to LGBT children: Tell them ‘I love you' even more | Living News ( christianpost.com ) ; Confessions of a Christian Who Struggled with Gender Identity - Christ and Culture ( sebts.edu ) ; What does the Bible say about transsexualism / transgenderism? Is gender identity disorder / gender dysphoria the result of sin? | GotQuestions.org ; A Prayer for Our LGBT Neighbors | Family Policy Alliance Friday, Nov. 14 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus - Strengthening Marriages [Bound by a triple-braided cord] Podcast: Strengthening Marriages [intentional work to love, accept & forgive] Prayer Points: for couples to be quick to forgive and apologize, not keep an account of wrongs, ask for you to be the 3 rd chord that keeps them together, they seek God above all else, learn to accept and not try to change each other, learn each other’s way of giving and receiving love, to find time to connect, be open with each other/not hiding anything, divine wisdom to handle the external pressures. Scriptures: 1 Peter 4:7-8; Col. 3:13-14; Eph. 4:32 Resources: PRAYER FOCUS: Families ( sbcuniteandawake.com ) ; 6 Reasons Christian Marriages Struggle - Esther Littlefield ; 13 QUESTIONS TO ASK FOR A MARRIAGE THAT LASTS; The Love Language™ Quiz ( 5lovelanguages.com ) Thursday, Nov. 13 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus - Instilling Values [It’s never too late to encourage God’s standards] Podcast: Instilling values [what standards do we live by and expect at home] Prayer Points: increase prayer for your family, keep a journal of requests, list the praises, increase faith with God’s promises; regularly repent and teach that; show unconditional love, forgive daily, serve others and take family along; tithe & donate; have family nights, show your faith. Scriptures: Deut. 6:6-7; Prov. 22:6; 1 Tim. 5:8; Col. 3:20; 1 Tim. 3:5 Resources: Building your family on Christian values and principles - FamilyToday Wednesday, Nov. 12 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus - Families as Lighthouses [Spark a fire; Spread His love; Shine in the darkness] Podcast: Families become lighthouses who want to pass on God’s love, sparking a fire of revival and bold to shine in the darkness. Prayer points: pray for your neighbors as a family; take prayer walks; look for ways to be a light to those around you; do simple acts of kindness; when encountering a neighbor offer to pray for them or ask if they have something they need in prayer; invite them over for a meal or coffee or tea; pray for divine encounters, ask questions, seek to get to know them & build relationship. Scriptures: Matt. 5:14-16; John 8:12; Acts 13:47; Eph. 5:8 Resources: Your Home: A Lighthouse - Via Families ( weavefamily.org ) ; A House of Prayer for All Neighbors — GOSPEL FAMILY MINISTRIES ; It Only Takes A Spark Song Lyrics | Divine Hymns | Gospel Song Lyrics Tuesday, Nov. 11 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus - Dependence Issues [Who are we depending on?] Podcast: Dependence Issues [Co, Inter, Independence or God] Prayer points: Identifying who we are depending on – man or God; are we the cause of their dependence; learning each member matters; each family can do something; co-dependent means we’re not relying on God; interdependence means we need each other; independence means I can do it by myself, me is at the center of relationships, God dependence means I recognize the Potter, I’m the clay and under His leadership and need to depend on Him. Scriptures: Phil. 4:13, Matt. 10:37; 1 John 4:7-8 Resources: What does the Bible say about interdependence? | GotQuestions.org Monday, Nov. 10 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus - Handling Finances [economy, giving, saving, it's His anyways] Podcast: Money Problems [Whose money is it anyways? – Love God or Love $ - It is never too early to learn] Prayer points: give to God first; generously, cheerful, save, learn to be content with what they have, not love money, not greedy, test God, tithe, spend appropriately, share with others, teach children how to spend/save and give to God, understand why we need to love God over money. Scriptures: Prov. 3:9; Prov. 6:6-8; Heb. 13:5 Resources: 10 key Scriptures to follow when managing your money - Christ Win ; Money Management for the Christian Family - FamilyLife® ; Teach Children How to Handle Money God's Way - Christian Finances ( crosswalk.com ) Friday, Nov. 7 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus - Social Media Usage [Phubbing? Parameters? Purpose?] Podcast: Social Media Usage [Stop phubbing! Use parameters! Ask purpose!] Prayer points: not to be on phone when someone is talking to you [phubbing]; setting clear boundaries on when to listen, what to watch & how to use for good & how much time; identify why families look at social media; remember you’re Christ’s ambassador online; connect with family, take breaks from it; consider fasting. Scriptures: Ps. 101:3; 1 Cor. 10:31; Matt. 5:16 Resources: Study Reveals Parents' Concerns About Social Media Use | Lurie Children's ( luriechildrens.org ) ; 15 Things Christians Should Stop Doing on Social Media - RELEVANT ( relevantmagazine.com ) ; How to reduce social media use – 12 simple proven steps ( unscreen.org ) Thursday, Nov. 6 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus – Entertainment [Watching & Listening with Jesus by our Side] Podcast: Entertainment [Filtered with Jesus] Prayer points : Reminder Jesus is with you all the time when we take in entertainment, be aware of little ones around, whether music, movies, video games or other types would not be an idol in our lives, for Holy Spirit to help you understand the Bible’s entertainment principles, for wisdom as you establish family media standards, to get rid of temptations [i.e. stop a streaming service, throw away what uses foul language, sensual, or God’s name in vain; fast it for 30 days, for strength to resist the temptation to indulge in entertainment that doesn’t glorify God; that the changes made will last. Scriptures : Ps. 119:37; Ex. 20:3; Josh. 1:8 Resources : Making Wise Entertainment Choices - Focus on the Family ;  Hymn: Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see ( hymnal.net ) Wednesday, Nov. 5 Strengthening Families Prayer Focus - Arguments & Conflicts [learn to fight fair] Podcast link : Arguments & Conflicts - Biblical approach [it's not about winning] Prayer points : Identify root cause; examine motives; lean on grace; put on humility; create an environment of thanksgiving, pray before and after the conflict or argument, seek resolution not restitution, the end game is not your way or my way - it's God's way. Scriptures : James 4:1-6; Eph. 4:30-32 Resources: Handling Conflict Biblically and Constructively: Encouraging articles from Family Fire — Family Fire ; Conflict Management: A Biblical Approach — Family Fire Tuesday, Nov. 4 Family Prayer Focus: LEGISLATION [Making our voices heard] Podcast: CA bills that affect families approved by governor & became law recently Prayer points: for people to write their politicians, school board, school district administration, get educated on bills, take action and share with others the ramifications of the legislation affecting families; for bills that protect parents and their rights; for laws developed to keep children safe; for Godly bills to pass Resources: 2025 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY | Real Impact Help Center Webpage: https://www.sbcuniteandawake.com/post/prayer-focus-family-1 Monday, Nov. 3 Family Prayer Focus: COMMUNICATION [Anybody listening?] Podcast:   [Are you really listening? What are you saying? Put the phone away!] Prayer points: making a choice to listen out of love; getting rid of distractions, choosing right place right time, seeking to understand first, paying attention to verbal & nonverbals, putting phone away, allow for faults, humility, gentleness, patience, speaking the truth in love, build each other up with wholesome language, kindness, forgiveness, slow to give advice Scriptures: James 1:19 , Proverbs 1:5 ; Deut. 12:28 ; Eph. 4: 1-3; 15-16; 23-24; 26-27; 31-32 Resources: Pay attention, listen, seek to understand - Communicate better ; Communication Skills for You and Your Family | Cooperative Extension | University of Delaware ( udel.edu )