— Edited

PRAY MODESTO- UNITY IN PRAYER-- Seven Spheres of influence on our community through prayer   “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” -- 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT) What a privilege it is to once again be part of Pray Modesto’s goal of bathing our city in prayer every day of the year. In these challenging times – from the pandemic to partisan politics to racial tensions to civil (and uncivil) unrest to the cancel culture – It’s more important than ever for the followers of Christ to get on their knees and pray for the Spirit of the Living God to fall afresh on our land, bringing to our community and country the healing and hope that comes only from Heaven above. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as you pray, and feel free to use this Pray Modesto list to guide as needed. You can pick one sphere each day to pray through, or even an element or two from each sphere. However you choose to do it, thank you for praying for Modesto! Sphere One – Government & Public Safety -As you pray, ask God for: *Peace, contentment, security and safety welfare for all citizens; for all to be treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, religion, background or status; for crime and gang violence to reduce; for safe and healthy neighborhoods, and for improved overall quality of life in all areas of the city. *Godly wisdom, honesty and integrity for elected and appointed public officials and staff; for debates to be civil and decisions to be based on the public good, rather than on personal and political agendas. *Workers in all areas of public safety – law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and others – and their families to be protected from any kinds of injury or harm; that they would make good and right decisions daily; and that their authority would be respected and trusted. *All in the judicial system — lawyers, judges and jurors -- that all actions would be fair and just. *Christians in all areas of public service to be “strong and courageous” in not compromising their faith. Sphere Two – Family & Health As you pray, ask God for: *Help, healing and wholeness for those struggling physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis; for hope for those who are hospitalized, and comfort for those who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus; and for everyone to be safe and smart in following health guidelines. *A special hedge of protection around those at risk for self-harm, or for those who face abuse or violence of any sort during the pandemic. *Shelter and provision for homeless and others struggling; for compassion, guidance and wisdom on how to help them; for treatment solutions for the mentally ill on the streets. *Healthy marriages; thanking Him for sturdy marriages that reflect His faithfulness, unity, hope, love and respect between husbands and wives. *Strong families, that they would be spiritually, mentally, physically and economically healthy. *Parents and grandparents to have godly wisdom and discernment in raising children, and that they would model good character, integrity and honesty. *Individuals who are single by circumstance or choice, that they would experience fellowship rather than loneliness or isolation. *Reconciliation between family members; healing of broken relationships; peace in every home. *Children to feel safe, secure and loved, and to obey their parents and respect authority; for teens to know God’s truth and choose Christ over the culture. *Protection, care and support for the unborn, for abused or neglected kids and those in foster care, and for the elderly and disabled. *Families of those in jail or prison, that they would be sustained, protected and provided for, and that their loved ones would be rehabilitated. *Health care workers, that they would be protected while providing care during the COVID-19 crisis. Sphere Three – Citywide Church & Ministries As you pray, ask God for: *Spiritual revival to sweep through Modesto, and for Christians and churches to repent of sin, be forgiven, healed, restored and rededicated to Jesus Christ. *Unity in the body of Christ that would be visible to all through actions that reflect Jesus in our homes, churches and workplaces; and for reconciliation regardless of differences in race, culture, politics, background, economic status, or style of worship. *Blessing, protection and provision for pastors and ministry leaders, their spouses and families; and for encouragement and support for Christians who serve in churches and non-profits organizations. *Christians in all walks of life to become true followers of Christ; and to not be silenced by fear, but to boldly speak the truth in love. *Non-believers and others struggling in our neighborhoods, that they would see the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus through us, and for Christ’s influence to increase in our community. Sphere Four – Education As you pray, ask God for: *Students at every level in public and private institutions – preschool, K-12, college – to be able to safely return to and then continue in-person, on- campus instruction. *Administrators, teachers and staff at all levels, that they would stay safe and healthy; for wisdom as they work to address students’ interrupted educational and social development during the pandemic. *Civility, respect, morality, kindness and other godly values to be encouraged and practiced at every campus at every level. *Administrators and governing board members to seek and have God’s direction in dealing with organizational and curriculum issues. *Freedom of speech and expression to be valued at every level; for Christian students who express godly beliefs and opinions to be treated with respect and protected from discrimination. *Christian teachers in public schools; for God to strengthen, encourage and equip them to deal with curriculum and other issues that are counter to God’s truth. *More Christians to go into public education, bringing much-needed godly wisdom and to elementary, secondary and college classrooms. *God to provide Christian schools with much-needed resources, finances and success. *Parents to be actively involved in their children’s education, and for Christian parents and grandparents specifically to provide moral and spiritual counterpoints to secular curriculum. Sphere Five – Business As you pray, ask for: *Businesses -- especially local ones -- and their owners and employees, that they would survive and recover from the financial devastation caused by the mandated shutdowns during the COVID-19 crisis. *Business leaders to see their marketplace work as ministry to be carried out with godly principles of integrity, fairness and respect for employees and customers alike. *Employees to work as “unto the Lord” with honesty, diligence and excellence; for them to be treated and paid fairly, and not taken advantage of. *Workplaces to be safe and secure, free of violence, harassment, abuse or harm of any kind. *God to grant His favor on people and companies with motives and methods that are pleasing to Him; and for more family-friendly businesses in Modesto. Sphere Six – Arts/Entertainment/Sports As you pray, ask for: *Arts and entertainment – from TV, movies and video games to music, art and theater – to portray God and followers of Christ fairly and accurately. *The growing content of violence, sex and other immorality on TV, movies and games to be reversed and replaced by positive, wholesome programming. *Christians to not view, listen to, attend or support ungodly programs, performances or performers. *God to prosper those who are glorifying Him in the arts and the entertainment world, and for individuals and organizations that promote godly values to have the support needed to succeed. *Believers who are teachers, personal trainers and coaches to model Christ in their gyms and playing fields; for coaches to be focused on developing character as well as physical skills in kids they lead. *More believers to be called by God to actively influence the arts, entertainment and sports. Sphere Seven – Media As you pray, ask for: *Newspapers, magazines, television, radio, social media and websites that shape opinion to present news and information honestly, accurately, fairly, balanced, and separate from opinion. *Dark, ungodly issues and activities not to be portrayed as something to be celebrated but as something that needs attention and correction. *Discussion and debate of events and issues to be civil and constructive. *Citizens to use critical thinking skills to evaluate what they read, view or hear in the news, and to form their own opinions rather than relying on others to tell them what to think. *Christians in the news media to not be threatened or silenced by the current cancel culture, and for God to call more believers to serve in the media. AMEN!