Use the IFA Top 120 Officials bookmark supplied with this newsletter (also available on "Current Prayer Guides" page at IFA's Web site:  Prayer Calendars) and intercede as the Lord leads for President Bush, Vice President Cheney, the Cabinet and Administration, the Supreme Court, and the 110th Congress as it reconvenes after Labor Day. Intercede for wisdom and a biblical posture regarding foreign policy toward Israel and the Middle East. Intercede for cooperation between the Bush Administration and Congress to pass God-appointed and necessary legislation in the midst of national elections.

In 60 days U.S. voters will elect a President and Vice President, an entire House of Representatives, one third of the Senate, scores of state and local officials, and vote on important marriage and other referenda. Intercede for mercy and good government, and that Christians take time to examine candidates, positions and issues on the basis of biblical truth, virtue, and character. Affirm the sovereignty of Christ (Ps 75:7; Col 1:9-20; Rev 1:5) over all candidates, debates, and campaigns. Intercede that godly local, state and national pro-life, and traditional family candidates be granted resources, workers, media exposure, and favor with voters.

Offer thanksgiving to the Lord for exhibiting mercy, grace, and redemption in the midst of natural disasters, economic hardships, and political turmoil. Intercede that the Lord use the severity and judgments in this season to open and prepare hearts for the gospel and the reception of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Intercede for anointing upon all who are called as evangelists and upon all forms of local church and mass evangelism underway across the U.S. and worldwide. Pray for fruitful Internet evangelism, Bible study, and discipleship.

Offer thanksgiving that in Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col 2:3) Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit across America which will release the "wisdom from above" and the instruction that we and our leaders so desperately need in this time of division, confusion, and crisis. (James 3:17) Pray that all men, women, children, and young adults across America will come to "fear God" and desire to "gain a heart of wisdom." (Ps 111:10, 90:12)
 

FIRST FRIDAY
October 3, 2008
PRAYER FOCUS

NATIONAL REPENTANCE

Reflect upon the Ten Commandments outlined as part of the 40daysUSA Prayer Guide supplied with this newsletter (also available at www.40daysUSA.com). Engage in personal repentance and in identificational repentance and intercession for family, church, and nation   (2 Chron 7:14; Dan 9:3-19; 2 Tim 3:1-5) Intercede for mercy, forgiveness, spiritual awakening, protection, employment for all and prosperity.

NOVEMBER ELECTIONS

On Tuesday, November 4, U.S. voters will elect a President and Vice President, an entire House of Representatives, one third of the Senate, scores of state and local officials, and vote on important marriage and other referenda. Intercede for mercy and good government, and that Christians take the time to examine candidates, positions and issues on the basis of biblical truth, virtue, and character. (See Page 3) Intercede that godly local, state, and national pro-life and traditional family candidates be granted resources, campaign workers, objective media exposure this final month, and favor with voters. Intercede that Christians and God-fearing citizens will exercise their privilege, duty, and responsibility to vote.

CHURCH AND CLERGY

This month is clergy appreciation month. Offer thanksgiving for the pastors and leadership serving you in local congregations. (1 Tim 5:17-19) Offer thanksgiving for effective evangelism and new church planting efforts. (See Pages 2 and 4) Intercede for the healing of any broken and strained relationships, and for harmony in your church and among local pastors, ministries, and believers. Intercede for ordained and lay leadership in your local congregation, city, state, and across the nation.

SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD