Lift Up The Word - Light Up The World

Reflection

Greetings prayer partner,

We are a few weeks into 2024 and I am checking in with you to see how you are doing as we encourage you to continue to move 2024-ward, pressing on in the power and promises of God each day. We are praying for you by name, thanking God for our partners who volunteer, pray, and give generously to be light and fight for the soul of America together.

We are in touch with our prayer coordinators in every state and receive prayer requests from of our partners that keep us fully aware of what is going on out there. But friends, we want to encourage you to look up, beyond “out there.” Lift your eyes and focus on where our hope comes from. Remember all the days and ways that God has answered our prayers in abundance, exceeded your dreams, and shown you abundant love in the countless blessings He has brought to you, the troubles He carried you through, the lessons He taught you, the mercy, strength, and comfort He has provided through the years and tears behind you. Some may say the world is getting darker, but as long as God’s people are reading and relying on the Word, believing and living His Word, praying and God is faithful! He has not forgotten nor forsaken you or America. Yes, we read and watch the news; practicing His Word, the world is full of light that exposes and dispels the darkness. Our battle is personal and universal.

You are a living lampstand! Jesus called us to be “the light of the world” and we do not have a dimmer switch on us, nor will we allow anyone to cover or hide us. (Matt. 5:14-16) You are strong and courageous walking as children of light powered by God. (Eph. 5:8) Fear has no place in your life; stress is a stranger to a believer in Jesus. We read God’s promises and prophecies in Scripture and walk in steadfast security. His Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path; you do not stumble around in darkness, and He leads you on paths of righteousness for His great name’s sake. (Ps. 119:105 & 23:3) You know what and who Truth is, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us, Jesus, who will never leave you nor forsake you. Yes, He warned that in this world we would have troubles, but instructed us to “Take heart,” because He has overcome the world. (John 16:33) You walk in victory even in the midst of multiple challenges. Refuse to become dismayed, you know the author of your days and end of the story!

Keep your Bible open and meditate on His Word, the Good News, and not the daily news. Talk about what God is saying in Scripture and doing in your life, be the positive voice in conversations relaying what the Word says, not relying on negative opinions. People who believe “things are only going to get worse” are not sanctified and conformed to the character of Christ like those of us who are becoming “better” every day. The world will get better and brighter if we commit to live out this year’s National Day of Prayer theme, “Lift Up the Word, Light Up the World!"

We pray that this letter lifts and brightens your day as all of us at the National Day of Prayer Task Force are currently being called to practice everything we have been preaching and just put on paper. The news we have received recently could discourage us, but we believe the Word, our trust is in Jesus, even as charitable giving in the U.S. is down over 13% from last year, and shockingly even lower among those who are identified as “Religious.” Giving stands at a 40-year low, of 1.7% of an individual’s disposable income. The Word says, “But my God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19) We are standing in faith that Jesus will prompt His people to give to Him for His ministry with generosity. Giving expresses our thanks for all God has given to us. Giving expresses our faith in Him as our provision. Giving expresses obedience as He calls us to give tithes and offering cheerfully, fully, knowing you will have all you need abound in every good work, and God will open the windows of heaven and pour down an overflowing blessing for you. (2 Cor. 9:6-8, Malachi 3:10-12).

Will you pray and ask God to guide you as you decide in your heart what and where you should give? Would you prayerfully continue to partner with the National Day of Prayer Task Force? Together we must continue to engage and equip missionaries in every area of influence in your community to lift up and live the Word, to inspire and influence godly change for your neighborhood and nation, standing in the gap lighting up the darkness 365 days a year, and uniting people in prayer all across America for decades on the first Thursday of May. Would you consider signing up to give monthly to help provide increase where others have decreased? We are just weeks away from the National Day of Prayer and we must be prepared to mobilize unified public prayer for America in tens of thousands of gatherings across America and expand our reach and resources 365 days a year.

Thank you for partnering with us throughout the year and remember that we are praying the Word over you and with you as we partner together to, “Lift Up the Word, Light Up the World!” Darkness doesn’t stand a chance!

Serving Him with gladness,

Kathy Branzell

President