“In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”

Luke 6:12-16 ESV

http://bible.com/59/luk.6.12-16.esv

All,

This stands out because Luke says, “In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.” It’s amazing how much time Jesus spent in prayer. If anyone didn’t “need” to pray, it would be Jesus. If Jesus spent this much time, how valuable would it be for us? God loves for us to spend with Him. He knows already what needs we have and He also knows our priorities that pull us away from Him. Please pray that we and our friends seek first His kingdom. Please pray for Doug and Michael’s group.

“After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.”

And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.””

Luke 5:27, 29-32 ESV

http://bible.com/59/luk.5.27,29-32.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Are you righteous or are you a sinner? It seems that most non-Christians would say that Christians think they are righteous and are therefore hypocritical. However, we know we are being transformed into the likeness of Christ by the power of Christ, not OUR power. We are eternally indebted to Christ. Please pray that we and our friends share the good news of Jesus Christ. Please pray for Doug and Michael’s group.

“And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.”

Luke 4:33-35 ESV

http://bible.com/59/luk.4.33-35.esv

All,

This stands out because the demon says, “I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” Just the name of Jesus causes a strong reaction either towards Him or away from Him. World philosophies have been created to take Jesus out of everything. Many groups in the U.S. will not rest until Jesus is never spoken. Please pray that we and friends are prepared for these reactions when we tell someone about the good news of Jesus. Please pray for Matt and Todd’s group.

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”

Luke 2:8-10, 20 ESV

http://bible.com/59/luk.2.8-10,20.esv

All,

This stands out because Luke says, “the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen”. What started out as great fear ended in “glorifying and praising God” for being a part of God’s purpose. God wants us to experience great Joy, but it could be hidden in a great challenge that requires faith in Him. Please pray that we and our friends accept His purpose in those challenges and have Faith in Him throughout. Please pray for Hunter and David’s group.

“Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.”

Luke 1:57-64 ESV

http://bible.com/59/luk.1.57-64.esv

All,

This stands out because Luke says, “And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.” Obedience is powerful in our walk with Christ. Until I obey, do I REALLY trust God? We all have certain areas of our life where we don’t want to obey God. It’s easier to obey other parts and maybe get points by serving in others areas, but God is concerned about those tough areas because He knows those build Faith in Him and away from ourselves or a idol. Please pray that we and our friends obey today. Please pray for Jim and Lloyd.

“And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.””

Luke 1:18-20 ESV

http://bible.com/59/luk.1.18-20.esv

All,

This stands out because Zechariah says, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” Has God put something on your heart that you have doubted and thus delayed doing? Do you think the circumstances are not right for it to be accomplished? Does God have the ability to accomplish it? Please pray that we and our friends do that “next step” in whatever God has called us to do today. Please pray for Wes and David’s group.

“Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Mark 16:14-16 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mrk.16.14-16.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” If you have the cure for cancer, you want everyone to know. If you ate a good meal or enjoyed a good movie, we are not shy in passing that news along. Do we feel funny when we talk about the gospel, or good news, of Jesus and how He has transformed us? Why are we hesitant? Concerned we will offend someone? Not be accepted? Not really sure we know what the gospel is? Please pray that we and our friends know the answers to these questions and reach out to someone to get them. Please pray for Wes and David’s group.

“And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death.”

Mark 14:60-64 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mrk.14.60-64.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” I’ve been in discussions lately with people who think Christians are exclusive because we believe Jesus is the only way to heaven. I’m always reminded of C.S. Lewis’ statement that Jesus is either the Son of God or the craziest person to ever live. If a person doesn’t believe Jesus is the only way, It doesn’t help to debate with them until you “win”. However it is a opportunity for us to build a relationship with them and walk with them. Please pray that we and our friends express our belief in Jesus in a gentle and kind way. Please pray for Doug’s group.

“And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same. And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.””

Mark 14:30-36 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mrk.14.30-36.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” How many of us have told ourselves we will do this and that going forward only to fail within a week? Here Peter famously denies Christ, but look what Jesus does when tempted to not do the Fathers purpose. Jesus goes to the Father and makes His request and gets strength in His moment of weakness to do the Fathers will. Please pray that we and our friends go to God in our moments of weakness for strength. Please pray for Tinka.

“”But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.””

Mark 13:32-37 ESV

http://bible.com/59/mrk.13.32-37.esv

All,

This stands out because Jesus says, “Be on guard, keep awake.” How do we, “Be on guard, keep awake.”? I think it’s about submitting our lives for His purpose. How do we do that daily and throughout the day? Can we ask throughout the day if we are about His purpose and either stay the course or course correct? Can we go over our day with Him in the morning? Please pray that we and our friends ask God how to be about His purpose today. Please pray for Tiffani.