40 Day Prayer Challenge

Day 40 (February 28th, 2026)    

A day of celebration: "Lord, thank you for bringing our Pastor and his wife and family safely to us.". Psalm 118:24 — "The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad."

o   Devotional:  We have reached the finish line of these 40 days, but it is actually the starting line of a new race. Today is not about the "Pastor's Arrival"—it’s about "The Lord's Doing." Let your heart overflow with gratitude that you get to be part of this story. We rejoice because God is faithful, our leaders are safe, and the future is bright. Let’s be "glad" together! 

o   Application: Take a "Gratitude Walk" today, thanking God for every one of these 40 days and the "New Hope" He has given you… treat it as a treasure forever grateful of all God has and will do in your life. 

 o   Fasting: Today and into tomorrow, we are fasting as a church. Fasting can take different forms: Abstaining from food, media, or distractions. It’s setting aside comforts and intentionally carving space for prayer. Its purpose is to say, “Lord, You matter more. Break my heart for what breaks yours”. Tomorrow, we celebrate and break bread together over ALL that the Lord has done!

Day 39 (February 27th, 2026)    

Pray for the long-term impact and legacy this new partnership will have for the Kingdom. Ephesians 3:20 — "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..."

o   Devotional:  Our "imaginations" are often too small for what God wants to do. We pray for "a smooth transition," but God wants to do "immeasurably more" for His Kingdom. As we reflect on the legacy of this new partnership, let us widen our prayers. Don't just pray for "good"; pray for "Kingdom Impact." Trust that the God who brought this all together has plans that exceed your wildest dreams. 

o   Application: What is one "big dream" you have for our church? Pray for that dream today, knowing God can do "more."

Day 38 (February 26th, 2026)    

Ask for a fresh wave of excitement and mission for our church as we begin this chapter. Habakkuk 1:5 — "Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed."

o   Devotional:  Sometimes we get so used to "routine" church that we forget to be "amazed" by God. He is doing a work in our days that we wouldn't believe even if we were told! This "New Chapter" is an opportunity to watch God do something fresh and powerful. Don't just "watch" the Pastor; "watch" what God is doing in the hearts of the people. Be a person who is "utterly amazed" and stands in awe and wonder by the grace of God. 

o   Application: Look for one "God-Wink" or "small miracle" today and share it with someone else to spread the amazement.

Day 37 (February 25th, 2026)    

Pray for the first Sunday service—that God’s presence would be felt by everyone. Matthew 18:20 — "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

o   Devotional:  The "Spiritual enchantment" of a Sunday service isn't in the building or the music; it’s in the Promise. When we gather with a shared focus on Jesus, He is there. As we prepare for this first service together, let’s not just "go to church"—let’s "gather in His Name." Expect to encounter the Living God this week. His presence is the only thing that makes a gathering "Holy."  

o   Application: Spend a moment today visualizing the sanctuary filled with God’s presence and pray for everyone around you gathered to praise the Father with our whole hearts. 

Day 36 (February 24th, 2026)    

Ask God to establish a hedge of protection over the family’s health, well-being, and safety as they travel from Iowa to Arizona today and tomorrow. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 — "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."

o   Devotional:  We often worry about the "what-ifs" of the future, but God's faithfulness is a "sure thing." He is not just a protector; He is a "strengthener." As we pray for a "hedge of protection" over the new ministry couple (and their family), let us stand under that same hedge. You do not have to walk in fear of the "evil one" or the stresses of life. The Lord is faithful to keep you steady through every "New Beginning." 

o   Application: When you feel weak today, recite: "The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen me” and say it until you believe it.

Day 35 (February 23rd, 2026)    

Pray for our congregation to receive the new leadership with open arms and sincere hearts. Romans 15:7 — "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you."

o   Devotional:  Acceptance is a "mirror" of the Gospel: because Christ accepted us with all our flaws, we can accept others with theirs. This is the foundation of a healthy church. As we "receive" new leadership, we must also "receive" one another with open arms. Reflection today: "Is there anyone in the church I am 'holding at arm's length'?" True unity begins when we stop rejecting and start allowing the Spirit to reveal. 

o   Application: Reach out to someone "new" or "different" in the congregation this week and offer a sincere welcome.

Day 34 (February 22nd, 2026)    

Ask for a clear and powerful message from the Lord for the Pastor’s first Sunday. 1 Corinthians 2:4 — "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power."

o   Devotional:  We don't just need "good speeches"; we need the "Spirit’s power." This applies to our own "witness" in the world as much as it does to the Pastor's message. People are not changed by our cleverness, but by the tangible presence of God in our lives. As we pray for a powerful first Sunday, let us ask God to demonstrate His power through us this week. May our lives be a "demonstration" of what Christ can do. 

o   Application: Pray for one person in your life who needs to see "the Spirit's power" and ask God to use you to show it to them, and if this is yourself, then invite and receive God's gift!

Day 33 (February 21st, 2026)    

Pray for the first meetings between the Pastor and staff to be filled with unity and laughter. Psalm 126:2 — "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy."

o   Devotional:  Christianity is not a "somber" religion; it is a faith of "great joy." Laughter is often a sign that we have finally let go of our burdens and trusted God's plan. As we pray for unity and laughter in the church building, let us bring that same "song of joy" into our own interactions. When was the last time you laughed because you were so overwhelmed by God’s goodness? Let today be a day of "songs and smiles." 

o   Application: Listen to a worship song that makes you want to smile or dance or both and get up and let it all go and worship with your whole body today and let it "fill your tongue" with praise. Suggestion (“Praise” – by Brandon Lake)

Day 32 (February 20th, 2026)    

Ask for a spirit of joy to overflow as the Pastor steps into his new role for the first time. Romans 15:13 — "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him."

o   Devotional:  Hope is not a "wish"; it is a "confident expectation." This verse describes a "filling" that happens as we trust. If you feel "empty" today, check your trust levels. As we pray for joy to overflow in the Pastor's new role, let us ask for that same "filling" in our own lives. A church filled with "God-of-Hope" people is a light that the world cannot ignore. 

o   Application: Fill a glass with water until it overflows today as a visual reminder of what God wants to do with your joy.

Day 31 (February 19th, 2026)    

Pray for PK & Tanya, and family's first night in Arizona—that they would feel an immediate sense of home. Psalm 4:8 — "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety."

o   Devotional:  There is a difference between "sleeping" and "resting in peace." As the Pastor spends his first night in Arizona, we reflect on where our sense of safety comes from. Is it in our bank accounts, our health, or our comfort? Real safety is found only in the "alone-ness" of the Lord. When He is our dwelling place, we can sleep soundly through any transition. 

o   Application: Before you go to sleep tonight, let go of your "to-do" list and tell the Lord: "You alone are my safety."

Day 30 (February 18th, 2026)    

Pray for a deep, spiritual connection between the couple; let no weapon be forged against them. Isaiah 54:17 — "No weapon forged against you will prevail."

o   Devotional:  The enemy hates a church that is moving forward in unity. While "weapons" (criticism, division, discouragement) may be "forged," they do not have the power to "prevail" if we are standing in God’s truth. We must be spiritually vigilant, covering our church and our homes in prayer. This is not a time for fear, but for bold confidence in God’s protection. You are on the winning side; walk in that authority today. 

o   Application: Pray for a "hedge of protection" over our church's unity today, specifically naming peace and clarity.

Day 29 (February 17th, 2026)    

Ask God to remove any shadows of the past so the new couple can walk fully in the light of this new call. 2 Corinthians 5:17 — "The old has gone, the new is here!"

o   Devotional:  The Gospel is the story of "newness." Every day in Christ is a chance to start over, free from the "shadows" of past mistakes or "the way things used to be." As our Pastor walks into his new call, we are also walking into a "new call" as a congregation. This is a day to stop looking in the rearview mirror. If you are in Christ, you are a "new creation" today—act like it! 

o   Application: Say out loud: "The old has gone; the new is here." Believe it for your life and your church.

Day 28 (February 16th, 2026)    

Pray for the protection and strengthening of Pastor's marriage during the transition. Ecclesiastes 4:12 — "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

o   Devotional:  A strong marriage is the foundation of a strong ministry, but this principle applies to our own relationships too. When we invite Christ to be the "third strand" in our marriages, friendships, and church bonds, we become "unbreakable." Reflection today is about checking your "strands." Are you trying to hold things together by yourself, or is Christ woven into the center of your relationships? Strength comes from spiritual "intertwining." 

o   Application: Pray with your spouse or a close friend today, intentionally inviting Christ to be the "third strand" between you.

Day 27 (February 15th, 2026)    

Ask the Holy Spirit to begin showing the Pastor how he can best serve our community. James 1:5 — "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all"

o   Devotional:  We often try to "figure things out" on our own, which only leads to stress. God is standing by with a "generous" supply of wisdom for every decision we face. As we pray for the Pastor to have wisdom for our community, let us ask for wisdom for our own roles. "Lord, how can I best support this move? How can I be a better member?" When we ask with a sincere heart, He never withholds the answer.

o   Application: Take a problem you’ve been "overthinking" and simply ask: "Lord, give me Your generous wisdom on this."

Day 26 (February 14th, 2026)

Pray that PK & Tanya's relationships with the church family would continue to grow with hope and love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 — "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love"

o   Devotional:  Love is the only thing that will survive the transition into eternity. While we focus on "faith" to believe for the future and "hope" to stay positive, we must never forget to lead with "love." On this Valentine’s Day, let your reflection be on the quality of your love for your church family. Love covers a multitude of mistakes and makes the "new" feel familiar. Let love be the bridge that connects us to our new family

o   Application: Do one intentional act of "agape" (selfless) love for someone today without expecting anything back. BONUS: do it for a stranger ☺

Day 25 (February 13th, 2026): 

Ask for a quick adjustment to our Arizona climate and the lifestyle of our community. Deuteronomy 11:11 — "But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys..."

o   Devotional: Arizona is different from Iowa, just as this new season will be different from the last. God’s "Promised Lands" often include both "mountains" (victories) and "valleys" (challenges). We must be willing to "cross the Jordan" and accept the landscape God has chosen for us. Don't be afraid of the "valleys" of transition; they are where the water flows and the growth happens. Embrace the unique "climate" of what God is doing in our church right now.  

o   Application: Identify one "valley" or challenge in your life right now and ask God to show you the "growth" happening there.

Day 24 (February 12th, 2026): 

Pray for the logistics of the move—for the safety of their belongings and travel. Ezra 8:21 — "I proclaimed a fast... to humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey."

o   Devotional: Every transition involves a "journey" through the unknown. Whether it is a physical move or a spiritual shift, we must "humble ourselves" and admit we need God’s protection. This isn't just about the Pastor's drive from Iowa; it’s about your journey through this month. Trust that God is the Master Pilot of your life. When we fast or pray for safety, we are acknowledging that He is the only one who can truly "guard the way." 

o   Application: Fast from one meal or one "comfort" (like social media, your phone) today and use that time to pray for the safety of our church.

Day 23 (February 11th, 2026): 

Pray specifically for the Pastor’s wife to find deep, supportive friendships within our church. Ecclesiastes 4:9 — "Two are better than one... if either of them falls down, one can help the other up."

o   Devotional: No one is meant to walk the Christian life alone. We need "spiritual partners" who can help us up when we stumble. As we pray for friendships for the Pastor’s wife, let us look at our own circle of support. Do you have people who "help you up," and are you that person for someone else? Strength in the church comes from these "two-by-two" connections that keep us from falling. 

o   Application: Reach out to one "spiritual friend" today just to say you are thankful for their partnership and their presence in your life.

Day 22 (February 10th, 2026): 

Ask God to provide helpful neighbors and new friends to help PK & Tanya to settle in quickly. Proverbs 27:10 — "Better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away."

o   Devotional: For the new couple, their relatives are far away, which means we are now their "nearby neighbors." This is a holy responsibility to be the "family" they need in a new state. Reflection today should center on our own "neighborliness." Are we approachable, helpful, and kind? By practicing being good neighbors in our own streets, we prepare our hearts to be a welcoming family for our new leaders.

o   Application: Wave to a neighbor today or introduce yourself to someone you’ve seen but haven't spoken to.

Day 21 (February 9th, 2026): 

Pray for PK & Tanya's new home—that it would be a place of immediate comfort and peace. Isaiah 32:18 — "My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes."

o   Devotional: Peace starts in the home and flows out to the church. As we pray for the Pastor’s new home to be a sanctuary, we should ask God to make our own homes "peaceful dwelling places." Does your home feel like a "secure" place for your family? A church made up of peaceful homes is a church that radiates stability to the community. Invite the Holy Spirit to walk through your rooms today and establish His peace.  

o   Application: Pray a blessing over every room in your house today, asking for God’s presence to dwell there.

Day 20 (February 8th, 2026): 

Ask God to bless our Elders with a season of personal refreshment as the leadership transition occurs. Proverbs 11:25 — "Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."

o   Devotional: There is a beautiful "boomerang effect" in the Kingdom of God: when we pour out, He pours in. As we focus on refreshing our Elders and the new Pastor, God promises that we will be refreshed in the process. You cannot out-give or out-refresh the Lord. If you feel "dry" today, the secret to finding water might be in serving someone else. Trust that as you care for the house of God, He is caring for yours. 

o   Application: Find a way to "refresh" someone today—a cup of coffee, a kind word, or a helpful hand—and watch how it changes your own mood.

Day 19 (February 7th, 2026): 

Pray for an immediate and strong bond of unity between our Elders and the new Pastor. Ephesians 4:3 — "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

o   Devotional: Notice that unity requires "every effort"—it doesn't just happen. We have to work at it, protect it, and prize it above our own preferences. This "bond of peace" acts like a spiritual safety net for the entire church family. As we pray for unity between leadership, we must ensure we aren't creating "leaks" in that peace through gossip or doubt. Your commitment to peace is a direct contribution to the success of this transition. 

o   Application: Before you speak about the church transition today, ask: "Will these words strengthen or weaken the bond of peace?"

Day 18 (February 6th, 2026): 

Ask the Lord to prepare our own hearts to be receptive and ready to follow our new Shepherd. Ezekiel 36:26 — "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you."

o   Devotional: A "New Shepherd" often brings a new style, a new vision, and a new way of doing things. If our hearts are "stony" and resistant to change, we will miss the blessing God is sending. This prayer is about our receptivity, not the Pastor's ability. Ask God to remove any "stiffness" from your spirit so you can be molded for this new season. A soft heart is the only kind of heart that can truly grow. 

o   Application: Pray: "Lord, soften any area where I have become rigid or set in my ways, and let me be a blessing to support the Pastor and the Elders"

Day 17 (February 5th, 2026): 

Pray that our church would be a community of genuine support and encouragement. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 — "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up."

o   Devotional: We are either building the church up or we are inadvertently tearing parts of it down with our words, our actions, or inactions. Encouragement is the "mortar" that holds the bricks of the church together. Think about the power your words and actions have to change someone's entire week. As we prepare to support a new Pastor, let us practice being a community of radical encouragement now. Who can you "build up" today with a word of life? 

o   Application: Identify someone in the church who seems "tired" and give them a specific word or an action gift of encouragement today.

Day 16 (February 4th, 2026): 

Ask for wisdom and order in all the logistical details regarding PK & Tanya's arrival. 1 Corinthians 14:40 — "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."

o   Devotional: God is not a God of confusion, but of peace and order. In the "rush" of a transition, it is easy for details to slip through the cracks or for tempers to flare. Reflection today involves looking at the "logistics" of your own spiritual life. Is your prayer time orderly? Is your heart cluttered with unnecessary stress? By inviting God’s "fitting way" into our personal lives, we help the church transition smoothly.

o   Application: Organize one area of your life today (a drawer you know the one in all our homes that’s the catch all, a schedule, grocery list, this prayer challenge) as a physical act of inviting God’s order.

Day 15 (February 3rd, 2026): 

Pray for our church staff and volunteers as they prepare the facility and their hearts. Colossians 3:23 — "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord."

o   Devotional: As we prepare the facility for the new Pastor, we are reminded that our "work" is actually a form of worship. Whether you are a staff member, a volunteer, or a supporter, the quality of your effort reflects your heart for God. We shouldn't just do enough to "get by"; we should work with "all our heart." This week, look at your daily tasks through this lens. When we do the "ordinary" with excellence, we create an "extraordinary" testimony for those who join us. 

o   Application: Pick one task you usually rush through and do it with 100% focus and excellence today as an offering to God.

Day 14 (February 2nd, 2026): 

Pray for a spirit of holy anticipation and unity to grow within our entire congregation. Psalm 133:1 — "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"

o   Devotional: Unity is not the absence of disagreement, but the presence of a shared purpose. Like an orchestra tuning their instruments, we must align our hearts with the Holy Spirit to create a "pleasant" sound. If there is any friction between you and another member, now is the time to seek peace. A unified church is an irresistible environment for the Holy Spirit to move. Today, ask God to make you a "peacemaker" who knits the congregation closer together. 

o   Application: Is there a "small wall" between you and someone else? Ask God for the grace to tear it down today, and if this prompts you to go and reconcile, do it and watch the blessing that comes from mercy and love given, which will be returned tenfold. 

Day 13 (February 1st, 2026): 

Ask God to richly reward our leadership for their dedication during this interim season. Hebrews 6:10 — "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him."

o   Devotional: It is easy to feel unappreciated when we serve behind the scenes during a long transition. However, God is a meticulous record-keeper of our love and labor. Every chair moved, every prayer whispered, and every dish washed is seen by the Father. Reflection today should center on why we serve: is it for human applause or for the "Unjust-less" God? Rest in the fact that your faithfulness during this interim season has a heavenly reward that no one can ever take away. 

o   Application: Perform one small act of service for the church today that no one will see but God. 

Day 12 (January 31st, 2026): 

Pray for the families of our Elders, asking for a blessing on their homes and lives. Numbers 6:24-25 — "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you..."

o   Devotional: We often forget that our leaders have personal lives and families that sacrifice alongside them. When we pray for the families of our Elders, we are practicing the selfless love of Christ. This "shining face" of God is meant for every household in our congregation, including yours. Ask the Lord to bless your home today so that you can be a source of blessing to others. When our families are healthy and "kept" by the Lord, the whole church becomes stronger. 

o   Application: Pray the "Priestly Blessing" (Numbers 6:24-26) over the Elders family and for your own family at dinner or before bed tonight.

Day 11 (January 30th, 2026): 

Give thanks for our Elders who have faithfully led and sustained our church family. 1 Timothy 5:17 — "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor."

o   Devotional: Honor is a spiritual "fertilizer" that helps a church grow. When we honor our Elders, we aren’t just being polite; we are acknowledging the spiritual authority God has placed over us. Reflection begins by asking: "Do I have a heart that naturally honors leadership, or am I quick to criticize?" As we pray for those who have led us through this interim, let us ask God to increase our own capacity to respect and support those who serve. A culture of honor starts with a single grateful heart. 

o   Application: Write a short note or send a text of sincere "double honor" to all the Elders today. (Elder Brent, Elder Chris, Elder Bill, Elder Jason) 

Day 10 (January 29th, 2026): 

Pray that Pastor and wife would feel a complete sense of release and freedom as they head toward Arizona, their HOME NOW. Galatians 5:1 — "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."

o   Devotional: Transition is the perfect time to evaluate if we have become "shackled" to old habits or religious routines. Christ didn't set us free so we could stay the same; He set us free so we could move into the "new" with boldness. As our new Pastor heads toward his new "Home" in Arizona, ask yourself if you are feeling "Home" in your faith. This is a day to celebrate the freedom we have to grow, to change, and to follow God’s leading. Embrace the liberty of a fresh start. 

o   Application: Identify one "old habit" or "ritual" that feels stagnant and ask God to replace it with a fresh expression of faith.

Day 9 (January 28th, 2026): 

Ask God to guard their hearts and minds as they focus on the new work ahead. Philippians 4:7 — "And the peace of God... will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

o   Devotional: Our minds are often the primary battlefield during a time of change. We wonder about the "new," we worry about the "unknown," and we analyze the "what-ifs." God promises a peace that acts like a watchman, standing guard at the door of our thoughts. When we focus on Christ, this peace intercepts anxiety before it can take root in our hearts. Today, invite the Holy Spirit to be the "guard" over your mental space. 

o   Application: Take 60 seconds of "mental silence" every few hours today to reset your focus on Christ’s presence.

Day 8 (January 27th, 2026): 

Pray for safety, health, and strength for PK and Tanya during the physical move. Psalm 121:8 — "The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

o   Devotional: God is a God of the "journey," not just the destination. He cares about the physical details of our lives: our safety, our health, and our daily commutes. As we pray for a safe move for our Pastor and his family, let us remember that God is also watching over our own "comings and goings." We are never outside of His protective gaze, whether we are traveling across states or just across town. Trust today that He is guarding every step of this transition for all of us. 

o   Application: Pray for God's protection over your family's travel today and for the physical and spiritual health of our church family.

Day 7 (January 26th, 2026): 

Ask for a fresh filling of peace to sustain PK and Tanya after a season of heavy pouring out. John 14:27 — "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you... Do not let your hearts be troubled."

o   Devotional: The world offers a peace that is temporary and dependent on "good news," but Jesus offers a peace that survives the storm. As we prepare for a new season, our hearts can become "troubled" with the logistics of change. Jesus invites you to step into His specific brand of Peace, one that guards your heart from the inside out. This Peace isn't just for the Pastor; it is the birthright of every believer in the church family. Let His stillness settle over your home and your mind today. 

o   Application: Whenever you feel a "troubled" thought creep up on you today, whisper the words: "I accept Your Peace, Jesus."

Day 6 (January 25th, 2026): 

Pray for a renewed sense of joy and excitement to replace any lingering discouragement. Nehemiah 8:10 — "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

o   Devotional: Discouragement is a thief that steals the energy we need to build for the future. In seasons of change, it’s easy to focus on what we’ve lost rather than what we are gaining. Nehemiah reminded the people that their "strength" wasn't in their circumstances, but in God’s joy! We choose joy not because everything is perfect, but because God is faithful. Today, let His joy be the fuel that drives your service and your prayers. 

o   Application: Find one reason to laugh (tell a dad joke) or celebrate anything today, even if it’s a small victory, and give God thanks for it.

Day 5 (January 24th, 2026): 

Pray for a smooth and final conclusion to PK & Tanya's time in Iowa, leaving all burdens behind. Philippians 3:13 — "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead."

o   Devotional: We cannot reach for what is ahead if our hands are full of what is behind. Whether the past season was full of mountain-top victories or valley-low struggles, there comes a time to "leave it in Iowa," so to speak. This doesn't mean we forget the lessons, but we release the emotional grip those events have on us. Straining toward the future requires a focused heart and an open hand. Today, make a conscious decision to let go of "the way it used to be" so you can see what God is going to do now. 

o   Application: Physically open your hands in prayer today as a sign that you are releasing the past to God, Let GO and Let GOD!

Day 4 (January 23rd, 2026): 

Ask God to renew Pastor and wife's energy and give them a clear, fresh vision for the future. Isaiah 40:31 — "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles..."

o   Devotional: It is easy to get stuck in the "ground-level" view of daily tasks and logistics. However, God calls us to "soar," seeing our church and our lives from His heavenly perspective. When our hope is placed in a person, we will eventually be disappointed; when it is placed in the Lord, our strength is constantly replenished. Today, ask God to lift your gaze above the transition and show you His "Eagle Vision" for our future. Renewal is available to you the moment you shift your hope back to Him. 

o   Application: Write down one "vision" or hope you have for our church this year, and send it to Pastor K, and pray for the strength to pursue it. Email: (pastor.k@newhopechurchsv.org)

Day 3 (January 22nd, 2026): 

Pray for a spiritual refreshing—that any weight from the past would be lifted away. Acts 3:19 — "Repent, then, and turn to God... that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."

o   Devotional: Refreshing often begins with a "turning." When we turn away from our own agendas and back toward God’s face, the atmosphere of our lives changes. This "spiritual refreshing" is like a cool rain after a long, dry summer. As we pray for a weight to be lifted from our leaders, let us ask God to lift the dry, dusty fatigue from our own souls. A refreshed congregation is the most welcoming environment a new shepherd could ask for. 

o   Application: Spend five minutes in silence today, simply "turning your face" toward God and asking for His refreshing Spirit of peace to cover you. 

Day 2 (January 21st, 2026): 

Ask the Lord to provide emotional and spiritual healing from past ministry challenges. Psalm 147:3 — "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

o   Devotional: Ministry transitions can stir up old memories of past church conflicts or personal disappointments. We cannot fully embrace a new leader if we are still nursing wounds from a previous season. God is a tender physician who doesn't just cover our scars; He heals the source of the pain. Allow Him to "bind up" your heart today so that you can move forward without a limp. When we are healed, we become a healthier community for our new Pastor to join.

o   Application: Ask God to reveal any "brokenhearted" places in you regarding church life and ask for His healing touch.

Day 1 (January 20th, 2026): 

Pray for a true sense of rest for the Pastor and his wife as they conclude their previous chapter. Matthew 11:28 — "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

o   Devotional: We often carry the weight of the previous year like a heavy backpack, forgetting that Jesus invites us to set it down at His feet. True rest isn’t just a nap; it is the soul-deep quiet that comes from trusting God with the things we cannot control. As we pray for our new Pastor to find rest, we must also look at our own "burdens." Are you trying to "do" church in your own strength, or are you resting in His? Today, intentionally hand over one specific worry to Him and feel the lightness of His grace.

o   Application: Identify one "burden" (a project, a worry, or a resentment) and verbally give it to Christ today.