Dear Porch of the Lord blog followers. In order to honor the artist, and at his request, I noted his website. However, I’m sorry, there seems to be a problem with the link via my post. If interested to view his site, just entering it on your own via the web should bring you to the site. Thanks for your understanding and patience.
God bless you today….
“Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’
“So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’
“And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’
“And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’
“Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” John 20:24-29 NKJV
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Why is faith needed–because, like Thomas, we, too, can sometimes doubt,
so we need to continually go to God’s Word to push wrong thinking out.
Without faith, it’s impossible to please God–it’s a detriment to us as well.
How can we doubt God’s integrity, who’s provided heaven and escape from hell?
The truth about this…is that there’s a deceiver, who actively bombards with lies,
which is the reason God says to be vigilant in keeping His Word before our eyes.
And words of faith are like a refreshing breeze in the midst of a bad situation.
“Have faith in God,” Jesus said, which are His words to the people of every nation.
“For with God, nothing shall be impossible,” is another important Biblical quote.
We can even “walk on the water,” at His direction, boldly stepping out of the boat.
Though called “the questioning apostle” or “doubting Thomas,” his doubt didn’t stay.
He went on to serve in God’s kingdom, leading others to follow Christ and The Way.
So, just like Thomas, we can walk on in faith, despite doubts that have assailed us.
Fixing our eyes upon Jesus, we’ll be able to say, “God’s Word has never failed us!”
P. A. Oltrogge
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
The above image of Jesus
used by permission of Bob Berran
at: http://www.bobberran.com
See his Online Store to
purchase reprints of
various sizes.
Thomas’s influence for Christianity has been historically noted in Kerala, India.
For a message on God’s love for all people, see today’s: http://www.givehim15.com
…and visit often: http://www.faithschool.org
“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
The ACLJ is working to raise awareness for the hostages and petition the international community for help to ensure they’re returned home safely. It is for “such a time as this” that your ACLJ has been placed in a unique position with offices in Jerusalem, Europe, and the U.S. to help defend Israel. Please pray for the hostages’ safe return and that Israel will be victorious against Hamas.
Donation site at: http://www.aclj.org
Father,
You’ve seen the brutality of this war begun towards the Jewish people–even infants, children, and the elderly. You also have seen innocent people being harmed in Gaza…and other war zones. We understand the times we’re living in and that the source of evil is the devil, satan.
As written in your Word, you are good to all, and your tender mercies are over all your works. So, though it seems very difficult in the face of such brutality, we believe for and claim your tender mercies over those taken hostage by demonically-influenced people and your mercies over those who have suffered loss of loved ones and friends. You are the God of deliverances, so we look to you, Lord, for such. Help the IDF soldiers–give them courage, wisdom, and strength. Convict the evildoers….
Thank you for accounts we’ve heard of, of some having received visions/dreams of Jesus, your Son, our Savior….
We pray and thank you for your help in all of this, in His name, Amen
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“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145:9 NKJV
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. God is to us a God of deliverances; and to God the Lord belong escapes from death.” Psalm 68:19, 20 NASB
…and one can assist through other ministries previously mentioned on this blog….
“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” Hebrews 13:20-21
My Son watches over your life as the great Shepherd of the sheep. He is with you always, as He is with all of His lambs, even as they sleep.
Some men trust in military might, but I’m the One of whom to boast. I AM the God of the entire universe and am the LORD of hosts.
“I give my angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” “No plague shall come near your dwelling”–trust this throughout your days.
I hold all things together in your life by the Word of my great power. The name of the Lord is, to you, your strong and dependable tower.
Jesus’ blood cleanses of all sins, and there’s healing through His blood. That which seems to be failing, by My resurrection power, can bud.
God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit–we are three yet one. “In God we Trust” are words to remember as the Christian race is run.
P. A. Oltrogge
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds, who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4
“…’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:5-7
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
“Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven
with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen;
but we have risen and stand upright.” Psalm 20:6-8
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11
“…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2
“…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver and gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19
“And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:11 AMP
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20
…and the third paragraph of the above poem references Psalm 91
Scriptures: NKJV or as noted
On healing: www.rhema.org offers the book, “Bodily Healing and the Atonement,” by Dr. T. J. McCrossan, reedited and reprinted by Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin and Dr. Roy Hicks. Refer also to messages on healing at other ministry sites previously mentioned on this blog.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved,
For You are my praise.” Jeremiah 17:14
“…who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25
The following poetic thoughts were patterned after an old, historic poem. Though this Porch poem was written a number of years ago, it is more relevant with each passing day…
Listen, my children, and you shall hear
of the soon return of the King we revere.
In this present year with which we strive,
not a person is now alive
who knows the exact year, day, or hour, but it’s near.
Jesus clearly said that as the signs appear
on the world stage in obvious sight,
we should have our lamps lit with plenty of oil,
as if on a church tower as a signal light–
both to guide others and serve as our key
when He on the opposite shore will be.
Ready to ride, but first keep us from harm,
He will catch away His children through city and farm–
yes, those with His Word, who’ve been up and “armed.”
When Jesus descends from Heaven with a shout,
there will be no more time for those who claim doubt.
The dead in Christ will be raised up first.
Then believers still alive will leave the earth
to meet the Lord with them in the air,
while others will be left in the tribulation’s snare.
Some misunderstand and say, “None will be left out,”
but that thought is simply a satanic route
to keep you from seeing that God’s beautiful plan
of salvation was meant for each woman and man.
He lovingly yearns for you to come home–
don’t be like the prodigal son who would roam.
For, as in the garden of Eden, the voice
of Satan tells you to make your own choice:
“Surely, God didn’t say Christ was THE WAY–
There are many paths to God—think of Him another day.”
But if this life’s pursuits are all you’ve perceived,
You’ll find, in the end, that you’ve been deceived.
It’s a deceptive lie if you think this is all,
when God’s given each one of us a much higher call–
to love Him and others–then join Christ one day,
bringing all whom we can for an eternal stay.
To put faith in so-called prophets of merit
or even in good things you’ve done,
won’t gain you the heaven you hope to inherit–
since THE DOOR is the sinless Christ, God’s Son.
His blood sacrifice made on the cross
is the only assurance against heaven’s loss.
There won’t be a Messiah by any other name,
but Jesus Christ of world-renowned fame.
You’re sure of these things, you ask, by what right?
It’s all found in the Bible, which gives us the light.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good,
offering adoption as His children and true brotherhood.
Blessed beyond measure you’ll surely be
both now and for eternity.
So receive the Lord–it’s simple to pray.
Repent of your sins and turn to Christ’s way.
For as in the time of Noah, it’s now–
what God says is wrong, we must disavow.
The days will get darker in this world of sin;
but Christ is the “Ark,” and He’s urging us to come in.
Things are happening fast upon the world’s scene—
it’s time to embrace what God really did mean.
A hurry of hoofs from a heavenly street,
and the fate of all souls will then be complete.
Revelation tells us that Christ will appear
on a white horse to reign down here,
with a shout of victory and not of fear–
a voice piercing this world’s darkness,
the voice of Him Who is “the Way” and “the Door.”
His Word shall echo forevermore!
For, borne on the night-wind of the past,
through all earth’s history, to the last,
in the hour of darkness and peril and need,
the people who know Him and have listened to hear
for the hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,
heed the end-time message of the King we revere!
P. A. Oltrogge
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
“And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written. ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.’” Revelation 19:11-16
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:6
“Jesus therefore said to them again, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door, if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.’” John 10:7-9
“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9
…for detailed and insightful resources: http://www.davidjeremiah.org
And more at: http://www.davidjeremiah.blog
For faith in these times, visit: http://www.faithschool.org
Faith School, “By Faith, Noah”
(Week 13)
“Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit.
You, too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” Luke 12:35,40
…as of October 18
I am in Israel, a nation at war. Everywhere I go, I can feel the tension in the air. The warning sirens are not just going off in the south. Even Jerusalem is being threatened. And Hezbollah in the north is continuing to ramp up their attacks. These are prophetic days, and I’m asking you to join hands with us to fulfill the mission God has given us to bless and defend His Chosen People. We need to raise $250,000 to continue our outreach to the families of victims and the survivors of these attacks. So far 1,034 friends have given $146,748, which means we still need to raise $103,252. Will you help with your best gift today?
To donate, go to http://www.jerusalemprayerteam.org
What I have seen over the past few days is heartbreaking beyond belief. The people of Israel are struggling to deal with this shocking assault. There are physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wounds from these attacks, and someone needs to step up and make a difference for the survivors. That’s why we have our Rapid Response Team in place on the ground in Israel…and because we do have that team, we can start helping right away.
The Rapid Response Team reaches out to Israeli families who have suffered terrorist attacks. We provide immediate humanitarian support and help with the expenses that are often so great. We host events at FOZ to honor the victims and survivors and let them know they are not alone. And we tell the truth about what is happening that the liberal media wants to ignore. Your generous gift today will bless the lives of those who are suffering so greatly right now and be an unmistakable witness of Christian love in action.
Your support of the Jerusalem Prayer Team today allows us to purchase food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities of life for the poor Holocaust survivors, as well as to continue to operate the Friends of Zion Museum, to stand up and speak out for Israel, and to meet urgent humanitarian needs among the poor Jewish people in Israel and Ukraine. Thank you so much for being part of this vital worldwide prayer movement.
Your ambassador to Jerusalem,
Michael David Evans
Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem
A Song of Ascents, of David
I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Our feet are standing
Within your gates, O Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, that is built
As a city that is compact together;
To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord–
An ordinance for Israel–
To give thanks to the name of the Lord.
For there thrones were set for judgment,…
The thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
“May peace be within your walls,
And prosperity within your palaces.”
For the sake of my brothers and my friends,
I will now say, “May peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God
I will seek your good.
Psalm 122 NASB
Blessed be the Lord from Zion,
Who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 135:21 NASB
I once said to the Master, Jesus, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” Yet, I was forgiven by Him and blessed to be a part of His Father’s redemptive plan.
I remember when Andrew came to me with some news that truly amazed–that by way of John the Baptist, he had found the Messiah, who was to be praised!
Jesus became our teacher, and we left our nets to follow Him. This meant leaving our daily livelihood, so we weren’t simply doing so on a whim.
No, we knew that this was big. We began to see many miracles taking place–miracles of healing, provision, and protection were wrought by Him, revealing to all God’s grace.
The lame, the blind, and the deaf were finding that the Master was always willing. We disciples saw Him calm the sea during a storm that had been frighteningly chilling.
Another time, faith arose within me to walk towards Him upon the sea. He quickly saved me from sinking below the depths when fear had gotten the better of me.
Once, Jesus took me with James and John on a destined mountain climb, where He was transfigured before us–Elijah and Moses appeared at the time.
I suggested that three tabernacles be built for each, not knowing just what to say. Then a cloud came around us with a message from God on that remarkable day.
It was the voice of His Father in heaven, telling us that this was His beloved Son, and that we should listen to Jesus–His raiment was white as no launderer could have done.
Just as quickly as it had begun, the experience ended and we were alone. We often could expect the unexpected–such was His ministry’s tone.
HIs raising of Lazarus from the dead wasn’t envisioned by any of us disciples, though. Imagine our reaction when we saw death reversed to loose Lazarus and let him go.
I once gave the Lord the use of my boat, for Him to minister from to those on shore…only to be given back the catch of a lifetime–He gave back to us always more!
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” I declared to Him one day. He said His Father in heaven had revealed that truth to me about the Son, who had taught us all to pray.
At the Passover meal, I was taken aback when Jesus came to me to wash my feet. I allowed Him, though, for He said to be a part of Him, it was a duty I needed to let Him meet.
What a blessed remembrance, to have spent that time with the Lord in the upper room…before His betrayal and crucifixion and eventual resurrection from the tomb.
Of course, I felt remorse for my own denial of Him–my boasted loyalty and support having failed. But afterwards, I came to my senses, realizing that I was one…for whom, to the cross, He’d been nailed.
We disciples were so happy when He appeared to us after His glorious resurrection–and later were so glad to spread the news that Jesus is Lord…by the promised Spirit’s direction.
I loved to tell of Him throughout the following years and was always looking toward…that time of my reunion with Him, the Master and Teacher whom we all had adored.
P. A. Oltrogge
Sea of Galilee today…also called Kinnereth, Lake of Gennesaret, and Sea of or Lake Tiberias
For a relevant message today, visit: http://www.givehim15.com
also, messages by Yvon Attia and others: http://www.elijahlist.com
“Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints….” Ephesians 6:10-18
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Images that are savage, far beyond being cruel–these display the devil’s use of unredeemed men as a wicked tool…to carry out his wishes…on the very young to the very old. Perilous times will come, the Bible says, as world events continue to unfold.
“The thief,” Jesus said, “comes only to steal, to kill, and to destroy…” Jesus came to bring us life–to impart God’s love, His peace, and joy. We must not be overcome by evil, but are to overcome evil with good. That we’re in a spiritual battle, is certainly clearly understood.
In the midst of this world’s turmoil, see Christ’s image in the storm. Pray and use the scriptures, which won’t return void, but will perform. Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit, able to divinely save… Keep us sharing the gospel message…give us the courage to be brave.
P. A. Oltrogge
…thanking the Lord for the many outreaches which are going to areas of war to help the people there…and for His healing over the wounded…
Be sure not to miss today’s post at: http://www.givehim15.com
“Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen”
Father, “deliver us from evil,” as the Lord’s prayer says. Thank you for continuing to reveal your Son in supernatural ways through your Holy Spirit. Thank you also for using television, radio, books, and the internet to reach this world with Your Word, which tells people of Jesus, Emmanuel, God With Us…and which tells us to love, rather than to hate. in Jesus’ name, we pray…
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“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
“Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
“And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.” Matthew 1:20-25 KJV
For a relevant message today, visit: http://www.givehim15.com
…and follow the Flashpoint programming: http://www.govictory.com/flashpoint
Psalm 91:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you.
You will only look on with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.
For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.
No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.
For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down,
Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him.
With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him behold My salvation.
Ein Gedi Oasis, Israel
Photo/Unsplash
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” Exodus 9:1 NIV
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For a beautiful rendition of Israel’s national anthem–and the message, “Invoke God’s Covenant Over Israel,” which is filled with scriptures to claim on Israel’s behalf, given by Pastor George Pearsons yesterday–visit: http://www.emic.org
Pastor George named the scripture above to claim over those taken from Israel as hostages.
And for America, see today’s: http://www.givehim15.com
For Israel, Father, we pray that You will protect them from all of their enemies, deliver those captured, help/sustain those who are mourning, and heal those who have been wounded. And we pray that America’s present leaders will truly stand with Israel, in Jesus’ name. Another Christian ministry has shared the following:
1. Pray for ALL people: Lift up every person, poor or powerful, on both “sides” of this evil to be reconciled to Jesus:
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. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. —1 Timothy 2:1-4, NLT
2. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: Ask for God’s mercy, grace, and hope to be restored:
Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. —Psalm 122:6
3. Pray for a great in-gathering into Jesus’ Kingdom: May the news of this great city be peace rather than conflict — all pointing toward the return of our Savior:
Go out through the gates! Prepare the highway for my people to return! Smooth out the road; pull out the boulders; raise a flag for all the nations to see. The Lord has sent this message to every land: “Tell the people of Israel, ‘Look, your Savior is coming. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.’” —Isaiah 62:10-11
The Porch of the Lord 