Tag Archives: Prayer

Thoughts on the Great American Flag on America’s Birthday

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From states along the eastern coast, to California and others in the west, our great American flag has symbolized that we’re a nation that’s blessed.

It’s surely the symbol of those who’ve given, for this great country, their all; and as it’s displayed from our homes and buildings, America’s rich history is recalled.

Representing the freedom and liberty that has always been so treasured…the U.S.A. has been blessed by God with blessings beyond measure.

Yes, we’re “one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” But we must hold on to the God of the Bible–reverencing Him guards against a country’s downfall.

Today, we pray for America, trusting in God that He’s heard our fervent prayer…for all to appreciate the gem that’s America and its flag that waves faithfully in the air.

P. A. Oltrogge

…an endearing figurine of U.S. history’s flag seamstress, Betsy Ross…

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“…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” (from Luke 18:1-8)

“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12

“He guards the paths of justice. And preserves the way of His saints.” Proverbs 2:8

“The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” Psalm 103:6

“It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.” Proverbs 21:15

“But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed (by Him). You know the contents of the message which He sent to Israel, announcing the good news (Gospel) of peace by Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all—” Acts 10:35-36 AMPC

Quote from “Pray for our Nation”….

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Patrick Henry, Statesman and Orator

Visit today’s: http://www.givehim15.com

Powerful Prayers for Peter

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Herod began to persecute those who believed in Jesus, it’s told in the twelfth chapter of Acts. James was martyred by the sword and Peter was seized, though there had been no criminal facts.

The church was offering up constant prayer for Peter–imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, the king. So in the dark of the night, God sent an angel to visit Peter there, who was asleep despite everything.

Four squads of soldiers had been assigned to him; and he was chained as he slept that night. A soldier on each side of him and guards were there, who were keeping the prison door barred tight.

Suddenly, the angel of the Lord stood by Peter, and a light shone inside the prison cell. The angel struck him on his side and raised him up; and from Peter’s hands, the heavy prison chains fell.

At the angel’s instruction, Peter dressed quickly to follow him–though it all seemed to be unreal. They went past the first and second guard posts. “This must be a ‘vision,’” was how it made him feel.

They came to the iron gate that led to the city, which simply opened to them of its own accord–then went out and down one street, and the angel departed. What a rescue from an angel of the Lord!

Peter came to his senses, realizing it had actually happened–he’d escaped Herod and leaders of the Jews. He proceeded on to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where they’d fervently prayed for this news.

Peter knocked at the door of the gate to the house, and a girl by the name of Rhoda came to see who was there. In her joy at hearing his voice, she ran to tell the others it was Peter, and that God had answered prayer.

They just couldn’t believe her, so Peter had to continue to knock, until they opened the door themselves to see…that God, indeed, had heard their prayers for Peter, and had sent His angel–to miraculously set him free!

At dawn, back at the prison, there was a commotion among the soldiers, as to how Peter’s captivity was defied. After a search was endeavored, Herod ordered the soldiers’ deaths; but the Bible records that he, too, soon afterward died…

“But the word of God grew and multiplied!”

P. A. Oltrogge

(From the account in Acts 12)

“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:5

“Then He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” Luke 18:1 

Please visit today’s message on prayer and on this Friday’s Healing Summit at: http://www.givehim15.com

The Strength of United Prayer

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Have you read about or heard of a story…regarding a tough situation,

where prayer turned things around with a kind of heavenly litigation?

It’s good to remember such times, of great breakthroughs coming about,

when believers joined their faith in prayer, effectively driving evil agendas out.

This can also be likened to a soldier in battle–weary from fighting hard,

when suddenly fresh troops come to his aid, to relieve him and stand guard.

It’s wise to make declarations of faith when traveling down a difficult way;

but often we need our family in Christ, to join together with us to pray.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20

“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:5

“So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.” Acts 12:12 (and Peter escaped prison by an angel of the Lord, sent in answer to their prayers)

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints–” Ephesians 6:17-18

“Be kindly affectionate to one another, with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12:10-13

“When I cry out to you, Then my enemies will turn back; This I know, because God is for me.” Psalm 56:9

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

You may want to review “The Four Miracles of Dunkirk” in this blog’s archives.

Please see today’s message on a great need for prayer in America, especially before this coming Saturday, at: http://www.givehim15.com

Expect a Miracle…

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“Expect a miracle” is the very important and faith-filled phrase…that God gave Oral Roberts, who relied on it, giving Him praise.

“Expect a miracle” was reflected in Jesus’ life, by the things He did or said. His was a life of great faith in His Father–thereby, He even raised people from the dead.

As disciples of the Lord, we can’t let our faith be clouded by doubt…but thinking “Expect a Miracle,” and saying so, can help bring a miracle about.

Knowing how great our God is, on Him, our thoughts should stay. We can believe we receive miraculous answers at any time that we do pray.

As for looking at things that were contrary, where it seemed God didn’t come through…God understands what happened at those times; it’s not for us to do.

Just keep your focus on God’s promises as you walk out on life’s waters. “Expect a miracle” will serve you well–we’re God’s faith-filled sons and daughters!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.’

“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:20-26

Instead of worry, we take no thought…

“And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?  If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?”  Luke 12:25-26

To hear teaching by Richard Roberts, Oral’s son, visit: http://www.richardroberts.org

To read of another upcoming Healing Summit, visit today’s important message, “The Month of Miracles” at: http://www.givehim15.com

Praying for Notable Miracles

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Dear Porch of the Lord blog followers:

I believe we all would like to see notable miracles, and that’s God’s desire, too. Please join me in prayer that such miracles would more and more come through.

Perhaps, like myself, you have something that’s seemed or has been hard to beat. Let’s pray for one another that such hardships would meet their defeat.

While we continue to stand on God’s promises, even if it seems to be taking long…our prayers for one another can avail much, along with the power of a victory song!

Expect miracles, expect God!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.  Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.”  James 5:13-18

Rachel Shafer has written a book, Expect God. She also shares messages, such as “The Power of a Song,” via you tube and her website: http://www.rachelshafer.com

…I do thank the Lord for the notable miracles I have seen in my life. I’m sure you’ve seen such, too…

Today, if you feel alone with some worrisome cares,

come sit with other believers out on the porch chairs.

Join me in praying for those who follow these posts…

He’ll perfect what concerns us, as we trust the Lord of Hosts!

For our country, for our futures, we continue to believe…

for all of the good things that He said we could receive.

Of those suffering for their faith, today, we’re reminded;

we pray for them and their enemies, who are spiritually blinded.

We’re strong in the Lord and in the power of His might…

His Word lights our path as we fight faith’s good fight!

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, oh Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:3-5

Scriptures: NKJV



Reports/Timothy’s Ministry

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by Marian Alvarado of: www.timothysministry.org

Last week was a good week, and I am so thankful to God for continuing to miraculously provide for our friends and pour out His love! Two people were able to get off the streets into permanent housing after living outside for years, and all I can say is take everything to God even when it looks like doors are closed because God is able to open those doors!! We pray and God answers our prayers, and thank you to everyone for your donations to make this possible!

‘E’ is off the streets as of last Tuesday!

“E” is one of the sweetest and kindest people at Tim’s House (always helping with set up and clean up without being asked) and had been living outside for years and mostly sleeping on the el. He has been working odd jobs, seasonal jobs, and even walking dogs, to help to survive but could not ever make enough to also pay rent. He does not receive any type of Social Security disability check, but somehow has survived in this lifestyle and never complained although always looked so tired from not sleeping. Last Tuesday was the beginning of a new life for him because he moved into his own room at the YMCA and is so happy about finally having stability so that he can look for permanent work. Woohoo!!! God is so good that yet another person was able to get into the YMCA and it could only be the favor of God to open this door for yet another one of our friends! He told me on Friday that it was so nice to have a good night’s sleep and appreciated how warm his room was. He is such a thoughtful person and didn’t want to accept our typical ‘Housewarming’ gift (comforter, sheets, pillows, etc.) and said, “That’s okay, please give it to someone who needs it more than me.” He also said, “It is so nice and warm in my room so I won’t be needing a blanket or comforter.” We did get him his ‘housewarming package’ anyway and he expressed so much gratitude but still said, “please give it to someone else who needs it more than me!”  But, we insisted.

MATT MOVED INTO PERMANENT HOUSING LAST FRIDAY AFTER 15 YEARS OF BEING ON THE STREETS.

Matt is a disabled man in his 50’s who has been living outside in a tent for 15 years on and off, spending a few years either in the hospital or in a nursing home. He suffered from very serious health problems when my friend Ann found him in bad shape; and thanks to your donations, we were able to get him into a motel with the goal of hopefully getting him healthy until he could get into subsidized housing, but did not know how long the wait would be.

Matt was able to financially help with the monthly rent for the hotel room with part of his disability check, but could not afford to do this on his own and needed financial help to pay the hotel rent. Once he was living inside the hotel room, Ann was able to get him needed medical appointments and help him with the right kinds of food and medicine! He completed a housing application 5 months ago for subsidized housing, and we prayed that God would open this door. His legs had been severely swollen and his mind was not clear because of the years of living outside, but God is so good because after just a short time of living inside in a hotel room, his health began to improve. God answered our prayers because a beautiful subsidized apartment that also has a social worker in the building opened up; and after just a 5-month wait, Matt was able to move into his first apartment last Friday!!!. He will be able to pay his rent independently from his Social Security disability check because it is 1/3 of his income, but we were able to help him with the Security deposit which would have been an obstacle for him. Thank you for making this possible. Matt is so grateful and so happy and feeling so much better physically and mentally and said, “I’m human again. I didn’t feel human when I was on the streets!”

Thanks to all of your donations, we were able to purchase the blankets, sheets, and towels for him, as well as help to support him; and thank you again from the bottom of my heart. This man’s life was truly saved and it is a picture of a miracle of God; and very grateful to my friend Ann who walked with Matt step by step…and he is now independently living like a human being.

Pictured below are my sweet friends who cook and help every Friday in the kitchen.  They have added pancakes and bacon to the already delicious menu of eggs, hash browns, sausage, and lots of sweet rolls and bagels. To see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they walk through our doors with the aroma of home cooking, is so beautiful and as someone said, “This is the best breakfast in Chicago!”

…and from another report:

PEOPLE ARE INSIDE MOTEL ROOMS DURING THIS BITTER COLD IN CHICAGO

Thanks to the goodness of God through your generous donations, we have continued to place people in a motel as temporary emergency housing during the bitter cold, and some are inside as I write this e-mail. I know it’s God that we have a great relationship with the manager of a Motel and all I have to do is text him and then send people over with a check. Someone who is new to Timothy’s Ministry and just joined us at Tim’s House (along with 2 others) last week, shared on Friday after lunch as he asked for prayer saying that his feet were swollen inside of his boots because he was sleeping on the train at night and unable to lay horizontally. When I asked him if he would like us to get him a motel room he said, ‘Oh no, that is way too expensive, I don’t expect that at all.” I shared that “This is what God has led us to do and it’s all from God because He is our Great Provider!” Then he began to cry, saying, “a shower and a bed and being able to elevate my feet would be a Godsend.”  He called this morning to express his gratitude saying, “I just want to thank you for this warm room, and I was able to elevate my feet and take showers and get such good sleep; and my feet aren’t swollen any more and feel so good.” 

We are working continuously while praying and asking God to open doors in getting people permanent housing such as a subsidized apartment or a permanent room at the YMCA, and another person will be moving in this week! Even though more new people continue to join us at Tim’s House, we have God on our side.  Thank you so much!!! 

(Marian also shared about helping one person with pain who has been needing hip surgery. One hip surgery has already been done.)

…for more info: http://www.timothysministry.org

Friday/Prayer

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Joining with the prayers for those fighting the California fires, Father, we thank you for your help that you’ve already given in the midst of such loss. Thank you for helping the fire fighters, protecting and strengthening them, and for comforting the affected families, assisting them with new direction. Help them to find strength through your Son and through your Word, through people reaching out to help one another. Help especially those who don’t actually know you… Thank you that the fires will be stopped… in Jesus’ name

To help: http://www.ob.org

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah” Psalm 46:1-3

Onward, Christian soldiers, 
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus 
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, 
Leads against the Foe;
Forward into battle 
See His banners go!
Onward, Christian soldiers, 
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus 
Going on before.

2 Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod.
We are not divided,
All one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
One in charity.
Onward, Christian soldiers, 
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus 
Going on before.

Excellent messages this week at: http://www.givehim15.com

Living in Expectancy

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“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 

Dear Father in Heaven,

You’ve told us that we should be bold in coming to Your throne of grace; so, Father, as Your child, I come boldly to that place.

Jesus taught us to pray, and we thank You for our daily bread; yet there’s something I’d like to add for the hours in the day ahead…

“Give us this day our daily”…miracles, is that for which I ask. You’re a miracle-working God; I know You’re more than up to the task!

“On earth as it is in heaven,” is prayed for Your will to be done, which is an appeal to see Your goodness, as stated perfectly by Your Son.

I wonder if a day went by, when Jesus was ministering on earth as a man, where His disciples didn’t see the miraculous within the day’s span.

If so, it might have been because of a lack of faith to expect. To be expectant daily of Your miracles, is something I shouldn’t neglect.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah” Psalm 68:19 

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:15-23

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21 

Matthew 6:8-13 The Lord’s Prayer

Also true is that “In due time” and “Wait for the Lord” are sometimes required.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NASB

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 

“There are only two ways you can live: by faith or by sight.”
Quote/Keith Moore

His “Faith School,” where are found many enlightening Biblical teachings on living by faith, is at: http://www.faithschool.org

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Also, be blessed at “The Place for Miracles,” a live program where Richard Roberts, son of Oral Roberts, prays for anyone’s healing needs. They have seen/are seeing noteworthy healing miracles.

Monday-Friday at 1:00 ET/12:00 Central at http://www.govictory.com

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Thank you, Lord, for your care and even miracles in our daily lives and especially for any of your children who are going through difficult circumstances….

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:2

…and all of Psalm 91

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

…photo/Pexels

Powerful Prayers for Peter

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…the following has been posted previously, but is always encouraging regarding prayer…

Herod began to persecute those who believed in Jesus, it’s told in the twelfth chapter of Acts. James was martyred by the sword and Peter was seized, though there had been no criminal facts.

The church was offering up constant prayer for Peter–imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, the king. So in the dark of the night, God sent an angel to visit Peter there, who was asleep despite everything.

Four squads of soldiers had been assigned to him; and he was chained as he slept that night. A soldier on each side of him and guards were there, who were keeping the prison door barred tight.

Suddenly, the angel of the Lord stood by Peter, and a light shone inside the prison cell. The angel struck him on his side and raised him up; and from Peter’s hands, the heavy prison chains fell.

At the angel’s instruction, Peter dressed quickly to follow him–though it all seemed to be unreal. They went past the first and second guard posts. “This must be a ‘vision,’” was how it made him feel.

They came to the iron gate that led to the city, which simply opened to them of its own accord–then went out and down one street, and the angel departed. What a rescue from an angel of the Lord!

Peter came to his senses, realizing it had actually happened–he’d escaped Herod and leaders of the Jews. He proceeded on to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where they’d fervently prayed for this news.

Peter knocked at the door of the gate to the house, and a girl by the name of Rhoda came to see who was there. In her joy at hearing his voice, she ran to tell the others it was Peter, and that God had answered prayer.

They just couldn’t believe her, so Peter had to continue to knock, until they opened the door themselves to see…that God, indeed, had heard their prayers for Peter, and had sent His angel–to miraculously set him free!

At dawn, back at the prison, there was a commotion among the soldiers, as to how Peter’s captivity was defied. After a search was endeavored, Herod ordered the soldiers’ deaths; but the Bible records that he, too, soon afterward died…

“But the word of God grew and multiplied!”

P. A. Oltrogge

(From the account in Acts 12)

“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” Acts 12:5

“Then He (Jesus) spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” Luke 18:1 

…from Mike Evans

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Please pray for the leaders of Israel, especially my friend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for him, charging him with war crimes. This outrageous action is an attempt to stop Israel from defending itself against the ongoing attacks by Iran’s terrorist proxies. The dark evil of anti-Semitism today is not just found in mosques, but in boardrooms across Europe and around the world…and we must stand against it.

Today I’m asking you to send a Christmas gift for the widows and orphans of Israel. There are thousands of them. So many husbands were killed in the attack on October 7. So many fathers have been killed fighting terrorists in the IDF. There are funerals almost every day. These precious people need everything—housing, clothing, furniture, food, baby formula, medicine, coats, and so much more. There is also an urgent need for portable bomb shelters for vulnerable families as well. They cost $20,000 each, and we want to do as much as we can. We must raise $220,000 for these outreaches before Christmas and Hanukkah, which starts on December 25th this year.

…to help, visit: http://www.jerusalemprayerteam.org

“If anyone thinks himself to be religious, yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:26-27 NASB

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem…” from Psalm 122

…among others helping: http://www.cbnisrael.org; http://www.oneforisrael.org