Keep Praying!!

If you quit before the call, you'll never get the reward you were intended to have. I recently started working at the Liberty University Prayer Center and realized that the 4-6 hours a week were actually making an impact on my own time. With all of the homework and other groups that I'm involved in, I began to wonder if God had me in the right place. Sadly, I started feeling like maybe I needed to focus on my own needs rather than others- a convicting thought. But today I realized that God has me in the exact place He wants me to be. I received a prayer request and responded with an email and prayer. Surprisingly, the requester asked me if there was anything he/she could pray for me about. I responded and thanked him/her for his/her kind effort! Within 2 hours I received a fantastic email and prayer from him/her that encouraged me beyond what I could have imagined. Breaking down in tears I realized that praying with the Prayer Center team has been more of a blessing than an hindrance as I thought at first. This simple prayer changed my night and my perspective of God's sovereignty. Prayer WORKS as proven by my experience tonight. So I challenge you...Who can you reach out to and pray for today? Take 5 minutes to truly listen to and to pray for someone else's need, not your own. Maybe you're interested in praying for others in the Prayer Center and seeing the change in your own life? If so, stop by/email us and tell us you want to volunteer! Or maybe you need prayer? Let us help by emailing us at prayercenter@liberty.edu, texting us at (434) 515-1854, or coming to visit us on the first floor of dorm 17 on the hill! May God work in your lives as He just worked in mine!

By Liz Kemmerer

Prayer Center Minister

"Understanding Prayer = Effective Prayer"

I continue to meet people who honestly admit that they do not fully understand the game of football. Now most of us would be surprised at this revelation, thinking that clearly everyone understands such a well-known popular past-time! Yet the reality is that some people watch the game without: really making sense out of all of the plays or the penalties; knowing what the individual referees are responsible for (why do they need so many?); knowing why there are so many coaches among the players; or why so many players stand around on the sideline dressed in their jerseys, without pads on, but don't look injured! There may also be some confusion about the various rules: is it the knee or elbow on the ground...or both, that stops the play; how many feet need to touch before it is a catch; does a touch-back come out to the 20 or 25 yard line...is that on a punt or kick-off; why can some guys grab with their hands but others try it and get a yellow hankie thrown at them; why do they call a safety when a safety tackles the QB in the end-zone; what about downs, conversions, PAT's, illegal touching?, huddle, snap, flea-flicker, swing-pass; and the list could continue...

I believe that prayer is similar in a way to football. It is easy to listen to it, talk about it, watch it, participate in it, and even like it, without understanding it. When we do not understand something well, we are at a distinct disadvantage when trying to explain it to others, enjoy it fully, engage in it, teach it, lead it, improve it, or simplify it. In other words, what does it take for our prayers to be more effective? Is it possible that many people who pray or those who would like to pray more than they do, might not understand what they should about prayer? Like football, is it simply easier not to ask the questions because we might be embarrassed for not knowing the answer? Could it be though, that the answers would actually lead one to a greater understanding of prayer or football, which would also open up greater enjoyment and appreciation on our part? I imagine the difficulty in recruiting for a class on "Becoming a Better Fan - Understanding Football Better"...would anyone attend? I have discovered that when people hang out with those who truly know the game of football and humbly share what they know, knowledge of the game is passed along, understanding increases, and appreciation for the game grows. Is it possible that it would be the same for prayer? Let's talk about prayer....

1 John 5:1-5

Who is God?

He is he gave us Jesus the Christ. (vs. 1)

He is who we are to love and by loving him we love other believers. (vs. 1)

He is who gives us the power to overcome the world. (vs. 4)

How should I respond?

I should love other believers because I love God. 

I should not be afraid of the world because I know that I will be victorious over the world.

I should keep his commandments.

What should I pray for?

Pray that God would help me love those that love him. 

Pray that I would be able to have a confidence that God has already promised me victory. 

Where do I go from here?

I go into a deeper love for God. 

--Luke Bowman

Psalm 8

Who is God?

Lord (v.1,9)
Majestic (v.1,9)
Glorious (v.1)
Strong (v.2)
Creator (v.3)
Caring/mindful of men (v.4)

How should I respond?

In praise and awe  (v.1-9)

What should I pray about?

Prayer of thanks for God’s care (v.4) and gifts (v.5-8)

Where do I go from here?

Praise God for caring for us and blessing us and because He is majestic (v.1-9)

Personal Prayer Requests:

Guidance and wisdom as I prepare over the summer to lead a prayer group next year.
For my two close friends back home that are rejecting God, that God will use me in their lives
For my grampa’s continuing healing and regaining of strength, he spent a night in the hospital this week

--Allison Tallman

Romans 5:1-5

Who is God?

God justifies (v1)

God is peace (v1)

God is grace (v2)

God is exulted (v2)

God is glory (v2)

God is perseverance (v3)

God is hope (v4)

God is proven character (v4)

God is love (v5)

God is in our hearts (v5)

How Should I Respond?

By being justified by faith (v1)

By having peace with God through our Lord Jesus (v1)

By receiving His grace (v2)

By standing firm in His love and grace (v2)

By exulting the glory of God (v2)

By exulting our tribulations to God (v3)

By knowing tribulation brings out perseverance (v3)

By knowing perseverance brings out proven character (v4)

By knowing proven character brings out hope (v4)

By knowing hope does not disappoint (v5)

By embracing the love that God has poured in our hearts through the Holy Spirit (v5)

What Should I Pray For?

Pray that we have peace (v1)

Pray that we stand in the Lord (v2)

Pray that we exult the glory of God (v2)

Pray that we exult the tribulations that bring out perseverance (v3)

Pray that we persevere (v4)

Pray that we obtain proven character and hope from our perseverance (v4)

Pray that we stay hopeful and are not disappointed (v5)

Pray that we receive the love God is pouring into our hearts (v5)

Where Do I Go From Here?

I should continue to be faithful (v1)

I should have peace in the Lord (v1)

I should stand in the Lord's presence (v2)

I should exult the Lord in every situation and tribulation (v2 and 3)

I should continue to persevere through hard times (v4)

I should continue to build character that leads to hope (v4)

I should love other just as the Lord has poured love into me (v5)

--Rachel Lind

Psalm 91

Who is God?

God is my Shelter (v. 1)

God is my protector (v. 2,3,4-9)

God is whom I trust (v.2)

God will deliver me from harm (v. 10, 11)

God will rescue me (v. 14)

How should I respond?

Trust in Him to protect, and to deliver (v.2, 3, 4-9)

Give Thanks for his protection (v. 2,3,4-9)

Trust in Him through trials (v. 2)

Believe that He is our refuge and fortress (v. 1,2,3)

What should I pray about?

For faith to believe He is my refuge and fortress (v. 1,2,3)

For a willing spirit to trust in Him (v. 14, 10)

For a thankful heart (v. 16)

Where do I go from here?

Pray continuously

I should trust in my God

Trust he will protect me

Surrender my worry and fear of the future

--Brielle Smith

Isaiah 43:1-3

Who is God?

God is a redeemer (v1)

God is not a God that brings fear (v1)

God is always with us (v2)

God is a protector (v2)

God is our Savior (v3)

God is the Holy One (v3)

How Should I Respond?

By not fearing (v1)

By listening to when God summons us (v1)

By trusting the Lord (v2)

By following Him even though the path may seem scary (v2)

By making God the Lord in our lives (v3)

By allowing the Lord to guide you (v3)

What Should I Pray For?

Pray that I trust the Lord (v1)

Pray that I listen to the Lord's commands (v1)

Pray that I follow His path no matter where he leads me (v2)

Pray that I do not fear (all verses)

Pray that I make the Lord number one in my life (v3)

Pray that I have courage in every circumstance (v3)

Where Do I Go From Here?

I should not fear (v1)

I should trust the Lord in every circumstance (all verses)

I should listen to the Lord (v1)

I should make the Lord my number one (v3)

I should follow the path He has for my life (v2)

I should let the Lord guide me (v2)

--Rachel Lind

Proverbs 16

Who is God?

The Lord is in control of all things and He is sovereign; He blesses the righteous for their obedience and punishes the wicked. (1-6, 9)
He is Life; for those that seeks Him finds Life. (15)

How Should I Respond?

I should trust in the Lord because He is in control of everything that happened, happening, and will happen. (4)
I should turn away from arrogance and pride because if I do not God will turn his favor away from me. (5)
I should continually seek Him in order to find life. (15)
I should not gossip or spread strife because it will tear friends apart and turn into hatred. (28)

What Should I Pray About?

I wanted to pray that with the help of Christ, I will be able to completely trust in God for the plans He has for me.
I also wanted to pray that God will open my heart and soften it so that He may use me for His glory so that I can be a light to the world shining His glory and majesty.

Where Do I Go From Here?

I should keep in mind that Christ is in control. (3)
In every activity, I should try to please God because He will give me peace. (7)
Continually trust in the Word and meditate on it and I will be blessed and the Word will keep me from the ways of the wicked. (20)

Blessings,
Pov Keo

1 Corinthians 10:11-14

Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:11-14

"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry."

Who is God?

God warns us (v11)
God sets a firm foundation (v12)
God is faithful (v13)
God does not give us more than we can handle (v13)
God provides a way out of temptation (v13)
God gives endurance (v13)
God is jealous (v14)

How Should I Respond?

By being a Godly example and not poor one (v11)
By heeding God's warnings (v11)
By strenghtening my foundation in every aspect (v12)
By overcoming temptations (v13)
By relying on God to guide me through temptation (v130
By getting out of temptation (v13)
by fleeing from idolatry (v14)

What Should I Pray For?

Pray that I heed the Lord's warning in my life (v11)
Pray that Godly examples will be brought into my life (v11)
Pray that I be a Godly example and a light to the world (v11)
Pray that I continue to build a firm foundation (v12)
Pray that I overcome temptation (v13)
Pray that I rely on God for every aspect of my life (v13)
Pray that I flee from temptation (v13)
Pray that I flee from any form of idolatry (v14)

Where Do I Go From Here?

I should listen for the Lord (v11)
I should build a firm foundation on the Lord for my life (v12)
I should flee from temptation and know that the Lord will provide an escape route if I listen to Him (v13)
I should flee from idolatry and not let anything in my life receive more worship and attention that the Lord (v14)

Romans 2

Who is God?

God is just. His judgment is based on truth and righteousness. (v. 2)

God is kind. His kindness leads us to repentance (v. 4)

God is a giver. (v. 7)

God is just. He doesn’t show favoritism. (v. 11)

How Should I respond?

Stop judging others. (v.1)

Be obedient to God. Stop being so stubborn to what I want, but rather allow God to work in my life. Let His will be done and not mine. In the end, God will reward us with eternal life. (v.5, v.6. v.7)

What Should I Pray About?

Pray for obedience, (v.7) Pray for Mom and I’s relationship. Pray for my roommates and their studies (v. 6) Pray for my best friend Esper for her school, and all the students at liberty. (v.6)

Where Do I go From Here?

I want to know Lord what you want me to do in order to serve You. I want to see you in my relationship with Mom, Ally, Clay, and Dad! I pray that hopefully I’ll stop being self-centered and I pray that you are going to take away this pride I have inside. They should see You through me instead of parading myself like a hypocrite (v.24).

--Rolando Doronila Jr.

1 John 3:1-10

Who is God?

God is our Father. (vs.1)

God is who we should have our hope in. (vs. 3)

God is pure. (vs. 3)

God is righteous. (vs. 7)

God is the destroyer or the works of the Devil. (vs. 8)

How should I respond?

I should be thankful to be a son of the true living God. 

I should love my brothers.

I should run from sin and cling to Jesus.

What should I pray for?

Pray that God would show me how to love like he loves. 

Pray that God would never let me forget that He is my father and my righteousness.

Where do I go from here?

To God my father. 

1 Peter 2:1-10

Who Is God?

God is good (v. 3).

Who Is Christ?

The living Stone (v. 4)

Chosen by God (v. 4)

The avenue of our spiritual sacrifices to God (v. 5)

A chosen and precious cornerstone (v.6)

How Should I Respond?
 

By ridding myself of rid “all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind” (v. 1)

By craving spiritual milk that I might grow in Christ (v. 2)

By offering spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God (v. 5)

By trusting in the cornerstone that is Christ (v. 6)

By “declar[ing] the praises of Him who called [me] out of darkness into His wonderful light” (v. 9)

By recognizing that I am now a person of God who has received mercy (v. 10)

What Should I Pray For?

Pray that more people would taste that the Lord is good (v. 3)

Pray that God would rid me of malice, deceit, and other such wickedness (v. 1)

Pray that God would also help others be rid of wickedness

Pray that God would shape me into a usable “living stone” that I might be “built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.” (v. 5)

Pray that those who stumble would not continue to disobey the message (v. 8).

Pray that God would help me and others to abstain from walking in darkness but rather walk in His marvelous light (v. 9)

Where Do I Go From Here?

I should live every day cognizant of the fact that, as a believer, I am part of a royal priesthood and should live accordingly. (v. 9)

I should lean and rely on God so that I can continue walking in the light (v. 10)

I should live life in obedience to the message so that I do not cause others to stumble.

I should seek to rid myself of the wickedness described in the first verse (v. 1).

I should seek spiritual milk so as to continue living strongly in the salvation I have been given (v. 2).

God Bless,

Jacob Carter

1 John 2:15-29

Who Is God?

God is Father (vs. 15)

Jesus is the Christ (vs. 22)

How Should I Respond?

Fall more in love with God, so that I don't love the world or the things of the world.

Be aware that there ware Antichrist out there in this world.

Praise God for the knowledge that He has given. 

Let his anointing teach me. 

What Should I Pray For?

Pray that God would strengthen me to go into the world but to never love the world. 

Pray that I would be able to clearly know who the Antichrists in the world are. 

Pray that I would allow God to teach me.

Where Do I Go Form Here

Into deeper knowledge of God. 

Hebrews 13:1-19

Who is God?

God is love (v.1)
God shows mercy (v.3)
God is a judge (v.4)
God is a jealous God (v.5)
God is always with us (v.5,8)
God is our helper (v.6)

How Should I Respond?

By showing love and kindness to everyone (v.1-2)
By being thankful for the situation I am in, my world could turn upside down at any moment (v.3)
By honoring God with my marriage and marriage bed (v.4)
By being content with what I have (v.5)
By imitating leaders who are strong in the faith and praying for them (v.7, 17-19)
By sacrificing my everything to follow Christ (v.10-14)
By continueously praising His name (v.15-16)

What Should I Pray For?

Pray that God will provide opportunities for me to love and show hospitality to everyone I encounter (v.1-2)
Pray that those who are in physical and spiritual bondage that they could be freed from it (v.3)
Pray that I continue to stay pure in my thoughts and actions so I can strive for a pure marriage (v.4)
Pray that I will desire God's will for my life, not desire the plan I have for my life (v.5) 
Pray that our spiritual leaders that they will continue to be a strong influence and not lose faith (v.7, 17-19)
Pray that we set our eyes on Christ and not the things of this world (v.14)

Where Do I Go From Here?

I should continue to love my brothers and sisters in the faith (v.1)
I should show hospitatlity to everyone including strangers, we could be entertaining angels and never know it! (v.2)
I should be thankful for what I have and that God will never forsake me instead of complaining for the things I don't have (v.5)
I should look up to strong leaders of the faith and imitate how they grow closer to the Lord (v.7)
I should be careful who I listen to and not be led astray by false teachers (v.9)
I should sacrifise my life and time and everything to serving the Lord (v.10-13)
I should seek the holy city and not the city of the world (v.14)
I should continuously offer up sacrifices of my time through praise, worship and thankgiving (v.15-16)

--Rachel Lind

Psalm 27

Who Is God?
God is our help.
God is faithful.
God is good.
God is light and our salvation.
God is our shelter and protector from harm.
How Should I Respond?
Trust in God’s goodness in all circumstances.
Thank God for what He has already done, is doing, and will do.
Praise God for who He is.
Wait patiently until God’s right timing.

What Should I Pray For?
More faith and patience.
Ask God to fill me with the Holy Spirit and reveal more of His truth to me.
To become more faithful in the little things of today.
That I may be able to give thanks in any and all situation, good or bad (change my perspective).
For better concentration, while I try to focus on my studies and reading assignments. For my mind to get less distracted.
That God would speak to every single person listening to convocation today and that our ears and hearts would all be open to the Holy Spirit.
That God would heal my mother’s arthritis in her hands.

Where Do I Go From Here?
Let go of my plans, goals, and time schedule and trust in His perfect timing.
Daily worship God on my own time, in class, while I study, while I eat, and with others.
Be consistent with spending time in the Word and give my undivided attention to the Holy Spirit. Spend quality time with the Lord.
Trust in God’s goodness.

2 Timothy 2

Who Is God?

God is gracious (v.1).

God is not chained(v.9).

God is our salvation, worthy of eternal glory (v10).

God is just and faithful (v.11-13).

God is a firm and solid foundation.  He knows and sanctifies His own (v.19).

God is the granter of repentance and knowledge of truth (v.26).

How Should I Respond?
 

By praising God for His mercy, grace and for the gift of knowledge and salvation he has given me.

By sharing the knowledge of God with others (v.2).

By focusing on God and not letting the things of the world distract me (v.4).
By endeavoring to live according to the commands of God (v.5).

What Should I Pray For?

Pray that God would grant me knowledge of truth.

Pray that God would equip me to be His approved and unashamed servant, able to correctly handle the word of truth (v.15).

Pray that God would cleanse me of baser things and make me an instrument of His special purposes, that I might be useful to do His good work (v.20-21)

Pray that God would lead to repentance those who have been trapped by the devil.

Where Do I Go From Here?

I should be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (v.1).

I should be willing to join in the suffering of Christ (v.3).

I should work hard at the tasks God sets before me and enduring to the end (v.6 & 10).

I shouldn’t argue over insignificant words or engage in godless chatter or foolish and stupid arguments (v.14 &16 & 23).

I should confess the name of the Lord.

I should flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace and a pure heart (v.22).

I should instruct opponents gently, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will (v.25-26).

God bless you,

~Sarah Field

Our Identity in Christ

	I am accepted
John 1:12	I am God's child.
John 15:15	As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1	I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17	I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20	I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27	I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8	I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14	I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10	I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16	I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
	I am secure
Romans 8:1-2	I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28	I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39	I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22	I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4	I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6	I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20	I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7	I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18	I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
	I am significant
John 15:5	I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16	I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16	I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21	I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6	I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10	I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12	I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13	I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.      The biggest lie that we can believe as Christians is that we are not any of those things in Christ. Live as though these are truth, because they are true!! Live and be free in these truths! I got this from http://www.ficm.org/index.php?command=textwhoamiinchrist. See the website.for more info!!

Romans 6

Who is God?
God is holy and righteous.
God is loving and full of grace and mercy.
God desires to have fellowship with me.
God sent His only Son so that I might be free from sin.

How Should I Respond?
Realize that I am a new person. My old self died and was buried and through the resurrection of Christ, I am able to live the new life. I am no longer held back with my old body.
Always have in mind that God loves me and sent His only Son, so that I might be in fellowship with Him.
Worship Him and spend my time/life in fellowship with Him.
Thank Him for His grace and mercy. Thank Him for giving me a new life.

What Should I Pray For?

I would live the new life to the fullest & all for His glory.
A clean and pure heart. To be able to love like Christ and forgive.
Ask God for more faith in Him.
Ask God to fill me with the Holy Spirit and reveal more of His truth to me.
That I may be able to give thanks in any and all situation, good or bad (change my perspective).
For better concentration, while I try to focus on my studies and reading assignments. For my mind to get less distracted.
That God would speak to every single person listening to convocation today and that our ears and hearts would all be open to the Holy Spirit.
That God would heal my mother’s arthritis in her hands.

Where Do I Go From Here?

Realize that I am no longer in my old mind and body but I have a new one in Christ.
Love others and be caring and understanding. Easily and quickly forgive.
Daily worship God on my own time, in class, while I study, while I eat, and with others.
Be consistent with spending time in the Word and give my undivided attention to the Holy Spirit. Spend quality time with the Lord.
Trust that God is omniscient and omnipotent.

--Sarah Kim