Honoring Marriage for the Good of All
Pray and Fast for Marriage
October 17 - November 25
Join us for a daily 10-minute podcast on why marriage matters by Andy Comiskey.
And pray with us daily for states fighting for marriage. Just follow the guide listed below. It will be updated every 5 days throughout our 40-days together. We will win this battle on our knees!
"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16b
Prayer Points - California, November 6th-10th
"We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord forgive! O Lord hear and act! " Daniel 9:18-19.
"The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them." Psalm 145:17-19
"All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke
11/6 California
Current law: same-sex marriage is illegal in CA.
In November 2008 the people of CA voted for the second time to ensure marriage between a man and a woman continues to be law( Prop. 8). Those in favor of 'gay marriage' are working to place a voter initiative to overturn Prop. 8 on the 2010 ballot.
Opponents of traditional marriage are determined to do all they can to change the law in CA. They have filed a lawsuit claiming that Prop. 8 discriminates on the basis of gender and therefore violates the US Constitution's guarantee of equality( the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause).
U.S. District Court Chief Judge Vaughn Walker will preside over the trial, which is scheduled to begin early January 2010.
Please pray for the Yes on 8 team (attorney Charles Cooper and others) as they prepare for this case; pray for the money needed to continue to fight 'gay marriage' in the courts , schools, and society.
11/7 Churches and Ministries, N. California
LW Regional leaders Peter and Nikki Kockelman, The Door, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
Group leaders: Sebastian Chavez, Central Peninsula Church, First Baptist Church; Ben Gallion, Christopher Pitman, Promised Land Fellowship; Bonnie Selman, Hosanna Foursquare Church; Tim Emery, La Verna Nixon, Imago Dei Ministries; Diane and Derek Wood, Palo Alto Vineyard
Ministries: Fresno New Creation Ministries, HIS Ministry, New Hope Ministries, Transformed Image
Fresno, Bishop John T. Steinbrock; Oakland, Bishop Salvatore Cordileone; Monterey, Bishop Richard J. Garcia; Sacramento, Bishop Jaime Soto; San Francisco, Bishop George H. Niederauer; San Jose, Bishop Patrick J. McGrath; Santa Rosa, Bishop Daniel F. Walsh; Stockton, Bishop Stephen E. Blaire
Please pray for these ones to be strengthened as they stand for truth and minister to the broken, and for the Lord to envision more churches to provide healing.
11/8 Churches and Ministries, S California
LW Regional leaders Don and Karen Sciortino, Vineyard Community Church, Laguna Niguel
Leaders: Ed and Nancy Arbogast, Twin Cities Vineyard; Maria Cardenas; Judy Dolhof, John Hayes, Anaheim Vineyard; Patrick Farrar; Kevin and Nita Klonski, Trinity Lutheran Church; Matt and Kelly Muhonen, Harvest Rock Church; Jon Mauren, Trinity Evangelical Free Church; Rick and Susan Oyler, Cambria Vineyard Church; Steve and Barb Paulsen, Calvary Church of Santa Ana; Darrell Powell, Margaret Fitzhugh, Ramona Woods, Shabach Foursquare Church; Jim Siler, Grace Brethren Church; Patrick Vukovich, Westside Vineyard Church
Ministries: His Way Out, Living Stones Ministries, River of Life, Safe Passage
Los Angeles, Cardinal Roger Mahoney; Orange, Bishop Tod D. Brown; San Bernardino, Gerald R. Barnes; San Diego, Bishop Robert H. Brom.
Please pray for these ones to be strengthened as they stand for truth and minister to the broken, and for the Lord to envision more churches to provide healing.
11/9 New York, Special Legislative Session
Current status of 'gay marriage': last spring the New York Assembly passed a bill allowing 'gay marriage'. The senate has yet to vote on the bill.
Governor David Paterson has called a special legislative session for November 10th to vote on the state budget deficit and the 'gay marriage' bill. Paterson is determined to bring the issue of 'gay marriage' to a vote in the Senate whether it passes or not.
The House Democratic leader Senator Sampson has told Republicans he can only guarantee 25 or 26 Democratic votes in favor of the bill. Therefore he is hesitant to bring the bill to a vote. In a House with a 32-30 Democratic majority, 32 votes are needed to pass a bill. Republicans will not vote as a bloc on this issue.
One of the most outspoken and determined advocates for traditional marriage is Senator Ruben Diaz, a democrat from the Bronx. Diaz is confident he has enough votes to defeat the bill if it comes to a vote on the Senate floor.
Pray for Senator Diaz and those opposed to 'gay marriage'.
Pray that the bill will not even come to a vote this year; should it come to the floor ask God to rally enough senators to vote against the bill.
11/10 Praise and Thanksgiving
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17.
"'Death has been swallowed up in victory. 'Where, O' death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?' ...thanks be to God! he gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, 57.
Thank God for the victories in favor of marriage in California and Maine. Praise Him for not allowing the enemy to put to death traditional marriage in these states, and America.
Ask God to bless, strengthen and heal the marriages in your family, church and community.
Northwest, November 11th to 15th
"The Bible begins in Genesis with the marriage of the first man and woman, and ends in Revelation with another 'marriage': the union of Christ and the Church...The whole of our salvation is contained between the love initiated by the bridegroom and the response of the bride...These nuptial bookends are a key for interpreting all that lies between." Christopher West , The Love that Satisfies
"Since we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men." 2 Corinthians5:11
11/11 Washington
Current law: On November 3rd the people voted to accept 'the everything but marriage' bill, SB5688.
Washington became the first state to uphold rights for same-sex couples in a popular vote. Leaders of Protect Marriage Washington plan to continue the fight to uphold traditional marriage:
"R-71[the referendum to reject SB 5688] has defined a diverse group of citizens willing to stand and risk, in defense of their deeply held core beliefs....Plans are under way for a new and greater resolve to be present during the 2010 session and future elections." Larry Stickney
Those in favor of ' gay marriage' will also continue to fight for that right, according to Senator Ed Murray, a gay Democrat from Seattle, " We haven't yet walked through the gate to the promised land of full marriage equality. But with yesterday's vote that gate seems more open that it was yesterday, and our goal seems closer to reality than ever."
Please pray for stamina and grace for the leaders of Protect Marriage Washington and others as they continue to fight to protect traditional marriage in their state.
Pray for the church to gather and organize prayer meetings and fight in prayer for marriage in Washington.
11/12 Oregon
Current law: 'gay marriage' is illegal in Oregon
Basic Rights Oregon, Oregon's largest gay rights group, launched their campaign last week to legalize same-sex marriage in the state. Through an educational campaign and community outreach the group is encouraging dialogue on marriage rights in communities, churches and civic organizations.
The groups plan is to support a 2012 repeal of the constitutional amendment upholding traditional marriage, Ballot Measure 36. The measure passed with 57% of the vote in 2004.
In 2007 the state legislature passed anti discrimination laws in employment, housing and public facilities based on sexual orientation and gender identity .
Please pray for those in favor of traditional marriage to stand and speak the truth in the face of this campaign.
Pray for the church to gather and organize prayer meetings and fight in prayer for marriage in Oregon.
11/13 Churches and Ministries
Oregon
Irvington Covenant Church, group leaders Morgan and Karen Davis
Ministries: Portland Fellowship, Jason Thompson
Archdiocese of Portland: Bishop John G. Vlazny; Diocese of Baker: Bishop Robert F. Vasa
Washington
LW Regional leader Deb Ivancovitch, Hillcrest Chapel, Bellingham
Leaders: Michael Skelton, Jennifer Passantino, Peace Assembly Church, Tacoma; Hope Hebda; Jeff Simunds, Northshore Baptist Church, Bothell
Ministries: Tower of Light Ministries, Jeff Simunds
Churches: Christian Life Center, Yakima; Truth in Love Fellowship, Vancouver
Archdiocese of Seattle: Bishop Alexander J. Brunett; Diocese of Spokane: Bishop William S. Skylstad; Diocese of Yakima: Bishop Carlos A. Sevilla, SJ
Please pray for these leaders and their teams to be strengthened as they stand for truth and minister to the broken.
Ask the Lord to envision more churches to provide healing and offer groups.
11/14 Marriage
"A good marriage is the closest thing on earth to the realization of a practical, enduring, and loving coexistence between people. It is a sign of love, patience, and forgiveness that is unknown in other spheres of life....Marriage is the test case, the leading edge of love in the world...Good marriage is the foundation of society." Mike Mason The Mystery of Marriage
"Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear" (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Revelation 19:6-8
Pray for a deepening and strengthening of our relationship with the Lord: "Jesus we acknowledge You as our highest good. In your grace, in light of our many weaknesses, release us to cultivate a desire for You that transcends all other desires. We place our confidence in Your mercy and design for our lives." Andy Comiskey
Ask God to strengthen, heal and bless the marriages in our families, churches and communities.
11/15 Praise and Thanksgiving
"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalms 95:1, 100:4-5.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17.
Thank God for His faithfulness and love, for giving us a heart for marriage, to love as He loves.
Thank Him for giving us strength to pray and fast for marriage, grace to persevere and finish strong.
"Thank [God] for giving us marriage as one of the keys that helps us understand Him and His plans for us." Andy Comiskey
Prayer Points - Upper Midwest, November 16th- 20th
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11
"Given that God bestowed the gift of marriage on humanity, governments, therefore, have a duty to reinforce and protect this permanent institution and pass it on to future generations, rather than attempt to redefine it arbitrarily for transitory political or social reasons ." taken from a letter written by Catholic bishops in New Jersey, August 2009
11/16 Minnesota
Current law: Minnesota prohibits same-sex marriage and civil unions.
The question of 'gay marriage' has been circulating in the both the judicial and legislative branches for decades. In 2009 fourteen bills addressing issues related to same-sex marriage were introduced. The most far reaching is the Marriage and Family Protection Act. If passed the bill would legalize 'gay marriage' and mandate gender neutral language in all legal definitions pertaining to marriage.
Pray for God to protect marriage in Minnesota.
Pray that In the upcoming 2010 elections a governor and officials who support traditional marriage will be elected.
11/17 Wisconsin
Current law: Domestic partnerships between same-sex couples are recognized; 'gay marriage' is illegal.
The organization Fair Wisconsin, with the help of Lambda Legal and the ACLU are working on legalizing 'gay marriage'. In a case before the state Supreme Court the group argues that the state ban on 'gay marriage' should be tossed aside because lawmakers failed to take the right steps to amend the Wisconsin Constitution.
The court is expected to rule on the case by summer.
Pray for God to protect marriage in Wisconsin.
Pray for Wisconsin Family Action and other groups supporting traditional marriage as they fight to protect marriage.
11/18 Illinois
Day 33 Podcast *click here*
Current law: same-sex marriage is illegal in Illinois
Democratic state lawmakers are pushing for 'gay marriage'. Representative Greg Harris introduced the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act in 2009. If it passes the bill will make same-sex marriage legal and provide gender neutral language in all legal definitions, i.e. spouse not husband or wife.
Thank God for the victory in Maine; pray the legislators in Illinois follow the desire of the people, over 60% of whom oppose 'gay marriage'.
11/19 Churches and Ministries
"...just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Ephesians 5:25-27
Minnesota
LW Regional leader Nancy Hallett
Ministries: Outpost Inc, Dan Puumala, Nate Oyla, Nancy Hallett; Simon Ministies, Dave Rasmussen; Upstream Ministries, Dennis Murphy.
Churches: Bridgewood Community Church, Blaine; Church of the Resurrection, Brooklyn Park; Jubilee Worship Center, St. Cloud; Living Word Christian Center, Brooklyn Park.
Diocese of Crookston, Bishop Michael Hoeppner; Dioceses of Duluth, New Ulm, Bishop John M. LeVoir; Diocese of St. Cloud, Bishop John F. Kinney; Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Bishop John C. Nienstedt; Diocese of Winona, Bishop John M. Quinn.
Wisconsin
Ministries: Broken Yoke Ministry, Bob Van Domelan; Reclamation Resource Center, Mike Levenhagen; Transforming Congregations, Karen Booth.
Churches: Christ the Rock Community Church, Menasha; Eastbrook Church, Milwaukee; Good News Fellowship Church, Stevens Point.
Diocese of Green Bay, Bishop David L. Ricken; Diocese of La Crosse, Bishop Jerome E. Listecki; Diocese of Madison, Bishop Robert C. Morlino; Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Bishop William P. Callahan, OFM Conv.; Diocese of Superior, Bishop Peter F. Christensen.
Please pray for these ones and their teams to be strengthened as they stand for truth and minister to the broken, and for the Lord to envision more churches to provide healing.
11/20 Churches and Ministries, Illinois
LW Regional leader Amy Donaldson
Ministries: Nehemiah's Walk, Eric Lundstrom; Living Waters, Matt Dodschuetz; Pure Heart Ministries, Rev. Jim Venice; Transformed by Grace, Michele De Pauw.
Churches: All Saints Church, Morton; First Baptist Church of Downers Grove, Life Church of Chicagoland, Palos Heights; Living Springs Community Church, Glenwood; Willow Creek.
Diocese of Belleville, Bishop Edward K. Braxton; Archdiocese of Chicago, Archbishop Francis Cardinal George, OMI; Diocese of Joliet, Bishop Peter J. Sartain; Diocese of Peoria, Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C; Diocese of Rockford, Bishop Thomas G. Doran; Diocese of Springfield.
Please pray for these ones and their teams to be strengthened as they stand for truth and minister to the broken, and for the Lord to envision more churches to provide healing.
Prayer Focus - The Nation and the Church, November 21st-25th
"...just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Ephesians 5:25-27
"Rend your heart and not your garments. return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity, Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing-..." "...Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the temple porch and the altar. Let them say, 'Spare your people, O Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is your God?'"Joel 3:13-14,17(see 15-16 too)
"But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh." Jude 20-23
11/21 The Nation
"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." Proverbs 14:34
Founded as "one nation under God" America can influence the world for good and for evil. Other nations observe the decisions made in this Christian land; they wait to see the fate of 'gay marriage' and if righteousness will prevail.
The majority of states we have prayed for during the last 35 days will probably face votes on 'gay marriage' again by 2012. Those opposing traditional marriage are determined to fight until the law grants them what they want.
Pray that the US does not become "an object of scorn, a byword among the nations", a land founded for Christian liberty of which the peoples say "Where is your God?"
11/22 Praise and Thanksgiving
"...because of the surpassing grace God has given[us]. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift."
2 Cor. 9:14-15
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done."
1 Chron. 16:8
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good...Give thanks to the God of gods...Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. " Ps. 136:1-3
We live in an indescribably blessed land; we have the honor of serving, are loved by, love and have been given by God "his indescribable gift."
Praise and thank God for all He has done during this fast, for His faithfulness and mercy.
Thank God for the victories in favor of marriage in California and Maine. Praise Him for protecting traditional marriage in these states, and America.
Ask God for a fresh heart of thankfulness and gratitude; for the ability to fulfill His will for you by giving thanks to Him in all circumstances( 1 Thess. 5:18).
Try to begin each day by giving God thanks and praise for all of the amazing gifts He has given.
11/23 A Truth-filled Church
Day 38 Podcast *click here*
based on Reading 36 , Honoring Marriage for the Good of All, Andy Comiskey, pp 77-78
"No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case with integrity, They rely on empty arguments and speak lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil."
"..So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey." Is. 59:4, 14-15
"...God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." 1 Jn. 1:5-8
"What many [churches] lack is their need for a Redeemer, right where they hurt. And nothing hurts more than admitting the shame and profundity of one's homosexuality [and sin]."
"Confession of brokenness and sin to merciful friends-that has power to transform truth on a page or ballot to an earthy, full bodied miracle of God's mercy. " Andy Comiskey, pp 77-78
God sees the potential radiance of us, His people. He is committed to removing every spot and wrinkle, as we give Him opportunity. His desire is for a people of integrity, who will live as well as speak the truth.
Ask God to show us any areas of compromise or un-confessed sin in our lives; pray for God to show us mature brothers and sisters we can walk in the light with through the fellowship of accountability and confession.
Pray for the church in America and the community of believers you worship with: for a hunger and desire for righteousness that is greater than religious pride and self-protection; for grace to embody truth from the inside out.
11/24 A Bold and Grace-filled Church
Day 39 Podcast *click here*
based on Reading 37, Honoring Marriage for the Good of All, Andy Comiskey, pp 79-80
"But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" Jn. 18:8
"Jesus said 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" Jn. 8:31-32
"In the emergent world, an open-ended, 'who knows?' approach to those with same-sex attraction symbolizes a new generation so committed to tolerance in sexual matters that they have nearly lost the capacity to know and apply biblical truth to them."
"But in the age of 'gay marriage', how much longer can churches cease to give a clear and redemptive answer to the question of homosexuality?" Comiskey, p 79
Approximately 70 times in the gospels Jesus declares "I tell you the truth". Only those who embrace, follow and proclaim the full truth enter into the fullness of fellowship, freedom and grace He alone gives.
"Costly grace is the grace that must be sought again and again. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs us our life, and it is grace because it gives us the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and it is grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of His Son." Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Ask God to forgive us where we have compromised the truth; may He 'wake us up to the damage done by a cross-free Gospel." Comiskey, p 80
Pray for the courage and boldness "to dare to offend those who refuse the grace that calls [people] out of sin. " Comiskey, p 80
11/25 A Mercy-filled Church
Day 40 Podcast *click here*
based on Reading 38, Honoring Marriage for the Good of All, Andy Comiskey, pp 80-81
"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance...You have persevered and endured hardship for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love." Rev. 2:2a, 3-4
"...because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" Jas. 2:12
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Mic. 6:8
"Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." Rev. 2:5
"Let mercy have it's perfect way in our churches. Let us repent and do the first things-welcoming broken ones with the truth that makes mercy pure and powerful, able to save and restore lives. "
To view days 1-20 just click on this link.
Honoring Marriage for the Good of All is a prayer guide for preserving marriage, one man for one woman, in our country utilizing our most effective weapon - intercessory prayer. This 40-day intercessory prayer guide will help all those concerned with preserving marriage.
To order Andy's book on honoring marriage click here.
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