July 2010
Dear Crossroads Ministries Prayer Partners and Friends;

Thank you for your continued prayer support on behalf of Crossroads Ministries. I wanted you to be the first to know about some changes we’ve made on how we’ll communicate our prayer needs and praise reports. For almost a year, we’ve had our blog—Conversations With Crossroads—up and running. It’s been a place where we have posted information and updates and now we will be using it to communicate prayer requests and praise reports. The blog will not replace the current Prayer and Praise Report email you currently receive, but rather will be another place to access this information. Our intent is to update this site bi-weekly with praise and prayer requests, helping to keep you more current on the needs of the ministry and also a place for you to share your prayer requests and victories. You can log onto the blog at www.conversationswithcrossroads.blogspot.com or click on this link and then save it in your favorites or bookmark it on your computer for easy access.

I have recently accepted the position of National Prayer Coordinator for Crossroads Ministry, and it is my privileged to be joining with you in prayer for any needs you may have, as well as standing in agreement for the needs of Crossroads. Where one can put a thousand to flight two can put ten thousand to flight (Deuteronomy 31:30), for the pulling down of strongholds that try to suppress not only our lives, but effect our calling and positions for the Kingdom. As we unite together in the Lord, we become His Mighty Army; not merely standing ground, but taking ground in the spirit realm. Let’s join forces and storm the gates of hell. We are victorious Jesus Name!

As you share your prayer requests, please be sure to include your praise reports as well. They are a vital part of our lives, giving praise to Almighty God, and the power behind our testimony. As we pray our focus will be intentional, strategic, and specific--using the power of the Word of God--and in the power of the name of Jesus. I look forward to sharing all that God is doing in answer to your prayers!


Sincerely,
Chaplain Linda Kaye Nicholls
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Day 1 – July 1
Warfare prayer:

2 Corinthians 10:3-5: “3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4. (For the weapons of our warfare not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
Revelation 12:11: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
Jeremiah 29:11: “And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:”
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, We come boldly to Your throne of grace and declare and decree the power and authority You have given to us through the name of Your son, the anointed raised Jesus. Open our eyes and ears in the spiritual realm on behalf of Crossroad Ministry and all of those involved in it. Give us Your insight and battle plan to war against the spiritual forces that are or may try to stop the purpose and call of this ministry and its people. Remind us daily that the weapons of our warfare are not physical, but mighty for the pulling down of strongholds (2 Cor. 10:3-5). We choose to lay down every proud and lofty thought of our own and submit to your spirit alone. We align with God and use the Word of God to defeat our enemies. We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. (Rev. 12:11) Likewise, lift my presence be known in the camp of my enemies. Let my arrival and presence in the spiritual world that we enter by prayer cause all my enemies to tremble and flee in fear of the mighty name of Jesus. Instead of being overcome, we shall overcome. Victorious, not looking at circumstance, but at God. We will fulfill the destiny You have ordained since before the beginning of time. (Jer. 29:11) “…For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you hope and a future…” We are led by the Spirit of the living God that resides within us. Amen.

PRAISE:
It’s so amazing to think that we can stop at anytime, anywhere and for any reason and pray. We are so thankful for you, our prayer partners, and the power your effectual prayer brings.


Day 2 – July 2
Prayer for the men in our lives:

Acts 13:22: “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.”

PRAYER:
Lord, we pray that you continue to raise up a mighty army of spirit-filled men, passionate for Jesus Christ and passionate for their families. That they will be initiators, leaders, warriors, sacrificial lovers, protectors, providers, defenders of Biblical truth, as well as defenders of their families and sphere of influence, men who are strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Amen.

PRAISE:
We praise the Lord for strong leadership among our volunteers like Richard and Mary W., who alongside Lon A. and other men of valor, who lead a weekly Sunday service at Mountain View Care Center. Attendance has increased among the residents and God is changing lives.


Day 3 – July 5
Prayer for healing:

1 Peter 2:24: “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed”

PRAYER:
Father, in Jesus mighty name, we claim Your word concerning healing and health; that we will be strong in our spirits, souls and bodies, equipped to do the work of the ministry. We believe we are healed by the power of Your Word (1 Peter 2:24). The promised word is yes and amen; therefore we declare with great boldness and confidence that we are set free from all infirmity and refuse to tolerate the curse of sickness and all its varying symptoms. We declare wholeness, nothing missing and nothing broken. In the name of Jesus, body be whole!

PRAISE:
The residents continue to be opened and receptive to prayer. Praise God for their ever growing faith.

Day 4 – July 6
Prayer of thanksgiving:
Mathew 18:18: “Verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we give you great praise and thanksgiving for sending Your Son and engrafting us into the family of God with all the benefits and provisions of your children, joint heirs with Jesus. Thank you that we can stand in the power and authority, in the name of your precious son, Jesus Christ, and do even greater works than Jesus because He chose to die so that His Spirit could remain in us as our power, authority, advocate, comforter, guide, and ever present help in time of trouble.
Thank you, Jesus, that we can come in Your name and cut off all demonic assignments that have been made against us. Satan, according to Mathew 18:18, you and all your demons are bound from not only Crossroads Ministry, but also our bodies, our minds, our position, our families, homes, and finances--individually and corporately. Father, thank you for rebuking Satan and assigning angels to bring to no effect all confusion, division, anger, wrath, criticism, condemnation, pride, envy, gossip, slander, murder, evil speaking, complaining, lying, false teaching, negative words, hindering, retaliation, deceiving, religious, occult, or spirits of witchcraft.
Thank you for giving us wisdom, knowledge, insight, understanding, and discernment that we may do the works of righteousness through your Son. Amen.

PRAISE:
We continue to thank God for bringing new volunteers to the ministry. We also praise Him for continuing to provide for all of Crossroads’ financial needs.

Day 5 – July 7
Prayer of intercession:

2 Chronicles 7:11-16 - “11 Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected. 12. And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. 13. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer in this place. 16. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.”
PRAYER:
Father, We stand in the gap for Crossroads Ministry. We ask that Your mighty hand be upon this ministry, its leaders, and laborers, and their sphere of influence. As we are prompted to pray, enable us to have your power united with your mercy and grace, as the spirit of the living god leads. Amen.
Principals for effective intercession:
* Praise God. His power is released through praise.
* Confess any sin you have that’s known to you; forgiving so as your prayers are not hindered. Power is released through purity.
* Acknowledge the power of the Spirit of God within you
* Deal aggressively with the enemy using the power of the Word of God.
* Die to your own imaginations; which are the desires for what you feel you should pray, opposed to what God reveals as the core issue and need for prayer.
* Praise God and thank Him in advance for the answers and a great time of prayer.
* Wait before God in silent expectancy; listening for His direction.
* Take action, in faith, according to what God has shown you. It is promised, “Ask and you shall receive”!
* Your Bible is the confirmation of His word.
When nothing else comes to mind, thank and praise God for what He has shown you, knowing that from Him and through Him are all things… To God be the glory!


Day 6 – July 8
Pray encouraging scriptures about prayer:
Philippians 4:6: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Matthew 10:29,31: “29. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And not one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father’s will. 31. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
2 Chronicles 30:18-19: “18. For a multitude of the people, many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one 19. And prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though not according to the purification of the sanctuary.”
Luke 5:16: “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness and prayed.”
PRAISE:
We praise God for volunteers like Dirk P. and his church group who visit Cedarwood Care Center spending time praying with the residents, both as a group and individually.

Day 7 – July 9
Forgiveness:
PRAYER:
Dear heavenly Father; We thank you for the sacrifice of Your Son who stood in the gap for our sins, took our punishment upon himself, and became our sacrifice; which wiped out our sin and made us cleansed, and whole, washed whiter than snow by the blood of the Lamb who was slain for our transgressions; we are now totally forgiven. As we confess our sin, repent from the sin by turning away from it and everything associated with it; we ask you to cleanse us from any tormenting thoughts or memories, even good memories of sin, of the event, and heal our mind, will, and emotions of the effects of it. Help us walk out repentance and bring others we may have hurt or offended because of this transgression into healing by our surrendered heart towards You and with godly sorrow, by Your leading. Father, I break agreement with all words of curse spoken over me or by me regarding this offense, and I forgive myself, the other person, and You, God for any belief I have established that falsely places any blame on You. Father, I cancel their debt to me and trust You to be my advocate, healer, provider, and vindicator. As I receive Your forgiveness in my heart, I thank You for the ability to forgive my offender, and I now choose to turn away from the hurt, offense, resentments, bitterness and judgments I’ve held on to towards this offense. Thank you for healing and forgiving me Lord God Almighty. Amen.
PRAISE:
We rejoice over the news of a resident who was angry with her children for moving her out of her home in Texas (she had fallen several times and even sustained a brain injury) and placing her in a care center in Colorado (near her two children). Because of prayer and a Crossroads’ chaplain, she was able to come to realize that she needed the additional care and through intense physical therapy, was able to leave the center and move into her daughter’s home. The entire family is whole, loving God and loving each other.



Day 8 – July 12
Pray for favor:

Proverbs 3:4-8, 13, 17, 19, 21: “4. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 13. Happy the man findeth wisdom, and the man getteth understanding. 17. Her ways ways of pleasantness, and all her paths peace. 19.The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. 21. My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:. 23. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.”

PRAYER:
Father, we pray for the leaders of Crossroads Ministries, Kay and Jerry Owen; that they have your wisdom, understanding and knowledge. That your favor would go before them and that you would be their rear guard. We pray that you give them everything they have need of in their personal lives, as well as what they need to bring the fulfillment of the vision you have given them for this ministry. In Jesus name, Amen.


PRAISE:
Although Jerry continues to struggle with his health, we know that God has kept His hand on him. We praise God for Jerry’s determination to keep going and working for the Kingdom.


Day 9 – July 13
Prayer for the Crossroads Ministries Board of Directors:

PRAYER:
Father, we pray for these mighty men and women of God. Their service to Crossroads has not been without sacrifice. Lord, we specifically lift up those who have been struggling with health issues. We proclaim complete healing for each of them and thank you for the doctors and medical care you have provided for them. Thank you for protecting Cindy N. and Diane P. during their recent surgeries.
We also ask a hedge of protection around them and their families. As they care for aging parents and siblings, provide them with an added measure of Your grace. Use them as Your vessels of ministry. Provide for each of them financially, spiritually, emotionally and professionally. That they may be light in darkness and advocates for Crossroads Ministries wherever they go. Thank you bringing together such a wonderful group of men and women to work alongside and provide advice and counsel for Kay and Jerry. Amen.


PRAISE:
After almost two years of seeking employment, Kellie V. is now working full-time at a local Christian ministry. God is in time, on time, every time.


Day 10 – July 14
Prayer for Jerry and Kay, founder and Director
Isaiah 45:1: “Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut”
John 15:5: ”He who abides in me and I in Him, bears much fruit.”

PRAYER:
Father, We come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy, healing, and your peace. We declare in the Mighty name of Jesus, that Jerry is healed, from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. Body, we command you to be whole; nothing missing, nothing broken, and nothing added that’s not of God. We claim that every one of the doctors have your wisdom and knowledge and do nothing more and nothing less than Your best.
We pray the peace of God over Kay as she attends to Jerry and everything that is associated with Crossroads Ministries; asking specifically for favor with the leaders of the churches and that they receive the heart and call to come alongside Crossroads Ministries and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

PRAISE:
We have received great reports from the Legacy group at Woodmen Valley Chapel and their continued involvement with visitation and singing at the Union Printers’ Home. After each visit, they leave the residents happy and enjoying the joy of the Lord.