A Light of Revelation For All People

Pastor Dewey Moede

12 months ago

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, “A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2: 25-32

Reflection

Greetings prayer partner,

Christmas prepared us to step into 2024 as we “Lift Up the Word, Light Up the World.” Our focus remains on Jesus, and we remember that “God with us”, remains with us. Our joy is refreshed as we recall the angel’s message of, “good news of great joy which will be for all the people;” and as Christ’s birth fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 9:2, these words are stilled being fulfilled as Jesus lights up dark hearts and dark places every day: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.”

As a gentile, I am deeply grateful that the news of the Savior’s birth was extended to me, “a Light of revelation to the gentiles and the glory of God’s people Israel.”

Over 2,000 years later, God is still fulfilling that promise in every generation.

Simeon had been promised that he would not see death until he had seen Christ. As he held Jesus in his arms, Simeon praised God for fulfilling His promise, “according to Your word.” As we read the Word of God we must have faith in every precept, promise, and prophecy trusting God “according to Your Word,” in every word.

Our 2024 theme art spotlights the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. In Ephesians 6:16-18 we are told to take the shield and the sword, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…” Just as the sword and shield fight the battle together, faith is essential as prayer warriors pick up the Word and pray.

About the National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. The next National Day of Prayer is May 2, 2024.

How To Pray

We will pray thousands of prayers this year filled with praise and thanks. We will intercede for family, friends, neighbors, and our nation. We will pray for the Church, Family, Education, Workplace/Business, Military, Government, Arts, Entertainment and Media. We will pray for health, for those at war, for needs, decisions, and dreams. We will weep in prayer with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice… and we will pray for our enemies. As we lift up the Word in faith, we must live out the Word in our lives.

Would you please pray with me now?

You are Light to all nations, all people. Thank You for being our Light and life, my Savior and Lord. We cling to Your promise that You will never leave us nor forsake us; You are still Immanuel. We trust in Your Word that is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, it is our instruction, inspiration, and information concerning everything in our lives. We do not stumble around in darkness nor do we have anything to fear as we walk securely, according to Your Word, will and ways. We pick up our shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit as we pray every day in Your great and mighty name, Amen!

Serving Him with gladness,

Kathy Branzell
President

LIGHT Your Path!

Please join us as we “Lift up the Word and Light Up the World.” Here is some LIGHT for your path as you walk by faith and celebrate the Light of the World.

The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. (Isaiah 9:2)

He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6)

In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:16-18)

Please add your favorites to this list and be encouraged to repeat them in faith-filled prayer.

January Pray For America Call

Join our first Pray For America call of the year tonight, Thursday, January 4th at 8 p.m. ET as NDP President Kathy Branzell leads our network in praying for all 50 states and two U.S. territories. To join, call 667-770-1523 then type 4961322# to enter.

NEW Prayer Prompt Texting Opportunity

Each year, our NDP Task Force state leadership selects a scripture verse to pray over their state. In 2024 we will be praying these verses over one U.S. state or territory each week, starting in the east and moving west. To begin receiving these scripture-based prayer prompts, text 2024STATES to (833) 259-8648.

2023 Impact Report Now Available!

Our efforts to mobilize unified, public prayer for America are made possible by YOU, our prayer partner! To see all that God accomplished through the ministry of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, enjoy reading through our 2023 Impact Report.

View The Impact Report Here!

Urgent Prayer Response

We continue to pray through the reports coming out of Israel and Gaza, as our hearts break for our Israeli brothers and sisters, as well as Christians in the land and the shedding of innocent blood in Israel and Palestine. We invite you to join with fellow NDP intercessors in unified Day and Night Prayer for Israel. Text ISRAEL to 31401 to receive two prayer prompts each day, morning and night, throughout this war. Copy and share this call to prayer as you feel led to invite others to join in unified prayer.