PRAY LESSON 4
Church Growth
“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”
– Acts 5:42
Adoration: God, I praise You for Your sovereign control over all things. What You plan happens – and no event or person, not even Satan, can stop Your plans and purposes from being accomplished.
Confession: Please forgive me any time I, like Ananias and Sapphira, am more concerned with my reputation and being known for holiness rather than actual self-sacrifice and a holy life. (Acts 5:1-10)
Thanksgiving: Thank you, God, that You have a gracious purpose in the suffering and problems I face. Thank you for having a plan, even in my life’s most painful events. (Genesis 50:20; Romans 5:3-5; 8:28; 1 Peter 4:12-14)
Supplications:
Global: Father, I pray nothing – not pain, disgrace, disunity, discontent or distraction – will threaten or silence the witness of Your Church. Please help all Christians around the world to “never stop teaching and proclaiming the good news.” (Acts 5:42)
Local: Lord, please allow my church and BSF class to be marked by the Holy Spirit – with unity, generosity and a bold witness (Acts 4:32-37). Please send us a fresh filling of Your Spirit so we may grow in strength and joy even in the midst of problems and persecution.
Personal: Father, like the early Church, please use my trials to draw me closer to Christ in faith and love and to draw unbelievers to You. Help me to know Your comfort and joy in my suffering and to keep my eyes on the goal: Your glory, Christlikeness and eternity. (Philippians 3:13-14)
PRAY ACTS INTRODUCTION
Planting the Church
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
– Acts 1:8
Adoration: God, I praise You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who changes me and whose power allows ordinary believers to do extraordinary things.
Confession: Please forgive me for the selfishness, greed and fear that hinders the work of the Holy Spirit in my life.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Jesus, for using deeply flawed people to build Your Church. Thank you that with You our present work and persecution ultimately produce joy. (Acts 13:48, 52; Romans 5:2-5)
Supplications:
Global: Father, just as in Revelation 7:9, I pray for the gospel to spread to “every nation, tribe, people and language,” producing communities of believers who love Jesus and gather to worship Him.
Local: Lord, I pray that, through the Spirit, my church and BSF class will receive power to share the gospel and lives will be miraculously changed. I pray that even in opposition You will bring growth.
Personal: Father, search my heart (Psalm 139:23-24) and show me where sin is grieving the Holy Spirit. Please fill me constantly with Your Spirit that I might know and love Jesus more deeply. (Luke 11:13)
PRAY LESSON 1
Preparing for Pentecost
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.”
– Acts 1:4b
Adoration: Your plan alone, Lord, is complete. From the beginning of time, You ordained Your Son to be the Savior and the Holy Spirit to be the Advocate. You alone are all-knowing and all-seeing. (Acts 1:1-11)
Confession: So often I lose sight of Your power and purpose in my daily activities. Forgive me for taking You for granted and help me to treasure the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Thanksgiving: I thank you, Lord, for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Just as the disciples were baptized in Your Spirit at Pentecost, I too am filled with the Spirit that unites me with Christ and other believers forever. (Acts 1:4-5)
Supplications:
Global: Unify Your Church, just as the earliest Christians, to be “joined together constantly in prayer.” (Acts 1:14)
Local: You alone, Lord, “know everyone’s hearts.” Give us wisdom as we appoint local authorities, and guide those who lead our churches, BSF classes and communities. (Acts 1:24)
Personal: The same Holy Spirit that empowered the apostles is alive in me through Jesus. Help me to value that gift as I seek to be a witness “to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-8)
PRAY LESSON 2
Pentecost
“Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.”
– Acts 2:33
Adoration: God, I praise You for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who gives me a new relationship to God, new life, a new identity and new power to witness to the reality of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. (John 3:5-8; Ephesians 2:4-8)
Confession: Please forgive me when I rely on myself and not the Holy Spirit to draw people to Jesus (John 12:32). Forgive me when I allow fear to keep me from boldly sharing truth.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Holy Spirit, for indwelling and empowering me with Your presence, power, fruitfulness and supernatural gifts.
Supplications:
Global: Father, I pray for a renewed outpouring of Your Holy Spirit in Your Church and BSF classes, resulting in a global revival! I pray the Holy Spirit awakens believers to engage in evangelism, teaching and social action. I pray You will add new believers to the body of Christ in great numbers.
Local: Lord, I pray my local Christian community will join in a unified call to prayer – Spirit-filled, urgent, Christ-centered prayer for an outpouring of the Spirit for the glory of God! (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Personal: Father, I want to experience the awe and joy of being in close fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Please show me those areas in my life that are grieving the Holy Spirit. Flood me with Your presence, Holy Spirit – by Your grace, make me an unstoppable witness for the Lord Jesus Christ!
PRAY LESSON 3
Peter and John
“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
– Acts 4:31
Adoration: God, You have ultimate authority over all creation, including those who oppose Your name. “Sovereign Lord, You made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.” (Acts 4:24b)
Confession: When faced with opposition in Acts 3-4, the apostles responded with confidence in You alone. Forgive me, Lord, when I avoid opportunities to share Your truth. Help me to recognize those moments when I’m called to speak boldly.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, God, that You came to give life to the full (John 10:10). Just as You helped the lame man walk in Acts 3, You alone give me the grace and ability to walk in Your Spirit.
Supplications:
Global: Many brothers and sisters around the world are suffering in Jesus’ name. Strengthen Your Church, Lord, as opposition deepens our spiritual roots.
Local: Just as the apostles responded with praise and generosity in Acts 4, give me an attitude of praise and generosity in my home, church, BSF class and my community.
Personal: God, give me a willingness to suffer if that suffering will further the gospel. Let all opposition strengthen my trust in You and compel me to speak boldly about what I have seen and heard. (Acts 4:20)
PRAY LESSON 4
Church Growth
“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”
– Acts 5:42
Adoration: God, I praise You for Your sovereign control over all things. What You plan happens – and no event or person, not even Satan, can stop Your plans and purposes from being accomplished.
Confession: Please forgive me any time I, like Ananias and Sapphira, am more concerned with my reputation and being known for holiness rather than actual self-sacrifice and a holy life. (Acts 5:1-10)
Thanksgiving: Thank you, God, that You have a gracious purpose in the suffering and problems I face. Thank you for having a plan, even in my life’s most painful events. (Genesis 50:20; Romans 5:3-5; 8:28; 1 Peter 4:12-14)
Supplications:
Global: Father, I pray nothing – not pain, disgrace, disunity, discontent or distraction – will threaten or silence the witness of Your Church. Please help all Christians around the world to “never stop teaching and proclaiming the good news.” (Acts 5:42)
Local: Lord, please allow my church and BSF class to be marked by the Holy Spirit – with unity, generosity and a bold witness (Acts 4:32-37). Please send us a fresh filling of Your Spirit so we may grow in strength and joy even in the midst of problems and persecution.
Personal: Father, like the early Church, please use my trials to draw me closer to Christ in faith and love and to draw unbelievers to You. Help me to know Your comfort and joy in my suffering and to keep my eyes on the goal: Your glory, Christlikeness and eternity. (Philippians 3:13-14)
PRAY LESSON 5
Stephen’s Witness
“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
– Acts 7:55
Adoration: No one, God, can stand against the wisdom of Your Holy Spirit. (Acts 6:10)
Confession: So often, I try to control my circumstances and avoid suffering in Your name. Forgive me for seeking comfort above Your call to speak the truth. In Matthew 10:32, You said, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”
Thanksgiving: I know from Acts 7:48a that “the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands.” Thank you for allowing me complete access to You in prayer and worship through Jesus Christ alone.
Supplications:
Global: As Stephen’s death in Acts 7 brought You great glory, may the suffering of our brothers and sisters around the world increase Your fame throughout the nations.
Local: Give those in local authority ears to hear Your Word. You, God, can soften hearts in Jesus’ name and I pray that my local leaders will not “resist the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 7:51b)
Personal: Help me, Lord, to be full of Your grace and power like Stephen in Acts 6:8. Give me the ability to share Your Word boldly and clearly when called to do so.
PRAY LESSON 6
Philip’s Ministry and Paul’s Conversion
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”
– Acts 8:4
Adoration: God, I praise You for Your mercy. You make Your gospel known where people have turned their backs on You. You seek those who are lost, alone and hurting.
Confession: Please forgive me, Father, when I put limits, such as background, ethnicity, language, religion, behaviors, age and social status on Your gospel.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Jesus Christ, for destroying barriers that separate people! (Ephesians 3:6)
Supplications:
Global: All-powerful God, I boldly ask for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom to all people groups (Revelation 7:9). I pray even Your active enemies, like Paul once was, will become Your chief proponents.
Local: Lord, just as Philip ministered to the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, I pray the Spirit will bring power to the words of the pastors in my church and the teachers in my BSF class as they give out the gospel. I pray the Holy Spirit will generate new life and joy in those who hear.
Personal: Father, just as Ananias had to overcome his doubts and fears by faith to meet Saul, I pray for joyful submission for the work You have asked me to do. (Acts 9:10-19)
PRAY LESSON 7
Peter’s Gentile Ministry
“So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
– Acts 11:18b
Adoration: God, You do not show favoritism but accept from every nation those who fear You and do what is right. (Acts 10:34b-35)
Confession: Forgive me when I think I can stand in Your way; when I believe my plans are better than Yours, God. (Acts 10:13-17)
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord, for granting Your gifts of the Holy Spirit and Your Word to all who believe in Jesus and receive forgiveness of sins through His name. (Acts 10:43, 11:1)
Supplications:
Global: In the Church’s early days, Your people helped one another. Give me a spirit of generosity to support my brothers and sisters around the world (Acts 11:27-30). I pray the Church and BSF classes worldwide will have Your abundant provision as they preach the gospel.
Local: Jesus, Your grace is sufficient to redeem all who believe in Your gospel. Just as Peter shared this good news with the Gentiles in Acts 10, give me courage to share with family, friends, neighbors and even the most unlikely to seek You.
Personal: Help me to surrender every aspect of my life to You, Lord. Just as Peter could discern a new direction for the early Church in Acts 10, help me discern Your plan for my life through prayer and Your Word.
PRAY LESSON 8
Victory over Persecution
“But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.”
– Acts 12:24
Adoration: What You will, God, is good and perfect. Your ways are flawless; Your judgments are upright; Your Word is without error. (Psalm 18:30)
Confession: Please forgive me, Father, when I use self-effort (King Herod) to work toward my expected outcome, instead of faith (Peter) to surrender my will and embrace Your outcome. (Acts 12:1-17)
Thanksgiving: Peter peacefully slept while 16 soldiers guarded him in a fortified prison (Acts 12:6)! Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving me freedom from worry and power over fear.
Supplications:
Global: When Peter was imprisoned, the Church gathered behind locked doors to pray. I lift up those in the global Church that are under threat of persecution – that they will be able to gather and pray as one body in faith. Please show them that Your power is greater than any enemy or expectation.
Local: Lord, allow my church and BSF class to be in stark contrast with the ways of the world. May our focus be on the heavenly kingdom to come and glorifying You and not about seeking popularity in the world.
Personal: Heavenly Father, please help me to not be overwhelmed by my real, physical circumstances. Help me to remember my battle is spiritual (Ephesians 6:10-12) and Jesus’ victory over this world is a promise of certain victory for me (John 16:33).
PRAY LESSON 9
New Life
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
– 1 Peter 1:3
Adoration: God, in Your great mercy, You have given me new birth into a living hope. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, I gain a holy inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. (1 Peter 1:3-4)
Confession: Lord, forgive me for returning to the desires of this world, those things that distract me from You. Help me to eagerly await Your return and to be filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy in Christ alone. (1 Peter 1:7-8, 14)
Thanksgiving: Your Word, Lord, is living and everlasting. As human glory fades and withers, thank you for the gift of Your Word that endures forever. (1 Peter 1:23-25)
Supplications:
Global: As a body of believers, let us rid ourselves of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander. God, I pray Your global Church and BSF will operate in You alone, not the things of this world. (1 Peter 1:1, 2:1)
Local: Jesus, through You alone we can love one another sincerely. Help me to love those in my church, neighborhood and community deeply, from the heart. (1 Peter 1:22-23)
Personal: Through Your Word, I have tasted that You, Lord, are good. Help me to continue to crave pure spiritual milk to grow in Your salvation. (1 Peter 2:2-3)
PRAY LESSON 10
Christ’s Followers
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.”
– 1 Peter 3:13-14a
Adoration: God, I praise You for Your faithfulness. You know and love each of Your own. You will do all You have promised: care for and make strong; forgive and make new; protect and purify.
Confession: Please forgive me, Father, when I live for myself, worshipping the idols of the culture around me and allowing my appetites to consume me. (1 Peter 4:1-6)
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Jesus, that You give me the desire and power to stop sinning and live for God’s will. Thank you, Spirit, for the strength to “continue to do good.” (1 Peter 4:19)
Supplications:
Global: I pray for those in the global Church and BSF worldwide that are right now suffering for simply living godly lives. Help them to not be afraid and to remain alert in prayer, ready to explain to anyone who asks why they have hope. Use their godly behavior to change or shame those who persecute them. (1 Peter 3:15-16; 4:7)
Local: Lord, I pray Psalm 34 over my church and BSF class – that we will speak true and necessary words; reject wrongdoing, whatever the cost; base what we do and do not do on God’s Word; and make every effort to reconcile with others and seek peace.
Personal: Gracious Father, prepare me to give solid reasons for the hope I have in Christ. Whether face-to-face or on social media, give me increasingly gentle, respectful and wise words. (1 Peter 3:15)
PRAY LESSON 11
Christ’s Followers
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.”
– 1 Peter 3:13-14a
Adoration: Through You, Jesus, everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a freedom I was not able to obtain under the Law of Moses. You alone have the power of salvation. (Acts 13:39)
Confession: Help me, Lord, to set aside worthless things and turn to You, the living God. Forgive me for looking to men and miracles to sustain my faith, instead of seeking You alone. (Acts 14:11-15)
Thanksgiving: Thank you, God, for the Acts of the Apostles. Thank you for sending Barnabas and Paul to share Your truth as You “opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.” (Acts 14:27)
Supplications:
Global: In Acts 13 and 14, I see the disciples and early believers helping Barnabas and Saul in their mission to share Your truth. Help me to serve others well, seeking opportunities to fast, pray and help my brothers and sisters around the world.
Local: Saul and Barnabas were certainly not ashamed of Your truth. Give me courage and clarity as I seek to share the gospel with my family, friends and neighbors. (Acts 13:2)
Personal: Without a question, Barnabas and Saul joyfully accepted “the work to which[You had] called them.” Help me to recognize the work to which I am called, and give me the strength to walk in Your purpose. (Acts. 13:2)
PRAY LESSON 12
Church Unity
“We believe that it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”
– Acts 15:11
Adoration: God, I praise You for Your love is greater than all barriers to peaceful relationships.
Confession: Please forgive me when my heart attitude, like some of the early Jewish Christians, is prejudiced, unloving and ungracious – especially toward those who are different from me.
Thanksgiving: Thank you for the Holy Spirit, who transforms all who believe – by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), bringing true unity to diverse church members.
Supplications:
Global: Father, I pray for Your Church and BSF all over the world—that we will boldly stand for truth and not be deceived by worldly lies and influences that cause division among believers. (Acts 15:1)
Local: Lord, I pray for my local church and BSF class—that we will not rely on external uniformity but on the power of the Holy Spirit to make all believers one in Christ. (Ephesians 4:3-6)
Personal: Lord, help me to break down barriers and build up those in my community to show the gospel to those around me.
PRAY LESSON 13
The Superiority of Jesus Christ
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.’”
– Hebrews 1:3
Adoration: All things were made through You and for You, Jesus. You are more excellent than angels and worthy of all glory. (Hebrews 1:2, 3:3)
Confession: Forgive me, Lord, for not paying closer attention to the gospel I have heard. Draw me closer to You “so that [I will] not drift away.” (Hebrews 2:1)
Thanksgiving: Jesus, you know how it feels to be tempted to disobey God, and yet You never sinned. Thank you for standing with me as my Champion and Intercessor, strengthening me to resist temptation. (Hebrews 2:18)
Supplications:
Global: The Word of God is “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Holy Spirit, please use the Church and BSF to make God’s Word known in communities around the world. I pray many will believe in Jesus now and not delay.
Local: Hebrews says that “nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Give me a sense of urgency to share Your truth with family and friends who don’t believe. (Hebrews 4:13)
Personal: Soften my heart, Lord, to Your teaching and truth. Draw me close to You so I can have splendid, vibrant rest in You. (Matthew 11:28-29; Hebrews 4:7-11)
PRAY LESSON 14
Jesus Christ’s Priesthood
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.”
– Hebrews 4:14
Adoration: I praise You, Lord Jesus, my great High Priest. You are perfect in patience and compassion, supreme in mercy and the only righteous substitute to atone for my sin. You are superior in every way, and I can trust You with absolute confidence. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Confession: Lord, forgive me, when I tend to be lazy in spiritual matters, lacking devotion in humility, prayer, study, forgiveness and church life. Forgive me for being satisfied with “milk” instead of “solid food.” (Hebrews 5:13-14)
Thanksgiving: Jesus, thank you for Your work of interceding for me before the Father, declaring me righteous. Thank you for welcoming me to the “throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). Thank you for being present with me here on earth through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:9)
Supplications:
Global: Father, I pray Your Church will “no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14). I pray this generation will know, teach and practice the Bible and stand against deceit regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Local: I pray for every person in my BSF class – that we will desire to “grow up” in our faith to maturity (Hebrews 6:1) and pass along what we are learning. Please use BSF to teach the reality of who You are, God.
Personal: Jesus, You are “a better hope” (Hebrews 7:19) than the burden of my self- effort and legalism. Help me, Holy Spirit, to continually live by the power of Christ’s indestructible life in me!
PRAY LESSON 15
Preparing for Pentecost
“…and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, …”
– Hebrews 10:21-22
Adoration: You alone, Jesus, are the holy high priest, worthy of entering the Most Holy Place. (Hebrews 9:12)
Confession: So often, Lord, I try to earn Your forgiveness, forgetting that “Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many…” Forgive me for taking Your sacrifice on the cross for granted. (Hebrews 9:28)
Thanksgiving: Thank you for eternal salvation, “for by one sacrifice [You have] made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” (Hebrews 10:14)
Supplications:
Global: As I “see the Day approaching,” help me to be mindful of Your imminent return. Unify Your Church as we seek to spread Your fame throughout the nations. (Hebrews 10:25)
Local: Help me, Lord, to “spur [others] on toward love and good deeds” as I serve those in my BSF class, church and community. (Hebrews 10:24)
Personal: Lord, give me endurance in my faith, so I “do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” (Hebrews 10:39)
PRAY LESSON 16
Faith in Christ Alone
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see … without faith its impossible to please God …”
– Hebrews 11:1, 6
Adoration: I praise you, Lord Jesus, as the pioneer and perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:2). You were the first human to perfectly live by faith and You will bring my faith to completion by glorious sight.
Confession: Please forgive me when I fail to: love other Christians as siblings; love strangers by serving their needs; love the suffering by giving mercy and comfort; love my spouse; and am discontent with the gifts You have given me. (Hebrews 13:1-5)
Thanksgiving: Father, thank you for the examples of courageous men and women in Hebrews 11 whose active faith overcame immense challenges. Thank you for surrounding me with faithful church leaders and other Christians, who help me flourish in my faith.
Supplications:
Global: Just as Abraham obeyed without wavering (Hebrews 11:8-12), I pray Your Church today will depend on Your Power to joyfully obey despite testing and suffering. Oh Father, please use our individual lives of faith to reach the next generation with the story of Your great salvation!
Local: Father, I pray for the leaders in my home church and my BSF class: that they will live honorably as an example to those they lead (Hebrews 13:18). Help me to imitate the faith of my spiritual leaders and to submit to their authority. (Hebrews 13:17)
Personal: Father, despite unmet desires and expectations in my life, allow me to trust You and move forward in perseverance and obedience. Whatever comes, help me to look beyond myself with eyes of faith to Your promised future.
PRAY LESSON 17
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey
“After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
– Acts 16:10
Adoration: God, You alone are sovereign. You have authority to change men’s hearts, cast out evil spirits and shake prison foundations. (Acts 15-16)
Confession: Paul and Silas were “praying and singing hymns to God” in prison. So often, I forget to worship You in difficult moments. Forgive me, God, for not trusting You. (Acts 16:25)
Thanksgiving: Lord, You are “not far from any one of us.” Thank you for giving me direct access to You, through Christ. (Acts 17:27)
Supplications:
Global: Just as the early Church trained and taught one another in Your ways, Lord, help Your global Church to be a “great help to those who by grace [have] believed” (Acts 18:27). Use BSF worldwide to build spiritual maturity in class members.
Local: As I share the gospel, help me to accept that some will mock, and to celebrate when others say, “we want to hear you again on this subject.” Give me courage, Lord. (Acts 17:32)
Personal: You, Lord, have “marked out [my] appointed time in history and the boundaries of [my] land” that I should seek You. Help me to rest in Your plan for my life and my distinct purpose to serve You. (Acts 17:26)
PRAY LESSON 18
Living for Christ’s Return
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:9
Adoration: I praise You for You are a jealous God. Your love, oh Lord, gives me what is good and protects me from sin. You seal me to Yourself through the Holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)
Confession: Paul exhibited to the Thessalonians God-given power to love others more than self. Forgive me, Lord, when my daily activities are focused on self and things and put people off for later.
Thanksgiving: Thank you for who You are, Father. Thank you for all you have done and are doing in my life to conform me to the image of Your Son (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Where You are at work, grace and joy abounds!
Supplications:
Global: Father, I pray Your Church and BSF will, like Paul, be fully invested in others gaining faith in Jesus Christ. Increase our love for all people, even our enemies. (1 Thessalonians 3:11-12)
Local: I pray for repentance of any sexual sins within my home, my local church or my local BSF classes – “for God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life” (1 Thessalonians 4:7). Replace our sin with fidelity to God’s Word.
Personal: Father, make Paul’s aim to glorify You and see people saved my heart’s desire as well. Please allow eternity to occupy all my thinking, hopes and daily activities.
PRAY LESSON 19
The Day of the Lord
“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.”
– 2 Thessalonians 2:3
Adoration: You, God, are just and Your judgement is right. (2 Thessalonians 1:5-6)
Confession: Forgive me for becoming “easily unsettled or alarmed” by those who are not teaching Your Word. Help me to put my faith, trust and hope in You alone. (2 Thessalonians 2:2)
Thanksgiving: God, You are faithful. You strengthen me and protect me from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
Supplications:
Global: God, You delight to deliver Your love and accomplish Your will through prayer. I pray Your Church will persevere in faith despite opposition and magnify Jesus by overcoming evil with good. Multiply our fruitful deeds. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)
Local: Father, use my church and my BSF class to teach the Jesus of the Bible. Help us to reject fear and false teachings and peacefully anticipate the Lord’s return.
(2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)
Personal: Keep me alert, Father, to King Jesus’ return and may I “never tire of doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13). Help me to quickly repent and flee from gossip, fearfulness, false teachings, disunity and laziness.
PRAY LESSON 20
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey
“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
– Acts 20:32
Adoration: God, I praise You for Your patience. In Ephesus, You worked through Paul for two years so everyone in the area could hear the good news of Jesus (Acts 19:8-22). You love Your creation and have pity on people who are broken by sin.
Confession: Just as some Ephesians walks did not match their talk of Jesus, please forgive me, gracious Father, when I hide idols within my home and my heart. You are faithful to forgive and cleanse all who repent. (1 John 1:9)
Thanksgiving: Thank you for the privilege and responsibility to lead others to Your great salvation.
Supplications:
Global: Father, like You did in Ephesus, I pray You will add people to Your Church today from all different cultures, experiences and beliefs (Acts 19:10). For BSF, please use technology, such as mybsf.org and Satellite Discussion Groups, to globally maximize Bible engagement.
Local: Please use me, my church and my BSF class to break down barriers in our community. Allow us to share the gospel with believers and unbelievers, pointing to the one way to be saved from sin: in Christ alone. (Acts 20:17-21)
Personal: God, You used Paul’s suffering to bring spiritual life to many (Acts 21:10-14). Give me Your perspective on suffering – not to fear or worry about it, but rather trust in Your sovereign plan and worry about those who need to hear the gospel.
PRAY LESSON 21
Countercultural Unity
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
– 1 Corinthians 1:18
Adoration: “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:25)
Confession: Forgive me, God, for acting like other “mere humans,” for allowing jealousy and quarreling to enter my relationships. Forgive me for seeking worldly wisdom, which is foolishness in Your sight. (1 Corinthians 3:3, 19)
Thanksgiving: Thank you, God, for Your Holy Spirit. “What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:12)
Supplications:
Global: Lord, help BSF and Your Church to avoid the pitfalls of favoritism and the worldly patterns of popularity and celebrity, but rather uphold unity among Christians. Allow us to “agree with one another in what [we] say and that there be no divisions among [us], but that [we] be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Local: Protect and guide local church and BSF leaders as they trust in You, Lord. “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
Personal: Lord, help me to focus on You. Let me not be distracted by others’ opinions, or even my own judgement. Align my motives with Yours, for You will “expose the motives of the heart.” (1 Corinthians 4:3-5)
PRAY LESSON 22
Countercultural Relationships
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Adoration: God, I praise You because You are not a God of confusion. Your Word and Spirit clearly reveal Your unchanging character, standards and truth.
Confession: Father, please forgive me for accepting or affirming sin in my life or the lives of other believers. Help me to mourn my sin wherever it is found. (1 Corinthians 5:1-8)
Thanksgiving: Thank You “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Thank You, Lord Jesus, for sacrificing Your righteous life to deliver me from the power of sin.
Supplications:
Global: Father, I pray You will reveal where Your Church is following cultural norms and expose where we have become complacent about sin inside our own fellowships. Please use BSF to come alongside the Church to produce passionate commitment to Christ and His Word.
Local: O Holy God, I pray for the people in my BSF class who are struggling with celibacy, marriage or divorce. Please use the words of 1 Corinthians 7 to address their confusion and disappointment. Offer them comfort and peace in the midst of their trial.
Personal: Gracious Father, Your Word says to “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). Help me to take this truth to heart in the sexual temptations I battle. Keep me mindful of the Holy Spirit indwelling me from which nothing is hidden.
PRAY LESSON 23
Countercultural Worship
“Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”
– 1 Corinthians 8:6
Adoration: You, God, are perfect in love. You are patient, kind, humble, forgiving and honest. You are my Protector and Redeemer. You are worthy of all faith, hope, and above all, love. (1 Corinthians 13:4-13)
Confession: Forgive me, Lord, for turning to the temptations of previous generations. “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us…”
(1 Corinthians 10:6-12)
Thanksgiving: Thank you, God, for not allowing me to be tempted beyond what I can stand. You are faithful to provide a way out of temptation so I can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Supplications:
Global: Unite Your Church, Lord, as one body. Help us to celebrate the unique gifts of each Christian, having “equal concern for each other.” Let us suffer together and rejoice together as one. (1 Corinthians 12:12-31)
Local: Give me wisdom, “that the exercise of [my] rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” Help me to consider other believers in all that I say and do. (1 Corinthians 8:9; 10:24, 32)
Personal: Give me endurance, Lord, to run the race, “not like someone running aimlessly” but to run toward the prize, toward You in all things. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
PRAY LESSON 24
Countercultural Hope
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
– 1 Corinthians 15:20
Adoration: Jesus, I praise You as my resurrected Lord and King! I eagerly wait for the day that You will raise all believers to resurrection life. “Come, Lord!” (1 Corinthians 16:22b)
Confession: Please forgive me, Lord, when my example does not match my words. Forgive me when I am not responsive or submissive to the Holy Spirit. Lead me in the way of righteousness! (Philippians 1:6)
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the hope I have in you. Thank you for the promise of salvation from sin, everlasting fellowship with God in a resurrected body and a renovated creation to enjoy forever. (1 Corinthians 15:42-57)
Supplications:
Global: Father, because of Jesus’ resurrection, strengthen Your Church to endure hardship and persecution, live fearlessly and faithfully love our enemies. (1 Corinthians 15:20-28)
Local: I pray unity and generosity in the body of Christ is modeled in local congregations and extends to Your entire Church (1 Corinthians 16:1-4).
Personal: Father, just as Paul instructed the Corinthians “about the collection for the Lord’s people” (1 Corinthians 16:1), show me where and how to respond to the needs of other believers in Your Church — either through prayer, encouragement, offerings, teaching, visits or practical resources. May the gospel be on full display through me!
PRAY LESSON 25
Paul in Jerusalem
“The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth.”
– Acts 22:14
Adoration: Your plans, Lord, are greater than anything men could devise. You soften hearts, using ordinary people to draw thousands to worship Your name. (Acts 21:19-20)
Confession: Forgive me for creating dissention in the Church, for letting physical and cultural differences divide the body of believers. (Acts 22:21-22)
Thanksgiving: God, thank you for allowing me to share the good news of Jesus with others. Like Paul, You have placed me in the perfect time and place to share the gospel, to fulfill “my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” (Acts 23:1, 11)
Supplications:
Global: Be with my brothers and sisters around the world who are imprisoned in Your name. Give them comfort, courage and wisdom in the face of their accusers. (Acts 23:6-7)
Local: Lord, give me wisdom to understand the people I serve, just as Paul ministered to both Jews and Gentiles. Help me to relate to them, to love them well and to stand firm in Your teaching and truth. (Acts 21:20-25)
Personal: Paul responded to Your calling. Show me where I am to testify about You. Let the words “take courage” be ever-present on my mind as I seek to serve You. (Acts 23:11)
PRAY LESSON 26
Paul’s Testimony
“Paul replied, ‘Short time or long – I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.’”
– Acts 26:29
Adoration: God, Your glorious Kingdom reigns supreme and unchangeable forever. The Roman kingdom of Paul’s time seemed unstoppable. Evils, injustices, even death cannot overcome God’s people and Your coming Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is unstoppable!
Confession: Paul spoke boldly of faith in Jesus Christ before immoral rulers who could command his death (Acts 24:24-26; 26:15-23). Forgive me, Father, when I shrink back in fear from proclaiming Your gospel and fail to call sin an offense to God.
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Father, for my government and rulers, which have been established by You to promote wisdom and restrain evil (Romans 13:1-4). Thank you for using good and wicked rulers to fulfill Your purposes and prophecy. (John 19:11)
Supplications:
Global: Father, give Your Church boldness and humility as we share the hope we have in Jesus Christ, even in the midst of accusations and joking (Acts 26:24-29). Let our witness be a seed of truth in the hearer’s heart, producing an eternal, saving relationship with You.
Local: God, I pray the words spoken in my BSF class will be a reflection of truth without hypocrisy. I pray for anyone in my class who hasn’t responded to the gospel, that they will do so today. Life is a sacred gift from You, who numbers our days. (Job 14:5)
Personal: Paul’s testimony shows me, O God, that Your wisdom is not like my own (Isaiah 55:8). Help me to see proofs of Your love in the midst of the unexpected challenges and painful situations in my life.
PRAY LESSON 27
On to Rome
“So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.”
– Acts 27:25
Adoration: You are so powerful, God, that even those who don’t believe in You see the work of Your hand. Just as the islanders saw Paul and others healed, Your mighty power is on display for all to see. (Acts 28:4-10)
Confession: Forgive me, Lord, for not listening to Your warnings, for putting my trust in human experts instead of relying on You. (Acts 27:10-11)
Thanksgiving: Thank You, God, that even when we stray, You are faithful to fulfill Your plans. Paul’s shipwreck brought You glory – thank You for using the difficulties in my life to strengthen my courage and faith. (Acts 27:24-26)
Supplications:
Global: Let me be like Paul, who served so selflessly that believers and non-believers “were all encouraged” during a difficult circumstance. May Christians be famous for our faith, hospitality and generosity. (Acts 27:33-36)
Local: Give me and every person in my BSF class a hunger for Your Word, Lord. Just as Paul “witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God… to persuade them about Jesus,” give us an intimate understanding of Your Word so we can share truth. (Acts 28:23-24)
Personal: Paul remained confident in You, even when those on the ship were resigned to hopelessness. Father, show me the people and circumstances in my life that need my confident involvement. Holy Spirit, give me spiritual and practical wisdom to guide others by God’s Word.
PRAY LESSON 28
Authentic Faith
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
– James 2:26
Adoration: God, I praise You as the giver of “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17). Nothing good can be gained apart from You. Nothing bad comes from Your hand.
Confession: Lord, please forgive me for the hurt I have caused others and the murderous desires at work in my heart because of my careless, angry words. (James 1:19-20; Matthew 5:21-22)
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Heavenly Father, that You know and care about every hardship and heartache in my life. Thank You, Holy Spirit, that I can live by faith and respond with joy regardless of my circumstances. (James 1:3-4, 12)
Supplications:
Global: Father, strengthen Your Church to be hearers and doers of the Word. Help us to see our true condition through Your Word and turn from our sin. Show us how to care for the truly needy, expecting nothing in return. (James 1:22-27; 2:14-17)
Local: Lord Jesus, please eradicate any acts of favoritism between supposedly “important” and “unimportant” people in my church, BSF class, workplace and social circles. Help me to look to Your glory and see people Your way. (James 2:1-13)
Personal: God, You are rich in mercy. Help me to delight in offering mercy to others, instead of wrong, partial judgments (James 2:13). Grow in me contentment, graciousness and a willingness to share the material benefits You have given me.
PRAY LESSON 29
Living as a Christian
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness … My brothers and sisters this should not be.”
– James 3:9-10
Adoration: Lord, You “are full of compassion and mercy.” (James 5:11)
Confession: Forgive me for words, such as careless criticism, gossip and angry outbursts, that don’t glorify You. “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing…” (James 3:10)
Thanksgiving: Thank You, God, for “wisdom that comes from heaven.” Your wisdom is pure, peace- loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17)
Supplications:
Global: James 5:3 warns, “Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire.” Let Your Church be famous for generosity, Lord! I pray for Your continued spiritual and monetary provision of BSF worldwide.
Local: Purify my motives, Lord. Coveting causes quarrels, so give me a generous heart to love and serve my brothers and sisters in Christ. (James 4:1-3)
Personal: Father, show me through this study of James areas of my life where I am not living with authentic faith. Show me the realities of my sin and help me to throw away rationalization and embrace conviction.