Forgive Us

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. (Luke 11:4 KJV)

Today's praise and prayer topics:

• Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
• And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
• For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

God Listens

If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. (Psalm 66:18-19 NLT)

Today's praise and prayer topics:

• Pray we are quick to confess our sins and swift to obey him in all things.
• Praise God for listening to our prayers, that at his core there is this desire to know us and to love us in spite of our tendency to sometimes go silent and be unlovable. 
• Although we have made much progress, the battle still rages so please pray for Emmanuel College throughout these next nine months as never before. God is listening.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

In His Hands

Let the whole world bless our God and loudly sing his praises. Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling. (Psalm 66:8-9 NLT)

Today's praise and prayer topics:

• Bless the Lord today and let your life overflow with praise, singing with joy and heartfelt thanks.
• Pray we allow his hands and arms to hold us securely, keeping our legs and feet steady when the path is full of obstacles.
• Pray we successfully manage every assessment, every negotiation, and every outcome guided by his kind and providential hands.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

What God Has Done

Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! (Psalm 66:5 NLT)

Today's praise and prayer topics:

• Praise him for the awesome miracles already performed for Emmanuel College, especially in recent years. Show your appreciation for his mercy and kindness.
• Pray for more miracles at the College and in our lives that we may advance his kingdom as salt and light in the world.
• Pray for the miracle of debt reduction, of more record-breaking enrollments, of far-reaching service to a hurting world, of thousands more graduates in every field of endeavor living lives of Christian service and witness wherever they go.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

Your Name

Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs." (Psalm 66:4 NLT)

Today's praise and prayer topics:

• So much to praise God for - who he is, what he does, how he comforts and guides. Praise the Lord today.
• Through turmoil and tumult, pray we hold steady on course through our acts of worship and praise, never doubting, always with our eyes on him.
• Pray for strongholds of debt and bondage to fall down before the mighty name of God our Father, and in the name of his powerful son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

How Awesome

Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! Your enemies cringe before your mighty power." (Psalm 66:3 NLT)

Today's praise and prayer topics:

• Awe inspiring! Full of awe! Awesome God! Receive our praise and worship, O Lord.
• The enemies of God, the powers and principalities unseen, always try to use our difficulties to dim our view of God and steal our praise. We resist them by praising our awesome God! Praise the Lord. O, praise the Lord.
• Pray for enemies to flee and difficulties to crumble through the frontal assault of our never-ending praise.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

Joyful Praises

Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is. (Psalm 66:1-2 NLT)

Today's praise and prayer topics:

• Such joy in knowing you, O Lord. We sing. We shout. We declare your glory and lift our praises to you.
• Pray we never allow any circumstance to steal our joy or stifle our praise for the Lord.
• Pray for the students, staff and faculty of Emmanuel College to go where he sends us, telling the world about our loving Savior, our God who is also our friend.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

Worthy of Praise

I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. (2 Samuel 22:4 NLT)

Today's praise and prayer topics:

• O Lord, when we think of you, our hearts flood with joy and praise, astonished that we can call on you, ecstatic that you answer.
• Pray for our students who struggle to apply themselves that they will break free of the enemies of procrastination and lethargy, finding resolve and determination to be successful this semester.
• Pray for the students we begin to recruit now who will enter next fall, that during these weeks and months of labor, the Holy Spirit will guide us to ample numbers of mission-fit students and will enable us to reach our enrollment goals.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

Praise Him Always

Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough? (Psalm 106:2 NLT)

Today's praise:

• O Lord, we do not deserve your favor. Quite the opposite, in fact.
• O God, we are grateful for your favor, kindness, mercy, gifts, grace and miracles, all undeserved, but so appreciated.
• O Lord, we thank you, an endless stream of praise rising to you for all you are to us and for all you have done for us.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

Praiseworthy

The Lord is alive! My protector is praiseworthy! The God who delivers me is exalted as king!  (Psalm 18:46 NET)

Today's praise and prayer topics:

• Exalt the Lord because he has delivered and will deliver again.
• Give thanks and praise for his abiding presence that protects us when we are vulnerable.
• Pray our every thought, word or action, whether planned or spontaneous, is directed by his presence living in us.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

Following the Lord

He followed God during the lifetime of Zechariah, who taught him how to honor God. As long as he followed the Lord, God caused him to succeed.  (2 Chronicles 26:5 NET)

Today's prayer topics:

• Honor and love the Lord always. Praise and thank him unceasingly.
• As the tasks get harder and the terrain more challenging, pray we follow the Lord without hesitation, obeying his every word.
• Pray for our success, especially in the reduction and management of debt over the next nine months.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

Morning and Evening

And each morning and evening they stood before the Lord to sing songs of thanks and praise to him. (1 Chronicles 23:30 NLT)

Today's prayer topics:

• Pray we focus on praise and thanks as never before, morning and evening and all the times between.
• Offer praise and thanks because he is our God, we are his, and our relationship with him is the essence of love.
• In anticipation of what he is about to do, give thanks and praise for what he has already done - for you, for Emmanuel, and for the Church. Make a list. Should take a while. If it doesn't, you are either allowing current circumstances to cloud your memory or you are living beneath your privilege in Christ. Be, live, celebrate in Christ!

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

I Trust Him

This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (Psalm 91:2 NLT)

Today's prayer topics:

• Let the praises go up today to our God who is trustworthy and able to protect and secure his interests and our well-being.
• Pray for our safety and success in travels and meetings throughout North Carolina next week. Please pray over this need for the next several days.
• Pray for wholeness and healing where it is needed among our students, staff and faculty. Pray for individuals who feel vulnerable to find God as their refuge.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

Praise All Day Long

But let those who want things to be set right for me shout for joy and celebrate! Let them constantly say, "The Lord is great - God wants his servant to be at peace." Then my tongue will talk all about your righteousness; it will talk about your praise all day long.  (Psalm 35:27-28 CEB)

Today's prayer topics:

• Pray for us to resist the temptation to let our emotions sink; rather, may we praise him saying, "The Lord is great. The Lord brings joy and peace."
• Give thanks for the friends of Emmanuel College who are praying around the world in many different places and time zones such that praises are literally going up all day long. 
• Praise him for his mighty works displayed through Emmanuel and pray for what is still upside down to be turned right side up.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

Petitions and Praises

For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke. (Psalm 66:17 NLT)

Today's prayer topics:

• May we not get so caught up in our petitions that we neglect to praise the Lord who has already done so much for us.
• Pray that the documents we submit to regulatory bodies will always be received with favor and may the grace of God carry us to success.
• Give thanks and praise him for the talented people who work for Emmanuel College.

As the praises go up, the power comes down.

God Will Lead

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. (Exodus 15:13 NIV)

Today's prayer topics:

• God's love is everlasting. How can we love him less? Forgive us, O Lord, when doubt creeps in and silences our praise.
• As the redeemed of the Lord, the ones he has rescued, praise him today and never cease to praise him as long as you have breath.
• Pray we obey the guidance of the Lord by following his lead step by step, not in weakness, but in his strength.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

As the Praises Go Up

The choir and trumpets made one voice of praise and thanks to God - orchestra and choir in perfect harmony singing and playing praise to God: "Yes! God is good! His loyal love goes on forever!" Then a billowing cloud filled the temple of God. The priests couldn't even carry out their duties because of the cloud - the glory of God - that filled the temple of God. (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 MSG)

Today's prayer topics:

• During the Alpha Spiritual Emphasis this past weekend, the Lord impressed upon us that as the praises go up, the power comes down to break every bondage.
• Pray for unity of spirit throughout the entire Emmanuel family to lift up praise to our God unceasingly for he is good and his love is everlasting. 
• Praising - through the tumult and the storm - releases the glory and power of God to carry us through safely to the other side. Let us praise the Lord!

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

Sing with Joy

Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. (Psalm 33:3 NLT)

Today's prayer topics:

• Pray for songs of joy and praise today across our nation in service after service from time zone to time zone.
• Pray for our final service this morning in the Alpha Spiritual Emphasis that God would reclaim lost ones and refocus our passionate pursuit of him.
• Give thanks for all the Lord has accomplished this weekend in the hearts and minds of students, staff and faculty. To God be the glory.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

Watching Over Us

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil. (1 Peter 3:12 NLT)

Today's prayer topics:

• Pray for students, staff and faculty to laser-focus on holiness in thought and actions, to do the right and shun the wrong.
• Pray for God-inspired decision making throughout our campus, especially for our students who need Jesus at the center of their lives.
• Pray for all who participate this morning in the Emmanuel Leadership Initiative workshops and this evening in the Night of Worship with the Matt Bartlett Band. Pray for hard hearts to yield to God and for yielded hearts to soar in Christ to new levels of commitment to Jesus.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

Thriving

But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God's unfailing love. (Psalm 52:8 NLT)

Today's prayer topics:

• Pray for Emmanuel to do more than survive; rather, pray for the College to thrive.
• Like a tree that sinks deep roots and bears much fruit, pray for Emmanuel to be strengthened at its core and to expand its reach and influence.
• Pray for our students to become the fruit of our labors, succeeding in the places God plants them.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

Be Merciful

Be merciful to me, O God, because I am under attack; my enemies persecute me all the time. (Psalm 56:1 GNB)

Today's prayer topics:

• The enemy never lets up, but he will not prevail. Pray for God's mercies for every day.
• Pray for the right perspective to face each battle, to God-size our problems.
• Pray for Emmanuel's leadership team to navigate each challenge correctly and with God's grace and favor.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

Precious to God

"Don't be afraid," he said, "for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong! (Daniel 10:19 NLT)

Day 10 of 10 days of intense prayer

Today's prayer topics:

• When he tells us not to be afraid, pray we have the good sense to resist the temptation to fear.
• When turmoil erupts, may abiding peace be ours to encourage and strengthen us at our core, to enable us to continue the work he has entrusted to us. 
• Pray that people everywhere will see how precious Emmanuel College is to God and will respond with faith and generosity in God's plan for the College.

Please continue praying over these items for the fall semester:

• Alpha Spiritual Emphasis, August 11-14.
• Students to find success in educational pursuits and spiritual development.
• Chapel services every Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. and every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.
• EC Serve opportunities for students, staff and faculty.
• Financial provision for students who have limited resources.
• Completion of our Focus Report for SACS, our accreditation agency, and for the on-campus visit by the SACS team, November 1-3.
• Favorable decisions from the NCAA regarding provisional membership.
• Excellence in teaching, depth in student learning, effective programming, abundant resources, and financial solutions.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

Secure

I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. (Psalm 63:8 NLT)

Day 9 of 10 days of intense prayer

Today's prayer topics:

• God is our security, holding us close and protecting us.
• Pray we cling to him, recognizing him as the one who rescues and sustains us.
• Pray we relax and rest in his grip, securely held by his hand of infinite love.

Pray over these events that happen in the first 10 days of August:

• Provision for students still working on financial aid and resources.
• Strength for maintenance staff finishing up summer projects.
• Preparation of documents and reports for SACS, our accreditation agency.
• Preparation of important documents for the membership process with NCAA.
• New students on campus, especially for those who are anxious.
• Students who should still enroll while there is time during the first week of classes.
• Meeting of a special group of financial advisers today.
• Tomorrow, the conclusion of 10 days of intense prayer for the new school year, especially all that lies ahead, including Alpha Spiritual Emphasis, chapel services, teaching, learning, programs, EC Serve opportunities, resources, financial solutions.

My Helper

Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 63:7 NLT)

Day 8 of 10 days of intense prayer

Today's prayer topics:

• Our help comes from the Lord; therefore, we have hope and confidence in God to answer our prayers.
• Pray we see the power of praising and praying in combination - asking our loving Father for what we need with the joyful understanding that he is infinitely able and more than willing to meet our needs.
• In the quiet moments of respite in his shadow, pray we seize the opportunity to sing songs of joy, songs of thanksgiving, songs of adoration - that we use these moments to recharge for the next battle.

Pray over these events that happen in the first 10 days of August:

• Official opening of the school year.
• Provision for students still working on financial aid and resources.
• Strength for maintenance staff finishing up final summer projects.
• Preparation of documents and reports for SACS, our accreditation agency.
• Preparation of important documents for the membership process with NCAA.
• New students on campus, especially for those who are anxious.
• Orientation events for the new students throughout the weekend.
• Returning students moving in throughout the weekend.
• First day of classes on Monday, August 8.
• Meeting of a special group of financial advisers on Tuesday, August 9.
• On August 10, conclusion of 10 days of intense prayer for the new school year, especially all that lies ahead, including Alpha Spiritual Emphasis, chapel services, teaching, learning, programs, EC Serve opportunities, resources, financial solutions.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

Through the Night

I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. (Psalm 63:6 NLT)

Day 7 of 10 days of intense prayer

Today's prayer topics:

• Pray we fill long nights and hard times with praise and petition, calling upon the Lord our helper.
• Pray we think about God more than our problems, rejoicing in his previous miraculous interventions.
• We awaken and pray, slumber and sleep, then awaken and pray some more - a pattern that weaves our thoughts with his throughout each day.

Pray over these events that happen in the first 10 days of August:

• Official opening of the school year.
• Provision for students still working on financial aid and resources.
• Strength for maintenance staff finishing up final summer projects.
• Preparation of documents and reports for SACS, our accreditation agency.
• Preparation of important documents for the membership process with NCAA.
• New students on campus, especially for those who are anxious.
• Orientation events for the new students throughout the weekend.
• Returning students moving in throughout the weekend.
• First day of classes on Monday, August 8.
• Meeting of a special group of financial advisers on Tuesday, August 9.
• On August 10, conclusion of 10 days of intense prayer for the new school year, especially all that lies ahead, including Alpha Spiritual Emphasis, chapel services, teaching, learning, programs, EC Serve opportunities, resources, financial solutions.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

Songs of Joy

You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. (Psalm 63:5 NLT)

Day 6 of 10 days of intense prayer

Today's prayer topics:

• Regardless of circumstances, pray we intensely sing praises to our God, in the darkest valley and in the brightest Son-light. 
• Pray for lavish provision that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty.
• Pray for our freshmen who have recently moved into our residence halls to fight off any homesickness, to make friends, and to find contentment with their new family.

Pray over these events that happen in the first 10 days of August:

• Official opening of the school year.
• Provision for students still working on financial aid and resources.
• Strength for maintenance staff finishing up final summer projects.
• Preparation of documents and reports for SACS, our accreditation agency.
• Preparation of important documents for the membership process with NCAA.
• New students on campus, especially for those who are anxious.
• Orientation events for the new students throughout the weekend.
• Returning students moving in throughout the weekend.
• First day of classes on Monday, August 8.
• Meeting of a special group of financial advisers on Tuesday, August 9.
• On August 10, conclusion of 10 days of intense prayer for the new school year, especially all that lies ahead, including Alpha Spiritual Emphasis, chapel services, teaching, learning, programs, EC Serve opportunities, resources, financial solutions.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

Praise and Prayer

Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. (Psalm 63:3-4 NLT)

Day 5 of 10 days of intense prayer

Today's prayer topics:

• Praise him with the same intensity that we pray to him, especially in times of trouble.
• Praise the Lord our God, for he is loving and kind and knows how to carry us through our troubles.
• Pray and praise in surrender to his will no matter how calamitous the times.

Pray over these events that happen in the first 10 days of August:

• Official opening of the school year with faculty and staff workshops and planning.
• Provision for students still working on financial aid and resources.
• Strength for maintenance staff finishing up final summer projects.
• Preparation of documents and reports for SACS, our accreditation agency.
• Preparation of important documents for the membership process with NCAA.
• New students on campus, especially for those who are anxious.
• Orientation events for the new students today and throughout the weekend.
• Returning students moving in throughout the weekend.
• First day of classes on Monday, August 8.
• Meeting of a special group of financial advisers on Tuesday, August 9.
• On August 10, conclusion of 10 days of intense prayer for the new school year including Alpha Spiritual Emphasis, chapel services, teaching, learning, programs, EC Serve opportunities, resources, financial solutions.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

Rock of Safety

From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. (Psalm 61:2-3 NLT)

Day 4 of 10 days of intense prayer

Today's prayer topics:

• Our emotions sometimes cause us to feel overwhelmed which often intensifies our prayers. Pray intensely.
• Regardless of emotion, pray we see the reality of being anchored in the unmovable Rock that stands firm in every storm of life.
• Pray for safety and protection from the attacks of the enemy.

Pray over these events that happen in the first 10 days of August:

• Official opening of the school year with faculty and staff workshops and planning.
• Provision for students still working on financial aid and resources.
• Strength for maintenance staff finishing up final summer projects.
• Preparation of documents and reports for SACS, our accreditation agency.
• Preparation of important documents for the membership process with NCAA.
• New students moving in on Thursday, especially for those who are anxious.
• Orientation events for the new students on Friday and throughout the weekend.
• Returning students moving in throughout the weekend.
• First day of classes on August 8.
• Meeting of a special group of financial advisers on August 9.
• On August 10, conclusion of 10 days of intense prayer for the new school year including Alpha Spiritual Emphasis, chapel services, teaching, learning, programs, EC Serve opportunities, resources, financial solutions.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

Hear My Prayer

O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! (Psalm 61:1 NLT)

Day 3 of 10 days of intense prayer

Today's prayer topics:

• We call to you, O Lord, but first, we give thanks for the answers you have already given to our previous prayers. Thank you!
• We call to you, O Lord, and ask for your help and guidance in every decision and action.
• We cry out to you, O Lord, and ask for courage to stand in the heat of battle and for strength to advance your mission today.

Pray over these events that happen in the next 10 days:

• Official opening of the school year with faculty and staff workshops and planning.
• Provision for students still working on financial aid and resources.
• Strength for maintenance staff finishing up final summer projects.
• Preparation of documents and reports for SACS, our accreditation agency.
• Preparation of important documents for the membership process with NCAA.
• New students moving in on Thursday, especially for those who are anxious.
• Orientation events for the new students on Friday and throughout the weekend.
• Returning students moving in throughout the weekend.
• First day of classes on August 8.
• Meeting of a special group of financial advisers on August 9.
• On August 10, conclusion of 10 days of intense prayer for the new school year including Alpha Spiritual Emphasis, chapel services, teaching, learning, programs, EC Serve opportunities, resources, financial solutions.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

My Strength

O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love. (Psalm 59:17 NLT)

Day 2 of 10 days of intense prayer

Today's prayer topics:

• Praise and celebrate our God whose never ending love is our place of protection.
• Pray for new and returning students who may yet be undecided about enrolling, and pray that none of them will miss the will of God for their lives.
• Pray intensely for Emmanuel which means to pray penetrating, powerful and passionate prayers.

Pray over these events that happen in the next 10 days:

• Official opening of the school year with faculty and staff workshops and planning.
• Provision for students still working on financial aid and resources.
• Strength for maintenance staff finishing up final summer projects.
• Preparation of documents and reports for SACS, our accreditation agency.
• Completion of important documents for the membership process with NCAA.
• New students moving in on Thursday, especially for those who are anxious.
• Orientation events for the new students on Friday and throughout the weekend.
• Returning students moving in throughout the weekend.
• First day of classes on August 8.
• Meeting of a special group of financial advisers on August 9.
• On August 10, conclusion of 10 days of intense prayer for the new school year including Alpha Spiritual Emphasis, chapel services, teaching, learning, programs, EC Serve opportunities, resources, financial solutions.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.

Each Morning

But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. (Psalm 59:16 NLT)

10 days of intense prayer begin today!

Today's prayer topics:

• We dedicate the first 10 days of August to intense intercessory prayer for Emmanuel College.
• May we begin each morning with praise, remembering events in our lives that recall the unfailing love and absolute power of our God.
• Pray throughout each day for Emmanuel College to take refuge in the Lord from the stress of battle while a providing a place of safety for all who shelter here.

Pray over these events that happen in the next 10 days:

• Official opening of the school year with faculty and staff workshops and planning.
• Provision for students still working on financial aid and resources.
• Strength for maintenance staff finishing up final summer projects.
• Preparation of documents and reports for SACS, our accreditation agency.
• Completion of important documents for the membership process with NCAA.
• New students moving in on Thursday, especially for those who are anxious.
• Orientation events for the new students on Friday and throughout the weekend.
• Returning students moving in throughout the weekend.
• First day of classes on August 8.
• Meeting of a special group of financial advisers on August 9.
• On August 10, conclusion of 10 days of intense prayer for the new school year including Alpha Spiritual Emphasis, chapel services, teaching, learning, programs, EC Serve opportunities, resources, financial solutions.

Never give up unless its praise we give up to God; never give in except to give in to him.