In this Issue:

A prayer time for the Jan.31 Day of Prayer and Fasting

Ministry News - Video Shoot and Prayer Revival go well

Things you can do to help

Prayer Conference on DVD

Free Helps for prayer leaders

Promo Videos

A Prayer-time for you to use in your small group or worship service:

Day of Fasting and Prayer

Sunday, January 31, 2010

• Who: Southern Baptists – corporately and individually
• When: January 31, 2010 (an all-through-the-day observance)
• What: Day of Fasting, Prayer and Repentance
• Why: We have forgotten our first love (Revelation 2:4) and need revival in SBC. There are many decisions being made. We need God’s direction with:
  • the GCRT - Great Commission Resurgence Task force
  • GPS - God's Plan for Sharing: Across North America,
  • search committees for three SBC agencies [NAMB, IMB, & Exc.Com.]
• Objective: The goal is for all of us to “Be still and know that God is God,” as a sign of our humility and desire to wholeheartedly return to Him. By our being still before Him (see Psalm 46:10), we exalt our God and position ourselves to obey the Great Commission our Lord commanded in Matthew 28:18-20.

(preceding copied from North American Mission Board web site)

I’m sure many of you will be participating in this special day so I’ve prepared a prayer time that I hope will be helpful. It could be used during the prayer time with your Sunday School class or during a worship service. For those who aren't Southern Baptists it will only take a few changes to use it with your group to pray for revival in our country and your church or denomination.

Guiding the prayer time

If this is the first time you’ve led a guided prayer time; read over sections 1 and 3 in the Prayer Guide book; listen to me lead a guided prayer time on my web site, DVD, or CD; and then practice reading it out loud. Feel free to copy it into your word processor and edit it however you want.

If you have led this type of prayer time before, use your own words and just follow the outline.

If you’re leading a worship service; you might ask for instrumental music to be played very softly in the background. This background music should not have a recognizable melody. Some musicians can play beautiful chord progressions that work well. Others will find it easier to play the chords of an unfamiliar hymn or song. The prayer time should come at the heart of worship with at least one song before it and one after. Try to eliminate ‘dead time’ before and after the prayer time. Click here for more help or see Appendix 2 in the back of the Prayer Guide book.

As you lead the prayer time - [Don’t read the instructions in brackets]

As you read the scriptural meditation - emphasize the words in bold.

As printed, the prayer time takes about 12 minutes.

[Introduction]

“Our nation and our convention are in need of revival. People are disgusted with hypocrisy in the church. Many of the young have fallen away and turned to the world for comfort and fulfillment. We have fought for decades over new ways of doing church yet revival eludes us.

“Our convention is declining and there is confusion among our leaders. Some have thrown up their hands in frustration. What are we to do? Who will we turn to?

“For the next several minutes we’re going to turn to God in a special time of prayer for revival in our country and denomination. If you’re physically able to be on your knees for several minutes; I invite you come to the altar or kneel there in your pew. Otherwise, just remain in your seat with your head bowed.

[wait 3 seconds]

“I’ll wait a few more seconds for those who are coming to the altar.

[wait until the congregation is settled.]

“On this day of prayer and fasting for revival in our nation and convention; let’s bow our heads and join our hearts with our brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world.

[wait 2 seconds]

[Scriptural Meditation]

“As we begin our prayer time; we’ll let God speak first through His Word. Listen.

[wait 2 seconds]

• Be still, and know that I am God;
• I will be exalted among the nations,
• I will be exalted in the earth! [Ps 46:10 NKJV]

[wait 1 second]

• Be still, and know that I am God;
• I will be exalted among the nations,
• I will be exalted in the earth!

[wait 1 second]

• Be still, and know that I am God;
• I will be exalted among the nations,
• I will be exalted in the earth!

[wait 2 seconds]

• The Lord of hosts is with us;
• The God of Jacob is our refuge. [Ps 46:11 NKJV]

[wait 1 second]

• The Lord of hosts is with us;
• The God of Jacob is our refuge. [Ps 46:11 NKJV]

[wait 3 seconds]

“As you continue with your heads bowed and eyes closed; I’d like you to think about the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness. Try to see Him there. It’s the final day. He’s thin and weary. His surroundings are dirt, and rock, and sun. The only sounds are wind and the voice of Jesus asking the Father for strength to carry out the plan of salvation.

“Then you hear steps. You turn and it’s Lucifer. You watch as he tempts Jesus to forsake the hardships of the Father’s plan.

“It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' Jesus says. [Matt 4:4 NKJV]

“Again Satan tempts Him.

“Again Jesus refuses, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' [Matt 4:7 NKJV]

“Now you’re on a high mountain. Lucifer gestures in every direction and tempts Jesus with power on Earth if He will abandon the plan of salvation and bow to him.

“Jesus slowly turns. He gazes at one town and then another – this city and that. [wait 1 second] He wipes a tear from His eye as He turns and faces Lucifer. The muscles in His jaw flinch as He points to the horizon.

"Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" [Matt 4:10 NKJV]

[wait 3 seconds]

[Prayer by Suggestion]

“Please continue with your heads bowed. Pray silently now and praise Jesus for not giving in to Satan’s temptations.

[wait 3 seconds]

“Now thank Him for dying on the cross so you could have eternal life.

[wait 3 seconds]

“Jesus died on the cross for your sin. Is there anything in your life right now that’s not pleasing to Him? It could be something wrong you’ve said or done. It could even be something you should have done, but didn’t. Would you talk to Him silently about that now? Don’t make excuses or blame someone else. Be humble and honest.

[wait 10 seconds]

“Do you know someone who doesn’t have a personal relationship with Christ? Pray silently for them right now.

[wait 3 second]

“Ask God to give you opportunities to help them in some way.

[wait 3 seconds]

“Ask God to give you opportunities to talk with them about your relationship with Christ.

[wait 3 seconds]

“Our Southern Baptist Convention desperately needs revival and our leaders have asked us to pray for them. Pray silently now for Johnny Hunt who is the president of our convention.

[wait 3 seconds]

“Pray for Jerry Rankin who is president of the International Mission Board.

[wait 3 seconds]

“Pray that God will help us complete the Great Commission by taking the gospel to every nation on earth.

[wait 3 seconds]

“Pray for Richard Harris who is the interim president of the North American Mission Board.

[wait 3 seconds]

“Our North American Mission Board is trying to get every church involved in a nationwide evangelistic outreach over the next several years. It’s called GPS for God’s Plan for Sharing. It’s a huge undertaking. Pray for God’s help for those leading GPS.

[wait 3 seconds]

“Pray that God will give us as a new burden for lost people in our own country.

[wait 3 seconds]

“Pray for Ronnie Floyd who leads the Great Commission Resurgence task force as they seek to guide our convention back to a strong commitment to evangelism and missions.

[wait 3 seconds]

“There is much concern and confusion about the work of this task force. The devil will seek to use that confusion to distract our leaders from the work of the gospel. Let’s pray right now against the work of Satan.

[wait 3 seconds]

“We live in a great nation where we still have the rare gift of liberty. Thank God right now for everything you can think of that’s good about living in America.

[wait 5 seconds]

“As wonderful as America is – we are in need of revival. But if God is to send revival; America must repent. After centuries of being an example as a Christian nation; in just the last few decades our movies, television programs, and literature have led billions of people to the altars of materialism and moral irresponsibility. Who will repent for us? Where will repentance begin? Will it begin in the board rooms of our great corporations or the class rooms of our great universities? Not likely, but it can begin here – today – with you. Will you pray silently right now and apologize to God for the sins of our nation. Be as specific as you can.

[wait 10 seconds]

“Our nation is also in need of God-sent prophets. Men of earth-moving faith, impeccable character, visionary wisdom, unyielding devotion, and above all – the ‘words’ of God for this generation. Pray now that God would send such prophets to America.

[wait 5 seconds]

The purpose of this day of prayer and fasting is to worship God and to make ourselves available to Him. Are you available to God? Can He depend on you to do His will even if it means sacrifice on your part? Will you pray right now and tell God that you are available to Him?

[wait 5 seconds]

Will you join this fast today? If so, make that commitment to Him now. Just pray silently and tell the Lord how you plan to participate.

[wait 5 seconds]

“Our Father, we join our hearts with brothers and sisters around the world today to worship you and beg for revival in our nation and our convention. There is much good in both, yet we know there is also sin and failure. We repent of our sins and plead for your help as we seek to change our course.

[Benediction:]

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. [1 Timothy 1:17 NKJV]

__________________________________________________

From Lowell Snow Ministries – www.leadingprayer.com. You may reproduce this prayer time in any form and forward it to others, but please keep this reference and web site address attached.

Click Here for the prayer time in a Word file. If you edit it significantly and pass it on to other; (which absolutely fine with me) make a note at the bottom that it's been edited by you.

What happened to the 'Hearing God' series?

Peggy said the newsletter was way too long with the Hearing God article so I'll save that for next time. Sorry.

New Ministry Brochure

Prayer Guide eBook

The Prayer Guide book that you can download to your computer or electronic reading device.

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Journey Into the Presence of God conference of prayer

These prayer times, teaching sessions, and messages will help your church become a Biblical house of prayer.

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Prayer Guide book

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Prayer of Jesus Journal

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Conference CD Set

This CD-Set has the Five main sessions of the Journey Into the Presence of God Conference of Prayer, plus five prayer times. Click here to go to our store.

Worship Evaluation Kit

Need to make adjustments to your worship service? Avoid undo conflict by doing it right the first time? Click here for free downloads and to take a look at this unique three step process to evaluate your worship and make productive recommendations to your congregation.

Conference on DVD

Here's everything you need to help your congregation or small group experience prayer that encounters God.

DVD Viewing Guide

This is the Viewing Guide that comes with the prayer conference DVD Kit on sale below. It walks you through the preparations and presentation of the video conference in your church or small group.

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Ministry news:

Video Shoot – What a Hoot

The North American Mission Board of the SBC is using four sessions from Journey Into the Presence of God in the Prayer weekend of the Church Renewal Journey that they’ll be promoting this year as part of GPS. I wrote the teacher’s guides which are coming out this spring.

In December Peggy and I went to Atlanta to do a teaching video of that material. This video will be a free download for the Lay Renewal teachers. It may eventually be available on DVD. They’re trying to have it available online this spring.

Have you ever wanted just once to be treated like a star? Cameras pointed at you from every direction. Makeup artist hovering over you - determined to make you ‘beautiful’ from every conceivable angle. Wardrobe checks. Sound checks. Lighting checks.

“Mr. Snow, would you stand over here for just a moment so the lighting technician can get some readings. Oh, and the producer thinks the blue shirt will be better with this background. Thank you so much. You look just great. You’re just made to be on camera. Can I bring you anything?”

These people were professionals. The lighting guy does Sonic commercials. One of the camera men has filmed for CSI and with his wife, the director, has an Emmy. The makeup artist worked on ‘Blind Side’. And they all knew I didn't have a clue, but they were treating me like Robert Redford so I wouldn’t be nervous. Fun, fun.

Well, it was a hoot and a great experience that I’ll cherish all my life. And to make my joy complete; Peggy was right there with me taking these pictures and being my ‘wardrobe technician’.

Folks, I’ve never used hair spray much less makeup. I just wish the guys from Three Creeks (where I was pastor for 19 years) could have been there. They’d have rolled on the floor for an hour.

First Prayer Revival

Our first Prayer Revival proved to be a good format. The main difference from the prayer conference is the addition of evening worship services. The three teaching sessions from the prayer conference are all done as day sessions. In this particular church we had breakfast and lunch sessions. (repeating the same material)

The biggest benefit is that attendance was considerably more in evening worship services than we normally have for evening teaching sessions during a conference. Enthusiasm remained very high to the end. Attendance at the breakfast and lunch teaching sessions was very good too. A lot of working folks came.

The only negative is that we probably missed some church leadership that I’d like to have had for the teaching sessions.

Click here to look at conference schedules. The Prayer Revival is the last one on the list.

Prayer for Spiritual Awakening Conference

We expected to have our first prayer for spiritual awakening conference the second week of this month, but that extreme winter storm that slashed across the country put us out in the cold. It’s been rescheduled for March so I’ll talk about it more next month.

First person prayer times

One of the suggestions from my contact at NAMB, Jim Burton, while I was writing the teaching guides for Lay Renewal was to write the prayer times in first person so inexperienced prayer leaders could just read them out loud for their groups. It seems like a great idea and I plan to continue doing it for special occasions and holidays in this newsletter.

“That will be enough.”

At a time when God continues to bless our ministry and expand our borders; we continue to be plagued by cancellations. Reasons vary from pastors in crisis and budget cuts to bad weather, but whatever the reason; 2009 will likely go down as our most difficult year financially since seminary. Which reminds me of a story that might be a blessing to you if you’re also facing difficulty.

We were in seminary in Fort Worth, TX. I was going to school full time while supporting our growing family with a small contracting business. One evening Peggy and I had been talking at supper about how we didn’t know if we could pay our bills. Meredith was only three years old and I guess we assumed she wouldn’t comprehend what we were talking about.

We were wrong. Afterward I was sitting in my favorite reading chair working on a class assignment when Meredith walked up beside me. She held out her little hand and said, “Daddy, is this enough?” It was 28 cents. All the money she had.

What would you do? Tell her to keep her money because it wasn’t enough? Take it? Maybe cry? (which is what I’m doing now) Well, I looked at that money in that little hand for a while not knowing what to do. Then I stuck out my hand and said, “Yes, that will be enough.”

And it was. With God’s help we made it then just as we made it through 2009. Over the years, most of you have supported our ministry in one way or another. Whether it was buying materials or giving to a love offering – Thank you. Because when it’s a gift from God’s hand, “Yes, that will be enough.”

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Pictures from the video shoot at NAMB in Atlanta.

Click on each photo to see enlargements.

Left to right: Executive Producer, Susan Childress - me - and Director, Amy Kossover

Meredith at age 3

Meredith with her daughter Natalie at age 3

Things you can do to help us:

1. Pray for us regularly.
2. Go to Amazon.com and write a 'review' of the Prayer Guide book.
3. Forward this newsletter to every servant of Christ you know.
4. Click here and give us your up-to-date email address.
5. Put us in your address book and notify us when you add/change your email addresses.
6. Bookmark our web site in your browser. - www.leadingprayer.com

Journey Into the Presence of God conference of prayer on DVD!

Every Christian needs these teachings. God is using it across the country to call His people back to authentic prayer. With this DVD Kit; He can bless your folks even if your church can't host the event.

The five 45 min. sessions were recorded live at the First Baptist Church of Ferguson, St. Louis, MO. The Viewing Guide has everything from discussion questions to suggestions for setting up the video equipment.

Please don't miss this opportunity to bring this blessing to your congregation or group.

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Free S&H (satisfaction guarantee)

This kit includes: 5 DVDs, a comprehensive viewing guide, promo DVD, bonus materials CD, and unbound Prayer Guide book.

• Each DVD has an easy to navigate menu, introduction, prayer time, sermon or session, and in some cases an invitation.
• The 16 page Viewing Guide contains: conference overview, preparation instructions; viewing guide for each DVD; discussion questions for each session; and suggestions for using the Prayer Guide book, promo DVD, and bonus materials CD.
• The bonus materials CD contains: a Prayer Guide E-Book, PowerPoint files, session outlines, planning kit, and promotional materials like posters and brochures.

This free shipping offer is not valid outside the USA! There is no limit on quantity.

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Please forward this email to every praying person you know.

Prayer Conference Promotional Videos

The Journey Into the Presence of God conference of prayer is so unique that many struggle to understand what it is. If you're considering hosting the conference or purchasing the DVD Set; the following videos should help.

1. Click here to view the one minute publicity video suitable for promotions during a worship service
2. Click here to view the seven minute preview of the conference that's great for showing to church leadership.
3. Click here to view the seven minute explanation of the conference by Lowell Snow.

These are the videos from the Promo DVD which is available at the web site and comes with the DVD Set.