40 Days of Prayer: A Devotional Prayer Journal for Lent

40 DAYS OF PRAYER – LENT 2020

The entire 40 Days of Prayer Booklet is shown below.

Just scroll down to read each day.

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Introduction

Lent is the season of the church calendar when Christians focus on Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. It is intended to be a time of repentance, thankfulness and prayer. People often choose to honor Jesus and the sacrifice of His life for us by sacrificing something from their own life. Through their sacrifices they seek to identify with Christ’s sacrifice. Someone may fast one day a week or abstain from meat, sweets or alcohol. You may find this helpful. The approach of our 40 Days of Prayer during Lent, however, is not to give up something but rather add focused prayer. We will be joining together as communities of faith in prayer for our community and world for whom Christ died.

The foundation of our 40 Days of Prayer during Lent can be found in Jeremiah 29:7, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

The context of this passage is that Jerusalem has been conquered by the Babylonians. The best and brightest of Jerusalem have been taken into exile to Babylon. The prophet Jeremiah writes a letter to the exiles informing them that they will remain in exile for seventy years and instructs them to build homes, plant gardens, increase flocks, raise families and have their children marry. Here the prophet tells them to seek the welfare of the city and pray for the city and thereby prosper as the city prospers. They understood that they were to pray for the shalom of their new city. shalom is the Hebrew word for welfare; it is often translated as peace. But it is so much more than the absence of violence or war. Shalom speaks of peace with justice. It speaks to the well-being and wholeness of a community, of people together and of each person individually, wholeness both spiritually and physically. God was commanding his own people to seek shalom and pray for the well-being and the success of their conquerors, who just forced them to move from their own home, to be exiled to this city. God revealed that their well-being would be intertwined with their ‘neighbors’ in this new place.

Too many churches are shut off from their communities. We tend to seek our own welfare and not identify a connection of our welfare with the welfare of our community. During this 40 Days of Prayer through Lent we will be praying for the shalom of our community. As we focus our prayers on various aspects of our community and for our neighbors may we better appreciate and bless our community, seek its welfare, recognize that our welfare is interwoven with our community and to build a stronger connection and identity with our community.

Each week our prayers will focus on a particular theme of our community. Each Sunday will begin this new theme for the coming week. It will include a Bible passage with a two or three sentence explanation. Each day’s prayer will deal with a particular aspect of that theme. Again there will be a Bible passage followed by a sentence or two explaining the prayer. You are encouraged to spend time meditating on the Bible passage for each week and day, especially how it relates to the topic of the day. The prayers are not written out for you. Since prayer is simply talking with God, you are encouraged to use your own words and thoughts as you pray. Don’t rush through the prayer, allow time to be reflective and invite God to lead you in your prayers. Another part of prayer is listening for God’s voice. So take time to be silent, to ponder how God might speak to you and lead you to seek shalom in our community. There is space on each page for you to write your thoughts and prayers. Think of this as a prayer journal during this season of lent.

One hope for these 40 Days of Prayer is that we might each think of a way to more actively seek shalom and be more involved in our community. Each one of us has gifts, as well as restrictions on what we can do. God’s word reveals again and again how imperfect people are used to accomplish godly plans. So consider how God might use you, just as you are. Possibilities are endless! You might consider: writing thank you letters to those who serve the community, informing groups that you and others are including them in your prayers, bringing food or desserts to an agency or possibly volunteering with a local ministry. Additionally, congregations can consider how they might reach out into the community and do something bigger than what individuals might do. People can then share what they have done and what it meant to them and to those they served. Perhaps this will lead to continued involvement even after the 40 Days of Prayer is over.

You are welcomed to share with our church the ways 40 Days of Prayer has ministered to you and as well as ways that you have reached out into the community. We can all anticipate some wonderful and incredible comments and stories.

Our prayer is that we will each be led by God’s Holy Spirit. Our hope is that each individual and congregation will have a greater appreciation for our community and the people within it. Our dream is that, together as a community of faith, we will have a greater impact within our community and usher forth more faith and shalom in this place at this time. For God’s glory and purposes, let us begin in prayer.

WEEK ONE: RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

Scripture passage for the week: Jeremiah 29:4-7

Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not

decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles lets them know that their very welfare is tied to the welfare of the community where they live. Therefore, they are commanded to pray and work for the good of that community. This week we will be praying for our congregations, as well as, other faith based groups who have different belief structures. We all impact our community; hopefully we can share a common hope for the well-being and shalom of our community.

Think of ways you might reach out to someone with a different religious background and encourage them in being a good citizen of the community. Share a common meal or go out for coffee. Perhaps you might even attend a service of another religious institution. Seek to better understand their beliefs and rituals.

Write out something you can do this week to reach out to a different faith community in the area. Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Day 1 Ash Wednesday: February 26, 2020

1 John 1:8-9

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and the beginning of our journey to the cross and Easter Sunday. If is often a day of recognizing our sin and need of our Savior. It is a time of repentance. Since these 40 Days of Prayer are aimed at our relationship with our community, we should include confessions of how we may have neglected or ignored our community. Take time to think of the things you and/or your church might need to confess.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Thursday Day 2, February 27, 2020

Pray for the churches in our communities.

John 17:20-21
(Jesus is praying) “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Pray for the Christian churches in our community. Ask God that there might be unity among the churches in our area. The above scripture says that the world might know Jesus through our unity. Too often we see other churches as competition rather than colleagues working together for God’s purposes and the advancement of God’s kingdom. There are many churches who are struggling with dwindling attendance and scarce resources. So perhaps pray for a church that is facing struggle or one from a different denomination or a neighboring church serving the same small community where you are located or a church that is reaching a different set of people than your own church.

Record for whom and what you are praying today.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Friday Day 3, February 28, 2020

Pray for the mosques -- Islamic Center of New England in Quincy

Genesis 12:1-3

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all trace their origin back to Abraham. Although we hold many different beliefs, in some ways we are cousins in the faith. Today pray for the Islamic Center of New England in Quincy as it is their day of worship. Some are frightened by the Muslim faith. Many don’t understand it. Much of what we think we know may come from the terrorist attacks that have occurred in our country or in other places throughout the world. Yet those views distort what the majority of Muslims believe as they seek to live their lives in peace, safety and prospering in their communities. Perhaps you might take time to look at the https://icne.net and discover what they believe.

Today’s prayer might stir up different feelings and emotions. If so write down some of those thoughts.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Saturday, Day 4, February 29, 2020

Pray for the Jewish temples in our community.

Genesis 17:5-7

No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.

God promises to establish a covenant with Abraham and his offspring that will last forever. Today we want to pray for Congregation Shaaray Shalom of Hingham and Temple Beth Shalom of Hull. In light of violence against Jews, throughout the years and especially in this past year, we ask that God might protect these, our neighbors, as they seek the well-being of the community. You can learn more about Congregation Shaaray Shalom of Hingham at https://shaaray.org and Temple Beth Shalom of Hull. http://www.tbshull.org

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic. Other houses of worship you could explore and pray for are: Braj Mandir Hindu Temple of Holbrook https://www.sriradhabhakti.org or South Shore Buddhist Insight Meditation Center of Hanover http://ssimc.squarespace.com

WEEK TWO: GOVERNMENT

1st Resurrection Sunday during Lent

Sundays are not included in the 40 Days of Lent. Sundays are considered resurrection days. So each Sunday we will be looking ahead at the next week’s theme and preparing our hearts to pray for that particular aspect of our community. Churches might include the prayer theme for their prayers during their worship services.

This week’s theme is our local government. Governments are essential to the well-being of a society. As Christians we are commanded to pray for our government leaders and workers, who provide many important services to the community. This week we will be lifting up the mayor, our town and county councils, law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs, the judicial system, and social services. You might consider writing someone (or several) working in the government and thank them for their service to the community and let them know that you are praying for them.

Our scripture lesson is 1 Peter 2:13-17

For the Lord’s sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme, or of governors, as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish. As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil. Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Monday Day 5, March 2, 2020

Pray for our mayor.

Romans 13:1

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.

As we pray for our local government, today we want to focus on our mayor. We ask that God will give wisdom and guidance to him as he serves our community.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Tuesday Day 6, March 3, 2020

Pray for our town and town councilors.

Luke 20: 22-25

Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But he (Jesus) perceived their craftiness and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose head and whose title does it bear?” They said, “The emperor’s.” He said to them, “Then give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Today we are praying for our town and county councils. They are the ones who decide on the local taxes, resource appropriations, among other responsibilities. As with the mayor we want to pray that God will give them wisdom and guidance as they do their jobs.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Wednesday Day 7, March 4, 2020

Pray for law enforcement officers

Romans 13:3-5

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore, one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience.

Today we pray for our local law enforcement. We recognize that the police and sheriff departments provide a much needed service in protecting our community. They put their lives on the line every day. So let us pray for their protection as they work for the well-being and justice for everyone in our community.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Thursday Day 8, March 5, 2020

Pray for firefighters, emergency management and EMTs

Mark 2:3-5

Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Today we are praying for the volunteer firefighters and EMTs in our community. They are often the first responders when there is an emergency. Let us pray for them as they do their jobs and ask God to protect them and enable them to use their training to save lives.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Friday Day 9, March 6, 2020

Pray for the Judicial System

Deuteronomy 16:18-20

You shall appoint judges and officials throughout your tribes, in all your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall render just decisions for the people. You must not distort justice; you must not show partiality; and you must not accept bribes, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of those who are in the right. Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and occupy the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Today we pray for our judges, courts, and court employees. The Bible emphasizes that God is a God of justice and grace. We pray that our judges and courts will have a healthy understanding of the two. Pray that the courts will be about reconciliation and rehabilitation as much as it is about punishing lawbreakers. Pray that equal justice for all will rule the land.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Saturday Day 10, March 7, 2020

Pray for Social Services

Leviticus 19:9-10

When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the LORD your God.

Our scripture passage speaks of the Old Testament food stamp program. Today we want to pray for Social Services who provide help for the poor and needy in our community. They do far more than just food stamps but aid in housing, child protection, medical assistance, and much more. Working with people facing difficult circumstances can be discouraging and exhausting. So let us pray for their stamina and compassion of these servants as they attend to the well-being of some of the most challenged and disheartened people within our community.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

WEEK THREE: EDUCATION

2nd Resurrection Sunday during Lent

Education is an important element in healthy communities. So this week we want to be praying for the local school system. Every day this week (except for Saturday) we will focus on a particular group of people within the schools. Saturday we will pray for the safety throughout the school system. This week consider volunteering in one of the local schools.

Our scripture lesson for the week is Proverbs 22:6

Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Monday, Day 11, March 9, 2029

Pray for Students

Proverbs 4:10-13

Hear, my child, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.

Today we are praying for students and that they will receive a quality education that will provide them options and opportunities for the future. Also that they will be prepared to contribute to shalom throughout the world as they grow into adulthood.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Tuesday, Day 12, March 10, 2020

Pray for Teachers

Ecclesiastes 12:9-10

Besides being wise, the Teacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs. The Teacher sought to find pleasing words, and he wrote words of truth plainly.

Pray for the teachers who instruct our children. May they have wisdom and guidance as they instruct the children and manage the classrooms.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Wednesday, Day 13, March 11, 2020

Pray for the Board of Education, Superintendent, Principals, Administrative Personnel

1 Corinthians 12:27-28

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues.

We all have spiritual gifts that build up the body of Christ. Today we want to be praying for the Board of Education, principals and administrative personnel that keep the schools running efficiently.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Thursday, Day 14, March 12, 2020

Pray for Instructional Assistants, Office Staff, Cafeteria Staff, Technology Support Staff, Counselors, and Custodians

Matthew 20:26-28

“It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Today we are praying for Instructional Assistants, Office Staff, Cafeteria Staff, Technology Support Staff, Counselors, and Custodians who unselfishly serve the students and teachers; the. May God give them passion for and satisfaction in their work.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Friday, Day 15, March 13, 2020

Pray for Bus Drivers

1 Timothy 3:13

For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

The Greek word of deacon is servant. The very first deacons waited on tables that served the widows. Today we are praying for the bus drivers who each day pick up and take home many of the school children. We pray for them that they may drive safely and protect and deliver the children each day.

There are numerous agencies in our community that serve the most vulnerable in our community. We want to be praying for these agencies and the people, many of them volunteers, as they do good works in helping and serving others. Websites for some of these agencies are provided so that you might better understand the work that they do and perhaps find ways to volunteer.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Saturday, Day 16, March 14, 2020

Pray for School Safety

Psalm 5:11-12

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover them with favor as with a shield.

Far too many times we have witnessed school shootings where children, teachers, and staff members have been killed or wounded by gun fire. Today let us pray for the safety of our schools and all those within their walls.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

WEEK FOUR: HEALTH CARE

3rd Resurrection Sunday

Isaiah 65:19-20
I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress. No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.

Health care is a big issue in our country at this time. People have different ideas of what that should look like. This week we want to pray for those involved in health care remembering that Jesus did many acts of healing as a sign of his coming kingdom. Our scripture lesson for this week is Isaiah 65:19-20 where the prophet tells of a new heaven and a new earth where things will be different than they are here and now. This week let someone who is sick know that you are praying for them or write a letter to your doctor and let him or her know that you are praying for them.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Monday, Day 17, March 16, 2020

Pray for People who are sick and in need of healing

James 5:13-15

Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.

Today let us be lifting up the people we know who are sick recognizing that God does hear our prayers.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Tuesday, Day 18, March 17, 2020

Pray for Doctors, Nurses, CNA’s

Luke 6:18-19

They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.

Today we are praying for the doctors and nurses who care for the sick. Let us recognize that God is the ultimate healer but often uses doctors and nurses to aid in the healing process.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Wednesday, Day 19, March 18, 2020

Pray for Medical Support Staff and Technicians

2 Kings 5:13-14
(Naaman was told by the prophet Elisha that he would be cured of his leprosy if he went and washed in the Jordan River but Naaman resisted claiming that there were better rivers in his home area) But his servants approached and said to him, “Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean.

Today we are praying for the medical staff and technicians that provide services that help patients to get the treatment that they need.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Thursday, Day 20, March 19, 2020

Pray for Local Hospices and for those facing their mortality

1 Corinthians 15:51-57

Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today we pray for those facing their own mortality and death. We also are praying for those who bring aid and comfort to those who are dying.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Friday, Day 21, March 20, 2020

Pray for those suffering from Mental Health Issues

Luke 8:34-36
(Jesus had just healed the Gerasene Demoniac) When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed.

Today we are praying for those who suffer from mental illness and ask that God brings healing and relief to their suffering that like the men in the above story they might be found in their right minds.

Write out your thoughts, prayers and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Saturday, Day 21, March 21, 2020

Pray for those suffering from Addictions

Romans 7:14-20

For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.

Paul’s struggle with sin sounds very similar to those suffering from addictions. So let us pray for those struggling with addictions that God might free them from that bondage. Let us also be praying for the organizations that provide treatment and support for those seeking help and recovery.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

WEEK FIVE: HELPING AGENCIES

4th Resurrection Day James 1:27

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

There are numerous agencies in our community that serve the most vulnerable in our community. We want to be praying for these agencies and the people, many of them volunteers, as they do good works in helping and serving others. Websites for some of these agencies are provided so that you might better understand the work that they do and perhaps find ways to volunteer.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Monday, Day 23, March 23, 2020

Pray for Weymouth Youth & Family Services & Youth Mentors

1 Corinthians 4:17

For this reason I sent you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, as I teach them everywhere in every church.

Paul was a mentor for Timothy. Weymouth Youth & Family Services mentors many young people in our community. Let us be praying for both the mentors and the mentees that they might establish healthy bonds that are beneficial for both. See: https://www.weymouth.ma.us/youth-and-family-services

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Tuesday, Day 24, March 24, 2020

Interfaith Social Services of Quincy

Isaiah 58:6-7

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

Today we want to lift up in prayer the Talbot Interfaith Shelter as the minister to many of the homeless in our community. Pray for both those who are homeless but also the hundreds of people who volunteer each year to care for the homeless. See: https://interfaithsocialservices.org

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Wednesday, Day 25, March 25, 2020

Pray for South Shore Habitat for Humanity, Weymouth

Psalm 127:1

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain.

Today we are praying for South Shore Habitat for Humanity, Weymouth. Habitat affiliates can be found all over the world. Based upon Christian principles Habitat seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Pray for Habitat as it builds houses that are turned into homes. To learn more, see: https://sshabitat.org

Let us be praying for volunteers, builders, those who have found and are to find needed homes through this service.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Thursday, Day 26, March 26, 2020

Pray for The ARC of the South Shore 

Galatians 3:28-29

There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.

Within the Church there is great diversity, within our community there is also great diversity. We should all seek to appreciate one another and the variety of expressions each group brings. Today we are praying for the South Shore ARC as they bring together and serve the many different residents and groups that make up our community. You can learn more about them at https://arcsouthshore.org.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Friday, Day 27, March 27, 2020

Pray for Weymouth Food Pantry

James 2:15-17

If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

Many churches operate food pantries aiding those who are in need of food. Pray for this ministry as churches are putting their faith into action. Pray that no one in our community has to go to bed hungry due to lack of food. To learn more, see: https://www.weymouthfoodpantry.org

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Saturday, Day 28, March 28, 2020

Pray for Weymouth Elder Center

Acts 2:17-18

In the last days it will be, God declares, at I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.

Today we are praying for the Weymouth Elder Center. This is a place where seniors are able to gather for various services and recreation. It is a place where seniors can still dream dreams. So pray for this organization as they provide needed services for our senior citizens. Find out more at https://www.weymouth.ma.us/elder-services

WEEK SIX: COMMUNITY ECONOMY

5th Resurrection Day

Ecclesiastes 3:10-13

I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil.

God created work for humans. It is where we might find satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. This week we want to be praying for various elements of our community’s economy remembering that in its well-being we find our well-being.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Monday, Day 29, March 30, 2020

Pray for the Businesses of our Community

Matthew 25:14-18

For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

Jesus tells the parable of the talents given to the master’s slaves who were to do business with the money and make a profit for the master. The purpose of the parable is that we are to be good stewards with all that God has given us. So we pray for the businesses of our community, including Jackson Square, that they might be serving the community and contributing to its well-being.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Tuesday, Day 30, March 31, 2020

Pray for the Financial Institutions of our Community Proverbs 19:17

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and will be repaid in full. Today we want to be praying for the financial institutions of our community as they

support businesses and individuals. May they serve the community justly.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Wednesday, Day 31, April 1, 2020

Pray for the Housing Industry of our Community

Jeremiah 29:5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce.

This passage is part of Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylon. Jeremiah recognized that the people building houses would contribute to the well-being of the community. Today we want to pray for the housing community. We should pray for affordable housing for all community residents.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Thursday, Day 32, April 2, 2020

Pray for the Farmers of our Community

James 5:7-8

‘Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.’

The Bible often uses farming as examples of what God is like and how we should live. So today pray for the farmers in our community. They provide an important component to our economy and our community’s well-being. Pray that God might provide an abundant harvest.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Friday, Day 33, April 3, 2020

Pray for the Watermen of our Community

Luke 5:4-7

When he (Jesus) had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.

The very first disciples of Jesus were watermen. The fishing industry is an important economic component of our community. So today let us pray for the area’s watermen as well as for the health of the Boston Harbor and our South Shore ponds & waterways.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Saturday, Day 34, April 4, 2020

Pray for the workers in the community

Genesis 2:19

The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.

From the very beginning God created human beings to work. Many people view work as a burden but God means for it to give purpose and satisfaction. Let us pray today for the thousands of people who work in our community in various occupations and jobs. May they find meaning and pride in their work.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

WEEK SEVEN: THE LEAST, THE FORGOTTEN, AND THE IGNORED

6th Resurrection Day

Matthew 25:31-46

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

The Bible is full of examples where God is on the side of the poor, the immigrant, the refugee, the widow, and the orphan. God loves and cares for the least, the forgotten, and the ignored. So this week as we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday let us remember the least, the forgotten, and the ignored in our prayers.

Monday, Day 35, April 6, 2020

Pray for those experiencing Homelessness

Luke 2:6-7

While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Today let us pray for those who are experiencing homelessness remembering when Jesus was born, he was homeless. May God provide shelter and the needs of those who are experiencing homelessness.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Tuesday, Day 36, April 7, 2020

Praying for people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer.

2 Peter 1:12-15

Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

Today we remember those who no longer can remember. So let us pray for a cure to this terrible disease. Let us pray not only for those who can no longer remember but also their family, their loved ones, and their caretakers; all who are also affected by this disease.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Wednesday, Day 37, April 8, 2020

Pray for the Elderly

Luke 2:36-38

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Today we pray for those who are older and may feel like they have little to contribute to society. We ask that God might provide them with a sense of dignity and purpose. Pray that they will recognize that they are still important in the eyes of God and do have things to contribute to the well-being of our community.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Thursday, Day 38, April 9, 2020

Pray for those who are being abused either physically or emotionally.

James 3:6-10  And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so.

Today we pray those who are being abused or bullied either physically or emotionally. We may say sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never harm me, but we know this is not true. Words can do great harm and can even lead to suicide or other disorders. We are praying for those being bullied at school or work, those being abused physically or sexually, those mistreated because of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. So let us pray not only for the ones being abused but also for those who are doing the abusing that they may stop what they are doing. To learn about community advocacy and prevention services of victims of domestic violence of the South Shore, see: https://dovema.org

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Friday, Day 39, April 10, 2020

Pray for the Unemployed

Matthew 20:6-7
(the context for this passage is Jesus’ parable of the laborers in the vineyard and is teaching about grace. But it does remind us that there are people seeking to find work are unable to find it.) And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’

Today let us pray for the unemployed. Let ask God to provide not only employment but also jobs that are able to provide a living wage.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Saturday, Day 40, April 11, 2020

Pray for immigrants

2 Chronicles 6:32-33
“Likewise when foreigners, who are not of your people Israel, come from a distant land because of your great name, and your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm, when they come and pray toward this house, may you hear from heaven your dwelling place, and do whatever the foreigners ask of you, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and that they may know that your name has been invoked on this house that I have built.”

Today we want to pray for the immigrants in our community. Many have traveled here both legally and illegally to find a better life for themselves and their families. Many struggle to adapt to the American lifestyle. Many also do work that others do not want to do. So let us pray for their well-being as they are often forgotten and ignored people, but still precious in God’s sight.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020

Congratulations! You have made it through the 40 Days of Prayer for our community. Hopefully you have a better understanding for how the church is to seek the well-being of the community. Perhaps you have found ways to show your appreciation to various people and groups who serve the community. Maybe you have even found places to volunteer where you can serve the community. Take time today to review your journaling throughout the forty days. Ask God to lead you now into what is next. May God bless our community, especially our communities of faith as we seek the shalom of our community.

Write out your thoughts, prayers, and actions that you have for today’s prayer topic.

Special Thank you to Dixon Presbyterian Church, Grace Lutheran Church and

St. Paul Lutheran Church of Easton, Maryland for this booklet, and who generously gave our pastor  permission to adapt this Lenten Devotional for Weymouth. Please pray in gratitude for them.

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