He was wounded for our transgressions...

Isaiah 53: 4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was on him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Dear Father, what a blessing that we do not have to suffer, bleed and die for our sins. What a blessedness, what a joy divine that we have your Son, the Lord Jesus, to serve as our mediator and substitute. Thank you for what he accomplished on the cross for us. May Michelle and her family believe in their hearts and confess with their mouths the Lord Jesus, and that you raised Him from the dead and be saved. In Jesus' name Amen.

Think on these things

New International Version (©1984)Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Father in heaven as Michelle goes about her daily routine I pray that as she encounters many worldly influences that she always be reminded of the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy things. That those thoughts would be uppermost in her heart and mind. So that as she moves and she speaks grace and truth will proceed from her mouth. Thank you for all that you have bestowed upon her. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

The joy of the Lord

Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

Father, i Pary that Michelle not experience overwhelming sorrow in times of difficulty and grief. But that she be encouraged in you. Encouraged to have joy in her heart, for joy in you is strength. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

James 1: 2– 4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Dear Father, We can count on trials coming. James says - don't be surprised or think it's some strange thing that should not be happening. I pray for Michelle that she may be able to "count it all joy". Rejoice?  Yes, be glad that you are providing her with an opportunity to grow. Just like the little seedling in our picture, growing strong through adversity. Keep her eyes focused on you Lord, keep her heart filled with your presence. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Lord, I praise and thank you for being with me. You are God and yet you love me. How I thank you. I pray that Michelle will feel your presence and the comfort and joy of knowing you. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Glory in knowing God

Jeremiah 9: 23—24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

Thank you Father, that you allow us to know you. That you are generous in revealing yourself to us in many ways. May Michelle find new and exciting things about you each day. As she grows in you may you shine through her. In her home, in public, in private. May she always have that inner peace that comes from knowing and giving you glory. In Jesus' name. Amen

God's Word, My Power

Hebrews 4:12b For the Word of God is …piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Dear Father, if anybody ever needed inner strength and power, Michelle does. Every move they make, every word, every decision under the microscope and not all for her good or the good of her family. Bless her Lord to know the power of your Word and it's ability to guide and keep her every day. Bless her Lord to love your Word and what it can accomplish for her when nothing else can intervene or intercede. I bless your name and thank you for the privilege of talking to you on her behalf. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul

Psalm 19: 7 – 9 " 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.”

Dear Father, You are the Supreme Awesome creator and sustainer of the universe. Your name is shouted to the entire universe because of how you have set the order of things. No one can escape or is exempt from your rule. May Michelle get to know your Word. I pray that it will enlighten, enliven, embolden, encourage and remove impurities from her life. May her heart and words be appropriate and acceptable for offering before your throne. In the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

Delight in God;s Word

Psalm 1: 1 - 2 " Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful .2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law he meditates day and night."

Dear Father, I pray that Michelle take delight in your Word and with equal energy keep away from undesirable influences. Through her consistent exposure to the Word, I pray that you will feed, nourish, refresh and care for her soul. May she become productive, her harvest be plentiful, and impactful. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen

Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Dear Father, I pray that Michelle meditate on your Word all the time. As she meditates and practices, she can do what it says. Her consistent exposures to your Word will spiritually prosper her and give her your success. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray. Amen

2 Timothy 3: 16 -17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works...”

Dear Father you have said in another place “We are God’s workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10) I have a request of my own and I don’t know what Michelle wants to be but I want to be a work that when you look at me you say “well done”. I know I have a long way to go, but I am comforted by knowing that I can keep diving into your Word and be confident that it is bringing about changes and transformations in me even when I’m not always cooperative. And so I also pray for Michelle, day by day their lives are under a microscope and everyone who is looking does not have their best interest at heart. I am praying Father with all my heart that she know you, know your Word and find that comfort and confidence that I find in you. Thank you for being such an available God, who loves and cares for us, who protects us from our enemies, who speaks to us through the Word, and who never leaves or forsakes us. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

The SIncere Milk of the Word!

1 Peter 2: 1 – 2 " 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."

Father thank you for your Word which so clearly helps us to know what we should and should not do. Help Michelle, help us all to decide that your Word will be our guide and our heart's desire. In Jesus' name Amen.

Acceptable in His sight

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

Thank you Father for being our God and always being with us. Sometimes we forget that we are in your presence even if we are not thinking of you. I ask today that Michelle feel your presence in her life each and every moment, that she take comfort in knowing your nearness. And not only comfort but motivation to serve you in ways that are acceptable to you. As she speaks, and thinks and ponders and wonders and muses - may she remember your loving presence. May the words of her mouth and the meditations of her heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. In the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. Amen

God's perfect Word

Psalm 19: 7 " The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Dear Father, when all around the chaos swirls, the rumors fly, the chatter never ceases, evil and wicked men and women plot and scheme, help us to remember your Word is true, and perfect and righteous altogether. When there is nothing else to count on, remind us that we can count on you. Thanks you for being our God. May Michelle find refuge, strength, comfort and peace in relationship with you and in the learning of your Word. In Jesus Christ's name I pray. Amen

Meditating on the Word of God

Psalm 1: 1 - 2 " Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful .2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law he meditates day and night."

Dearest Father, This verse encourages us more about your Word, more about time in your Wrod, more about sitting with you, relishing your presence, seeing your reflections through lyour Words. I pray the desires of Michelle's heart include getting to know you and living for you and that your Word is her vehicle of choice. I pray she is never too busy, never too tired, never too preoccupied to find time with you. I pray that "you alone are her heart's desire and she longs to worship you." In Jesus' name. Amen

Meditating on the Word of God

Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Father, I don't know what Michelle thinks of your Word or what her habits of mind are when it come to Scripture. Today, I pray that she loves, learns and lives your Word. You have promised the benefit to be both immediate and eternal. Prosperous (not just money prosperous) and successful in your sight. May the blessing of hiding your Word in her heart that she might not sin against you keep and guide her each day. Thank you for the gift of your Word and the gift of the Holy Spirit to reveal it to us. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Set your mind on things above

Colossians 3:2..............Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Dear Father, I am so glad you know all about us and all the things we face here on this earth. I am so glad you provided us with a way to meet the challenges of our own sin nature, of temptation, and the attractiveness of the world's ways. Help Michelle to keep her eyes focused on you. When her heart's desire may only be a word away, help her to remember, help her to be wise, help her to stay grounded in you. I pray that all who name the name of Jesus Christ as Savior be likeminded. Thank you and bless your name. Amen.

Grace through strength in Jesus Christ

2 Timothy 2:1............be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Dearest Father, grace, undeserved favor from you. Grace, abundant blessings in spite of ourselves. Grace, sufficient for all of our needs. Grace, bestowed on us through your son, the Lord Jesus. How I bless your name and ask your grace to be upon Michelle, that she would feel and know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you are her sustainer. You are her God and that Jesus is her Savior. I pray that she know the wonderful warmth of closeness with you. Closeness with you, the Sovreign God of this universe, that comes from grace that is in Christ Jesus. Amen

Patience

Jas 1:4..............But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Father in heaven, Our world is in a rush, a hurry, no time to wait. Teach us to wait on you. Our lives are a jumble of appointments, meetings, to do lists and tasks. Teach us to sit with you. No matter how busy, no matter how flustered. May Michelle learn, as we all must, to look to and wait on you. In Jesus Name. Amen

Will He not do it?

Num 23:19.........God is not a man, that He should lie. Has He said, and will He not do it?

Father, I pray today the Michelle know you as God who does not lie, as God who always does what he says, as God who is as good as your word. The best of us will lie, the best of us will go back on our words, but you O God never, never fall short of your word. May Michelle know this about you and trust you for every word that has proceeded out of your mouth. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Hope

Luke 18:27.........The things which are impossible with men are possible with God

Father, I imagine that some days the tangle of life's issues, challenges, joys, sorrows, trials, persecutions and demands must feel overwhelming. As she look through those days help her to see you. To see your readiness, availability, power and majesty. To see your great love as proved by the giving of your Son the Lord Jesus. To see hope in you when all else feels hopeless. Thank you for being our God, thank you that beside you there is no other. Thank you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Boldness in sharing the faith:

Philemon 1:6 says, "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."

Father in heaven, I thank you for each and every opportunity to speak to you and to speak of you to others. I pray that Michelle be unafraid to speak of her relationship with you to others. I think of my own challenges when trying to tell others about you and your Son Jesus Christ and imagine that hers are even greater. I pray that she find the balance, the timing and the boldness to know when to speak of you and how to weather the storm when it brings negative reactions. Thank you for being our God, may be not be ashamed to own you wherever we go. In the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

Steadfastness

2 Thessalonians 3:5 says, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance."

Father, I imagine some days that Michelle may get weary. Tired of the constant prying eyes and sometimes insincere motives. May she be reminded that your eyes are on her always and the your love has sustaining and keeping power. May the love, the Word and the rule of Christ dwell in her richly. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Spiritual understanding and knowing God's will

Colossians 1:9 says, "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding."

The Apostle Paul prayed to you Father for the Christians he knew and loved. He was always talking to you about them. He never stopped. And so I pray for Michelle, talking to you about her because I believe it is your will that she be supported in this way. And just as Paul asked for the Christians he knew and loved. I pray for her. I do not know her personally, but I know that you have moved and worked in her life and placed her in the view of all the world for a time such as this. And I know as Paul knew that talking to you, interceding for others is a gift of support like no other. I pray and ask you Father to fill Michelle with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding."May she walk in your light and your love. In Jesus' name Amen.

Discernment:

Philippians 1:9-11 says, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God"

Our Father in Heaven, I pray that Michelle increase in her knowledge and insight into who you are, for the more we know about you the more we love you. The more we love you the more we are able to be wise in our thinking and decision making. May Michelle's influence and impact reflect the presence of Jesus Christ, His purity and His righteousness, all to the glory an praise of you, our Father. In the name of our matchless Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Strength and knowledge of God's love

Ephesians 3:16-19 says, "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Thank you Father for the wonderful warmth, power, strength and fellowship of your love. May Michelle know deeply the love of Christ and may it shine through her as she moves about and touches others. May her family, friends and associates feel the peace that comes from you when they are in her presence and may they be motivated to seek relationship with you as a result. Thank you for all you have assigned her hands to do. Thank you for your great and immeasurable love for us. Help us to love you deeply in return. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Wisdom and power

Ephesians 1:18-20 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength.

Dear Father, I am praying that Michelle have an enlightened heart so she can see: hope that is available in Christ Jesus, the wonderful riches of eternal relationship, glorious inheritance, and the mighty power available to her. Remind her that there is nothing you cannot help her with or through and that your great love for her can be seen and felt each and every day. May she blossom and grow in the warmth of your love. In the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen

Hope of the Resurrection

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Dear Father, During the time when we think about the resurrection of your Son the Lord Jesus Christ, I am praying that Michelle and family recognize and celebrate the hope you can given us. You have shown great mercy to us who had no way to be forgiven and cleansed from our sins. You have sent us the Son, the perfect substitution, the perfect ransom and then raised Him from the dead to prove His power. How we love you and praise you for this provision for the redemption of our souls. May Michelle's Easter be blessed and filled with thoughts of You. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ our Lord and resurrected Savior. Amen

Joy

"In Your presence is fullness of Joy!" Psalm 16:11

Father, thank you first just for your presence in our lives. You are the Almighty God of this universe and creator of everything yet you desire relationship with us. You desire to fill our lives with good things. How humbled we are to know of your love for us in spite of ourselves. And so I pray today for Michelle that she would find joy. Joy from spending time with you, joy from knowing that regardless of circumstances your presence is always a reason for joy. As the hymn says "when all around my soul gives way, you then are all my hope and stay." Help Michelle to choose joy, joy that comes from knowing you. Overflow her heart with the wonderful blessing of feeling your nearness. Thank you for walking with us, talking with us and telling us we are your own. In your presence is truly the fullness of joy. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Prayer for a Pastor/Shepherd

Jer 23:4 And I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them. And they will fear no more nor be dismayed, neither will any be missing or lost, says the Lord.

Father, thank you for the gift of the local church and the Pastor/shepherds you provide to lead and feed us. As Michelle and her family seek for a church home, I pray that you will guide their decision. Help them to find a fellowship that has the spiritual strength to withstand having them in their midst as members and a Pastor/shepherd who has the maturity, settleness, and compassionate heart for his people. A Pastor whose love for you and knowledge of the Word of God are his primary motivators. A fellowship where they can experience real love, acceptance, and an opportunity to serve you, to be used in the building of your church. Thank you for all you do for us. I ask these prayers in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

God finishes what He starts

Philippians 1:6 And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ , developing and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

Thank you Father for the good work you have begun in Michelle Obama. Thank you that we can count on you to continue that work until the day of Jesus' return. Thank you that you develop us, perfect us and complete us in you. Help Michelle to learn cooperation with you in the process and cause her to know the joy of being a work in progress. Prosper all that she touches that it bring much fruit forth for your Kingdom. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Freedom from worry

Philippians 4:6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.7 And God’s peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Father, Teach us not to look at all that is going on in the world with just our physical eyes. Help us to remember that You have everything under control. May Your peace that passes all understanding keep Michelle as day by day, hour by hour she looks to You, seeks You, loves You and gets to know You better. Thank you for being the great and awesome God that You are. Make Yourself manifest, as You promised, so that our faith may increase. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Does God answer prayer?

It's Time to Pray!

Her children arise up, and call her blessed

Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Father, Michelle is a mother. Two bright, beautiful and bubbly school age girls who need their parents' love as much as they need breath. Give Michelle whatever it is that she needs to be the mother with the right balance of wisdom and frivolity; discipline and fun; always covered with love..always looking to You to lead, guide and direct. May the children obey and trust their parents and learn that You are the giver of every good and perfect gift. Bless her, her husband Barack, and her daughters Sasha and Malia. Shield them from prying eyes and jealous hearts. Prosper their lives as only You can. Thank you for your love, may we return it to you. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Michelle as wife

Proverb 18:22 ¶ Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Father, Michelle is the wife of Barack Obama. She has many other titles, roles and responsibilities. She has many talents, gifts and abilities. She has many friends, relatives, and family members. But today I pray for her as wife. Your Word calls wife a "good thing" - good to be, good to have. May she continue to be a blessing at her husband's side and may they find mutual love, joy, comfort, solace, satisfaction, shelter, and refuge in each other. Bless and prosper their relationship. Help them to find the time to be together and to be with you. Thank you for the vision and image of them together. Thank you for blessing us with them. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Protection in His Presence

Psalm 91:9 - 10 Because you have made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, your habitation; There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.

Father, Michelle and her family now live in the Whitehouse, a place that provides dwelling for the highest leadership in our land. She is the First Lady of that household and the First Lady of our land. Cause her trust in your presence, and your ability to protect to give her peace beyond any that Secret Service or Armed Services can provide. As she goes about her days with thoughts of her husband, our President, her children and her mother remind her of Your power, Your might, Your awesome ability to keep them even when the darkest of enemies may lurk nearby. Thank you for being our God, our Saviour, our Redeemer. In the Name of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Peaceful rest

Ps 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Father you have provided for us the blessing of rest and sleep. May Michelle know that blessing as only you can provide. Rest that comes from peace with you, true rest of the body, soul, mind and spirit. As she lives through each day fulfilling the roles and responsibilities that have fallen to her keep her, and let her not be overwhelmed. Help her know when to stop, when to say no, when to keep still, when to rest. Bring these words to her mind "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety". In name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Perfect peace

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ keep Michelle (and all of her loved ones) in your care. I pray that her relationship with you be one of trust and obedience. I pray each day as she observes the wonderful ways and experiences you have in store for her that her love for you will grow. I pray as she looks back on what you have already done for her that she will be strengthened and encouraged to face what lies ahead. I pray that she be kept in perfect peace because she steadfastly looks to you and trusts you in all her ways. Amen.