No MO Gambling Prayer Emphasis

Concerning
GAMBLING, ROCKAWAY BEACH
Constitutional Amendment #1

Prayer is one thing that every Christian can do, young or old.  You can pray anywhere and at any time.  Listed below are some possible ways you could do that and some needs you can pray for during this emphasis.

 Ways to pray for this issue

1. Make a personal commitment to pray for the defeat of Constitutional Amendment #1.
2. Pray for God to be honored and glorified during this issue.
3. Pray for renewal and revival to come from dealing with this issue.
4. Pray for the strength and wisdom of community and church leaders standing up against the “Gambling” issue.
5. Pray that Christians all over Missouri will look to the Bible for guidance on this issue and not their pocket books.  Pray that Christians will get out and vote against Constitutional Amendment #1.
6. Pray that people all over Missouri will have their “blinders” removed in order to see gambling for what it is and the harm it does.
7. Pray for discernment relating to the false claims made by the Gambling Industry for the Missouri voters.

 Suggestions of ways to participate in the prayer emphasis

1. A 24 hour Prayer Time so that every day of the week is covered between now through August 3.  You may choose to pray at the church or allow the individuals to pray at home, work, or school.
2. At every worship and/or Bible Study time between now and the election have a special prayer relating to this issue or make it a part of the regular prayer time.
3. Ask each of your Bible Study classes, mission groups, and any other small group ministries you may have to come up with their own way of having a prayer emphasis.  Encourage the different groups to continue to do this from now until after the election.
4. If the church publishes a prayer calendar, make sure that it is placed on each day including the day of the election.
5. If your church already has a prayer ministry meeting on a regular basis, have them pray for this concern.
6. Call your friends within the state of Missouri and pray with them. But don’t stop there!  Contact friends, family, and other Christians in other states to pray for the defeat of Constitutional Amendment #1.  Don’t leave any stone unturned!  Call on every Christian you know to pray for the defeat of this issue.

 Our Biblical Basis

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)

1. There are three important points to understand about the passage.
1. Coming before God about anything and everything is our privilege, and we are called to do it.
2. When we look to Him for the needs of our lives and rest in His abilities to meet our needs, we will find the peace that is beyond our own human understanding.
3. In seeking God, not only will we find peace, but our hearts and minds will be guarded by Jesus Christ.
2. We have a need as a state and as the people of the state.
3. Our strength and peace comes from God regardless of the outcome.
4. As Christ Jesus guards our hearts and minds, let us be found faithful in standing up for His righteousness and the teaching of His Word, the Bible.

(Originally prepared in 1998 by Bill Holbrook, pastor, FBC, Park Hills)
Updated 6-11-04 for NoMOGambline issue