Month: May 2026

Staying Open

(Psm 25:4-7)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Maintain an open, seeking heart towards God (Psm 25:4-7).  #StayOpenToGod #ListenToGod #SeekGod 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The first step in gaining knowledge and wisdom is to have a seeking heart. I must desire it and be willing to receive it. God’s word is opened to me. That is David as he writes, “Show me Lord, point out my path and lead me daily in it.“ 

Further, the psalmist explains, this is how I know God‘s unfailing love; I have seen it at work in the past. He prays, remember me in my seeking, and not as I was, in my rebellious youth. Boy, do I need a good dose of that. I am glad that in Christ, God does remember my sin. How merciful is God!

Lord, may I have an open, seeking heart towards your will in my life. 

In God We Trust

(Psm 25:2,3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Look for God in every circumstance (Psm 25:2,3). #FullyRelyOnGod #AlwaysTrustGod #NoDisappointmentWithGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Trust 100% in God. He is not an aloof and distant God, detached from the realities of life. He is “my God.“ He is personal. He knows my griefs and he knows my moments of exuberant joy. He joins me in those moments. That is the God in whom I trust. 

My enemies, those things that tempt my soul, will go down in the flames of disgrace and dishonor. But those who trust in God will not be disappointed (Psm 22:5; Rom 5:5; 9:33; 10:11). Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but our God delivers us from them all, now and/or eternally.* 

Lord, I am thankful for your deliverance from all manner of life challenges. The longer I live, the more I see.

_______

* Psm 34:19

I Surrender

(Psm 25:1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Surrender all to Christ today (Psm 25:1). #ISurrenderAll #JesusIsLord 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“Oh Lord, I give my life to you.“ These words impact my heart like the bat that strikes a home-run ball out of the park. December 28, 1968, a young 21 year-old recruit, standing sentry in a guard tower over the Saigon River, surrendered to God. *

After many years of running from God, this, now 80-year-old sentry, laid down his weapons of this world and surrendered his life to the Lordship of Christ. I never looked back; been serving Christ now these 58 years. I would not change anything.

Lord, thank you for relentlessly pursuing this old sentry, then persistently leading me. 

__________

Hale The Victor

(Psm 20:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

May you surround and be surrounded by others in prayer (Psm 20:1-5: ).  #America #Prayer #Intercession

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The king responds to the prayers of his people with assurance that God will be with him. He is absolutely certain of God‘s deliverance. Some put their faith in “chariots and horses.“ Their strength is in their own limited resources. But the people of God put their faith in the mighty name of the Lord. He will cause his people to rise up and stand firm. The people then lifted their voices, declaring victory. 

Going through a trial recently in my life, I was surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ praying for my family. I felt like the winning coach being carried off the field in victory. Lord, the prayers of the saints will literally carry one through the battles of life. Lord, may I be surrounded by prayer warriors; may I also join in prayers for others. 

Called To Pray For National Leaders

(Psm 20:1-5)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

May all our nation’s leaders have favor with God; may their plans succeed (Psm 20:1-5).  #America #PrayForNstionalLeaders 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This psalm begins in a third person narrative. It reflects a band of worshipers; a congregation of prayer warriors lifting their national leader in prayer. Their leader, the King of Israel, is with them as they pray for him. 

Lord, the battle is before us. May our great God keep our king safe and may he send help and strength from the dwelling place of God on high. 

May God look with favor upon the king’s sacrifice as accompanied by his prayers. 

We will shout praise for victory – raise our banner in the name of our God.

May the Lord answer all our king’s prayers.

The people of God are called upon to pray for all their leaders (red, blue & purple. Lord, this is how the prayer sentry must pray for national leaders today.

IMPREGNABLE 

(Psm 12:6-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Lean into God in the face of evil (Psm 12:6-8).  #WalkInSurrenderToGod  #Impregnable #AFortressIsOurGod 

God’s fortress: IMPREGNABLE !

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

To reiterate, the Lord is the only sure fortress for those oppressed by evil men. When his godly ones are marginalized and persecuted, they may cry with Job, “Though he slay me, yet well I trust him“ (Job 13:15). 

Wicked men may flaunt their power over others in the “VILEST” of ways (only used here in the OT: horrid, vulgar, degenerate, et al.); engaging with contemptible followers. But the Lord is an IMPREGNABLE wall, a fortress against evil men. They may destroy me bodily, but I stand with God (Mat 10:28). 

Lord, I am forever, eternally preserved in your protective care.

Called to Help

(Psm 12:5,6)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Stay open and ready to meet the needs of others (Psm 12:5,6).  #WalkInSurrenderToGod  #ShowConpassion 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s word is 100% reliable. It has stood the test of time and credibility. What God says, he will do. He cares for the helpless and the oppressed. When they cry out to him, he hears them and will meet their need. How? I am called to be God‘s hands and feet in this world. 

Every believer is called upon to seek ways in which we might minister and support those who are in genuine need. Matthew 9:35-38 might be a companion passage and also an example for me to follow. Lord, may I be alert to pain or suffering around me and take action.

God + You = Majority 

(Psm 12:1-4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Trust that God is with his godly ones in the battle against evil (Psm 12:1-4).  #WalkInSurrenderToGod  #FullyRelyOnGod #YouDoNotStandAlone 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

It is difficult to read these verses and not be mindful of the godless cultural rhetoric and dialogue of recent years in our own nation. David decries the open lies, boastful pride and defiance running rampant in his culture. “Who can stop us?“ was their arrogant cry.

David finds himself hard-pressed to find anyone faithful to core biblical values. Like David, I may at times feel alone in the fight against ungodliness. Well, I am not alone and there is one who can stop it.* David calls upon Jehovah God to silence lying lips and boastful, arrogant tongues.

Lord, may I have confidence in knowing that I do not stand alone and you are with me. 

________

* Wicked King Ahab of Israel and his wife Jezebel had the great prophet Elijah on the run after he took out 700 prophets of Baal. Elijah mourned that he was the “only one left” in the fight against evil. This account is worth the read. (1Ki 19‬:‭1-18‬)

Beyond The Externals

(Psm 4:4-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:  

Walk in peace and inner contentment with God (Psm 4:4-8).  #WalkInSurrenderToGod 

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When coming to God for help, make certain you come in the right spirit. Take time to examine the motivation of your heart (think on it a bit). No amount of prayers can overcome a disobedient heart focused only on external happiness. 

The psalmist knows there is much more to be had beyond the externals. It is the inner joy that comes from knowing God and walking daily with him. That kind of inner joy and peace will give you confidence in God to keep you safe. Lord, you are the keeper of our inner peace and joy.