Partnership with the Holy Spirit

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Verse of the Day: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. – 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

The Blessing for today: May you be enriched and strengthened by the active participation and partnership of the Holy Spirit in your life as He (the Spirit) reveals the grace of Jesus and the
love of God for you in ever increasing measure. May, through the Spirit’s work, the sacrifice of Jesus on your behalf and the purpose of God for you, both now and eternally, be fully revealed to you. May the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit guide you in following Jesus and serving
God through all of life. And may you always be kept strong in your faith by the Spirit’s power to face the challenges that will come and to live out the opportunities that he will provide for you in your walk with God. Amen.

Al Funk - Lead Pastor Colwood Pentecostal Church

Let My Eyes Be Fixed On You

THE HOLY SPIRIT: Self Control

Verse of the Day: They said to each other, 'Didn't our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?' – Luke 24:32 (NLT)

Today I pray that you would find the courage to obey the Holy Spirit’s leading. Inviting God into your life and your daily activities is the beginning stage, but it is not where we are to stop. It is
in the doing of His will by actually walking it out, that true blessing comes. We all invite the Holy Spirit and desire to do his will. My prayer is that you not only invite, but obey His directing and leading today. Doing this transforms our hearts and our communities. 

King David was a man after God’s heart. What this means is that he found out what was in God’s heart and then did those things. Pray with me.....Lord my God, give me strength today to walk in obedience to your leading. Give me your love and let me care for others. Let me have compassion on those who are less fortunate than myself. Let my eyes be fixed on you, while my hands work to improve and change our community. 

Neil Van Heerden - Living Edge

May We Have Rest

THE HOLY SPIRIT: Gentleness

Verse of the Day: Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30

Bless you Father, for you have sent your Son to us not in the strength of might but in the power of humility and gentleness that we may have rest. Likewise, as you form us more fully into
your image, guard us from using truth as a hammer and strength as a weapon. Let us bear others in their weakness, their desperation, their deprecations, and receive them as you have received us. Where the world is angry, violent, and coercive, help us to be graceful, merciful, and gentle. Lord, we are tempted to respond to our enemies harshly and brutally; settle us in your love, that we may be slow to take offense and quick to extend a hand of friendship. Spirit, may our words and our tone soothe without sacrificing truth. In granting us meekness, make known the great glory of our God, who in gentleness gathers His children. Through Christ, our Lord: Amen. 

Josh Wilton - The Table Church

Bless the God of Faithfulness

THE HOLY SPIRIT: Faithfulness

Verse of the Day: 'For if you had faith even as small as a tiny mustard seed you could say to this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would go far away. Nothing would be impossible’ – Matthew 17:20

Bless the God of all Faithfulness, who demonstrates again and again that, when we trust Him, He is faithful and worthy of our trust. Bless me/us as your community of faith to work miracles in my/our community with mountain-moving faith, with power from the Holy Spirit breaking all human resistance. May we persevere in faithfulness when the all the odds seem to be against us. May we faithfully pray for the conversion of our community and the transforming of hearts and lives of all those who dwell there. May we act in faith as though this has all already happened because of our sure perception that it is the will of God. May the Holy Spirit, who is your Faithful Guide and ever near your side, bless you. May the Holy Spirit, who is your Ever
Present, Truest Friend and ever near to lend you aid, bless you. Amen.

Peter Umland - Church of Our Lord

A Lifestyle of Goodness

THE HOLY SPIRIT: Goodness

Verse of the Day: For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. - Romans 14:17 (NLT)

Lord, we are grateful that You not only give us the gift of Your Holy Spirit but that Your Word also tells us in Galatians 5:22 what the fruit of the Spirit looks like when lived out. Today, we pray for the fruit of goodness to be shed abroad in our communities. Jesus challenge us in this scripture by the Greek word for goodness “agathosune” which means not only to have an attitude or a motivation to act or be good but to actually lead a lifestyle characterized by virtue and actual acts of helpfulness. Lord, we pray that we will live a lifestyle of Your “agathosune”. 

May we be a visible display of this aspect of Your Holy Spirit to our neighbors and those we come into contact with so that they clearly see this goodness of Yours in us and get to know You more. We pray also that as they embrace Your goodness that their lives will be transformed. Give us strategies on where and how to be helpful and as we all work together to produce the fruit of goodness may it be the salve to all of our relationships and may it come to define our communities and city.

Dick Knight - Renaissance International Ministries

God is Kind To Me

THE HOLY SPIRIT: Kindness

Verse of the Day: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you – Colossians 3:12,13 (NIV)

Gracious God who lives and loves through each one
Open our hearts to be touched by Your Word and Truth
Do Your Will to show others Your love and compassion

Kindness is Your Spirit, giving and forgiving are Your attributes
In the shadow of Your wings, we take refuge, covered by Your greatness and goodness
Never shall we forget Your mercy and grace
Do we deserve Your loving-kindness, to be saved from the depth of the pit?

To You, we bear the image of Your Son, the Holy Spirit lives in us
Only You, see our potential to make us the channel of Your blessings

Merciful One, You are urging us to reach out, to go into communities, invite the broken-hearted, the oppressed, the helpless, the hopeless, the weak and sick to come to Your Table, for You have room for Your children
Earnestly we pray, O LORD, help us to be always kind in hearts and deeds, in Jesus' precious name, Amen.
(Acronym in prayer God, Kind To Me)

Gwendolyn Lam - Mount Edwards Court

His Patience was Perfect!

THE HOLY SPIRIT: Patience

Verse of the Day: Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, – 1 Peter 1:8

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1:2-4

I use to pray for patience, only to find out that my trials increased. Now I pray for grace to get me through each trial. Sometimes it seems like whenever a trial is over, another one surfaces. Through this process I have learned the gift of patience with peace. Patience is not only a gift of the Holy Spirit but also a teacher that can guide us through life. 

I’m always amazed at how Jesus made it to the cross - His patience was perfect! Not lacking anything! Thank God for the gift of patience! I pray the blessing of FAITH for my neighbours! Father I ask that they will see Jesus, and love him; and even though they may not see him now, that they will believe in him and be filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy and receive the gift of your faith - the gift of salvation for their soul. May the grace you have given be poured out upon my neighbors.

Cliff Power - Extreme Outreach Ministry

Bring Peace to Our Communities

THE HOLY SPIRIT: Peace

Verse of the Day: But I will send you the Counselor — the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will tell you all about Me. – John 15:26 (NLT)

Father in heaven, How excellent is Your Name in all the earth! Your mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, reconciling each household to Yourself in Christ, making peace through His cross,
then sending the promised Holy Spirit to guide into all truth. Now we humbly ask You Father to bless each person, in each home, in this neighbourhood with the peace of Christ through the inward knowledge of Your Salvation. 

Build in each one a strong love and a confident undying faith in Jesus Christ. Guide each one into wisdom and understanding in the matters of life. Bring peace to their personal, family, school, business and community relationships. Protect and keep them from evil. Bless their going out and their coming in. May their lives overflow with joy and love toward You and others. May each one become the person You have desired them to be. For Your honour and praise, we pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

John Dobroski Compassionate Resource Warehouse

May we be Filled with Glorious Joy!

THE HOLY SPIRIT: Joy

Verse of the Day: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for continually producing joy in our world and for the Spirit glorifying the Son and fulfilling the scriptures. We see your joy over creation with the blossoms of springtime as a fitting demonstration of how you impartially grant joy, rain, and sunshine to all the families of the earth. You are a gracious God! Strength and Joy are in Your Place! 

Lord we pray today that you would express your joy in and through all the families in this region. We ask that moms and dads would be glad and hope in you today, and that seniors could joyfully celebrate the fullness of their lives. We declare that all over our city the joyful shouts of children would be heard, whom having not seen you, they love you, believe in you, and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy!

Stewart Mackenzie - City Light Church

Move on Our Hearts

THE HOLY SPIRIT: Love

Verse of the Day: When he comes he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment. In regard to sin because men do not believe in me. - John 16:8,9

Father, O how you love your creation, those you have created in your image. How gently you move with power and persuasion to bring men and women and children of all ages and all nations to you. Here in Victoria we ask that you will demonstrate your great love by moving
in the power of your Spirit transforming the hearts and minds of those who do not believe. Let your love so shine that they might see and when seeing believe in your Son Jesus. And by believing be saved. Heavenly Father we pray that you will bless the people of this city with the convicting and convincing power of your Spirit. That you might glorify your name and build your church. In Jesus name we pray.

John Schaper Arbutus Christian Fellowship

May Our Neighbours Know the Freedom in Christ.

GOD ENCOUNTERS: Calling of God (Life Purpose)

Verse of the Day: The angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, 'must turn aside now and see this marvellous sight….' – Exodus 3:2-3

Everlasting Father, Long ago, you heard the cries of your people and you came down to rescue them. You appeared to Moses in a burning bush. And even though Moses was old and ineloquent, you called him and equipped him to be your servant. Today, we need you to come down in a special way again. We long for our neighbours to know the freedom that you offer in Christ.

And so we pray:
• Glorify your name in our city.
• Blaze among the Garry Oaks and Douglas Firs that line
our streets.
• Give us, and our neighbours, eyes that can see your
marvellousness, and courageous hearts—that we would
“turn aside” and embrace your Kingdom.

Show us where we fit in your salvation mission, Father. Even though we are limited and ineloquent, equip us and use us for your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

David Salverda - Victoria Christian Reformed Church

Bring Clarity to the Confused and Strength to the Weak

GOD ENCOUNTERS: Mental Health/Healing

Verse of the Day: The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. – Luke 4:18,19

Father, we thank You for the people in our neighbourhoods. You love them, You made them and You have redeemed them. You care for them, You have given them life and breath. Jesus, You give hope to the hopeless, healing to the broken, clarity to the confused, strength to the weak, and deliverance to those bound by the enemy. 

We pray for those that struggle with mental illness. Father, reveal Your truth and power to them show them the Hope that is found in the triumph of an empty tomb. We pray that they would reach out to You and be found by You; that they would experience Your light as it obliterates their darkness. May the presence of Jesus overwhelm and heal them; deliver them from their bondage and draw them to Your perfect love, in the name of Jesus.

Lindsay Hodges - Youth for Christ

Thank You For Your Miraculous Provision

GOD ENCOUNTERS: Miracles of Provision

Verse of the Day: But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well. Matthew 6:33 (CEV)

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the way that you have provided for your children through the ages. I come to you this day as your child looking to you for the provision that you have promised in your word. It is my heart’s desire to know you and hear your voice. Please help me to walk in obedience to you and put your work first and do what you want me to do this day. There are so many needy people around us Lord. I pray that you will draw us all to yourself so that we all can know You and claim this promise for our lives.

Thank you for your miraculous provision in my life at times when I thought there was no way and no hope. Help me be your hand extended to someone in my community today and bring them some hope along with a random act of kindness that you will direct me in. May they encounter You and Your love and may it be a miracle of provision in their life this day. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Don Allan - Glad Tidings Church

As You Have Reconciled Us with the Father

GOD ENCOUNTERS: Relational Healing

Verse of the Day: If I have found favour in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favourably. - Genesis 33:11b

Precious Father, you are Lord over the earthly family, over our extended and nuclear families from which we descend and of which we are all a part. O Lord, on this day as we walk, cycle and drive through our neighbourhoods, we pray your healing into the relational estrangements of our existence: into every fracture between parent and child, every open wound between siblings, every thinly-veiled scar between friends that unfortunately, for so many, has come to
define them. We pray your blessing for ourselves and those entrusted to our care that we may all see “the face of God” in those once lost to us. Meet us in this complicated and muddy process, Jesus, for you have reconciled us to the Father through the Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.

Ken M. Peters - Saanich Community Church

Give Us Boldness to Speak the Truth

GOD ENCOUNTERS: Personal Boldness

Verse of the Day: Also pray that God will give me the right words to say. Then I will speak boldly when I reveal the mystery of the Good News. - Ephesians 6:19

Lord, I thank you I have been sent to proclaim the Good News, not only
to the nations, but to my neighbourhood. Holy Spirit, give me confidence so that I can be bold. Today I walk with my spiritual antennae up ready to receive divine direction. Give me opportunities to initiate conversation and push beyond any inhibitions and fears. Father, I ask that you would grant my neighbours boldness. Boldness to love deeply, boldness to stand for what is right, and boldness to speak the truth in love. Amen.

Jason Goertzen - Pastor Lifetree Church

May the People of Victoria Encounter You

GOD ENCOUNTERS: Miracles and Healings

Verse of the Day: Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. – Acts 2:22

We praise the One True God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Praise you that the Holy Spirit fills God’s people with the incomparably great power which raised Jesus from the dead. We are humbled that You choose to work through us. Thank you for the gracious blessing of new life, which is transformed daily into the image of Christ with ever increasing glory by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

It is our hearts desire that all people in the city of Victoria will encounter Jesus, as personal Saviour, Lord, Healer, Provider and Friend. You know their needs. You know why they may resist You, Lord. We pray that the blessing of healing in body mind and spirit will confirm the Lordship of Christ in many lives who will turn to You in faith. May this city sing praises with joy and thanksgiving, because of complete restoration in Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lynne Ellis - Assistant Pastor - Church of Our Lord

May Your Spirit Move Among Us

GOD ENCOUNTERS: Supernatural Dreams/Visions

Verse of the Day: 'In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. - Acts 2:17 (NLT)

Gracious God, we thank you for sending the Holy Spirit. Through the outpouring of the Spirit we are able to communicate personally and deeply with you. We pray for Victoria and surrounding
area that the Holy Spirit would move among us. Father, may you bless our neighbours by drawing them to your son Jesus so that everyone who calls on his name will be saved. 

Father, it was your son Jesus who said that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church and so Lord we thank you for the power of the Holy Spirit. We need the Holy Spirit to build the church before Christ returns. May your people encounter you as they prophesy, as they dream dreams and see visions of what you will accomplish on this earth through your church. May your Kingdom come, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

David Grice - Salvation Army Victoria Citadel

Raise Up Leaders that Honour You

COMMUNITY: Local Governments

Verse of the Day: Now this Daniel was distinguishing himself above the other supervisors and the satraps, for he had an extraordinary spirit. In fact, the king intended to appoint him over the entire kingdom…because he was trustworthy and guilty of no negligence or corruption. – Daniel 6:3-4

Lord we ask that You would raise up men and women into political positions who honour
You both in their private lives and political roles. We lift to You our Mayor and council and ask they would so carry out their roles that not only that there would be no harm or loss fall upon their riding, but blessings and abundance. We pray that they would distinguish themselves above all others and have extraordinary spirit in their fields of influence and responsibility. We also pray that they would be people who are trustworthy and guilty of no negligence or corruption and that there would be corporation and unity among the municipalities of greater Victoria. In Jesus Name.

Barry Goodwin - Pastor - Esquimalt Church of the Nazarene

God has His Own OCP!

COMMUNITY: Community Future/Destiny

Verse of the Day: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Every community has an Official Community Plan. The OCP maps out what politicians and residents believe is best for the community. God has His own OCP! His plans are rooted in His
unfailing love and grace. His plans are for mercy, justice, redemption, an end to poverty, discrimination and violence. His plans are for prosperity and hope. 

God in Heaven, You have a plan to prosper and give hope and a future to every person who lives on the streets that I am walking today. Send the blessing of Your plans to each home, business, school and institution in our city today. Let Your kingdom come and let Your will be done in Victoria as it is in Heaven. Amen!

Tim Schindel - Founder/President - Leading Influence Ministries

May the Businesses in Our City Give Glory to Your Name

COMMUNITY: Businesses

Verse of the Day: Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! - Proverbs 119:36 (NLT)

Heavenly Father, We give thanks to you Lord; you are worthy of our prayers and our praise! In all things we recognize your goodness, love and gift of grace. As we look upon the neighborhoods in this city, today we lift up all the businesses that surround us. We recognize for many that the love of money is a powerful trap; forgive us where we fall within it. 

For those who own or work in businesses, in stores or offices or homes, we pray blessing upon them and ask you to help them work in a way that brings glory to your name. Bless them with an eye for honesty, humility and justice. Show us the part we play in this, Lord, and help us be conscious of our habits and desires. As we work and partake in businesses, might we do so in ways that honors and furthers your kingdom. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Daniel Patstone - Associate Pastor - Shelbourne Street Church of Christ

May Our City See God in Creation

COMMUNITY: Recreation Centres/Parks

Verse of the Day: The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. - Psalm 24:1-2

Father, today we celebrate the beauty and majesty of Your creation that characterizes our region. We’re grateful for the foresight of community leaders who, for our enjoyment and renewal, have set aside parcels of land for parks and recreational purposes. We ask You to bless those who frequent these special places—those who enjoy a leisurely walk along Rithet’s Bog or Witty’s Lagoon, those who climb Mount Finlayson, those who jog past Clover
Point or run around Elk/Beaver Lake, or bike on the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails. 

We bless those children and youth and their families who learn about teamwork and sportsmanship and competition on the baseball diamonds, soccer pitches, hockey arenas, and swimming pools in our communities. We pray for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of all our neighbours, realizing that “. . .since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made. . .” (Romans 1:20) Amen.

Calvin Black - Associate Pastor - Victoria Church of the Nazarene

Give Our Teachers Wisdom

COMMUNITY: Schools/Higher Learning

Verse of the Day: The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out. - Proverbs 18:15 (NIV)

Additional Verses – Romans 12:2; 2 Timothy 3:16, Colossians 2:8

Thank you Lord God for each and every school and place of higher learning in the greater Victoria area. We pray for each professor, teacher, and staff person who works there. Bless them as they seek you for wisdom in how they train and equip our students. Lead and guide
them in how to bring light into the dark situations they come across. Place a hedge of protection around them and their classrooms. We recognize that they perform a very important task each and every day. 

We pray too for the students that come into these classrooms, bless them Lord. Protect them in every way. May they not only be transformed in thought, but also in character. May they seek you for wisdom and guidance, not only to acquire knowledge but to also live out their lives with purpose. We recognize what a true gift they are. We thank and praise you for them, and know what a difference they make in our communities. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Terry Opperman - Leadership Development International

Bless and Comfort Those Who Protect Our Nation

COMMUNITY: Protective Services

Verse of the Day: For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45 (NLT)

Heavenly Father – we are overwhelmed that you would send your Son, to serve us and give His life for us, so that we may in turn come to love and serve you through serving others. Thank you for the men and women in the military. Bless and protect them and their families. We ask you to
comfort and strengthen those families who have lost loved ones in the cause of protecting
this nation. We honour them right now. 

Thank you for all those in our Police and Fire Departments, as they face dangers and harm in protecting our communities. Thank you for the Medical Profession, for their caring and compassion. Thank you for their dedication and their desire to bring healing and comfort to those in physical and emotional need. Thank you for our Social Services, and their compassion for the less fortunate in our communities. Thank you for the love that they demonstrate on a daily basis. Thank you for the Government Officials at all levels in our communities, for their dedication to providing just laws and services to our communities. 

Heavenly Father, bless all these men and women, and their families. Protect them, give them wisdom and guidance, and strengthen them as they serve their communities.
In Jesus name, we pray.

Graham Hunter - Assistant Pastor - Trinity Church

May Your Love Transform My Neighborhood

COMMUNITY: Neighbourhoods

Verse of the Day: The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. – John 1:14 (MSG)

Heavenly Father, you have arranged my steps. Father, I am not here, in this neighborhood, by accident. You have placed me here to be a Neighbor to these people; not only for their blessing, but for mine. May your love transform my neighborhood; and may it transform
me too. Lord Jesus, I pray for all the blessings you bestow to be present in my neighborhood; for safety, for care, for provision, and for relationship. 

Jesus, you came and moved into the neighborhood to save us, to care for us, to provide for us, and to bring us into relationship. May the generosity of your gift be realized in my community, and may my neighbors experience your generous nature through me. I pray Holy Spirit that you would transform me, making me a blessing to this community. Make me a comforter, a healer, a gift-giver, and truth-teller like you. Make me fully present in my neighborhood, just like you. Amen.

Aaron Dyck - Lead Pastor - Gateway Baptist Church

May We Persevere

CHARACTER: Perseverance

Verse of the Day: Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it. - Luke 11:28

Father God, once we know something is wrong, please give us the moxie to own up and change our ways. And if we don’t have the spunk or stamina needed to do that, give us brave hearts to ask for help. Your Word tells us that we blow it when we deliberately choose, in the light of Your truth, to disobey. You know our hearts. You know why we do what we do or say what we say. Like Joseph who made a bee-line outta there when Potiphar’s wife wanted a piece of him, give us that kind of grit to never EVER give up choosing to do the next right thing! Even when it hurts something fierce and scares the living daylights out of us! Thank you for giving us the freedom to obey You. Amen.

Louise (Bromley) Jewell - Registered Clinical Counsellor - Pacific Rim Care Counselling

Responsibility

CHARACTER: Responsibility

Verse of the Day: And we all, with unveiled faces,
beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being
transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just
as by the Spirit of the Lord.–- 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJ)

Father God, You have blessed us with the gift your Holy Spirit and have placed within us the very nature of your Son Jesus Christ. Father, our prayer is that we might honor You with a life that is holy and true. That we might reflect Your nature, Your character, Your glory and Your love in the midst of a world so lost and so hurting. Let our lives be the guidebook to heaven for those who are seeking You. 

Give to us a heart for the lost that they might find You and be saved. Father open the eyes of those in this city that they might see Your Son Jesus and come to an understanding of the Living Truth. This we pray in the beautiful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Lynne Schaper - Co-Pastor - Arbutus Christian Fellowship

Let Honesty Flow From Our Lips

CHARACTER: Honesty

Verse of the Day: 1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him. 2 For He laid the earth’s foundation on the seas, and built it on the ocean depths. 3 Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.
5 They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their Savior.
6 Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. – Psalm 24:1-6 (NLT)

Father, we weep over a world buried in deceit; Humanity lies to itself daily about who we are
and whose we are. We fabricate images and personas to make ourselves look like more
than we are, To construct purpose and meaning apart from You; And we believe slander in our hearts that imagines us as so much less than Your beloved. 

Bless your people with the precious gift of honesty, Lord; Let it flow from our lips and hands to those around us; Let it refresh souls like pure water, Let it comfort and restore like salve on the wounds of deception That scar our identity, community, and humanity. May your Spirit bring clarity in the lives of those we encounter today; May it separate truth from lies in their hearts and minds So they can draw near to You, find belonging in You, The Way, The Life, The Truth.

                                                                           Travis Hutchinson Pastor Shelbourne Street Church of Christ

Holy Spirit, Kindle a flame of love in Victoria

CHARACTER: Integrity, Wholeness, Strength

Verse of the Day: Let my teaching fall like rain and my
words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like
abundant rain on tender plants. – Deuteronomy 32:2

O God – All people in this community come from you… Created to honor one another and for seeking the common good. From you all peace and justice flows. Come upon this neighborhood like morning dew. Inflame it with your love. 

Lord, Jesus Christ, Light of the World
Come and shine on this community
May hostilities be overcome
May petty differences be dropped
May the old and the young enjoy each other.

Holy Spirit 
Kindle a flame of love in this neighborhood
May its people be content with small means…
Seek integrity rather than luxury… 
Strive to be worthy, rather than wealthy…
Think quietly, talk gently, and act frankly.
Amen. 

(This blessing prayer is based on excerpts from Ray Simpson’s
A Holy Island Prayer Book, Morehouse Publ. 2003)

Henry Jonker - Pastor Emeritus - Victoria Christian Reformed Church

Your Kingdom Come

CHARACTER: Justice

Verse of the Day: But few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. – Luke 10:42

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you that you have divinely appointed us to be your “hands and feet” to all those in our spheres of influence. We thank you that you have strategically placed us
right where you want us to be for such a time as this. We pray that Your Kingdom come, Your
will be done over this neighbourhood and in the businesses that you have us in. We pray Your protection, justice and liberty for those we live around, and for those we intersect with. 

Give us Your heart for the lost and marginalized, and help us to remember, and declare Your promise found in Psalm 2:8 “If you ask, the lost will be your inheritance.” So, Lord, we ask You for the lost in our neighbourhoods and spheres of influence that they may receive You as Lord and Savior.
Amen.

Gerry Esselink - Associate Pastor - Trinity Church

Bring Healing to the Broken

CHARACTER: Moral Purity

Verse of the Day: Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. - Isaiah 58:12

Dear Father in Heaven, please look upon the youth who are homeless, abandoned, unwanted and uncared for in our city and come to their aide. Provide for them a healthy sense of who they are and how they are unique and made in your image. Help them have the courage to break the cycle of poverty, of crisis and brokenness. 

Your prophet Isaiah prophesied your people would be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. So we ask that you would use us to repair those things that have taken away their sense of security and safety. Use us to restore a sense of belonging in this world giving them a sense of purpose, hope and direction for their lives. Help them and us to see that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves as a response to the obedience, love, prayers of your people.

Darin Reimer - Executive Director - Sanctuary Youth Centre

Courage to Speak the Gospel

CHARACTER: Courage

Verse of the Day: But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded. - 2 Chronicles 15:7

Lord Jesus, we believe that you are actively pursuing the lost. We believe that you are in the business of redeeming and restoring your creation. We believe that you want your light to shine in, through and out of our city. So Lord, we invite you to transform our lives, our neighborhoods and our city. Holy Spirit, give us courage to live out and speak your Gospel in and to our city.

Overcome our fears by the power of your Spirit, and compel us to live with integrity and courageous humility. Reclaim Greater Victoria Lord, and reshape our culture to center our lives in Jesus Christ. With gratitude we declare that there is no one like you to help the powerless, bind up the broken, and proclaim freedom. We rely on you, and in your name we boldly trust and obey.

Kevin Thiessen - Pastor of Outreach/Missions Central Baptist Church

May the Holy Spirit be Working in our Relationships

RELATIONSHIPS: Healthy Relationships

Verse of the Day: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.–- Matthew 5:9

Dear Lord, please bless my neighbours with healthy relationships. Relationships are the context into which we are called to live out our faith. As Jesus was teaching the beatitudes he said, “Blessed are those who work for peace…” We understand the word “blessed” to mean “happy!” Being at peace with the people in our life is a trusted path to true happiness. There are many homes on my street filled with people who need God’s peace and happiness in their relationships. 

Lord please use me to help support my neighbours in their relationships through prayer and the ministry of presence. May my neighbours learn to set healthy boundaries, tell the truth, and stay loyal to the people in their life and in these ways participate in the peace/happiness that you offer God. May the presence of the Holy Spirit be in the homes of people who do not yet know you God. Jesus finishes that teaching by saying “…they will be called children of God.” May my neighbours know the happiness of being a child of God. Amen.

Eric West - Pastor to Families - Gateway Baptist Church

Friend of Jesus

RELATIONSHIPS: Authentic Friendships

Verse of the Day: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13

Is there a higher compliment than to be called a friend of Jesus? When we lay down our life for Him we are his friend. When we silence every other voice that shouts for our time, our attention, our focus, and say ‘not my will but yours be done Oh Lord’, then we are a friend of God. 

‘Lord may our neighbours know such friendship in the one with a listening ear and discerning heart, the one who will share his time, his resources and his talents, the one who will bring encouragement, and hope and new answers.....and the one who will pray. May we hear your voice Lord and respond. May we be an authentic friend to you Jesus and an authentic friend to those in our communities.’

Doug & Mary McCulloch - Directors of the Obed House of Prayer

Bless Our Elders

RELATIONSHIPS: Generational Honour/Respect

Verse of the Day: Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord…. - Psalm 102:18

Illuminate our eyes to respect those older than us. Though sight may be dimmed, wisdom shines through. Help us listen. Bless our elders, Lord. Work in us to give them the respect they are due. Forgive us for the individualism we display in our society. Help us, help me be the difference maker(s). Through a deeper sense of humility, help us bless our seniors with time, with attentive ears, and kindness that opens the doors to their wisdom. 

Shine Your Light on them, we pray… through us. Help us to honour and learn from our children - grant us renewed wonder to see as a child. Bless our children and our youth, Lord. Protect them from those who seek to do them harm. Break spiritual strongholds that distract, exploit, and rob our children of their rightful life in who they are created to be in You. Let this begin with us, with me. Transform our hearts as we honour our children, becoming more like them, and in turn blessing them to discover who they truly are.

Robert McKinley - Regional Church Advisor - World Vision Canada

Reconciliation Through Christ

RELATIONSHIPS: Reconciliation

Verse of the Day: Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. - 2 Corinthians 5:18,19

We thank you, Father, for the blessing of family, friends and our community. We pray that people would be reconciled to you as you are jealous over them with GODLY jealousy (Exodus 20:4-5). You are the GOD that saves, you are Sovereign and Mighty and escape from death only comes from you. (Psalms 68:20). We thank you for the gift of reconciliation through Christ. (2 Corinthians. 5:18) On behalf of our neighbours we stand in the gap and ask that you would forgive us and reconcile us to yourself (repent for any sins as Holy Spirit reveals). Lord Jesus we ask that you would also heal all broken relationships. That the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control would be evident in our lives so that we see our family, neighbourhoods and city transformed. We decree this blessing over all our relationships today: The Lord bless you and keep you, The Lord make His face shine on you, The Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:22-26) In Jesus Name, Amen.

Jacki Knight - Co-Founder Renaissance International Ministry