We will be praying for seven days asking for the Fear of the Lord to fall among the people in our homes, churches, communities, counties and regions. Use this guide to pray daily, but more importantly allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you pray.
To understand what we are desiring it is important for us to know what the Fear of the Lord is:
o Biblical fear is defined as to revere; reverence; honor; to stand in awe; fearful dread; to cause astonishment; respect and admiration.
o To fear the Lord is to show respect to God by keeping HIS commandments and following HIM.
o The fear of Lord is an awareness that we are in the presence of a Holy God.
The fear of the Lord produces many things on our behalf that we otherwise may not experience. A few:
o Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”
o Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”
o Psalm 34:7 “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him.”
o Proverbs 14:27 “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.”
o Proverbs 14:26 “In the fear of the Lord, there is strong confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge.”
o Exodus 20:20 “Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
Day 1: Did the Apostle Peter ever experience fear? Yes, when they experienced a storm on Galilee. Matthew 14:26 says “…they cried out for fear” when they saw Jesus walking on the waves. Jesus’ response Matthew 14:27 “…it is I; be not afraid.” Peter asks if he could come to Him on the water, stepped out of his boat. But, upon seeing boisterous (violent) wind, Matthew 14:30“…he was afraid…”
So, yes, Peter experienced circumstances that made him fear for his safety, maybe even for his own life.
And yet, when we read his first epistle, we find this. 1 Peter 1:17 “…pass the time of your sojourning here in fear” followed by 1 Peter 3:14 “…be not afraid…”
How is it possible that the Holy Spirit had Peter produce two seemingly contradictory statements from the same pen? Evidently, he understood two types of fear. One occurs as the opposite of faith; the other, the application of faith. One draws down our confidence in the LORD; one draws us closer to Him. One is negative and, one is positive.
In Peter’s first chapter, he makes it abundantly clear why we should “…pass the time of your sojourning here in fear (v. 17).”
First, we have an immovable inheritance awaiting us (vss. 3-4); second, we are kept by God’s power (vs. 5); next, our faith is precious to the LORD (v. 7); then, the end of our faith is the salvation of our souls (v.9). And has not God has called us to be holy like He is holy (v. 15)? And won’t the One we call Father judge every man’s works? Yes.
First, we have an immovable inheritance awaiting us (vss. 3-4); second, we are kept by God’s power (vs. 5); next, our faith is precious to the LORD (v. 7); then, the end of our faith is the salvation of our souls (v.9). And has not God has called us to be holy like He is holy (v. 15)? And won’t the One we call Father judge every man’s works? Yes.
So, Peter preaches two sermons using the same word. “Pass the time of your sojourning in fear” while at the same time reminding us “…be not afraid.”
Are you trading in your faith for fear of someone or something today? Listen to the LORD “it is I, be not afraid.” Or are you filling your heart with facts that produce confidence in Him? Then, pass the time of your sojourning honoring the One Who made you, placed you in your present circumstances, and deserves your highest admiration and respect. (Dan Peters)
Pray: LORD, teach us the “fear of the LORD.” You are all we need.
Day 2: "And he said to the man, Behold, the fear of the Lord is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:28 [NKJV]
One way to fear the Lord is to give priority over everything in our lives, so that every aspect of our lives is subject to Him.
The fear of the Lord places us in the right place where we can fulfill His will, and that fear makes us obedient to His word and His commandments. It makes us worship Him in a way that is pleasing to Him and makes us respect Him.
Let's ask ourselves these questions:
Are we living in the fear of the Lord? Are we giving Him priority in our lives, or are we subjecting our lives to Him?
One way to fear the Lord is to give priority over everything in our lives, so that every aspect of our lives is subject to Him.
The fear of the Lord places us in the right place where we can fulfill His will, and that fear makes us obedient to His word and His commandments. It makes us worship Him in a way that is pleasing to Him and makes us respect Him.
Let's ask ourselves these questions:
Are we living in the fear of the Lord? Are we giving Him priority in our lives, or are we subjecting our lives to Him?
Let's meditate on these questions and ask God to search our hearts and help us live in the fear of God day by day so that we may have the wisdom and understanding He gives us to live a life pleasing to the Lord.
(Ernesto Bustamante)
Pray: For his church so that we may live in the fear of the Lord every day, so that we may reflect Christ in our lives, and continue to be a light to the world.
Pray: For his church so that we may live in the fear of the Lord every day, so that we may reflect Christ in our lives, and continue to be a light to the world.
Day 3: “The fear of the Lord leads to life; Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Proverbs 19:23 [NIV]
The phrase “rests content” jumps off the page to me in this verse. Finding contentment in today's society can be hard for a believer. Culturally, we are conditioned to a fast-paced and restless lifestyle. Furthermore, the world tells us we must be, do, or have the next big thing.
When you download the fear of the lord into your spirit, you separate yourself from what your flesh desires. Furthermore, the posture of reverent fear unto the lord gives God the authority over your heart to satisfy every need. It allows him to prove his faithfulness daily.
Living in his faithfulness, because you have learned to fear him properly, you are satisfied and can rest and be content. The last portion of the verse says “untouched by trouble”. This Proverb teaches that when you fear the lord, he leads you to live a life where you can be content and untouched by trouble. How amazing is that? Not only does he want to allow you to rest your tired and weary heart, but he also wants to protect you from trouble.
(Gabe Sturgill)
Pray: Father, I give you a posture of reverent fear. I take refuge in you. I am thankful that you satisfy my soul and protect me from trouble.
Day 4: “Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose…The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.” Psalm 25:12 & 14 [NIV]
This passage in Psalm 25 became alive to me at the death of one of my grandfather’s brothers over a decade ago. This Psalm was read by his son during his eulogy, and he told of the close relationship his dad had with God. He recounted stories of his daily walk with God and the things that God would tell him. One example I’ll never forget was of the two of them driving through town and passing a bar, and his dad pointed it out and said that God told him it would be closing soon, and sure enough, within a few months, it had closed.
I want that kind of relationship with God. I want to receive His guidance on the ways I should choose. I want to hear the secret things of God, the Truths that God longs to share with His friends. Oswald Chambers wrote, “What is the sign of a friend? Is it that he tells you his secret sorrows? No, it is that he tells you his secret joys. Many people will confide their secret sorrows to you, but the final mark of intimacy is when they share their secret joys with you.” I want to be close enough to God to hear what brings Him joy.
(Matt Reeder)
Pray: Father, lead me into greater fear of You please. I want to receive your guidance, and I want to hear what brings you joy to share with me.
Day 5: Pawpaw’s Legacy
My pawpaw was a Godly man. A deacon in the Primitive Baptist church, his Godly influence has had a soul-saving effect on at least 4 generations of my family. I look forward to a heavenly home, in part, because of him.
But one thing pawpaw didn’t do much of was pray out loud. You see, he got VERY emotional when he prayed. Why, I’ve seen him weep when saying grace over a cold glass of sweet milk and a hot cake of cornbread! Being an inquisitive sort, I asked him once why he became so emotional when he prayed. He responded,” well son, how do you act when you come into the presence of God?” It has taken me the better part of 50 years to answer that question.
You see, pawpaw got it. He feared God. He had seen some things that only an awesome God could do. He wanted to be like Him, or as close as he could get. He lived his life in respect, reverence, awe and remembrance of a God who would send His only son to die for HIM because of the dirty stain of sin that he would one day be judged for. Sin that can’t exist in God’s presence. Light and darkness can’t exist in the same place (2 Cor. 6:14).
You see, pawpaw got it. He feared God. He had seen some things that only an awesome God could do. He wanted to be like Him, or as close as he could get. He lived his life in respect, reverence, awe and remembrance of a God who would send His only son to die for HIM because of the dirty stain of sin that he would one day be judged for. Sin that can’t exist in God’s presence. Light and darkness can’t exist in the same place (2 Cor. 6:14).
Pawpaw understood that when the storms of life attacked, he could go to this God he loved so much and “He would hide him in the cleft of the rock”. (Ex.33:22). There he would find love, protection, fellowship, and hope. Oswald Chambers once said, “when you fear God, you fear nothing else. Whereas, if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.”
I close with a scripture and a question. King Solomon at the end of his life, much of it spent apart from God, was in a reflective mood. At the very end of Ecclesiastes he makes a pretty definitive statement. Ecc. 12:13 “Now all has been heard. Here is the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
How do YOU act when you come into the presence of God? Lesson learned pawpaw. Lesson learned. Happy Father’s Day.
(Rick Kidd)
Pray: Pray that your fear of God would be so great, and noticeable, that you would be an influence on many generations of your family.
Day 6: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 [NIV]
This verse calls every believer to a life of mutual submission, not because others are always right or worthy but out of our love, respect and reverence for Jesus Christ.
Submission is never easy! It can be hard and difficult to yield to others, especially when we recognize their flaws or disagree with their actions. However, our willingness to submit isn’t based on their merit but It’s rooted in our obedience to Christ and our desire to reflect His humility and love.
Ephesians 5:21 emphasizes that submission is not about power or control but it’s about reflecting the character of Christ. Jesus Himself lived a life of humility and sacrifice, submitting even to death. As believers, we are called to model our relationships in the home, church, and community after his example.
When we follow the examples of Jesus and His word, the fruit is easy to see which consist of:
• unity in the body of Christ
• respect, honor and love in all relationships
• Christlike humility and submission that seeks what's best for others before self which can be a powerful tool
In the world today, the message is often about "me, me, me" and all about "what I want" and or “Put yourself first.” But the Word of God teaches the opposite. True Christlike living means putting others ahead of ourselves - not because it’s easy, but because it honors Jesus.
In the world today, the message is often about "me, me, me" and all about "what I want" and or “Put yourself first.” But the Word of God teaches the opposite. True Christlike living means putting others ahead of ourselves - not because it’s easy, but because it honors Jesus.
Paul reminds us that all our relationships whether in marriage, family, friendship, or community, should be shaped by the same self-giving love Christ has for His Church. Through submission, we reflect His grace and advance His kingdom.
(Scott Calloway)
Pray: Lord, help us to submit to one another in a way that is pleasing to You. May our submission bear fruit and build relationships that reflect Your kingdom. Teach us to walk in humility, just as you did Jesus, putting others before ourselves in love and honor to you. Amen.
Day 7: “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” 11 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.” Psalms 46:10 – 11 [NLT]
We have come to another time in history when war seems to be in the news daily. According to one group, no less than 22 nations are in a war presently and that does not include other conflicts that have not made it to the level to be declared a war.
Because of our fallen nature, humanity is always in conflict with each other. Be that in the grocery store or at the highest levels of government. People feel that they are not getting what they deserve; they feel that they are being done wrong in some capacity and want to set things right; others are just angry… just mad at everything and looking for a fight. Then there are those that willingly want to destroy others like Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah want to do to Israel. Those living in our nation that protest and scream death to America.
In Psalms 46:9 it declares that the Lord, “He causes wars to end throughout the earth.”
Whether that is the war in your own mind and heart or war between nations. God is the ONE with authority to cause them to cease!
When it states in verse 10 “Be still” that is not silent worship, even though silent, still worship is acceptable to HIM. It is a declaration by God to those at war, to cease and desist. BE STILL! Why? Because only HE will be exalted in victory. The wicked do not have a chance.
Today as you look at the wars around us, it is natural to be concerned. Will this impact our nation? Will it destroy our economy and cause unrest? Will our sons and daughters have to go pay the ultimate price?
America just celebrated 250 years of having an Army, but Heaven has always had an Army and no force on earth can compare to it.
So amid the chaos it is to our advantage to keep in mind that God will be honored throughout the world. HE will determine outcomes and winners. The Lord of the Armies of Heaven will be honored!
(Pastor Byerly)
Pray: Ask for help to focus on honoring the Lord of the Armies of Heaven. Pray that you will be able to see that the Armies of Heaven are greater than the wicked armies on earth.