1. When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen Him, they did not believe it, (Mark 16:9-11). The resurrection provides the substance of the church’s witness to the world. We do not merely tell lessons from the life of a good teacher, we proclaim the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ! We pray to proclaim He is Risen!!! 1 Susquehanna County Farm and Home Day Show, Doc Devoe
2. So, Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying here but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally, the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went inside. He saw and believed, (John 20: 3-8). The graveclothes were left as if Jesus had passed right through them. A grave robber could not possibly have made off with Jesus’ body and left the linens as if they were still shaped around His body. We pray to believe what Scripture says and proclaim Jesus as our Risen Savior. 1-2 West Branch Susquehanna Builders Home Show, Williamsport, PA, Michael Steele
3. Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary Magdalene stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, woman why are you crying? They have taken my Lord away, she said. I don’t know where they have put him, (John 20:10-13). Proof that the disciples and women who loved Jesus did not steal His body or fabricate the story comes in their surprise and devastation that His body was missing. We pray to look ahead to the future as we see behind the empty tomb. 3-5 Nebraska FFA, Mike Weaver
4. At this, she (Mary Magdalene) turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. Woman, He said, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for? Thinking He was the gardener, she said, sir if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have put Him and I will get Him. Jesus said to her, Mary. She turned toward Him and cried out in Aramaic, Rabboni! (Which means teacher), (John 20:14-16) In the moment that changed all eternity, Jesus called Mary’s name. We pray to listen as God calls our name first for salvation and then for service. Pray that some of the FFA Shows will let us in to share the gospel with the students.
5. Jesus said, do not hold on to Me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, I am returning to My Father and your Father to My God and your God. Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news, I have seen the Lord! And she told them all He had said to her, (John 20:17-18). Mary had searched for Him but He had found her in the midst of her greatest need and weakest moment. In her uncertainty He revealed Himself. All He asked was that she share the news with others. We pray to never be quiet again in revealing who Jesus is! 5-7 Flowerton Festival, Summerville, SC, Bill Brown
6. Now on the same day two of them(disciples) were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them, but they were kept from recognizing Him He (Jesus) asked them, what are you discussing together as you walk along? They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them named Cleopas asked Him, are You the only visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days? What things He asked, (Luke 24:13-19). The two disciples at first missed the significance of history’s greatest event because they were too focused on their disappointment and problems. We pray to look for Jesus in our midst and experience the power and help He can bring. The news about Jesus’ crucifixion had spread throughout Jerusalem, because it was Passover Week. People from all over the Roman Empire knew about His death and the circumstances surrounding it. We pray to not only know about Jesus and His death but to also know HIM! 4-6 Oklahoma City Farm Show, Oklahoma City, OK,Jerry Rice
7. About Jesus of Nazareth, they replied. He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified Him. But we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel, (Luke 24:19-21). The Believers had lost all hope because they had counted on Jesus to be a great military leader and to rescue them from their enemies. When we have lost our way we pray to keep our focus on what Jesus has already accomplished in our lives. Pray for all who attend booths at our Farm Shows and Festivals, that they would accept Christ or be inspired to share Him with others.
8. And what is more it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find His body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said He was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but Him they did not see, (Luke 24:21-24). Despite the prophecies of this great event and the eyewitness account, these disciples failed to understand Christ’s death was His path to glory. We pray to be the living, breathing Christians that others need to see the living Savior. Please pray for Petrina. Her cancer is not responding to treatment. Please pray for a miracle healing for her. Please pray for Sylvia, she has Parkinsons and covets your prayers.
9. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, (Luke 24:31). Jesus is the scarlet thread woven through the Scriptures. We pray to read the Scripture to strengthen our relationship with Christ. Please raise a shout of halleluiah for Nathan. His body is now responding to treatment and after 37 units of blood in 3 weeks, he is now spending time in and out of the hospital as his situation is assessed daily.
10. They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and said, it is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon. Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when He broke bread, (Luke 24:33-35). Their excitement surely caused a stir with the downcast disciples. We pray to keep our eyes on Jesus and not our disappointment. While they were still talking about this, Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, Peace be with you, (Luke 24:36). Jesus resurrected body was immortal. This is the kind of body we are promised at the resurrection of the dead. We pray to use your physical bodies to glorify the risen Savior. Please pray for Ron and Ross as wife and mother lost her battle with early onset of dementia.
11. They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, why are you to troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands, Touch Me and see, a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have, (Luke 24:37-39). Jesus’ body was not a figment of imagination, the disciples touched Him and He ate. We pray to believe in faith this is true and make it true in our lives. Please pray for Phil. He has had another bladder surgery to remove malignant tumors.
12. He said to them, This is what I told you while I was still with you. Everything must be fulfilled that was written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms, (Luke 24:44). The entire Old Testament points to the Messiah. We pray to read and then believe the whole Bible. Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures, (Luke 24:45). The Holy Spirit does this in our lives as we read the Bible. We pray to be open to the leading of the Spirt of God as we study Scriptures. Please pray for those living on the streets.
13. He told them, This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, (Luke 24:46-47). God wants the whole world to know the life- saving plan of salvation. We pray to spread the Gospel in our Jerusalem then to the uttermost parts of the earth. Please pray that G0d will inspire people to do their part to help our world be more sustainable in all areas.
14. He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. After the Lord had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and He sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His Word by the signs that accompanied it, (Mark 16:15-20). The driving force that carries people all over the world with the Good News is the resurrection of Christ. We pray to shine the light of salvation in whatever corner of the world we are. Jesus’ physical presence left the disciples. He’s sitting at God’s right hand and it signifies the completion of His work. We pray to be a servant of Christ and work until our time is complete. 14-16 Iowa State FFA Convention, Ames, IA, Mike Weaver.
15. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, (Philippians 2:12). There is always work to be don in God’s Kingdom. We pray to fulfill what God has called us to do for Him. Please pray for unbelievers that their eyes will be opened and they will receive Jesus as their Savior.
16. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority, (Colossians 2:9-10). Paul is reminding the Jews that Jesus was and is God in human form…fully God and fully human and head over ALL. We pray to remember who we belong to as a body of Believers…we too, are the righteousness of Christ. Please pray for those having “minor” surgeries. As we know nothing is minor when surgery is involved.
17. According to the Lord’s own Word, we tell you that we who are alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep, (1Thessalonians 4:15). This verse should comfort all of us who have loved ones who have died. God will turn our tragedies into triumph when we are reunited with our families and loved ones who were/are Believers. We pray to remember this great hope when our lives are shattered for a moment with death. 18-19 Missouri State FFA Convention, Columbia, MO, Jeff Goss
18. We pray this (the second coming of Jesus) so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Thessalonians 1:12). What we believe makes a difference in our actions and words. As God works in us and through us we can make a difference in the lives of others. We pray to glorify God as He works to create in us a heart like Jesus. 18-20 South Dakota State FFA Convention, Brookings, SD, Marlyn Bunger, Jeff Goss, Dennis Schlagel
19. Some have rejected these (prophecies and Christ’s guidelines) and so have shipwrecked their faith, (1Timothy 1:19). Little has changed through the years. Some still teach half-truths because they have not studied the real truth. We pray to be grounded in God’s Word. 20 Mohawk Valley Chapter Dinner Meeting, Marcy, NY, Bill Brown
20. Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart, (2Timothy 2:22). It is true…we are influenced by those we surround ourselves with. We pray to remove ourselves physically from temptation. 20-21 Syracuse Gun Show, Syracuse, NY, Bill Brown
21. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy, (Titus 3:4). Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace…so undeserved by us, yet feely given as we acknowledge Him as our God. We pray to spread the Good News as we go about our lives. 21-23 Minnesota FFA State Convention, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MI
22. For this reason, Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant, (Hebrews 9:15). The blood of animals was a temporary sacrifice. Christ made one sacrifice for all sin for all time. We pray to live a life worthy of His death. 22-24 Arkansas State FFA Convention, Hot Springs Convention Center, Jeff Goss
23. Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did, (James 2:21-22). Faith brings us to salvation and actions shows our faith is genuine and active. We pray to be active in God’s kingdom work. Please pray for our farmers. It is time to start over again…please pray for wisdom and strength and good prices.
24. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God, once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy, (1Peter 2:10). Once we chose our identity by who we were in the world with our worldly accomplishments. Now, as a body of believers, we get our worth by being a child of the most high God. We pray to remember what God has done for us and in us and not dwell on our worldly accomplishments. Georgia FFA State Convention, Macon Centreplex, Macon, GA, Dennis Schlagel
25. If this is so (God’s judgement), then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority, (2Peter 2:9-10). God is the only true judge of the heart. We pray that He will rescues us from our trials. Please pray for workers to man the FCFI booths so the Gospel message can be shared.
26. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning, (1John 3:7-8). Temptation is strong and bad habits are hard to conquer. We pray not to make a practice of sinning and look for ways to justify that sin. 26-28 Susquehanna Home Builders Show, Lycoming Mall, Michael Steele
27. After this (seeing the different churches) I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this, (Revelation 4:1). John shows us glimpses of Christ’s glory! He also shows us how God is in control and we don’t have to worry and wonder about tomorrow. We pray for a glimpse of heaven in our lives…for God’s glory to shine on us and in us. Bloomsburg Renaissance Jamboree-Bloomsburg, PA, Doc Devoe
28. (God said to Abraham). Do not be so distressed about the boy (Ishmael) and your maidservant (Hagar). Listen to what Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he is your offspring (Genesis 21:11-13). A house or family divided brings stress and a troubled heart. The way to peace is to focus on God’s love and promises. We pray to trust God in all situations. Please pray for those who are struggling to find their way in life. May they find that Jesus is the answer they are seeking.
29. Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey Him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go, (Exodus 5:2). Pharaoh was familiar with many gods but did not know this new God Moses was speaking of, nor His power, but would soon learn. We pray to be persistent when sharing with those who have no interest in learning about God our Father. Please pray for some young farmers to step up and take the place of those opting out of active farming life.
30. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live, you must not eat any fat or any blood, (Leviticus 3:17). God was giving guidelines to His people for offerings and sacrifices. These were to be an ongoing thing, not just for those people at that moment in time. We pray to know that accepting Christ as our Savior is a lifelong commitment. Please pray for adequate funds for our farmers as they put in this year’s crop.
Share Your Prayer Items with Others
Continue to send in specific prayer requests either to the FCFI office or to Mary Jones (Email: mdjones11@att.net, Text: 229-339-0126) by the 13th or 14th of the month so they can be included in the Prayer Guide for the following month.
Urgent Prayer Requests
Can be placed on the website prayer list page at any time, forward urgent, immediate attention prayer needs to Dennis Schlagel (email: fellowship@fcfi.org) at the FCFI office.
FCFI – PO Box 15 – Lexington, IL 61753
FAX: (309) 365-7023 Phone: (309) 365-8710