Community Prayer Guide | July 2022

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel…”
2 Timothy 2:8

Church
Pray for your pastor and church leadership to receive encouragement, joy and wisdom to lead.
Pray for kids and youth camps: for God’s presence to fill every heart and transform every life.
Pray for your church to be equipped in the Word, filled with the Spirit and sent into our community.
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit on everyone in our community and draw them to follow Jesus.

Education
Pray for educators to experience rest and soul care this summer.
Pray for job openings in schools to be filled by Jesus-followers who have wisdom and solutions.
Pray for churches to have the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to support educators and students with God’s grace.
Pray for school leaders to have wisdom to rebuild teams and “communities of trust” with parents & teachers.

Family
Pray for every home to be filled with God’s shalom that brings healing for parents, kids & singles.
Pray for families to maximize quality family time this summer through recreation and communication.
Pray for God to raise up and connect more local role models with both kids and parents.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with his love, direction and hope for the future.

Government
Pray for God’s wisdom to be given to staff and elected officials in our state, county and city governments.
Pray for God’s blessing to be upon the creation of the “Mental Health Crisis Center” that is in development.
Pray for the Lord’s shalom to be upon government & private sector efforts to host the world this month, and improve our community for the long-term.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.

Business
Pray for God to empower local business leaders with wisdom to navigate uncertain economic times.
Pray for local businesses to increase capacity for the World Championships and beyond.
Pray for God to raise up quality employees for businesses despite the labor shortage.
Pray for God to join together Jesus-following workplace leaders with His vision for our area.

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Arts
Pray for more children’s books to be written that highlight true and life-giving virtues.
Pray for God’s Spirit to fill “outdoor landscape painters” (en plein air) as they paint God’s creation.
Pray for artists who don't know Jesus to discover the Creator, and then engage the creative process.
Pray for God’s blessing to be upon Jesus-following musicians who perform to reach people with God’s love.

Health Care
Pray for an increase of funding for “more beds” for residential treatment programs for substance abuse.
Pray for God to provide more “in patient” nurses, as there is a significant staffing shortage.
Pray for God to provide more mental health case managers and counselors.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of all HCPs.
Pray for Jesus-following HCPs to be filled with Jesus’ love and show it to others.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for God to provide encouragement and wisdom to the leadership teams of all local first responders.
Pray for God to provide plans & abundant personnel for Community Safety for the World Championships.
Pray for people of noble character to be hired by local law enforcement, as there are many open positions.
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene & Springfield Fire Chief.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.

Media
Pray for God’s Spirit to move upon all of the staff at The Register Guard.
Pray for community-building and Jesus-glorifying stories to be reported through local T.V. stations.
Pray for local media leaders to have clear vision, blessing and protection, & report all sides of the stories.
Pray that God will use local media to bring hope and direction to those struggling with depression & suicide.

Sports
Pray for God’s peace, protection, and blessing to be on the World Championships.
Pray for all the athletes at the World Championships to be drawn by God’s Spirit to follow Jesus.
Pray for God’s shalom and wisdom to be upon the “decision makers” of all local athletics.
Pray for youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletics.

“They will proclaim my glory among the nations.”
Isaiah 66:19b

Find answers to prayer on website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.
For Spanish and Kid's Prayer Guides visit onehopenetwork.org/community-prayer-guide.

Unity | Essential Duality

"A house divided against itself cannot stand," said Senate candidate Abraham Lincoln in his 1858 Illinois convention speech, amidst the backdrop of slavery and the boiling tensions that later led to the Civil War. He realized the essential importance of national unity.

With our cultural and political climate on flashpoint sensitivity these days, I believe unity has become even more important than the issues that divide us. Like a marriage, if you cut off all communication, we simply cannot function. And we all know what the result will be.

Let's drill down deeper into unity.

There seems to be a mistaken impression that we all have to agree for us to be unified. Or we have to be great friends. God boldly asks us to love one another, but in a nuts and bolts way, what does that mean? To me, it's where duality comes in.

Roughly defined, and for this discussion, duality refers to two opposing groups who ironically share the same needs. Each may prefer different methods for achieving solutions, but also share essential common ground. A positive duality brings the two sides together to accomplish good things that serve the common good. We're seeking common ground here, so what's our shared baseline?

An unavoidable truth - we are all connected.

Created in God’s image, we are related – ALL of humanity. But our shared spiritual DNA does not mean sameness. There's so much variation in our life experiences, and that diversity can foster adversity. Everyone's unique consciousness is their own world filtered through unique upbringing, experiences, cultures and emotional traumas. We are all shaped by the sponge that is our human mind and heart. We soak up every tiny bit along the way.

We are all at the same time both the problem and the solution. Our insecurities are unanswered questions about our inherent value and the quality of our love. That inner uncertainty can produce a silent suspicion, an animosity towards people groups we don’t even know. We stay in our tribes, aligned by similar assumptions, and clouded by emotional bias. It’s really not surprising that it’s such a challenge to come together.

So what is the solution?

We need to realize the essential importance of our connectivity. Again, we're all God's children and we are all on that path - understood or not yet realized. Strife and division works against all of this. Our relationships are polluted, our ministry thwarted and the enemy wins. We need a way out. A way back to the Father.

The scourge of sin didn't cut off anyone's birthright, only our knowledge and correct vision of him, and therefore our access - from OUR dim-glass perspective. After the prodigal son humbled himself and returned to the family farm, his father received him exuberantly, with open arms. It was only about love. The son didn't have to first pay back his father's money that he squandered.

So why does God ask us to love others?

Back to the nuts and bolts, duality can benefit both sides in a marvelous tactical way. On the Survivor TV show, every strong alliance is based on skill, hard work and expertise brought to the table - not necessarily on fondness for each other. They set their differences aside and join together to win the prize, creating mutual respect along the way. This is the real bedrock of our country’s democratic ideals and processes. Abraham Lincoln understood that.

We’ve all been through a lot of trauma these past few years, and Covid really has underscored our connection - as a planet! The pandemic has asked, even begged all of us, for a global understanding and cooperation. It’s now so essential to put aside our pride, challenge our assumptions, and ask the Lord to heal our cynicism. Help us Lord regain our compassion for all. Let's reach out in wholesome dialog with others, no matter where they come from. We need a church with no walls, and hearts with no boundaries!

Ephesians 2:16-18
"Christ brought us together through his death on the cross. The cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders and peace to us insiders. He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father."

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Community Prayer Guide | June 2022

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
Genesis 1:3

Church
Pray for your pastor and church leadership to receive the Lord’s wisdom and power to lead & equip.
Pray for local pastors to love each other and walk in unity, so Jesus can be more clearly seen and known.
Pray for your church to be equipped in the Word, filled with the Spirit and sent into our community.
Pray for Overflow Hope: for local churches/people to communicate the Gospel together in love & power.

Education
Pray for God to lead the process & selection of the next 4J superintendent.
Pray for wise, visionary leaders at the highest levels of each district to bring clarity, hope and decisive leadership that is needed for languishing educators.
Pray for churches to have the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to support educators and students with God’s grace.
Pray for the job openings in schools to be filled by Jesus-followers who have wisdom and solutions.

Family
Pray for people struggling with suicidal thoughts to find hope, help and loving connection.
Pray for families to engage recreation and play time together to bring life, emotional & physical health.
Pray for God to raise up and connect more local role models with both kids and parents.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with his love, direction and hope for the future.

Government
Pray for God’s wisdom to be given to staff and elected officials in our state, county and city governments.
Pray for better communication and agreement among local government and private agencies.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.

Business
Pray for God to join together Jesus-following workplace leaders with His vision for our area.
Pray for God to empower local business leaders with wisdom to navigate current challenges.
Pray for God to raise up quality employees for businesses despite the labor shortage.
Pray for local businesses to increase capacity for the World Championships and beyond.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1

Salvation & Prodigals
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit on everyone in our community and draw them to follow Jesus.

Arts
Pray for the increase of God’s vision and a deeper sense of co-creating with God for all local artists.
Pray for artists who don't know Jesus to discover the Creator, and then engage the creative process.
Pray for art and performance venues to have enough support staff to fully open to capacity.

Health Care
Pray for an increase of funding for “more beds” for residential treatment programs for substance abuse.
Pray for God to provide more mental health case managers and counselors.
Pray for working HCPs (Health Care Professionals) to have peace, wisdom and joy amid the staffing shortage.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of all HCPs.
Pray for Jesus-following HCPs to be filled with Jesus’ love and show it to others.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for the leadership teams of local first responders to be led by God’s wisdom and His encouragement.
Pray for God to provide plans & abundant personnel for Community Safety for the World Championships.
Pray for people of noble character to be hired by local law enforcement, as there are many open positions.
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene & Springfield Fire Chief.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.

Media
Pray for those in media to have first-hand experiences of God’s love through the church.
Pray for community-building & Jesus-glorifying stories to be reported through local TV stations & newspapers.
Pray that God will use all local media to bring hope & help to those struggling with depression & suicide.
Pray for local media leaders to have clear vision and report all sides of stories.

Sports
Pray for God’s peace, protection, and blessing to be on the World Championships.
Pray for all the athletes at the World Championships to be drawn by God’s Spirit to follow Jesus.
Pray for God’s shalom and wisdom to be upon the “decision makers” of all local athletics.
Pray for youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletics.

“Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”
2 Timothy 1:10b

Find answers to prayer on website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.
For Spanish and Kid's Prayer Guides visit onehopenetwork.org/community-prayer-guide.

Unity | Living in Unity with Who You Are

As an artistic child, I was always fascinated with butterflies. I enjoyed how they fluttered around the yard and brought splashes of color and beauty to an otherwise dusty and drab city landscape. I was equally moved when I learned that those beautiful creatures developed from a less-than-striking caterpillar. The DNA that made those creepy, crawly, sometimes furry worm-like creatures was the identical DNA that produced those intensely beautiful butterflies I admired. How could something so beautiful exist entirely within something so… well… not beautiful?

The caterpillar paints a lovely picture of the Christian faith and a somewhat realistic view of how two dynamically opposed things (beauty and the lack thereof) can exist simultaneously. Paul discusses this reality several times throughout his epistles. In Romans 7:4, Paul mentions that we stand unified with Jesus, who is raised from the dead (NLT). But he also reveals his present reality of inevitably doing what is wrong when he desires to do right; the consequence of his sinful nature (Romans 7:24). He expresses this unity of realities in the book of Colossians as well. In Colossians 2:9-10, Paul describes a sense of completeness that exists now in our union with Christ, and in Colossians 3:3 indicates that our real life is hidden with Christ in God. These ideas are our present, right now, realities. Today, at this very moment, we are unified and complete in Jesus. Because of our faith in Christ, the DNA of Christ himself (all the fullness of God) dwells within us, and we are free from the power of sin (Romans 8:2). We stand entirely right with God but are also working out our salvation by embracing our weakness and choosing to let the Holy Spirit lead our thoughts and actions (Romans 8:4, NLT). We are complete in Christ, yet Paul calls us to continually put on our new nature and become (a reality not yet realized) more like Jesus (Colossians 3:10).

Jesus depicts this same reality in the book of John. In John 15:5, Jesus describes his followers as fruit-bearing branches, fully grafted into himself as the vine. But he prefaces this reality by first introducing the gardener, his Father, who prunes fruit-bearing branches so they may produce more fruit (John 15:1-2). There is existing within this reality of being fully attached to the life-giving vine, subtleties of our nature that prohibit us from being as productive as the vine itself. There is a present reality of fruit in our lives and a not yet realized potential of abundantly more fruit.

The caterpillar is NOW as much a butterfly as the one already metamorphosed with sprouted wings. Likewise, we sinful and broken beings are fully saved, set apart, and filled with the fullness of God. As the caterpillar allows the fullness of what God has put within it to work internally and cause him to become a butterfly, we also must accept the realities of what is (who we are in Christ) and what is to be (becoming more like him). We realize the unity of these two truths as we submit ourselves fully to the work of the Holy Spirit within us. The Lord has released us from the power of our sinful nature (which still exists), and as we choose to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit and submit our thoughts and actions to him, we become more like the beautiful reality hidden in Him (Romans 8:4-10; Col. 3:3). Let’s respond with a simple and consistent yes to the constant prompting of the Holy Spirit’s voice. We can embrace that we are both sinful individuals yet have everything we need for life and godliness in Christ. Let us choose together to walk wholeheartedly toward who we are becoming in Him.

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About the Author

Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and four kids. He loves Jesus, art, music, and poetry. He currently works as the Manager of Learning Technology Solutions for Los Angeles Pacific University and is passionate about adventuring outdoors.

Unity | Prayer of Unity

Have you ever prayed for something so fervently that you could not think of anything else? Something that consumed you? Think back to that thing.

Did you ever attain it? How did it feel if you did?

For me the thing I prayed for and longed for was a husband. Two years ago, I pursued that with all I had. That was all I wanted. I prayed for it daily. I made a list of all the things I wanted in a husband and sought long and hard after that. Little did I know that my future husband was also praying to find someone. He got down on his knees every night and prayed to find a wife.

What if we as the church were united in our prayers? What if we longed to be one and prayed for it daily? What if we valued unity as much as Christ does? How would this change our lives and prayer habits?

Christ wanted something so much that when he prayed for it he sweated blood. His desire was unity for believers. In John 17:20-23 it says,

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them, you in me, so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

He desired for us to be one as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. They are in perfect unity.

One always pursues the best for the other. They are never seeking their own interests because they trust that the other will take care of them. This is how it should be with the church.

The bible describes the church as a body. The body needs every part to function properly. Each piece cannot be of any good on its own. It requires the whole body to achieve its purpose. In the same way, the church needs every member to fulfill its purpose. Unity is an act of worship and it is spiritual warfare. Satan wants us divided – he wants us to argue about small disagreements in theology. He wants division in the Church, while Christ wants fellowship.

I’d like to share my prayer for unity to inspire more prayer amongst us and bring us closer together as the body of Christ.

Dear Lord,
I lift up the church as a whole to you. You see the cracks amongst us. I pray that you will mend us and make us whole. Bring us together Father. As you are one in the trinity, I pray that we would be one with you and with each other. Give us eyes to see one another and look for each other’s needs. Let nothing divide us. Let us look past our differences but instead look at each other in love. Unite us as one body of believers. Give us vision for your church. Let us be united in our passion. Give us grace that abounds. Lord, we desire what you desire. Show us your heart for unity and let us pursue that and pray for that as you did.
Amen

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About the Author

Mollie is recently married to her wonderful husband Dustin. She is a Wound Care RN at McKenzie Willamette Hospital. She enjoys being creative, getting outdoors and spending time with friends and family.

Community Prayer Guide | May 2022

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:12-13

Church
Pray for your pastor and church leadership to receive the Lord’s wisdom and power to lead & equip.
Pray for local pastors to love each other and walk in unity, so Jesus can be more clearly seen and known.
Pray for Overflow Hope: for local churches to communicate the Gospel together in love, power and creativity.
Pray for your church to be equipped in the Word, filled with the Spirit and sent into our community.

Education
Pray for God to lead the process & selection of the next 4J superintendent.
Pray for wise, visionary leaders at the highest levels of each district to bring clarity, hope and decisive leadership that is needed for languishing educators.
Pray for God's love and power to break through the weariness and discouragement of educators.
Pray for churches to have the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to support educators and students with God’s grace.
Pray for the job openings in schools to be filled by Jesus-followers who have wisdom and solutions.

Family
Pray for people struggling with suicidal thoughts to find hope, help and loving connection.
Pray for families to engage recreation and play time together to bring life, emotional & physical health.
Pray for God to raise up and connect more local role models with both kids and parents.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with his love, direction and hope for the future.

Government
Pray for God’s wisdom to be given to staff and elected officials in our state, county and city governments.
Pray for this month’s elections: for God to guide the process and selection of local elected officials.
Pray for better communication and agreement among government and private agencies.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.

Business
Pray for God to give business leaders new vision for community flourishing via Biblical principles.
Pray for God to empower local business leaders with wisdom to navigate current challenges.
Pray for God to raise up quality employees for businesses despite the labor shortage.
Pray for local businesses to increase capacity for this summer’s World Championships and beyond.

“You are my friends if you do what I command.”
John 15:14

Arts
Pray for the increase of God’s vision, and a deeper sense of co-creating with God for all local artists.
Pray for artists who don't know Jesus to discover the Creator, and then engage the creative process.
Pray for art and performance venues to have enough support staff to fully open to capacity.
Pray for all school spring concerts to bring joy, celebration, and beauty to all who participate.

Health Care
Pray for an increase of funding for “more beds” for residential treatment programs for substance abuse.
Pray for God to provide more mental health case managers and counselors.
Pray for working HCPs (Health Care Professionals) to have peace, wisdom and joy amid the staffing shortage.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of all HCPs.
Pray for Jesus-following HCPs to be filled with Jesus’ love and show it to others.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for the leadership teams of local first responders to be led by God’s wisdom and His encouragement.
Pray for God to provide plans & abundant personnel for Community Safety for the World Championships.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for people of noble character to be hired by local law enforcement, as there are many open positions.
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene & Springfield Fire Chief.

Sports
Pray for God’s shalom and wisdom to be upon the “decision makers” of all local athletics.
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships.
Pray also for God to show Jesus-followers how to serve during the Championships.
Pray for youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletics.

Media
Pray for God’s Spirit to move upon the Register Guard staff.
Pray for community-building and Jesus-glorifying stories to be reported through local TV stations.
Pray for local media leaders to have clear vision and report all sides of stories.
Pray that God will use all local media to bring hope & help to those struggling with depression & suicide.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.”
John 15:16a

Find answers to prayer on website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.
For Spanish and Kid's Prayer Guides visit onehopenetwork.org/community-prayer-guide.

Unity | Unity Begins with a Paradigm Shift

What if unity isn’t something we create, but rather it’s something we enter into?

In polarizing times like these, honest Jesus-followers who want to live in unity as Jesus desired must ask questions like these.

Ephesians 4:3-4
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope.”

Keep; Not Create.
The very word “keep” implies unity already exists – that unity is not something Jesus’ followers are to obtain, but rather it is already inherent to our salvation. If this is the case, perhaps unity is something we yield to rather than strive to create.

If unity can be ours, through Jesus, what kind of unity are we talking about?

The unity of the Spirit.
Are we looking for man-made agreement, conformity to the likeness of men, or the unity of the Spirit? The scripture makes it clear. The unity Jesus desires for His church is not within the realm of human capability to create. Rather, it is a unity that exists in God himself, and it is available for all who are born again through His Spirit.

Since this is true, perhaps unity begins with agreeing with and yielding to the commonalities we have with every follower of Christ.

Two Reasons why, in Christ, we are already Unified:

1. There is one body and one faith.
   There are not many faiths, but one faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus by which we were saved. We were all saved into one body – not many. And Jesus is coming back for one bride, not a whole company of women.
   
   Whether we live like it or not, from heaven’s perspective, we are already one body, united by one faith.

2. One Spirit. One Lord. One God and Father of All.
   Jesus’ dying prayer was this, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

God is One – Unified. It’s who He is (Deuteronomy 6:4). His Unity is perfectly reflected in the union of the Trinity. According to Genesis 1, it’s what we were created in. And according to Jesus’ prayer, it’s what we were redeemed for.

“just are you are in me, and I am in you.”

And that’s the paradigm shift. Unity isn’t just a good thing to add to our faith, it is who our God is and a central expression of our faith.

What then is required? Make Every Effort.

Back to the original question: Is unity something I am responsible for? Or is it a work of the Spirit? The answer is yes and yes.

God wants His people to recognize the unity He has brought us into by yielding and agreeing with it. At the same time, Paul charges us to also “make effort” to keep it.

What then are practical ways this week we might make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit?

1. Reconcile & Forgive.
   Within CitySalt, former church members, the Church Lane County, and our own families who might we need to reconcile with and forgive?

2. Love, Honor & Know.
   You can’t really love without knowing. Who might we intentionally reach out to who expresses their faith in Jesus differently than you? How might you hold them in honor in your heart and speech?

3. Join in Unity in Faith & Prayer.
   Every Jesus-following church in Lane County is called to contend “as one man for the Gospel” in our community, and pray to the Lord for its peace. Every month, when we pray with the One Church – One Day Community Prayer Guide, we’re agreeing with 52 other churches in prayer. Next time you pray, let your faith be encouraged, knowing your very act of prayer for our community is an act of unity.

4. Expect Him to Reveal Himself to the lost through our unity: Practically, Overflow Hope!
   Jesus promised the world around us would believe when they saw His followers act like we’re one. Check out onehopenetwork.org/overflow-hope for practical ways to join in unity by Speaking the Good News to our whole community. YOU can partner with hundreds of Jesus-followers by watching and sharing weekly testimony videos from local people on social media!

May we embrace the reality of our unity in God and with His body.
May the division of our day seem less insurmountable, and may keeping the unity of Spirit get that much more paramount.
May the world see Jesus because we are one.

And may we be deeply satisfied, because our unity pleases our Father and fulfills the desire of our Savior (Psalm 133 & John 17).

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About the Author

Kaylee is One Hope Communications Director She was born and raised in the Eugene area. She’s served with One Hope for more than 7 years, and has a love for the church, the Lane County community, and a great expectation of what God can do through unified prayer!

Unity | Invitation to Community

There are a lot of lonely people in the world. And I’m not just talking about the intense loneliness many people experienced during the recent time of Pandemic shut-down and isolation. I’m talking about the existential loneliness experienced by many of us every day – by not feeling connected, not being understood, not being accepted, not being loved. Loneliness is a powerfully devastating state which can lead to insecurity, fear, anxiety, stress, depression, antisocial behavior and a host of physical, mental and emotional illnesses. Studies show that many youths join dangerous street gangs simply because they are lonely and are offered a community to belong to. Spiritually speaking, loneliness can pervert a person’s view of God and rob their lives of any meaning.

You may remember one of the Beatles’ songs, “Eleanor Rigby”. The lyrics go like this:

Ah, look at all the lonely people
Ah, look at all the lonely people
Eleanor Rigby
Picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been
Lives in a dream
Waits at the window
Wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door
Who is it for?

All the lonely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?

Father McKenzie
Writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear
No one comes near
Look at him working
Darning his socks in the night when there's nobody there
What does he care?

All the lonely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people
Where do they all belong?

Ah, look at all the lonely people
Ah, look at all the lonely people

Eleanor Rigby
Died in the church and was buried along with her name
Nobody came
Father McKenzie
Wiping the dirt from his hands as he walks from the grave
No one was saved

All the lonely people (ah, look at all the lonely people)
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people (ah, look at all the lonely people)
Where do they all belong?

Sorry for the depressing song! But I think it paints a good picture of a world full of lonely people.

I recently returned from a CitySalt Staff Retreat where we spent a good portion of our weekend just sharing our life stories with one another. That proved to be a rich time, and even though we didn’t get as much practical work done as was planned on the agenda, it seemed somehow more important. We came away more like a team, more like a community, rather than just a group of individuals with ideas.

One thing shared during the retreat really caught my attention. Talking about the Church at large and the way Christian culture has developed over the centuries, it was mentioned that often a person must first Believe (all the right things), then secondly Become (more like the predominant Christian culture around them), and finally then they are allowed to Belong (to the community).

It was pointed out that this is exactly backwards!

If a person is first invited to Belong (just because Christ loves them), then they will start to Become more like Jesus (as God’s love and the Holy Spirit work in their lives) and then Belief will more likely flow naturally, as the person experiences the goodness and love of the Lord through the community.

Isn’t that a fantastic way to look at it!

And what is then our charge as individuals and as a church? Practicing hospitality and extending invitations of belonging to our community, are sacred practices. Think of how Jesus invited everyone he met to come to him, spend time with him, follow him: lepers, prostitutes, tax-collectors, and those demon-possessed were included. He even invited the most resistant class of all, the Pharisees who opposed him and were trying to destroy him (think Nicodemus in John 3).

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus is inclusive, not exclusive.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

One of the most poignant instances of Jesus’ invitation to belong is found in John 14:1-3. Speaking to his followers, he says:

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

What an invitation! How personal and relational this is! Can you sense the emotion, the love, that Jesus is expressing with these words?

We all have a fundamental need to belong to a family, a group, a community. Loneliness and isolation are not healthy places to live. If we can do anything at all to help those suffering in that way, even as small an act as giving them a drink when they’re thirsty, Jesus says we are “giving a drink of water” to Jesus himself! He identifies that closely with the suffering of the lonely and the outcast! (See Matthew 25:35-40.)

It seems to me that we can best follow Jesus’ call to love our neighbor by hearing our neighbor’s story, respecting their story, and wherever they may be on life’s path, inviting them into our fellowship to whatever degree is possible. That alone just might be enough to awaken a hunger and thirst for more, a hunger and thirst for Him who truly can satisfy our longing for connection and our need for belonging.

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About the Author

John lives in Pleasant Hill with his dog, Gunnar, and a multitude of guests who enjoy the peace and beauty of the Cascade foothills. With three children and three grandchildren all living in Oregon, he is continually blessed with their company and the good food that always accompanies their get-togethers!

Community Prayer Guide | April 2022

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide April 2022

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”
Luke 24:5

Church
Pray for your pastor and church to be filled with the Holy Spirit as they prepare for Easter and follow-up after.
Pray for local pastors to love each other and walk in unity, so Jesus can be more clearly seen and known.
Pray for Overflow Hope: for local churches to communicate the Gospel together in love, power and creativity.
Pray for people to return to church, and then be relationally connected.

Education
Pray for God to lead the process & selection of the 4J superintendent; pray also for unity for the school board.
Pray for holistic solutions for students with mental health strains and learning gaps.
Pray for God to rescue and heal students struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Pray for churches to support fatigued teaching staff and to begin volunteering in schools again.
As schools reopen campuses to volunteers and re-engage activities, pray for a sustainable pace and more staff capacity, so it won’t create an even greater workload.

Family
Pray for God to raise up and connect more local role models with both kids and parents.
Pray for families to engage recreation and play time together to bring life, emotional & physical health.
Pray for God to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with his love, direction and hope for the future.

Government
Pray for the upcoming elections: for God to guide the process and selection of local elected officials.
Pray for better communication and agreement between public and private agencies.
Pray for God’s wisdom to be given to staff and elected officials in our state, county and city governments.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.

Business
Pray for God to give business leaders new vision for community flourishing via kingdom principles.
Pray for God to empower local business leaders with wisdom to navigate current challenges.
Pray for God to raise up quality employees for businesses during the current labor shortage.
Pray for local businesses to increase capacity for this summer’s World Championships and beyond.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.”
John 11:25

Arts
Pray for local artists in every medium to have God’s perspective and create excellent, encouraging art.
Pray for the Pacific Rim Art Guild to be guided by the Lord as they begin teaching art classes.
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon all artists in our community: music, visual, dance, writers & actors.
Pray for art teachers and students to be inspired by God and encouraged in their artistic development.

Health Care
Pray for God to provide more mental health case managers and counselors.
Because of significant staffing shortages in clinics and hospitals, pray for every open position to be filled.
Pray for working HCPs (Health Care Professionals) to have peace, wisdom and joy amid the staffing shortage.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of all HCPs.
Pray for Jesus-following HCPs to be filled with and show Jesus’ love.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for the leadership teams of local first responders to be led by God’s wisdom and His encouragement.
Pray for God to provide plans and abundant personnel for Community Safety during the World Championships.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for people of noble character to be hired by local law enforcement, as there are many open positions.

Media
Pray for God to guide and work through all of our local radio stations.
Pray for God to guide media leaders in the stories that they promote and highlight.
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit on all of the staff of the Eugene Weekly.
Pray for God to raise-up media leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through media.

Sports
Pray for God’s guidance to be upon the leadership of KidSports, the YMCA, soccer and baseball leagues.
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships.
Pray also for God to show Jesus-followers & churches how to serve together during the Championships.
Pray for all youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletic opportunities.

“Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:21

Find answers to prayer on website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.
For Spanish and Kid's Prayer Guides visit onehopenetwork.org/community-prayer-guide.

Unity | The Triple-Braided Cord

At age twenty, I moved from home to attend college, a two-hour drive away. I needed the distance to assert independence from my parents.

Consequently, I knew no one at the University or in the surrounding town. Having a circle of friends has always been a priority for me, so I quickly got to work at meeting people in my new community.

After the first week, I realized that I shared a swimming class with a friendly woman I had not met before. We happened to choose lockers in the same row, and would exchange small talk as we dressed down and walked to the pool. I learned her name was Shelly. As the weeks progressed our conversations grew longer. She was easy to be around and we chatted about a variety of topics.

By the end of the semester, we discovered we shared similar opinions and values. In one conversation, I mentioned a story I heard in a sermon. Further discussion revealed we both attended well-established churches in the community. I was glad to know that we had Christianity in common.

With happy enthusiasm, I asked her “So you’re a believer, too? We share faith in Christ?” My unspoken thought was, ‘What a happy coincidence!’

Shelly smiled warmly as she replied, “Yes! Couldn’t you tell?”

Immediately I knew what she meant. My brief silence in that moment of realization resonated loudly in my spirit. My faith in Christ was only a few years old, and there was so much I did not know. But I recognized that an important truth had just been added to my faith’s foundation.

My agreement with Shelly in the Lordship and sovereignty of Christ caused a supernatural connection. With Christ in our hearts, all believers are part of the intimate family of God. This was my first experience with the instant unity of spirit that followers of Christ can share. I have experienced it many times since.

A friend recently asked me what I’ve done with the knowledge I gained since that time. The mystery of the undeniably strong bond between the family of Christ drove me to search my Bible for more detail on this subject.

Ephesians 4:2-4 NLT
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.”

For me, this verse provides a short list of the qualities needed for an individual to participate in unity. The combination of personal experience and scripture strongly motivates me to initiate contact with people I cross paths with – to more confidently seek out further connection with the family of God. Friendly conversation is my preferred way to make sure other people do not languish and suffer as outsiders. There are no outsiders in God’s Kingdom, all believers are part of God’s family! And the principle of unity encourages me to more swiftly overcome any differences between myself and any other believers.

Matthew 18:19-20 NLT
“If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

The unity of agreement in prayer continues to be a welcome sanctuary and safe haven for me from anxieties that would hold me captive. I am quicker to call a friend to pray with me, instead of suffering in silence and isolation. God has always been faithful to bring me the peace and comfort I have asked Him for.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT
“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

The juxtaposition of the two analogies in this verse grabs my attention. The image of two soldiers fighting back to back against a surrounding army reminds me to not be disheartened by what I see when facing daunting life-challenges. The soldiers’ shared purpose of surviving existential threat, exponentially increases their joint efforts. This scripture drives me to never stop fighting the darkness of discouragement that would seek to hold me captive.

And the image of the triple-braided cord gives me such peace of mind. A separate length of cord or rope is a helpful tool, but when woven with two others, their combined strength is tripled. This verse reminds me to accept help when offered.

Several years ago, I accepted a challenging new job as a Resolutions Specialist at a large, corporate call center. The job involved working with irate customers to resolve their Customer Service issues. After an intensive 3-week training, we shifted to the next phase - our first live calls. Our employer provided experienced representatives from its call centers in other states to serve as floor-walking advisers. We simply put the caller on hold, raised our hands and waited for the adviser to walk over with much-appreciated guidance. I vividly remember the sage advice our Supervisor gave us before the calls were routed to our phone queue. We were assured that our advisors would try very hard to be available for as many questions as possible. But in the event they were all busy, our Supervisor directed us to look at the co-worker on our left and right sides. She stated, “the best and most immediate resource we can give you is sitting on either side of you. Be sure to reach out and benefit from their help!” This advice has served me well for many years!

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About the Author

Sara has attended CitySalt Church since 2004, the year it was founded. She studied Journalism, wrote for her college newspaper, and is a member of Oregon Christian Writers. Sara also enjoys singing hymns with friends: “there is a sermon in every hymn waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.”

Unity | Surprising Flavor Combinations: Unity in and through Our Diversity

One of the best salads I’ve ever eaten was a salad that originated at a restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona called the ORIGINAL CHOPPED SALAD (the salad has a Facebook fan page if you want to look it up!). It consists of an unlikely and surprising combination of ingredients:

• Smoked salmon

• Israeli couscous

• Arugula

• A mix of dried black currants, pepitas and grated asiago cheese

• Freeze-dried corn

• Diced tomatoes

• A buttermilk-pesto dressing

I would never ever think of eating this combination of ingredients! By themselves I don’t think any of them would taste very good, and my initial thought of eating all these together in one bowl was, “Gross!!!” But, let me tell you, one taste and I was hooked. To my amazement, all those flavors tossed together tasted wonderful! There was an unexpected unity in them that I could never have imagined.

In his book, A Fellowship of Differents, Scot McKnight uses the metaphor of a tossed salad to talk about how the church, as God intends it, is a collective of people with a lot of differences (backgrounds, social locations, ethnicities, genders, languages, etc.) coming together with a common transcendent purpose. In our coming together, just like all the flavors in the original chopped salad, the whole is much greater (more beautiful, more tasty, more exciting) than the individual parts.

I love this imagery. God is a culinary artist who has the knowledge and perspective needed to concoct unexpectedly wonderful flavor combinations. The Holy Spirit is God’s appointed chef who puts all the ingredients together however she sees fit. And us humans, in all our variation, are the ingredients God uses to create these amazing flavors.

I think this is also a helpful metaphor for thinking about unity in the church. Unity does not achieve its best flavors in a local church community when one or more of the parts are overpowered by the others. That would be like taking a beautiful mixed salad and dumping ranch all over it! Unity, in a church as God intends it, is achieved through all the parts fully expressing themselves.

This is the kind of unity that we see present in the earliest days of the church. In Acts 2, on the Day of Pentecost, people gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem “from every nation under heaven.” As the Holy Spirit moved in the room, they began to hear sounds and words that they did not expect. They heard the wonders of God declared in their own native languages. Beyond anyone’s wildest predictions, the Holy Spirit determined that God’s wonders would be expressed, not through one person or language, but through many. Although the scene was chaotic (some thought they were all drunk!), it was a scene of profound and deep unity as all of the diversity present was channeled toward a single purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I recently read a book that captured this point well:

“The Spirit of Pentecost works through many tongues and many voices, some of those we would expect and a goodly number of people we might not otherwise include. One Lord, one baptism, one body made up of many different parts. The unity is in the diversity, and it is not for one part to silence either the voice or priorities of the others. The work of God is not ours to control. Where the Spirit works, we must listen.”

Patrick Oden and Peter Goodwin Heltzel, The Dialogic Evangelical Theology of Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen: Exploring the Work of God in a Diverse Church and a Pluralistic World (Lanham, MD: Fortress Academic, 2022), 3.

There is a kind of unity that we might be able to achieve by simply avoiding situations, conversations and decisions where we disagree with one another. But this is not the kind of unity that the Spirit of God wants to create. The unity that the Holy Spirit moves us toward is a unity in and through the various expressions of our diversity. It is not a unity we can achieve by playing it safe or keeping things under tight control. It is a unity that only comes to those who willingly enter the risky and uncharted spaces of listening and being together, with new and different people, for the sake of a new kind of community that God wants to create.

I wonder what new and wonderful flavor combinations might the Holy Spirit be preparing for us to enjoy together if we will: 1) make intentionally safe spaces for different people to gather, 2) humbly and confidently testify to the wonders of God through our unique stories, 3) carefully listen to and receive the testimonies of others, and 4) trust that the Holy Spirit is creating something new and wonderful through the whole process beyond what we can imagine?

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About the Author

Aaron is a passionate seeker of God and truth, and he enjoys encouraging others in their own pursuits of the same. He especially likes to think about how God is at work in the most ordinary and mundane aspects of our existence. He loves going on adventures to new places with his wife, Heather, and four kids and his perfect day would involve an excellent cup of coffee (or two!), a hike to somewhere beautiful and serene, and some good conversation over a pint at a warm pub. He currently serves as an adjunct instructor at Portland Seminary and a licensed minister in The Foursquare Church.

Community Prayer Guide | March 2022

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide March 2022

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35

Church
Pray for God to reveal Jesus and the Gospel to all people in our community.
Pray for local churches to love each other & communicate the Gospel together in love, power and creativity.
Pray for your pastor and church leadership to be filled with the Holy Spirit as they prepare for Easter.
Pray for people to return to church, and then be empowered to live like Jesus.

Education
Pray for the Lord to lead the process and selection of the new 4J school superintendent.
Pray for holistic solutions for students with mental health strains and learning gaps.
Pray for unity and trust to be renewed within all schools: Christian and public.
Pray for churches to support fatigued teaching staff and to begin volunteering in schools again.

Family
Pray for God to give peace, grace and love to families.
Pray for families to enjoy time together and cultivate good relationships with one another.
Pray for God to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with his love, direction and a stirring toward a hopeful future.

Government
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene/Springfield Fire Chief.
Pray for better communication and agreement between public and private agencies.
Pray for God’s wisdom to be given to staff and elected officials in our state, county and city governments.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.

Business
Pray for God to give business leaders new vision for community flourishing via kingdom principles.
Pray for business, church & government leaders to coordinate efforts and increase the local housing supply.
Pray for God to raise up quality employees for businesses during the current labor shortage.
Pray for local businesses to increase capacity for this summer’s World Championships and beyond.

“‘The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”
Mark 12:29-30

Arts
Pray for the Lord’s Spirit to touch all who are connected to the Oregon Contemporary Theater.
Pray for God to inspire and guide the leadership of the Lane Arts Council.
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon all artists in our community: music, visual, dance, writers & actors.
Pray for art teachers and students to be inspired by God and encouraged in their artistic development.

Health Care
Pray for God to provide a new nurse practitioner for Dove Medical, our local pregnancy resource center.
Because of significant staffing shortages in clinics and hospitals, pray for open positions to be filled.
Pray for working HCPs (Health Care Professionals) to have peace, wisdom and joy amid the staffing shortage.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of all HCPs.
Pray for Jesus-following HCPs to show Jesus’ love.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for God to provide plans and abundant personnel for Community Safety during the World Championships.
Pray for our local first responders to have perseverance, strength and encouragement.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for people of noble character to be hired by local law enforcement, as there are many open positions.

Media
Pray for God to guide and be present in all of our local TV stations: KMTR, KEZI, KVAL, and KLSR.
Pray for local media to promote and equip community members to listen and understand one another better.
Pray for God to raise-up media leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through media.
Pray for God to guide media leaders in the stories that they promote and highlight.

Sports
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships.
Pray also for God to show Jesus-followers & churches how to serve together during the Championships.
Pray for all youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletic opportunities.
Pray for God’s guidance to be upon the leadership of youth athletic leagues, high school sports and the UO.

“‘The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.’”
Mark 12:31

Find answers to prayer on website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.
For Spanish and Kid's Prayer Guides visit onehopenetwork.org/community-prayer-guide.

Unity | (Practically) Loving One Another

Humanity is navigating an era of uncertainty, distrust, and dissension. We've seen so much tragedy and it's left us with a deep felt need for reconnection. The CitySalt blog team will take the next few months to examine where and how we might find opportunities to unite and commune, and in that, how we can heal.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8

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Jesus commanded us to love one another. A perfect idea if there ever was one. But what about the HOW, in today's fractured world?

The concept of duality was quite vague as I started writing this. But as I investigated it more, something fascinating began to emerge (more on that later).

I just have to share.

I learned that duality is where two opposing parts are by nature, in conflict with each other. They represent two sides of a coin - often occupying unhealthy extremes. But duality also dictates that the two sides share many commonalities (common ground) as well. And because both sides represent a rich, full spectrum of ideas, experience and even motives, both sides end up needing each other - to even exist!

When it’s functioning well with honest debate and mutual respect, our political system is the perfect example of duality. I’ve joked that it’s why God invented both men and women (and democrats and republicans)!

But the hard part is working out disagreements.

If the process fails, then constructive work stalls. But when people identify each other's extremes and adopt a mindset of coexisting and duality, real change can happen. They have to "understand themselves and the complexities of life", as many have pointed out. Each has to know and appreciate the other's back stories that led them to their point-of-views.

Goodbye cynicism, enter empathy.

I've long believed that because of our tendency towards emotional biases, triggered from past experiences, with most issues the best solutions (and the best workable truth) frequently lies somewhere between the extremes. None of us has enough in the tank to see it all and know it all.

An emerging, and important distinction:

Disagreement is emotionally taxing, but maybe we have a simplistic idea that in order to love, we have to always agree. Or be best friends. But actually I don't think we do. In my profession some of my best workmates have been people very different from me. But we learned to appreciate the passion and skills we both brought to the table. There was mutual respect.

The tension we instinctively feel with hard relationships certainly happens because of our differences. But we need to realize that deep down, we all need and want the same basic things. And it all starts with personal and mutual acceptance, which provides emotional safety. When we can move in parallel towards a shared solution, we actually grow closer. Could real, authentic love happen in this space? Sure, why not?

A final thought: In our current Christian/political climate, duality thinking might be construed by some as "watering down the truth" and "fraternizing with the enemy". First, I would never, ever want to accept a dangerous essential lie. God calls us to earnestly search for him and ultimate truth.

Secondly, I absolutely believe it's our Jesus-appointed task to sup with the sinners (because honestly, we're sinners too). Truth is, none of us believers can really influence anyone for good without first gaining a relationship with them.

Micah 6:8 | MSG
“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love. And don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”

Luke 6:38 | MSG
“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”

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About the Author

Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.

He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.

Community Prayer Guide | February 2022

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide February 2022

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…”
Ephesians 3:17b-18

Church
Pray for people to return to church and then be strengthened, loved and empowered to live like Jesus.
Pray for your pastor and church leadership team to have the Lord’s vision, joy & wisdom to lead in 2022.
Pray for local churches to communicate the Gospel together in love, power and creativity.
Pray for God to reveal Jesus and the Gospel to all people in our community.

Education
Pray for God to refresh, encourage, and strengthen educators who continue to endure through long and unprecedented circumstances.
Pray for brave innovation and creative solutions to arise at every leadership level in the school districts.
Pray for churches to be prepared and equipped for the new & effective doors of serving that God will open.
Pray that God would raise up men and women of peace, wisdom, and solutions in every district to overcome fear, mistrust and division.

Family
Pray for God to give peace, compassion, grace and hope to every family.
Pray for families to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Pray for God to turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with his love, power and direction.

Government
Pray for God’s wisdom to be given to staff and elected officials in our state, county and city governments.
Pray for higher quality communication and agreement between public and private agencies.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene/Springfield Fire Chief.

Business
Pray for God to give business leaders new vision for community flourishing via kingdom principles.
Pray for business, church & government leaders to coordinate efforts and increase the local housing supply.
Pray for God to raise up quality employees for businesses during the present labor shortage.
Pray for local businesses to increase capacity for this summer’s World Championships and beyond.

“…and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:19

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”
Ephesians 3:20

Arts
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon all artists in our community: music, visual, dance, writers & actors.
Pray for art teachers and students to be inspired by God and encouraged in their artistic development.
Pray for the Pacific Rim Art Guild to receive new vision and plans from the Lord.
Pray for the Lord’s Spirit to touch the cast and crew of “Radio Redux” at the Hult Center.

Health Care
Because of significant staffing shortages in clinics and hospitals, pray for open positions to be filled.
Pray for working HCPs (Health Care Professionals) to have peace, wisdom and joy amid the staffing shortage.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of all HCPs.
Pray for God to provide an increase of Behavioral Health funding and workers for our community.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for our local first responders to have perseverance, strength and encouragement.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for God to provide resources and solutions for organizations to address the mental health crisis.
Pray for people of noble character to be hired by local law enforcement, as there are many open positions (Five new quality deputies were hired, but there are a few dozen open positions).

Media
Pray for more relevant and important local stories to be reported, so that our community can be informed.
Pray for God to raise-up media leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through media.
Pray for God to guide media leaders in the stories that they promote and highlight.

Sports
Pray for God’s guidance on the leadership of the YMCA, KidSports, youth soccer leagues & high school sports.
Pray for all youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletic opportunities.
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships.
Pray also for God to show Jesus-followers & churches how to serve together during the Championships.

“…to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21

Find answers to prayer on our website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.

Community Prayer Guide | January 2022

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide January 2022

“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.”
Psalm 96:1-2

Church
Pray for local churches to communicate the Gospel together in love, power and creativity.
Pray for your pastor and church leadership team to have the Lord’s vision, joy & wisdom for the new year.

Education
Pray for overflowing joy, connection, and shalom for teachers and students in every classroom.
Pray for all those leading in schools (superintendents, administrators and teachers) to have brave and innovative strategies to educate in new ways, meet students right where they are, and help them holistically grow and learn.

Family
Pray for families to discover ways they can serve together and bless the community around them.
Pray for families to spend quality time together & find their “family purpose & direction” for the coming year.

Government
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene/Springfield Fire Chief.
Pray for the local housing crisis:
For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.
Pray for new community partners to continually come to the “table” with solutions.

Business
Pray for God to raise-up business leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through business.
Pray for business, church & government leaders to coordinate efforts and increase the local housing supply.

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
Psalm 96:3

“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”
Psalm 98:1

Arts
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon all artists in our community: music, visual, dance, writers & actors.
Pray for local artists to experience the power and truth of the Gospel and connect with local churches.

Health Care
Because of significant staffing shortages in clinics and hospitals, pray for staffing to be filled.
Pray for working HCPs (Health Care Professionals) to have peace, energy and joy amid the staff shortage.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of all HCPs.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for our local first responders to have perseverance, strength and encouragement.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.

Media
Pray for God to raise-up media leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through media.
Pray for God to guide media leaders in the stories that they promote and highlight.

Sports
Pray for all youth to have encouragement and access to participate in local athletic opportunities.
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships.
Pray also for God to show Jesus-followers & churches how to serve together during the Championships.

“The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.”
Psalm 98:2

Find answers to prayer on our website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.

Community Prayer Guide | December 2021

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide December 2021

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14

Church
Pray for times of refreshing for your church and for all churches in our community.
Pray for your pastoral and church leadership teams to have the Lord’s wisdom and plans for the coming year.
Pray for the Lord to send harvesters into our local harvest, and for people to turn and have faith in Jesus.
Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to fill every local Jesus-follower to both love and speak the truth in love.

Education
Pray for all those leading in schools (superintendents, administrators and teachers) to have brave and innovative strategies to educate in new ways, meet students right where they are, and help them holistically grow and learn.
Pray for overflowing joy for teachers and students in every classroom with laughter, connection, and shalom.
Pray for increased unity and support between educators and the families they serve.
Pray for qualified people to fill all vacant positions in schools.

Government
Pray for God to guide the process and selection of the next Eugene/Springfield Fire Chief.
Pray for every local governments’ mayors, commissioners, councils and staff to have God’s wisdom.
Pray for every government leader to lead from a place of selfless love.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people. Pray for new community partners to continually come to the “table” with solutions.

Business
Pray for peace and kindness to fill businesses who are short-staffed; pray for effective hiring.
Pray for God’s grace for business leaders navigating the season: supply chain, COVID-19 issues, hiring, etc.
Pray for God to raise-up business leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through business.
Pray for business, church & government leaders to coordinate efforts and increase the local housing supply.

“His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6

“Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation . . .’”
Luke 2:28-30

Arts
Pray for the Lord’s anointing and drawing power to be on every Christmas and New Year’s artistic effort.
Pray for God to pour out His Spirit upon all artists in our community: music, visual, dance, writers & theater.
Pray for people who are struggling with mental health to express their emotions and find healing through art.

Family
Pray for every family to love & encourage each other actively during the holiday season.
Pray that families would open their homes and hearts to the lonely (seniors, singles, widows, etc.)
Pray for parents to have peace and wisdom to make decisions for their children's highest good.
Ask God to show you how to encourage your family, and bring peace and reconciliation this holiday season.

Health Care
Pray for local health care leadership to have the Lord’s healing plans & wisdom: Lane County Medical Society, Lane County Health, Peace Health, McKenzie Willamette & Local Clinics.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of HCPs (Health Care Professionals).
Pray for God to bring hope to people who are in a “despair epidemic” and for HCPs to effectively treat them.
Pray for HCPs to have peace, wisdom and biblical solutions to treat those suffering from mental illness.
Pray for God’s healing hand to be upon all people suffering with COVID-19.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for our local first responders to have perseverance, strength and encouragement.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for God to move people of noble character to apply and be hired as first responders.
Pray for first responders and their families to have peace and joy.

Media
Pray for God to guide local media leaders with His wisdom: in radio, newspaper, television and social media.
Pray for local television stations to air local stories that highlight virtue and character.
Pray that the local media would be used to promote stories that help build-up the community.

Sports
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships:
Pray also for God to show Jesus-followers and churches how to serve together at the Championships.
Pray for all youth coaches to be equipped to lead their teams with encouragement and skill.
Pray for God’s favor and protection for chaplains and Jesus-following coaches serving in university athletics.

“‘…which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!’ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.”
Luke 2:31-33

Find answers to prayer on our website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.

Community Prayer Guide | November 2021

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide November 2021

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.”
Psalm 8:1

Church
Pray the verses below for yourself, your church and all of the area-churches:
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17b-19
Pray for your pastor(s) and leadership team to have the Lord’s wisdom and plans for the coming year.

Education
Pray for all those leading in schools (superintendents, administrators and teachers) to have brave and innovative strategies, wisdom, and power to meet high behavioral needs and learning gaps.
Pray for highly qualified people to fill all vacant positions in schools.
Pray for increased unity and support between educators and the families they serve.
Pray for the mental health of students to improve through meaningful connections.

Government
Pray for the process and selection of the next Eugene/Springfield Fire Chief.
Pray for every local governments’ mayors, commissioners, councils and staff to have God’s wisdom.
Pray for every government leader to lead from a place of selfless love.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church, business & non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.
Pray for new community partners to continually come to the “table” with solutions.

Business
Pray for peace and kindness to cover businesses who are short-staffed; pray for effective hiring.
Pray for business leaders to navigate the current season: supply chain, COVID-19 issues, hiring, etc.
Pray for God to raise-up business leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through business.
Pray for business, church & government leaders to coordinate efforts and increase the local housing supply.

“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and avenger.”
Psalm 8:2

“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.”
Psalm 7:17

Arts
Pray for art and music teachers to have godly inspiration and grace as they prepare for holiday productions.
Pray for God to give artists wisdom and focus to bring healing to our community.
Pray for people who are struggling with mental health to express their emotions through the arts.
Pray for the Lord’s anointing and drawing power to be on every Christ-centered Thanksgiving and Christmas artistic expression.

Family
Pray for parents to have peace and wisdom to make decisions for their children's highest good.
Pray for families through the holiday seasons:
That they would open their homes and hearts to the lonely (seniors, singles, widows, etc).
That families would actively pursue love, clear communication, and reconciliation.
Ask God to show you how to serve your family, and bring peace and reconciliation this holiday season.

Health Care
Pray for God’s healing hand to be upon COVID-19 treatments.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of HCPs (Health Care Providers).
Pray for God to bring hope to people who are in a “despair epidemic” and for HCPs to effectively treat them.
Pray for HCPs to have peace, wisdom and biblical solutions to treat those suffering from mental illness.
Pray for HCPs to provide hope, compassion and truth to those suffering from gender dysphoria.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for first responders and their families to have peace and joy.
Pray for our local first responders to have strength, encouragement and perseverance.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for God to move people of noble character to apply and be hired as first responders.

Media
Pray for truthful, fair and accurate reporting in all areas of local media.
Pray that the local media would be used to promote stories that help build-up the community.
Pray for encouragement, strength and peace for those who work in media.

Sports
Pray for Kid Sports and the YMCA to be fully funded and have virtuous volunteers and coaches.
Pray for God’s favor and protection for chaplains and Jesus-following coaches serving in university athletics.
Pray for God to guide the plans and preparations for the 2022 World Championships; pray also for God to show Jesus-followers and churches how to serve together at the Championships.

“I will praise you, O Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.”
Psalm 9:1

Find answers to prayer on our website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.

Community Prayer Guide | October 2021

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide October 2021

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
John 17:3

Church
“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3
Pray for your church & all local churches: for faith to grow & love for one another to increase.
Pray for times of refreshing, rest and encouragement for your pastoral team and their families.
Pray for local pastors & churches to love each other more & more, being unified as Jesus & the Father are.

Education
Pray for in-person instruction to continue for the good of students; Pray for a positive narrative around in-person instruction to continue.
Pray for unity and selfless love within each building: between administration, staff, families, and students.
Pray for teachers and staff to have wisdom and peace, to rise above controversy and new protocols.
Pray that they have freedom to focus on the students and their passion for teaching.
Pray for God to provide quality teachers and employees for all staffing gaps in schools.

Government
Pray for God’s wisdom to be upon every local governments’ mayors, commissioners, councils and staff.
Pray for every government leader to lead from a place of selfless love.
Pray for the local housing crisis: For God to lead government, church and non-profits to effectively shepherd unhoused people.
Pray for the protection of single parents, kids, the elderly, and youth without stable housing.
Pray for new community partners to continually come to the “table” with solutions.

Business
Pray for more workers to enter into the workforce; pray for the right workers/businesses to find each other.
Pray for God to raise-up business leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through business.
Pray for business, church & government leaders to find effective ways to increase the local housing supply.
Pray for business leaders to have God’s wisdom to lead now, and into the next season.

“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
1 Corinthians 15:19

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.”
Matthew 25:31

Arts
Pray for art classes & teachers (music, drama, visual, creative writing) to have creativity and perseverance.
Pray for the PAC Rim Guild, a local Christian art collective, to have the Lord’s vision for their future.
Pray for local musicians to discover Jesus and experience God’s provision.
Pray for the Lord to guide the leaders of the McDonald Theater into a new season.

Family
Because God is… “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families…” Psalm 68:5-6
Pray for senior citizens to be connected with, cared for, and loved.
Pray for single parents to have strength, joy and a healthy circle of good relationships.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with joy, agape love, and good communication.
Pray for family counselors to have abundant staffing, training and grace to heal hearts.

Health Care
During the current COVID-19 surge, pray for our community to be unified in our health care efforts.
Pray for the protection, health & strength of HCPs (Health Care Providers).
Pray for God to bring hope to people who are in a “despair epidemic” and for HCPs to effectively treat them.
Pray for HCPs to have peace, wisdom and biblical solutions to treat those suffering from mental illness.
Pray for God’s healing & wisdom to be upon COVID-19 treatments; pray for people who need other treatments to be healed and have access to doctors and hospitals.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for the Oregon State Legislature to allocate abundant resources for local first responders.
Pray for our local first responders to have strength, encouragement and perseverance.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for God to move people of noble character to apply and be hired as first responders.

Media
Pray for local media leaders to have clear vision and grace to report complete stories.
Pray for truthful, fair and accurate reporting in all areas of local media.
Pray for local radio, newspapers and television to release stories that highlight virtue and character.

Sports
Pray for God’s wisdom to be upon the “decision makers” of local athletics & the 2022 World Championships.
Pray for families to have wisdom as they balance sporting activities and faith activities.
Pray for safety, protection and peace over every public sporting event.

“All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
Matthew 25:32

Find answers to prayer on our website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.

Community Prayer Guide | September 2021

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide September 2021

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Luke 11:9

Church
Pray for the love and power of Jesus Christ to be demonstrated and proclaimed by every Jesus-follower.
Pray for times of refreshing, rest and encouragement for your pastoral team and their families.
Pray for the leadership of every local church to receive renewed direction & grace to lead Jesus’ church.
Pray for local pastors & churches to love each other more & more, being unified as Jesus & the Father are.

Education
Pray for unity within each school building, between administration, staff, families, and students.
Pray for teachers to have wisdom and discernment, to rise above controversy and have freedom to focus on the students and their passion for teaching.
Pray for all believers in education to be strengthened with grace, love, and power to bring peace and hope into their environment.

Government
Pray for the Holiday Farm Fire Recovery: for barriers to be removed and the process to be expedited.
Pray for God’s wisdom to be upon every local governments’ mayors, commissioners, councils and staff.
Pray for the increase and effectiveness of transitional, supportive housing for homeless adults and families.
Pray for God to direct government, church and non-profits to effectively shepherd people who are homeless.
Pray for the protection of single parents, kids, the elderly, and youth without stable housing.

Business
Pray for God to raise-up business leaders with vision & boldness to advance God’s purposes through business.
Pray for business & government leaders to find effective ways to increase the local housing supply.
Pray for business leaders to have God’s wisdom to lead now, and into the next season.
Pray for more workers to enter into the workforce; pray for the right workers/businesses to find each other.

“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Luke 11:10

“It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens;
I marshalled their starry hosts.”
Isaiah 45:12

Arts
Pray for the Lord’s Spirit to guide the leaders of the Wildish Theater into a new season.
Pray for art classes (music, drama, visual, creative writing) to have new vitality and focus.
Pray for God-honoring writers to have God-inspired thoughts and new opportunities.
Pray for local musicians to discover Jesus and experience God’s provision.

Family
Pray for families to thrive and walk in their God-given purposes in life.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with joy, agape love, and good communication.
Pray for parents to cultivate health in their lives and the lives of their families.
Pray for senior citizens to be connected with, cared for, and loved.

Health Care
Pray for Christian healthcare providers (HCPs) to be salt, light and loving Christ-ambassadors.
During higher COVID-19 cases, pray for our community to be unified in our health care efforts.
Pray also for the protection, health & strength of HCPs.
Pray for HCPs to have peace, wisdom and biblical solutions to treat those suffering from mental illness.
Pray for God’s healing hand & wisdom to be upon COVID-19 treatments and the administration of the vaccine.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for the Oregon State Legislature to allocate abundant resources for local first responders.
Pray for our local first responders to have strength, encouragement and perseverance.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for God to move people of noble character to apply and be hired as first responders.
Pray for God to protect our land from wildfires (winds, temperatures, electrical, accidents, etc).

Media
Pray for God to raise up media leaders who love and follow Jesus.
Pray for those in media to have first-hand experiences of God’s love through the Church.
Pray for local radio, newspapers and television to release stories that highlight virtue and character.

Sports
Pray for God’s blessing of health to be on all school athletics during the Fall season.
Pray for Christ honoring athletes to be empowered to live, love and speak like Jesus.
Pray for God to lead the plans & community preparations for the World Athletics Championships in July 2022.

“Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the Lord, have created it.” Isaiah 45:8

Find answers to prayer on our website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.

Community Prayer Guide | August 2021

Each month we receive an updated Community Prayer Guide from One Hope ministry network that helps the church draw near to God and pray for various areas of our city life together. We invite you to take time to join hundreds of people who are praying each month for 10 strategic areas that shape our community's culture.

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Community Prayer Guide August 2021

“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.”
Psalm 96:1

Church
Pray for God’s love, power and protection to be upon staff and students at summer camps.
Pray for kids and families to come to follow Jesus through summer outreaches.
Pray for times of refreshing, rest and encouragement for your pastoral team and their families.
Pray for the leadership of every local church to receive renewed direction & grace to lead Jesus’ church.
Pray for local pastors & churches to love each other more & more, being unified as Jesus & the Father are.

Education
Pray for refreshing and renewal for all school staff: personal, relational, professional and spiritual.
There are many job openings in our local schools. Pray that God would fill every position with quality personnel that will lead schools and students into His highest good.
Pray for students who did not return to school after the shutdown. Pray they would be brought into healthy, loving communities and catch up in their learning.
Pray for God to raise up mentors in churches to be weekly caring adults in students’ lives.

Government
Pray for God’s wisdom to be upon every local governments’ mayors, commissioners, councils and staff.
Pray for the Lord to guide Lane County leaders & staff as they assist the Holiday Farm Fire rebuilding efforts.
Pray for God to direct government, church and non-profit efforts to effectively shepherd people who are homeless. Pray that their efforts would unify, and not further divide our community.
Pray for the increase and effectiveness of transitional, supportive housing for homeless adults and families.

Business
Pray for God to raise up business leaders who have vision for advancing kingdom purposes through business.
Pray for business & government leaders to find effective ways to increase the local housing supply.
Pray for business leaders to have God’s wisdom to lead now, and into a post pandemic paradigm.
Pray for more workers to enter into the workforce; pray for the right workers/businesses to find each other.

“Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.”
Psalm 96:2

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
Psalm 96:3

Arts
Pray for the Lord’s Spirit to guide the leaders of the Hult Center as it reopens.
Pray for local visual artists to reengage their projects with God-inspired direction.
Pray for local musicians and concerts to be safe, prosperous, and rebuild a sense of community.

Family
Pray for families to have quality times together that are full of peace and harmony.
Pray for God to strengthen marriages with joy, agape love, and good communication.
Pray for parents to discern truth and have wisdom to lead their kids in life and in the education system.
Pray for families to engage in healthy activities, relationships and affordable resources that strengthen them.

Health Care
Pray for an increase of primary care providers in our community.
Pray for God to empower health care providers (HCPs) with stamina, courage and to provide hope.
Pray for HCPs to have peace and wisdom to treat those suffering from mental illness.
Pray for God’s healing hand & wisdom to be upon COVID-19 treatments and the administration of the vaccine.

Police & Fire Departments
Pray for the Oregon State Legislature to allocate abundant resources for local first responders.
Pray for our local first responders to have strength, encouragement and perseverance.
Pray for the wisdom, peace and safety of those serving in our police and fire departments.
Pray for God to move people of noble character to apply and be hired as first responders.
Pray for God to protect our land from wildfires (winds, temperatures, electrical, accidents, etc).

Media
Pray for those in media to have first-hand experiences of God’s love through the Church.
Pray for local radio, newspapers and television to release stories that highlight virtue and character.
Pray that the local media would be empowered to report true stories that build trust.
Pray for strong, stable and prosperous local media: radio, TV and newspaper.
Pray for God to raise up media leaders who love and follow Jesus.

Sports
Pray for God’s protection to be on outdoor recreation (water, trails, roads).
Pray for God’s blessing to be on high school athletes as they train this summer.
Pray for God to lead the plans & community preparations for the World Athletics Championships in July 2022.
Pray for youth sports to have God’s wisdom & blessing: schools, Kidsports, YMCA and youth football.

“Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory & strength.”
Psalm 96:7

Find answers to prayer on our website: onehopenetwork.org/testimonies.