We invite you to join together as a church family each day throughout this first week of the New Year as we pray for various needs locally and globally. Return here each day for a prayer focus with Pastor Jim Bradford, along with a family guide to help you engage the kids in your family in intentional prayer. Central’s sanctuary will also be open from noon-1:00pm each day for you to stop by and spend time in prayer.
Saturday: pray for our Churches
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
ACTS 1:8
Pray that God will anoint our churches to serve their communities and proclaim Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
ENGAGE YOUR FAMILY!
Pray for your church.
SAY: The church is made up of many different people who are learning more about Jesus and making decisions to follow him with their lives. The Bible talks a lot about how important it is that we are part of a church where we can learn together while also encouraging and helping each other. We’re thankful for our church family: the pastors, our friends, the volunteers, and even those we haven’t met yet.
IDEAS: Encourage your child to think about a Sunday or Wednesday when you come to church. Who do you see? (examples: The greeter at the door. The smiling face checking you in. The teacher in the classroom. The pastor on stage. etc.) Spend some time in prayer and lift up those members of our church family that you see each week. This will help your child understand that the church is made up of different people of different ages that have different roles or talents they are using to worship God.
Friday: pray for our judiciary
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you.
PSALM 89:14
Pray that judges across the nation would rule with integrity, justice, and righteousness.
ENGAGE YOUR FAMILY!
Pray for your family.
SAY Our family is a gift from God. We’re definitely not perfect, but God designed us to fit together as a family. I’m so thankful to God for each one of you, and I want you to know how important you are to me and to God. Let’s take some time to pray for each other.
IDEAS: Ask each family member something he/she would like prayer for 2026. Either lead in prayer over your family, or invite each family member to pray out loud for the one next to them and then wrap up in a prayer over your whole family. Encouraging kids to pray out loud with your family will give them confidence to pray out loud in other settings.
Thursday: pray for our Local Leaders
In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
that he channels toward all who please him.
PROVERBS 21:1
Pray that our city and regional government leaders will have unity, wisdom, and discernment as they deliberate over local affairs.
ENGAGE YOUR FAMILY!
Pray for your church.
SAY: The church is made up of many different people who are learning more about Jesus and making decisions to follow him with their lives. The Bible talks a lot about how important it is that we are part of a church where we can learn together while also encouraging and helping each other. We’re thankful for our church family: the pastors, our friends, the volunteers, and even those we haven’t met yet.
IDEAS: Encourage your child to think about a Sunday or Wednesday when you come to church. Who do you see? (examples: The greeter at the door. The smiling face checking you in. The teacher in the classroom. The pastor on stage. etc.) Spend some time in prayer and lift up those members of our church family that you see each week. This will help your child understand that the church is made up of different people of different ages that have different roles or talents they are using to worship God.
WEDNESDAY: pray for our State Leaders
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.
ROMANS 13:3-4a
Pray for officials in our state governments to have pure motives as they lead with integrity, compassion, and wisdom.
ENGAGE YOUR FAMILY!
Pray for your city.
SAY: We live in the city of ___________. Have you ever thought that God put us in this city for a reason? Not only do we get to enjoy living here, but God also wants us to pray for and help those in our community.
IDEAS: Encourage your child to think about their favorite places to visit in your city and the people who work there or who also visit there. Come up with ideas how you can pray for or serve those in your city. Maybe the next time you go to a store, you all look for someone you can pray for (either with them in person or after you leave). Maybe your family can gather items to donate to a local shelter.
TUESDAY: pray for our National Leaders
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4
Pray for federal workers as well as missionaries and global workers serving in areas of conflict, disaster, and tragedy.
ENGAGE YOUR FAMILY!
Pray for your nation.
SAY: God has placed us not only in a family, a church, and a city, but also in a nation. The Bible teaches us to pray for those who lead us and for the place where we live. Our nation is made up of many different people, families, cultures, and communities, and God loves every one of them. When we pray for our nation, we ask God to help us live with wisdom, kindness, humility, and peace, and to guide our leaders to make decisions that honor Him and care for people.
IDEAS: Ask your child what they know about our nation. You might talk about things like the flag, holidays, leaders, or people who help keep communities safe and running (teachers, police officers, military members, doctors, etc.). As a family, pray for these leaders and helpers, asking God to give them wisdom, courage, and compassion. You could also pray that God would help your family be a good example of His love wherever you go.
MONDAY: pray for our schools
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
PROVERBS 2:6
Pray for God’s Spirit to be poured out on students of every age. Ask God to protect all who study and work on school and college campuses throughout the US.
ENGAGE YOUR FAMILY!
Pray for your school.
SAY: Put your hands on your head! Underneath your hands is one of God’s greatest creations: your brain! Our brains let us discover and learn about this amazing world He designed. As you work at school, you can give honor to God for the glory and wonder He deserves. I’m thankful for your school community. Let’s pray for your school.
IDEAS: Encourage your child to pray for his/her teacher by name and to specify one or two students who are in need of God’s love and grace. Ask your child for ideas of how your family can continue to incorporate prayer into their school life.