Being members of Christ’s family means we pray for the larger church, while specifically praying for the local family of believers. We are spending 45 days praying for our church, ministries and ministry leaders leading up to Easter. We’ve developed this prayer guide to help us pray together in unity. Each day describes how someone might pray for a ministry or initiative of the church. We are excited that our church will spend time each day praying for Big Valley Grace and its leadership with aligned purpose. Thank you for joining us!
Week One: March 5-11
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:11 (NIV)
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
Colossians 4:2-4 (NIV)
Pray that the Lord would move those that call Big Valley Grace their church to pray for the church.
Pray for the greater church and for our local church found in Big Valley Grace.
Ask the Lord to move on our hearts to give us the passion to pray.
Pray for Pastor Joel and his family.
For protection over his marriage and family.
That he is the husband and father the Lord has asked him to be.
That he is the leader of this church, according to Biblical standards.
Ask God to bring him discernment, wisdom, clarity, direction, and energy so he may unswervingly lead Big Valley Grace in the way of the Lord.
Pray for our High School and Middle School Ministries.
That students would be encouraged and grow strong in their faith.
For their protection and that they would read the Word daily.
That they will stand strong in their love and desire to follow Christ anywhere and everywhere.
May their vibrant faith spark a revival on every campus in Modesto, Ceres, and wherever our students attend school.
For boldness to stand up for their faith and compassion to pursue others, even those who believe differently than they do.
Thank the Lord for our godly Student Ministries Team.
That they would continue to be examples in word and deed.
That they would be bold in their teaching and leading, patient
in their interactions, wise and discerning in their guidance.
Pray for their marriages and families to be strengthened and
kept from temptation.
Ask the Lord to provide many new leaders to serve our students,
as the need for our students to be discipled is great.
Our Youth Team: Lisa De Mont, Jeff Thompson, Dawson Beachler,
Kym Wolf, Sharon Bowman, Madison Giannosa, Jacob Meyer, Miguel & Paige Ramirez
Pray for the preaching and teaching of God’s Word at Big Valley Grace throughout all our ministries.
That it would always have doctrinal faithfulness.
That each teacher would fully depend on the Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth and accuracy.
That the biblical teachings of Big Valley Grace would be life transforming, producing great fruit in the lives of all who hear.
Pray for our Children’s Ministry.
Children in our church come from a variety of backgrounds and family dynamics that include traditional families, single parent homes, foster homes, blended families, and children whose parents do not attend church—all of our families need our prayers.
Thank the Lord for our vibrant and faithful Children’s Ministry.
Thank Him for the many children He has allowed us influence as we partner with families to proclaim salvation and a life of hope in Christ.
Pray for Christ to be the head of every home and to be glorified above all.
For wisdom, discernment and faithfulness for every parent.
For our children as they develop spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
That each child would come to know Christ and grow up in their faith.
That our children would boldly share Jesus with their friends and invite them to church.
Ask the Lord to provide many new volunteers to love and care for the children at Big Valley Grace.
Pray for our Children’s Leadership Team that they would be faithful and bold in sharing the Word of God in a creative and caring environment that promotes a passion to follow Christ.
For their marriages and families to be strong and faithful.
For protection, keeping temptation and evil far from them.
Our Children’s Team: Aaron Youngman, Lisa De Mont, Julie Elliott, Sharon Bowman, Michele Cooper, Angela Merrell, Brandi Peterson, Madison Giannosa
Pray for our Reach team as they seek to engage local missionary partners who will help us obey the mandate of the Great Commission in preaching and teaching the Gospel to all people.
Pray for our local mission partners as they serve people in the Central Valley.
For our church members and attenders to gather in teams to serve alongside each of our partners.
For leadership stability, integrity, financial provision, and obedience to the Spirit’s movements within each of our local mission ministries.
Pray each ministry will find favor in our community and witness a great harvest of people who will surrender their lives to Christ.
Our Local Partners: Advancing Vibrant Communities, Chemo Crew, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Christian Berets, City Ministry Network, India Community Ministry, Love Stanislaus County, Modesto Gospel Mission. Modesto Pregnancy Center, Redwood Family Center, Vine House, Youth for Christ
Pray for strong marriages and families at Big Valley Grace.
Pray that the Spirit would pour into our families and marriages.
Pray that Big Valley Grace families would be an example to the world of the love of Christ and the power that is available for those who are committed to Him and His righteous way.
Pray that temptation be kept away from our marriages and faithfulness would mark and strengthen our marriages for a lifetime.
Pray sacrifice and selflessness would be the hallmark of each home and family.
Week Two: March 12-18
Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:25 (ESV)
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Pray for Big Valley Grace’s weekend teaching pastors to grow in dedication to God’s Word, holiness and love for the Lord.
For their study and the surrender of their wills to the Holy Spirit.
For accuracy in their teaching.
Pray there would be ears to hear and the surrender of wills to walk in obedience to the Word of God that is taught in every one of our gatherings.
Our Weekend Teaching Team: Joel Boone, Rick Countryman, Tim Giannosa, Lonnie Skiles, Brandon Peterson, Scott Elliott, Gordon Rumble, Bobby Kirchner
Pray for our Greece Mission Team that we commissioned this weekend.
For their hearts to be obedient to the guiding, leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit.
Pray the team will develop fast, meaningful relationships with the students and missionary families they are serving.
Ask the Lord to use them to bring healing, hope and challenge to those stuck in their faith.
May the missionary families they serve be strengthened during this opportunity for rest, encouragement, healing and restoration.
Pray also for protection and encouragement for our team’s families who remain at home.
Our Team: Katie Fuentes, Lisa DeMont, Madison Giannosa, Michelle Halloran, Jeff Thompson, Talon Fuentes, Josh Halloran, Angel Boone
Pray for the Big Valley Grace Ministry Support Team as they support our church in areas such as the kitchen, Cafe Istoria, The Nook, print room, business office, marketing & communications, administrative services and IT.
Thank the Lord for their special skills and their tireless service.
Pray this team is encouraged and valued by all.
Ask the Lord to remind them of the important ministry they offer to our church. May the joy of their faith overflow in what they do and who they serve.
Pray their blessings are overflowing because of their obedience to the Lord.
Ask the Lord to strengthen their marriages and protect their families.
Pray their faith will expand and their knowledge of the Lord will grow.
Ask the Lord to send others from the church to give their time and talents to lighten the administrative load and increase the capacity of what we can do as a church.
Our Ministry Support Team: John Fraioli, Hrayr Santourian, Wendy Jones, Karen Fullmer, Robin LaFreniere, Janice Shapland, Russ Heisel, Steve Hutson, Teresa Rualo, Tricia Rowan, Charlotte Heisel, Anna Williams, Jacob Meyer, Angie Gibson, Roberta Prather, Lori Boger, Lori Mayfield, Beth Twist, Susana Diaz
Pray for Big Valley Christian School to be a beacon of light in this dark world. Our school ministers to almost 900 students and their families every day.
Ask the Lord for protection for the school against harm, evil, false accusations, anti-biblical teachings and a culture that presses in at every level.
Pray that our students would grow in faith and their studies, and learn how their faith integrates into the whole of their lives, allowing their biblical world view to form a strong foundation that will anchor their next season of learning.
Pray our students would be kind and compassionate to one another, that BVCS would be campus unlike any other, that our students would be known as disciples of Christ because of their love for one another.
Our Admin Team: Michelle Mott, Marsha Holbrook, Tyra Toney, Colleen Ippolito, Kris Giannosa, Bill Ray, Scott Elliott, Cindy Alavezos, David Voortman, Brian Berkefeld, Jackie Ward, Mike Markovich, Deborah Raingruber, Natalie Woodfield
Pray for our Reach Ministry as they seek to engage global missionary partners who will help us fulfill the mandate of the Great Commission.
Lift up our Global Partners as they minister in hard-to-reach nations and unengaged, unreached people groups.
Pray for leadership stability, integrity, financial provision, and obedience to the Spirit’s movements within each of our global mission ministries.
When faced with opposition, pray they will be protected and found standing strong while continually moving boldly forward declaring the Gospel.
May the Lord strengthen their marriages and families, keeping them from temptation and evil.
Pray that through their faithful efforts, many will come to know Christ and that Bible teaching churches will be planted all over the world.
That each of our short-term mission teams will be filled with passionate followers of Christ who will encourage our partners, provide help where needed, and be great assets in declaring the Gospel.
Ask God to raise up followers from Big Valley Grace to go full-time into a particular part of the world to proclaim the Gospel.
Our Global Partners: Northern India Medical Ambassadors International, Asia EquipNet, Germany—Rocco & Karoline Panepinto, Slovenia—Todd & Sarah Hunnicutt, Mission India, Germany—Eric & Heather Kooiman, Ethnos 360—Wade & Deanne Ebersole, Wycliffe Bible Translators—Keith & Lisa Campbell, Deaf Bible Translation—Eric Raingruber, South Africa—Johan & Christa Combrink, Zambia—Henry Mumba, Indonesia Partners International, Celebrate Recovery India Passion 4 People
Pray for our Senior Leadership Team.
That the Lord would give them wisdom, discernment, understanding, and faithfulness as they lead alongside Pastor Joel.
That they would be humble in their approach to leadership and interactions with God’s faithful servants and yet fearless in their following of the Lord’s direction.
Ask the Lord to protect their marriages and families from temptation and evil and to guard their hearts against pride and selfishness.
Pray they would oversee the doctrine and practice of the Word faithfully and with great integrity.
Ask the Lord to use them to inspire and encourage our church toward love and good works.
Our Senior Leadership Team: Joel Boone, Bobby Kirchner, John Fraioli, Lisa De Mont, Wendy Jones, Lonnie Skiles, Brandon Peterson, Chad Pippin, Tim Giannosa
Pray for the Good Sam Ministry and the many ways they serve and give food throughout our community. Good Sam has become a hub of provision for food and supplies to many ministries throughout our region.
That there will be a steady supply of food.
Ask that our leadership would be given wisdom and discernment regarding who to help and how much help should be given.
Pray for many new hands to be added to our faithful volunteer team, as well as an increase of energy, patience, wisdom, discernment and evangelistic boldness.
Our Good Sam Team: Conrad Paulsen, Gordon Rumble, a great and growing team of volunteers
Week Three: March 19-25
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
Ephesians 4:25 (ESV)
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)
Pray for our weekend gatherings and our faithful Production Teams who are tirelessly working to plan and prepare our worship gatherings for visitors, attenders and members to join together in worship.
Pray that our camera operators, sound and light techs, and all the servants who faithfully serve behind the scenes are encouraged in their faith and blessed in their service to the Lord.
We pray with each of them that our gatherings on every campus impact lives, proclaim the Gospel and are a refuge for the hurting.
Pray that many would attend one of our services and begin to walk faithfully, obediently and joyfully with the Lord.
Our Production Team: Tim Giannosa, Matt Tanis, Gerrit Ericksen, Randy Schwantes
Pray for the Elders of Big Valley Grace, that they would remain above reproach, kept from temptation, complacency, idols, and worldliness.
That they would listen closely to the Holy Spirit, pray fervently and lead with great boldness and passion.
That the enemy would have no influence in their lives, marriages or families, and they would stay focused on the mission to which God has called them.
Our Elders: Joel Boone, Joe Adams, Doug Beachler, Mike Coats, Darryl One, Mark Kleiderlein, Gary Mohler, John Silva, Nathan Sink, Tom Westfall
Pray for unity at Big Valley Grace.
That we are never divided over personalities, style of worship, minor issues of personal preference, or other non-biblical concerns.
That we grow in love and concern for one another.
That we help each other grow in faith and that we push one another to share our faith wherever we go, especially in our neighborhoods with our actual neighbors.
Ask that we would always pursue unity and follow the godly leadership of our church.
That together we would commit to praying for all the leadership of Big Valley Grace, uniting us in our desire to have a strong, healthy and active church.
Pray for Celebrate Recovery as it reaches and helps hundreds each week heal from hurts, habits and hang-ups while finding freedom in Jesus Christ.
Ask that many will find freedom in Christ through Celebrate Recovery.
Pray for the many volunteers that make this ministry amazing as they sacrifice much to help grow and sustain this ministry.
That anything standing in the way of people experiencing freedom would be wiped out and the path to freedom would be clearly seen and embraced.
Pray for the marriages and families of our CR Leadership Team to be strengthened and kept from temptation.
Our CR Leadership Team: Scott Stubbert, Ben Kelly, Josh Gonzales, Beth Twist
Pray for our Men’s Ministry as they seek to uniquely walk alongside men and their journey of faith.
That they would sharpen, encourage and teach one another to be strong, faithful men of God.
Pray the men in our church would pursue their relationship with Christ unashamed and undeterred.
May our men walk in purity and righteousness in all of their interactions and pursuits.
Ask the Lord to help our men proclaim the name of Jesus boldly, loudly and with compassion at all times.
That the men of Big Valley Grace would catch a vision for godly leadership at home, at church and in the community,
Pray for the marriages and families of our Men’s Leadership Team to be strengthened and kept from temptation.
Our Men’s Team: Rich Sasser, Gordon Agrella, Dennis Stambaugh, Andrew Rowan, Hector Marquez, Alan Stambaugh, Beth Twist
Pray for the physical and spiritual healing of everyone who calls Big Valley Grace their home.
Pray that our Care Team is strengthened and empowered as they serve those who are sick, hurting, homebound, in nursing homes, or caring for families that have lost loved ones.
That they have compassion and discernment in how to walk faithfully with those who are hurting.
Ask God to bless those who serve through this wonderful ministry.
Our Care Team: Gordon Rumble, Rick Thompson, Susana Diaz, Rick Elliott, Jim Huckaba
Pray over the physical property, buildings and equipment at Big Valley Grace’s campuses.
That what we have will serve us well and last for a long time.
Pray against evil, vandalism, theft or any type of aggression against our physical properties or belongings.
That our team members who care for our buildings and grounds are kept safe and healthy and are able to build teams of volunteers to serve alongside them.
That team members are encouraged in their faith and understand their incredible worth and value.
Pray our team has enough time in each day to accomplish all that needs to be done to support the many ministries and activities that take place on our campuses.
Thank the Lord for these often unseen servants.
Our Facilities Team: Josh Penwell, Conrad Paulsen, Julie Ashby, Carl Tigner, Dan Grant, Jonathan Slaback, Manuel Rodriguez, Mark Sherbert, Oscar Sandoval, Jonathan Raingruber, Merek Boone
Week Four: March 26-April 1
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
Psalm 119:35-37 (NIV)
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him—since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened—so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what
is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe…
Ephesians 1:17-19a (NET)
Pray for our Worship Ministries.
That their hearts will be focused on the Lord and His glory in all things.
May the Lord bring to mind all their training and skill as they lead us in worshiping the Lord.
Thank the Lord for the many hours they practice and prepare to help us worship, and for their beautiful gifts and talents.
Pray that their marriages and families would be protected and encouraged as they serve and lead.
Ask the Lord to help their joy overflow into all they do and say.
May the Lord’s Word through song be life changing and Lord glorifying in each of our gatherings on all our campuses.
Our Worship Team: Chad Pippin, Brandon Stoppe, Joseph Rykert, Rebecca Hernandez, Jordan Dahlin, Roberta Prather, our gifted musicians, orchestra, choir, and vocalists
Pray for the Easter Gathering invitations that will be handed out over the next three weeks. This week we are challenged to love our neighbors and share our faith.
May we be compassionate in our prayers and expectant that the Lord will work and move in our neighborhoods.
For each and every faithful follower of Jesus who calls Big Valley Grace their home as they walk their neighborhoods inviting neighbors to hear the message of Christ crucified and resurrected.
Pray for our Women’s Ministry.
For the Lord’s protection from spiritual and physical attacks on their faith and families.
Pray the women of our church will have great energy, commitment and a godly passion to pursue being the woman, wife, mother, friend, mentor and leader the Lord desires them to be.
That God would give our women wisdom as they speak to others and they would boldly reach out to other women in the community and church inviting them to walk through this great faith journey together.
Pray that our Women’s Ministry leaders would have times of rest and renewal as they wait upon the Lord and His Word.
Our Leadership Team: Heather Blass, Lori Mayfield and a great host of godly women
Pray for our Life Groups Ministry.
Pray for each of our life group leaders to grow closer to Christ and have an ever-increasing passion to see those in their groups grow closer to Christ and together.
For vulnerability and unity in all our groups.
That our groups will challenge each person to take another step toward community and the many “one anothers” we practice in our life groups.
Pray that the our groups care for one another with compassion and sacrifice that is driven by love for one another.
That new leaders will come forward to start new groups and that many will join those groups desiring to grow closer to Christ.
Our Life Groups Team: Lonnie Skiles, Lori Boger and our many, many Life Group leaders and hosts
Pray for the classes and studies we offer to help people grow in Christ. Big Valley Grace offers classes that help with parenting, marriages, godly financial practices, understanding our mission around the world, learning to follow Christ, becoming a member, understanding baptism, and more! Classes touch every age and stage of life, helping our church grow in knowledge and understanding.
Pray the teachers and facilitators of these classes are encouraged
by the hope these truth-filled opportunities bring to our church.
That each leader grows in knowledge and understanding.
Ask the Lord to move in the lives of those who take these classes, that the truth of what they are learning transforms their lives, making them lighthouses to guide others in the way of following Christ.
Pray for Big Valley Christian School to be a beacon of light in this dark world. Our school ministers to almost 900 students and their families every day. Our school’s reach in this community is a God-sized blessing with God-sized responsibilities.
Pray for protection for the school against harm, evil, false accusations, anti-biblical teachings, and a culture that presses in at every level.
For our administration and our teachers, that they would be encouraged in their faith and that each day they would be found faithful to the Word and growing closer to the Lord.
Pray for protection for their families, energy and stamina for their responsibilities, wisdom, discernment and patience as they lead our children.
Finally, pray they would always keep Christ at the center of their lives and their teachings.
Our Admin Team: Michelle Mott, Marsha Holbrook, Tyra Toney, Colleen Ippolito, Kris Giannosa, Bill Ray, Scott Elliott, Cindy Alavezos, David Voortman, Brian Berkefeld, Jackie Ward, Mike Markovich, Deborah Raingruber, Natalie Woodfield. Go to bvcs.org and pray for our many teachers by name and grade.
Pray for the Easter Gathering invitations that are being handed out.
That the physical invitations we received at church will remind us to pray and invite our family, friends and actual neighbors to an Easter Gathering.
For opportunities to arise like divine appointments specifically ordained for our invitations to be shared.
Pray we would all have great faith and boldness to invite someone, and that those we invite will respond positively and attend with us.
Week Five: April 2-8
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)
Pray for many to Invite One, Serve One. It takes many serving each weekend, on every campus, to provide for our worship gatherings.
For the many more servants needed over the Easter weekend as our attendance can triple that of a normal weekend.
That all will serve with joyful hearts.
Pray for the H.I.S. Team leadership as they organize, direct and guide all of our faithful servants on every campus.
Ask the Lord to help us encourage the many who will join us throughout the Easter weekend.
Our H.I.S. Team Leadership: Alan Boone, Jan Adams, Bridgette Eilers, John & Shelly Silva
Pray as Big Valley Grace participates in Neighborhood Prayer Walks. We are seeking to love our actual neighbors in hope that each one might come to know Christ. Because of this God-given desire, we are walking our neighborhoods praying for the Lord to do great work.
Pray our church would be faithful and bold to this call.
That we will be ready and available for the Lord to use us in the lives of our neighbors.
That through these prayer walks, relationships will be forged and bear great fruit.
For opportunities to arise on every walk for our neighbors to get a personal invitation to one of our Easter gatherings.
Lord make us compassionate with our care and conversation, yet bold with our words that declare truth about You.
Pray for the Ceres Campus.
Thank the Lord for a wonderful group of Christ followers who journey together in their faith.
Thank Him for providing a place for us to worship right now, and pray we will one day find a permanent place to establish roots in the Ceres community.
That those who make the Ceres campus their home will continue to find ways to reach into the community to help the hurting.
Pray this Easter the Ceres family will invite so many that we will run out of room.
For unity in all things with all members of the Big Valley Grace family.
Ceres Team: Tim Giannosa, Scott Elliott, Rick Countryman
Pray for our Family Ministry Team as they are deep in preparations for our Easter Gatherings.
Ask the Lord to bless and move in amazing ways as kids celebrate the resurrected Savior.
For unity among our Family Ministry Team and careful attention to the Spirit as He leads them toward the best and most creative way to help our young ones know Christ and worship the risen Savior.
Pray for many Big Valley Grace families to invite their neighbors and family members to an Easter Gathering.
That many of our faithful families would be involved in our Invite One, Serve One opportunities, and there would be an overflow of servants to help in all areas of our church.
Our Family Ministry Team: Aaron Youngman, Lisa De Mont, Julie Elliott, Sharon Bowman, Michele Cooper, Angela Merrell, Brandi Peterson, Madison Giannosa, Jeff Thompson, Dawson Beachler, Kym Wolf, Jacob Meyer, Miguel & Paige Ramirez
Pray for Prime Time. This is the ministry of our Senior Saints who have faithfully served our church for many years.
For their health, protection and relationships.
That they will be able to give of themselves in service to the Lord for many years to come.
Thank the Lord for our church and then thank him for using so many of our senior saints to build Big Valley Grace’s strong foundation.
Ask our Father to help us always have a passion to honor our older brothers and sisters.
Pray we will develop many avenues for our seniors to give of themselves so those who are younger can grow deeper in their faith by receiving even a portion of their great wisdom.
Our Prime Time Team: Gordon Rumble, Rick Thompson, Lori Boger, Susana Diaz
Pray that our Neighborhood Prayer Walks continue and bear great fruit.
For great conversations and opportunities to serve as we walk along our neighborhood streets.
For our eyes to be wide open, looking for the Lord to lead us into a divine moment with life-transforming outcomes.
Ask that the Lord would soften the hearts of our neighbors that they might know and follow Him.
Pray for our Worship and Teaching Teams as they faithfully prepare for teaching and proclaiming the great message of Christ crucified and resurrected.
As they continue to study, prepare, rehearse and seek the Lord for final thoughts and understanding.
That our songs are the ones the Lord desires, and our teaching is faithful to the Word of God.
Pray for humbleness and attention to the details of preparation as they depend on the Spirit to guide their steps.
Week Six+: April 9-18
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,“Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
Matthew 21:6-11 (NIV)
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face. Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!” As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.” The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”
John 19:1-7 (NIV)
So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
John 19:16-19 (NIV)
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:28-30 (NIV)
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
Matthew 28:1-7 (NIV)
Pray for our Production Team as they wrap up the final preparations for our weekend gatherings.
That they are encouraged and full of joy.
Thank the Lord for their faithful work and creativity along with incredible knowledge that they devote each week to helping us worship the Lord on every campus.
Pray specifically for our Online Campus and the technical knowledge it takes to make an amazing environment of worship for those unable to attend in person and the many visitors that will first attend Big Valley Grace online.
For Pastor Brandon as he faithfully serves our Online Campus during many different hours, reaching people that would so often be left out of our physical church interactions.
Praise the Lord for his passion and knowledge and the way in which the Lord is using him to reach hundreds of people each week with the message of the Gospel and discipleship opportunities.
Our Production and Online Ministry team: Tim Giannosa, Matt Tanis, Gerrit Ericksen, Randy Schwantes, Brandon Peterson, Madison Giannosa
Pray for this weekend—the Triumphal Entry of Jesus—Palm Sunday.
That the message of Jesus’ Lordship over all and in all, is well communicated, and that His majesty and kingly position is understood and embraced by all who hear.
That the love and grace of Jesus’ sacrifice would compel us to pray for our families and neighbors.
And that we would faithfully walk the streets of our neighborhoods, inviting families to attend one of our upcoming Easter gatherings.
Pray for the varied preparations being made for our Easter Gatherings.
Specifically for our teachers of the Word, as we desire in every area of our church throughout every ministry, that the Word of God be accurately, boldly and passionately proclaimed and taught.
The enemy would like to see us distracted and to forsake prayer and preparation for less urgent duties. Pray against such distraction for our teachers and worship leaders.
The enemy would like to pick and pull at our marriages and families distracting our pastors from focusing on the wonderful celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection. Pray against such difficulty in our marriages and family, pray for protection, unity and the overflow of patience.
Pray against division and disunity among our church, that we would all be of singular focus in celebrating our risen Savior and inviting many to hear the message and hope of Christ ALIVE.
Pray blessing and favor as many continue their prayer walks throughout our neighborhoods.
Ask the Lord to move in unconventional ways bringing about dynamic conversations and opportunities to share the Gospel as well as invitations to an Easter Gathering.
Pray that the eyes of those doing prayer walks would be open to see how acts of love and service might encourage a neighbor and open the door to the life transforming, grace filled Gospel of Christ.
Pray for the invitations people have made for their neighbors to join them for one of our Easter gatherings.
Spend time praying for the many neighborhoods our church is praying for and inviting to Easter gatherings.
For whole neighborhoods, that are not your own, to be won for Christ as God uses the faithfulness of Big Valley Grace members and attenders.
Tonight walk your own neighborhood in prayer and fight for your neighbors, asking the Lord to intervene in their lives just as he intervened in yours.
Ask the Lord to adopt your neighbors into His great family, just as He has adopted you.
Ask the Lord for tremendous fruit and the overflow of His blessing on our Easter Gatherings.
Pray that many will give their lives to Christ and will walk in the hope of Jesus.
That each person who says “Yes!” to salvation will learn to walk in faithfulness and commit to growing in this community of believers.
Ask the Lord to prepare our church and its members to disciple each and every new follower of Jesus.
IT’S GOOD FRIDAY!! This is the day we contemplate and even celebrate the death of Jesus Christ. This is a weighty moment for believers and followers of Jesus. Our Lord, propelled by His love for us, was crucified to save us from the penalty of death that was levied against each of us. He gave His life on our behalf because there was no other way.
Pray that many will hear the movements and voice of the Holy Spirit that is calling them to repentance and surrender.
That many would recognize their depravity and find forgiveness for their sins and freedom from the bondage sin holds on their life.
Thank the Lord for His loving sacrifice that we can have life in Him.
This is RESURRECTION WEEKEND—the beginning of an amazing weekend of worship gatherings that will proclaim the resurrection of Christ. Death is defeated and all are invited to life through Christ. The darkness has given way to light, and the brightness of the resurrection morning brings an invitation to those near and far to receive the gift of grace and follow Jesus into a life of abundant blessing and eternal reward.
Pray for all the preparations and final details as we raise the curtain and our voices to herald the resurrection message.
For all who received an invitation to join us this weekend, to not only say “Yes!” to joining us, but more importantly, “Yes!” to life in Christ.
HE IS RISEN! Pray for all those that will serve today proclaiming through song, testimony, service and the Word of God that Jesus is ALIVE and all can find life in Him.
Pray that all those who were faithfully invited will attend one of our gatherings.
That the Holy Spirit would move in mighty ways.
That people will answer the Holy Spirit’s call on their life, and that they would faithfully answer “Yes!” to life in Jesus.
Thank the Lord and celebrate today with all of heaven that our Lord has risen and rejoice that today many will surrender their lives to Christ. PRAISE JESUS!!
Pray for the many who came to an Easter Gathering. We have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection and invited many to hear the message of life found in Jesus.
For the many follow-up conversations that will take place.
For those who made decisions to follow Christ, that each would grow in their understanding, knowledge and commitment to the Lord.
Pray for those who have been invited to the Follow Class and other groups, that nothing would hinder their involvement in growing in knowledge and faith.
That the enemy would have no influence in the lives of those who said “Yes!” to following Jesus, and that they would indeed experience the fullness of living ALIVE in Christ.
VICTORY PRAYER WALK
SCRIPTURES
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (NIV)
The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (NLT)
When a believing person prays, great things happen. (NCV) James 5:16b
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
Meanwhile, Isaac, whose home was in the Negev…..One evening as he was walking and meditating in the fields, he looked up and saw the camels coming.
Genesis 24:62-63 (NLT)
“Prayer, in many ways, is the supreme expression of our faith in God.” —Martyn Lloyd-Jones
“A prayerless church member is a hindrance. He is in the body like a rotting bone or a decayed tooth. Before long, since he does not contribute to the benefit of his brethren, he will become a danger and a sorrow to them. Neglect of private prayer is the locust which devours the strength of the church.” —Charles Spurgeon
“The one concern of the Devil is to keep Christians from praying. He cares nothing for prayerless work, prayerless study, or prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, he mocks our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray!” —Samuel Chadwick
I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And will glorify Your name forever. Psalm 86:12 (NASB)
Thank the Lord for your…
Spouse
Children
Parents
Friends
Job
Health
Food to eat
Clothes to wear
Roof over your head
The Scriptures (the Bible)
Salvation
Church
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.
Psalm 77:11-12 (NIV)
Remember God’s miracles…
Noah and the great flood
Jonah in the belly of the fish
The walls of Jericho came tumbling down
The Red Sea was split in two
David slays Goliath
Daniel in the lions den
The feeding of the 5000
Jesus walks on water
Lazarus raised from the dead
The lame walked, the deaf heard, and the blind could see
Remember the miracle that God did in your own life!
For their salvation.
That you would be able to build a relationship with them.
Pray that they would come to our Easter weekend.
Big Valley Grace
- 4040 Tully Rd. Modesto
- 209-577-1604
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