Over the past year the Lord has given me a great appreciation of the power of prayer. It’s something that God has taught me my entire life, but only now do I see that. 

When I first heard about the Youth For Christ (YFC) Lost Boys Prayer Campaign, I signed up straight away. It was a forty day campaign that called Australia to pray and fast for a generation of boys trapped in the world of sin. Slaves to pornography, suicide, violence, identity loss, greed, pride and wickedness.

I decided to fast from 6pm to 6am, and asked others to pray with me. I handed out prayer cards from YFC to a few others and decided that to encourage them to pray I would send them a simple text message containing a theme, bible verse or passage, and a short prayer.

Over the forty days I sent out a text message every day I could, and I’ve been encouraged to put all of my daily prayers into one place. The campaign ended on Sunday and God has done amazing things in Australia and throughout the world. 

Even though the campaign has ended, God is still moving, and still longs for us to talk to Him. I pray God will use this record of forty days to show you the power of prayer. May it also encourage you to talk with your Creator every single day and in the face of every obstacle. I thank God that He graciously uses me to encourage and grow His People, despite my utter weakness and sinfulness.

 

Before we start I want to remind you to READ ALL THE BIBLE VERSES AND PASSAGES. They are very important, I find myself often skipping over the bible verses in emails and texts, but I shouldn’t. The Word of God is the most powerful weapon against the enemy, and these verses and passages are part of the prayers. I pray Scripture and encourage you to do the same.

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. – Psalm 115:1

All bible verses and passages are taken for the New Living Translation unless noted otherwise.

 

26/2/2020

Day 1 – SALVATION

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:16-17

Father in heaven, we dedicate the lost boys to you and ask you to reveal the depth of your love to them.

27/2/2020

Day 2 – FUTURE

Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me!
My heart heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” – Psalm 27:7-8

I pray that God, who knows the future, will draw closer to the lost boys and give them hope.

28/2/2020

Day 3 – RESTORATION

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. – Psalm 126

Father, please restore our lost boys. May our tears turn to joy as a generation turns to you.

29/2/2020

Day 4 – FAMILY

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. – Colossians 3:18-21

Heavenly Father, strengthen the family unit in Australia, may it be a witness of You, just as You intend.

1/3/2020

Day 5 – UNITY

For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called into one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. – Ephesians 4:4-6

Lord, I thank you for the diversity in this country. May we lay down our divisions and be truly united in you.

2/3/2020

Day 6 – LEADERSHIP

Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to your ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command, be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:6-9

Lord, call lost boys to servant leadership. May they understand Your Word deeply and live in faithfulness to You.

3/3/2020

Day 7 – WICKEDNESS

There is a generation that curses its father and does not bless its mother.
There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, and yet is not cleansed from its filth.
There is a generation whose eyes are so haughty, whose eyelids are lifted up disdainfully.
There is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose molars are knives, to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from among humanity. – Proverbs 30:11-14 (TLV)

Our Father, shine your light on the sin of this world. Help lost boys break free of the enemies lies though the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony! IN JESUS NAME.

4/3/2020

Day 8 – LONGING

“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.”
I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!” – Revelation 22:7-9

King Jesus, help us long for your return and build your kingdom while we wait. 

5/3/2020

Day 9 – FIGHT

A final word, be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armour so you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:10-12

God help us to recognise the real enemy and not deny the victory already provided in Christ. May we put on your armour and live for you.

6/3/2020

Day 10 – TRUST

Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” – John 12:44-46

Father, may our trust remain in Christ. May His light shine to lost boys and allow You to work in their lives. Help us to be a city on a hill, in Jesus name.

7/3/2020

Day 11 – LIFE

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” – John 14:6-7

Lord, reveal yourself to us so we can see the Father. Help us and be with us in the challenges we face in declaring and showing You to others.

8/3/2020

Day 12 – HARVEST

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” – Matthew 9:35-38

Lord, raise up workers who stand on Your Word and go in JESUS NAME! 

9/3/2020

Day 13 – LOST

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.”

Lord, we are sorry for wandering away. Thank you for finding us. Now please help us find others.

10/3/2020

Day 14 – KINGDOM

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. – Matthew 6:9-13

Father, hear our prayer and change us. Help us show Your Kingdom here on earth.

11/3/2020

Day 15 – PARENTS

My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honour around your neck. – Proverbs 1:8-9

Father, protect earthly parents. Help them to know their Heavenly Father and direct their children to you.

12/3/2020

Day 16 – LISTEN

My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. – Proverbs 4:10-13

Lord Jesus, may we hear and obey your wisdom. Show lost boys how to listen as you unlock their heart.

13/3/2020

Day 17 – HEALING

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. – Proverbs 4:20-22

Lord, we long for lost boys to find healing in Your Word. Please help them to find and cherish the bread of life. And heal what is broken in JESUS NAME!!!

14/3/2020

Day 18 – FEAR

My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security. He will keep you from being caught in a trap. – Proverbs 3:21-26

Father, please calm the fear by causing people to look to you. 

15/3/2020

Day 19 – DISCIPLINE

My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD correct those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. – Proverbs 3:11-12

Father, may You discipline lost boys. May they be willing to accept your guidance and the grace and salvation of Christ.

16/3/2020

Day 20 – WISDOM

Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong. – Proverbs 2:12-15

Father in this dark world where evil reigns, show everyone the light of your son. Help us learn from Him and push back the darkness in JESUS NAME!!!

17/3/2020

Day 21 – PEACE

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ear to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the path of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. – Proverbs 2:1-8

God, let the peace found in your Word give understanding to lost boys everywhere. 

 

On the 18th of March, my own demons of sin, worthlessness and suicide overwhelmed me. I was admitted to hospital where I fought my own battle with the enemy.

 

19/3/2020

Day 23 – HOME

Sorry all, I missed yesterday. I’ve got a new mission field.

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that hour. – Matthew 8:13 

Lord, in our weakness give us strength to believe Lost Boys will return to you. May they come home to the safety of your loving arms.

20/3/2020

Day 24 – REPENTANCE

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ – Luke 15:20-21

Heavenly Father, may a wave of confession sweep over this nation. May it bring healing and find many lost boys in JESUS NAME!!!

 

On the 20th of March I was transferred to the mental health ward for observation, even though the Lord had helped me fight off the enemy.

I had a great time there though. It was scary at first but I had my bible. On Saturday I read all of Mark, Sunday all of John, Monday all of Luke, and all of Matthew on Tuesday. I always had my bible with me, sleeping with it right beside me.

Throughout those days I shared prayer and bible reading with a few nurses, read some Psalms with other patients and on Tuesday morning a care worker sat with me as I read her the first half of Matthew. I shared the Roman Road and the gospel with her, asking if she wanted to accept Jesus Christ. She declined, but I pray that someone else will water the seed of God’s Word in her heart.

On Tuesday afternoon, I was cleared to visit home, before being released on Wednesday afternoon, after reading all of Acts that morning.

 

24/3/2020

Day 28 – LIFE

Sorry guys, the mission God’s given me in hospital is amazing! Such a great harvest, pray I speak for him. But I am separated from my phone mostly.

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. – Phillipians 1:21

Father, your arms hold the universe. Let us not fear losing our life and boldly fight for Christ.

25/3/2020

Day 29 – EXPOSURE

Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness, instead, expose them. – Ephessians 5:11

God, may the evil of lust be gone from here. Get lost!
May ruined lives be forgiven and minds be renewed as they learn to know their creator.

26/3/2020

Day 30 – PAIN

Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions. – Psalm 119:136

Father, how can people live without you. May we feel your pain for the lost. Please work in people’s hearts and call them back to you. For the glory of JESUS CHRIST!!!

27/3/2020

Day 31 – PLEASURE

I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire! So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless-like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. – Ecclesiastes 2:8-11

Father, help us to look beyond our greed, pride and pleasure. Turn our eyes to you, O God enthroned in heaven. Help us see the sacrifice of Christ and find our meaning in JESUS NAME!!!

28/3/2020

Day 32 – DEATH

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23

Our own sin means we die, how much pain then when someone else sins and we die for it?

Father, help us to see like you and feel your pain. But may we never forget your eternal grace. Please convict us of our sin and drive us to you.

29/3/2020

Day 33 – FALL

So now, my sons, listen to me. Never stray from what I am about to say: Stay away from her! Don’t go near the door of her house! If you do, you will lose your honour and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved. – Proverbs 5:7-9

O God of Israel, help us guard against the draw of lust. For those who have fallen, show your mercy and pull them out. May there be a day without pornographic traps.

30/3/2020

Day 34 – IDOLS

Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. – Psalm 119:37

This verse is very special in my heart. In meditating on it and reading it a lot, I started to see the stuff in my life as worthless idols. God’s Word became my source of life, my delight. And my idols just faded away.

Lord God, in this world where it is so easy to look everywhere but your word, give us a love and desire for Your Word. Turn our eyes to you and let our idols fade in JESUS NAME!!!

31/3/2020

Day 35 – EXPECT

O LORD, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. – Psalm 5:1-3

O Lord, you are moving. Thank you for everything you are doing today. May you continue to draw lost boys and lost souls to yourself, for your glory.

1/4/2020

Day 36 – PREACH

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom. Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. – 2 Timothy 4:1-4

Our Father in Heaven, may your Kingdom come and your will be done. Work in hearts and minds during this time. Direct everyone to your word and may we open ourselves to your truth.

2/4/2020

Day 37 – FAITHFUL

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. – 2 Timothy 4:7

Father, as we approach the final day, may we sprint to the finish line and stand in awe of what you’ve done, knowing we have kept the faith. O Lord please inspire a generation of faith filled boys and men in JESUS NAME!!!

3/4/2020

Day 38 – EARTH

May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favour on us.
May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere. May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Let the whole world sing for joy, because you govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world.
May the nations praise you, O God. Yes, may all the nations praise you. Then the earth will yield its harvests, and God, our God, will richly bless us. Yes, God will bless us, and people all over the world will fear him. – Psalm 67

O God, you deserve all the glory. When the darkness engulfs us, You shine brighter! You break every chain of the enemy, exposing his lies, crushing his head and claiming victory! Now is the time for us to claim that victory in JESUS NAME!!!

We claim reconciliation for Australia, an army of warriors fighting on their knees, healing and restoration of families, a return of prodigals, an end to the sexualisation of culture and FAITH in JESUS CHRIST, SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD!!! 

4/4/2020

Day 39 – FOLLOW

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
I have tried hard to find you–don’t let me wander from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.
I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.
I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.
I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. – Psalm 119:9-16

Father, I thank you so much for your word. Through it we can see your heart for humanity, your love, your peace and your salvation. Lord may we be obedient to your word and always eager to follow you.

5/4/2020

Day 40 – CHRIST

I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
So we tell others about Christ, warning and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God gives us. We want to present them perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. – Colossians 1:24-29

In the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour, we bless the boys, teenagers, young men and men of Australia, may the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favour and give you his peace.

 

In the lead up to the campaign and during I kept my ears open for songs that reflected the campaign. 

 

And finally a song of praise and worship to our God.

I’ve been reminded of the song ‘Give Us Clean Hands’ this morning and Lord, I pray it and sing it over this nation.

 

At 12:10am on the 6th of April, a couple of friends and I broke the fast, praying that God would look mercifully on our offering of devotion and dedication. We were all once lost boys, and many of us still struggle and it’s only by the grace of God that we have life. All thanks go to Him.

O LORD, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants!
Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good.
Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory.
And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! – Psalm 90:13-17