Praise God for being our advocate, protector, and redeemer. Pray for God to grant us strength to endure and persevere the hatred of the world we experience for His name’s sake. Ask Him to grow our faith in and dependence upon Him. Thank Him for sending His Son, Jesus, to be our mediator and rescuer.

This week we are praying for the Greater Birmingham Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Brook Hills member, Theresa Chamblee, who is the FCA Area Representative for serving middle school and high school female athletes and coaches. The Greater Birmingham FCA aims to lead every coach and athlete in Jefferson and Shelby County schools into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church by engaging, equipping, and empowering coaches and athletes on their campus, in their communities, and through sports camps. We’re also praying this week for Philadelphia Baptist Church and Pastor Cory Varden.

Day 1: Pray for the students and coaches that made life-changing decisions this summer to grow in their faith as a result of FCA’s various camps. Pray that each of them would connect with a local church.

Day 2: Pray for the Christ followers who serve as coaches in our area to be strong and consistent in their witness with their student athletes and peers on their respective campuses. 

Day 3: Pray for the Christ followers who are student athletes in our area to be a light in their locker rooms and on their playing fields as they use the platform of influence they have been given by the Lord. Pray that others will follow Jesus because of their influence.

Day 4: Pray for the generous donors and volunteers of FCA. Pray that they will know the importance of their partnership in the spread of the gospel in our area, as well as the gratitude of the FCA staff as they serve together. Pray for the Lord to raise up more individuals to become friends of FCA, whether as volunteers, character coaches, donors, or staff.

Day 5: Pray for the FCA staff and their families as they continue to be messengers of the gospel. Pray for wisdom and discernment as they work to develop relationships with coaches and others in leadership positions at schools across our area. Pray for a hedge of protection around them as they minister in the Birmingham area.

Day 6: Pray for more opportunities for FCA to come alongside additional coaches and athletes. Pray that the opportunities to either introduce them to the love of Jesus or to encourage them in the growth of their faith are abundant.

This week we are praying for the citizens of Louisiana as they recover from this week’s storm. Hurricane Ida made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, about 100 miles south of New Orleans. The storm has killed several people, inflicted significant damage, and created severe flooding that remains an ongoing threat for the region. Many are without power, and the people of Louisiana are trying to begin the recovery process once again. Join us in praying for the people of Louisiana and for our Crisis Relief partners, Samaritan’s Purse, as they serve the community by deploying relief teams to this area of Louisiana.

Day 1: Pray for those who are suffering due to the loss of life and property in Louisiana. Pray for God to be merciful to them and comfort them in their time of need.

Day 2: Pray for God to provide for the needs of those who have been affected by the storm. Pray for the surrounding communities to show grace and kindness to those in need. 
  
Day 3: Pray for the first responders and those who are on the ground serving in these communities. 

Day 4: Pray for God’s provision for ongoing relief efforts.

Day 5: Pray for our partners at Samaritan’s Purse as they come alongside those in the hardest hit communities who need help with clearing trees, debris, and clean-up for their home and property. Pray for the gospel to be on display and for many to find comfort as they are served by these teams. 

Day 6: Pray for those who have been affected by Hurricane Ida and do not know Christ. Pray for God to give them the opportunity to hear the gospel and find refuge in Christ, who gives life and who is peace in the storm.