What Does It Mean To Be A Ministry?

Happy July, everyone! July is such a wonderful month! Not only is it my birthday month (wink, wink!), but it is also another reminder of God's faithfulness. The Lord has brought us safely through the first half of 2026, and for that we can truly say, "Thank You, Lord!"

If you're new to receiving the weekly FOCUSED Ministries Prayer, welcome to the family! It is both an honor and a blessing to share each week's prayer and word of encouragement with you.

To those who have faithfully journeyed with us over the years, thank you for making time each week to pray alongside us. I never take your commitment for granted. In the midst of life's busy schedules, choosing to intentionally pause, read God's Word, and spend time in prayer speaks volumes about your desire to grow in your relationship with Him. Your faithfulness is a blessing and an encouragement.

Whether you're joining us for the first time or you've been with us from the beginning, I encourage you to take a few moments to explore everything included in our weekly communication. Throughout this newsletter you'll find several helpful links designed to encourage your spiritual growth and keep you connected with what God is doing through FOCUSED Ministries.

Here's what you'll discover:

• The Chronicle - On the first Wednesday of each month, you'll find a featured edition of The Chronicle, the newsletter originally published through the youth ministry of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Evanston, Illinois, under the leadership of the late Bishop Carlis L. Moody, Sr. Since introducing this feature in January, we've enjoyed revisiting these timeless messages. This month's featured article asks an important question: "Do I Really Need Church? Why?"
• FOCUSED Ministries Spotify Playlist - Also available on the first Wednesday of each month, you can access, save, and enjoy our curated Spotify playlist filled with music to encourage your walk with the Lord.
• Our Ministry Website - Visit the FOCUSED Ministries website to read archived blogs, submit prayer requests, listen to previous weekly prayers, and support the ongoing work of the ministry through your generous donations. we are in the process of updating the site, just so you know.
• Prayer of Salvation - If the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart, we invite you to click on the Prayer of Salvation link and pray this life-changing prayer. If you do, please let us know, we would love to celebrate with you and pray alongside you as you begin your journey with Christ.
• Connect With Us - At the bottom of this email you'll find links to all of our social media platforms. We'd love to hear from you, so don't hesitate to reach out and stay connected.
• Our Devotional - We are grateful to share that the prayers of FOCUSED Ministries have been compiled into a devotional! This collection contains many of the prayers we've shared since God called us to this ministry. Copies are available in print, Kindle, and Apple Books (iTunes). We encourage you to order one for yourself and consider purchasing additional copies for your family and friends. We pray it will be a lasting source of encouragement and spiritual growth.
• Family Conferences & Midweek Prayer - Be sure to register for our free Family Conferences and join us each week for our virtual Midweek/Midday Prayer gatherings as we continue seeking God together.

At its heart, this is what ministry is all about, serving others. We believe God has a unique purpose for every life, and it is our privilege at FOCUSED Ministries to serve Him by sharing His Word with everyone who has ears to hear what the Spirit is saying. Our desire is to faithfully proclaim the truth of God's Word while encouraging, equipping, and strengthening believers in their walk with Christ.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your spiritual journey. We pray you are blessed by this week's prayer and word of exhortation, and that you'll take time throughout the week to explore the resources we've made available to you. May the Lord richly bless you, encourage your heart, strengthen your faith, and continue to draw you closer to Him. Grace and peace to you, and once again, Happy July!

Let's pray,

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Ps. 118:24 KJV).

My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together (Ps. 34:2-3 KJV).

Father, thank You for this new day, the day that You have made. We rejoice and are glad in it! Thank You for Your keeping power, Your saving grace, and Your lovingkindness toward us. Your mercy is so great, far greater than we deserve, yet You continue to pour it out upon us because You love us. For this, we simply say, thank You, Lord.

Father, today I lift up Your people everywhere. Your Word declares that You are not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and know You (2 Peter 3:9). Thank You for being patient with us, giving us time, time upon time, and every opportunity to receive the precious gift of salvation through the shed blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the gift of time. Thank You for the gift of salvation. Thank You for loving us so deeply that You gave Your only begotten Son (John 3:16), so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.

Father, I pray for every person reading this prayer today. Whether they are reading it at 12:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., I ask that You would touch them right now, in the mighty name of Jesus. Comfort them as only You can. You know every need, every burden, every desire, every question, and even every hesitation to fully surrender to You. Holy Spirit, minister to every heart. Speak with clarity, bring peace where there is anxiety, hope where there is discouragement, strength where there is weakness, and faith where there is doubt. Let Your presence be undeniable today.

Father, let this day not pass without someone saying "yes" to Your will, Your way, and Your call. Draw hearts to You, transform lives by Your grace, and let Your love be revealed in a fresh and powerful way.

This I pray in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Ministry Update

We are currently on our summer break from our monthly Family Conference, but we look forward to resuming our gatherings this fall. Throughout the summer, be sure to watch for special event announcements and continue praying with us each week. We also invite you to join us every Wednesday for our Virtual Mid-week-Mid-day Prayer as we seek the Lord together, encourage one another, and grow stronger in our faith. We look forward to praying with you!

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If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I pray that as the Lord speaks to your heart today, you will hear and accept His invitation to come to Him. Jesus said, Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (Rev. 3:20 KJV). Click on the link Prayer of Salvation below to accept the invitation. Blessings!