We are so excited to be an official host church for this year’s Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. On one night, hundreds of churches of different denominations from all over the world will come together to celebrate people with special needs! To find out how you can be a part of this worldwide movement, talk to Danielle Moskop, Frances Deaton, or Debbie DeGeare, or call Melissa McAlpine at 636-586-2472.
To learn more and see all the churches that are a part of this worldwide movement, check out www.timtebowfoundation.org.
In the midst of our planning for this huge event, please remember to pray! Here are some guidelines for praying for Night to Shine over the next few weeks.
WEEK ONE
JANUARY 15 – JANUARY 22, 2023
…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1b-3
PRAYER FOCUS: CHURCH UNITY
Sunday (1/15): The body of Christ is composed of many members. We may not always agree on everything, but that doesn’t make one person or church better than another. We need each and every person, just as a body can’t function well without every single part! Please pray that the Night to Shine churches, representing over thirty-five denominations, would reach across denominational “lines” and seek to glorify God together through this event.
Monday (1/16): A common problem Christians struggle with is pride and self-righteousness. The truth is, we are all on a level playing field as each of us is saved ONLY by Jesus’s sacrifice. Please pray that we would be completely humble and strive to “out-do” one another in showing honor.
Tuesday (1/17): Scripture tells us that the world will know we are Christians by our love for one another. Jesus set us the perfect example of love by laying down His life for us and the church is called to do likewise. Please pray that God’s people would spur one another on toward love and good deeds, loving each other deeply and sincerely.
Wednesday (1/18): There is strength in numbers… a house divided against itself cannot stand. Please pray that churches will keep first things first: Jesus Christ exalted and lifted up. Pray that God’s people would not get bogged down with differences and instead pursue peace, being of one heart and mind.
PRAYER FOCUS: PASTORS
Thursday (1/19): Being the shepherd of a flock is a huge responsibility, and there are many burdens to bear. Please pray that all Night to Shine pastors would be encouraged as they lead others in following Jesus. Please also pray that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit as they welcome the honored guests and their families into the fellowship of the body of Christ.
Friday (1/20): With the eyes of so many watching, the enemy likes to bring down those in spiritual leadership. Please pray that the pastors would be shielded from the attack of the enemy and the desires of the flesh, and be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Pray that they would live lives of purity, humility, love and honor.
Saturday (1/21): The message of the Gospel is life changing! Please pray that the Holy Spirit would empower these pastors to boldly and effectively share the Gospel message and that many would come to a saving knowledge of the truth.
WEEK TWO
JANUARY 22 – JANUARY 28, 2023
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24
PRAYER FOCUS: EVENT COORDINATORS AND TEAMS
Sunday (1/22): Prom night is in less than 3 weeks! There are so many details to coordinate between now and then, and it can be overwhelming at times. Please pray for peace and that all the pieces will fall in place for this special night, according to God’s will.
Monday (1/23): Please pray for creativity and wisdom in the planning process. There are many decisions to be made regarding flow, timing, decorating, supplies and a myriad of other things! Please pray for discernment in the scheduling and organization of all the plans.
Tuesday (1/24): Hosting a prom is a big job and can be exhausting at times. Please pray that everyone involved in planning Night to Shine would find their strength in Christ, resting and abiding in Him. Also, please pray for protection from spiritual attack for all aspects of Night to Shine.
Wednesday (1/25): It is said that many hands make light work… which is true. But at times, lots of different personalities working together on a project can also lead to conflict. Please pray that all Night to Shine teams would experience supernatural unity and harmony, and that they would sharpen each other to become more like Christ through this process.
PRAYER FOCUS: VENDORS, BUSINESSES,SPONSORS, AND MEDIA
Thursday (1/26): Each vendor, business, sponsor, and media outlet is bringing something unique to the table, and for some, there are a lot of details and timing to coordinate. Please pray that everything would go smoothly as they gather supplies, and accurately promote Night to Shine. Pray that they would have generous hearts, and that each Night to Shine prom and church would have favor in the community.
Friday (1/27): God has given each person different gifts and expertise. Please pray that God would guide the minds of those involved and give them creativity as they plan how to make things special for each honored guest. Also, pray that God would guide the hands of the vendors as they prepare, set up, and serve with their unique gifts.
Saturday (1/27): Please pray for those who are supporting or donating out of the kindness of their hearts, but have never come to a knowledge of the truth. Pray that they would come to know Jesus as their Savior through their exposure to this event and their interactions with the body of Christ.
WEEK THREE
JANUARY 29 – FEBRUARY 4, 2023
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:13-14
PRAYER FOCUS: VOLUNTEERS
Sunday (1/29): It is truly incredible to see how many people step up to help with Night to Shine. Please pray that their motives would be pure and that they would be helping for the right reasons. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would fill each volunteer with God’s love and that they would shower it lavishly upon the honored guests.
Monday (1/30): Prom night is so fun, and it can be easy to get distracted with all the festivity. Please pray that volunteers would stay focused on serving God by creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement for the honored guests, making them feel like royalty.
Tuesday (1/31): There is such variety in the types of special needs people have. Please pray that the volunteers would have wisdom and creativity in meeting the specific needs of each different guest.
PRAYER FOCUS: HONORED GUESTS
Wednesday (2/1): Each honored guest is such a gift to this world! Please pray that they would grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ for them, that they would know this love that surpasses knowledge—and that they may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Thursday (2/2): Please pray for any fears or insecurities these special guests may have, and that they would rejoice and celebrate how God designs and makes each one of us different and perfect for His purposes! Please pray that they would be inspired to serve God with their unique gifts, talents, and stories.
Friday (2/3): Many of the guests who come to prom have health or medical issues. Please pray for complete healing and strengthening of their bodies, and pray that nothing would hinder those from coming whom God wants to be there.
Saturday (2/4): In some countries, people with special needs are viewed as cursed and lesser in value. Please pray against the persecution endured by these precious ones and that the Holy Spirit would change the culture and hearts and in those countries to see the God-given value of all people. Please pray that each one of the honored guests’ lives, both here and abroad, would be a picture and testimony of the greatness of God, for His glory alone!
WEEK FOUR
FEBRUARY 5 – FEBRUARY 11, 2023
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters,
Philippians 4:4-8
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
PRAYER FOCUS: PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
Sunday (2/5): It breaks our hearts when we hear stories of how families of those with special needs are sometimes not able or welcome to attend church. Please pray that they would feel at home in the church body and loved by God’s people.
Monday (2/6): Please pray that the Holy Spirit would strengthen these families and give them a special measure of grace to continue the sometimes difficult journey of caring for a person with special needs. Pray that they would know how much their acts of sacrifice, love and service matter, and that they would not grow weary in doing good.
Tuesday (2/7): Prom night is a night where parents and caregivers can get a break and get special treatment themselves. Please pray that they would be refreshed both physically and spiritually.
PRAYER FOCUS: EVENT WEEK AND EVENT DAY
Wednesday (2/8): It’s crazy to think of the tens of thousands of people globally who will be traveling to attend a prom! Please pray that God would protect each person as they travel to and from the event, including Tim and the TTF staff. Also, being February, many states experience inclement weather at this time of year. Please pray that the weather would be beautiful on prom day and that the roads would be clear.
Thursday (2/9): It’s go time! Please pray for extra energy for all the teams and coordinators, and that every detail would fall in place perfectly and at the perfect time. May God be glorified in everything!
Friday (2/10): What a day to celebrate! Please pray that God would fill all those involved with joy bubbling over in their souls, and that the Gospel would be lived out boldly. May God’s glory be on display for all to see tonight!
Saturday (2/11): Praise God for His goodness and faithfulness! His mighty works displayed for all to see last night. Blessed be His great and holy name!