Thirst Preparation 8 Weeks of Prayer
September 29 - Oct 5: The Chaperones and Youth Leaders Please be praying this week over each of the individual leaders accompanying the students to Erie for Thirst. Pray for protection over the leaders’ hearts and lives as they begin the school year wit1h their students. Pray that the next month and a half leading up to Thirst can be a time of growth in relationship between leaders and students. Pray for God-given wisdom and discernment as they help students navigate the events of the upcoming weekend. Pray that the leaders experience a refreshing of their callings to love on these students for as long as they are with them. Take a moment to thank God for leaders like this in your life. Pray that they may continue to lead well. 
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October 6 - 12 :  The Finances Please pray this week over the Thirst Youth Convention budget as well as the students’. For any student who is struggling financially, pray for provision to come to Erie. Pray that their families be financially blessed. Pray that money not be an issue for the student who is longing to meet with Jesus. Pray that God multiplies our meager offerings in advance. Pray over the calculated spending from leaders, students, and families. Pray that our planning budget be exactly what it needs to be. Pray for wisdom in spending and allocating funds for the weekend. Consider setting aside a portion of your own income this week as an offering or gift towards the work being done in Erie for Thirst. Bring it with you that weekend and pray for wisdom on where to use it. 

October 13 - 19: The Keynote Speaker  Please be praying this week over the Keynote Speaker. Pray over their time with the Lord as they seek HIs face and will in preparation for the weekend set before them. Pray for clarity of thought and peace of mind. Pray for their courage to share the truth of the written word- alive and breathing. Pray that they be filled by the Holy Spirit and submissive to the lead of the Father. Pray for protection over the speaker’s family, travel arrangements, health, and finances. Take this week to reflect when you have been impacted by the keynote speaker of a retreat you’ve been on and offer the Lord gratitude for His movement through them. 
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October 20 - 26: Breakout Sessions Please be praying this week over the breakout sessions that are to take place during the youth convention. Pray over each of the leaders leading the sessions- that they have heard from heaven and are sharing boldly what needs to be shared with these students. Pray that the conversations had in those rooms be loving and uplifting (even if the topics are hard-hitting). Pray that the breakout sessions be so impactful that we see and feel a fresh wind through the convention center. Pray that the conversations are exactly what the students need to receive. Take some time to reflect on the breakout sessions that have most impacted your walk with Christ. Pray for that kind of movement in our sessions. 

October 27 - November 2: The Band  Please be praying this week over the band that is ushering in the presence of God while at Thirst. Pray that is exactly what happens. Pray that the band may focus on the outpouring of their gifts for the students who have come for the weekend. Pray that their gifts and talents may bear witness to the God we serve. Pray that they may be a source of relationship for the students. Pray the band is reminded that is not a concert but an opportunity to gather and worship as one unified body. Pray they may lead well. Take this week to listen to the band’s music and pray over the message of their songs. Pray that their gifts speak to the students- through the words and melody of their praise. 

November 3 - November 9:  The Bayfront Please be praying over the Bayfront Convention Center. Take some time this week to thank the Lord for blessing us with a consistent meeting place- a place that evokes life change. Pray over the staff who will be working all weekend to ensure our best experience. Pray that our leadership and kindness may witness to each staff member we interact with. Pray that the hotel staff is filled with patience as they interact with leaders and students. Pray over the main worship space- that it continues to be a sanctuary for our students this year and years to come. Pray over the halls and the bathrooms. Pray that the Bayfront be a safe place for the students- a place that helps breaks down walls and build up relationships. Pray for the continuation of our partnership with the convention center. 

November 10-16: The Students Pray this week over the students. Pray over those that are seasoned believers- that their wisdom may grow and their faith strengthened. Pray over the new believer and the doubting student- that they may get a glimpse of who Christ is and choose to walk a little deeper with Him. Pray for the student who has no idea what this weekend is, who drug their feet in coming- that their curiosity grows and have an encounter with the Most High God. Pray for preparation. Pray over the students' relationships- families, friends, significant others. Pray for excitement. Pray for focus. Pray for an open mind. Pray for hard conversations to take place. Pray that these students show up to receive something greater than themselves. Pray for clarity and direction. Pray for conviction. Pray for honesty and a holy discontent. Pray for an increasing hunger. Pray that they turn towards the wooing of their souls. Pray for revealed passions and purpose. Pray for encouragement. Pray over the forming of relationships between peers and other churches. Pray for a greater unity between these young believers. These students need someone to believe in them- be that person by praying all of this and more. And point them to the One who created them. Pray they see Jesus. 

November 17-24: The Attacks of the Enemy and Returning Home Pray this final week to keep the enemy at bay. Pray against anything that may be used to stop this weekend- weather conditions, finances, relationships, self-doubt, etc. Pray for such a breakthrough of young people on fire for God, that the enemy is left shaking in his boots. Pray against neigh-sayers. Pray against the spirits of fear, chaos, and confusion. Declare in the name of Jesus that the enemy has no hold or power over the weekend of November 17th at the Bayfront Convention Center. Pray against the noise that floods these students’ minds. Pray that as these students come and hear this weekend, that they can return home safely. Pray for their fire to stay hot and strong. Pray against the attacks of the enemy as we all head back into the routine of life. Pray that whatever happens at Thirst for our students may not be stifled by a single soul. This week, claim the victory in advance.