30 Weeks of Prayer
This year, our church and school community is committing to pray intentionally for 30 weeks about the future of Bell Shoals Academy and the Unrivaled Campaign.
WHY IS PRAYER IMPORTANT?
We pray because it is our lifeline to God—the way we draw near to Him, seek His guidance, and experience His presence. Prayer is not just about presenting requests, but about aligning our hearts with His will, listening to His voice, and trusting His plan. Through prayer we find strength in weakness, peace in uncertainty, and joy in knowing that we are heard by the God who loves us. It deepens our faith, reminds us of our dependence on Him, and empowers us to live boldly for His glory.
THE HILLS WE DIE ON
These six convictions shape who we are as Christ-followers. They are not just ideas we agree with but truths we are committed to living out in our daily lives. As we look ahead to the future of our community, our 30 weeks of prayer will center on these priorities.
Aggressive Authenticity
We don't speak in catch phrases. We believe the gospel is real. Redemption is real. Authentic change is available for all who seek it.
Relatable Truth
We believe that truth matters and is applicable to our lives. We seek to communicate truth in a way in which everyone can experience God’s best.
Unwavering Unity
We believe in peace over preference. We unite on the main things and seek peace, unity, and understanding on all things secondary.
Community Minded
We believe in being a blessing to our community with the goal of developing long-term relationships that build bridges to gospel conversations.
Bold Moves
We have a big God that does big things. We believe in bold moves and aggressive action for the sake of the gospel.
Fearless Generosity
We believe in giving freely because we are called to do so. We are generous with our time, money, and efforts in order to pursue and propel the movement of the local gospel.
Aggressive Authenticity
October 6 - November 3
Week 1 – Identity in Christ
This week we are praying that every student, family, and leader at Bell Shoals will be grounded in their true identity in Christ. Galatians 2:20 reminds us that our old life has been crucified with Him and that the life we now live is by faith in the Son of God who loves us and gave Himself for us. We are asking God to help us live confidently in this truth, allowing Christ’s life within us to shape who we are and how we live.
“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20 (CSB)
Week 2 – Freedom
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will experience the true freedom that comes from knowing Jesus. John 8:32 reminds us that when we know the truth of God’s Word, the truth sets us free. We are asking God to break the hold of sin, fear, and lies in our lives so that we can walk in the freedom Christ has secured for us and live with confidence in His truth.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 (CSB)
Week 3 – Intentionality
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will live with intentionality in their faith. James 1:22 reminds us that we are not only to hear God’s Word but to put it into practice. We are asking God to help us move beyond passive listening and instead become doers of the Word—living with purpose, acting with obedience, and demonstrating our faith through daily choices that honor Him.Click to edit your text
“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22 (CSB)
Week 4 – Sincerity
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will live with sincere faith and genuine love. Romans 12:9 calls us to let our love be without hypocrisy, to hate what is evil, and to hold on to what is good. We are asking God to help us live authentically—showing integrity in our actions, honesty in our words, and a love for others that reflects the heart of Christ.
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good.” – Romans 12:9 (CSB)
Week 5 – Humility
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will walk in humility, considering the needs of others above their own. Philippians 2:3–4 reminds us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit but in humility to value others as more important than ourselves. We are asking God to shape our hearts with the mindset of Christ so that we live selflessly, serve faithfully, and reflect His love through our actions toward one another.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:3–4 (CSB)
Relatable Truth
November 10 - December 8
Week 6 – Strength
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will rely on God’s strength and not their own. Ephesians 3:20–21 reminds us that He is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to His power that works in us. We are asking God to strengthen us by His Spirit, to give us endurance in challenges, and to help us live in a way that brings Him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations.
“Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20–21 (CSB)
Week 7 – Grace
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will rest in the sufficiency of God’s grace. Second Corinthians 12:9 reminds us that Christ’s power is made perfect in weakness and that His grace is enough for every circumstance we face. We are asking God to teach us to depend on Him in our struggles, to find strength in His presence, and to live as people who extend His grace to others.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (CSB)
Week 8 – Transformation
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will experience the life-changing transformation that comes through Christ. Second Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation—the old has passed away and the new has come. We are asking God to help us embrace this new life, leave behind what does not honor Him, and walk daily in the freedom and renewal He provides.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (CSB)
Week 9 – Purpose
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will live with a clear sense of God’s purpose for their lives. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that the Lord has plans for our good, plans for our future, and plans filled with hope. We are asking God to give us confidence in His promises, clarity in His calling, and courage to step into the purposes He has prepared for us.
“For I know the plans I have for you—this is the Lord’s declaration—plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (CSB)
Week 10 – Foundation
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will build their lives on the firm foundation of God’s Word. Psalm 119:105 reminds us that Scripture is a lamp for our feet and a light on our path. We are asking God to help us rely on His Word for wisdom, direction, and strength so that every decision we make and every step we take is guided by His truth.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (CSB)
Unwavering Unity
December 15 - January 12
Week 11 – Compassion
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will grow in compassion, loving others as God calls us to. Matthew 22:39 reminds us of the second greatest commandment: to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are asking God to open our eyes to the needs around us, to give us hearts that reflect His kindness, and to help us act with mercy and love in every relationship.
“The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:39 (CSB)
Week 12 – Partnership
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will walk in unity and partnership with one another through Christ. First John 1:7 reminds us that if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. We are asking God to strengthen our fellowship, deepen our trust in one another, and build a spirit of partnership that reflects the light of Christ to the world.
“If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” – 1 John 1:7 (CSB)
Week 13 – Growth
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will grow in spiritual maturity and stand firm in their faith. Ephesians 4:14–15 reminds us that we are not to be like children tossed by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching, but instead to speak the truth in love and grow in every way into Christ, who is the head. We are asking God to help us mature in understanding, deepen in love, and become more like Christ in all things.
“Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.” – Ephesians 4:14–15 (CSB)
Week 14 – Guidance
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will look to the Lord for wisdom and direction in every part of life. Psalm 25:5 reminds us to ask God to guide us in His truth and teach us, for He is the God of our salvation, and our hope is in Him all day long. We are asking God to lead us on the right path, to align our hearts with His will, and to help us trust Him fully as we follow His guidance.
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; I wait for you all day long.” – Psalm 25:5 (CSB)
Week 15 – Proclamation
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will boldly proclaim the message of Christ. Colossians 1:28 reminds us that we proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. We are asking God to give us courage to share the gospel, wisdom to teach His truth with clarity, and passion to see others grow in maturity as followers of Jesus.
“We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” – Colossians 1:28 (CSB)
Community Minded
January 19 - February 16
Week 16 – Obedience
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will respond to God’s call with willing hearts and obedient lives. Isaiah 6:8 reminds us of the prophet’s response when he heard the Lord’s voice: “Here I am. Send me.” We are asking God to give us ears to hear His direction, courage to follow wherever He leads, and faith to step forward in obedience to His will.
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking: Who will I send? Who will go for us? I said: Here I am. Send me.” – Isaiah 6:8 (CSB)
Week 17 – Stewardship
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will faithfully use the gifts and resources God has entrusted to them. First Peter 4:10 reminds us that just as each person has received a gift, we are to use it to serve others as good stewards of the grace of God. We are asking God to help us recognize the unique gifts He has given, to use them with generosity and wisdom, and to glorify Him by serving one another well.
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” – 1 Peter 4:10 (CSB)
Week 18 – Action
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will live out their faith through action by obeying the Great Commission. Matthew 28:18–20 reminds us that all authority has been given to Jesus, and He commands us to go, make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to obey everything He has commanded. We are asking God to give us boldness to go, compassion to reach others, and commitment to live as disciple-makers who carry the hope of Christ into the world.
“Jesus came near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” – Matthew 28:18–20 (CSB)
Week 19 – Kindness
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will reflect Christ’s kindness in how they welcome and treat others. Romans 15:7 reminds us to accept one another just as Christ has accepted us, bringing glory to God. We are asking God to shape our community into one marked by kindness, hospitality, and grace, so that others may see His love through us.
“Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.” – Romans 15:7 (CSB)
Week 20 – Courage
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will live with courage that comes from trusting in God’s presence. Joshua 1:9 reminds us to be strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged, because the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. We are asking God to replace fear with faith, to strengthen us for the challenges ahead, and to give us confidence to follow Him boldly.
“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (CSB)
Bold Moves
February 23 - March 23
Week 21 – Vision
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will trust God fully for vision and direction. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not rely on our own understanding, but in all our ways submit to Him, and He will make our paths straight. We are asking God to give us clarity for the future, wisdom in decision-making, and faith to follow His leading as He directs our steps.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5–6 (CSB)
Week 22 – Wisdom
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will seek and receive wisdom from God in every circumstance. James 1:5 reminds us that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to them. We are asking God to guide our thoughts, shape our decisions, and grant us discernment that reflects His truth and honors Him.
“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5 (CSB)
Week 23 – Surrender
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will live with hearts fully surrendered to God’s will. Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are higher than our ways. We are asking God to help us lay down our plans, trust His greater wisdom, and submit to His purposes, knowing that His ways lead to life and hope.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways. This is the Lord’s declaration. For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8–9 (CSB)
Week 24 – Peace
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will experience the peace of God in every situation. Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us not to worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, to present our requests to God. When we do, His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We are asking God to quiet our fears, calm our anxieties, and fill us with His perfect peace.
“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6–7 (CSB)
Week 25 – Confidence
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will live with confidence that comes from God’s Spirit. Second Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. We are asking God to strengthen us with courage, fill us with His love, and give us steady minds so that we can follow Him boldly and without fear.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (CSB)
Fearless Generosity
March 30 - April 27
Week 26 – Providence
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will trust in God’s perfect provision and care. Genesis 22:14 reminds us that Abraham called the place “The Lord Will Provide,” because God had supplied the sacrifice in place of Isaac. We are asking God to deepen our faith in His providence, to help us rely on Him for every need, and to remember that He is faithful to provide in His timing and according to His plan.
“And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said: ‘It will be provided on the Lord’s mountain.’” – Genesis 22:14 (CSB)
Week 27 – Blessing
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will live generously and experience the blessing that comes from obedience to God. Deuteronomy 15:10 reminds us to give freely and not let our hearts be grudging, for the Lord promises to bless the work of our hands in all that we do. We are asking God to cultivate in us a spirit of generosity, to make us a blessing to others, and to show His favor as we walk faithfully with Him.
“Give to him, and don’t have a stingy heart when you give, and because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you do.” – Deuteronomy 15:10 (CSB)
Week 28 – Joy
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will live with joy that flows from giving and from walking closely with Christ. Second Corinthians 9:7 reminds us that each person should give what they have decided in their heart, not reluctantly or out of compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. We are asking God to fill our community with joy in generosity, joy in service, and joy in reflecting His heart to the world.
“Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7 (CSB)
Week 29 – Abundance
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will experience the abundant life and blessings that come from living generously. Luke 6:38 reminds us that when we give, it will be given back to us in full measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. We are asking God to help us trust His promise of abundance, to give freely from what He has provided, and to live with open hands that reflect His generous heart.
“Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” – Luke 6:38 (CSB)
Week 30 – Eternal Impact
This week we are praying that our students, families, and leaders will live with eternity in mind, investing in what will last forever. Matthew 6:19–21 reminds us not to store up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, but to store up treasures in heaven, for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. We are asking God to help us live generously, to seek His kingdom above all else, and to make choices that leave an eternal impact for His glory.
“Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19–21 (CSB)