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God gave us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” As we humbly and diligently seek Him, our own hearts will be changed… and then we’ll see transformation in our families, our communities, our state, and our nation. 1.) Pray for FAMILIES “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark 3:25 • Pray for a return to traditional, Biblical family values, esteeming the things which God sees as important - especially the values of faith, life, truth, and freedom. (Job 22:21-22) • Pray for renewed passion and obedience to the Biblical view of marriage. (Gen 1:27) • Pray for a return to the Biblical mandate for parents to train their own children up in the fear of the Lord, instead of leaving the responsibility to others. (Prov 22:6) • Pray for the re-establishment of strong, healthy relationships between parents and children, between siblings, and between extended families, and multiple generations. (Mal 4:5-6) • Pray for unity and love in individual families, causing them to reach out to serve and offer hospitality; (Rom 12:9-13); Pray families will have eyes to see those who need help and encouragement. 2.) Pray for FREEDOM “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 • Pray that people will understand that true freedom is found in Christ alone; that freedom is walking unchained from the stain and pain of our sin, living fully forgiven and in complete liberty to live as our Creator designed us. • There are many struggles, injustices, and battles that people are facing today as our freedoms are increasingly being eroded. Thank God for the privilege of growing up where for so long we have enjoyed great liberty and many blessings. • Pray that God would protect our freedoms, that we would each do our part to stand up for our freedoms, and for all those in our nation and around the world who are not so free -- especially for those who are oppressed, persecuted, in bondage, or slavery. • Pray that we would hold the things of this world lightly, knowing that our true citizenship and freedom is in heaven; that we would look to God, not the government or any other systems of this fallen world for our hope. 3.) Pray for THE CHURCH “His intent was that now, through the Church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 3:10 • Pray there would be revival in the Church as individual hearts are changed and renewed with great zeal and commitment to the mission and purpose of Jesus Christ (Matt 22:37) - resulting in an impact on our culture, including our government. • Pray for Unity within and between churches that reveals God’s love to the world. (Jn 17:23) • Pray for a hunger for God’s Word- to read it, study it, memorize it, live it, & obey it; that the Church clearly teaches its absolutes. (Ps 1:1-3) • Pray for Integrity - that God’s people look and act differently from the world. (1 Pet 2:11, 1 Cor. 13:6) • Pray a holy fear of the Lord is realized in the hearts of God’s people (Prov 9:10) and the fear of man would be eradicated from the Church, that we would operate according to God’s standards only. (Isaiah 43:1) 4.) Pray for GOVERNMENT Pray for your leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity. (1 Kings 3:28, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Exodus 18:21, Proverbs 11:3, Romans 13:1-2) • Pray for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government to value one another, respect one another, and work together for the good of our nation, our state, and our communities. • FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: Pray for the President, VP, Cabinet Members, Congress Members, Supreme Court Justices. • STATE GOVERNMENT: Pray for the Governor, Executive Cabinet, Legislators, Michigan Supreme Court Justices and other Judges, Department Heads, State School Board and Superintendent. • LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Pray for your Mayor, City Council, Judges, County & Township Officials, School Board Members. 5.) Pray for MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRST RESPONDERS “He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them…and encouraged them with these words: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him. With him only is the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us & to fight our battles…” 2 Chron. 32:6-8 • Pray for soldiers and officers in all branches of the armed forces, along with our law enforcement officers: police, sheriffs, fire-fighters, Immigration and border patrol, EMTs and paramedics, etc. • Pray for divine protection from the enemy. (Rom 5:1-5) • Pray for courage and dependence on God. (Ps 91) • Pray for perseverance to endure hardship. (Is. 43:2, Deut. 31:6) • Pray for wise leaders who inspire respect from those under their command. (Rom 13:1) • Pray for confidence and vision to persist in the face of negative publicity. (Ps 18:31-39) • Pray for chaplains who are divinely appointed to deliver hope and spiritual strength to those who are struggling. (Prov 4:11) • Pray for courage to share the truth of God’s Word with those they come into contact with. (1 Cor. 15:58) 6.) Pray for MEDIA: ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT “…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.” Philippians 4:8 • Pray that Christians in the arts and media will be bright lights shining in the darkness, finding favor and being filled with creative ideas that bring kingdom principles and life-giving messages of truth. (Prov 2:1-15) • Pray that decision makers within media would realize the need for truth-filled, family-friendly projects. (Prov 8:10-11) • Pray that journalists and reporters would be fair, unbiased, honest and factual in their reporting, and that believers would be discerning of the news, seeking truth, not swayed by emotions. • Pray that journalists, social media influencers, artists, and celebrities will be provided with repeated opportunities to hear and receive salvation. (Prov 8:35) • Pray for doors to open for those who are called to bring the truth of God’s Word via these avenues. (Deut 1:30) 7.) Pray for EDUCATION “If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understand.” Proverbs 2:3-6 • Pray that parents catch a vision for discipleship, embracing their Godgiven role and responsibility to pass on their faith and teach their own children the ways of God. (Deut 6:7, Eph 6:4) • Pray for a return to the teaching of truth and Judeo-Christian ethics, and all subjects from a Biblical worldview. (Ps 1:1-2) • Pray for a safe, undistracted atmosphere conducive to learning. • Pray for excellence in educators & students alike. (Ex 18:20-21) • Pray for opportunities for every student to achieve their full potential. (Phil 1:9) 8.)Pray for a Culture that Values LIFE “I call heaven and earth as my witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days…” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 • Pray against a culture of death that seeks to kill and destroy those who aren’t seen as valuable, wanted, or who have been deemed a burden. • Pray for women facing unwanted pregnancies that they would choose life for their babies, experience help and healing, and that their eyes would be opened to see the precious gift God has given them! May the veil of deception be removed, and their hearts be softened to hear and receive the Truth. • Pray for God to thwart the efforts of abortion workers and industries that seek to take advantage of those in vulnerable positions for their own personal gain. 9.) Pray for TRUTH “The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others…” Psalm 15:2-3 • At the heart of every division is a lie- about who we are, who God is and how we ought to live according to His truth. Pray truth might overcome every falsehood in America today, from distortions in the media to the lies we accept in our daily lives. Pray that the Church sees through and combats these lies and stands strong for truth. • Ask God for reconciliation where there is conflict and brokenness. Pray for people to return to the Truth of the Bible and a restoration of unity and love in the mighty name and power of Jesus. • Pray against “identity politics” that seek to divide our nation even further. The Biblical reply doesn’t deny the reality nor the importance of identities to the human story. It does, however, begin with what unites all humanity—the Imago Dei, we are all created in the image of God. A biblical worldview starts in sameness, not differences. Only the gospel can unite, secure peace, and establish Truth. 10.)Pray for our ECONOMY: BUSINESSES AND TECHNOLOGY “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working…” Exodus 31:3-4 • Pray for integrity among Christians in the marketplace – business owners and employees alike, so that they win the right to be heard. (1 Chron. 29:17) • Pray for impartation of ideas and resources to open principled godly businesses, especially in areas that need an economic boost. (Ps 132:15) • Pray that Christian workers will display Christ-like humility and service to their co-workers, customers, and clients. (Phil 2:3) • Pray for protection and favor over businesses being run according to scriptural principles- that they may be creators of economic blessing and givers to their communities. (Ps 34:7-9) 11.) Pray for our LEADERS in all Areas (in Families, the Church, Government, Business, Education, Media, Military, etc.) “I urge then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people- for kings and all those in authority...” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 • For SALVATION: Pray for the salvation of leaders who have not yet put their faith in Christ, this should be a top priority. Leaders, like all people, need the forgiveness of sins and new life that comes through putting one’s faith in Jesus. (Acts 4:10-12, Jn 14:6, Rom 10:9) • For DIVINE WISDOM: Those in positions of authority and influence are regularly called upon to make very difficult decisions that affect many people. Divine wisdom is available for those who ask God for it (James 1:5). Good decisions will seldom be made without God’s wisdom & direction. (Ps. 111:10, Prov 2). • For DISCERNMENT: Sometimes there is a fine line between a right or a wrong decision. Every day leaders are called upon to decide on issues that may or may not be good for the people they lead and represent. They clearly need the Lord’s guidance and discernment. (I Kings 3:9) • For COURAGE: It is only with courage that leaders can stand up for what’s right and true, and trust that God is the protector and defender of all right decisions, and that He will honor them for their bravery. (2 Sam 10:12). • For PERSEVERANCE: Leaders need prayer to withstand the pressures, tests, and trials that will surely come their way. Even when it seems their careers or businesses may be at stake, they must persevere, not give up, and continue doing what is right. (James 1:2, 2 Tim 4:7) • For HUMILITY: Leaders often have great power, deal with immense sums of money, and can be put up on pedestals or receive special treatment. This can quickly go to their heads and lead to arrogance and pride. Pray that God keeps them on their knees, dependent upon Him, heading His instruction so they may be led by Him and rightly lead others. (1 Pet 5:5, Is 66:2) • For TEACHABILITY: When leaders are wise and resist the temptation of pride, a teachable spirit will be evident. We must all acknowledge that there is always more to learn, and that God has much still to teach us. (Prov 9:9, Eccl 4:13) • For MORAL INTEGRITY: Leaders often face incredibly strong temptations and may be away from their families for long periods with little or no accountability. Pray for them to have strength to resist these temptations that can destroy not only their lives and families, but severely mar their Christian testimony. (Ps 25:21, Is 33:15-16) • For SELF-CONTROL: Leaders regularly face situations and pressures that can cause them to struggle to control their attitudes, actions, and words. They cannot control their circumstances, but they can control their responses, this is essential for their success. (Prov 25:28, 2 Tim 1:7)

There has been a recent push from some members of the homeschooling community to pressure the state legislature to force equal access for homeschoolers to play sports in public schools. Some families feel they pay taxes and should get some return from the public schools (even if they don’t want their child to attend there full-time). I would encourage you to consider some of the reasons homeschooling parents may not actually want to push for their child to play on a public school team, and even more importantly, why involving the legislature is ill-advised. 1. When public school / homeschool partnerships were introduced in Michigan, allowing homeschoolers to have their co-op classes paid for by the local public school system, it ended up killing the majority of existing homeschool support groups and privately funded co-ops in our state. The huge network of homeschool groups that offered multiple levels of support and activities died because it’s hard to compete with “free.” It ended up giving us far less options and choices than before. I think we can safely assume the same thing will happen to our existing homeschool sports leagues here in MI if the public school becomes our go-to for sports as well as co-op classes. 2. In some states, in order to play public school sports, you need to register as a “part-time public school student,” which provides state funding for the local public school. Over time, this would increase the tax burden on citizens in the state as public school enrollment increases. (Perhaps this concern could be addressed in the legislative process by simply not allowing this when an equal access bill is drafted, but it would be a potential concern.) I do not want to increase the reach and power of the public school system by providing it with increased funding that cause our taxes to go even higher. 3. Is the social environment of the public school system something we really want our students to be involved in? Do you as a parent want your child hearing all the locker room talk and being in an environment where filthy and sexually charged language is rampant? While there is no guarantee this could never happen with a homeschool sports team, the likelihood is far less. For girls, they would need to be braced for the fact that they could be forced to play on teams with biological males. Such is the state of the public school system today. 4. The more your child is engaged in the activities of the public school, it becomes his social culture. His teammates become his friends. He is going to be far more eager to attend public school as a full-time student once he is on a team and his friends are pressuring him to go to the school. If you have decided that homeschooling is best for him, do you really want to invite a battle of him wanting to go in a different direction? 5. The public school wants to attract homeschoolers back to their system (because each student in Michigan represents $14,624 (in 2023) and they use bait like free co-op classes and sports to do so (as they often get at least partial funding for homeschooled student who participate in public school classes or activities). Should the government really be our go-to for all of our needs in life? Why can’t we create our own systems and programs without always looking to the government to be our savior and provider? If fact, we can! And we have! We have created an entirely privately-funded system of sports in Michigan and we can continue to expand it. Our privately-funded programs can remain unregulated by government control and political correctness. 6. We have seen in other states that allow equal access for sports scenarios where the entire homeschooling movement gets bad publicity because of homeschoolers being on sports teams. There is always that public school dad who thinks his kid is going to be the next NFL superstar, and his son was bumped off the team by some homeschooler “who thinks he is too good to go to public school.” The accusation is that homeschoolers are elitist, and they don’t want to be part of the normal social life of the public school, but they want to cherry-pick the perks and get benefits without really putting in the work and living the same lifestyle as everyone else. So, having homeschoolers on a public school team can sometimes sour people’s attitudes towards all homeschoolers because of the perceived injustices committed by a few. 7. In Michigan, we are currently in a legislative environment where politicians who support homeschooling are in the minority, so it can be unwise to introduce ANY homeschool legislation at this time because it waves a red flag about our presence to those would like to regulate us. In many situations, out of sight out of mind is best when the political situation is hostile to homeschooling. 8. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) is “a private, not-for-profit corporation of voluntary membership by over 1,500 public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools which exists to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition. No government funds or tax dollars support the MHSAA, which was the first such association nationally to not accept membership dues or tournament entry fees from schools. Member schools that enforce these rules are permitted to participate in MHSAA tournaments, which attract approximately 1.6 million spectators each year.” I have seen petitions floating around on social media asking for the legislature to regulate the MHSAA and force them to allow homeschoolers to play on public school teams. For the government to begin dictating policy to a non-profit is a bad precedent on many levels. We want private schools and homeschools to be able to play against each other’s teams without the government dictating policy about how that happens. As Deanna Ervin, a Michigan homeschool group leader of F.A.I.T.H. in Lapeer, said in a social media post: “(W)e began homeschool sports in our area 19 years ago because we wanted these opportunities for our homeschool children, without the inclusion of the other aspects of public-school indoctrination. Homeschool sports have a fantastic momentum, and the types of sports are continually growing. Scouting at homeschool tournaments has become very real and homeschool athletes are getting the recognition they deserve and even earning scholarships in some cases.” Summary I believe we should continue to support and expand the wonderful homeschooling sports programs in Michigan that are parent-led and parent-directed. This gives us the ultimate freedom to enjoy sports in an environment that encourages our values and does not increase the control and dominance of the government school system as the only option within our state. If homeschoolers can play public school sports, it is almost certain that homeschool teams will disappear as most homeschoolers flock back to the public school teams, which leaves us with less “school choice” than we started with! Do we really want an environment where our only choice is for our kids to play sports on a public school team? As it currently stands, we can begin our games with prayer, we can invite our own sponsors and choose our own schedule. We have freedom and flexibility as homeschoolers in our own leagues because we aren’t regulated by the state. It is for these reasons, as well as others, that we need to be very careful about assuming that equal access for homeschoolers into the public school system will be for the ultimate good and benefit of the broader homeschooling community. Israel Wayne is a homeschooled graduate and homeschooling father of 11 who lives near Kalamazoo, MI. Israel is an author and conference speaker and director of www.FamilyRenewal.org. Disclaimer: Views expressed by guest authors do not necessarily represent those of MiCHN’s leadership team or members of the organization.