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Focus

72 Hours of Prayer for the USA: 15–18 May

Intention

To empower every believer to understand that we are all commissioned, empowered and sent to share the mystery of Jesus.

Scripture

“Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:
Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.

He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.

He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.”

– 1 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)

Reflection

In these few short words, Paul shares God’s whole story for the whole of creation. Summing everything up in the great mystery of Christ’s incarnation, this mystery is then seen, announced and believed in, throughout the whole world.

For the first disciples, witnessing God’s momentous power on display during those 50 days from Passover to Pentecost would have shaken them to the core. They were eyewitnesses to the crucifixion of Jesus, his resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Navigating the disappointment and despair of the cross, the staggering reality of his resurrection, and the revelation of the risen Christ, would have been an intensely disorienting experience. Their emotions swayed between fear and wonder, disbelief and awe. Then they were told to stay put and wait to be “clothed with power” — to await the arrival of the Holy Spirit.

Today, we can easily look back to the cross and stay there, but for each of us, this is only the beginning. It was the same for the first disciples when Jesus left them, ascending to the Father.

When the Holy Spirit came, the “mystery” was unveiled and announced to the nations. A new chapter began for the disciples as Jesus commissioned them into his mission.

Sending them as the Father had sent him, he now sends us — inviting us, challenging us to follow him into the spaces where he is already at work. Just as Jesus commissioned the first disciples, he commissions us into his mission — that everyone, everywhere, would know him.

Here we are. 2,000 years has past, but the mission and Jesus’ empowerment to fulfil it hasn’t changed. When we gather as disciples and pray for our five friends, Jesus turns up in power. He breathes his Holy Spirit upon us and commissions us. We hear the same thunderous whisper: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

Video

Prayer

Father, here we are. Like the disciples of that day, we sway between fear and wonder, disbelief and awe. Yet here we are — here to pray, here to be clothed with power, here to go.

Thank you for the great mystery of faith that has been birthed in our hearts. Let your mystery be unveiled! Let what is hidden be proclaimed. Let Christ be seen.

Lord, let your mystery become clear to those near me. Show me where you are working and to whom you are revealing yourself. Help me to share with power and lead me by your Holy Spirit.

As I feel you breathe deep in my soul and hear your commission, I say yes.

Here I am — send me.

Author Bio

Dave Lawton and his wife, Colleen, are the founders of Praxeis, with Dave serving as the National Director. Previous to serving in this role with Praxeis, Dave was on the pastoral team and board of Crossway Baptist Church in Melbourne for 10 years.

Dave teaches on Disciple Making Movements (DMM) in Australia and in other nations. He is gifted in leadership, preaching, teaching, and encouraging others. Dave has a passion for the Church and mission here in Australia and around the world.

Prayer Points for Five4Five 2026

1. Five people to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20

2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47

3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

We invite you to support this campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to faith in Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ.

Join us for 72 hours of continuous prayer for spiritual awakening in the USA and Australia on Zoom:

DATES: Friday, 15 May to Monday, 18 May

BEGINNING TIME: 12 pm AEST on Friday; 11:30 am ACST; 10 am AWST

ENDING TIME: 12 pm AEST on Monday; 11:30 am ACST; 10 am AWST

ZOOM URL LINK: zoom.us/j/776881184

ZOOM TUTORIAL: youtube.com/watch?v=pAMDxH_H_Cs

View all Five4Five 2026 devotionals

Daily devotions are brought to you by the Canberra Declaration.

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Image via Adobe.