We've certainly seen this week that there is much mission work left to be done in Europe. Today we find out a few more specifics. Please read "The Unfinished Task in Europe" on page 81, then return here for prayer.
Re-evangelization. It's a term you may never have heard before, and it's a sad commentary of Hope abandoned. A study of Scripture and church history shows this truth to be clearly evident: a church that is not biblical and missional will ultimately die even if it takes a few generations. God didn't intend the church to be self-absorbed; instead, we are to be outward-looking, always seeking to advance against the kingdom of darkness. Matthew 16:18 is often interpreted as referring to a passive church, as if the church is being protected from attacks by the gates of hell. The orginal language, however, places the action on the side of the church - meaning that the gates of hell will not stand against a church that is moving forward against the gates of hell. The Aramaic Bible in Plain English captures the tense the best of any I've seen: “Also I say to you, that you are Kaypha, and upon this stone I shall build my
church, and the gates of Sheol will not withstand it.” As the church closes in on the gates of hell, spiritual warfare becomes real as the flames last out - but we have God's promise of ultimate victory!
Today, as we wrap up our time "in" Europe, let me encourage you to seek God
specifically for your part in His plan for this continent. If you've been
quickened by these needs, perhaps God would have you commit to praying, giving,
or going to Europe. A few resources to get you started follow my prayer
for today.
My prayer for today: Oh Lord, thank You that You are not finished with Europe. We've seen Your hand in so many ways through the requests this week. Today we pray, Lord, that You will raise up laborers to the harvest to finish the task. Equip them with wisdom and discernment. Teach the church in Europe how to move forward against the gates of hell and encourage them that victory is assured. Lord, we claim the unreached areas of Europe for Your glory. Restore the heartlands of Protestantism to You. Raise up many new groups of believers in the churches with so few evangelicals. Oh Lord, we ask You for the younger generation. Bring them to You and meet their deep heartcries with a deep relationship with You through Jesus. Oh Lord, let the unreached hear the Gospel message. We pray for special wisdom and sensitivity in reaching the Muslims and the Jewish remnant. Lord, guide the mission networks to have wisdom in reaching Europe for You. We love You and we thank You for the heart You've given us for Europe this past week. Please guide us to be fully obedient as we walk out
what Your heart for Europe should look like in our own lives. In the
precious name of Jesus, amen.
Resources:
- http://www.joshuaproject.net/prayer-resources.php
- Prayer calendars for the unreached in a few key areas of Europe.
- http://www.joshuaproject.net/ - Amazing
research tool for digging deeper
- http://www.globaldayofprayer.com/ - Focuses on
the annual event, but also includes urgent alerts and prayer points for
countries on an ongoing basis
- http://imbeurope.org/pdfs/Prayer-Guide-2011.pdf - IMB Prayer Guide for Europe
- http://www.prayeurope.com/ - site devoted to prayer for European renewal
Are you already part of what God is
doing in Europe? If so please comment with any additional resources that
you would recommend.
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