Prayer for Finland: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 23 (Day 144)

Today our journey takes us almost as far away as we can get from the islands we've been at the past couple of days. Please read about Finland on pages 337-339.

Today we have special insight from one of our group members who happens to be Finnish. Operation World does an amazing job pulling together resources, but it's always an added blessing to hear from those from or in the countries we pray for. Please read her prayer insights and add them to Operation World's prayer points to fuel your prayers for Finland as the Lord leads.

Peace be with you! I am a Finn living in France as a tentmaker with my French husband. In our quiet times, we naturally continue to pray for Finland also. The following prayer points have been recently on our hearts. May the Lord bless you abundantly as you commit a moment of your day to intercede for this small but strong nation!

• There are a lot more believers in Finland than in most European countries. Pray that more and more Christians, however, would not be believers only, but that they would whole-heartedly commit their lives to Christ and become true followers. Pray that Jesus' very words written in the gospels would deeply touch them and make them act upon their faith. We need to break strongholds of religion, egocentrism and stinginess.
• Pray that the Body of Christ in Finland would send more and more missionaries - something it has been famous for all along its history. The doors to neighbouring countries such as Russia and the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) need to be exploited while open. Pray for young Christians to discover missions trips at early age.
• The testimony of Jesus' "ordinary-radical" followers is vital, as a major part of Finns lead comfortable lives and don't feel they need God. Pray against 1) atheism, 2) materialism and 3) faith in science, which in the mainstream ideology amongst youth and young adults.
• There is an increasing number of immigrants in Finland. Pray for wisdom and compassion to the Body of Christ as to their responsibilities in protecting [Christian] political refugees, as well as in reaching Muslims and people from other backgrounds with God's love. As many of them would probably never meet a follower of Jesus in their home country, we believe the Lord has led them precisely to Finland to encounter His precious Son.

 My prayer for today: Lord we thank You for the heritage and strategic place Finland plays in your global big picture, especially relating to the former Soviet Union. We thank You for the peace and prosperity of Finland  and for the legacy of missions in Finland's past. We pray for You to empower the church with a deep understanding of Your Word so Christians use their resources for generous giving and committed ministry. Lord, we pray against the apathy that leads believers to be less than completely sold out. We pray that You would break strongholds of religion, self-centeredness, and stinginess. We pray for the church to lead the way in reaching out to the world around her and instill missions visions in the children and youth. We pray for those Finns who don't see the need for a relationship with Jesus. We pray against the false belief systems of atheism, materialism, and faith in science. We praise You for the growth in the number of immigrant believers and pray that You will increase their number. We pray for the church to see the needs and unreached groups around it and have wisdom to find a path toward true discipleship in this culture. We pray for the men to be mentored and step up to be leaders in their homes, churches, and society. Thank You for working in Finland. In Jesus' name, amen.