Praying for Kazakhstan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 31

Today we conclude our prayers for Kazakhstan. Please review pages 497-500. Our prayer time today is led by a servant of Christ who is dedicated to reaching unengaged, unreached people groups in the Muslim world. Please read and pray along with her.

Kazakhstan is an incredible nation. It is the world’s ninth largest country and has one of the world’s fastest growing economies. In 1990 there were no Kazakh believers but in 2010 there were about 15,000. There are many believers reaching out to the unreached minorities in Kazakhstan as well as reaching out to broken families effected by wide spread alcoholism and drug addiction. Incredible, what God is doing in this nation despite religious restrictions and some persecution.

There were two laws passed in September 2011 that further restricted religious rights, as they required the re- registration of all religious communities. The laws were targeting extremist Islamic groups but unregistered Christian churches were greatly affected too. These new laws mean that religious materials face censorship, new places of worship need government approval and working with young people will become more difficult.

Father, we acknowledge you as Lord over this nation. Your heart is for the Kazakh people. Your sacrifice on the cross was enough to pay their debt. We ask that you would strengthen, refresh, encourage and build up your church in this nation. Thank you for those that have followed you for many years despite persecution or being alienated. Thank you for those that are just now seeking who this Jesus is. Thank you for the many resources that are available and thank you for those reaching out to the poor and broken. We pray you will draw more Kazakhs to yourself. We pray for the churches affected by these new laws, bless their leaders and give them wisdom in how to move forward as you lead. We pray for the government of Kazakhstan that they would not be threatened by your church but would be blessed by the body of Christ. We pray that those in leadership would encounter Jesus in a powerful way. We exalt the name of Jesus over Kazakhstan. In Jesus name, amen.

Praying for Kazakhstan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 30

Another predominantly Muslim former Soviet state is our prayer focus for the next two days. God is at work in Kazakhstan! Please read pages 497-500.

My prayer for today: God, what a profound thing You are doing in Kazakhstan - multiplying the church, and strategically placing the believers in 2/3 of the country to this point, bringing racial and ethnic unity in some churches. We pray for continued growth and maturing of the church, for unity, for a witness of what the Lordship of Christ can look like. We pray for those trapped by folk Islam and the growing Islamist movement. We pray for deliverance from the deceptions of the Soviet era and for true freedom in Christ. We pray for total healing from the half century of Communism. Lord, we lift up the Christians in Kazakhstan and ask for a change in the laws to allow Bible colleges. We pray for creative ways to train leaders and for churches to be willing to embrace non-traditional models of training. We pray for more men to hear the call and follow Christ, and be called to leadership in the churches. Help the church identify cultural elements that are superceding Biblical truths. Lord, we pray for protection for those persecuted and for the growth of the young missions movement. We pray for success for the mercy ministries; let the church truly reflect Your kingdom come, Your will be done in Kazakhstan. 

Praying for Jordan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 29

Today we conclude our prayers for Jordan. Please review pages 494-497.

My prayer for today: Lord, we continue to lift up Jordan to You. We pray for the missions within Jordan. We pray for missionaries' lives to commend the Gospel and for open doors for sharing truth. We pray for the church in Jordan to grow in its missions vision; we ask that the Christians in prominent places will be faithful to Your Word and use their influence for good, not for selfish purposes. Lord, we pray for a host of Nehemiahs throughout the Jordanian government. We pray for the unreached especially the Palestinians who have been caught in the middle between Jewish and other Arab conflict and have not received what was promised. We pray for You to use Arab believers to share the Gospel and free Palestinians from bitterness and disillusionment. We pray for the success of the Christian bookstores in Amman; keep them safe and draw people to them. Give them creative ways to get the materials into the hands of the spiritually hungry. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Jordan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 28

Today and tomorrow we pray for Jordan. This country plays a strategic role in any Mideast negotiations - let's pray it will also be strategic for the kingdom of God in the Middle East! Please read pages 495-497.

My prayer for today: Lord, we lift up Jordan to You. We pray for the king to have wisdom and peace. Lord, as in so many Arab countries, there is tension between moderates and Islamists. We see the fall of many moderate leaders - dictators to be sure, but moderate by Muslim standards - and see the fear gripping many who are uncertain where these new leaders will take their countries. We pray Jordan will not face this kind of regime change. We pray for peace and protection as well as wisdom for King Abdullah. We pray that You will turn his heart toward You. We pray for the church in Jordan and for the Christians who are in positions of influence. We pray for the church to be faithful and that You will turn around the decline of the church. Thank You for the growth of evangelicals and we pray for stronger relationships between traditional, evangelical, and Muslim-background churches. We pray for Christians to work together to see Your kingdom come in Jordan. We pray for religious freedom to be retained not only for the church here, but for the benefit of ministry throughout the Middle East. We pray that the believers can live quiet and peaceful lives that result in the spread of the Gospel. You are good, Lord. We pray for Your goodness to be evident to and through the church in Jordan. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Japan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 27

Today we conclude our prayer time for Japan. Please review pages 488-494.

My prayer for today: Lord, we pray for the aged in Japan. We pray for the economic realities of  aging and for the younger generation to truly honor and love the elder, desiring to take care of them with Your heart. We pray for spiritual openness by the older Japanese and for Christians to work in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospices to share Your love and hope to those at the end of their lives. We pray for the church in Japan to be in unity and to recognize the validity of differing approaches. We pray You will call out men to follow You and to lead congregations. We pray for the Japanese church to have a strong and significant impact on society. Give the churches missions vision and understanding of the challenges they face. Fulfill Your call for Japan. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Japan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 26

Today we continue to lift up Japan. Please review pages 488-494. Japan is in many ways opposite of the US, despite similar financial levels. Japan as a culture tends toward conformity, and so the ancient ties to Shintoism are particularly challenging to break. It's important to recognize that the Japanese church will not look like the U.S. church. Let's pray that God will use their cultural tendency to conform to draw them to be conformed into the image of Christ!

My prayer for today:  Lord, we want to lift up Japan to You today. We thank You for the spiritual soul-searching that is going on after the earthquake and the ongoing economic and cultural decline. We pray for an awakening to the Gospel and for ongoing creative ministry. Thank You for the new approaches that take into account Japanese culture; we pray for success with these and wisdom for them to never cross any lines to become unbiblical. Lord, we grieve that Japan has no moral compass but we thank You that its leaders recognize the problem. We pray they will see the solution cannot be secular ethics or Shintoism but instead must be rooted in the truths of Your Word. We pray against the spiritual darkness that has such a stronghold on Japan; raise awareness in the church of the realities of spiritual warfare. We pray for Christians to stand against Shintoism and have wisdom in ministering to those caught in its deceptions. We pray for the church in Japan to be firmly rooted in Your Word and that You will raise up Japanese believers who can teach Scripture in a way the people will understand. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Japan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 25

For the next three days, we will pray for Japan. This country has experienced a dynamic transformation from the Japan our grandparents knew during World War II, but has also suffered significant natural disasters and tragedies. Please read about Japan on pages 488-494, and then pray with this incredible, beautiful, heartfelt video today.

http://youtu.be/bxCpEXpE0Bo

Prayer for Jamaica: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 24

Today's prayer is for an island nation many may only associate with tourism, but which has a beautiful Christian heritage AND rich missions history. Please read about Jamaica on pages 486-488.

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for the heritage of Jamaica and for the strength of the Jamaican church. We are grateful for the missions history of this country and for the branches of missions agencies located there. God, we lift up Jamaica to You in the midst of this moral and social collapse. Call many to pray, Lord, to pour out their hearts before Your throne for Jamaica. We pray for renewal for the church and wisdom for the church networks. Call Christians to revival and repentance. Lord, equip the Bible schools and seminaries to be strongholds of truth. Guide churches to know how to reach the poorest of the poor and those who follow the Rastafarian cult. Set them free, God, to serve You fully. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Italy: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 23

Today we continue to lift up Italy before the throne of God. Please review pages 481-485.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord God, we are grateful for the growing unity within diversity in the church in Italy. We pray for further respect, acceptance, and cooperation to typify the Italian church. We pray for renewal within the Catholic church and for the millions who are disillusioned and outside of religion altogether. We pray for an awakening to the need of the Gospel. Tear down the strongholds of pagan practices, demonic influences, and cults. We pray for creative ways to get materials into the hands of this culture who doesn't choose to read. Establish Your Word as prominent in every church. We pray for the church to have a true missions vision and evangelistic fervor to reach the unreached and be part of Your kingdom work throughout the world. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Italy: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 22

Today and tomorrow we pray for Italy. We can hardly overstate the heritage Italy gave to rest of the world in law, language, culture, and innovation. Italy today is in need of huge spiritual awakening. Please read about this land on pages 481-485 and watch this video in which an Italian believer leads us in prayer.

http://youtu.be/YMINUvHHOo0

Praying for Israel: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 21

Today we continue praying for Israel. Please review pages 477-481.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, we are grateful for the work You are doing within Israel and globally to increase interest in the Gospel among Jews. we thank You, Lord, for the Messianic congregations within Israel that are now allowed to register in some cases, and we pray for more rights for Messianic believers. We pray for all those who follow You as Messiah to love and reach out to Jews in the name of Jesus, and we ask that You drop the blinders from their eyes so that they can see their Messiah has come. Lord, we pray for spiritual restoration as they genuinely seek You. Watch over this land with its ongoing conflicts. Lord, give the leadership wisdom to know how to address threats from within and without. We pray for the non-Jews within Israel's borders, particularly the Palestinians. Lord, give wisdom to the government to treat them with justice and righteousness even as they seek to be wise and protect their people. We pray for the thousands of Arab Christians who are caught between two worlds, not really fitting in with either the Jewish Israelis or the Muslim Palestinians. We pray for You to continue to maintain their witness, strengthen what remains Lord for Your glory and grace. Lord, we know how things will turn out in Israel, but our heart is for all those who are living there today - Jews & Arab alike - to experience Your saving grace and the peace that only You can bring. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Israel: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 20

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem", the psalmist exhorts us in one of the very specific prayer commands in Scripture. And Jerusalem certainly needs our prayers, as does all of Israel - a nation created for God's glory, dispersed throughout the world for centuries, and now regathered in their ancient land. Everyone, it seems, wants a piece of Israel for their own purposes whether political or theological.

Today, as we pray for Israel let's certainly pray for the political conflict, but let's raise our eyes beyond the end-times theological questions but instead, let's pray for Israel to know true peace through their Messiah. Please read pages 477-481, and then watch this video and join me in prayer today.

http://youtu.be/csImpwDz6i4

Praying for Ireland: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 19

Today we pray for a country which contributed greatly to western civilization as we know it today. If you've never read about the incredible work of the Celtic monks whose hand-copied books were often the only surviving copies after the Dark Ages, I recommend you take the time to read Thomas Cahill's "How the Irish Saved Civilization." It's entertaining and educational, and gives a whole new understanding to how God works behind the scenes in ways we can never anticipate!

For today, though, please read pages 474-477 as we pray for Ireland.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, the influence of Ireland on western civilization and even on our own country from immigration is huge. We are thankful for Ireland and what it has meant. We thank You that You are working in Ireland today through immigrants and also through bringing a measure of peace to this formerly war-torn land. But Lord, Ireland needs a fresh move of Your Holy Spirit. We pray for Christians to work together in unity toward kingdom goals. We pray for the church in Ireland to recapture the biblical, holistic, dynamic zeal of the early Celtic church. We pray for continued growth of the evangelical church and for sound leadership to be raised up and trained. We pray for more missionaries to be sent out and for the church to catch a vision of ministering within its own borders as well. Lord, revive Ireland for Your glory, in Jesus name, amen.

Praying for Iraq: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 18

Today we conclude prayers for Iraq. Please review pages 469-474.

If your heart has been stirred, like mine, toward Muslims such as those in Iraq, I want to encourage you to take part in a global prayer initiative that starts tomorrow. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims - a month where they fast throughout daylight hours as a way of reaching God. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam and almost every Muslim will be fasting during this month. Many are more spiritually sensitive during this time as well. For more than two decades, Christians have been praying for Muslims during Ramadan to experience the power and presence of Isa (Jesus) al-Misah (the Messiah). If your heart is stirred, please visit 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World and prepare to start praying tomorrow!

My prayer for today: Lord, on this eve of Ramadan, we lift up the Muslims in Iraq. We pray that those who are sincerely seeking You will find You during this upcoming month. We pray that tonight You will prepare their hearts to learn from You in a new way. Send dreams and visions, messengers with Your Word, radio and TV broadcasts - whatever resources You choose, Lord, to draw them to hear the message of salvation through those who proclaim the Gospel. We pray for the ministries and missionaries who are serving in Iraq. Strengthen them as they go through this season which is filled with spiritual opportunities and spiritual warfare. For those who are fasting along with Muslims to pray for the Muslim world during this season, we pray for physical strength and spiritual awareness and sensitivity. Oh Lord, let this Ramadan be a powerful season of harvest in the Muslim world and specifically in Iraq. Reveal Your glory to them! In the precious, holy, powerful name of Jesus, amen.

Praying for Iraq: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 17

Today and tomorrow we pray for a country that many of us know best from two wars over the past two decades. Today's Iraq, though, is far from a war-torn country struggling to survive. While it still has a long way to go, Iraq has a burgeoning democracy and people who are proud, hard-working, and eager to move their country forward. There are many prayers needed, though, for long-term change to be a reality in Iraq. Please learn about this country on pages 469-474.

My prayer for today: Lord, thank You so much for the work that You have accomplished in Iraq over the past two decades. We are excited to see the substantial growth among Iraqi Arab evangelicals and the people movement to Christ among the Kurds. We know that they remain a tiny minority and face real persecution, but Lord these believers reflect Your heart for Iraq, Your desire to bring people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to You for Your glory. The successful elections and emergence of self-government is encouraging, and Lord we pray that You will repeatedly raise up men and women who will serve their country with integrity and righteousness. We pray for wisdom in balancing the needs of the different religious and ethnic communities. We ask You to bring the healing balm of Gilead to those hurt from the decades of suffering, two wars, and the aftermath. Lord we pray for the power of the Gospel to tear down the walls between people. We pray for true freedom to emerge as more and more Iraqi people come to know Jesus as their Messiah. In His name we pray for them, Amen.

Praying for Iran: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 16

Today we conclude our prayer time for Iran. I hope it's been as encouraging and exciting to you as it has to me! Please review pages 464-469. As much as God has been at work in Iran, there is much left today. Today, we will focus on one of the unreached people groups of Iran. Please watch this video  and pray for the unreached of Iran.

http://youtu.be/yer0vhyG6sY

Praying for Iran: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 15

Today we continue to pray for Iran. Please read pages 465-469. We'll focus on the Challenges for Prayer today. I've also included an encouraging 8 minute video that profiles the underground church in Iran. Be encouraged!

My prayer for today: Lord, we lift up Iran to You today. We lift up the unstable political situation. We know that there are many threats from the current government, but we know that You are using even this challenging time in Iran to reach many for the Gospel. We pray for You to continue to work against corruption and repression yet keep the doors open for the Gospel. Protect the region, especially Israel, from Iranian actions. When the time is right, raise up Christians to be involved in a new Iranian government to make a difference in the entire region. We pray for continued responsiveness by young people as well as revival for those within the churches. Bring unity among the churches. Meet the needs of the church leaders who are working underground. Protect those in prison from any attacks that will not further the Gospel, and give them open doors for the Gospel. Let every church see the open doors You have provided them. Be at work as only You can, in Jesus' name, amen.

http://youtu.be/C0NS8gQYKHw

Praying for Iran: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 14

Today we begin 3 days of prayer for a country where God is strongly at work. Massive numbers of Iranians have been coming to Jesus! Be encouraged at how God is at work here. I've personally known some Iranian believers, and God has strongly anointed them with boldness and a spirit of prayer that cannot be described but only experienced. Today, read pages 464-469. We'll focus on the  Answers to Prayer and praise God today!

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, it is so awesome to see what You are up to in Iran. It is so amazing to know that You have dramatically increased the number of Christians since the 1979 revolution. Oh Lord, having heard some of the stories I know the creative ways You are reaching behind these borders for Your glory, restoring the ancient Persian church to new levels of fruitfulness. Lord, we thank You that people grow more and more disillusioned with their government and hungry for authenticity and truth. We thank You for the amazing growth in ministry to Iranians and for the risks that the hand couriers are taking. Oh Lord, continue to fuel the growth in Iran. Be with those who are persecuted for their faith and guide them to worship You in spirit and truth even in the midst of their trials. We pray especially for Pastor Nadarkhani and thank You for the witnessing opportunities You are giving him even in prison. We rejoice with the angels over the new believers in Iran today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Indonesia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 13

Today we conclude our prayer for Indonesia by praying for Papua - also known as Irian Jaya. If you've read the famous book on missions, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, you now know where Irian Jaya is located! Please read about it on pages 462-463.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, we thank You for the last century of Christianity on Irian Jaya. We thank You for the Christian presence here, for the role of Christian aviation and even the progress toward Bible translation. Lord, we pray for strong, mature churches led by Papuan believers. We pray for wisdom, courage, and profound faith for the challenges facing the church. We pray for You to end the oppression brought by the relocation of Javanese to Papua. We pray for the world to become aware of the violence against the native Papuans and the mistreatment of the Melanesian Christians through economic and employment disparity. Bring true justice and righteousness to Papua in the name of Jesus, amen.

Praying for Indonesia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 12

Today we pray for Sulawesi and Maluku islands of Indonesia. Please read pages 460-462.

My prayer for today: Lord, we pray for revival for the churches on Sulawesi. We pray for You to raise up a banner of truth - raise up Bible translators and teachers who can proclaim Your Word faithfully. We pray for protection against cults and nominal Christianity. Breathe life into Your church. Give each believer a deeply personal experience with You. Guide the church to be stronger and aware of the opportunity You've given them among the Muslim majority. For Maluku, Lord, we grieve over the ethnic cleansing that occurred. We pray for those who remain refugees from this horrific season. We pray for true peace through Jesus and for Christians to reach out as co-sufferers to Muslims who also endured persecution from extremists. Lord, we are awed at the long life span of the Maluku Protestant Church and pray for its revival. We pray for healing for the people and that they will be equipped to love and serve their Muslim neighbors and even former persecutors. Let Your love flow through them, in the name of Jesus, amen.

Praying for Indonesia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 11

Before we continue with today's prayer, I feel prompted to ask you a question.

Do you ever feel distracted, confused, or unengaged when you pray for the world? 

I ask that question because honestly, I struggle with this every week as I write these blogs. Over the past six months, I've come to recognize this as the work of the enemy. Missionary friends have told me how much less confusion they face when they are home visiting than when they are on the field. This year, I've experienced that personally. I suspect it might be the same with you, because Satan does not want prayer happening - especially prayer for corners of the world where he has a firm stronghold that God wants to tear down! So I want to share with you the solution the Lord has given me:

Pray earnestly for God to give you a heart for the country for that day. Then simply move forward in faith, not waiting on the feeling. Begin to read and pray and watch the video, and every time a distraction, confusion, or sense of disengagement hits you - pray again for a heart for that country. You'll probably be amazed, like me, how God answers that simple prayer.

Press on, dear friends. Stay in the battle! It matters, or you wouldn't be experiencing opposition.
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Today we pray for the Indonesian island of Kalimantan. Please read pages 459-460.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, we thank You for the Christian presence on this island, but our hearts are grieved that the church is not making a clear break from the spirit world. We ask You to raise up leaders for the churches. Train those called to leadership and bring the church to maturity, Give them a vision for outreach. Guide leaders to discern culturally appropriate forms of the faith that do not compromise in the least area. Lord there are so many unreached as well. We pray for Christians to surrender their anger to You about these migrants and be filled with love instead, to reach out in love for Your glory. Bring a strong church to this island, in Jesus' name, amen. 

Praying for Indonesia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 10

Today we pray for two more islands of Indonesia. Please read about the Sunda Islands (west and east), also known as Barat and Timor, on pages 458-459. Today we also have special insights from a servant of Christ who lives in the slums to carry His message of hope. Please read her words and pray as the Lord leads. Significantly, we are praying for Indonesia as they hold elections tomorrow!

Indonesia is the most populous Muslim nation on earth. Often when people hear Muslim they think of the middle east and not Asia. But the call to prayer cries out 5 times a day through the islands, often with multiple mosques in hearing distance competing for attention. "God is great. God is great" they call out in Arabic. And this I agree with...God is great. How I wish my friends knew WHY he is so great. That it is his love, his mercy, his kindness which leads us to repentance that is so great about him.

One of my main prayers for my friends here in the slums is for wholeness. So many families are broken. Secrets and adultery, arguments and abuse. Children who have no good examples of parents have children (they themselves are just teenagers). Brokenness on multiple levels. Problems that can only be overcome with the help of the Holy Spirit. It is my prayer, and I hope you will join me, that as these folks encounter the grace and love of God, that as they are able to accept it themselves, that they would in turn be able to extend grace and kindness to other people who are also unworthy of it. That such behavior would heal the wounds that go back generations.

Corruption is rampant in Indonesia. A friend once told me "Indonesia used to be second in the world in corruption...but we paid someone off and now we are number one!" Clearly a joke, but it shows the underlying sentiments of many in Indonesia who have lost faith in leaders on all levels. Elections (including for a new governor of Jakarta, a very powerful position) are to be held July 11. Pray for a peaceful election and for those who are given positions of power, that they would use their power for the good of all and not just for themselves.

Pray for the Indonesian church. In a country where the vast majority of people are Muslim, sometimes churches can get an "us vs. them" rather than and "us for them" mentality. Many churches are inwardly focused and have few activities which reach out to the larger community. Pray that there is a revival in the churches, that people would have the desire to serve outside the walls of the church and love those who are around them. Pray that they would have the love that drives out fear.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord God, our heart breaks for Indonesia. We pray for wholeness in the slums, for the people to encounter Your grace and mercy. We pray for the church in Indonesia to catch a vision for the world around them. Lord, we confess that we too sometimes have an "us vs. them" instead of and "us for them" mentality. Break our hearts when we sense this Lord. We join with the Indonesian church in learning Your way over our own ways. And for the elections, God, we pray for leaders who will bring justice and righteousness to the country, for a glimpse of Your kingdom to be born in Indonesia. We pray for the people of Barat and how unreached they are. We pray that You will use the two churches that are there to bring about a breakthrough for Your kingdom. We pray for young people to be deeply in love with Jesus and refuse to convert to Islam just to marry. Raise up Christians spouses for them and use their families to strengthen the churches and reach the island. Lord, we pray for laborers to be called to this island specifically and work for the completion of the task of reaching the whole world with the message of Christ. For Timor, Lord, we pray for a revival among the Catholic church. Send prophets who are willing to exhort the people to put away their idols and follow Christ along. Lord, how hard it must be to follow You without Your Word. Send translators who will quickly and accurately translate into the major languages of this island. Send teachers to share Your word with the people to help them understand why they should not mingle their pagan idolatry with worship of Jesus. Show Your power and love in a strong way. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Praying for Indonesia - A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 9

Today we focus our prayers on two islands of Indonesia that reflect the vast diversity of this land - its most populous (Java) which is primarily Muslim, and a much smaller one (Bali) that is predominantly Hindu. Please read pages 456-457.

My prayer for today: Lord, we are incredibly grateful for the receptivity to the Gospel shown over the years by the people of Java. We thank You for the growth of the church on this heavily populated island. We pray that the growth would continue to flourish and be incredibly fruitful. We pray for all religions to be protected against the violence that some radical Muslims have brought into this traditionally tolerant island. We pray for the persecution to purify and grow the church, and for Muslims who are persecuted by other Muslims to turn to Christian friends out of solidarity and mutual understanding. We pray for laborers for the harvest of the many unreached here. For Bali, Lord, we recognize the high cost of following You when they leave an already-minority religion to follow Jesus. We pray for boldness and wisdom for Christians who are sharing with Bali Hindus. We pray for those Bali migrants throughout Indonesia to be especially open to the Gospel and for Christians to be willing to befriend them. We pray for Scripture in the common language of the Bali people so that missionaries can have a tool that is useful to share the Gospel. Be at work in Bali for You glory, in Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Indonesia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 8

Today we begin to zero in on the major islands of Indonesia. Please read about Sumatra on pages 454-455, then watch the video below to focus our prayers on one of the major indigenous peoples here.

http://youtu.be/9VjXmUeThLo

Praying for Indonesia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 7

Today we continue praying over some of the "Challenges for prayer" on pages 449-453. Please review these requests and join me in prayer.

My prayer for today: Lord, we lift up Indonesia to You today. We pray for the displaced peoples of Indonesia, who have either been forcibly relocated, fled natural disasters, or journey due to persecution or financial reasons. Lord, we pray that as these people move voluntarily or involuntarily they will encounter Christians who will love them and share the Gospel with them. We pray that You will bin the powers of darkness that seek to hinder the presence of Christ within Indonesia. We pray for the church in Indonesia to be strong and wise in the midst of persecution and opposition. We pray for the Muslims who are becoming victims of extremists who seek to intimidate and even kill them. We pray that Muslims will grow so disillusioned with the violence and oppression that they will see a different path and find true relationship with God through Christ. We pray for the Christian response to this Islamist aggression to be loving, tactful, and firm, always commending the Gospel to onlookers as worthy of serious consideration. We pray for boldness, for heartfelt repentance, and for great wisdom. Guide the church to have wisdom with new believers from Muslim backgrounds. Help them know how to best transition as they and their families follow Jesus. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Praying for Indonesia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 6

Indonesia is an amazing country, filled with amazing people. There is a spiritual conflict, though, that is real and rages over this land. Today and tomorrow we focus our prayers on the general "Challenges for prayer". Please read pages 449-453.

As you saw, the needs are great. There are so many directions our prayer could go today. My heart today for our prayer time, though, is to pray for the workers in Indonesia. The country is truly a different world for many who are serving there. Even the Indonesian believers who go within their own country can find the differences on other islands as profound as being in a different country. For this reason, I'm sharing below some insights from a friend who is serving there. These were written years ago during her early months of service. I hope you learn a little more about how to pray for any missionaries through her words, but today let's focus on the missionaries serving in Indonesia.

With so much need around us, why do we feel the need to come and spend our first year learning? Why not just get in there and start doing things? Here is a story the local leader told us (and he had more) of people trying to help before they stopped to really understand the problem.
Most folks in the slums use gas burning stovetops (like a camping stove) for cooking. A few years ago the government required everyone to switch from kerosene (which most of the poor used) to propane, which would also require the use a different stove. Through the generosity of kind people as well as some government help, over one thousand new propane stoves (along with a bottle of propane), worth about 20 dollars each, were distributed to poor families. This was a few months before the switch over and, as many of the families either didn’t understand that kerosene would not longer be available or because they had more pressing needs (like the need to go to the hospital) they sold the new stove to some middle class person who offered to pay them 5 dollars for it. A few months passed, the switch over happens and they now have no way to cook for themselves and must buy their own stove back (the one they sold for 5 dollars) but now the price is 20 dollars. Supply and
demand. Somehow a gift meant to help the poor has served to make the rich richer and keep the poor in their poverty. We will certainly make mistakes along our journey but we hope to learn from the mistakes of the past, learn from the people who live there, who have a better understand of what the real issues are, what the strengths of the community are, and how we can work together to be a part of Kingdom come in this place.

Options, or the lack thereofWhen most people think about poverty they think simply about people who don’t have money. This is certainly true but as I have come to understand poverty more in the past few years I understand it to be much bigger than just a lack of possessions. Poverty, among other things, also means a lack of options. I have moved into this neighborhood because I choose to do so, because I believe it is where God is leading me, because I know God associates himself with the poor and I want to follow his example and bring good news to the poor. But the great majority of my neighbors do not live here because they choose to;they live here because they have no other choices. This idea struck me particularly hard a few nights after I moved in. My new home has no running water and so I ,
along with the rest of my neighbors, use the public restrooms about a 2 minute walk from my home. Before moving in I asked the very important questions: What time do you open? (5 am) and what time do you close? (10 pm). Between those hours, you are out of luck. One night, about 9:40 pm I headed to the bathroom and as I turned the corner the women gathered at the local gathering spot said “Closed” I looked and to my (dare I say) horror, the door to the bathrooms was indeed locked
up. I had been misinformed. The bathrooms close at 9pm not 10. As I stared at the closed door, trying to figure out what I was going to do now. (There was NO WAY I could hold it till 5 am) I started thinking, “Well maybe I could call my teammates who live about 5 minutes away and use their bathroom” The women sitting there said “What are you going to do now?” I asked “What do you do?” (Surely I can not be the first person to encounter such a problem). They pointed me in the direction of a gutter, an idea I was none too excited about. Then they said the bathroom guard was nearby eating dinner. I said I didn’t want to bother him, he had worked all day and deserved a rest. But I guess we were talking loud enough that he could hear us anyway and graciously came out to open up the bathroom especially for me. Thankfully, that night, I was given some options.

Honestly, I will always have more options than my neighbors. If I get sick I can go to the international hospital rather than the government subsidized health post. If my shoes break, I can afford to buy new ones. But as we live here we want to associate as much with our neighbors as we can. Please remember our team as we learn to live smaller lives, willingly letting go of some of our options as we follow the example of the one who left heaven to live among us and subject himself to human limitations.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord God, Lord of the harvest, today we come before You to ask prayer for the laborers You have sent to the harvest in Indonesia ... the laborers from all over the world, from the west, from the global south, from Indonesia itself. Lord, You have blessed the work of missions in Indonesia in SO many ways. Lord, we thank You for what You have done and pray it will be an encouragement to those serving there. We pray for servants to learn Indonesian well and quickly, and have many opportunities to show Your love while practicing language skills. Lord, we pray for workers to be solidly grounded in Your Word, to recognize spiritual warfare when it happens, to have strong discernment. Help them develop deep relationships and truly love the people of Indonesia. Bring unity among teams and churches. Lord, we pray for strong relationships with senders and family back home. Protect the team members from extremes of loneliness and homesickness. Help them truly engage and connect in deep ways with the culture You've sent them to. Guide them to have wisdom when to take little or longer breaks, and give them creative and fun things to do to sustain their service for the long haul. Lord, love the missionaries. Remind them of Your presence when they need it most. Be glorified through them to Indonesia. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Indonesia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 5

Today we begin 9 days of prayer for a country with a goal of communal peace and monotheism. A majority-Muslim country, Indonesia also official recognizes five other religions including Catholicism and Protestantism. The Muslim population is quite diverse itself, with many branches or "denominations" or Islam being practiced. The threat by radical Islamists is as much a threat to many of these Muslims as it is to Christians and other religions practiced in Indonesia. Indonesia was profoundly affected by the tragic tsunami in December 2004. As we read and pray for Indonesia over the next 9 days, let's ask God to bring a "tsunami" of His love and revelation to these precious people!

Please read pages 446-453 to get an overview of Indonesia. We'll focus in on "Answers to Prayer" today.

My prayer for today: Lord, we are grateful that You have been at work in Indonesia. We praise You for the growth of the church and specifically evangelicals. We thank You for the people movements and for the vibrant witness of the church. We thank You that You have used even the government's limitation to six religions to draw animistic religonists to Yourself as they explore the claims of Christians and believe in Christ. Thank You for establishing a common language to facilitate sharing the Gospel. As we see the democracy, the openness, and the national structures that are in place, we thank You for this kairos moment, this window of opportunity, in Indonesia. We pray for the church to be fully unified and focused on You as they move forward with the open door You have given them. In Jesus' name, amen.   

Praying for India states of Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and the 7 Union Territories: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 4

I'm based in the United States, and today's date is one that represents freedom for us. What better way to celebrate freedom than to pray for the freedom of many still in spiritual bondage. Please read about the remainder of India's states on pages 440-446.  And if God has given you a heart for a specific portion of India, please seek to follow up and begin to connect with those He wants YOU to be part of reaching for His glory!

Today we have a special guest post from someone serving in Tamil Nadu. Her insights are excellent as we wrap up our time in India. May God use her insights to imprint the faces and hearts of these people upon your heart until all have heard.

I too am an intercessor and for the past few weeks have been sensing and also seeing what is going on in the spiritual realm in our nation.  Some of the points you can pray for: 

 

Pray for the young people of our country. The purpose and value they have is completely lost.  All they care about is financial abundance.  We have also seen major problems in the area of suicide, eating disorders, live in relationships, violence in the homes, child abuse prostitution on the rise.  Many young women become  Fashion models and end up in drugs and prostitution.  Pray for the church to rise up in this crucial hour and minister back to these people.  India is a developing country and so with the abundance and blessing we have invited a host of problems. 

Pray for the people in the Media industry. Chennai produces the most movies in India and along with this many girls lives are destroyed.  Many of them become alcoholics and drug addicts many girls are also trafficked to other countries.  Many times girls are sold into the industry by fathers who have too many girls and these young women lives are lost.  There are over 2,00,000 sex workers in our area as Chennai is a port city. 

Pray for the Street Children.

Pray for the Lepers as they are outcasts in this country. 

Pray for AIDS victims they are increasing daily.

Pray for Christian Education and educators in this area.  This way we can reach the children before the enemy has them.

 

Pray for the Church. We need to see revival come to the church and for the people to get a passion for the lost. 

On a special note.  You can pray for our ministry here in Chennai. Our Ministry is called Beach Training Center.  Here is a little about us: 

The Beach Training Centre is a ministry of YWAM situated in the city of Chennai, India. We are part of the Urban initiative to “transform lives to  transform nations”. We are an autonomous ministry from our inception in the year 1998. We are involved in inspiring young people to be dynamic, effective Christians through Discipleship. The Centre offers a unique multi-cultural, multi-faceted learning experience. The Beach Training Center is the first of its kind in the city of Chennai. We have 15 wonderful years behind us and tremendous stories of breakthrough in transformation of people’s lives and mission. The emphasis of this center is discipleship and leadership development to facilitate various church ministries of our country and beyond  and ministry centers within YWAM.  The Center began 15 years ago on January 1, 1998 with a team of 15 pioneers under the leadership of Richard and Cheryl Kleinman.  Our first school consisted of 19 students  from different parts of India.  Ever since then we have been able to disciple many young people from around India and different parts of the world. Our students have been involved in reaching out to the city in various ways. Our aim is not only to train but to use our training for the purpose of  evangelization, mercy ministries, church planting, Children’s Ministry, Counseling, Worship and intercession,  church ministries,  saturated prayer ministries and pioneering new works. 

We have two schools coming up in the next month they are the Discipleship Training School and the Ministry Leadership Development School.

My prayer for today: Lord, we are so thankful for all You have taught us about India. We thank You for the glimpse of Your heart You've given us. Lord, You love India far more than we ever will. We thank you for the privilege of partnering with You these past few weeks to truly see India move from darkness into light. We pray for the remainder of these states today. For Tamil Nadu, for the growth of the church to continue and the legacy of mission work to expand. For Tripura, we pray for the indigenous people to truly have wisdom in how to respond to the wrong treatment they are facing. We pray for them to respond in love and guard their hearts from bitterness. Lord, for Uttar Pradesh we pray for the Gospel to be made manifest in the midst of the suffering and wrongs. Tear down Satan's stronghold of Hinduism and raise a new stronghold of faith in Jesus. Thank You for the church but Lord they need so much help. Please send laborers to the harvest. In Uttarakhand, remove the barriers to the Gospel, and bring Christians who have a heart for upper caste Hindus. In West Bengal, we thank You for the love shown in Kolkata by Mother Theresa and the efforts made by William Carey. But we pray for You to raise up believers to finish the task they started. There are so any unreached. And Lord, for the Union territories, we pray for You to see and know their needs and so many are unengaged, send laborers who will commit their lives. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Praying for India states of Rajasthan and Sikkim: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 3

Today we pray for Rajasthan and Sikkim states. Please read pages 438-440.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, You have been at work in these states, drawing Dalits to come to faith in Jesus and opening up doors of religious freedom. We thank you for the growth in Rajasthan and for the freedom in Sikkim. We pray for Rajasthan where  freedom is still lacking. We pray that all attempts to destroy Your work would come to nothing. We pray for You to multiple the ministry in Rajasthan to reach more and more people. Lord, we pray for social and political harmony and wise leadership in Sikkim. We pray for the growth of the church and the continued growth among former Buddhist strongholds. We pray for Christians in Sikkim to realize their strategic role in the Himalayan region and begin to intentionally pursue outreach to neighboring countries. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Praying for India states of Orissa and Punjab: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 2

As we near the end of praying for India, let me encourage you to persevere. Today we pray for a state that has seen some of the worst outbreaks of violence against Christians, as well as a state which has the largest proportion of one of the world's minority religions. Please read about Orissa and Punjab on pages 436-438.

My prayer for today: Lord, we pray for the Christians in India to stand firm in the face of the intense persecution they have faced. We pray for peace and harmony where possible, for boldness and love to characterize the Christians of Orissa, and for faithfulness to continue outreach despite the horrible persecution that has happened. Thank You for the church growth; we pray for the church to exemplify openness in welcoming people from all castes. Lord, send tribes that have been reached to their near neighbors to share the Gospel. For Punjab, Lord Jesus, we pray for the Sikhs. Lord, they are often misunderstood and have so many wounds from so many religious groups. We pray for wisdom and  protection for those seeking to reach Sikhs. We pray that You would call many Sikhs to You. Use their emphasis on the written word to draw them to desire Your True Word. In Jesus' name, amen. 

 

Praying for India states of Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - July 1

Congratulations! You have hit the halfway point in our journey. We've climbed a steep mountain - daily prayer for the nations is a huge undertaking. If your journey is like mine, it's been filled with distractions, occasional confusion, and outright spiritual warfare. The enemy doesn't like it when we pray! Praise God for allowing all of us to persevere to this point.

Today we lift up three more Indian states - Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland. Please read about these states on pages 434-436.

My prayer for today: Lord, we know that you see every square inch of these small states. We thank You for the strong Christian presence in each of these. We pray for a move of the Holy Spirit to bring unity and revival, to draw people close to You and deeper into Your Word and Your mission. We pray for pastors and leaders in the rural areas who have a heart for evangelism and mission. Lord, we thank You for the number of Mizo missionaries that have been sent out. We pray for strong support by the churches, for wisdom and insight for them, and for protection from false teaching within the churches. We thank You for what You've done among the Naga tribes. We pray for a radical change for believers - a total transformation in each heart. We pray for the Bible colleges to send out many pastors, teachers, and missionaries for service to You. Thank You for Your work here, Lord Jesus. Amen.