Sunday, September 30, 2012

Praying for Papua New Guinea: A 365 Day Global Prayer Focus - Sept. 30

Today we are blessed to focus our prayers on a country that exemplifies the benefits of Bible translation. Translators have poured their lives into PNG, and the fruit is becoming evident with a growing Christian influence in society. Please read pages 670-675.

My prayer for today: Thank You, Lord, for the benefits of Bible translation in Papua New Guinea. Thank You for the progress and for the missions vision that is growing throughout the churches. We pray for continued prayer and pastoral presence in Parliament. We ask You to infuse leaders with wisdom to address the problems facing PNG today. We specifically pray for guidance in stemming the rising AIDS infections. Be with those churches seeking to promote biblical lifestyles and show Your love to those infected with AIDS. We pray for safety for the pilots who are a lifeline for churches and missions; equip them with the resources they need to fly safely. We pray for peace between PNG and the Bougainville islanders. Bring reconciliation and let the church lead the way to meeting the economic and social needs on the islands. Thank You for being strongly at work in PNG, in Jesus' name, amen.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Praying for Palestine and Panama: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 29

Today's country focus may cause you to squirm a little. Contemporary evangelicals tend to support Israel - with good Biblical reason. Yet in supporting and praying for Israel, we cannot neglect a huge people group with very real spiritual and economic needs. Please read about Palestine on pages 665-667. Today's prayer focus also includes Panama; please read about this Latin American country on pages 667-670. Because it has been often neglected, our time today will emphasize Palestine.

Contrary to common assumptions, a large Christian Arab population resided in Palestine peacefully alongside Jews and Muslims for generations. Today that Christian number is miniscule due to the over half-century conflict with Israel, economic pressures that result in 70% or higher unemployment, travel restrictions, and conflict with radical Muslims. Christian Arabs are truly caught in the middle, neither Jewish or Muslim, not accepted by either side, and largely forgotten by the church around the world. The Palestinian Christian Arabs represent a people group who has almost lost its light in its homeland due to persecution and emigration for economic reasons. Additionally, Palestine has seen some genuine converts from Islam; these Muslim Background Believers then struggle to be accepted even in Christian churches. If God touches your heart for this people group - or even if you just want to know more - I encourage you to read Light Force by Brother Andrew.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, my heart breaks for the church in Palestine and for the Muslims who have fewer and fewer Christians who can share the Gospel with them. Lord, we ask for a just settlement of the land issue that results in improved living conditions. We pray for a more equitable apportionment of water - show Christians how to provide basic clean water in your name. We pray for wisdom and discernment for the political leadership of Palestine and Israel. They both have legitimate security concerns, and yet we know the only true peace will come through You, Jesus. We thank You for groups that seek to bring unity between Israeli Messianic Christians and Palestinian Arab Christians; let their example be a light for the rest of their land. We pray for creative and effective economic provision for the Palestinians; provide ways for jobs to be created and real development to occur. Lord, we pray for the Palestinians who know no lives outside refugee camps, where extremism flourishes. We pray for deliverance and hope. We pray for Christians to show Your love and concern. We pray for continued success and existence for the only Bible bookstore in the Palestinian area and also for Bethlehem Bible College. Let them continue to be lights for You, Jesus. Magnify Your name is this area of the land You walked, You loved, You knew so well. In Your precious name, amen.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Praying for Pakistan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 28

Today we conclude our prayer emphasis for Pakistan. Please review pages 659-664.

My prayer for today: Lord, we continue to lift up Pakistan today. Be with the millions of Pakistanis throughout the world. Put them in places where they will hear the Gospel. We ask specifically for Pakistani students studying in universities abroad to come in contact with Christians. We pray for Christians to be willing to befriend these students, have them into their homes and develop relationships with them. Use those relationships to break up fallow ground, plant and water seeds, and ultimately be part of the harvest among Pakistanis. We pray for all the unreached areas of Pakistan to have breakthroughs in bringing the Gospel to them. In Jesus' name, amen.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Praying for Pakistan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 27

Today we continue to pray for Pakistan. Please review pages 659-664.

My prayer for today: Lord, today we thank You for the strong prayer movements in Pakistan. We pray for faithfulness for the church in this prayer time. We join with them in praying for the government to be just, righteous, and fair. We pray for development in light of the monsoon floods and for the Christians who are seeking to reach Pakistan during their recovery from this flood to demonstrate the grace and truth of Jesus. We pray for the fundamentalist Muslims to seek You in truth, to see that evil and violence is contrary to Your character and to fall under the conviction of the Holy Spirit.We pray that You would foil their evil plans and turn them to Your good purposes. We pray against the spiritual forces who see Pakistan's spiritual significance and seek to hinder the advance of the Gospel there. We pray for You to finish what You have started in Pakistan by bringing a massive turning to You among the Muslims. Show them Your presence in a mighty way, Jesus.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Praying for Pakistan - A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 26

Today we continue praying for Pakistan. Please review pages 657-664.

For over half a century, Muslims have been coming to Christ in Pakistan. "Secret Believers" who remain within a Muslim context but love and serve Jesus have been present since at least the 1960s, as well as a Christian (by birth) community and a Muslim-background-believing community. If you've never read I Dared Call Him Father, I highly recommend it. You'll be engrossed in one of the first published stories of a Muslim Background Believer - a woman formerly married to a high-ranking government official - and join her spiritual journey. It gives glimpses into Pakistani society of a few decades ago and by contrast, shows the increased radicalism of today's fundamental Muslim groups who have prompted decreased religious liberty in Pakistan, even for Christians who did not come from Muslim backgrounds.

Today, my heart is heavy for the Christians in Pakistan - those from Christian as well as Muslim backgrounds. Please take time to visit Maaria's Secret Believers blog and gain insights about praying for the church in Pakistan. Today that will be our focus.

My prayer for today: Lord, my heart is heavy today for all the Maaria's in Pakistan - those Christians who are trying to maintain a faithful public witness for You, as well as those Secret Believers who have not yet spoken of You to those closest to them. We pray, Lord, for your grace and touch to be with both groups. We ask that You would minister to their deepest needs. We pray for favor where favor is needed, for wisdom where wisdom is needed, for deliverance where deliverance is needed, and for grace to be faithful for all. We pray for the leaders of the churches to consistently draw their flocks' eyes to You, Jesus, and to set the example of loving ministry to their enemies. Guard their hearts from harshness or bitterness toward those who wish them harm. In every way, help them to exemplify You. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Praying for Pakistan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 25

Today we begin four days of focused prayer for Pakistan, a strategic nation not only politically but missionally. Today's overview will introduce you to some of the needs of this land, including the growing fundamental Muslim movement that is spearheading a decrease in religious freedom and an increase in persecution. Please read pages 657-664, then watch this video and pray with this believer.
http://youtu.be/rO_dJ4NbYCI

Monday, September 24, 2012

Praying for Oman: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 24

Today's prayer emphasis is on the tiny, but strategic, nation of Oman. Please read pages 655-657.

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for the openness in Oman, for the growth of the church and the relative freedom of religion. We ask You to bless the government for allowing and even donating land for churches. Lord, we see such a difference, yet the Muslims in Oman still need to be reached for You. We pray for the churches to be bold and courageous, wise and judicious, in sharing the Gospel. We pray for effective work among professionals from Christian backgrounds as well as the unreached. We pray for creative access using the Internet and mobile phones. Thank You, Lord, for the nation of Oman and we ask You to complete the task here. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Praying for Norway: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 23

Today's prayer focus is for Norway. I'm excited to share insights and a prayer from a Norwegian believer. Please read pages 653-655, then read her notes below and pray with her for her country. 

The Kingdom of Norway is a country in the Northern part of Europe and with population of about 5 million people, is one of the least densely populated countries in Europe. It is largely a Christian country and the Evangelical- Lutheran religion was the official state religion until June this year. 79.2% of the population are members of the Lutheran church (2010), sadly this number is continuously decreasing. It has the fourth-highest per capita income in the world and on a per-capita basis, it is the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas outside the Middle East. Many think that it is the resource of oil that has made Norway rich, but there is more to the story then that. 

If we go all the way back to the beginning of the 19th century we see a country that was so poor and plagued with frequent famines that it forced the most of the population who were poor farmers to make bread out of tree bark. People were not free to meet in public or travel around the country as Norway was under the rule of Denmark that time. 

But there was a man named Hans Nielsen Hauge who because of a call from God ignored those restrictions and traveled around the whole country on foot or on skis to distribute Bibles and to teach people how to study that book and what are the principles it teaches. In addition he wrote books of religous instruction but not only that, he also wrote about how to educate children, how to create wealth through righteous commerce and other subjects he found in God's Word. 

In less then 30 years Hauge started over thousand home groups where ordinary people would gather together, study the Word of God and encourage and keep each other accountable to Bible's standards. That was a starting for a nationwide revival, farmers migrated to towns and became craftsmen, they started businesses, and even affected the government. In 1814 some of Hauge's converts were part of pursuing Norway's independence and helped to draft a new constitution for Norway. Also, Norway begun to send out thousands of missionaries and has remained as one of the greatest missionary-sending nations in the world. Clearly Norway's freedom, prosperity and peace are a result of a heritage of teaching and living out Biblical principles in every area of society.

When we come back to contemporary Norway, like many European countries it has seen a great decline in religiosity, at least among ethnic Norwegians and most Norwegians are irreligious.Also, the most recent Norwegian census shows Islam is the third-largest religion due to recent migration trends. Despite that fact Christianity is growing in Norway due to Christian immigration from Eastern Europe and elsewhere; large numbers of recent immigrants from Poland, Ethiopia and the Philippines have added to the Christian stock of the country in recent years.

Prayer-points for Norway:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1. Timothy 2: 1-4)
  • Let us pray that the nation would turn back to God and His Word. Pray that both the native and immigrant churches will reach out to the vast immigrate communities. Pray also for the prime minister Jens Stoltenberg to have wisdom in how to lead the country and to make important decisions. Also pray for the government that they could see the value of Godly principles and pray for the Christians in government.
  • Pray for the king Harald V for protection over him and his family and that he would hold on to Christian values and pass it on to the nation.
  • Pray for revival in the churches that they would become active again in discipling and preparing people and speaking truth into every area of society.
Lord, we thank you for all the blessings that you have poured over Norway as they have followed your Word and we thank you for how you have blessed other nations through them. We pray that Norwegians would again seek for and find truth from the Bible. We pray for a new wave of missionaries going forth from Norway to the ends of the earth. Lord, we pray for a fresh move of your Spirit, and that the Norwegians would be able to look pass the old traditions, and find You, their Living God.

Resources:
The CIA World Factbook
Wikipedia

Loren Cunningham, “The Book That Transforms Nations”

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Praying for Nigeria: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 22

Today, we conclude our prayer emphasis for Nigeria. Please review pages 641-652 and join me in prayer today.

My prayer for today: Lord, the needs in Nigeria are so great, yet we see You have raised up a strong praying church that is growing and developing a missions vision for the task You laid out before it. We pray for this church today. We pray against syncretism and prosperity teaching and ask that You establish the Nigerian church firmly in Your word. We pray for the church to see that pure religion is to help widows and orphans and to remain unstained by the world.  We pray against emotionalism and for sound leadership and solid teaching. We pray for the persecuted church within Nigeria. We pray all Nigerian believers would love and pray for the persecuted and seek wise ways to support them. We pray for the church to respond in unity and love to the threats surrounding it. Continue to growth the church and accomplish all Your good purposes in Nigeria. In Jesus' name, amen.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Praying for Nigeria: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 21

Today, our prayer for Nigeria is led by a Nigerian believer who also gives insights about his own country. Please read his words below, and join your heart with his in prayer today.



Prelude
I submit totally to the authority of GOD, in the name of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON, under the express guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT, with no regard whatsoever to my largely limited and finite wisdom, knowledge or understanding, on matters which will be relayed into my heart, in respect of a clarion call by fellow genuine followers of CHRIST, to rise up and make supplications to GOD on behalf of nations of this earth. This submission is also without regard or reference to none of any man’s utterances, quotation or documentation whatsoever; with the exception of one and only GOD’s word (the Holy Bible – New King James’ Version, 1982), as men were inspired by GOD to document (2Tim.3:16-17; 1Pet.1:20-21).
Therefore under this authority, I make bold to declare first, that it is essential to put a few terms into perspective, for proper understanding of this plight. By any reference to ‘world’, I mean a system created by men (a governing system) solely in their own wisdom outside GOD’s; Ways of life and living developed and instituted by men without GOD’s disposition; and a means by which things are done or accomplished by men, not at the expense of GOD. Also by ‘man or men’, it means man or men, regardless of gender or age, except when specified. By ‘earth’, I mean the one that GOD created for men to dwell in, to multiply on and have dominion over, including everything that were created on it for their sustenance as recorded in the book of Genesis chapters 1 and 2. By nations, I mean peoples who come together to live in unity for their common good, under an umbrella of tribes, tongues, cultures, resources....etc. By religion, I mean every other means of deity or worship outside the standard ordained by GOD as absolute Faith and belief in CHRIST. By Christianity, I mean a standard of living exemplified by JESUS CHRIST according to GOD’s word. By Christian, I refer to those who follow CHRIST to the letter under the sole tutelage of the HOLY SPIRIT as HE guides them into understanding of GOD’s word which they are bound to live out. By unbelievers, I mean anyone who is into one religion or the other, and is yet to accept the authority of JESUS as the SON of THE LIVING GOD and the only way by which anyone can reach GOD.

Background       
In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the SPIRIT of GOD was hovering over the face of the waters......Then GOD saw everything that HE had made, and indeed it was very good (Genesis 1:1,2,31). Just as in any human establishment that employs people to do their bidding, GOD made man to inhabit the earth and do HIS will. But the fall of man to the antics of satan, required that GOD by HIMSELF, through HIS only begotten, in the form of Man, walk this earth, to restore man back to the original intention of GOD – to do HIS will. This is fulfilled according to the following Bible verses: “For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). However, man, in his own wisdom has consistently failed in recognizing their purpose for existence, by going after self, material possessions and idols. Man will stop at nothing to ensure they satisfy their flesh because of their lust for the world. But the Scriptures cannot be broken because GOD inspired Holy men to put the Bible together. For instance, Bible says “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the FATHER is not in him (1 John 2:15)”. This is in fulfilment of GOD’s mandate to restore man back to HIMSELF.

Introduction
Nigeria is a country at the heart of Africa – the West African region. It is popularly referred to as the world’s most populous black nation. Nigeria has three main ethnic regions (Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo), with many sub-ethnic groups and several tribes and tongues (dialects). Nigeria is a nation that is blessed with immense human and natural resources, if properly exploited, is sufficient enough to cater for all the needs of Nigerians and other parts of the world.
The challenge Nigeria faces today is thought to be a result of colonialism. No doubts, but prior to the arrival of the colonial masters, we were outrightly into all kinds of idol worship. Even to date, in such a ‘modern’ dispensation, idolatry has not ceased, in fact it has adapted modern dimensions.
The Industrial Revolution ushered in a lot of wealth creation, prosperity, technological developments and advancement. This led many colonial masters to embark upon conquering other less developed nations and exploiting their resources for personal gains. Of course, many founding fathers of faith came to Africa to bring the Gospel of JESUS to our doorsteps, but many of the paid with their lives. While some lost out in their greed for the resources, some lost out fulfilling GOD’s will – CHRIST visited Africa through them.
Our colonial masters did not perform less worse than their predecessors. The amalgamation of different cultures and ethnicities as Nigeria ‘for a common good’ created the platform for our supposed unity. These slave masters were out to perfect their ‘divide and rule’ strategy, which to date is plaguing Nigeria.
The religious campaigns that swept across EurAsia, ‘in the name of GOD’ was perpetuated by supposed Christians and Muslims. This spread into Africa through the Northern regions and this is why to date, the Northern parts of Nigeria is predominantly Muslims. Whilst the Gospel of JESUS came through the South-Western part, hence the reason the Southerners are predominantly “Christians”. Therefore, in Nigeria, I will say we have those who believe in JESUS and those who do not.
As the Bible is set to fulfil all the prophecies given, many Christians are falling into the subtle arms of satan through democracy, money and politics. Democracy – because it is a viable tool to achieve mob brainwashing, as it requires eloquent and motivational speakers that are prospective personnel who can do the bidding of the world leaders. The rich, wealthy and powerful are controlling all the available resources, in the name of democracy. Whilst they continue to plunder the land, the poor are rendered helpless and they become desperate to have their means of survival through any means available. We now have many forms of sustenance – armed robbery, prostitution, forgery…etc. Be aware as well, that politicians will go to any length to ensure they are elected. This includes but not limited to ritual killings, oath swearing at idol shrines and so on.
Today, Nigeria is on a deplorable state of being as a nation. Although many Nigerians claim to be genuine followers of CHRIST, they are imminent perpetuators of evil and ungodliness. This is one of the many reasons we have all kinds of churches in Nigeria. An average street may have as many as 4 – 5 different denominations, all claiming to have been called by GOD. Unfortunately, through these means, the kingdom of hell is fuelling divisions among GOD’s children. Many Pastors start out well with clear vision of GOD’s mind, but have lost out to the coffers of politicians because they covet their ill-gotten wealth to “build” GOD’s Kingdom whilst they are busy amassing landed properties and material wealth, especially at the detriment of the sheep whom GOD has put under their care. Worst is that they preach a different Gospel from that which CHRIST came to deliver to man. They preach material prosperity, tithe giving, offerings, donations….all with the aim of plundering the ignorant.

Prayer Points for Nigeria
(a) GOD should create a hunger and thirst for HIM in the hearts of the ignorant, that they may recognize the need to depend on the Bible as their source of strength and not man.
(b) That the ignorant should come to the understanding of the need to live out GOD’s word through the help of the HOLY SPIRIT and not to satisfy the desires of their heart.
(c) That GOD should expose everyone doing the bidding of satan on every pulpit across the nation.
(d) That the Gospel of JESUS will again become a household norm in homes across the nation.
(e) That the kingdom of darkness will suffer a great blow in their plans to make Nigeria a Muslim nation, as the Gospel of JESUS keep reaching all those who come in contact with the truth of GOD’s word no matter which form it may take.
(f) That the Western nations will discontinue their campaign to institute ungodliness into ‘developing’ nations so that GOD’s word will have a root in the heart of men.
 

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Prayer for Nigeria: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 20

For the next 3 days, our focus will be on Nigeria, the 8th most populous country in the world. Please get a good overview of the country by reading pages 641-652, then watch this video and pray for Nigeria today.


http://youtu.be/ONuF6QCI1Y4

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Praying for Niger: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 1

Today we continue praying for Niger. Please review pages 638-640, then join me in prayer today.

My prayer for today: Lord, You see and know the needs of Niger. You know the hearts of the people and the Christian workers you have called to give their lives to this land. We pray that You will guide missionaries and churches to wise strategies and radical dependence on You. Lord, at the very basic level we pray for appropriate levels of rainfall so that the people can grow food. Give wisdom how to store food when it is so tempting to eat every bite today and end up starving in a few months. Raise up believers who are skilled in agricultural techniques that work in this climate. We ask for Christians to continue to engage their culture and not shrink back in fear. Thank You for the spiritual openness; we ask that it continue and that people be drawn to Truth. Be magnified in Niger, we pray in Jesus' name, amen. 

 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Prayer for Niger: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 18

Today and tomorrow we journey to a nation in North Africa near the very bottom of the Human Development Index. Niger faces problems ranging from weather to economy to radical Islam to financial needs and more. As with every nation, Niger desperately needs its Savior. Please read pages 637-640 and then watch this video and pray with this Niger believer. I was so blessed by how grateful he is for so many things despite the deep need of his country. Let's join our hearts with His today!

http://youtu.be/Fuba9cs_itU


Monday, September 17, 2012

Prayer for Nicaragua - A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 17

Today's prayer focus is Nicaragua, a country that has sustained a 40-fold increase in the evangelical church in the past half-century! Please read pages 634-637 and join in praying for Nicaragua.

My prayer for today: Lord, thank You for Nicaragua and for the way You've used so many trials to draw Nicaraguans to Yourself. We thank You for the evangelism of local churches and the fruitfulness of growth. We pray for this country which still faces so much recovery for the previous civil war and ongoing poverty. We pray for the church to have wisdom to minister to the deep needs of the people who are turning to Christ. We pray for unity and sound doctrine within the churches and against the models that mimic foreign churches. We pray for churches that work with the unique needs of Nicaragua and reflect who You made these precious people to be. We pray You will finish the task in Nicaragua and develop a missions vision in the church there. In Jesus' name, amen.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Prayer for New Zealand: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 16

Today our prayer journey takes us almost to the bottom of the planet - New Zealand. Please read pages 631-634. New Zealand is so encouraging, as the church was predicted to decline there - but God had other plans!

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for the move of Your Spirit throughout denominations in New Zealand. We praise You for the strong churches and the sending mindset of the churches and their vision to multiply the missionary force significantly. We know You are going to do awesome things through the church in New Zealand. We pray against the deceptiveness of secularism and unbelief, and against the demonic influence of New Age spirituality. We pray for the church to be wise, united, and solidly based in Your Word. We pray for the Maori people to find the fullness of their identity through relationship with Jesus, and for a generation of Maori leaders to emerge in the churches. We pray for continued revival and renewal throughout the New Zealand church. In Jesus' name, amen.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Prayers for New Caledonia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 15

Today we pray for an island group in the Pacific, New Caledonia. Please read pages 629-631.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, we lift up this land that seems so far from us yet we know is so near to Your heart. We pray for a healing, peaceful, and fair transition to including the Kanaks in the political, economic, and legal life of the nation. We pray for ministry to help their addictions and to fill the Kanaks with a full life in Christ. We pray for revival in the older churches and unity within the churches overall. We pray for the house churches to grow and mature but to remain in unity with other churches. Guard and protect the church leaders from all territorialism and bring a strong focus on Scripture into every church. In Jesus' name, amen.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Praying for The Netherlands: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 14



Today we pray for The Netherlands, also known as Holland, and their people known as the Dutch. Confused yet? That's ok, one of the wonderful benefits of becoming a world Christian is learning about differences in formal, legal names and preferred names of countries and people groups. :) Please learn more by reading pages 624-629. 

Today's prayer time features insights from a Dutch native living outside her home country. Please read her insights, and join her heart in praying for her country. 


The Netherlands are  a small country sharing their borders with Belgium, Germany and, the North Sea. As one of the founding states of the European Union, we have not known another war since World War II. Today, a little over 16.5 million people are living within The Netherlands. 

Ages of trade with foreign nations has made knowledge of foreign languages an important asset and resulted in  Dutch people being very open towards other cultures. However, this seems to change. Feelings of resentment against foreigners are on the rise combined with a lack of trust in the government. People seem confused and did not know what to vote for in the recent parliamentary elections (September 12). Pray that these elections will result in  a stable government with capable and courageous people. 

Pray for the church in The Netherlands. In the past, heavy religion wars have been fought between Protestants and Catholics. Nowadays the traditional church seems to lose its relevance within society. However at the same time, migrant churches are fast growing. Pray for the traditional churches and migrant churches to interact; there’s so much we can learn from each other. Also, pray for the initiatives that are currently ongoing between divisions of churches to re-unite again. The Christian landscape/ body of Christ is marked by separatism due to several split-ups in the past .  Pray that old wounds will be healed.

Last but not least, many people from countries in war find a refugee within The Netherlands. Last year only, more than 11 thousand people asked for asylum  within The Netherlands. Afghans, Somalis and, Iraqis are the main nationalities that arrive here. Awaiting a decision on an asylum application is stressful, therefore, pray for the  asylum seekers. Also, pray for the many civil organizations, volunteers and churches that do work to support these people. Pray also for the many foreign students that reside in our country for educational purposes. Pray for the student work that is done to reach them.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Prayers for Nepal: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 13

Today we continue our prayers for Nepal. Please review pages 618-623. Don't miss the description of the Nepali underground church as a people of "profound prayerfulness". What a testimony! May we pray our own churches follow their example!

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for the church in Nepal. We learn from their example of willing suffering, profound prayerfulness, and commitment to evangelism and church planting. We thank You for what they add to Your body and commit our own churches to these worthy and biblical efforts. We praise You for answering the prayers of the Nepali church by opening the door to democracy. We praise You for every church in every district in Nepal and for the believers in the various people and caste groups, and for their growin unity. What a testimony of how You work, unseen but powerfully. Lord, we pray for continued wisdom and grace for the leaders of the churches to know how to interact with teh government. We pray for the government to be sensitive to issues of justice and righteousness and for them to have wisdom to meet the needs of the people. We ask that as the church moves more in the direction of meeting social needs that they will have wisdom and guidance. We pray they will demonstrate Your love and compassion while keeping the Gospel central. Guide the churches to know what to tackle first. Thank You for the Scripture that the church has and we pray for completed translation work in every language. In Jesus' name, amen.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Prayers for Nepal: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey- September 12

800,000 underground believers and sustained church growth. Child prostitution in the name of Hindu religious deities. Extraordinary beauty, and deep spiritual need. This is Nepal. Please read about it on pages 618-623, then watch this video and pray.

http://youtu.be/D-Bdn7Flk04


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Prayers for Namibia and Nauru: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 11

Today our journey takes us to Namibia, a country that has seen the fruit of united Christian prayer. We also will pray for the tiny island of Nauru, where offshore banking was shut down in the face of money laundering, despite the financial loss! Please read pages 614-618.

My prayer for today: What a refreshing day of prayer, Father! We thank You for Namibia, for the national prayer movement and the fruit of prayer borne out in the new stability and economic progress, as well as the healing of scars from colonialism and apartheid. We thank You for the heritage of missionaries int eh 19th century. We ask You, Lord, to finish what has been started in Namibia. We pray for the leaders to address poverty, land ownership, and the AIDS epidemic with wisdom and determination. We pray for the restoration of Biblical faith that rejects the liberal theology as well as the syncretism of the Afro-Spiritist movement. We pray for the new religious groups to work together and see a revival. Raise up spiritual leaders who can lead the church to address spiritual as well as social issues in a biblical manner. For Nauru, Lord, how awesome to see a country that has rejected the god of mammon. Honor their action, Lord, by blessing them financially and restoring what was lost in ill-gotten gain. The economic problems in Nauru are real, and the people need real solutions. We pray for You to anoint men and women with gifts of entrepreneurship to lead Nauru into an honest, sound financial existence. Thank You for working in this land, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Prayers for Myanmar (Burma): A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 10

Today we continue to pray for Myanmar. Please review pages 609-614 then join in prayer below.

My prayer for today: Lord, we are grateful for the growth of the church and the response from Buddhist monks. We praise You for the missions movement from within Myanmar and the growth of prayer and unity. Thank You for refining the church and drawing groups closer to biblical truth and dynamic faith. Lord, we pray for justice and righteousness to reign in Myanmar, and for those who are abusing power to fall under Your conviction and repent. We pray for the churches that are so attacked. Thank You for their resilience; we pray for wisdom and discernment, and for the church to demonstrate reconciliation and unity. We pray for sound leaders and solid theological education. We ask You to tear down the stronghold of Buddhism in the country and establish a depth of relationship with You. Guide the church and it seeks to reach out to all the needs and unreached people groups. In Jesus' name, amen.

Sunday, September 09, 2012

Praying for Myanmar (Burma): A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 9

Today and tomorrow we are focusing our prayers on Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. Many are familiar with Burma due to the large number of refugees in some parts of the West, especially from the Karen people group. Today, please familiarize yourself with Myanmar by reading pages 609-614, then praying with this Burmese believer below.

http://youtu.be/CRUIIhODF8M

Saturday, September 08, 2012

Prayer for Mozambique: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 8

Today we continue to pray for Mozambique. Please review pages 605-609. We have some insights from a Mozambique believer today. Please read his words about his country and join in prayer.

Mozambique is a very beautiful country, with about 23 million of population, located in Southern Africa surrounded by the Indian Ocean and Six other Nations such as Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and South Africa!

Mozambique was colonized by Portugal, and Portuguese is one on the most spoken language, that almost the entire nation uses for communication, but apart from that there are many other native languages or dialects that is being spoken varying from place to place.

This people lived under the oppression of the Portuguese people for many years until the 25th of June 1975 that the country became independent, and the government expelled all the Portuguese people in 48hours to return to their own country! And the main and the only party FRELIMO (Front Of Liberation of Mozambique) that existed in that moment began to govern the Nation.

And we had our first president of Mozambique independent and Politically things changed to worse, the president died in a plane accident and the main Party that fought for the freedom and equality in rights became one of the main oppressors of the people, and many other parties were formed, and a new war began THE CIVIL WAR, which was one of the most devastating war ever, most people killed each other, buildings were destroyed, Industry, hospitals, schools, almost everything existed no more.

After Sixteen years of war this two main parties RENAMO ( National Resistance of Mozambique) and FRELIMO they signed a peace agreement in Rome Italy, that culminated with peace in the country and democracy was established!

But than a huge movement of corruption took place in the Nation, the President of Mozambique publicly said "A goat eats where he is placed." which meant to people that any worker was allowed to steal wherever they worked! So many people became rich specially those that were part of the main Party FRELIMO, because they had many advantages, but people from low cost, or from low social level became poor and poor!

They began to claim for justice, but no one can speak freely against the government, if they do so then their life can be in danger, and the party never wants to loose power, many election were ran but they stole the votes from another party that could possibly win and rule the Nation! But they did not manage. 


RELIGION

There is religious freedom in Mozambique, and Catholic Church is one of the biggest church in the country, and there are also some evangelical churches but with lots of Syncretism going on in the churches.

There also lots of unreached people groups in Mozambique, most of them are Muslims and they live more in the coastlands, these are one of the most difficult people to reach with the gospel, but they are not unreachable it is possible to reach them as long as you go on a long term mission.

And there are also a bunch of people that worship ancestors, basically are those with Animistic worldview, but these people are most easy ones to bring the gospel to, they respond positively because their belief does not have a strong foundation where it is based on.

So when praying for Mozambique you can consider praying for all of these points.

Pray for the Government
Pray for healthy churches
Pray against corruption
And pray for God’s Kingdom to be established


My prayer for today: Oh Lord, we thank You that You are bringing beauty from the ashes of Mozambique's civil war. We thank You for the growth of the church and the spiritual responsiveness of the people. We pray for wisdom for leaders to disciple these new believers and teach them to study Your word. Feed the eagerness of these people to learn with a strong dose of truth. Help them to mature individually and corporately. We pray for the church to play a key role in healing Mozambique's brokenness. We pray for the removal of all the land mines and for safety and peace for the people of Mozambique. We pray against dependence on outsiders and ask that You teach the church in Mozambique how to give sacrificially and depend on You. We pray for You to complete the task in Mozambique for Your glory alone. In Jesus' name, amen.

Friday, September 07, 2012

Prayer for Mozambique: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 7

Today and tomorrow we focus on another African nation, Mozambique. Littered with land mines from a civil war that lasted three decades, Mozambique also has experienced spiritual responsiveness in part due to that same war. Please read about this country on pages 605-609.  Today we'll add to our understanding of Mozambique through this video prayer.

http://youtu.be/cme32SWAGKo


Thursday, September 06, 2012

Prayer for Morocco: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 6

Today we continue to pray for Morocco. Please review pages 600-604. I have included another video related to a different tribe of Berbers. This group is one of the largest unreached Muslim people groups in the world and merits special prayer focus. As you pray for them, please also remember the Muslim Background Believers in Morocco (highlighted on page 602) and their need for discipleship and protection from their own countrymen.

http://youtu.be/mmW-dTkNDZU

 

Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Prayer for Morocco: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 5

For the next two days, we pray for Morocco, a crucial state in Africa. The fact that there was at one time a church in this land, but was wiped out with the coming of Islam, is a testament to the need for Scripture in native languages. The largest people group in Morocco, the Berbers, heard the Gospel centuries ago and even briefly had a church. Yet there has never been a Berber Bible translation. It's heartbreaking to see these people so desperate for identity and yet still lacking the one tool that could guide them toward a full identity in Christ. Please read pages 600-604, then watch this video to learn more about the Berbers.

http://youtu.be/SIfviNUT8lU

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Praying for Montenegro and Montserrat: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 4

Today we pray for two very different countries with different needs - a reminder that our holy, transcendent God is deeply personal as well. He knows the needs of these lands and desires to meet them for His glory. As Acts 17:26-27 teaches us, he has placed people in each of these lands so that they would seek Him. Let's pray for them to do just that today! Please read pages 597-600.

My prayer for today: Lord, as different as these lands are, we know that You have determined who should live there for this time, and You did so in order that they would seek You. We pray for those on Montenegro and Montserrat to seek You, Lord, and for You to reveal Yourself to them in the unique ways that You know they will hear. We pray for unity and revival among the Orthodox church, and for the evangelical church to continue to draw together and grow in their vision for outreach. For Montserrat, we pray for recovery beyond what seems humanly possible from the devastating volcano in the 90's. We ask especially for the rebuilding of the congregations and renewal of outreach. Thank You for guarding the lives of those in Montserrat so they can hear about You again. In Jesus' name, amen.

Monday, September 03, 2012

Praying for Mongolia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 3

Today's prayers focus our hearts on a country that for many of us represents the "ends of the earth". Where I'm from, we joke about parking in "Outer Mongolia" as if it's as far away as we can imagine. What a great country to remind us of Jesus' commission upon His ascension:

Acts 1:8 (NASB) "but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

As you read about Mongolia on pages 594-597, notice what God has been doing the past 23 years: 4 believers have multiplied to over 40,000 and counting! Praise God for the power He has given the church in Mongolia to be His witnesses! 

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank you that in this remote part of the earth, Your power has equipped Your people to be witnesses and reap a mighty harvest. Lord, we know there are so many more to be reached in Mongolia and we praise You for the missionaries from the Mongolian churches. We pray for wisdom, unity, and spiritual maturity for the church in Mongolia. We pray for You to go before them and prepare the way by causing the words of the shamans to fall to the ground. We pray for You to do as You told Ezekiel You would do to the false prophets - make their false dreams and visions go away. Leave a void in Mongolia from the false teachings of Buddhism and shamanism, a void that can only be filled by You. Reveal Yourself to Mongolians and prepare them to receive the Gospel. Guide the churches to have adequate leaders and financial support as they move forward against the gates of hell in their country. In Jesus' name, amen.   

Sunday, September 02, 2012

Prayer for Moldova and Monaco: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 2

Today we pray for a country literally on the cusp of Europe and Asia, a country that has been conquered many times but today is an independent land. Moldova has one of the highest human trafficking rates in Europe and exceptionally high unemployment. Please read more on pages 590-592, and watch the video below as our prayer time together. 

We also pray for Monaco today. Pages 593-594 provide us a glimpse of this nation that is just now experiencing the beginnings of an evangelical church.

http://youtu.be/EyWYrjnmk5E

Saturday, September 01, 2012

Prayer for Micronesia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - September 1

Today we pray for several island groups in the Pacific, collectively known as Micronesia. The Federated States, Marshall Islands, Northern Marianas, and Palau were formerly administered by the US, played key roles during World War II, and have had both the benefits and problems associated with significant western influence. They are predominantly Christian, but often with animistic customs as well. Please read pages 585-590.

My prayer for today: Lord, I lift up Micronesia to You. No nation is too great, no island too small to capture Your heart. In reality, every nation is written tenderly on Your heart, and You spilled Your precious blood for each of the people on these islands. We thank You that the Gospel message has gone forth and we pray for a full embracing of Biblical truths and a rejection of idolatry. We pray against consumerism and materialism from western influences. And we pray for You to protect believers from cults and false teachings. Guide them to know Your Word and be firmly established to not be deceived. We pray specifically for the Marshall Islands, with their tragic history of occupation, exploitation, and war and the nuclear bomb testing. The devastating effect of this on their health and lifestyle is heartbreaking. We pray for Marshallese in the US to encounter Your love and have their needs met in sustainable ways. We pray for Godly leadership in the churches. Lord, we repent for not thinking of the people on those islands when we tested the bombs. They are paying the price for our selfishness. We pray, Lord, for more opportunities to minister to their needs and to engage them in love and service. Thank You, Lord, for Your grace on the Marshallese and on us. In Jesus' name, amen.