Prayers for Uganda: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 30

Today we continue lifting up Uganda. Please review pages 840-843.

My prayer for today: Lord, we bring Uganda before You. We lift up those ravaged by AIDS and pray for the churches to have wisdom in ministering to the suffering. We pray for the children who have been so victimized by AIDS, the LRA, as well as poverty. We pray especially for the street children who are so vulnerable. Your Word says that those who cause the little ones to stumble would be better off to have a millstone around their necks - we pray for justice for these little ones. We pray for the church to be in unity for Your glory, and for a true, deep Christianity to take root, a Christianity that is a personal relationship instead of a cultural identity. Give the church wisdom in the face of other religions and help them to uphold the name of Jesus in truth and love. In His name we pray, amen. 

Praying for Uganda: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 29

Today and tomorrow we focus our prayers on Uganda. Uganda is much more than Idi Amin's former place of rule; please read pages 840-843, then watch this video to pray today (click "read more" for a great description and challenge).

http://youtu.be/obXA6KCzjXk

Prayer for Turks & Caicos Islands and for Tuvalu: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 28

Today we pray for two island nations - Turks & Caicos in the Caribbean, and Tuvalu in the Pacific. Please read pages 838-840.

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for the religious freedom and heritage of these island nations. For Turks and Caicos, We pray for a righteousness that lines up with their faith - for the churches to address the money laundering, licentiousness and drug trafficking by living holy and faithful lives without compromise. We pray for overflowing love for the Haitian immigrants and for wisdom to address social issues in a way that benefits the entire population. For Tuvalu, we pray for dynamic biblical renewal and a turning to You in a personal way of all who call themselves Christians. Help their faith be more than a checkbox, Lord, help it be real in every area of their lives. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for Turkmenistan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 27

In many ways, Turkmenistan exemplifies a "closed country" - heavy restrictions on churches, required registration that is rarely granted, near-complete closure to missionaries - and yet, we can be encouraged that as in the days of Acts, God's word is always "unhindered" (the last Greek word in Acts). There are no chains on the word of God. Please read pages 836-838, and let's pray today for Turkmenistan.

My prayer for today: Lord, we are grieved when we realize the oppression of the people of Turkmenistan. We know that You long to see them free in You. We pray, as Paul did, that the Word of God would go forth speedily into Turkmenistan and that it would be honored when people hear it. We pray for the message of truth to be unhindered. You promise, Lord, that Your Word never returns void; we pray a special anointing on any portions of Your word disseminated throughout Turkmenistan. Multiply the return dramatically so that many can come to know You. We pray for the leaders of Turkmenistan, at this changing time, to realize the need to govern rightly. We pray they will make wise decisions that will enable Christians to live quiet, peaceful lives that result in the spread of the Gospel. Pour out Your grace upon them, and set them free in Jesus' name.

Prayers for Turkey: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 26

Today we conclude our prayers for Turkey. Please review pages 830-835.

Many of the New Testament locations are in modern-day Turkey - including all of the 7 churches of Revelation - and yet as a whole the country has rejected these roots. The church only accounts for .005% of the total population, and it is increasingly persecuted. The church needs to be united and focused on Biblical truth in order to survive. Today, let's focus our prayers on the church in Turkey using the 7 churches of Revelation as a scriptural foundation.

My prayer for today: Lord, we lift up the church in Turkey to You today. As You taught us through John centuries ago, You walk among the churches. You hold their leaders in Your hand. You are always at work among them, observing, shaping, correcting, growing. We pray for the church in Turkey - and each individual congregation - to know this truth about You deeply. We pray for them to realize they follow You, the faithful witness, and that You lead them into all truth and through all trials. We pray for them to be an overcoming church, as these verses describe: that they will practice righteous deeds; reject evil; test all claims against truth; persevere for Your name without growing weary; love You and others; endure tribulation and poverty without compromise. Enable them to remain faithful to death; hold fast to Your name without denying You in word or deed; reject idolatry; reject immorality; and complete all the deeds You give them to do. Help them remain alive and strengthened for Your purposes; use what they has; keep Your word without denying Your name; hold firmly to what You give and walk through the doors You open. May the church in Turkey be useful to Your kingdom; recognize its needs; have a proven faith; and be characterized by righteous deeds. And Lord, please give them spiritual vision; and most of all, enable them to  focus on relationship with You and not merely religion. Help them overcome, Lord Jesus, by Your grace and for Your glory.

Prayers for Turkey: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 25

Today we continue to pray for Turkey. We are blessed with insights from one currently serving in that land. Please review pages 830-835 and then read his words and pray along with this servant of the Lord!

The Republic of Turkey is a quickly growing, and changing nation, and a regional power located right in the middle of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It is a fairly young nation, not even a century old yet. After the defeat of The Ottoman Empire in World War I, the people were without leadership, and they were occupied by the Allies, with seemingly no hope of a comeback. But just a few years later, under the extraordinary leadership and vision of a man name Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, they succeeded in regaining their homeland, and establishing a republic. Not stopping at that victory he introduced many radical reforms  completely transforming the political, social, economic, legal, educational landscape of the nation, and effectively taking huge steps in modernizing the country.

Turkey is considered the largest unreached nation in the world. Although it technically has a secular government, Islam is the predominant religion, exceeding 99%. The number of Christian believers in the nation is around 5,000. At that percentage the number of believers in the state of Arkansas would only be around 200. If they were spread out evenly there would only be 2 believers in Fayetteville! Although there is freedom of religion in Turkey believers do endure much persecution, sometimes religious, and sometimes social. Accepting Jesus in Turkey many times means being disowned by your entire family. Just across the border in Iran, Jesus is encountering his people, and many many are being saved. Even among Iranians within Turkey revival is happening. It seems that among the Turks it's just not time yet, but as we pray we feel that Turkey's time is coming. There have been reports of the dead being raised, of the sick being healed, and we believe, we know this is only the beginning.

Islam may be a big stronghold, but it is not Turkey's only stronghold, after the long and ancient history of this land, there are literally idols buried in the ground beneath our feet. But this is the land of Abraham, this is the land where Paul lived, this is the land of the seven churches of revelation!

Please pray for persecuted believers, for the protection, comfort, and strength that only the Lord can give, and then they would be able to be a witness of his love to their brothers, sisters, parents, and spouses.

Please pray that the Lord would raise up workers for the harvest, equipping them, providing for them, and sending them out with fire and vision in their hearts and faith for the impossible.

Please pray specifically for the health of the workers who are here, for their spouses, and children, for protection and healing from all illness and disease.

Pray that God would release His presence, that He would come and work supernaturally in signs, wonders, and miracles, and just as importantly that He would work supernaturally in the hearts and minds of every believer and worker, giving them His character, His mind, and His will so that they will be able to display the life changing power of Christ.

Prayers for Turkey: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 24

For the next 3 days we will focus our prayers on Turkey, a unique country within the Muslim world. It has historically been a secular Muslim country. Recently, though, it has been moving toward more Islamic structures. Please read about this land on pages 830-835, then watch this video and join in prayer today.

http://youtu.be/f_T0tgW1CII

Prayer for Tunisia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 23

Tunisia is known to most of the world as the place where the "Arab Spring" started in 2011. Unfortunately, the end result for Tunisia as in much of North Africa and the Middle East remains to be seen. A spiritual war is definitely being fought in the heavenlies. Praise God that we know Jesus is victor, but let's be faithful to pray for these battles. As we've noted before on this journey, Jesus' words that "the gates of hell will not prevail" against the forward march of the church -- but as we get closer, we definitely can feel the flames tossed by the enemy. Often the battles we see in the political and physical worlds are reflections of this underlying spiritual battle. Let's read pages 827-829 today, and join this believer in prayer for Tunisia's battle.

http://youtu.be/Zcea5WZUNGU

Prayer for Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 22

Today is American Thanksgiving Day, and it's a good day to pause on our journey and thank God for how far He's brought us. This journey hasn't always been easy and if you're like me, sometimes you've really felt the uphill journey. But today, let's lift up thanks to God for calling us to this journey, enabling us to get this far, and allowing us the privilege of learning about all these countries so we can rejoice around the throne when we see some people from each of these tribes, tongues, nations, and people groups worshipping Jesus!

Today's prayer focus is Tonga as well as Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad is literally named after the "Trinity". Please read pages 823-826, then join this Trinidad believer in praying for her land.

http://youtu.be/XQkTII11ync

Praying for Togo: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 21

Today we pray for Togo, which has experienced rapid growth in Christianity in the past 20 years. Please read pages 820-822, then watch this video to pray with a Togolese believer today.

http://youtu.be/7NMqqy10MvU

Praying for TImor Leste (East Timor) - A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 20

One of only two Asian nations with a Catholic Majority, Timor Leste still bears the scars of its birth. Peace is so needed in this land located between Indonesia and Australia. Please read pages 817-819, then join me in prayer for Timor.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, the people of Timor live in poverty while sitting on so many potential resources. What a terrible indictment of occupation by multiple nations. Lord, we praise You for Timor's freedom and pray that this nation will be able to move forward in peace and wisdom. We pray for a new infrastructure and transformation at all levels. We pray for true faith, not just as a reaction against the Islam of Indonesia but as a true new birth in the hearts of people. Bring about full evanglization for this nation and build it on the solid foundation of Your word. Give hope to the people of Timor. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for Thailand: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 19

Today we continue to lift up Thailand. It's significant that 65% of ethnic Thai church members are first generation believers. As Operation World notes, this is one reason many church and mission leaders see Thailand as poised for a true breakthrough of church growth! The emerging indigenous leadership is another key element - a people will never be fully reached until its believers start reaching it for themselves! Let's review pages 812-817, then pray together for Thailand today.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, we thank You for the work You have been doing in Thailand and for the progress toward Thai believers taking responsibility for reaching their own people. We see the enemy trying hard to hold on to his territory, with AIDS and trafficking as well as the structures that support sin remaining in place. We come strongly against his efforts to keep the Thai people in bondage when You want to set them free. We pray for the church in Thailand to be united, to effectively collaborate on projects, and to hold high standards of prayer, Scripture reading, witness, and ministry. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Thailand: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 18

Thailand means 'land of the free', and yet so much of Thailand is in bondage to Buddhism and idolatry. Yet in the midst of this Buddhist land, the church is growing and poised for its greatest breakthrough of church growth. Please read pages 812-817, then let's watch this video and pray with this Thai believer for her land today.

http://youtu.be/BXSDnI-rUxw

Praying for Tanzania: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 17

Today we continue to pray for Tanzania. Please review pages 807-811.

My prayer for today: Lord, we pray for the church in Tanzania to refocus on Your Word. We praise You for their heart for worship and for culturally appropriate worship services, but we know that worship must be in Spirit AND in truth. We pray for truth to be restored to worship services. We pray for discipleship to regain a prominent place and with it, a renewal of the worldviews to line up with Scriptural principles. We praise You for the fruitfulness of the church in Tanzania, and pray that You will correct what needs correcting so that fruitfulness will continue. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for Tanzania: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 16

Today and tomorrow we pray for Tanzania, a country described as an "island of peace" yet with widespread poverty and negative impacts from AIDS. Please read pages 807-811, then pray with this passionate believer for Tanzania.

http://youtu.be/qlCZp_afoLo

Prayers for Tajikistan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 15

Today our prayer focus is on Tajikistan, one of the former Soviet republics in Central Asia. Please read pages 805-807.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, like the church at Philadelphia, the Tajik church has "only a little strength", and yet who knows how powerful it truly is for Your kingdom purposes! We ask for open doors that no one can shut for the Tajik church. We pray they will continue to keep Your word and not deny Your name. We pray for You to fight against those who persecute them and reveal Your love for Your church to those who deny the truth. We pray the church will hold on to what it has, to gain victory and the crown that can never perish. We pray the Tajik church will be sensitive to every word You are saying through Your Holy Spirit. Amen, Lord Jesus, let it be.

Prayers for Syria: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 14

Over the course of this year's prayer journey, you've probably seen news out of Syria. It's one of the hot spots this year, and everyone seems to have an opinion about it! One of the joys of kingdom-centered prayer is that we don't have to have the solutions - we just get the privilege of bringing the problems before God and trusting that He is doing something on His kingdom calendar that we can't see.

Today, please read pages 802-804, then watch this video and pray for Syria. (The summary under the video also has some great information about the country.)

http://youtu.be/uoueXfbRCZE

Prayers for Switzerland: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 13

Switzerland, perhaps most famous in modern days for its neutrality, has a growing number of evangelical believers who are anything but neutral about the Gospel! While there is much need for prayer because secularism and false belief systems grow, there is also much to be encouraged about. Please read pages 799-803 and then watch this video to join in prayer for Switzerland. 700 years ago it made a covenant to be a country that fears and follows the Lord. Let's pray He restores them to the fullness of that covenant in this generation!

http://youtu.be/j6vrc9BegnU

Prayers for Sweden: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 12

Today we pray for Sweden, one of many European countries with a Christian background that now is considered "post-Christian" and has a high degree of secularization. Please read pages 795-798 and then watch this video to join in prayer for Sweden.

http://youtu.be/RB3CjM-mYVU

Prayer for Suriname and Swaziland: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 11

Today, our prayer journey takes us to Latin American and Africa! Please read pages 790-795, then let's focus our prayers on Swaziland with this video and insights from one serving that country. My prayer for Suriname follows the video.

Swaziland: 

HIV

There are 150.000 vulnerable children in the country and it is estimated that there were 120.000 AIDS orphans in 2010

HIV in pregnant women is about 43%.

Pray for the HIV situation, the country has a big challenge, because of the HIV, everyday the kingdom need to deal with orphans and widows.

CHURCH

Pray for truly understanding of the gospel, pray against syncretism.

The church mixed the worship of the ancestors with the gospel.

Swazi culture is very strong, and they are proud to be Swazis what is very good, but as a Christians they need to understand that Jesus is the only one to be worshiped.

Pray for the kingdom. The King Mswati III ascended the throne in 1986 at the age of 18.   

Pray for rural areas, many areas of Swaziland they have water problem, most of Swazi population lives in rural areas.

Polygamy is legal in the kingdom.

http://youtu.be/-0ygZZNAEIA

 

My prayer for Suriname:Lord we praise You for the unity movements and the progress among Amerindians. Your Word tells us that our unity demonstrates Your love, and we pray for that to happen among Suriname believers as they walk out the unity that You've given them as a gift. We pray for leadership and for new Biblical foundations. We pray for leaders who will follow Paul's example in laying a foundation that is made not of wood, hay, and stubble but instead gold, silver, and precious stones of Your Word and the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ! Minister to those leaders and guide them to stay close to You, in Jesus' name, amen.

Pray for South Sudan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 10

Today we'll shift slightly from Operation World to pray for South Sudan, a country formed after the book's publication. A mission agency working in South Sudan has put together a great prayer focus. Please read the following and pray accordingly.

PEACE for South Sudan

by Nate Kidder
6 June 2012

Over the last several decades, peace in South Sudan has been a fleeting notion. It rests upon the landscape as tantalizing to observers as a mirage in the desert. In desperation, one crawls close enough to experience it only to find that it vanishes in the wind.

It becomes vital, therefore, when we speak of peace in South Sudan, to consider first the spiritual peace that comes from the Lord Jesus. John 14:27 can be a helpful roadmap for us as we move toward this goal.

The peace spoken of here is:

1. Indwelling. In conjunction with verse 26, we observe that this peace is left in the context of the Holy Spirit’s arrival. Being that “peace” is a fruit, or evidence, of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), this is not surprising. This peace, promised by Jesus, is planted by the Spirit in the hearts of His followers.
2. Eternal. Jesus refers to it as “my peace” and, in so doing, connects it to eternity. This is not a peace that depends on physical circumstances. It is not a peace that derives existence from government policy or military strength. This peace, which has dwelt in all eternity, now touches the lives of His disciples.
3. A Gift. An explanation of the gift is given by Jesus in saying, “… my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives.” There is no mirage associated with this peace – no vanishing act. It is the eternal and indwelling provision of the Lord for people in desperate need.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -Jesus

 

Let us pray primarily for the South Sudanese that this peace from Jesus would spread (through evangelism), take root (through discipleship), and encourage (by consideration of the heavenly reward) those who continually experience physical peace as a mirage.
Concerning the pursuit of physical and government-determined peace, we can see how God has granted South Sudan a promising start. Since separation from Sudan in July 2011, there have been several important steps. We can continue to pray for the many challenges:

• Pray that both sides will agree upon an official border.
• Pray that there will be agreement upon revenue sharing, particularly regarding oil production.
• Pray that international pressure would be strongly considered and that descent into full-scale war would be continually rejected by both governments.
• Pray that infrastructure (roads, schools, hospitals, etc) would continue to develop under the umbrella of peace.

Prayer for Sudan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 9

Today we continue to pray for Sudan. Please review pages 783-790.

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for the openness within Sudan and for the growth of Christianity. We thank You for Christians working in Darfur and for Sudanese Christians who are leading the way in church planting there and even for those from Darfur who fled and are encountering the Gospel elsewhere. We pray for the church in its persecution to be bold and authentic in its witness. We ask for the church to bear good witness and become spiritually strong. We pray for unity and sound teaching for church leaders. We ask that Your Word would go forth and prosper in Sudan.

Prayer for Sudan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 8

For the next 3 days, we pray for Sudan. We'll focus today and tomorrow on the requests in Operation World for Sudan, and on the 10th we'll focus on South Sudan - which became a separate country after the publication of Operation World. Please read pages 783-790, then watch this video. (Note: It's a little hard to understand as he speaks quickly, but his passion is evident and its worth the effort to listen.)

http://youtu.be/hnsBa91LxHs

Prayer for St. Martin, St. Pierre and Miquelon, and St. Vincent: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 7

As with yesterday's focus, today we lift up some additional island nations. Please read pages 780-783.

My prayer for today: Lord, we lift up these nations to You, knowing that the islands belong to You and You seek to claim hearts on these lands for Your glory. For St. Martin, we pray for the Christians to live lives that are filled with peace and hope, and that non-believers will see the emptiness of their lifestyles and seek to find out the reason for the hope that is within the Christians. In St. Pierre and Miquelon, Lord, our hearts break that there are no evangelical or Protestant churches. We pray for renewal within the Catholic church and for people to find hope in a living relationship with You. For St. Vincent, Lord, we pray for spiritual fruitfulness. Fill believers with Your Spirit and teach them to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh, so that fruit abounds - bring about the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We pray for the church to be biblically-based and Spirit-led. It's Your Church Lord. Walk among it and speak Your words of life to the church on St. Vincent. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for St. Barthelemy, St. Helena, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 6

Today we touch down on several islands throughout the Caribbean, and one off the coast of Africa. Please read pages 775-779 and as you do, remember that even though we are just barely skimming these lands, each of these island peoples are uniquely recognizeable in great detail to the Father!

My prayer for today: Lord, we pray for these islands, islands that need You. We pray for St. Barthelemy's churches to have wisdom to minister meaningfully to the people of the island as well as the many tourists that come through. We pray for St. Helena's Christians to remain committed to You and for the church to experience renewal. We pray for the Anglican church specifically to receive a fresh wind of Your Spirit. For St. Kitts and Nevis, we ask for the Holy Spirit to empower and embolden believers for the Gospel. We pray for You to extend Your hand to give Christians the power to speak Your Word with great boldness. In St. Lucia, Lord, we pray that You would use Christians to bring about a spiritual and moral transformation of society. Show the churches where they are not following Biblical truths. Enable them to remember what they have received and heard, and keep it and repent. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Sri Lanka: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 5

As we continue to pray for Sri Lanka, please review pages 769-774.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, we thank You that so many Sri Lankans have experienced that You are rich in mercy, and have been made alive with You, receiving the riches of Your kindness and being created for good words. We ask that each Christian in Sri Lanka would remember this, remember that formerly they were separate from you and You brought them near by Your blood. We pray that You Yourself would be their peace, tearing down every dividing wall between Tamil and Sinhalese, Catholic and Protestant, mainline and evangelical, older Pentecostal and new neo-Pentecostal. We pray that the Sri Lankan church would be made into one new man, reconciled through the cross, sharing access in one Spirit to the Father. We pray that this unity would be a testimony to the rest of the country of Your love. Let Christians in Sri Lankan come to be known by their love for one another and for You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Sri Lanka: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 4

As we move forward in our prayer journey, we focus today and tomorrow on Sri Lanka. Please read pages 769-774.

My prayer for today: We praise You, Father, from whom every family on heaven and earth receives its name, for those You have predetermined to live in Sri Lanka during this time, and pray that They would seek You! We thank You that You have brought a measure of peace, safety, and stability to facilitate them seeking You, and that the anti-conversion bill has not yet become reality. We pray it will never do so; we ask that the Sri Lankan government would just allow Christians to live quiet and peaceful lives in godliness and dignity in an atmosphere that facilitates the spread of the Gospel. We pray for the leaders of Sri Lanka to have wisdom and rule in righteousness and justice. We pray for the justice system to reflect justice that rolls like water, righteousness like the waves of the sea! Reveal Yourself increasingly through the church in Sri Lanka.

Praying for Spain: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 3

Today we continue to pray for Spain. With so many unreached cities and some major potential blocs for outreach, the church in Spain needs great wisdom to proceed. Scripture assumes a missional church; let's pray today for the church in Spain to take up that challenge with wisdom and discernment!

My prayer for today: Lord, we pray for the church in Spain. We pray for You to raise up visionaries who, like Paul, discern Your specific call to those who are pleading for someone to "come and help". We pray that as the church goes, You would lead them to seekers who are ready to hear the Gospel. We pray that missionaries from the churches in Spain will have the chance to proclaim the Gospel to entire households, and that the church in Spain would be a continual source of prayer and encouragement for those who are going. We pray the church will see the need to support such people, who go out for the sake of the Name, and see themselves as fellow workers with the truth. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Prayer for Spain: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 2

Paul planned to visit Spain (Romans 15:24). We don't have a biblical record that tells us he ever had that opportunity, but in recent years a liberated Spain has seen significant evangelical growth. Please learn about this country on pages 764-769. Today and tomorrow we'll add our prayers to those Paul surely prayed centuries ago for this country!

My prayer for today: Lord, we rejoice in the liberty Spain has and in the growth of evangelicals through immigration. We thank You for the gospel Filadelphia movement among the gypsies and praise You that You have been very much at work in Spain in recent years. We pray for the church's role in meeting the deep needs of modern Spain. With so many areas of darkness accepted as normal, and the church often rejected as irrelevant, believers in Spain face an uphill battle. We pray for them to exemplify Christ in all they do, remaining above reproach and always being prepared to have an answer for the hope that is within them. We  pray, Lord, that people will ASK! Lord, we ask You to empower them through their faith to diligently pursue moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and above all, love. You make it clear Lord, that this diligent pursuit is a surefire path to being useful and fruitful to know You and make You known - and we pray that as the church in Spain follows this path, they will see many opportunities to do just that! We ask this in the precious name of Jesus, amen.

Praying for South Africa: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - November 1

Today we continue lift up South Africa. As we do I have a confession that I hope will be an encouragement. Despite committing to this journey for almost a year now, and praying daily for these countries and other needs ... and despite following the Lord for over 15 years now ... and despite having prayed earnestly for Bible-saturated prayers and practicing in many areas of my prayer life ... I have forgotten to apply that principle here as a general rule. I know I've included Scripture and prayed ways that are consistent with Scripture - but my heart is for my words to fall to the ground and His words to remain. I am passionate about studying His word and internalizing it, and so want His words to drip from my tongue in prayer! Yet much of the time I haven't applied that here. Only today, as I write this week's blog posts, have I realized my oversight! So what's the encouragement? Simply this: God doesn't leave us hanging when we forget lessons He's taught us. He's faithful to bring us back to the things He's trying to get through our (often thick) skulls!

Please review South Africa on pages 757-763, and let's ask God to guide our prayers together!

My prayer for today: Lord, we praise You for the miracle of change in South Africa. Thank You for abolishing apartheid and strengthening the church through prayer. Thank you for the ministries in the country and the stable government. Lord, our biggest prayer today is for the Gospel to be manifest in every way throughout society. Let the Church live out the truth that Your grace has come, bringing salvation and transformation. We pray for Christian leaders to model, and Christians to follow, an example of denying ungodliness and worldly desires as they live sensible, righteous, and godly lives within their spheres of influence. Give them a hunger to look toward Your sure return and to see themselves as You see them - a redeemed people, being purified for Your own possession. Make them zealous for good deeds! In Jesus' name, amen.