Prayers for Yemen: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - December 22

Today we continue to pray for Yemen. Please review pages 889-891.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, I praise You that You are working in Yemen, that so many are being drawn to You. Thank You for the wisdom You've given the church to sow the seed broadly, then carefully train potential believers in safe settings. Lord, we pray that You would protect these small groups from wolves who are not true seekers. We pray for strong discernment for the leaders of these groups so that they see red flags along the way. We pray for believers to continue to share their faith and be open even while being wise. We pray against fear and isolationist tendencies. We ask You to honor the sacrifices of those who could leave, but choose not to do so in order to reach their fellow Yemeni brothers. Meet their needs and minister to their spirits. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for Yemen: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - December 21

Yemen has been in the news this year, with uprisings and threats of the "Arab Spring" revolts spilling into this land as well. Yet within Yemen there is a strong and growing hidden church. Though very much at risk, the church continues to grow because Jesus is showing Himself to be irresistably attractive to seeking Muslims. Please read pages 889-891, then watch this video (altered because of the risk to the speaker) and pray today.

http://youtu.be/aptMkUjeDvk

Prayers for Vietnam: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - Dec. 19

Today we continue to pray for Vietnam, especially for the unreached peoples there. Though known for Communism, Vietnam is actually held captive even more to ancestor worship that even crosses into the church. There is much wisdom needed for Christians to know how to respond in a way that honors those gone before without compromising the Gospel. Please review pages 882-886, then watch this video for more information and prayer points.

http://youtu.be/1zKNxfzfGOw

Prayers for Vietnam: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - Dec. 18

Today and tomorrow we pray for a country famous for conflict. What's less known is a spiritual war that has raged within Vietnam. The church is emerging from years of serious persecution and there is a strong turning to God. Please read pages 882-886, then watch this video to learn more and pray for Vietnam.

http://youtu.be/M82ZYXJbVdE

Prayers for Uzbekistan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - Dec. 14

Yesterday we learned about Uzbekistan and its great persecution. Please review pages 872-875, then join me in prayer for Uzbekistan today.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, in a land with few missions workers, tight control, and intense persecution - we pray for a mighty move of Your Spirit. We pray for You to cause Uzbek believers to reject the evil that is so prevalent, and to demonstrate what it means to receive the word with humility and to live it out, showing their faith by their works. We pray that Uzbek believers' faith will be seen as pure and faultless as they minister to the needs of the weak and keep themselves from being stained by the world around them. We pray for them to show a different way. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for Uzbekistan: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - December 13

Throughout the year we have prayed for countries that have experienced significant changes with the fall of Communism. In many of these lands, believers seek wisdom to apply relatively new freedoms. Uzbekistan is different. In this land, missionaries have been expelled, and the control of Communism has been replaced with the control of radical Islam. Please read pages 872-875. We'll pray for Uzbekistan today and tomorrow.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, the strongholds over Uzbekistan are heartbreaking! The governmental control; the occult of folk Islam; the vestiges of Communism; and the deceptiveness of being one's own master are all versions of the old lie of the enemy. We know he doesn't want to loosen his grip on Uzbekistan and so Lord, we pray that You will break it down. We pray for You to raise up servants who recognize the warfare and pray accordingly; for You to equip the church in Uzbekistan with Your Word and every gift needed to fulfill its calling. We pray for Godly leaders and wise counsel. We ask for a breakthrough in Uzbekistan that will influence all of Central Asia. We pray for Christians to respond to persecution with love and to be joyful when their property is seized, focusing on their inheritance in heaven. We pray for strength and boldness; we ask for Christians to endure under pressure and not turn each other over to the authorities. Show Yourself strong in Uzbekistan, in Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for United Arab Emirates: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - Dec. 3

Today we pray for a nation that is a crossroads for much of the Arab world to the rest of the world - with a large immigrant population that makes it a great touchpoint for the Gospel for hundreds of people groups. Please read pages 848-850 and join me in prayer today for United Arab Emirates.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, You designed the world so creatively. You tell us that You determine the times and boundaries of people's lives so that they might seek You. You have determined in this time period that United Arab Emirates is a place millions pass through on their way to somewhere else. The religious freedom in this land is significant to provide an opportunity to reach those who are in UAE for a season. We thank You for the overwhelming response to the Gospel! Lord, we ask that You guide the church in UAE to meet the challenges of this response. We pray for spiritual hunger for the people of UAE and for fruitfulness from the ministries that are there, both old and new. Let UAE be a dynamic launching pad for the Gospel. 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

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

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

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.

Prayers for Singapore: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 25

Today we pray or one of the few "city-states" in the world. Please read pages 743-746 and then watch this video to learn more about how to pray for this tiny country that is fast becoming a missions hub!
http://youtu.be/E-dzFnpjsUI

Praying for Saudi Arabia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 20

If you want to pray for God to move in the Muslim world, you can't pick a much better place to start than Saudi Arabia. The strongholds are great there, and the influence on the Muslim world profound. Please review pages 728-730 and let's take the birthplace of Islam to the Lord.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord God, we love Muslims but we know Your heart is even greater. We pray for a breakthrough for Muslims to know Your heart and Your Son to start in Saudi Arabia. We pray that Muslims visiting Mecca will encounter You and that You will speak to those traveling to Mecca through dreams and visions. We pray for a more fair and righteous government that recognizes human rights and religious freedom. We pray for the needs of the country and for Christians in Saudi Arabia to have wisdom and boldness. We pray for secret believers to persevere and for those seeking to come to love You more than they fear the consequences. We pray for believers to find believing spouses and for believers to meet together regularly, however creative they might have to be.We pray for creative ways to reach seekers in such a tightly controlled environment. In Jesus' name, amen.