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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Pray for the Street Children.

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

Pray for AIDS victims they are increasing daily.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Praying for India states of Maharashtra and Manipur: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey

Today we pray for a large state with much influence, and a very small state that is still very much on the heart of God. Please read pages 432-434 about Maharashtra and Manipur.

There are so many ways we can approach these prayer times. Many days as you note I simply focus on the requests listed in Operation World. Sometimes, though, our prayers can be enhanced by zeroing in on one focus group. Today, please watch this video about one of the large groups within Maharashtra, and let's pray for God to reach these unreached people who need Jesus desperately.

http://youtu.be/b_RhkAhVF0g

Praying for India states of Kerala and Madhya Pradesh: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 29

Today we pray for two more states of India, including one where the Gospel traditionally first reached India, through the apostle Thomas. Please read about Kerala and Madhya Pradesh on pages 430-431.

My prayer for today: Lord, we don't know for sure that it was Thomas who first brought the Gospel to India in Kerala state, but we do know that somehow there is a diverse group of Christans here, and we are so grateful that You have established this foothold in the most southwestern portion of the state. Lord, we cannot help but think that Kerala is highly strategic for Your kingdom purposes. We pray for renewal of the churches, for unity among the different styles of worship  and evangelistic approaches; for sensitivity among the churches; and for a common goal of being a witness to You to be put ahead of their own personal interests and preferences. We pray for believers to be freed from the spirit of caste to be able to love other believers and reach the unreached. We pray for You to call many to serve the tribals, the Muslims, and the Hindus. In Madhya Pradesh, Lord we pray for the trickle of interest in Jesus to become a stream and a river. We pray for an increase to the unity that has started and that You would be honored and glorified through their love for one another so they can reach the many needy people in this state. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Praying for India states of Jharkhand and Karnataka: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 28

Today we continue our trek across India. Please read about Jharkhand and Karnataka on pages 428-429.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, in these Indian states we've never heard of, You are still Lord. The peoples in Jharkhand and Karnataka belong to You, Lord. We pray for healthy, sustainable development in Jharkhand. We pray for provision for the farmers. Bring appropriate amounts of rain and sun on their crops so that they can have adequate provision for their families. We pray for Christians seeking to serve the tribal groups; raise up outreach for every unengaged group. We pray for sensitivity and wisdom by evangelists. Help them know how to take into account the unique approaches and needs of each group. In Karnataka, Lord, we are grieved by the depth of spiritual need. We pray for You to break down barrier to the gospel and raise up Christians who will serve in government and challenge the anti-conversion laws. We pray for Bangalore believers to realize the opportunity facing them in Bangalore. Help them realize it is their job, not outside missionaries', to reach their city. We pray for a revival in the church and unity around the common mission of reaching their city and state. We praise You for the example of the Lingayat Christians; let their work be known by other believers throughout Karnataka and be a loving and faithful witness and challenge to them. In Jesus' name, amen.  

Praying for India states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 27

Today we continue lifting up India. Please read about Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, on pages 426-428.

My prayer for today: Lord, I lift up Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir to You. As they are centers for conflict, both spiritual and political, we pray for You to bring Your peace. We pray for a breakthrough in Himachal Pradesh. Tear down the mountains named after gods. Let them see that You bring an unshakeable security, but anything else is bound for destruction. We praise You for the growth in the church; purify it and protect it from syncretism. Lord, multiply believers and equip them for ongoing ministry. We pray for wisdom for believers who are faced with the realities of anti-conversion legislation; may they be wise, loving, effective, and bold in their witness. Lord, for Jammu & Kashmir, we pray for the Muslims and the tension that has existed for centuries. We pray for You to bring a peaceful solution, We pray for the Christians to be wise and sensitive, and that You will protect and preserve new believers. We pray for laborers for the harvest of unreached. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for India states of Goa, Gujarat, and Haryana: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 26

Today we continue to pray for India by lifting up three more states - Goa, Gujarat, and Haryana. I encourage you to locate each state we pray for on your map on page 418 (Goa & Gujarat are on the west coast; Haryana in the west-central) and be aware of where they are located. That way if you hear of something on the news in "Northeast India" or "Southern tip of India" you'll have a reference point and can come to Operation World and review the notes about that particular state or region. Please read pages 424-426 today.

My prayer for today: Lord, we lift up the predominately Hindu states of Goa, Gujarat, and Haryana. We pray for You to call many Hindus to Yourself, and call people who have a heart for Hindus to these states specifically. We pray for Goa state, and for the Christians there to recognize the idolatry in mingling Hindu beliefs with Biblical teaching. Help them have wisdom and realize what is cultural and what is idolatry. We pray Lord for wonders who speak Konkani to feel called to serve Goa state. For Gujarat, we pray for a state government to promote true peace and the tolerance Gandhi proclaimed, by allowing religious conversion to be legal. We pray for the church that You will strengthen what remains Lord. We know that it's an oppressive environment; lift the spirits of Your people and empower them to do a profound work by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the church growth; we pray for a passion to reach the unreached to come from these new believers. And for Haryana, Lord, we pray for the church with its 'little strength' to become a strong pillar for You in India. We pray for open doors and no one can close, for faithfulness to be on mission with You. May these few reach the many as only You can work out. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Praying for India states of Chhattisgarh and Delhi: A 364 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 25

Today we lift up two more Indian states. Please read about Chhattisgarh and Delhi on pages 422-423.

Throughout Operation World's section on India, you are reading about the Dalits. In Chhattisgarh, Dalits comprise a large proportion of the population. The video below, from Gospel for Asia, will shed insight into what God is doing among the Dalits. This is an amazing example of a people group movement - a people group who decided to change religions and got together to explore options. Many chose Christianity on Nov. 4, 2001; many others have followed Jesus since. As noted before, it's important to pray for conversions that are true and not merely a reaction to Hinduism's caste system, but Jesus meets all of us at our point of felt need, and many who work among the Dalits believe this day was key to starting a true turning of Dalits to Christ. Learn more at http://www.slumdogmillionprayer.org.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, You never cease to amaze me. How You can use even the caste system to cause a holy dissatisfaction and turn people to You is beyond me. Thank You, Lord, for the Dalits who have come to faith and we pray for their walk with You to be strengthened. We ask You, Lord, to save those who have merely rejected Hinduism but not embraced Jesus. We pray for purity of worship and practice without any mixture of idolatry. We pray for the church in Chhattisgarh to grow and have wisdom in reaching the unreached. For Delhi, we pray for Christians to be moved to live out the Gospel among the slums. Lord, raise up holistic ministry and discipling opportunities. We love to see what You are doing Lord. Thank You for Your work and how encouraging it is to each of us. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for India states of Assam and Bihar: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 24

Today we pray for Assam and Bihar states in India. Please read pages 420-422.

My prayer for today: Lord, we ask for You to tear down the strongholds that keep Assam a major spiritual challenge. We pray for the minority Christian population to hold fast to what they have and to seek to be part of what You are doing. We pray for the evangelical witness to grow in effectiveness. We pray for revival, vision, and impact on society Lord. Breathe a fresh breath of Your Spirit through the congregations. Lord, empower the churches to demonstrate unity between denominations and ethnic groups. For Bihar, we pray against the poverty and ask for the Gospel to bring spiritual and economic relief to the people of India. We pray for collaboration among missionaries and missions agencies and churches. Demonstrate Your passion and love for Bihar through an outpouring of Your love through Christians. Bring laborers to the harvest. We pray for full liberty in Christ for all people in Bihar. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for India states of Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 23

Today we begin focusing on the states of India. As the introductory notes tell us, most of these states are far larger than the majority of nations" that we will pray for this year. Because of this, let's seek God's heart for each of these states just as we have for each country. As we noted on June 19, our first day of focused prayer for India, we have to drop our stereotypes. We're going to read about states that might not fit our preconceptions of India. That's why we need God's heart for these areas. He knows the people intimately and personally and loves their uniqueness.

Today, please read pages 418-420, Andhra & Arunachal Pradesh.

My prayer for today: Lord, we pray for Andhra Pradesh. We pray for the continued efforts to reach the Dalits to be successful, yet we ask You that the Dalits not come to faith simply as a reaction against Hindu persecution but instead truly come to know and love Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We pray for the key city of Hyderabad and the missions agencies that are based there - give them strong impact on the state and nation from this place. Protect Hyderabad from any warfare that would detract from the ministry You have placed before these organizations. We pray for more awareness by Christians of the key role Hyderabad can play in reaching Muslims in India. Lord, it seems You have placed before the church in Andhra Pradesh and Hyderabad an open door of mission to these Muslims peoples; we pray that they will begin to see that door and begin to act intentionally and faithfully to bring the Gospel to them. For Arunachal Pradesh, we praise You for the church growth and ask for unity and cooperation among the different churches with different backgrounds. We pray for strength in the face of opposition and for wisdom to share Christ in gentle and appropriate ways. We pray for the removal of the anti-conversion law; let the leaders see the need for people to be able to truly have a choice in their belief system. In Jesus' name, amen.   

Praying for India A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 22

Today we conclude our general prayers for India. Please review pages 409-417.

Tomorrow we'll begin focusing on India's states. As you read God may stir your heart for a particular area or people group. Following my prayer for today, I've listed a few good resources to help you go more in-depth if you feel God awakening your heart in a special way to pray, give, or go to one of these unreached areas of India.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, You are the God of India. From the believers who openly worship You, to those who are hidden behind their cultural traditions, to those who seek You without yet knowing Your name, to those who have no idea of their need for You - You are Lord. India is Yours, Lord. The enemy has captured it and held it in bondage for too long. We pray today for You to release India from bondage into the truth of Your marvelous light. We pray against the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to hold India in a web of lies and a stronghold of poverty and deception. We pray for You to fulfill the harvest in India. Send people to translate Your word, people to support the Indian church, people to go to the unreached areas. Give outside agencies wisdom on working with the Indian church, and believers guidance on giving in ways that are sustainable for the churches and do not further dependency. Bring Indians who are abroad studying or working to faith in Jesus and make them strong missionaries for You. We love You Lord Jesus. Do a mighty work in India we pray, in Jesus' name, amen. 

Resources
http://www.joshuaproject.net/  - Look up detailed research by people group
http://www.joshuaproject.net/assets/prayer-resources/Prayer-Calendar-India.pdf - Prayer Calendar just for India
http://southasianpeoples.imb.org/ - International Mission Board's South Asia site with lots of great resources for education, prayer, and support
http://www.missionindia.org/pray - Focused prayer for India
http://www.gospelforasia.org - Ministry solely focused on reaching Asia

Praying for India: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 21

Today we continue to get an overview for the nation of India. Please review pages 409-417. We'll focus prayers today on #1-8.

My prayer for today: Lord, we are coming to know more of the needs of India as we study and pray. We pray for India's leaders to truly uphold the constitution by maintaining full religious freedom. We pray that there will be no levels of freedom but total freedom for people to choose and practice their own religions. We ask You to give the leaders wisdom to uproot corruption, tackle the ills of society, address the growing threats to stability, and manage the economy wisely. We know that there is the potential trap of materialism. Please keep the young people of India from falling into the deception of materialism and that their will recognize their need for You. We pray for guidance to deliver millions from poverty. Guide the government to lead people away form the caste system and show them how to truly view each other as equals. We pray especially for the sick, disabled, women, and children who suffer most under poverty. So much of this, Lord, is linked to Hinduism. To so many, to be Indian is to be Hindu, and the caste system of Hinduism often supercedes the legal rejection of caste. We pray for Christians to demonstrate a different way - to truly have a biblical, Christlike response and fully integrated churches. Tear down the dividing walls of society and let the churches show how peace can come through Jesus. We pray for all types of churches in India to be biblically sound, faithfully obedient, passionately worshipful, and genuinely loving. We ask for leadership training that is manageable without outside help, and for success for the national missionaries who are reaching their corners of the world. Work with the Indian church for Your glory, in Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for India: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 20

Today, we begin taking apart the prayer requests for India and seeking to get God's heart for this massive and significant country. We'll spend three days on the country as a whole, then begin praying for each of the states with their unique characteristics.

Please read pages 409-417 to understand the Challenges for Prayer in today's India. Today, an Indian believer will lead our prayer time in the video below. Watch, pray, and love.

http://youtu.be/TMEYi0qpXwo

Praying for India: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 19

Today we begin almost 2 1/2 weeks of prayer for the most ethnically diverse nation on earth - with the most unreached people. It's a place with linguistic, cultural, and religious diversity like no other. It's also a place with a huge need for Jesus and amazing work going on by foreign and national missionaries as well as strong local churches. I hope you can see that we can't have a stereotype of India in our head. As we begin this season of intense focus on India, our first task is going to be to develop the attitude of a learner. God is going to teach us a lot about this country as we seek His heart!

For today, let's get a good overview and sing some praises to His name for what He's been up to in India! Glance through pages 405-446, then come back and spend some time reading the boxed information on pages 405-408, and the "Answers to Prayer". Then, since our focus for today is praising Him, let's get a picture of Indian worship by watching the brief video below, and then entering a time of praise and thankfulness based on the Answers to Prayer in Operation World!


My prayer for today: Lord of all creation, we thank You for India, for its diversity and uniqueness and the changes You have brought over the past century. Thank You for the church in India and for the faithful witness of many over the centuries. Thank You for the movement toward addressing the inequities of the caste system and for the incredible witness of Christians to reach the untouchables as well as bring holistic ministry into Indian life. We praise You for the freedoms as well as the persecution in India and for the truth that has been revealed through the persecution in Orissa, Karnataka, and Gujarat. Oh Lord, we are humbled and awed at the impact church planting and missions has had in India. We are grateful for an Indian church that is taking the lead into its own unreached areas. Thank You for the openness that exists in India. Lord, we pour out our hearts to You in gratitude and praise You for Your work that is beyond any one individual. You alone deserve the glory, Father. In Jesus' name, amen.  

http://youtu.be/zjPeL30X-Yw