Prayre for Venezuela: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - Dec. 17

Today we conclude our prayers for Venezuela. Please review pages 878-881, then join me in prayer.

My prayer for today: Lord, we continue to lift up the church in Venezuela to You. We pray against spiritism, and all the forces that seek to draw Venezuelans away from Christ. We pray that they will not be led astray from sincerity and pure devotion to You, Jesus. We ask You to bind the powers that blind Venezuelans to the Gospel, and release Your Word to go forth with power through the church. We pray for believers to live lives of true discipleship, and for unity across theological lines. We pray for a renewal of Biblical truth within the church to correct the errors that have crept in. We ask You to deepen the church spiritually for Your purposes to be  fulfilled. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for Venezuela: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - Dec. 16

Today and tomorrow we pray for a country whose direction could literally change a region. Venezuela currently embraces dictators, provides safe havens for criminal leaders, and seeks to control its region and its people. A turnaround here could impact millions, both inside and outside Venezuela. Please read pages 878-881, and join me in prayer for Venezuela today.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, we are thankful that You are sovereign, You raise up leaders and remove them. We thank You that despite the hardships of Venezuela, the church is growing and believers are seeking to advance spiritually regardless of the country's situation. We pray for the success of their ministries. We do pray, Lord, for Venezuela's struggles. We pray for the people who are financially destitute, and for those for whom Venezuela is only a stopping point as they are trafficked elsewhere. Raise the awareness of this situation to the world, and stop this evil. Lord, we pray for Christians to be able to lead quiet, peaceful lives in godliness and dignity, as Your word describes. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for Uruguay: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - December 12

The rapid evangelical church growth in Uruguay since 1995 is reminiscient of the book of Acts - doubling the number of believers in less than a generation. How exciting and what an answer to prayer! However, we sometimes forget that churches in the New Testament didn't immediately form with full doctrinal understanding. As most of Paul's letters indicate, the churches needed a lot of guidance to learn how to think correctly in their new faith. It's no different in Uruguay. Today's prayers focus on the church in Uruguay, but please read pages 870-872 for a fuller picture of what's going on in the country, before we pray together.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, thank You for the amazing growth of the church in Uruguay. Thank You for the unhindered gospel and the freedom of religion in this land. Lord, we pray for these churches to effectively know how to disciple the new believers. We pray for right, Biblical thinking and for all religious deceptions to be exposed and the demonic powers behind them defeated. Lord, we pray that Uruguayans will not tolerate any Gospel other than the truth, and we pray for the influential Catholic Church to emphasize Scripture and through Your Word, experience a resurgence of faith. Help the church to know how to move forward with evangelism and missions in Uruguay, Latin America, and the world.

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.

Praying for Peru: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 2

Today we pray for a large country with a growing evangelical population. Please read pages 678-682, then watch this video and read the insights from one who has ministered in Perus, and pray for Peru today.

PERU!! A beautiful country with beautiful people...people who are open to the Gospel--who will listen intently to those who share the Good News...in taxis, on buses, in parks, on the roadside--they want to hear, they want to know that there is Hope. The kids, with their big brown eyes, who are so excited to come to an outreach at a local church- to sing and to dance, and to learn the Word of God.  They are such bright lights in their communities...Please join me today as we pray that God will continue to reach the lost in Peru and do mighty things through the believers there.

 

Lord, we pray for Peru today...Thank you for the great rise in evangelical Christians in Peru.  Thank you for the way you grew the church during the years of persecution by the terrorist groups and government.  Thank you that the number of indigenous believers is on the rise and for the wonderful work of the Bible translators in the mountains and jungles. Lord, please continue to raise up native pastors and leaders to encourage and strengthen the body. And help the many denominations work together to reach the people of Peru and beyond. We pray for more student ministries to be developed to reach the universities throughout Peru. And Lord please send people to minister to the street children in Lima.  Help them come to you for satisfaction and for guidance, and use them to reach the other children who are lost.  Bring a revival in the streets of Lima, Lord. We trust you with this country, Lord.  We know you have marvelous things, yet to do!In Jesus' name, Amen.

http://youtu.be/X51LWBAn_Bw

Praying for Paraguay: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 1

Before we pray for Paraguay, I want to pause a minute and look back over the landscape we've covered. We are 75% done with our journey at this point!!!! I hope you've learned much about the faithfulness of the God we serve and what He's up to in this world for His glory! Today's a good place to be reminded that the nations belong to Him as a result of the resurrection:

Psa 2:7-8 ESV - I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.

From huge land masses like China, to small islands like Papua New Guinea; from frozen tundras like Greenland to sweeping plains like Australia - it's all His. If you haven't done so in a while, take a minute today to thank God for allowing you the privilege of joining Him on this global prayer journey. It's ok. I'll wait right here....

Done? OK, let's press on and finish well. Read about Paraguay on pages 675-677.

My prayer for today: Lord, we see in Paraguay a nation that has suffered the effects of wars and bad government. We ask for Paraguay to have leaders who lead in righteousness and wisdom. We pray for renewal within the churches and for the Catholic church to be awakened to the importance of Biblical faith. We pray for the churches to demonstrate a balance between the Word and the Spirit and to bring unity among the churches to demonstrate Your love for Paraguay. We pray for missionaries to come alongside the churches and serve them well. Bring many believers from the indigenous population to faith in You. Thank You for the continued work in Paraguay. In Jesus' name, amen.

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.

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.

Prayer for Mexico: A 365 day global prayer journey - August 31

Today we wrap up our prayer emphasis on Mexico. Please review pages 578-584.

My prayer for today: Lord, we lift up the church in Mexico. We pray for unity, discipleship, and biblical commitment, as well as leadership training and development of missions vision. We pray, Lord, for You to guide the church in a proper attitude and approach toward money and finance. Cause them the reject the prosperity gospel and any selfish use to funds. We pray for a release of finances into Your Kingdom work and for the right biblical perspective on the issue of money. We pray for those evangelicals who are persecuted by communities for refusing to engage in pagan practices. Thank You for their bold witness; guide them to be faithful witnesses to Your love and truth. We pray for the street children in Mexico to be protected from trafficking and abuse. Oh, Lord, we ask you to move in Mexico for Your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for Mexico: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - August 30

Today we continue to pray for Mexico. Please review pages 579-584.

My prayer for today: We thank You, Lord, for the growth of evangelicals and increasing freedom for ministry in Mexico. We thank You for the growing missions movement and praise You for every missionary sent from Mexico to the world. We pray for the needs of Mexico. We pray against the poverty, against the corruption, against the drug trade. We pray for the US to play a significant and positive role in the development of Mexico, rather than having an antagonistic or paternalistic relationship. We pray for wisdom in the decisions related to immigration and for the Mexicans in the US to encounter Christ's love and be protected from abuse by employers who would take advantage of them. Guide Christians in the US and Mexico to seek unity and reconciliation. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Prayer for Mexico: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - August 29

Today we begin 3 days of a focused prayer for a nation with many needs, a nation whose border with the US brings much controversy and confusion, even among Christians - and a nation whose believers even endure persecution. Please read about Mexico on pages 579-584, then watch this video which touches on many key prayer points for Mexico.

http://youtu.be/SB2ISrfETWs

Praying for Honduras: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 16

Today we pray for a country that has been wrecked financially, with natural disasters and limited development. Please read about Honduras on pages 397-400.

My prayer for today: Lord, thank You for the massive growth among evangelicals. Thank You that the church is reaching out in so many directions. Thank You for the protections for the indigenous and the way this shows Your righteousness and justice. Lord, we ask You for a truly righteous, wise, and resolute government to help retain stability and order. We pray for wisdom as they address social issues such as at-risk children, gangs, AIDS, and natural disasters. For the church we pray for leadership training and missions vision. We pray that You will show Honduran believers the gifts You've given them and enable them to hear Your call to pray, give, and go. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for Guatemala: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - June 8

Today we turn our attention to a Central American country with problems of worldwide significance: It's a major trans-shipment point for the drug trade. Violence, poverty, and corruption are common, along with syncretism of Catholicism and animistic religion. Yet God is faithful, with evangelical growth reaching almost 25% and having influence with government officials, and the beginning of addressing wrongs done to the Mayan peoples. Much work remains to be done in Guatemala, though. Please read pages 381-384, then watch this video as we pray in unity for this country that is precious to God's heart. 

http://youtu.be/ayQZun58OaU

Prayer or French Guiana and French Polynesia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 26 (Day 147)

Today we pray for two lands tied to France by political and linguistic connections. Please read pages 346-349.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, Thank You that no place is out of reach for You. We thank You for the openness in the Amerindian groups in French Guiana, for the growth of evangelicals among the Creole and other groups, and for what You are doing in churches in French Guiana. We pray for Your hand to guide this country through this transition era where they are seeking to move into a new approach of development. We pray for You to reduce the availability and influence of French TV and the pornography that is tearing at the fabric of this tiny land. We pray for Scripture in their language and for leaders who know how to teach the Word of God. For French Polynesia, Lord we ask that You restore Tahiti to its former Christian strength. Remove the spirit of immorality and materialism and open people's hearts for the Gospel. We pray for missions outreach, vital personal faith, and a spiritual revolution. Bring the church here back to its first love and strengthen what remains. Guide them with wisdom to reach the unreached. Thank You Jesus that You have not left Tahiti and the other islands behind. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Faeroe Islands and Falkland Islands: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 21

Today we jump around the globe a bit, from islands in the North Atlantic to Islands in the South Atlantic. Please read pages 331-334 as we pray for the Faeroe and Falklands island groups.

My prayer for today: Lord, these islands bring to light how little I know about the world You created. I confess my need to know Your world better. I thank You that You care as much for the tiny islands as the huge nations; for those we never heard about as much as those daily in the news. Lord, we pray for Faeroe Islanders. Give them wisdom as they pursue more autonomy from Denmark. We ask for guidance in the decisions about the fishing and oil industries. Lord, for the church we pray for revival. We pray for a fresh move of Your spirit and for the continued impact of the Brethren churches. Lord, we pray for wisdom by the church to engage the secular, postmodern attitudes, For the Falkland Islands, we pray for continued wisdom as they move toward self-governance. We pray for cooperation and understanding between the Falklands, the UK, and Argentina. We pray for a renewal of faith in the three church groups and for believers to bear witness to other Islanders as well as fishermen, oilmen, and tourists. We pray for You to minister to the British forces and that they will come to know You through their service here. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for El Salvador: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 14 (Day 135)

El Salvador - the very name means, literally, "The Savior". Despite a long history of exploitation and civil war, every time the name of the country is spoken, hope is released whether people realize it or not. Please read about El Salvador on pages 318-320, then watch this video and pray for Jesus to reign in the country who name describes Him.

http://youtu.be/pDd6TrMHw6Y

Praying for Ecuador: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 11 (Day 132)

Today we are privileged to pray for a country where God has done what Operation World calls a "modern-day miracle", bringing the Gospel to the Quichua people.  Ecuador features prominently in modern missions history as the place where five missionaries were killed by tribesmen they were trying to develop relationships with. If you haven't seen the movie, "End of the Spear", and documentary "Beyond Gates of Splendor", I highly recommend both. They will encourage you, challenge you, and spur your missions vision to new heights.

There's much more to Ecuador, however. God has been at work here in many ways and the enemy is trying to stop that progress with cults, disunity, and anti-missionary propaganda. Please read about Ecuador on pages 311-313, then join this Ecuadoran believer in prayer for her country today:

http://youtu.be/ut6H4Kp-m4E

Prayer for Costa Rica: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - May 1 (Day 122)

Before we get into today's prayer time, let me congratulate you -- as of today, we are exactly 1/3 of the way through the year! 122 days into a 366 day year - what progress! I praise God for bringing us this far on the journey. I know the road is steep at times, but it's helpful to know we are all in this together. I often pray for all of us, for fruitfulness to come from these prayers lifted up to our Father. As you pray, please join in this prayer with me as He leads you to do so!

For today, please read about Costa Rica on pages 281-283. There has been much church growth in Costa Rica, and there is a strong missions vision as well. National missions are taking off and foreign missions are scaling back, which is very exciting and challenging as well. Please pray along with this video for today's prayer time, as well as any other way the Lord leads you!

http://youtu.be/iPvWCI6XFC8http://youtu.be/iPvWCI6XFC8

Praying for Colombia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - April 25 (Day 116)

"Charley, however, did not die when he was gunned down in Bogota, Colombia, but years ago when he died to self and committed his life to follow Christ." 

- Dr. Jerry Rankin, International Mission Board

I told you yesterday of the missionary killed in Colombia. The quote above was part of the comments made by his sending agency upon his death. Think about those words for a minute. Our death comes when we die to self and live for Christ. This is what Paul meant when he wrote: 

"I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me; and the life I live I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Paul's words to Corinth serve as a corrective against our tendency to think that dying to self and being crucified with Christ is a simple checkbox on a "list of things Christians should do": "I die daily..." (1 Corinthians 15:31)

Death to self isn't limited to missionaries. But one immeasurable benefit of moving intentionally in the direction of God's kingdom work - of seeing missionaries in action, of reading their newsletters and visiting missions websites, of praying for missionaries and supporting them financially and hosting them in our homes and churches, of all the things we do when God awakens missions vision in those of us who aren't called to directly "go" - one immeasurable benefit is that God brings across our path basic spiritual lessons that stand out dramatically against the backdrop of an environment that screams for a completely natural, understandable reaction. No one would have blamed Charley Hood for moving to a different community. He had a family - he had every reason to play it safe. Yet he chose "the road less traveled", the Calvary road of being crucified to his flesh. He died to self and lived to Christ.

I don't have to fear being gunned down when I go to the bank. I don't even really have to fear blatant persecution for my faith. At most, I might be seen as weird or a fanatic - and even then, I have a great church community and faith-filled friends who would come alongside and encourage me.

But I do have to die to self. I have to give up "my" goals and ambitions, "my" schedule, "my" preferences, "my" ways of doing things, "my" plans - for His. Every day, in my marriage and on my job and with my family and friends and even writing this blog, I have to choose the die to self and live for Him, by Him, in Him, through Him. And so do you.

As we pray today for Colombia, and move throughout the rest of this year in prayer for other corners of the world, let's always seek to learn the lessons God wants to teach us for today.

Please review pages 262-266, focusing on #6-10.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, the missionaries in Colombia are special targets of the enemy. He has marked them out because they are part of pushing back the darkness and taking back his territory. Lord, we know they are safe in Your hands, that the worse-case scenario would have them resting safely in Your arms. Yet Father, we lift them up and ask You to give them life and protection for the sake of ministry. We pray that their ministry would not be hampered, that they would have open doors and boldness to walk through them. We pray for the patience, humility, and grace that is needed for unity, for the unity that is needed to get the task done. Lord, there are so many unreached peoples and indigenous groups; we pray for Your work among them. We pray for You to use every creative tool possible to get the Gospel throughout Colombia. Finish what you've started there. The darkness is not dark to You; night is as bright as day because YOU ARE LIGHT. Shine Your light in Colombia today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for Colombia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey -April 24 (Day 115)

"The safest place to be is in the center of God's will."

I first heard that sentence from the lips of a man sharing with a church about his family's ministry in Colombia. It would be the last time Charley Hood spoke at that church, his last visit to the US.

Less than a year later, he would die in his front yard as his family watched, gunned down by the druglords that are far too present in Colombia. Whether they intended him as a target for his work or whether he was just caught in the line of fire, I can't say. What I do know is that the enemy of our souls definitely wanted to stop him from spreading the Gospel. What he couldn't stop was the growth of the seeds this man planted, the word of God that doesn't return void, and the faithful witness of his family.

Often repeated by missionaries, persecuted Christians, and believers facing hard choices, this quote is anything but a guarantee of safety. Instead, it's a way to communicate a hard truth: the easy choice outside of God's will is far more dangerous than the hard choice that's in His will. Our two days in Colombia will highlight the fruit that comes from making hard choices that are dangerous to the world, but completely within God's will. Please read pages 262-266. Today we'll focus on the Answers to Prayer and points #1-5.

My prayer for today: Lord, thank You for teaching me, through this one man's death, how safety in Your will looks very different from safety in the world's eyes. You see things through a completely different lens. We thank You for the lives that have been laid down to lead Colombia in Your direction instead of the clutches of the enemy. Thank You for the progress toward stability and order, for the demobilizing of guerilla forces and the encouragement that has been to many. Thank You for the growth of the church despite Christians being targets. Thank You for the amazing story of Bellavista Prison-we pray for You to continue to have an open door there. Lord, the enemy does not like what is happening when his strongholds are destroyed, so we ask You to watch over every pastor, Christian worker, missionary and others on the front lines of Colombia. We pray for the people of Colombia to have wisdom in electing leaders and for alternative crops to cocaine so that the drug trade can be cut off at its roots. We pray for You to break Satan's power over this land and we ask You to unleash the lordship of Christ in the lives of every believer. Empower them with boldness to make a difference in their country and fight against the darkness. Guide the Catholic Church to renewal to maximize its effectiveness, and bring unity and leadership to the evangelical churches. We pray for strength for the pastors to remain and lead their flocks through the struggles they face. Empower them with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, amen.