Prayers for Ukraine: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - December 1

Welcome to the final leg of our year-long journey! We have one month remaining. What a blessing that God has given us the privilege of getting to know His world so much better this year. The changes in the world in the past few decades mean that the maps look quite different than most of us studied in school. One of the things God seems to be doing is breaking things down so the church can focus on those individual people groups. Few regions of the world have broken down more than the former Soviet Union. Today and tomorrow, we focus on one of the countries that used to be tucked under that monolithic nation but today exults in its own identity. Please read pages 844-847, then watch this video to learn about Ukraine.

http://youtu.be/MDbe8DOb12Y

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.     

Praying for South Africa: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 31

A "miracle of change". That's how the believer in today's video describes South Africa! What a great reminder of the power of prayer. As we pray for these countries, it's easy to get overwhelmed or discouraged. Remember, God has an eternal perspective that we don't have. Prayer works, and miracles of change happen. South Africa is proof! Please read pages 757-763, then pray with this believer today!

http://youtu.be/NyicVspPyg8

Prayer for Somalia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 30

Today we continue to pray for Somalia. Please review pages 754-756.

My prayer for today: Lord, when you ejected satan from heaven we know that he came to earth angry. He knows his time here is short and he is trying to do as much damage to your kingdom as possible. In Somalia, we see this in the form of radical Islamists who are trying to fight the government and bring violent control to the people. We pray that You will stop this, Lord. The gates of hell will not prevail against a church on mission for You, so we pray that the church in Somalia will be radically and faithfully on mission for You. We pray for them to be filled with the Holy Spirit and boldness; to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves; to have supernatural discernment about when and where and how to proceed with any plans. We pray for seekers to be hungry for truth and to fall so in love with You, Jesus, that they are willing to risk anything - everything! We ask, Lord, for supernatural empowering for the church and its leaders. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray for the church to be salt and light, to permeate society for Your glory, In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for Somalia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 29

For the next two days we pray for a country that is known for all the "wrong" reasons - poverty, violence, conflict. It's considered a "failed state", and yet God is still at work! What a great reminder that "Love never fails"! Please read about Somalia on pages 754-756.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, You have always loved Somalia with a perfect, unfailing love. We give thanks continually when we think of the infant Somali church that has emerged in this recent tribulation. Their boldness and growth in faith and vision, despite persecution, is an example for us. Lord, we obey Your Word and remember these who are persecuted and in prison, as if we were in prison with them. Awaken us to the reality of their situation and remind us constantly that we are also part of the body with them, so if they are hurting we are hurting. Lord, we know these believers fervently cry out for their country, and we also join them in committing Somalia to You. We pray for the government to rule with righteousness and justice; we pray for all vigilante and terror groups to surrender to the authority of the central government and that the government would have a strong foundation to rule rightly. We pray for a government that values religious freedom and respects human rights. We ask You, Lord, to be gracious to the Somalians, and bless them, and cause Your face to shine upon them, so that Your ways can be known throughout Somalia and through the church in Somalia, to the very ends of the earth. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for the Solomon Islands: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 28

Today's prayer focus takes us to a land with a surprisingly strong Christian tradition, and a great model of peacekeeping. Please read pages 751-753 about the Solomon Islands.

My prayer for today: We thank You, Lord, for the revivals in the Solomon Islands and and for the spiritual vitality of the churches. We thank You for the good testimony of peacekeeping during the civil conflict, and for the blessing of the nation by the Melanesian Brotherhood and in the church's role in reconciliation. What a model; what an example for us Lord! We pray for full forgiveness and reconciliation for all those traumatized by the civil war. We pray for repentance and a season of renewing. We pray for the church to be biblically strong and fight false teachings and cults. We ask Lord for You to give the church wisdom to fully enculturate the gospel among the various tribal groups, and that despite cultural differences they would be one in you. We ask, Lord, for solid and effective leadership training and for wisdom in the various ministries and missions agencies. Thank You for Your body in the Solomon Islands. In Jesus' name, amen.  

Prayers for Slovenia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 27

Today we pray for a strategic country that has experienced profound positive economic change after centuries of outside rule and most recently communist control. Please learn about Slovenia on pages 749-751.

My prayer for today: Lord, we lift up Slovenia to You. We ask You to bring an awakening in the churches to draw many nominal believers into a deeply personal faith in You. We pray for unity among the few evangelical churches. We pray for Slovenians to understand the Biblical principles of giving to support their local churches and send missionaries. We pray for ample Christian resources and full translation of Scriptures. We pray for faithfulness, fruitfulness,and sensitivity on the part of church planters. Bring a deeper awareness of the positive role Christians can have as salt and light in a society. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for Slovakia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 26

As we pray for Slovakia today, we'll zero in on a country with a Christian heritage that needs a new move of of the Holy Spirit. Please read pages 747-749.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, how thankful we are for the Christian heritage of Slovakia. We thank You for this strong foundation and for the changes that have come to bring economic reforms in this land. We pray for new life in Your Holy Spirit. we pray for many to seek Your hope and truth in the midst of high suicide and depression rates. Lord, show them what a difference You can make in their lives as well as their days! We pray for the church to meet the challenge of cults and for the evangelical denominations as they reach out in church planting. We pray for sound Biblical training and wise foreign missions collaborations. We pray Slovaks will catch the vision to evangelize not only their land, but the world. In Jesus' name, amen.

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

Prayer for Seychelles and Sierra Leone: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 24

Today's prayer journey plants us firmly along the coastlines of Africa. Please read about Seychelles and Sierra Leone on pages 738-742.

My prayer for today: Lord, the islands and coastlands belong to You. When you marked out the parameters of the earth and set the boundaries for the oceans, when You placed people within those lands and established the times they would live so that they would seek You, Seychelles and Sierra Leone were in Your plans. We pray for them today. We pray against the gris-gris practices that has weakened Christianity. We pray for the Holy Spirit to convict of this syncretism and for Your Word to be prominent in the life of Seychelle believers. We pray for wisdom for leadership as they fight this dark practice. We pray for the churches that are seeking to plant new fellowships to have a powerful and positive impact. We pray for provision of enough New Testaments and complete translation of the Old Testament. For Sierra Leone, we praise You for the end of the conflict and the steps toward peace. We praise You for the fruit of Christian ministry. We pray for wisdom for Christian ministries helping to provide food security, reintegrate ex-combatants, and provide stability to the country. We pray for wise, honest, and righteous leadership. We pray for Christians throughout the world to recognize the suffering and injustices in this land. We ask You for churches to balance the Word and the spirit, to be unified, and for Christians to live lives of faith and not depend on dark powers for what You perfectly provide. Demonstrate Your supremacy in Sierra Leone, we ask in Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for Serbia and Kosovo: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 23

Any study of modern geopolitics must include an awareness of balkanization - and Serbia and Kosovo are two of the countries at the heart of the region that gave us that terminology. According to Wikipedia, balkanization refers to the process of fragmentation or division of a region or state into smaller regions or states that are often hostile or non-cooperative with each other. You can easily see why the peace and unity of Christ is needed in this region of the world. Please read about Serbia and Kosovo on pages 734-737.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, You are our peace. You have torn down all the dividing walls we humans set up. I lift Serbia up to You today. We pray for healing and transformation within Serbia. Help Serbian Christians find their identity in You and lead others to a full identity in You. We pray for the multi-cultural evangelical churches to recommit to unity in the body and to be a catalyst for good. We pray for new life within the Serbian Orthodox church and revival for the protestant churches. We pray for leadership training and wisdom for ministry. For Kosovo, Lord, we pray for the hatreds to be resolved and for true peace with Serbia to come. We pray for a growing economy and against exploitation. We pray that the way Christian treat Kosovars will be an exemplary testimony to Your love and grace and truth and peace. We pray for a growing unity among believers and continued growth in spiritual maturity. Bring wisdom and guidance to those working in this land. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for Senegal: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 22

Today we continue to pray for Senegal. Our focus today is prayer for the Senegalese people group, one of the unreached groups in the world. Please review pages 730-733, then watch this video and pray for this part of  "God's waiting world".

http://youtu.be/8Z_l3ptyVx8

Praying for Senegal: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 21

Today and tomorrow our focus is Senegal, in West Africa. Please read pages 730-733, and then watch this video and pray for Senegal.

http://youtu.be/K8T6zekHwz8

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.

Prayers for Saudi Arabia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 19

Today and tomorrow we pray for Saudi Arabia. This country is one of the most closed countries in the world - Christianity is absolutely forbidden, even by foreigners living in the land. What's lesser known is that there is also persecution of minority Muslim groups such as Shi'as, and pretty much anyone who doesn't line up with the Saudi version of Sunni Islam. The enemy has a stronghold over this land. Yet there are pockets of "Secret Believers" throughout the country that need our prayers. Please read pages 728-730, then watch this video and pray along with this believer. (Please note that the initial prayer is in Arabic, but he repeats it in English later in the video.)

http://youtu.be/pntzTJpaBww

Prayer for Samoa, San Marino, and Sao Tome & Principe

Today's prayer focus covers islands on three continents! Let's ask God to lift us up in the Spirit (like Phillip or Ezekiel) so we can truly see His heart for each of these tiny lands that He loves. Please read pages 724-727 about Samoa, San Marino, and Sao Tome and Principe.

My prayer for today: Lord, we thank You for the presence of the church in Samoa in each village, but we pray for the strength of the church. We pray for revival and unity among the churches. We pray for the churches to meet practical needs and keep themselves unstained from the world. We pray for a Biblical faith that will safeguard against Mormonism or any other false system of belief. We pray for the churches to send missionaries and be revived by experiencing the power of the Gospel where Christ has not been named. For San Marino, Lord, we pray for those who are believers in name only to have a life-changing encounter with Jesus. We pray for evangelicals to take the opportunity to exercise religious freedom by sharing the Gospel. For Sao Tome and Principe, Lord, we pray for the Holy spirit to convict where there is syncretism and ancestor worship, and for the sovereignty of Jesus to be clearly shown. We pray for locally led, culturally relevant congregations with effective leadership to emerge. Be magnified in all these lands, Lord, in Jesus' name, amen. 

Praying for Rwanda: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 17

Today's prayer focus is a country that's been in the news a lot the last couple of decades. As with most regions of the world, what we see on the news has skewed our thinking. Please learn more about Rwanda on pages 719-723 and the notes from a Rwandan believer studying in the U.S. Then, please watch the video below, and then pray along with this Rwandan man.

Rwanda is a tiny country located in the heart of Africa. It's about the size of Maryland State but has twice as many people. It is Africa's most densely populated nation. 56.5% of Rwanda's population is Roman Catholic, 26% is Protestant, 11.1% is Seventh-day Adventist, 4.6% is Muslim, 1.7% claims no religious affiliation, and 0.1% practices traditional indigenous beliefs.This land of a thousand hills is known for its beautiful terrain and inhabitants, mountain gorillas and, unfortunately, the 1994 genocide.
 
In April 1994, the country experienced one of history’s most atrocious genocides. In just 100 days, close to one million ethnic Tutsi and moderate Hutu sympathizers lost their lives to the hands of extremist Hutu militia. This civil war left many people either dead, orphaned or widowed. A lot of wounds were inflicted—either emotional, spiritual or physical—some of which are almost impossible to heal. How such feelings of murder and resentment conspired within the minds of some Rwandans remains a mystery to many. But as a believer in the creator God, it is not difficult to understand that this was nothing short of the devil’s work. He was a murderer from the beginning and he influences many to do the same.

In the wake of the genocide, the country under great leadership put forth various efforts to rebuild the Nation into a peace loving society. The government called upon the church to lead the country in reconciliation as it looked to eradicate the animosity between the two ethnic groups. God is His sovereignty and infinite wisdom appointed leaders who promoted religious liberty and acknowledged that reconciliation was not possible without the church’s intervention and guidance.
 
Even though Rwanda is doing very well as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, the pain of the genocide rests heavily upon many hearts. Without an understanding and appreciation of God’s love as revealed in His Son Jesus Christ, many find it impossible to forgive and be healed of their emotional and spiritual wounds.
 
Please pray that God will: 
- Continue to raise up workers in His vineyard to share the precious message of reconciliation about Christ’s death, resurrection and soon return.
- through His Spirit move upon His church body so that they will earnestly seek a revival of primitive godliness; that they may be emboldened and empowered to share His message in love
- Bless the leaders of the nation with wisdom to continue to promote religious liberty and guide the nation into greater economic and social development.

http://youtu.be/Zmrl7rz3sHc

Praying for Russia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 16

Today we conclude our prayers for Russia with a focus on the Urals Federal District, the Siberian Federal District, and the Far Eastern Federal District. Please read pages 717-718.

My prayer for today: Lord, I lift up these final regions of Russia to You. Though the people group names are unfamiliar on my tongue, they will be written in Your book of the peoples. We pray the words of Psalm 87:6-7 over these people groups:

The Lord will write in the register of the peoples:

“This one was born in Zion.”       Selah

As they make music they will sing,

“All my fountains are in you.” 

Lord, send missionaries to those You are calling out from among these people groups - the Bashkirs, Tatars, Chuvash, Udmurt, Mari, Mordvinians, Khanty, Mansi, Nenets, Kmoi, Buryat, Khakas, Tuvans. We pray You will write these people groups in the register of people groups and these individuals would say with joy "All my fountains are in You" as they find You fully sufficient. Lord, we anticipate worshipping around the throne with these precious people! In Jesus' name, amen. 

Praying for Russia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 15

Today we continue to pray for some of the Geopolitical districts of Russia. Please read about the Northwestern Federal District and the Volga Federal District on pages 715-716.

My prayer for today: Lord, we pray for the Gospel to go forth in this district. We pray for the completion of the Bible in North Karelian and for wise approaches to reach these indigenous peoples. We thank You for the faithfulness of the pastor who translated the Bible into Komi; we pray that the people would treasure this and live out its words. We pray for the region of Kaliningrad Oblast to enjoy the richness of the Gospel, and for missions agencies in the Nenets region to have a heart to cooperate. We pray against confusion and for unity. For Volga, Lord, we pray for those ministering to the Tatars. We pray for special wisdom as Islam also advances in this region. We pray for opportunities for Udmurts to worship, pray and study in their own language, and for Scripture to exist in every language within this district. We ask for You to show these precious people that You have not forgotten them. In Jesus' precious name, amen.

Praying for Russia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 14

Today we continue to pray for Russia, focusing on the Geo-ethnic Regions of the Russian Federation. These are regions that are ethnically distinct and occasionally sources of violence due to ethnic conflict. Please read about the first, the Southern Federal District, on pages 712-715.

My prayer for today: Lord, we hear of the conflicts in the Caucasus and they seem so far away, so distant from our daily lives. Yet for the people in this region, they are just one more struggle in a challenging life. We pray, Lord, for peace. We pray for sufficient food, clothing, and employment for the people in this region. We pray for purpose that will replace violence. We pray for a fair solution to the problems and wisdom, restraint, and moderation to prevail. We pray for the radical Islamist plans to be thwarted and for the region to experience religious freedom. We pray especially for the church in Dagestan, struggling for survival amidst violent extremist groups and caught in the middle of Muslim-on-Muslim violence. We pray for North Ossetia to exemplify righteousness and justice so that people can see the practical impact of light and truth. Guard and protect your servants as they seek to live out Your Word in this challenging place. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Russia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 13

Since we are praying for Russia for 5 days, I thought it would be helpful to break it down. It's nice to spend this much time in a country; we can really get down into the forest and look at some individual trees. For today, please review pages 705-712 (overview, Answers to Prayer, and Challenges for Prayer). Tomorrow we'll start drilling down on some specific areas within Russia. Today's prayer comes from one who is serving in Russia and has a strong heart for the country.

Acts 2:11: ...(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs – we hear them declaring the wonders of God IN OUR OWN TONGUES!
 
We have worked over the past 10 years trying to reach to some of the indigenous groups of
Russia, especially the groups that belong to the Samoyedic and Fenno-Ugric peoples in Russia.
(These are related to the Finnish and Hungarian people.)

Russia is a land of many different people groups. The majority are Russians, but there are over 100 different people groups in Russia. During the Soviet (communist) times, they were not allowed to speak their own languages, but had to speak Russian. Since the fall of the communist power there is still much pressure not to speak your mother tongue, if any Russians are around.
These people groups' beliefs vary greatly. Some are animistic some are Russian orthodox and some are Muslims. Unfortunately, it seems to be mainly only the Muslim people groups, who have the courage to speak their own languages.

- Lord I ask that many people will GO and tell about Jesus to the Russians and the different people groups within Russia.
- Lord I ask that many Russians and the different people groups within Russia will have the courage to ask your forgiveness of their sins and the courage to walk your narrow path.
- Lord I ask that the Russians and the different people groups within Russia will be discipled in Jesus.
- Lord I ask that the Bible will be translated into the different people groups within Russia. Lord I also ask that you will give wisdom and help the Bible translators. And that the Bibles and Christian material in their own languages will spread and be used.
-Lord let there be prayer, Bible study, Christian songs and worship in the different people groups languages within Russia.
- Lord I ask that the Christians in Russia (including all the different people groups) by their daily living will transform the suffering in their area into a place of love, justice and peace.
- Lord I ask that the Christian parents in Russia (including all the different people groups) will be an example of faith for their children. Lord I also ask that you will protect the Christian families and let the Christian families be a place of nurture and love.
- Lord I ask that the Christian Russians and the different people groups within Russia may find the courage to say yes to what you God ask of them.

My prayer for today: Oh Lord, how can we thank You for bringing about the miracle of the fall of the Iron Curtain? The openness of the former Soviet bloc to the Gospel is one of the miracles of the 20th century, and we praise You for the responsiveness of the people. We thank You for the growth of evangelicals, the development of networks and theological education, and the church planting vision. It's exciting to see a church that was once in survival mode to be truly passionate for kingdom advance now that the door is open. But Lord, it's hard to tell how long that door will be open. We pray for Russia's leadership to continue to see the need to pursue freedom and liberty instead of creeping oppression. We pray for the church to have wisdom with practical ministries and for You to call many Christians into vocational ministry as teachers, doctors, counselors, and even politicians. We pray for the Orthodox church to see the benefit of newer churches, and for Biblical renewal to happen within the Orthodox tradition. We pray for Christian leaders to learn Biblical leadership patterns instead of following the authoritarian style of their culture. We pray for You to equip the church in every way for Your glory. In Jesus' name, amen.

Praying for Russia: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 12

Today we begin 5 days of focused prayers on a country that was at the heart of the former Soviet Union. Russia today still is recovering from that difficult era, and Russians throughout Eastern Europe often remain despised for the sins of their fathers. There are many strongholds in Russia, and much prayer is needed. Please read pages 705-718, then watch this video and join in prayer today.

http://youtu.be/nsSUmlWyHBk

Praying for Romania: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 11

Today we continue to pray for Romania. Please review pages 700-704.

My prayer for today: Lord, when I think of Romania I think of the desperate needs I've heard about from those who've been there - not primarily physical needs, but the spiritual needs reflected in suicide, depression, and oppression by the dominant religious tradition against believers from different backgrounds. We pray for evangelicals in Romania who are persecuted. Guide them to respond in love and let Your grace, not fear, dominate. We pray against nominalism and legalism; break through with the power of Your Holy Spirit. Equip the church to be the church through practical ministry, love, holiness, discipleship, and prayer. We pray for leaders that can exemplify wholeness in all areas of their lives, setting an example for the churches. Be glorified in Romania, in Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for Romania: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 10

Today we begin 2 days of prayer for Romania. Please read pages 700-704, then share with this Romanian believer in praying God's heart for his country.


Romania is a country that has been open to all kinds of spiritual influences both good and bad since 1989 when communism fell. We see now that people are open but a lot of Christians are fearful and very timid in their testimony to the greatness of Jesus. There is a spirit of fear that blocks people in being brave proclaiming and demonstrating the Gospel to those around them. I think this may be one of the deep roots of the lack of abundant fruit in Romania.

Another one is the legalism that permeates both the Orthodox church as well as many evangelical churches. This stems out of moral performance and that is birthed by a prideful spirit.

Pray also that the Person of Jesus would be more dear and precious to Christians than their own reputation with other people.

"Father I pray for boldness for all of my Romanian brothers and sisters in Jesus, who are followers of yours, that we would be able to overcome a spirit of fear by the power of the Holy Spirit and that we would courageously proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel of Jesus and make His Name known among many people in Romania. May you help us overcome a spirit of legalism by a deeper understanding and experience of Your grace!"

Prayer for Qatar and Reunion: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey -October 9

Today's journeys might leave your head spinning - from Puerto Rico we are jetting over to Qatar in the Middle East, then zooming down to Reunion in Africa! Hold on tight - and read pages 697-700.

Qatar has broken from many other nations in the Middle East by offering land for churches (for non-Qataris living and working in the country) - the first to be built in Qatar since Islam's arrival.  Reunion is a nation in many ways bound to the past, defined in so many areas by the legacy of slavery.

My prayer for today: Lord, we ask You to bless Qatar for their openness to churches .We ask that  these buildings bring unity, effective discipling, and sensitive evangelism. Enable these churches to be a tremendous blessing in Qatar. We pray for Qataris to come to faith in You and for the church to have wisdom how to disciple and walk with these new Muslim Background Believers. We pray for the Christian impact on society to be strong and obvious .For Reunion, Lord, we praise You for the growth of the church and ask You to do a deep work of healing and restoration from the past legacy of slavery. We pray for complete deliverance for believers and that their freedom will attract nonbelievers to the Gospel. Raise up and equip leaders for Your kingdom purposes. In Jesus' name, amen.  

Prayer for Puerto Rico: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 8

Today we zero in on a tiny island with a unique governance as a "commonwealth" of the United States. Please read about Puerto Rico on pages 694-696.

My prayer for today: Lord Jesus, I lift up the commonwealth of Puerto Rico to You. I pray that whatever decisions the people make regarding statehood or independence, Puerto Rico would be blessed to have wise government that works for the best interests of its citizens. I pray for renewal within the Catholic Church, and for the churches to begin making an impact on the social needs of Puerto Rico. Give the churches Your heart for the land where You've placed them. Specifically call out many to serve those in abject poverty; also call believers into education and the health care industry. We ask You for the churches to take a stand and set an example for Godly home life. We pray for discipleship and missions vision within the churches.Minister Your love to Puerto Rico through the churches, in Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Prayer for Portugal: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 7

Today's prayer takes us to Portugal, a nation with an overwhelmingly predominant percentage of Christians, yet in desperate need of renewal as the current religious freedom is being dominated by cults and New Age philosophies. Please read pages 692-694, then pray along with this video. I've also included some reflections from a Portuguese believer on how to pray for his country.

On the social realm, Portugal is currently going through an economical crisis, due to misuse of money through overuse of credit by most of the families. Naturally, Christians are affected as well (directly or not) because unemployment has risen.

On the spiritual realm, among believers there is a midst of religiosity and passiveness towards the general situation of the country. Real born again believers are still a small minority, as the Catholic church represents a brutal majority according the charts. Anyway, the reality is that most of the Portuguese don´t go at all to any church, neither have personal relationship with Jesus. And the church is, in practice, quite subtle and closed into itself, as generations of believers are only used to keep the meetings going on, and seem not to be much motivated into change.

Nevertheless this situation can turn out to be a blessing, in the way that it may lead to repentance:

- Repentance of covetousness (by using unsustained credit).

- Repentance of religiosity, that believers could be revived again and non-believers would meet Lord Jesus as a personal Savior and Provider that He is.

Portuguese are friendly and happy people overall. I personally pray that they would find deeper and healing happiness in Jesus. 

http://youtu.be/_PsmpJzu8uw

Praying for Poland: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 6

Today we focus on yet another country ravaged through the 20th century first by the Nazis, then by communism. Please read about Poland on pages 689-691, then join in prayer with this video below.

http://youtu.be/7efGNaM2mNo

Praying for the Philippines: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 5

Today we conclude our prayers for the Philippines. Please review pages 682-688, then join me in prayer:

My prayer for today: We praise You, Lord, for the growth of the church in the Philippines and the unity among the churches. We thank You for the sending mindset of the churches. Lord, we pray for a government in the Philippines that pursues justice and righteousness, and for Christians in government to live our their faith in practical ways. We pray for an end to corruption and for the government to truly live out its God-given purpose. Lord, we ask for discernment for Christians to know truth from error. We pray for Your word to be central in Filipino churches so that believers can learn to discern error. We pray for strong leadership development and for those church leaders who are trained to have a heart to stay and serve in the Philippines. In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayer for the Philippines: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 4

Today we continue to pray for the Philippines. Please review pages 682-688. Today we are privileged to be led in prayer by one serving in the Philippines. Please join her in prayer for the country God has called her to serve.

There is great diversity among the 7,107 (or up to 7,250, depending on your source) islands that make up the Philippines.  It is a land rich in natural resources and indescribable beauty but her greatest treasure is the beautiful Filipino people.  

Historically the nation was Animistic before Islam came to the southern island of Mindanao, followed by Roman Catholicism to the remainder of the nation.  Today the Philippines is considered the only Christian nation in Asia (11% evangelical), yet is listed as the 2^nd most corrupt nation in the world.  Corruption is widespread and at every level and every aspect of society.  It is a way of life among Christians and even most pastors. 

There is still a lot of witchcraft and Animistic beliefs and practices especially within the Catholic church, and some within evangelical churches.  Christians are identified as either “Roman Catholic” or “Born Again”.  The two groups have little to do with one another. 

There are more than twice as many natural disasters in the Philippines than any other nation in the world. 

“Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout;  I the LORD have created it.”  Isaiah 45:8

Lord, I truly thank you for this great nation of the Philippine islands!  Thank you for the many missionary organizations who have labored over this nation for so many years, and now is now transitioning to become a missionary sending nation.  Father, I pray for a spirit of humility and a spirit of unity among the churches.  Lord, I pray for the fear of the Lord, the hatred of all evil, to come upon Your body.  I pray that you would purge your church of idolatry and the faithlessness that leads to corruption.  I pray that You would expose every false belief system and completely root it out of Your church and replace it with a Biblical worldview.  

Father, my heart is heavy, burdened for the many wonderful Muslim, and ethnic tribal people living in fear and darkness.  I pray for the courage for them to look to YOU for truth.  I pray for divine power encounters with miraculous healings, dreams and visions that are undeniable.  I pray that you birth in them a hunger for righteousness.  Jesus, You absolutely love every person of the 188 different people groups.  They each have a destiny in You and I pray that YOUR purpose for each of them will come to fulfillment.  I ask this in the name of Jesus, for Your glory, Amen.

Prayer for the Philippines: A 365 Day Global Prayer Journey - October 3

Today we begin a 3 day prayer focus on the Philippines. Please read pages 682-688, then watch this video and pray for the Philippines today.

http://youtu.be/1KTpPTNtAk8

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.