Pray Network Forum

dreams (16)

God's Chosen Fast

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on March 9, 2020 at 14:53

Fasting from all, one day at a time.

The body grows weak, dreams come to mind.

All food abandoned, an annual fast.

We’re seeking forgiveness and healing that lasts.

 

Forty days pass, like Jesus I fast.

Temptations and trials start to attack.

Breakthrough will come, if only I win.

Could fasting help us all overcome sin?

 

Abstaining from pleasure, I walk Daniel’s path:

Rich foods forgotten, in this partial fast.

I yearn for my homeland: a vision revealed.

The future unfolds; the Scripture unsealed.

 

Demons must flee, as I starve my old flesh.

Evil must leave! I passed the test!

Mercy increases, I yearn to be right.

The journey’s been long, but the end is in sight.

 

Transform my hunger to faith in the Lord.

Refraining from comfort as I bear the Sword

Of the Spirit to vanquish my foe and pierce

Through the dark: no lusts, no pride, and no fears.

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PTAP: Night of Power-Ramadan

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on May 19, 2020 at 6:30
The "Night of Power" (May 19, 2020) is the most holy day in Islam. Considered the time when Mohammed received the words for the Koran, this is a catalytic spiritual event for the Islamic nations.  

On this night, many believe that their prayers are heard and also await revelations through dreams and visions. So, many stay up all night praying. 
Please join us in praying for:
  • the hearts of Muslims throughout the Arabian Peninsula and the Islamic world to be open to receive the Truth
  • Jesus to visit many in dreams and visions on this night 
  • those who are struggling because mosques are closed, including the great mosque of Mecca (masjid al-haram) -- pray that they may encounter the love, comfort, and peace of Jesus Christ at this difficult time
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10 
 
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 
Visit our website and find us online at:
http://pray-ap.info

PTAP's Vision
"To see the global church praying for the Arabian Peninsula so that the gospel and churches will be planted for every indigenous people in the Arabian Peninsula"
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The "Night of Power" (May 19, 2020) is the most holy day in Islam. Considered the time when Mohammed received the words for the Koran, this is a catalytic spiritual event for the Islamic nations.  On

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on May 19, 2020 at 6:39
The "Night of Power" (May 19, 2020) is the most holy day in Islam. Considered the time when Mohammed received the words for the Koran, this is a catalytic spiritual event for the Islamic nations.  

On this night, many believe that their prayers are heard and also await revelations through dreams and visions. So, many stay up all night praying. 

Please join us in praying for:
  • the hearts of Muslims throughout the Arabian Peninsula and the Islamic world to be open to receive the Truth
  • Jesus to visit many in dreams and visions on this night 
  • those who are struggling because mosques are closed, including the great mosque of Mecca (masjid al-haram) -- pray that they may encounter the love, comfort, and peace of Jesus Christ at this difficult time
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10 
 
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 
Visit our website and find us online at:
http://pray-ap.info

PTAP's Vision
"To see the global church praying for the Arabian Peninsula so that the gospel and churches will be planted for every indigenous people in the Arabian Peninsula"
Read more…

PTAP: Ramadan Begins

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on May 6, 2019 at 17:25

Significantly spiritual dreams and visions are not uncommon for Muslims to have during Ramadan. Pray that the Father would pour Himself out to our friends through the supernatural as they participate in Ramadan. Pray for believers in the Arabian Gulf to be open to the Spirit's leading as they interact and engage with locals. 

 

At sunset, there is a meal called Iftar that signifies the breaking of the fast.  After sunset prayers, another meal called Suhoor occurs.  During Ramadan, these meals are significant and are often a time for big gatherings of family/friends.  Pray that believers would have opportunities to attend Iftar or Suhoor meals with local friends and that they would be able to connect with, and build relationship with, their families.  Pray for walls to come down between locals and expats.

 

Ramadan is a month where cousins tend to have increased focus and discipline towards the Koran and to their prayers. There are often reports of locals feeling a nearness to God because of the good things they are doing during this month.  Pray that there would be a lingering dissatisfaction and an overall feeling of being unfulfilled with the relationship they have with God during Ramadan. Pray that their increased time in the Koran would breed questions and critical thinking.

 

Check out PTAP's Facebook page for more prayer info during Ramadan:

https://facebook.com/PRAYTAP

 

Click below to download PTAP's 30 Day Ramadan 2019 prayer guide.  This is a guide to help you pray for the Arabian Peninsula in particular.  So let's unite our hearts in prayer during the 30 days of Ramadan for God to build his church in the AP!

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o-5oXt_8F1-zV7uytv2nsbWAQ8TvudWkc_oenNjwtsbjoaDUOZKcG2Qs2TDLdRcj9ROEe3ejLN11j4vXwUBdzRPO9MZUAIY_417QF1M1pad06yPZOGz2Pg9vTO5BQguLVoY0znQ_IlFYa8iMLN35vI4X9JdV_bzinw_j1CHtZA1xxdZqfP2wQYQMWzMtug6toIJ1KEWUYZ5SJ6C4zlL0qC5UFYNcMQCH9iV9CvucNcAPIMrIAhmkRACOZ0z4QLDP&c=GBlWO3VkRfKJ2q8gJ34V1FBq0L8WxgFA16Io1VAfc6-qjdmNJh8KJA==&ch=Fyt82L6SINUlfDKThi1OxAm1xGNrTZcTWRs5r-2scD5y8-7ZBW6-kg==

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Pray for Seekers and Lone Believers

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on January 17, 2018 at 10:50

Give praise that a new, local believer was able to share with a couple of family members in a celebration of Christ's birth, even though they are not yet aware of her decision to follow Jesus. Pray that the many who have heard the gospel story will receive and accept confirmation of its truth by revelation, signs, wonders, dreams or visions.

A young woman told her believing friend, "I need a new life." Please pray that she and many others will open their hearts to the Lord and be able to experience Him for who He truly is, and will find new life in Him.

As two men continue in study of the the Word, pray that their eyes will be open to its truth and they will desire to know more of Him. May they accept His gift of salvation and be witnesses for Him in their community.

Continue to pray for those lone believers who have no opportunity for communal worship, study, and fellowship. Pray that they will grow stronger in faith and trust in the Lord. Pray that they will find ways to safely share their faith with others and become His church where it is not yet established.

A couple of university students are on a spiritual journey together seeking to know more about Jesus. Pray that nothing will prevent them from continuing this journey and surrendering to Him as Lord and Savior.

Please pray for "Jennifer" whom we have prayed for in the past.  She is the local woman who is suffering from the effects of black magic.  The good news is that her believing friends continue to love her and share the gospel with her.  The bad news is that she has been moving away from them recently.  Please pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to work in her life, bringing her back to her friends so that the light of Christ would continue to shine in her dark life.  Pray that the Father would speak to her through the Bible which she has access to and also through dreams of Christ which she has had in the past.  Let's continue to pray for her salvation!

Also pray for a local man in the same country who is also hearing a lot of the gospel from a believer.  Both of these locals need the Holy Spirit to break through and change their hearts and minds completely.  Pray that God would do so.

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PTAP: Prayer for Seekers

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on October 10, 2017 at 21:55
Pray for a young man who is asking many questions about Jesus Christ. May he embrace the truth and surrender his life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Pray for a Muslim national that has been attending a service of expatriate believers for some time. She has asked many questions comparing various religions, so it's not clear yet that she has decided to trust in Christ. However, she continues to have a warm relationship with believers. Please pray and ask God to draw her to Him. 
 
Pray that God will show Himself in supernatural ways and demonstrate His perfect love and kindness to those who live in fear of Him. Pray that those who have had encounters with Jesus through dreams and visions would be insatiably curious and hungry and seek out believers to find out more about Him.

Ask the Lord to give believers opportunities to share stories from the Word and to open the hearts and minds of hearers to believe and long to hear more.
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PTAP: Ramadan, love, Cholera in Yemen

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on May 25, 2017 at 12:41
Ramadan begins this coming Saturday (May 27), and many throughout the Arab Peninsula will be fasting, going to special prayers at the mosques, and spending time reading the Qur'an more. Pray that Jesus will visit many in dreams and visions during this special time, and that there may be a hunger for Truth among many in the Arabian Peninsula. Also pray for the Muslim background believers during this time--that they will hold on to their faith with steadfastness and not be ashamed of the Gospel. 

Pray that believers in the Arabian Peninsula will keep themselves in the love of God (Jude 1:21). Ask that the believers will gladly receive the never ceasing stream of living water, i.e. the love of God, with praise. Pray that the believers will sense the love of God in the workplace, streets, in conversations with local neighbors, in whatever they do... 

A cholera epidemic has hit the country of Yemen with over 50 deaths in the capital alone according to  Reuters news. Garbagemen have been on strike because they are not being paid. The people have been told that vegetables are contaminated. Please pray for those who are grieving the loss of family. Please pray that the epidemic will be contained and eradicated. Please pray for peace in Yemen.
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New Season

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on June 29, 2017 at 10:05

As Ramadan has come to a close, pray for freedom from a religious spirit that keeps people in bondage to faith in their own works. Pray that believers will live out their faith in front of their neighbors and co-workers in a way that will attract them to Jesus Christ. Continue to pray that locals will have dreams and visions of Jesus Christ. Pray that they will hunger to know Him for who is truly is and connect with believers who can help disciple them.

Be in prayer for university students who are seeking Jesus Christ and reading the Word. Pray that they will read with hunger and understanding and that they will come to be saved by faith in Him. 

Pray for a new believer who is standing alone. Pray for strength, sweet time in the Word, opportunities for discipleship, rapid growth in intimacy with the Lord, and a deep and enduring faith that will carry through no matter the circumstances.

Please pray for a small neighborhood where much Good Seed has been sown, and there has been a lot of interest and response. After some years of friendship and spiritual discussion, local families were interrogated about their western Christian friends. About the same time, there were several accidental deaths in the same small neighborhood. Although the western Christians stopped visiting for the sake of their friends, some local believers remain. Please pray for them and for the growth of the Church in that place.
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PTAP: Lord, Open their Eyes.

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on March 1, 2017 at 8:58

A very sweet and intelligent mother of three young children has received a copy of the Word with eagerness to explore what it says. Pray that she will read with hunger and understanding and her eyes will be opened to the truth. 

Pray that the veil over the eyes of locals would be removed and that they would see the truth for what it is. Many miraculous healings are happening among the locals, but it goes nowhere because they are blinded to the truth behind the miracle! Pray that these miracles will lead to salvation in Jesus!

Pray for Sammy, a woman who received pray for her back and was healed. Pray for an open door of friendship with the one who prayed for her and that she will hear and receive the truth.

Amy heard the Good News but was rather uncomfortable with it, even after she received healing from the Lord. Ask that the barriers in her heart will come down, that she will be given great understanding and will surrender to the Lord with joy.

When Sarah shared her deep loneliness with her believing neighbors, they prayed for her. She told them she felt much lighter and peaceful, acknowledging that it was a result of their prayers. Ask for an open door to share the good news with her, that her heart will continue to soften and that she will accept it.

There are many foreign, believing workers in the AP (Pakistanis, Filipinos, Indians, etc.) Pray that their love and testimony of Jesus will impact the hearts of the locals. Many of them are servants in the homes of locals and could have a major impact on entire families. Ask that they will be strengthened to stand firm in their own commitment and be given open doors to share.

Pray that more people will have dreams and visions of Jesus. Many turn to him after experiencing such an encounter with Him, so ask for more of it! And pray that those people who have had dreams/visions will seek out people of faith in Jesus to give them more information.
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Healing Hearts & Opening Eyes

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on February 15, 2017 at 10:56
A very sweet and intelligent mother of three young children has received a copy of the Word with eagerness to explore what it says. Pray that she will read with hunger and understanding and her eyes will be opened to the truth. 

Pray that the veil over the eyes of locals would be removed and that they would see the truth for what it is. There is much healing happening among the locals, but it goes nowhere because they are blinded to the truth behind the miracle! Pray these miracles will lead to salvation in Jesus!

Pray for Sammy, a woman who received prayer for her back and was healed. Pray for an open door of friendship with the one who prayed for her and that she will hear and receive the truth.

Amy heard the Good News but was rather uncomfortable with it, even after she received healing from the Lord. Ask that the barriers in her heart will come down, that she will be given great understanding and will surrender to the Lord with joy.

When Sarah shared her deep loneliness with her believing neighbors, they prayed for her. She told them she felt much lighter and peaceful, acknowledging that it was a result of their prayers. Ask for an open door to share the good news with her, that her heart will continue to soften and that she will accept it.

There are many foreign, believing workers in the AP (Pakistanis, Filipinos, Indians, etc.) Pray that their love and testimony of Jesus will impact the hearts of the locals. Many of them are servants in the homes of locals and could have a major impact on entire families. Ask that they will be strengthened to stand firm in their own commitment and be given open doors to share.

Pray that more people will have dreams and visions of Jesus. Many turn to him after experiencing such an encounter with Him, so ask for more of it! And pray that those people who have had dreams/visions will seek out people of faith in Jesus to give them more information.

 
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PTAP: Pray for Muslims during Laylat al Qadr in Ramadan

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on July 1, 2016 at 9:30
Laylat al Qadr (Night of Power or the Night of Destiny)
"The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity.  The prophecies they gave you were false and misleading."  - Lamentations 2:14 (NIV)
 
"For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."  - Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV)
 
Christians serving among Muslims suggest we keep these verses in mind as we pray regarding this topic:  Lamentations 2:14 and Colossians 1:13-14
 
Laylat al-Qadr [Night of Power]
"The Night of Power is better than a thousand months" (Surat al-qadr, 3).
 
Muslims believe that God revealed the first verses of the Qur'an during this night and that it is the holiest night of the year. Many will spend the whole night in prayer and devotion in mosques or at home, reading the Qur'an and hoping that their requests will be granted, specifically asking for forgiveness. A hadith promises, "Whosoever offers voluntary prayers during the Night of Power out of belief and expecting from Allah its reward will have his past sins forgiven" (Bukhari and Muslim).
Pray that Muslims will see their own sinfulness and spiritual disillusionment with the promises of Islam.
Pray Muslims will open themselves to true revelations from God.
Pray for opportunities for Christians to share about the forgiveness through Jesus and for Muslims to hear His voice.
 
Laylat al-Qadr is also translated as Night of Destiny. Muslims expect that their prayers during this night will change their destiny for the year. Many devotions are aimed at reaching a higher spiritual state, promising an eternal destiny closer to God. Many are experiencing dreams, visions, and other supernatural incidents.
 
Pray many Muslims will have dreams and visions of Jesus during this night.
Pray that Jesus will reveal His power through signs and miracles.
Pray that Muslims will experience the fullness of God in Jesus.
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PTAP: Revelation & Unity in Christ Needed

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on April 15, 2015 at 13:20
Pray for a family who lives in a mountainous village. In the past, they guided many tourists through the mountain paths, even meeting some who believe in Christ. They heard stories about the Lord. Ask that they will remember the words that they heard and believe. Pray that they will download the Scriptures from the internet and read them. Pray that they will believe.

Imagine looking at the pages of a book or a bill board on the street and have no idea what is being said. This is the plight of the illiterate. Pray for those who cannot read, that they will hear Bible stories on the radio or through a TV program or movie. Pray that they will meet someone who will tell them the Good News.

Serious and personal threats have been made to a local, newly believing couple. They are, understandably, very concerned. Please pray for His Spirit to grant them sustained peace, unity with each other, and the wisdom to make wise decisions about how to respond and what precautions to take on behalf of their family. May He be glorified in their lives, and may the enemy's plans serve only to increase their faith.

"I had a dream about a man in white."
"Jesus came to me in a vision and told me to follow him".
God has used dreams and visions to call many Muslims to follow him. These events have begun their journey to Christ. Pray that many in the Arabian Peninsula will have dreams and visions. Pray that they will meet believers in Christ who can explain who Jesus is, to them
 
Testimony
"Nour" became a believer in Christ through Christian media about a year ago. When her tentmaking friend, "Renee", visited recently, it was learned that "Sara", "Nour's" grown daughter also had believed. The father, "Adnan", on the other hand, has been resistant to the gospel, countering his family's faith with Islamic defenses. Pray that all will be united in Christ.

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PTAP: Bearing Fruit

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on July 15, 2015 at 12:02
Prayer

 

Pray for the Muslims who are fasting now. Especially in the last week of Ramadan they believe there is a special night of Power when the heaven is open and all your prayers will be answered.  Since they are not exactly sure when that night is, many will spend whole nights in the mosque or at home reciting the Quran or praying. They give great value to dreams.  Pray that God will reveal himself in dreams or visions to them.

 

As Christ followers, we are commanded to support the widows and orphans or give cold water to those who thirst.  Pray for those who want to deliver aid to the needy in a land where the suffering is great and shelter to the refugees who have fled for their lives. Ask that resources will be collected. Pray that a way to send aid will be found.

 

A young man of 19 told his new friends that because of the fighting in his country, he was not able to finish high school. He is now 19 years old and wonders about his future. There are thousands of young people who are facing the same issues. Pray that they will be able to, one day, finish school and continue to prepare for adulthood. Pray that they will hear about a Savior who cares for them and loves them.

 

Testimony
"Saoud" has spoken on several occasions with his Christian professor, "Frank", about his Shiite beliefs.  At the same time, "Saoud" has been very open to hear about the love and redemption found in Christ.  He now wants to continue some independent academic studies with "Frank" next fall.  Pray that their relationship will bear fruit in the knowledge of Christ and Saoud's salvation.
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PTAP: The Courage to Trust

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on April 29, 2015 at 8:39

In Matthew 6:36, Jesus talks about how God cares for us. Pray this verse for those who love Christ but are struggling with feeding their families. They cannot find jobs in an economy that is failing. Their needs are great. Ask God to provide in miraculous ways for the poor who love Him.

 

Pray for those who are suffering from fear in cities which are being bombed or where fighting has broken out. Others are feeling hopeless and depressed, wondering about their future. Pray that Christ will appear to them in visions and dreams, giving them hope. Pray that many will come to know Him during this time of turmoil in their nation.

 

Please pray for the on-going gathering of several university students as they meet with a believing mentor. Pray they will have minds that understand and acknowledge the truth as well as hearts that receive with great joy what they are hearing. May the Lord do a great work in this small beginning so that many will come into His Kingdom.

 

A Believer in Christ is worried about his mother. She has many health problems and needs to get medical help outside of the country. Due to unrest in her country, it is impossible for her to leave at this time. Pray that God will heal her. Pray that she will accept His love for her.

Testimony
"Saeed", a Shiite Muslim collegian, has heard the gospel several times from his professor, "Daniel" - in the classroom, and privately in personal conversations.  They have become friends in their honest interaction.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will impress on "Saeed's" heart the reality of all he has heard, and grant him the courage to trust in Jesus.
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PTAP: Pray without Ceasing

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on May 13, 2015 at 10:47

Military unrest between two countries have caused much heartache and devastation. Please pray that peace will come. Pray that differences will be discussed over the negotiating table, not by fighting. Pray for God's mercy on those who are suffering.

Demon possession is a very real problem for some individuals in the Gulf. Families sometimes go to great expense to find a means of deliverance. Please pray for a worker who has been asked to intervene in a particular situation, that it will result in the family turning to JC. Pray also for another case of a man who is acknowledged by his neighbours to "have a jinn," that God will bring about deliverance, and all who know of it will then acknowledge it was by the power of Jesus Christ.

A man phones his friend every week, wanting financial help. He lives in a country which is in financial ruin. Please pray for the great needs that he and many others have. Pray that God will give wisdom to those who can give, that they will know where to put their resources. Pray that aid given will go directly to the people who need it.

Continue to pray for those who have experienced dreams and visions of Jesus and those who are wrestling with the Truth as they count the cost of following Jesus Christ. May they be given an eye toward eternity and realize nothing on earth can compare to the joy of knowing Him.

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Star-gazing

Posted by Johnny Russell Almond on February 25, 2014 at 13:54

In a nightmarish world, it's good now and then to dream of heaven.

“The toe of the star-gazer is often stubbed.”

- Russian proverb

 

Sadly, our experiences on earth can be nightmarish.

Idealists “in a dream world” sometimes stub their toe on “reality.”

“Two men look out same prison bars; one sees mud, the other stars” (Langbridge).

 

Dreaming of a better world, at the top of the staircase is God—

Author of perfect dreams, Means to the end, Final Step to reach the goal,

Stairway to the stars, Reality behind dreams, Energy to climb steps and attain visions.

 

The sky is not the limit—aim for the company of the immortals!

Dare to dream grand dreams—heaven open, angels on the stairway of hope.

Trust your Father’s protection as you traverse the twists and turns of the dreamy spiral.

 

Daydreaming is sweet, but it is time to wake up and start climbing.

Way-dreaming is better—not just staring up the steps, stepping up the stairs.

We will celebrate heaven’s dream come true with the Star-maker at the top of the stairs.

 

He dreamed of a stairway that reached from earth to heaven.

Genesis 28:12 NLT

 

Johnny R. Almond

                Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized

Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.

Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

[This devotion was based on/adapted from Day 19 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

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