Pray Network Forum

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 245 | Wed 29 Jan 2014

by Elizabeth Kendal

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on
the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the
schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic
powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12 (ESV)

WELCOME to the intercessors who have joined the list recently.

JANUARY 2014 UPDATE - During January we prayed concerning . . .

* SOUTH SUDAN (RLPB 242), where many decades of unresolved and repressed ethnic tensions are bringing the new state to the brink of civil war.

UPDATE: On 23 January a ceasefire was signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between the government of South Sudan and the rebel forces loyal to former Vice-President Riek Machar. The parties agreed to stop fighting, cease hostile propaganda, end violence against civilians, guarantee safe corridors for humanitarian aid and expedite the release of political prisoners. Furthermore, Ugandan forces must withdraw, monitors must enforce the ceasefire, dialogue must continue and an all inclusive National Reconciliation Process must be established. However, there is no guarantee that largely undisciplined ethnic rebel fighters will abide by the agreement. On 28 January Bos News reported that rebel soldiers were attacking churches in Malakal and forcing their priests to flee. Please pray for South Sudan: for peace, and that God will magnify the voices of Christian leaders who can guide this traumatised nation along the path of healing. The spiritual battle for South Sudan continues.


* CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC ([CAR] RLPB 243), where a traumatised population faces huge challenges as it seeks to overcome sectarian tensions created during the Seleka occupation.

UPDATE: The National Transitional Council has elected Catherine Samba-Panza, the mayor of Bangui, as interim president of CAR. Anre Nzapayeke, a former regional banking official, has been appointed Prime Minister. Seleka rebels are fleeing the capital in convoys under the protection of Chadian peacekeepers. According to Human Rights Watch emergencies director, Peter Bouckaert, 'This is the most significant departure of Seleka commanders probably since Djotodia resigned.' Amnesty International's Joanne Mariner says the desire for vengeance among the Christian majority was 'palpable' after Seleka's rampage of killing, looting and raping while Djotodia was in power. She has called for peacekeeping forces to do more to stop revenge attacks. Pray for CAR's new leaders, President Catherine Samba-Panza and PM Andre Nzapayeke, and for God to magnify the voices of CAR's Church leaders and Christian peacemakers.


* SRI LANKA (RLPB 244), where on Sunday 12 January Buddhist nationalists attacked three churches, one on the outskirts of Colombo, and two in the southern coastal tourist town of Hikkaduwa. The Galle magistrate called for the arrest of the 26 Hikkaduwa attackers identified to the court, including the 10 Buddhist monks, and reproached police for not arresting them sooner. A court hearing was scheduled for Monday 27 January.

UPDATE: On 26 January police reported they had been unable to locate any of the suspects because they had all allegedly absconded. However, on 27 January 18 suspects including seven Buddhist monks surrendered themselves to the Galle Magistrate Court. Praise God! Colombo Page reports: 'Galle magistrate Gunendra Kumara Munasinghe released all the 18 suspects each on two personal surety bails of Rs. 500,000. The case will be taken up for trial on March 17.' Please pray for justice and for the Church in Sri Lanka.


JANUARY 2014 ROUND-UP - also this month . . .

* INDIA: HINDU NATIONALIST AGGRESSION

The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) reports that on Sunday 29 December 2013 a group of militant Hindu nationalists invaded a worship service in Ranibagicha, Jashpur District of Chhattisgarh (north India), accusing Pastor Palath Dungdung and the Christians there of forceful conversion. The extremists also invaded worship in the nearby house church of Calvary Gospel Mission, accusing Pastor Lalit Kujur of forceful conversion. The police took 25 Christians in for questioning, after which both pastors and seven believers including three women were arrested for breaching Chhattisgarh's mis-named Freedom of Religion Act. The Christians were sent to Jashpur's District Jail, their bail petition being rejected. That same day local Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leader Ranvijay Singhdev led Hindu nationalists in a one-day hunger strike to protest 'conversions'. A similar incident occurred on 24 December in Tendumudi, Bilaigarh District of Chhattisgarh, where some 150 were celebrating Christmas. In this case, four believers were charged with forceful conversion and sent to Baloada bazar jail. Fortunately the intervention of Christian leaders resulted in these Christians being released on bail four days later.

In Andhra Pradesh (southern India) on 11 January, four men visited the home of Pastor Sanjeevulu. Claiming to be in need of prayer, they attacked the pastor as soon as he came through the door. Sanjeevulu's wife was injured trying to defend her husband from the militants, who would have killed her too had she not escaped. Pastor Sanjeevulu was admitted to Yashoda Hospital where he subsequently died from multiple stab wounds. Hindu nationalists had previously threatened to kill him.


* IRAN: RAIDS AND ARRESTS

Middle East Concern reports that a number of churches were raided and Christians arrested in Iran over the Christmas - New Year period. The arrested believers, men and women, were beaten and had property confiscated. Furthermore, restrictions have been tightened, banning ethnic Persians from church involvement and banning the use of Farsi in church activities. MEC reports that, besides those arrested on 24 and 31 December, 'Across Iran, at least 40 others are known to be in prison because of their Christian faith or activities.' As US leverage over Iran evaporates, Iran will escalate its repression and persecution in an effort to stem the flow of Persian converts to Christianity. It has been rumoured that imprisoned Christians are increasingly being kept separate, not as punishment but to prevent conversions in prison. God is at work! Pray for Iran.


* NIGERIA: JIHAD CONTINUES UNABATED

Morning Star News reports that on 31 December Fulani gunmen attacked a Christian fellowship celebrating the New Year in a field, killing three of them. It was the second time Faith Kore Usman, a 29-year-old mother of five children, had been widowed by Muslim militants. On 6 January Muslim Fulani gunmen, supported by soldiers from the Special Task Force (STF), killed 33 Christians in Shonong village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. During January Fulani gunmen also attacked and killed Christians in Kaduna (5th), Borno (12th) and Benue (19th). Then on Sunday 26 January, some 45 Christians were killed when Boko Haram militants attacked a church in Waga Chakawa village, Adamawa State. Twenty-two bodies were recovered from the church, which was attacked with improvised explosive devices and gunfire, while other Christians were killed when trying to escape through the bush. Whilst Boko Haram uses terrorism as a way to pressure the government into giving in to its demands for Sharia Law, the Fulani are waging a jihad to colonise deeper into the Christian-dominated south. Boko Haram is known to arm and support the Fulani in what is essentially a predatory migration. Please pray for Nigeria; may God continue to build his Church.


* PAKISTAN: FEDERAL SHARIA COURT CHALLENGES GOVERNMENT

On 4 December 2013 Pakistan's Federal Sharia Court (FSC) issued orders to remove the provision for life-imprisonment from the Blasphemy Law. According to the court, humiliation of the prophet cannot be tolerated and death is the only punishment mandated by Islam for blasphemy. The FSC has given the Pakistani Government until 4 February to either amend the Penal Code or appeal the order. With US influence declining and Pakistan-China relations improving, the Pakistani Government has nothing to gain from a domestic crisis so will doubtless opt to appease the Islamists. Regardless of what the government does, the FSC's order will impact realities on the ground by essentially sanctioning the murder of 'blasphemers'. On 23 January a court in Rawalpindi sentenced a British man of Pakistani origin to death for the crime of blasphemy. Muhammad Asghar, a pensioner, stroke victim and schizophrenic, had claimed to be the prophet Mohammed. Pakistan's judiciary is dominated by Islamists and the FSC's order is a direct challenge to the government to establish who makes the rules in Pakistan. Please pray for the Church in Pakistan.


* UKRAINE: ON BRINK OF CIVIL WAR

Protests erupted in Ukraine on 21 November 2013 after the government of Viktor Yanukovich chose not to sign a comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Union, preferring closer economic ties with Russia. When the government introduced anti-protest laws in December, these essentially anti-Russia protests turned violent. President Yanukovich's Party of Regions has a comfortable majority in parliament and consequently does not face a political threat. However, on the streets the right wing, neo-Nazi, anti-Semitic Svoboda Party is taking a leading role in the protests and blaming Russia's 'Jewish' oligarchs for everything. Anti-Semitic slogans are being heard in Kiev and anti-Semitism is rising. On 11 January Hillel Wertheimer, an Orthodox Hebrew scholar, was ambushed and beaten by a mob that followed him home from the synagogue. On 17 January, Dov Baar Glickman was beaten and stabbed while walking home from a Shabbat meal. Elements of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church appear content to ally with Svoboda, with which they are united by an intensive hatred of everything Russian. [NOTE: At least half of Ukraine is Russian-speaking and Russian Orthodox and just as Germany is no longer Nazi, Russia is not the USSR.] Ukraine is not falling apart - it is being pulled apart. Fanning the flames in Kiev are outside forces keen to hurt Russia's President Putin, in particular for his 'unco-operative' stance on Syria. It is a disgrace.

Ukrainian Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists (UECB) is calling for urgent intercessory prayer, appealing for calm and reconciliation in the country which it warns is 'just a step away from civil war'. Churches maintaining neutrality could find themselves in a dangerous position vis-a-vis the increasingly violent and nationalistic protesters. Pray for Ukraine, and that God will give guidance and wisdom to the Church.


To view this RLPB with hyperlinks or to access RLPB and RLM archives, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

We usually provide a summary to use in news-sheets unable to run the whole of an RLPB. As a summary is not practicable with this monthly update posting we suggest one or more of the above items be used instead.


This RLPB was written by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate. It is issued as a ministry of EA in Australia.

Elizabeth Kendal is the author of 'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today' (Deror Books, Dec. 2012) http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html

Elizabeth is Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology. She is Director of Advocacy for Christian Faith & Freedom based in Canberra, Australia.

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The small south Texas town where I grew up has Spanish
moss drooping from the trees, winding narrow streets, and
stifling humidity that in time I became accustomed to.  The
lazy days of summer brought us a good game of baseball,
fishing at the lake, or swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.
Children filled the placid streets with bikes, skates and
homemade go-carts. It was a simpler time; and our town—
population 5,000—was a simpler place.

The closeness we shared as friends and family gave us a
sense of security. Most everyone knew each other so there
was little need to lock our doors at night or to fear walking
the streets alone. Yet, in the summer of 1956, at the age of
six, I encountered a different kind of uncertainty—sexual
abuse.

One dark summer night I was in bed about to fall asleep,
when...

Continued...
http://goo.gl/1elrDJ

The person who says "I don't pray because I don't need anything" is naive.

Sooner or later, we all realize our desperate need for God. 

“Life for most of us is full of steep stairs to go puffing up and later, of shaky stairs to totter down;

and very early in the history of stairs must have come the invention of banisters.”

- Louis Kronenberger, The Cart and the Horse, 1964

Every human being is inherently a dependent creature.

At frequent intervals, we feel need of assistance.  

When we are born, we are totally helpless.

And when we die, we are there again.

So help me, God, we cry for help.

The Almighty made the universe—He can surely help us.

He holds earth up by invisible cables—He holds us together.

Relying on our Redeemer, we can soar gracefully on eagles’ wings,

endure without exhaustion, and survive “normal” days without fainting.

Counting on the reality of God’s Presence, we can learn to fly above worries,

run faith marathon fueled by His Spirit, and walk everyday paths with equanimity.

When we are out of breath in the midst of life’s arduous uphill climb, God climbs with us.

And when our weak knees tremble on difficult paths in mortality’s shadow, God walks with us.

Every person who trusts God can testify He is our Invisible Means of Support every step of life’s way.          

“God is with you in everything you do.”

Genesis 21:22 NIV

Johnny R. Almond

                Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

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

[Devotion adapted from Day 13 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

One of my new, favorite compliments came this week. I had communicated with a former student and good friend during a difficult time in his life and assured him of my prayer support. He replied with thanks for the prayer and concluded with, “I’ve always thought you and God had each other on speed dial.” For you non-techies, Wikipedia defines speed dial as, “a function available on many telephone systems allowing the user to place a call by pressing a reduced number of keys. This function is particularly useful for phone users who dial certain numbers on a regular basis.” While I appreciate the compliment and understand its meaning, the same should be said of every believer. God said, “Call to Me, and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3). There is no reference or even implication of a delay – hold, busy signal, automated voice mail, or an answering machine (Wouldn’t you hate to hear a deep voice say, “This is your Heavenly Father. I can’t talk right now, but please leave a message at the sound of the harp?”) I am reminded of an old gospel song, using an analogy from an earlier day, “Jesus on the main line, tell Him what you want. You can call Him up and tell Him what you want. His line ain’t never busy, tell Him what you want.” So, if not already there, how about adding God to your speed dial today and “tell Him what you want.”

More than 30 years ago, I received a call from an elderly man named John Hunter. Someone had given him my name, and he said he hoped I might be able to answer some of his questions about the new things God was doing in the church.

I agreed to meet with him, and after that initial meeting John and I got together often. I learned that he had already known the Lord for more than 50 years—much longer than I had even been alive at that point. He didn’t flaunt his credentials, but he also had many years of experience as a church leader and Bible teacher. John clearly knew Christ in a deep and profound way.

So why did he want to get together with me? That was something I always found puzzling. Was it that he had a fatherly concern for me as a young Christian leader? Yes, I’m sure he wanted me to succeed as a leader—but that was not why he wanted to get together.

Did he want to straighten out my theology? No, that was the furthest thing from his mind.

Still to this day, I’m shocked by John’s primary reason for wanting to spend time with me: He was so hungry for the things of God that he hoped to learn something even from a “youngster” like me.

This may not seem so remarkable to you, but it still challenges me to the very core of my being. Why? Because John Hunter was hungrier for the Lord than I was.

Let me explain…

Before I met John, I was pretty satisfied with the spiritual level I had attained. I felt knowledgeable about the Scriptures and in touch with the Holy Spirit—wasn’t that enough? But John exemplified the same kind of insatiable hunger for God that the apostle Paul wrote about:

   Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that    for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but        one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for        the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect [mature], have this      attitude (Philippians 3:12-15).

Until his dying day, John Hunter was still pressing on, not satisfied with the knowledge of God he already had. In his later years John developed Parkinson’s Disease, which made it much more difficult to “press on”—but he did nonetheless. His gait was more wobbly each time we met, as if his tall, lanky body might fall at any moment.

But he insisted on getting together anyway.

When we sat to have lunch, John’s hands shook violently if he tried to gesture or to bring a spoon to his mouth. Often his food spilled on his shirt, drawing the attention of those at neighboring tables in the restaurant.

As his final days approached, John’s words came out slowly and slurred. Sometimes he didn’t finish the sentences he started. But I could always sense the presence of the Lord during the times we shared.

It will be great to see John Hunter again someday. In heaven, I’m sure he has a fantastic new body, unaffected by anything like Parkinson’s. And I can’t wait to see how his childlike spiritual hunger is finally being satisfied as he dances in worship before God’s throne.

Let’s remind each other to follow John Hunter’s example, always yearning to go higher, toward the “upward call of God” for our lives. Let’s stay hungry until our hunger is fulfilled in eternity.

And perhaps the Lord would even have us invest ourselves in a new generation, as John Hunter did with me. Our lives will be changed when we do.

"The Holy Spirit is orchestrating a global prayer strategy in these very days. It will far eclipse any other prayer movement in Church history. The Holy Spirit is equipping the Church to partner with Jesus' intercessory prayer ministry at the right hand of the Father. The end result is the great harvest of souls being added to the Kingdom of God. The number of people coming to Jesus at the present hour across the nations is unprecedented in history. I believe this will continue to increase numerically and in both power and intensity." Mike Bickle

What is truly significant about the days we are living in? The Gospel is spreading and more people are passionate about loving Jesus than at any other time in history. Before our very eyes Biblical prophecy is being fulfilled which is hastening the return of the Lord.  

In the last thirty-five years, we have seen Latin America emerge from being a mission field to becoming a mission base. We were there with the ship, M.V. Doulos in the late 70’s and early 80’s, sowing seeds of missionary vision as we preached the Gospel. Other nations like Korean have also become great missionary bases. We were there in 1991 and had the privilege of participating in sowing a vision into Korea for missions. Now they are all over the world! Joining them are other nations like the Philippines, Singapore, China, Malaysia and Indonesia. 

The Great Commission is no longer a western pursuit; it is owned by the global body of Christ. Prayer is going viral! 

It is not that the Church didn’t pray before; it’s just that the intensity, longevity and quantity of prayer has multiplied. Statistics reveal that prayer movements and Houses of Prayer are springing up in many cities around the world and in some remarkable places. Someone recently commented that France is teaming with newly formed Houses of Prayer. In Gibraltar, a House of Prayer has begun. In Malaga, Spain there is the formation of a House of Prayer. Throughout Spain, once the most spiritually needy country in the world, there are at least four national prayer networks. We know of Germans, Dutch, British, etc... Added to that is the Global Day of Prayer, prayer in prisons, prayer in orphanages, old people, young people, pastors... hearing the invitation to day and night prayer leading to the second coming of the Lord. 

"Jesus is not coming back to a prayerless Church, rather to one enjoying mature bridal partnership with Him in intercession for the great harvest. The church will complete the Great Commission reaching to all 255 nations in the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 24:14). This strategic plan of the Holy Spirit will reach a crescendo before the Lord returns, as the bowls of intercession will become full in heaven." Mike Bickle

24/7 prayer has taken a high priority in many places. In Kansas City, the International House of Prayer celebrates fourteen years of day and night prayer. The IHOP is web-streamed across the globe and watched by believers under some of the most oppressive governments. The model has spurred others to day and night seeking the Lord in places like Fredricksburg, Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; Orlando, Florida; and more. Prayer rooms are being established in churches throughout the world.

Not only are we praying but we are praying in unity. God is uniting a powerful prayer movement worldwide. In a supernatural way, He is connecting all of us. He is realigning ministries and people—He is teaching us to celebrate one another’s victories—He is orchestrating strategic shifts and realign-ments. We have seen all denominations come together to seek the Lord as one—charismatic and non-Charismatic, Gentile and Jew, white and black, young and old. 

Denominations and Christian organizations have started prayer watches. The Salvation Army in Australia and in England started praying 24/7 for a week in 52 of their branches with immediate results. YWAM, with sixteen bases in Western Europe, set aside an entire year where each base took responsibility for a week, filling the whole year with day and night prayer. In 2005, thirteen denominations and Christian organizations in England alone started filling the whole year with 24/7 prayer. Several prisons in Argentina have established 24/7 365-day prayer watches where the inmates pray for their families, communities, their country, fellow inmates, and the world. Inmates are converted and change their lifestyle. Breakthroughs are happening in the prisons.

The marriage of missions and prayer took on a new level in 2008 when leaders of the prayer movement joined together with leaders of the missions movements at the Orlando Call2All. Now we are sending intercessory missionaries who are settling in spiritually needy places with the goals to pray for breakthroughs. These intercessors are made up of former Muslims, Hindus as well as westerners; young and old.

The vision to “restore the Tabernacle of David” as mentioned in Amos 9:11 and Acts 16 is coming to pass. It was originally commanded by God to David to honor the Lord. David spared no time or expense in providing materials, singers, musicians, instruments, gold, silver and plans, as well as lavishly sacrificing livestock by the tens of thousands! In the acts of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, we see that every king who leads God’s people in extravagant worship and prayer, prospered under the hand of God because the Name and presence of God was there. The demise of the Tabernacle where God’s name and presence was revealed was the demise of the nation. The re-establishment of it meant blessings and power. 

Prayer itself is emerging from being simply a time to make requests to an exciting adventure of gazing upward and looking for declaration of the beauty, strength and wonder of the Lord. Indeed, saints and angels throughout eternity will never tire of beholding the beauty of the infinite Creator God-Man! The heavenly throne room is the model of what we believers will be doing for eternity. In the last few verses of the Bible, in John’s end-times Revelation, we hear what the Church will be crying before the return of her Bride-groom, “The Spirit and the Bride say COME!”  

We are in for exciting days! We are in for difficult days. The two will go hand-and-hand and the Church, through her amazement with the beauty and fidelity of the Lord, will rise triumphant.  

The only condition that is to give worldwide power to this Gospel is prayer, and the spread of the Gospel will depend on prayer. The energy that is to give it marvelous momentum and conquering power over all its malignant and powerful foes is the energy of prayer… But mighty prayer is the one great spiritual force that will enable the Lord Jesus Christ to enter into full possession of His kingdom, and secure for Him the heathen as His inheritance and the uttermost part of the earth for His possession." E. M. Bounds

What is truly significant about these days? We are here to prepare the way for the Lord to return and take His throne in Jerusalem from where He will eliminate His enemies and reign supreme. It is happening before our eyes. While none of us can set a date we can see and hear what the Lord reveals in Scripture, the signs are clearer than predicting the weather. We know that the Gospel will go to all the nations first. This is happening. Then we’ll also see the rise of such evil that there will be no days comparable since the beginning of time. Many will be martyred for following Jesus. All nations will hate us. But there will be signs, wonders and miracles and such an unveiling of God’s power that even Mose’s signs in Egypt will pale in compar-ison.

It's time for all of us to become part of this worldwide prayer movement!

"Isaiah the prophet had a lot to say about this global prayer movement. He described a time when God's people worldwide will experience unusual grace and authority in prayer. He summarized this by declaring; God will name His Church a “house of prayer”. This prophetic naming is in itself a promise of functioning in grace empowered prayer. Imagine naming the Church a “praying church”. All over the earth, it will become common to hear of intercessory worship ministries that continue non-stop, 24 hours a day. God has established in the genetic code a passion to reach “all nations”. It will result in bringing the outcasts of the earth to Jesus (Isaiah 56:8). These 24-hour-a-day prayer ministries are vital to reaching the cities in the 10/40 window." Mike Bickle 

If you are interested in building the House of Prayer in your city, read my book 24/7 Prayer Arise: Building the House of Prayer in Your City. It is  a 288 page book about everything from A-Z that relates to Houses of Prayer. For a 20% discount, use PL6G7Y59 in checkout. See Intercessors Arise facebook page for daily encouragement in your prayer life. 

Power outages can be very disruptive. But there's an Unlimited Power Source that never fails.

To whatever side you turn, you are forced to acknowledge your own ignorance and the boundless power of the Creator.”

- Voltaire

The anonymous hymn-writer speaks for all honest souls—“I am weak, but Thou art strong.”

By now you and I should have learned that we are morally weak, typically sinful, invariably limited.

Feeling the impact of being made of dust, we discover that much in our life is far beyond our pay grade.

On the other hand, our faith acknowledges that absolutely nothing is too difficult for Almighty God.

At His command, the universe snapped to attention and began its precision march through space and time.

The Creator of heaven and earth directs intergalactic traffic patterns so they intersect perfectly like clockwork.

If this day seems too hard for us to manage, God promises to  graciously provide response-ability.

If an intractable habit has us near the threshold of despair, God will provide victory as we trust and obey.

If tomorrow’s uncertain horizon makes us tremble, God reassures us that His promises will brighten the future.

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

(Genesis 18:14 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

                Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

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

[Devotion adapted from Day 13, Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

What is the need of this hour? What can we do who face the moral, spiritual and intellectual barbarism of the last days? How will we present the gospel to people who have lost all sense of the sacred? How do you argue with people who no longer understand the concept of truth? How do you win those who despise righteousness and hate us who call for repentance? How do we help people hunger for heaven who believe the highest good is immediate gratification?

The only solution to the crises we face in these days is to trust in a supernatural God, a God who does the impossible in response to our prayers, a God who uses the weak to do incredible things in impossible situations, a God who parts seas of unbelief, a God who delivers the oppressed from the addiction of sin, a God who raises the spiritually dead to walk in new life.

 In praying Scripture, I have not only find myself in intimate communication with God, but my mind is being renewed to think His thoughts about the situation for which I am praying, instead of my own thoughts. Ultimately, God shrinks the situation that I thought was overwhelming and impossible to a viable possibility. He gives me peace as I wait for His answer.

As we start claiming God’s promises and personalizing the Scriptures, we will experience more boldness and confidence in our praying. When we pray we are having an intimate conversation with God.  Nothing threatens the enemy (Satan) more than when we are intentionally praying God’s Word for our children, grandchildren, and ourselves. 

Watch for the scriptures to pray for your grandchildren on this website and Facebook. If you are on Facebook check out the "Grandparenting with a Purpose" Facebook fan page for additional postings.

Prayer

Dear Father, as I am reading your Word, show me the scriptures

to pray for my family and myself.

Help me to set an appointment with you each day

and show me how You would like me

to be an intentional prayer warrior for my family.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 244 | Wed 22 Jan 2014

SRI LANKA: BUDDHIST NATIONALISTS ATTACK CHURCHES IN SOUTH & WEST

by Elizabeth Kendal

On Saturday 11 January police in the coastal tourist town of Hikkaduwa in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, warned Pastor Chinthaka Prasanna that the Buddhist nationalist group 'Hela Bodu Pawura' was planning to protest against the church the following day. As one of three Sri Lankan churches to be attacked on Christmas Eve, this local Assemblies of God church decided to take precautions. So on Sunday 12 January they assembled early before locking the doors and bolting the security gates. Though they had been promised police protection, only three police were stationed outside the gates when some 250 protesting Buddhists (including many saffron-robed Buddhist monks) marched up to the church behind mobile loudspeakers blaring anti-Christian slogans. Instead of standing their ground, the police struggled briefly before melting away. Christians escaped by a rear exit as the Buddhist protesters broke down the gates and invaded the property. They shattered windows, smashed furniture and equipment and burnt Bibles, sheet music and other materials. The mob then moved on to attack Calvary Free Church, just a short distance away, where worship had concluded. As Pastor Ranjan Perumal explained, this was not the first time Calvary Free Church had been targeted either. The protesters then occupied the main Galle-Colombo road, disrupting traffic until police assured the monks that the churches would be closed until 10 February while 'a solution was being sought'.

Though Hela Bodu Pawura maintains the two churches are operating illegally, this is false as both churches are registered and fully legal. Hela Bodu Pawura also accuses the Sri Lankan media of distorting the truth, for according to the monks, the protest was totally peaceful until the Christians came out and attacked the protesters, forcing them to retaliate while the monks tried to prevent violence. Fortunately - or unfortunately for Hela Bodu Pawura - both attacks were filmed by private television station Derana and the footage is available on Youtube ['Mob including Buddhist monks attack Christian centre in Hikkaduwa' (Derana Videos, 12 Jan 2014) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUHCQyxK3ps ]

In a separate incident also on Sunday 12 January, a Christian prayer centre in Pitipana, Homagama, on the south-eastern outskirts of Colombo in Western Province, was set alight in the early hours. Fortunately the fire was put out before serious damage was caused. According to Release International, a note left hanging on the gate made serious threats against Christians.

Doubtless fanning the flames of Buddhist nationalist zeal is the fact that in September 2013, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) won 30 of 38 seats in the Northern Provincial Council elections. This sent a loud message to Colombo that the North is still wanting autonomy. The TNA, which maintains ties to the separatist rebel army LTTE, is lobbying to have the constitution's 13th Amendment fully implemented. This amendment enables decentralisation by establishing provincial councils, which the Buddhist nationalists vehemently oppose. The more conciliatory Tamil parties are talking about forming an alliance to create a viable opposition and alternative to the TNA. Provincial council elections will be held soon in the Southern and Western Provinces with 30 January the closing date for nominations. Doubtless the Buddhist nationalists in the Southern and Western Provinces consider this a critical time to raise their profile.

Writing in the Colombo Gazette (16 January 2014), Dharisha Bastians blames the escalating violence on the pervasive Buddhist nationalist hate speech 'which has coloured the teachings and the discourse in every Buddhist temple, from the smallest villages to the largest towns across the island'. She also blames impunity and the silence of political leaders who are unwilling to confront the monks for fear of alienating their Buddhist constituents. Karu Jayasuriya, Chairman of the United National Party's Leadership Council, is an exception. He slammed the monks, pointing out that the majority of Sri Lanka's Buddhists are moderate, peace-loving citizens who are repulsed by this spate of violence against religious minorities. The Galle magistrate appears to agree, calling for the arrest of the 26 attackers identified to the court - including the 10 Buddhist monks - and reproaching police for not arresting them sooner. The next court hearing is scheduled for Monday 27 January.

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL -

* enlighten influential Sri Lankan men and women to the threat posed by militant religious nationalism which promotes hate, fuels intolerance and incites violence; may more Sri Lankans raise their voice against violence, communalism, repression and persecution. (Proverbs 31:8,9)

* embolden the Galle magistrate to set a new precedent by ending impunity, delivering justice and condemning violence as criminal and dangerous, unacceptable and intolerable. (Amos 5:24)

* continue to bless and build his Church in Sri Lanka, raising up more pastors and evangelists, and pouring out his Spirit generously on Sinhalese (Buddhists), Tamils (Hindus) and Muslims alike so they might be one in Christ Jesus. 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' (Galatians 3:28 ESV)


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

CHURCHES ATTACKED IN SRI LANKA'S SOUTH & WEST

Early on Sunday 12 January a church on the outskirts of Colombo in Sri Lanka's west was set on fire. Whilst the blaze was extinguished before much damage was done, a threatening note was left on the gate. Later, two churches in the tourist town of Hikkaduwa on Sri Lanka's south coast were attacked by a mob of some 250 protesting Buddhist nationalists, including saffron-robed monks. The protesters smashed doors, windows, furniture and equipment and burnt Bibles and other literature. Derana TV filmed the attacks (see Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog). The Galle magistrate has called for the attackers to be arrested and rebuked police for not arresting them sooner. The court hearing is scheduled for Monday 27 January. Please pray for Sri Lanka, its Church and an end to impunity.


To view this RLPB with hyperlinks or to access RLPB and RLM archives, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

We suggest that churches and fellowships using the Summary above might also provide a copy of the listed prayer points to be used in their worship by people who are leading in prayer.

This RLPB was written by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and is issued as a ministry of the Evangelical Alliance in Australia.

Elizabeth Kendal is the author of 'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today' (Deror Books, Dec. 2012) http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html

Elizabeth is Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology. She is Director of Advocacy for Christian Faith & Freedom based in Canberra, Australia.

If this bulletin was forwarded to you, you may receive future weekly issues direct by sending a blank email

to join-rlpb@hub.xc.org

God has given us gifts called time and prayer that coincide within our lives. Prayer is intended to be an ongoing conversation, personally and/or corporately, with God- at all times and in all places. Yet often, prayer is treated like it functions on a light switch; being turned on, then off, then on again as we have needs. Then off again when things seem under control and we can manage things going forward.

Solomon talks about the matter of time in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 14:

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

What about time to pray? In verse 7, Solomon mentions there's time to be silent and a time to speak. So, does that mean we can shut off prayer? No it doesn't. Prayer (communicating with God) is intended to be an ongoing two-way conversation within our personal relationship with Him. That means we share with God what's on our hearts, AND we stop so we can listen to His reply. Listening to God will help us consider which season of time we're in- and/or how He'd have us respond within that given season! Listening to God also can inspire worship- something He's worthy of receiving at all times and in all places as well!

Paul, in encouraging all kinds of prayer, states the matter this way:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

Rejoice, pray, and give thanks- always, continually, and in all circumstances. All, means everything, or without exception. Continually, means without ceasing or stopping. Many Christians believe prayer is the most powerful and active gift God has given us. If that's true, why are we as Christians so quick to stop praying once we begin?

Prioritizing Prayer

“Our devotions are not measured by the clock, but time is of the essence. The ability to wait, and stay, and press belongs essentially to our intercourse with God.”  ― E.M. Bounds, Power Through Prayer

Often, like young children called to the dinner table while playing games with friends, we set our hearts on other things that can have an immediacy or importance in the moment, but are secondary to what matters most. Children don't see the bigger picture that parents do. Children quickly sit down and eat with hopes they'll return to their friends and continue the game, but often find their parents want to keep them at the table longer than they desire. There's friction, squabbling, and sometimes some tension as the children wrestle to get their way. But for their greater good, the parents keep them at the table until the meal, and conversation, is finished.

Often, when God calls us into a time of focused prayer (maintaining our ongoing prayer mindset of speaking and listening with Him, but pressing further into Him still), it may seem to come at an inconvenient time to us. We may be focused on our schedule, a task, some form of entertainment, or something else entirely. The matter we're involved in wrestles to take precedent over what/whom God is calling us to be in prayer for in the moment.

We immediately face some choices.

1. Will I immediately press into God in prayer about this, or will I make Him wait?

2. Will I neglect or pass on praying altogether in favor of what I'm doing currently?

3. If I press further into God about this, will I remain with and in Him until He declares it settled, or will I just give God a few seconds or minutes, then hurry back to what I am doing?

Prayer often changes us more than what/whom we pray for! How we answer these questions will determine how much we'll permit God to change us as we pray. It will also affect how we see God answer that burden He invited us to be in prayer for. Make no mistake, He will accomplish His will fully- whether we obediently pray in that moment or not! How much we're allowed to see and experience of that answer may directly relate to the decision we make and time we invest.

Is it any surprise that our adversary would do all he could to keep us from using the most powerful weapon God's given us in spiritual warfare? A bumper sticker was recently seen that read, "If Satan can't make you immoral, he'll make you busy."

Busyness is an adversary to prayer- and keeps many Christians from utilizing their most important and powerful weapon! Busyness also hinders many from growing in deeper relationship with God through prayer and the reading of Scripture. How busy are you? How much time with God are you losing each day because other priorities take precedent over communication and communion with Him?

Poor Modeling of Prayer

Whether we care to admit it or not; how we pray, or choose not to pray with or around others impacts how they think about prayer.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Paul states, "Do not quench the Spirit." Quench means to sadden, disappoint, or grieve the Holy Spirit. The idea of quenching the Spirit should make us uncomfortable. Yet is it possible to do so when we pray?

Often, like children at the dinner table, eager to return to playing with friends, we can back away and dart off from the dinner table (times of prayer) without a second thought. The Holy Spirit might caution or encourage us to stay longer in worship or prayer, but He won't force us against our will. When we dart off before He's finished, we cut off our individual or corporate prayer times abruptly; quenching Him and placing something other than God in higher importance in that moment. We also miss out on greater worship, truth, or power He may intend to share if we'd stick around with Him until He's finished in that time.

As others around us see prayer, worship, and/or the Spirit quenched, it may give the impression to them that it's okay to do such a thing. If they see it happen repeatedly, soon it can turn into an expectation, something's that anticipated, a common practice, and even possibly a tradition.

What if the Holy Spirit has something deeper to share or do if we'd stay with Him a few minutes more? What if He's starting a work in someone's heart in the midst of the prayer group that suddenly risks screeching to a halt because someone sees time on the clock butting against the traditional ending time of the prayer/worship meeting? Can we truly afford to stop praying deeply until He's given the okay to do so?

In corporate prayer settings, tradition often seems to trump the Holy Spirit. We all lose when this happens.

"Take the mind that God has given you, and use it as an instrument of worship; for that's what it was created for." - Ravi Zacharias

The Remedy- Liberty

Breaking the binds of traditionalism or the tyranny of the urgent (busyness) may simply be accomplished by extending liberty to all in attendance (speaking mostly within the context of a corporate prayer gathering). Prior to the group pressing in to pray, a leader may announce the intent to follow the Holy Spirit until He's completed all He desires to do during that time of prayer. Those desiring to leave prior to that time have full liberty to leave whenever they desire (as quietly as possible).

This extends both an openness and willingness to follow the Spirit, as well as freedom to allow those who need to leave earlier the ability to do so. If the Spirit leads 2-3 within the group to pray deeply for 2-3 hours (or longer), nobody leaving earlier need feel guilty- especially if the Holy Spirit has released them at that earlier time.

Our times of personal and corporate prayer will see much greater fruits of the Spirit when we permit the Spirit to begin, and complete, all He desires to do each time we meet together in prayer!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. - Galatians 5:22-26

“This is the day the LORD has made. Don’t mess it up.”

  - Anonymous

Detouring from the narrow path would mess up today—steadfast obedience is better.

Whatever courses other people may take, nestle near your Shepherd’s heart.

Denying God’s goodness would mess up today—counting on His faithfulness is better.

Whatever changes happen in your life, rest assured your Father will not vary.

Despairing when trouble hits would mess up today—unflinching faith in God is better.

Whatever catastrophes may come your way, rely on unfailing divine protection.

Doubting God’s Providence would mess up today—implicit trust in God’s care is better.

Whatever consternation may attack your mind, hold to your Shepherd’s hand.

Down-in-the-mouth grumpiness would mess up today—singing His praises is better.

Whatever cantankerousness whines, rejoice—that’s why God made this day.

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118:24 ESV

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

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

[This devotion adapted from Day 240 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

Today in our nation, and our world we are facing greater moral and spiritual issues than ever in our lifetime. Our grandchildren need their grandparents to intentionally pray and influence them to experience the adventure of a full and fruitful life in Jesus Christ.

            As the prayer coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN),   I am urgently calling grandparents to unite in prayer for their grandchildren and their families.  I would like to share with you about the Grandparents @ Prayer (G@P) intercessory prayer groups. The G@P groups meet regularly for a limited time to unite in prayer for the next generation.

Testimony

A grandmother in Oregon shares, "Our G@P group that meets once a month is a wonderful support. It has been so nice to get to know other "praying" grandparents to hear and share our stories and to know we are not alone.  What a gift to pray with and for each other, to know they are lifting my grandchildren up in prayer and to be able to share in their victories and answers to prayer."

Obtain Information

            For information go to http://www.christiangrandparenting.net, and click on the “Prayer” link or email me for guidelines at lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net.

Lillian Penner

In the beginnings of a year we often make plans for what we will do and where we wish to go in a year or a lifetime. But our own plans will not do. We need God’s plans. He alone knows the way of significance for your life. Last week I wrote to you about listening to God. This week I want to talk to you about obeying what God has told you.

It is foolish to ask God to reveal His plans to you, when you are showing yourself to be a poor manager of what He has already shown you. When you need a personal word from God, ask Him to remind you of what He has already told you. You may need God to change your heart or give you the courage and ability to obey what He has already shown you.

Sometimes, if we're honest, we struggle with faith--especially when life is hard. How can we learn to trust God in the difficult times? I hope the thoughts on my blog help you.

“Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.”

- English proverb

Plato was right—everyone is fighting a hard battle.

So is the English proverb—we do not know how others hurt.

So is Scripture—God has a heart, and He genuinely cares about us.

We celebrate His nearness when life is a picnic, then wonder where He is when life hurts.

We should have learned by now life is not all sweetness and light—roses have thorns.

Our faith is severely tested in trouble’s crucible, but we believe pain has a purpose.

Pressure changes coal to diamonds; friction polishes gems; pain helps us mature.

God does something far better than removing trouble—He is with us in trouble.

And in the process we learn lessons we would never learn anywhere else.

In fear, our faith has a chance to develop; in doubt, we learn to trust.

In anxiety, we receive assurance; in the dark, we wait for sunrise.

In terror, we bask in His comfort; in horror, we discover hope.

Adversity is God’s university—we still have a lot to learn.

“The Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him,

‘Do not be afraid, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.’

That evening, as the sun was going down, Abram fell into a deep sleep.

He saw a terrifying vision of darkness and horror.”

Genesis 15:1, 12 NLT

Johnny R. Almond

                Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

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

[This devotion adapted from Day 10 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 243 | Wed 15 Jan 2014

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR): CHURCH AND NATION FACE MASSIVE CHALLENGES

by Elizabeth Kendal

On Friday 10 January Michel Djotodia, the former rebel leader and self-proclaimed 'first Muslim president of CAR', conceded to international pressure, resigned his office and left Central African Republic (CAR) for Benin where he has been granted political asylum. Christian celebrations were short-lived, however, as anti-balaka (literally: anti-machete) militiamen, armed predominantly (and ironically) with machetes, rushed to settle scores. Established traditionally as village defence units responsible for protecting villagers from machete-wielding criminal gangs, the anti-balaka militia are now on the offensive with insatiable fury.

As noted in a Religious Liberty Monitoring post of November 2013, the Seleka rebels - Islamists, local and foreign - did not rape, loot and kill indiscriminately. Rather, Seleka attacked Christians and spared Muslims. Worse still, local Muslims generally supported Seleka, doubtless anticipating that the rebellion would usher in an 'Islamic' order, elevating their status. Many Muslims wilfully profited from Seleka's crimes, particularly through receiving goods looted from their Christian neighbours. Consequently traditional community trust totally evaporated, creating a sectarian tinderbox. RLPB 238 (27 Nov 2013) quoted a Christian father whose sons had been tortured by Seleka. 'In the beginning, the relations between Christians and Muslims were good here,' he said, 'but the Muslims followed the Seleka and now things have changed. The Christians feel betrayed by the Muslims and are starting to feel vengeance in their hearts. This is a very big challenge for the Church.'

However, ethnic and Muslim/Christian relations will not be the Church's only 'very big challenge'. Whilst Seleka targeted Christians, causing Christians to suffer disproportionate grief and loss, the anti-balaka - ignoring the Church's appeals for grace and reconciliation - are now targeting Muslims. The worst post-Djotodia violence has been in the north-west town of Bozoum. On Monday 13 January the Central African Red Cross reported that, commencing Friday, clashes between ex-Seleka rebels and anti-balaka militias had claimed the lives of 97 people, mostly civilians. Furthermore, 107 had been wounded and 14,000 displaced. At least 912 homes had been burnt.

Identified in the mainstream media as Christian militias, the anti-balaka are 'Christian' only in the broadest sense. These angry young men are mostly ethnic Christians (deemed Christian by virtue of their tribe) and nominal syncretistic Christians who might attend church on Sundays but otherwise practise occultic African Traditional Religion. In the orgy of violence that followed Djotodia's departure, one anti-balaka in Bangui hacked to death a young man on the grounds that he 'looked Muslim'. The attacker claimed to be avenging the deaths of his pregnant wife, sister-in-law and niece, who were butchered by Seleka rebels. The anti-balaka fighters hacked the hapless Muslim to pieces on a crowded street in broad daylight and cannibalised his body, horrifying onlookers. This is demonic behaviour routinely seen in occultic violence. Amongst the anti-balaka are doubtless some immature, confused young believers who honestly think they are fighting for the liberty of their country and the security of their families. Most have been thoroughly traumatised by their experiences of Seleka terror through 2013. Not only do these young men carry the burden of having been unable to protect and save their families but they are also resentful of having been betrayed by Muslim neighbours and abandoned by the world. The Church in CAR has consistently denounced anti-balaka violence and the challenge of the anti-balaka might in fact be the biggest challenge of all.

The head of the 135-member National Transitional Council (CNT), Alexandre-Ferdinand Nguendet, will act as president for the next two weeks before a new leader is chosen later this month. Elections will be held in February 2015. Determined to restore order, Nguendet is recalling CAR's security forces and deploying hundreds of troops issued with shoot-to-kill orders. He said, 'I swear there will be no gunshot in Bangui within a week.' He is also calling for calm and appealing for citizens to forgive each other and reconcile. The humanitarian situation is critical, with around half the population of 2.2 million people in desperate need of basic humanitarian aid. A donors conference will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 1 February.


GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD that rebel leader Michel Djotodia has resigned and left CAR, taking his dreams of an Islamised CAR with him.

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL -

* give acting-PM Alexandre Nguendet great wisdom and authority to restore order and remove all belligerent foreign elements; may all wicked plots of greedy foreign powers be thwarted - may the Lord rebuke them (Psalm 2).

* give all Christian leaders - civil and religious - great wisdom and authority to lead the masses through their grief, fear and trauma and along the path of healing and peace through grace by the power of the Holy Spirit. 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.' (Matthew 5:8 NIV)

* pour out his Spirit to do a wonderful work in this needy nation; may the citizens of CAR - specifically those who are not already born again - learn what it means actually to be a Christian, that is a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

CHURCH AND NATION FACE MASSIVE CHALLENGES IN CAR

Praise God that on 10 January 2014, rebel leader, Islamist and self-proclaimed president Michel Djotodia resigned his office and left for Benin taking his dreams of an Islamised Central African Republic (CAR) with him. Christian celebrations were short-lived however, as anti-balaka militias armed with machetes rushed to settle scores. Their violence has included cannibalism, a sure sign of occultic participation. Identified in the mainstream media as 'Christian militias', the anti-balaka are 'Christian' only in the broadest sense - most are tribal, nominal and syncretistic. As if the challenge of ethnic-religious reconciliation is not great enough, the Church in CAR might find the challenge of the anti-balaka to be in fact the biggest challenge of all. Please pray for acting-PM Alexandre Nguendet and for the Church in CAR.

To view this RLPB with hyperlinks or to access RLPB and RLM archives, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

We suggest that churches and fellowships using the Summary above might also provide a copy of the listed prayer points to be used in their worship by people who are leading in prayer.

This RLPB was written by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and is issued as a ministry of the Evangelical Alliance in Australia.

Elizabeth Kendal is the author of 'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today'
(Deror Books, Dec. 2012) http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html

Elizabeth is Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology. She is Director of Advocacy for Christian Faith & Freedom based in Canberra, Australia.

If this bulletin was forwarded to you, you may receive future weekly issues direct by sending a blank email

to join-rlpb@hub.xc.org

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me?

If I am only for myself, who am  I?”

- Rabbi Hillel (32 BC – 7 AD)

Independence cares for self, but ego can get us into trouble.

We need to watch out for our well-being, but not for ours only.

Individualism enriches all of life, but a personality cult devalues others.

Diversity makes our lives interesting, but narcissism isolates and infuriates.

Identity hinges on relationships—egomania displaces the joy of love and service.

Focusing exclusively on “me, my, and mine” is evidence of a serious case of “I” trouble.

Calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them,

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”

Mark 8:34-35 ESV

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

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

Praying into another person’s vision

We live in a highly individualistic society—which carries over into our prayer life—many of us pray alone—and we justify that by showing in the Bible various occasions where Christ went and prayed alone.—We also look at the prayer closet (Matthew 6: 6)—as reason to pray alone.  Even with these times mentioned in the Bible when Christ prayed alone, the Bible also mentions about Christ taking a few of his disciples with him to pray.  Matthew 17: 1-9  

When we look at prayer, and fundamental points of prayer—which can be called elements, (See ‘Prayer Elements’ at the following link:  http://wheatlandministries.blogspot.com/2010/11/prayer-elements.html), these Prayer elements work together in a way that might be called acts of love of a person on the behalf of others.  (See ‘Prayer is an Act of Love’—link: http://wheatlandministries.blogspot.com/2007/01/prayer-is-act-of-love_04.html) .

The context of prayer being made on the behalf of others, can refer to both individual and corporate prayer when it comes to upholding someone else.  Part of that prayer could be—in a practical sense prayer..:

• That their vision will be aligned with God’s Word
• For their vision- that the Lord will work the details out—including the nitty gritty details—
• For needed recourses including financing or other need,
• Asking people to join in prayer as prayer partners,
• Asking for people to join as advisors or a board--people who have a similar vision or calling (we need to ask the Lord to bring these people together).

Many times, the Lord has given us a vision, but we seem stymied.  Others when they pray often pray once or twice for someone’s vision, but regular praying into that vision—er—uh—oops—we don’t do it very well—and we often move on praying for other things once we prayed once or twice.  I do know there are some intercessors who will take the challenge to regularly pray for someone’s vision—but they are few in number. 

Taking the time to regularly pray for a friend’s vision could make a difference of your friend being able to move ahead.  It seems that sometimes the Lord waits to answer until others join together in their prayers—exactly what may be happening in the spiritual realm that causes hold back of our prayers being answered, and keeping us from moving forward — is not always clear.  When that happens, it could also be a time of needed preparation or training for us.  Even when answers seem long in coming and there is sometimes a wait in seeing a vision come about, the principle agreeing together is Biblical, in accordance with Matthew 18:19, must not be neglected.  It is important to keep that vision before the Lord.  Consider the example of the woman who kept a request before a judge.  See Luke 18:2-8.  I believe that when Christ shared that story in Luke 18:2-8, He was teaching us to keep our requests before Him.  Praying regularly for someone’s vision is doing just that. 

Perhaps the gist of what I am bringing up here is—would you be willing to join with someone and pray for their vision-regularly?

Now if one does desire to pray for someone, and seeks the Lord on how to pray into that person’s vision—how do we know what to pray for—????  We all like to see clearly, but the Bible says we see through a glass dimly (I Corinthians 13:12).  The result is that we have to depend on God to lead us one item at a time.  This may also require reading between the lines, and asking the Lord for wisdom and discernment on the issues at hand. This would be difficult for someone, but with God’s help it can be done.  Also, it takes a willingness to sense someone else’s burden and involve yourself with that person and learn first hand about their vision/burden.  Once you have an understanding of their vision—what it is, joining together with them in prayer is like taking a weight off a weary traveler.  The action of Aaron and Hur made it possible for Moses to hold up his arms in a major battle when Joshua fought Amalek.  See Exodus 17: 9-13.  Watching out for, praying for, and helping each other is the action that can make it possible to complete/move forward on accomplishing their vision.  That is the action of a true friend.  

In considering what the action of a friend can do in the area of prayer, we need to remember that man was not meant to walk alone.  We need to encourage each other.  We need others to listen to us, listen to the Lord, and seeking God’s word—to help us in seeking God’s thoughts—not only our thoughts, but thoughts and actions that help each other.

In addition to praying for your friend, we should also seek the Lord to include those in our churches to pray for our vision that:

• That your friend’s church will encourage and pray for the vision.

Why pray for their church?—perhaps that church is so self focused—churches are like people—that they fail to bring in help that the Lord provides—which may be what the individual needs to move ahead with the vision the Lord has given.

What is happening when we pray into a friend’s vision—that action is a true act of friendship that is important in helping your friend move ahead.  Proverbs 18: 24 says:  “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

Also Hebrews 3: 13 says to “…exhort one another daily,” and such action is a true act of friendship.

Praying with a friend for their vision is honoring to God and encourages each other which the Word of God says we are to do. 

Thoughts-Reflection

**Have you prayed for someone’s desire or vision to serve?  What can you share from that experience that would encourage us on how the Lord worked when you and others prayed for a vision?

**What does it mean pray without ceasing when it comes to praying for someone’s vision?

**Does the individualism that impacts our society, keep us from praying for someone else’s desire to serve the Lord or their vision?

**Do we understand the importance of importunate prayer (Link: http://www.praynetwork.org/profiles/blogs/importunate-prayer) when it comes to praying for someone else and their vision?

**there may be other reasons not touched on in the above reflection questions of items that affect our praying for the vision of someone else.  Would you be kind enough to share some?

©2014 Lewis Turner

Let’s start thinking about this simple, but profound promise (Draw Near To God, and He Will Draw Near To You) by going back to square one, and moving forward with ideas on actual ways to do this.

In either your experience or your understanding, who approached whom first, you or God? You may have searched or studied about God, feeling that you were the driving force. However, most of us who now know God by faith and experience have come to understand from His Word that He is the One who took the initiative in our relationship, and even our own efforts were guided by Him. This does not in any way devalue the FREE WILL He provided us, based on His love for us. God will never force Himself on us, and the love He shows us in giving us free will has a lot to do with Him wanting us to CHOOSE to know Him and love Him back. He could have made us ROBOTS, but that would have killed the essence of us choosing to respond to His love and thereby experience a growing, vital, dynamic love relationship with Him.

So, what is the bedrock way to see and experience His love initiative toward us? Jesus’ whole brief life on earth focused on His mission as Emmanuel (God with us) to show us God in flesh-action on His way to offer us salvation via the cross and the empty tomb. All forces of human and evil spiritual authorities tried to kill or sidetrack Jesus from His mission to become our savior by paying full price for all our sins. Perhaps the strongest potential deterrent from His mission was the foreknowledge of the pending physical, spiritual, and emotional pain He faced in his mock trials and crucifixion. For example He sweat drops of blood as he wrestled to seek any alternative to making full payment by taking ALL our sins upon Himself on the cross. Since none was to be found if we were to be given the invitation of heaven in God’s holy presence, dressed in Christ’s robe of righteousness, the third time Jesus agonized alone in prayer, he yielded, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” Psalm 22 predicted His cries from the cross, as well as the answer to His grueling WHY question. “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?...3 Yet you are holy”

So God the Father, Son, and Spirit planned before our known world began, to provide man a way that would satisfy God’s holiness, to live in their holy presence forever. They took love initiative way beyond our comprehension to invite us to love and worship them back. Only those who are impacted by the magnitude of such love, and respond with a decisive RSVP act of their will and commitment, will experience that extended transforming love, and be allowed into the holy presence of God forever.

So for those only, who have RSVP’d for heaven, God now offers us the opportunity to respond to His love initiative, in kind, with our initiative to draw near to Him. It is no surprise that some of these “methods” include: prayer, worship, adoration, sharing His worthiness and glory with others, and cooperating daily with the Holy Spirit to allow Him to produce and refine His fruit in us (which includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and Spirit-control). As we see God at work in this world and join Him as partners (ambassadors), we experience His enablement, filling, equipping, and transforming power at work in, through, and around us. As we mostly listen and worship in prayer we see Him High and lifted up. In King David’s impactful Psalm 51 prayer of brokenness and repentance, he prays, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. There are many such ways to respond to God’s love and experience Him drawing near to us, but the first step is to accept His love initiative to us on the cross where the dearest and best died for us.

For more, please see: How to Draw Nearer to God; John Hoelzel Sr; 2011; Amazon.com

“Sudden resolutions, like the sudden rise of the mercury in the barometer,

indicate little else than the changeableness of the weather.”

- Julias Charles Hare, Guesses at Truth (1827)

The problem with most resolutions is they are too safe, sensible, and self-centered.

If our goal is just to feel good about self, resolutions will focus on cosmetic changes.

If we are serious, we will contemplate restructuring our lives and changing life patterns.

What if we actually made nobler resolutions?—

Instead of resolving to lose 10 pounds to improve our looks,

we resolved to eat less and donate money saved to feed the hungry?

Instead of resolving to get more exercise this year,

we resolved to exercise our faith by praying, walking with God,

climbing mountains of challenge, and running patiently in hope marathon?

Instead of resolving to spend less time in front of the TV,

we resolved to translate what we believe into how we behave,

and radically practice our professed creed in our everyday conduct?

Instead of resolving to add tasks to our to-do list,

we resolved to focus on the Christian’s highest ambition—

becoming more like Christ our Savior in our attitudes and actions?

“One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in  Christ Jesus.”

[Philippians 3:13-14 NLT]

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

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