Pray Network Forum

At the beginnings of a year we often make and review plans for what we will do and where we wish to go in a year or a lifetime. This can be a worthy practice. And it will inform our prayers. But any plans will not do for a prayer warrior or a praying people. We need the right vision, the right purpose, the right plans. In Jeremiah 29:11 God says, “I know the plans I have for you.” It is crucial that we pray for God’s plans. Otherwise our prayers and plans will be misguided.

The first step to praying for God’s plans is listening to Him. Isaiah 55:3 reads, “Give ear and come to me. Hear me that your soul may live.” To hear God we must spend time in prayer and in His word. Sometimes we need to draw near to Him in silence. We need to meditate on His word and on His will as He has already revealed it. Are you listening to God?

We often go through seasons in our prayer lives where we do not take the time to read and meditate on God’s Word or to pray intentionally for our grandchildren or ourselves, as we should. We may pray, but our prayers may become humdrum, repetitive, or pointless.  

That was my experience a number of years ago when I felt the prayers for my grandchildren were very general, superficial, empty and powerless. I prayed they would be safe and have a good day.  

God Gave Wisdom

        However, that all changed after I asked God to give me wisdom and insight how I could pray for them intentionally. Praying intentionally means a determination to pray in a certain way, done by intention or design. 

My Discovery

I discovered God’s Word was a great resource, a manual to help me with my praying, not only for my family but also for myself. When I pray according to God’s Word, I am in line with His will; it enables me to pray with direction, power, and wisdom. As I claim God’s promises and personalize the Scriptures, I experience more confidence and boldness in my praying.   

Many Scriptures in the Psalms, Proverbs, Gospels, and Paul’s writings can be used in our prayers for Example: “Dear Lord, I pray Sam will remember the Scriptures he memorized in Awanna so they will come to his mind when he is tempted.” (Psalm 119:11). I believe God loves to hear us verbalize His Word back to Him when we pray.

 If you subscribe to this blog on my website  http://www.grandparentingwithapurpose.com/   I will email you a downloadable copy of "31 Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren"

By Lillian Penner,

Nat'l Prayer Coordinator

Christian Grandparenting

lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

"Create a habit of happiness and laughter instead of a habit of worry. When you laugh, it lowers stress hormones and relieves stress. Laughter also boosts the immune system, protects the heart, and improves overall health. Ten belly laughs a day are equivalent to getting a good aerobic exercise workout, and they're the ultimate ‘stress buster.'" Don Corbert, MD

As we enter into this New Year, it is critical that we maintain a good heart attitude in life. If you look around, you see many people incredibly stressed out worrying and without hope about the future and what will happen. Their hearts are troubled. Many are burdened in this New Year and are using all of their resources fearing the future rather than really living life to the full.

Is this really how God wants us to live?

Did you know that laughter helps promote good health? A laugh can help: Lower your blood pressure, boost your immune system, improve your brain function, elevate your mood, reduce your stress, help you relax, and protect your heart.

"True laughing offers one of the most powerful and natural healing methods without any side effects. Laugher lowers the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. It increases feel-good hormones. It keeps you squarely in the present moment. It helps you to reframe and feel thankful and helps you to see negative events in a more positive light. There's not a single bad thing laughter will do for your body and mind.” Corbert, MD.

In Proverbs 17:22 the Bible says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine." In Nehemiah 8:10 we read, "for the joy of the Lord is your strength."  The Bible supports the fact that cheerfulness and joy promote good health. Paul exhorts us in Philippians 4:4-6, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." 

But is it possible to rejoice in the Lord always? Paul states it twice in Philippians 4:4. He knew that it's something we have to command and encourage ourselves to practice. Struggles are not easy, but Paul, while in prison, was able to rejoice. And then he tells us to pray about everything with thanksgiving as we present our requests to God.

Perhaps prayer is a key to the ability to rejoice always. Prayer will help us find joy and laughter as we enter into this New Year. It certainly is not easy to rejoice in certain circumstances of life, but there really is a choice of how we will view them. God has an answer for everything, even when we don't see it through our human eyes. He knows the beginning from the end, and it's our choice if we want to link with Him or not. The world is negative and tries to squeeze us into its mold, but God has a way that we can walk through our circumstances victoriously.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It is not something we can create ourselves. God's joy is super-natural and can remain deep and abiding even when we are in the midst of hardship. It is not the absence of pain or difficult circumstances. What could be harder than prison? But it is learning to let God's Spirit fill you with His unquenchable joy, regardless of your circumstances. For a world looking desperately for hope, your life becomes a miracle and a testimony of Christ's light especially during this time of year.

Choosing to pray is not always easy, but it is the true path of life. Psalm 16:11 says, "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." There is joy in the secret place of prayer. There is joy as we choose to center our life in God and knowing Him. There is joy, laughter, and breakthrough even in the darkest of circumstances when we choose to make Jesus our highest ambition, our deepest desire, and our greatest goal. Then He breaks through for us with transcending peace and supernatural understanding. 

There are destroyers of joy, laughter, and prayer that the enemy uses against us. Philippians talks about many of these destroyers. It would be good for us to evaluate ourselves at this time of year so that we may guard ourselves diligently against these thieves. Here are some of the ways that the enemy uses to try to steal our joy and diminish our effectiveness in prayer. As you enter into 2014 guard against destroyers of joy, laughter and prayer found in the book of Philippians:

• Anxiety - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

• Disagreements and poor relationships - "Agree with each other in the Lord" (Philippians 4:2).

• Difficulty and discontentment - "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11).

• Wrong thinking - "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things" (Philippians 4:8).

• Lack of confidence - "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:15).

• Complaining - "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure" (Philippians 2:14-15).

• Selfish Ambition - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).

• Bad Attitudes - "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:5-7).

• Pride - "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:8
  

If you are feeling down and can't seem to get out of it at the beginning of this New Year, take the authority in prayer that is rightfully yours, and break that discouragement in Jesus' name. Then ask God to fill you with His joy and peace. Write down the positive things in your life, and thank God for each one of them. God is able to push the negatives out as you begin to praise Him and dwell on the positive things that He has provided for you.

Don't live your life according to your earthly circumstances but according to your position in Christ. Remember that you are seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3-6), are God's possession (Ephesians 1:14), are chosen of God (Ephesians 1:11), are complete in Him (Colossians 2:9-10), are a kingdom of priests and a royal priesthood (Revelation 1:6, 1 Peter 2:9), are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16), are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and are able to do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). Healthy joy and laughter are yours.

"Don't be satisfied with a joyless life. There ought to be in every Christian a deep, settled fullness of the joy of Christ that no circumstance of life can dispel. This comes as you allow the Holy Spirit to express Himself in your life. One of the fruits of the Spirit is joy (Galatians 5:22). This joy is unlike any happiness that is produced by the world. It fills you and permeates everything you do. Jesus did not pray that you would merely be happy or even that you would escape grief. He prayed that you would have the same joy that the Father had given Him: a divine joy, a joy that comes from a deep and unwavering relationship with the Father. It is a joy that is grounded so firmly in a relationship with God that no change in circumstances could ever shake it. This is the kind of joy that Christ is praying will be in you." Henry Blackaby
 
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Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 242 | Wed 08 Jan 2014

SOUTH SUDAN: CRISIS COULD OPEN DOOR FOR KHARTOUM
- an extended explanation of this serious situation

by Elizabeth Kendal

Fighting erupted in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, on Sunday 15 December 2013 within the presidential guard. What followed was a rapid descent into widespread ethnic violence. This is no mere hiccup as this crisis has been brewing for some time. The violence has its roots in decades of unresolved ethnic tensions, in painful memories and wounds buried for the sake of peace. However, buried wounds do not disappear but they fester. Unless there is an immediate cessation of hostilities followed by deep and honest reflection and healing, South Sudan could disintegrate.

All through 2013 tensions were escalating in Juba between President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, and his Vice-President Riek Machar, a Nuer. Long-time a divisive and ambitious figure, Machar had been agitating for regime change in Juba all year, playing the ethnic card to rally his Nuer tribesmen behind him. In April Kiir reined in Machar, stripping him of some of his powers and limiting him to only those powers defined in the constitution.

Meanwhile, tensions were escalating also in Khartoum, Sudan, between the cash-strapped Government of Sudan (GoS) and its disillusioned citizens. Short of funds, the GoS has had no option but to remove the government subsidy on oil. As the price of fuel and food escalated, so too did the people's anger, especially that of Islamists who blame the economic crisis on the secession of South Sudan, which they blame in turn on the government of President Omar al-Bashir. During 2013, with the crisis in Khartoum deepening, the GoS embarked on an unprecedented military build-up, purchasing combat aircraft, upgrading and expanding southern bases and recruiting foreign mercenaries. Khartoum has been preparing for war, a war intended to solve its political and economic problems.

On 8 June 2013 Sudan's president suddenly and unilaterally blocked the flow of oil from South Sudan, violating both international and bilaterial agreements and threatening to cripple South Sudan's economy. On 30 June President Kiir sent Vice-President Machar to Khartoum. However, instead of securing Juba's rights, Machar - a one-time ally of Islamist Khartoum - negotiated in such a way that Khartoum reportedly told Arab diplomats that it would dialogue with Juba if the government was run by Machar (Strategic Policy 7, 2013). Machar not only failed to get the oil flowing, he presented Juba as weak and divided. The GoS responded on 3 July by launching aerial attacks and ground invasions in South Sudan's Unity and Upper Nile states. Yida refugee camp, where Samaritan's Purse is caring for many thousands of Sudan's Nuba refugees, was targeted. Whilst the SPLA (South Sudan's army) was able to repulse the invading Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), the political damage was done. Machar - who created the crisis - demanded Kiir stand down. Opposition to Kiir mounted; the government became paralysed. On 23 July Kiir issued a presidential decree, removing Machar and dissolving the government. Machar's Nuer allies and all other opposition were purged. Tensions soared.

Tensions were soaring also in Sudan where by September 2013 protesters were calling openly for a change of government in Khartoum. A military crackdown over 28 and 29 September left around 150 dead, 750 wounded and saw 2,000 arrested.

In the midst of the 1991 Sudan civil war, Riek Machar split from SPLA leader Dr John Garang (a Dinka), accusing him of being a dictator. Playing on ethnicity, Machar built his own army of ethnic Nuer. He wanted power but believed the Dinka were in the way. On 15 November 1991 Nuer fighters under the command of Machar massacred some 2000 Dinka in Bor, the capital of Machar's home state, Jonglei. Years of Nuer versus Dinka ethnic violence followed. In 1997 Machar allied formally with Islamist Khartoum. Khartoum happily supported Machar in his fight against the Dinka-dominated SPLA which was resisting Khartoum's Islamisation of the predominantly African, Christian southerners. This alliance resulted in the most violent fighting of the war, particularly in Unity and Upper Nile states. After the civil war Machar was absorbed into the government of South Sudan and his various Nuer militias, mostly untrained, undisciplined ethnic fighters, were absorbed into the Dinka-dominated SPLA. Whilst this was supposed to foster reconciliation, in the absence of truth and justice it did the opposite.

Fighting broke out in Juba on 15 December 2013 after Kiir ordered that the Nuer members of the presidential guard be disarmed. Nuer soldiers allied to Machar subsequently attacked army headquarters. Dinka soldiers - with memories of 1991 - then went on a fear- and revenge-fuelled rampage killing ethnic Nuer. As news of this spread, Nuer in Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei states responded by killing Dinkas.

Riek Machar appears to be less interested in peace than in power. Consequently, he might not negotiate until he has acquired leverage through the seizing of oil fields or of Juba itself. However, unless hostilities cease immediately, South Sudan's future will be bleak. As reported, Khartoum has been preparing for war. Chaos in South Sudan would present Khartoum with a perfect opportunity to invade and seize the oil fields of Abyei, Unity and Upper Nile.

The duplicitous GoS, which is blocking humanitarian aid to the persecuted Nuba in Sudan, is reportedly sending humanitarian aid to South Sudan. On 6 January 2014 Sudan's manipulative president Omar al-Bashir met with President Kiir in Juba. According to Sudan's Foreign Minister, South Sudan has requested talks with Sudan on deploying a joint force to secure oil fields, i.e., Kiir might invite the Sudan Armed Forces into the oil fields. However, many observers, including SPLA spokesman Philip Aqueir, believe the GoS has already struck an alliance with Machar. Any alliance with duplicitous, Arab-supremacist, Islamist Khartoum can only ever be a 'covenant with death' (Isaiah 28). May God have mercy on the long-suffering, mostly Christian peoples of South Sudan.

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL -

* give wisdom and authority to those who mediate this crisis: politicians and community leaders, religious leaders and regional leaders, especially the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

* turn the hearts of South Sudan's leaders, changing their direction from self-interest to national interest; from personal power to peace; from revenge to healing; from personal glory at any cost to life and hope for the long-suffering citizens of South Sudan (Proverbs 21:1).

* redeem this crisis for his glory; may it lead to an awakening in the nation for the need of transformational renewal and spiritual revival that leads to genuine reconciliation and long-lasting peace (Isaiah 2:3,4).


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

CRISIS IN SUDAN & SOUTH SUDAN COULD OPEN DOOR FOR KHARTOUM

The crisis in South Sudan is no mere hiccup. The 15 December 2013 incident spiralled into widespread ethnic conflict there precisely because this crisis has its roots in decades of unresolved, festering ethnic tensions and in painful memories and wounds glossed over in the name of 'reconciliation'. Unless hostilities cease immediately, followed by honest reflection and healing, the new nation of South Sudan could disintegrate. Throughout 2013 Khartoum (Sudan) - struggling with its own economic and political crises - has been engaged in an unprecedented military build-up, clearly preparing for war. Chaos and ethnic fighting in South Sudan could open the door for Islamist Khartoum to seize control of South Sudan's oil fields. Please pray for the Church and for peace and reconciliation in South Sudan.


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

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“Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.”
- Jonathan Swift

Today is Epiphany—the celebration of the revealing of Jesus as the Christ to the Gentiles.

The magi, Persian star-gazers, traveled four months from their home to see Jesus.

 This Child will mature beyond nativity until He addresses all human need—

consoling and cheering perplexed believers in their innermost being,

responding graciously to every sincere and desperate prayer,

giving answers greater than any questions ever asked.

We have not observed Christ’s star in the east,

but with faith eyes we can see Christ—

the light shining in a dark world,

the bright morning star.   

“God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts

to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:6 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.

We live in an area blessed with beautiful, clear rivers and streams. This is especially appealing to my husband, who loves trout fishing. Of course, he knows to always check the Tennessee Valley Authority website for the water generation schedule before making his plans. You see, if the dams upstream are generating power, it will impact the water levels and fishing conditions downstream.

The Awakening America Alliance and Cry Out America prayer teams recognize a similar principle occurring in our nation today. Downstream in America, we find the symptoms of church irrelevance, fragmented relationships, cultural decay, and moral decline. However, wisdom tells us that if we will examine and address what those in authority are generating upstream, we can make a real impact on the pollution levels and fishing conditions downstream.

Many have a passion to embrace the authority given to fulfill the Great Commission:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18–20).

However, our prayer is that we also will not forget earlier in the Gospel Christ first revealed the Great Commandment:

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Matthew 22:37–39).

The Alliance proposes that if Christ-followers and those empowered with heavenly authority demonstrate a Great Commandment lifestyle, we can have hope of cleaner streams producing greater success as fishers of men.

One of the most important helps for my prayer life has been to have a prayer model/ mentor in my life.

One such person has now gone to be with the Lord but her impact and legacy live on. She would teach that we need to have Prayer-per-ation to face life's trials and to be spiritually prepared for them.

What better time than now, to start the New Year off with preparing through prayer whatever challenges or joys face us?

My New Year's Prayer is to have a greater Determination.  I am gong to purpose in my heart to do more in the vineyard of the kingdom every day. I have chosen a a theme for the past 3 years. This year it is determination. I choose a passage of scripture to help me keep my motivation. Prayer is such an intricate part of the success we enjoy in life and I have chosen life and prosperity. I am determined to live an abundant life and help others do the same. I am trusting God completely for everything. I am determined to make 2014 the best year thus far for the greater works of God to be manifested in my life and the earth. Psalm 20:7-9 KJV says

^"7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.

⁸ They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

⁹ Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call.:

PrayOn in 2014

Mary J. Crosby

We are tip-toeing into a new year. You do not know what it will hold for you. God will surely bring great blessings into your life this year. Will you receive them? You will also certainly face great difficulty and heartache. In fact some of the greatest blessings may be wrapped in sorrow and pain. Will you see them? You will only be able to handle whatever happens as you pray and live in the perspective of faith.

Years ago, Esther stood in the gap for her people, the Jews when their lives were physically threatened. Today grandparents can stand in the gap with prayer for their grandchildren in the same way as their spiritual lives are threatened.  

I would like to invite you to become a part of a prayer group for grandparents to pray together for each other’s grandchildren and families.  At this time there are 25 G@P groups meeting in the U.S and South Africa, and interested groups in Australia.

There is an urgency for the power of prayer to keep the hearts and minds of our grandchildren from falling captive to the enemy’s deception and lies. We are engaged in a spiritual battle that requires the spiritual weapon of prayer.

As grandparents, we can make a significant difference in the world by praying regularly and deliberately for our grandchildren and their parents. We have an opportunity to powerfully touch the lives of another generation.

Grandparent @ Prayer (G@P) intercessory prayer groups consist of small or large groups of people meeting once or twice a month for approximately one hour at a designated location for prayer and fellowship. Groups are meeting in retirement centers, schools, churches, and homes weekly.

This would be a great time to get started, just ask a few grandparents to join you, try it for a few months, and see what you think. Many grandparents have told me that they appreciate a safe place to share their concerns for their grandchildren.

If you are interested in receiving guidelines to begin a group, please email me at lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net or go to www.christiangrandparenting.net, prayer link for locations, testimonials and complete the form to receive guidelines to get started.

"The life of every [person] is a diary in which [he or she] means to write one story, and writes another;

[his or her] humblest hour is when [he or she] compares the volume as it is with what [he or she] vowed to make it."

—J. M. Barrie, from The Little Minister (1891)

January takes its name from the Roman god of doorways, beginnings, and the rising and setting sun—

a god named Janus with one head and two bearded faces looking in opposite directions.

This month is a good time to do some looking back and looking forward.

The looking-back part could recount the ways we have experienced God at work in our lives over the last year.

We could offer prayers of thanks for the help and blessings we received from our Heavenly Father,

and heartfelt repentance for times we failed to be the person  God called us to be.

The looking-forward part could involve commitment to grow in both faith and works,

and integrating sincere discipleship more fully into our daily lives.

We could ask “What would Jesus have me do?”—then do it.

We need to radically simplify our lives—“This one thing I do” (Philippians 3:13), not “these many things.”

We need to slow down, to “be still, and know” God (Psalm 46:10), wholeheartedly seek God  (Jeremiah 29:13),

sanctify our hearts (1 John 3:2-3), surrender to God’s will (Proverbs 3:5-6), and serve Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).

We need to sing His praises whatever our situation or circumstances (Psalm 138:1), and shape up (Isaiah 64:8).

There’s no doubt we have a lot of work to do. There are no shortcuts to spirituality. Christian faith is a lifelong process.

On New Year’s Day, many think in terms of resolutions—promises to make changes, many of which never happen.

We need more than resolutions—we need to ask for God's help in shaping us into who He calls us to be.

“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 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.

The last hours of a year are always a mixture of looking back and looking forward. What Ralph Waldo Emerson said about a past and future day, could well be applied to a completed and coming year: “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” The Apostle Paul said it this way: “Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). So mix your New Year’s Resolutions with some of last year’s memories and let’s pray our way into the new year. Published in 1908, the following poem by Minnie Louise Haskins, is appropriate: “I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’ And he replied: ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’”

For more from Dr. Dan Crawford check his blog site at www.discipleallnations.org/blog.

I have long been fascinated by the word importunity. It seems so deep and rich with meaning. Recently as I was reading Scripture I followed the Thomas Chain references through to several passages on the subject.

Importunate: pertinacious: urgent or persistent in solicitation, sometimes annoyingly so. (from dictionary.com)

1. Luke 18:1-8.

One of the most well-known examples of persistence was this widow who kept going before the judge with her plea. He kept refusing but finally he gives in because she has become so bothersome.

Jesus says that if an unjust judge gives in because of persistence how much more so will God bring about justice for us, especially for those who persist day and night. But His question which leaves me pondering is this “When to Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Faith….will He find that I have had enough faith to persist in prayer, to persist in praying His promises. Would not faith be as Hebrews 11:1 says “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”? Often the promises of God are unseen to us but am I sure of what I hope for, sure of what He has promised me? Will I wrestle in prayer for what I believe He has promised? Not a weak-willed wrestle but one of heart wrenching dependence, holding onto the promises with a vice grip.

2.Luke 22:44:

Christ is praying in the garden so fervently that His sweat was like drops of blood. This is a wrestle of strength to believe by faith. This is not a prayer life that only half believes, but one that consumes the will and emotions.

3.John 4:49

Here an official comes to Jesus asking Him to heal his son. He knew the miracles that Jesus had done in the past and believed that He was able to heal his son. In this passage I didn't see the official asking repeatedly so I read some of Matthew Henry’s Commentary to gain better insight as to why this is an instance of importunity.

4.Acts 12:1-10

Peter is in prison but as verse 5 says "the church was earnestly praying for him" (NIV). I believe this earnestness is a picture of importunity. God answered the prayers of the church and Peter was released. Praise God!!!

Do I not see the supernatural work of God frequently because I do not pray with importunity?

....................................

Originally posted on my site http://www.christianresourceministry.com

After the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, they ran to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph and the baby was lying in a manger.

Now the Christmas celebrations are over, the tree will come down soon, the decorations put away for another year.

What is your response to the birth of Jesus Christ?

Don’t pack Jesus away with the Christmas ornaments until next Christmas. 

My prayer is that your response is to grow in your spiritual life so you will be able to be an even greater godly influence in the lives of your grandchildren in 2014.    

By Lillian Penner

₁ Taken from Luke 2:15-20

₂ Matthew 2:11

What if we face spiritual attack when we try to increase our prayer life? In that case we need to pray. I am not sure I need to write anything else in this blog entry. The primary reason the enemy of our souls attacks when we pray is to stop us from praying. When you pray even more you are by definition victorious.

Of course you should pray for deliverance. When you fall into sin, ask for forgiveness. When you see temptation coming pray for protection. And pray that you will not miss the growth and blessings God has for you in the midst of a particularly painful trial.

Pray also for God to be glorified through the attack. Pray that He will be glorified as He keeps you strong. Pray that He will be glorified even in your failure.

And pray for others. Peter wrote, “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ^[1] Let spiritual attack remind you that others are under similar attack, and need your prayer.

When you find yourself under spiritual onslaught, pray.

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!

A Christmas Prayer

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him… Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:18, 21).

If ever we needed to listen to God and hear what He is saying, it is now. He longs to be gracious to us and wants to show us the way in which we should walk. This is so important because there are so many voices. There is so much negative static that strikes us from every side.

We need to listen to the heartbeat of God and not to what others are saying on TV or the internet. What is God saying about us? How are we to pray? How do we know what He is saying about the times we are living in? We must know how to clearly hear God. This is critical for us. Listening could save us our life! It saved one man from an awful, deadly crash.

An elderly man named Robert was in a terrible emergency situation. He was 81 years old and forced to land a plane with no flying experience. Can you imagine a worse situation to find yourself in? One day Robert Kupfreschmid and his 52-year-old pilot friend were flying from Indianapolis to Muncie, Indiana. While they were flying, the pilot slumped over and died at the controls, and the single-engine plane began to quickly nose-dive. 

Robert grabbed the controls and got on the radio, pleading for help.

Two pilots heard the call and immediately gave him instructions. Mount Comfort was the closest airport. Robert closely listened to every word as they gave a steady stream of instructions on how to climb, steer, and land the plane. The pilots circled the runway three times before inexperienced and frantic Robert was ready to land the plane. Emergency vehicles were called and ready for the approaching disaster. Witnesses saw the plane’s nose nudge the center line and bounce a few times before the tail hit the ground. The plane landed and to everyone’s amazement, this 81-year-old man was not injured.

Robert had listened so carefully and followed those instructions with such intense precision because his very life depended on it. Think about how our lives would be transformed if we listened and followed God’s instructions with such care as Robert did as he landed that plane.
 
God is always speaking to us, but many of us don’t take the time to carefully listen to what He says. 

The truth is that most of us are just too busy for God. We’re so often making our plans about what we think He wants, but we’re not really taking the time to listen. We proceed with a hurried prayer for His stamp of approval on what we want to do. But let’s stop for a moment and evaluate our hearing ability. We don’t want to be like the man who bragged that his hearing aid was the finest one available. His friend asked, “What kind is it?” He answered, “About 2:30.” He didn’t hear exactly right, did he? 

We so often fall into the disease of busyness. But how did Jesus live His life? He spent unhurried time in the Father’s presence listening, praying, worshipping, and carefully taking instructions every day for God’s perfect plan. He was in constant communion with the Father. Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing. He prayed what the Father wanted Him to pray. We must do the same. Many things will look good, but what does the Father want us to do? 

What is He saying?  

Listening to God and hearing what He is saying should be a daily experience. It’s not something we have to go on a retreat to do. Those times are good and beneficial, but if we can’t take the time to really listen to God on a daily basis, we have missed the boat. He may be in one place, and we have steered out of the center of His will and may not even know it. The challenge is going to get greater and the demands will only increase as the days get harder. We must learn this lesson today.

I write books on prayer and one day I was saying to the Lord, “Some people are too busy to read my books on prayer. They are racing around doing things all the time.” I felt the Lord say to me, “Don’t feel bad, Debbie. They are too busy for Me, too.” We need to listen to God every day. The Holy Spirit wants to guide us into all truth on a daily basis. Prayer is not only asking. It’s a two-way relationship. We listen to God and we talk to Him.

How can we put the brakes on and really learn to listen? There are certain basic things we must cultivate in our life that will help us to hear God’s voice. Here are several ways that will help you to cultivate hearing God’s voice. We read in Revelation 3:22, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Hearing God’s Voice

• Know God’s Word - God’s will is made known in His Word. It’s our final judge in our decisions. Learn to read, meditate on, and pray God’s Word. If we look intently at His Word, not forgetting it but doing it, we will be blessed in what we do (James 1:25).
  
  
• Look at your circumstances - God’s guidance is often confirmed through circumstances. Bring your circumstances before the Lord in prayer.
  
  
• Listen to your heart - What is it saying? The Holy Spirit is living in you. Examine your heart before the Lord, and ask Him for revelation (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 6:19).
  
  
• Know God’s peace - Is there peace in your heart? Even if there is a storm in your life and you are going through a difficult experience, you can have God’s peace (James 3:17).
  
  
• Meet God’s conditions - God will guide us if we do what He says. Meeting His conditions will unlock His promises to us. Ask the Lord if you have any sin in your life that needs to be confessed.
  
  
• Follow God’s guidance even when it is difficult - It does not always feel good when we have to bear our cross. God breaks us and does not want us to become too comfortable. Commit yourself to His ways even when it is hard (Isaiah 55:8-9).
  
  
• Humbly seek God’s guidance daily - Humbly lay your daily and weekly schedule before the Lord. Stay humble and walk day by day with God (Psalm 25:9).
  
  
• We must have listening ears - God often speaks through a still, small voice. He may drop a thought into your mind. He is often guiding us when we don’t realize it. We must listen to these quiet thoughts and ask, “Lord, are You speaking to me?”
  
  
• Take action when you hear God - We must do all that God tells us to do. The Bible says that we should not merely listen to the Word and deceive ourselves; we must do what it says (James 1:22). There are times when we wait and listen carefully to God, and there are times when we must take action.
  
  

We need to develop this skill of listening. We don’t want to miss even a small nudging from the Lord in any circumstance of life. We don’t have to know all the details. Many times we will only see what is right in front of us. We need to carefully listen to God’s promptings just as this young man listened carefully to instructions.

A young man applied for a job as a Morse code operator. He answered the ad in the newspaper and went to the address listed. He entered a large, noisy office with a telegraph clicking in the background. A sign at the counter instructed all job applicants to fill out the form and wait until they were called to enter the inner office. The young man completed his form and sat down where seven other applicants were waiting. After a few minutes, he got up, went to the door to the inner office and walked right in. 

The other applicants were wondering what was happening. A few minutes later the young man came out from the inner office escorted by the interviewer. The interviewer said, “Gentlemen, the job has been filled by this young man.” Grumbling, one of them spoke up, “Wait a minute—He was the last one to come in, and we never even got a chance to be interviewed. Yet he got the job. That’s not fair!” The employer responded, “I’m sorry, but all the time you’ve been sitting here, the telegraph has been ticking out the following message in Morse code: ‘If you understand this message, then come right in. The job is yours.’ None of you heard it or understood it. This young man did. So the job is his.”

We need to learn to listen like this young man did. He got the job because he was listening carefully. We need to learn to listen to God’s voice carefully. He has a big job for those who know how to hear His voice and obey His Word. Hearing God takes a lifetime. It’s a skill that grows as we develop our relationship with Him. 

A Geiger counter is an instrument for detecting the presence and intensity of radiation. The closer you get to the radiation, the louder and faster the clicking noise becomes. In the same way, when you cultivate hearing God’s voice in your life through His Word, your circumstances, His peace in your heart, etc., the pieces begin to come together. You have the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, and His divine guidance system helps you. He shows you when you are getting closer to His will. Like the Geiger counter clicker, you sense the power of His guidance as you begin to touch His perfect will for your life.

It is an awesome responsibility and privilege to hear God’s voice.

“As you study your Bible, you may sense that God has something to say directly to you through the verses you are reading. Take a moment to consider the awesome reality that the God who spoke and created the universe is now speaking to you. If Jesus could speak and raise the dead, calm a storm, cast out demons, and cure the incurable, then what effect might a word from Him have upon your life?^” Henry and Richard Blackaby

• 4 books on prayer and intercession with a 20% discount on each book - Use the discount code – PL6G7Y59. See www.intercessorsarise.org.
• Have your friends sign up for Intercessors Arise here!
• Become a member of the Intercessors Arise International Network here. Connect with intercessors and what God is doing in prayer worldwide! Discover many resources and training on prayer in this network.
• Join and like the Intercessors Arise facebook page for daily encouragement in your prayer life.

Debbie Przybylski
Intercessors Arise International
International House of Prayer (IHOP) KC Staff
deb@intercessorsarise.org
www.intercessorsarise.org

“The life of the church is the highest life, and its office is to pray. Its prayer life is the highest life, the most fragrant, the most conspicuous. When God’s house on the earth is a house of prayer, then God’s house in heaven is busy and powerful in its plans and movements. ‘For mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people’ (Isaiah 56:7), says our God. Then, His earthly armies are clothed with the triumphs and spoils of victory, and His enemies are defeated on every hand… The very life and prosperity of God’s cause - even its very existence - depend on prayer. And the advance and triumph of His cause depend on one thing: that we ask of Him.”  E. M. Bounds
 
There is supernatural power released when the Church in the city prays. What is needed in the worldwide Church at this hour is a unified, praying Church. We need supernatural power. Only the power of God will defeat the attacks of the enemy in our cities. When the Church in a city or region decides to drop its own agendas and decides to come together to pray, there is great spiritual power released into the atmosphere. Prayer will affect everything! It will affect time, places, occasions, and circumstances. A praying Church within the city brings success and supernatural power into that region.

We must get on our knees and seek God passionately together. 

The obstacles towards city transformation are many. We must believe that our cities can be transformed by the power of God. We must know that none of us has the answer to our city; only God does. He is the one who transforms and brings change. This is all about the Kingdom of God and intimacy with the King. We must stop our busyness, remove ourselves from the distractions all around us, and become passionate for God. It is time to seek the Lord. We all want transformation in our cities. In his book, E. M. Bounds on Prayer, Bounds emphasizes that a praying church is a successful church:

“Success is sure to follow a church given to much prayer. The supernatural element in the church, without which it must fail, comes only through praying. More time in this bustling age must be given to pray by a God-given church… More heart and soul must be in the praying that is done if the church would go forth in the strength of her Lord and perform the wonders that is her heritage by divine promise.”

Requirements for Transformation in Your City

God wants to come into your city with His presence. He is greatly concerned with your city and cares deeply about reaching the people who live there. We need to ask ourselves, “What are the requirements needed to bring God’s power into our city - power that will reach the lost and set the captives free? What is required for transformation in our city that will change the face of everything?” Here are some requirements that will help bring life and transformation into your city:

• Make prayer a priority. Fervent prayer will release God’s destiny for our cities. Be willing to persevere in prayer with a holy determination. Determine not to let go of God until He breaks through. Become desperate for God.
  
  
• Expect God to work uniquely in your city. Don’t think He will do the same in your city as another one. The work of God comes through prayer, and it is unpredictable and out of man’s control. God will show up in unexpected ways. We think our strategies are the way, but God sees things in a much more powerful dimension.
  
  
• Seek for unity among the churches in your city. Remember that God doesn’t need a majority but He only needs a few churches coming together with hungry hearts for the cause of revival and transformation of the city. The presence of God will bring supernatural unity as we cry out to Him for it. Only together will we see the results that God wants. Seek to unite with other churches in prayer for transformation.

Are we willing to pay the price for God to transform our cities through prayer? God’s heart is that your church becomes a praying church. For many of us God has brought us to the point of desperation. We are willing to lay down our own agendas and get on our faces before God for however long it takes. We have seen that our own methods and plans will never change the increasing darkness that is permeating our land. 

We are becoming desperate and that is a good place to be. Seeking the manifest presence of God in a region is risky, but it is the way towards a true and powerful transformation in our cities. In the Transformation video by George Otis, Jr., the following words were spoken that stress the requirements for transformation:

“It’s risky, aggressive, and brought about through prayer. It’s not predictable and out of our control. There is an unexpectedness of God. We are fooled by strategy. We lack God’s processing power. You can’t format God. We are proud and impatient. God’s approach is to come in through the back door. He shows up, not shows off. There is a flow with the Holy Spirit that is not stage-managed. He is willing to be invited but only on his terms.

Leaders must be committed to a community. They must persevere through apathy and not give up. I can’t coast and there is no time to say, 'I’ll relax.' It’s not a quick start but a long run. The goal is to get to the last day and then face Jesus and through everything to direct men and women toward the Kingdom. God is looking for a man who will take the burden on himself for the nation. God is looking for leaders who will stand in the gap for their nation, who don’t care who gets the credit. They are not stakeholders but shareholders. They give God the glory. Revival leaders are often unlikely choices. The measure of leadership is not influence with the public but influence with God.”

Are we ready for transformation in our cities? Are we willing to enter into God’s heart in prayer that the Church in our city becomes a praying Church?  

A few years ago we started a month-long 24/7 House of Prayer in a central location in southern Spain. As we prayed, God began to fit everything into place. He provided in an amazing way a large 200-year old hotel. This place was set apart for the entire month to seek the face of God. Churches and individuals in the region dedicated time in the prayer room. They chose to unite and drop their differences. They were seeking God’s Kingdom purposes for that region. Individuals from several other countries came, dedicating large amounts of time in the prayer room. 

Cities around the world are beginning to seek God for transformation. Houses of prayer are starting all over the world. Here at the International House of Prayer (IHOP-KC) hundreds of individuals from all over the world come to learn how to start a House of Prayer and see transformation in their city. Join us for the free OneThing young adult conference (One Call, One Story, One Coming King) here in Kansas City through the webstream. We expect 25,000 young adults here and perhaps 30,000 through the webstream. It is good for all ages and is excellent preparation for the future.  See OneThing. 

It’s time to believe that God will transform our cities through prayer. There is power in a praying Church. God is inviting us to enter His heart for a praying Church. We invite you to pray this prayer for your city and believe God for a mighty transformation: “Lord, whatever it takes. Give me the grace to get there. I will live and die believing for my city to be transformed.”  

“The time has come to lift the bar of expectations. Transformation is attainable for God. This is the heartbeat of God. It’s not the work of man. It’s the finger of God. 'If you call on me, I will answer.’ He takes care of the problems. The church becomes a beacon of light and hope.” George Otis, Jr., Transformation video

• Great Christmas gifts! 4 books on prayer and intercession with a 20% discount on each book - Use the discount code – PL6G7Y59. See www.intercessorsarise.org.
• Have your friends sign up for Intercessors Arise here!
• Become a member of the Intercessors Arise International Network here. Connect with intercessors and what God is doing in prayer worldwide! Discover many resources and training on prayer in this network.
• Join and like the Intercessors Arise facebook page for daily encouragement in your prayer life. 

 
Debbie Przybylski
Intercessors Arise International
International House of Prayer (IHOP) KC Staff
deb@intercessorsarise.org
www.intercessorsarise.org

 During the Christmas season, we not only enjoy the beautiful lights we also enjoy the smells of Christmas. We enjoy the fragrance of a live recently cut tree Christmas tree when we walk into a house.

            There is also the fragrance of the holiday-scented candles or spicy fragrances of potpourri when we come into a room, or the smell of wood burning in the fireplace. We love the smells of the delicious cookies, candy, and foods prepared in the kitchen, especially during the Christmas season. 

            After several weeks, the strong pine tree fragrance diminishes when the tree gets dry and does not have enough nourishment. Very often, we get busy with life and its challenges and our spiritual nourishment diminishes. Has the sweet wholesome fragrance of Christ diminished in your life? Give God a gift of renewing your heart with His Word so you will leave a life-giving perfume to your friends and family this Christmas. 

            During this busy frenzied Christmas season, reflect on the fragrance you are releasing to others. If Christ lives within you, you will have the sweet, wholesome fragrance of Christ.¹

Share with your grandchildren about the fragrances of Christmas reminding us of God’s life-giving fragrance within us when we have a relationship with Him. 

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray for my grandchildren will have the fragrance of Christ within them and release it to their family and friends.

In Jesus' name, Amen

By Lillian Penner

¹ II Corinthians 2:15, 16,

It is tempting to write my blog this week and next on Christmas. I thrill with all the truth brought to us at Christmas. But I have been writing the past few weeks about facing spiritual attack that comes when we try to increase our prayer life. And along with loneliness and depression this time of year, most of us face spiritual attack.

After the glorious experience of Jesus’ baptism He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting 40 days He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” Again the enemy took Him to a high mountain and in an instant showed Him all the kingdoms of the world with all their splendor. “All this I will give you if you bow down and worship me.” Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Finally he too Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple. “Throw yourself down, if you are the Son of God. For it is written that he will command his angels to lift you up lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Do you see the pattern? Each time Jesus was tempted He quoted scripture. David wrote, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against Thee.” I have often heard that hiding His word in our hearts is more than simply memorizing scripture. That is true, but memorizing is a great beginning. As we commit scripture to memory we allow the Holy Spirit to transform all of our thinking, praying and living.

Put on the armor of God’s word in your life.