Pray Network Forum

As you probably know, the capital of Syria is Damascus—the same place Saul was headed in Acts 9 when he had a life-changing encounter with the risen Jesus. And in case you haven’t been watching any news lately, Syria is the place President Obama is apparently headed too.

      Saul was on his way to Damascus to kill or persecute Christians. In contrast, President Obama seems poised to send cruise missiles into Syria as “a shot across the bow” to punish Syria’s president for allegedly using chemical weapons.

      Saul’s story took an unexpected turn: “When he got to the outskirts of Damascus, he was suddenly dazed by a blinding flash of light. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice: ‘Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?’” (vs. 3-4 MSG)

      After setting out on his mission full of pride and his own self-importance, Saul was knocked to the ground and struck blind by the intense searchlight of heaven. Someone had to take him by the hand and lead him the rest of way.

      We’ll soon see whether America is on a similar collision course. The good news is that Saul’s story had a happy ending. God not only restored his sight, but Saul—the self-righteous Pharisee and persecutor—was transformed into Paul, the apostle of grace.

      I love our country. But could it be that we, like Saul, are in need of a Damascus Road experience? Could it be that we’re on the wrong path, desperately in need of an encounter with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

      Time will tell whether the current events in Syria have any major prophetic significance. But 2 Chronicles 7:14 is true regardless: It’s always time for God’s people to humble ourselves and pray…to seek His face to turn from our wicked ways. If we do this, He has promised to hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land.

      And who could doubt that our land needs to be healed today?

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purposes for me (Psalm 57:1-2).

Every day when we listen to the news we hear of disasters, fighting, and war. It seem to be happening more frequently, and at times seem very close to home. Most of us have not been through a major disaster. But there are smaller crises that can affect us personally and are within the reach of our extended families, or within our city or nation.

In our present day, we are even more aware of international and world problems on a massive scale. The situation in Egypt and Syria right now is ready to explode. Even as I write, the death toll in the Syrian war has been between 82-106,000 people. There has been so much bloodshed in Egypt in the last several days. The situation in the Middle East can affect the entire world. The nations are definitely shaking.

A friend, working internationally informing people of the crisis of AIDs all around the world, told us that the AIDs crisis is critical. What can we do in a world that seems to be so out of control? God is inviting us to be His watchmen in prayer and find Him as our refuge in hard times. 

We must learn how to respond in prayer and in action when we hear of disasters and major crises in the world. 

Norm and I have traveled to over sixty-five countries. We have been in cities just like yours that later had a major, life-changing disaster. We were once in the beautiful city of Kobe, Japan that later was devastated by a large earthquake. We were in Rabau, Papua New Guinea that later was destroyed by a volcano. But in Rabau the entire city was prepared. Scientists were monitoring the movement of the earth in that area. They had a planned method of escape for if and when the eruption would occur—they practiced and were ready. When the real thing happened, they all escaped unharmed.   

We were later in Indonesia and Thailand where a few years ago a tsunami destroyed many cities and villages, killing thousands. This was unexpected. Nobody was ready for the magnitude of that disaster. Within our own cities, we hear of shopping mall and school shootings, of neighborhood robberies and home invasions. A massive tornado devastated Joplin, Missouri two year ago—just a two-hour drive from our home. The truth is that not one of us is immune to the possibility of a disaster happening right where we live or in our own nation. 

God wants us to be alert watchmen who know how to pray for cities and nations. As we do, it’s important for us to realize that we don’t have to fear what is happening in the world. God does not want us to be shaken by the nightly news. The Bible says repeatedly that God is our refuge. We can pray through disasters with Him as our refuge. The word “refuge” in Webster’s Dictionary means, “that which shelters or protects from danger, distress or calamity, a stronghold which protects by its strength or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness, any place inaccessible to an enemy.”

God invites us to hide in His closeness. He wants to be our strong place of refuge. 

It’s His design that we need a safe place of refuge. He knows that we need to feel secure and safe. He was David’s strong refuge in times of danger (Psalm 71:7; 73:28). David knew how to hide in God’s presence. That’s what He wants us to do. Picture a baby bird hiding under its parent’s feathers. Psalm 57:1 is the picture of us sheltered under the shadow of God’s wings. Take a moment and read Psalm 46, and begin to experience the comfort of what David is saying.

Psalm 46 - A Psalm of Comfort 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah. Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.”

Psalm 46 is a great Psalm for all those who need a refuge. Imagine this. It is written in the context of a big underwater earthquake or nuclear explosion and shows us that we do not need to be afraid of natural disasters. Aren’t there times where you feel the pressure of what is happening on earth? I know I do. But God is our present help even in these times of great trouble. He’s not far away but right there with us (v. 1).

Even a major disaster doesn’t have to make us afraid. The center of security for all of us is God’s presence. Even though the nations are in an uproar, we can feel secure because God is our refuge (v. 6-7). The Psalm says that God brings desolation. He makes wars to cease, he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire (v. 8, 9). God does bring an end to injustice and pain. He brings healing and salvation to our needy world. He invites us to be still and know that He is God. He is in total control. His presence is with us. Psalm 46 ends by saying in verses 10-11, “’Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

In light of all of this end-time turbulence, how can we prepare and pray through the disasters in the world? God’s invitation is for us to enter into urgent watchfulness. How can we help disaster victims and war-torn nations through our prayers and our lives? In looking closer to home, how can we ourselves learn to trust God as our refuge during times of disaster? We read in Psalm 5:11-12:

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”  

Let’s learn to be God’s urgent watchmen during times of disaster and war. Let’s learn to pray for nations in a powerful way that makes a difference.

How to Prepare and Pray Through Disasters

• Be grateful and thankful for your life and what you have - Learn to be extremely thankful every day. You don’t know what a day may bring forth. Appreciate life.
  
  
• Prepare the Church in your city for whatever may come - I used to live in a city that had hurricane threats six months out of the year. In Virginia Beach, many came together for several days from 3-6 A.M. to pray for safety in that area. Every city needs to prepare for possible disasters just as they did in Rabau, Papua New Guinea. 
  
  
• Face disasters victoriously - Don’t be overwhelmed or lose your faith in God if a disaster hits your city. Realize that He is greater than any disaster and will work it out for good. Pray for disaster victims to stand strong in faith in God. 
  
  
• Share the love of Christ with disaster victims by meeting their needs - When we had a hurricane in our city, we helped serve food through the Salvation Army. It was a great way to share the love of Christ.
  
  
• Trust God in the midst of disasters and worldwide shaking - This is the time for the Church to arise and shine. This is a time to show others the peace of God through our lives by living out Psalm 46. Pray this for churches and nations facing disasters and war. 
  
  
• Grow deeper in your relationship with God now - Strengthen your prayer life and learn to be still, cultivating God’s presence in your life daily. Pray Psalm 46 for your life and others in your city or in disaster and war-torn areas.
  
  
• Learn to be still - Study Psalm 46 and when it says “selah”, stop and think about what God is saying. 
  
  
• Show forth godliness instead of evil - Be careful to live a godly life. What is inside will come out. In our neighborhood a few days after a hurricane, people began to get impatient and irritable. Let’s pray that the people of God shine His light even in the darkest of times.
  
  
• Live and prepare for the eternal - Learn to live for what is really important—not earthly possessions—but eternal life. Narrow down your possessions, and learn to give things away on a regular basis. Everything is about Heaven. It's time for us to wake up and shake ourselves free from this earth.
  
  
• Pray for the salvation of souls and share your faith - During disasters and times of difficulties, people are open to the Gospel. They need hope, and you have the hope of eternal life. God is the refuge that everyone needs. This is our greatest opportunity for reaching souls.
  
  
• Pray fervently for countries that are in major worldwide turmoil - We must pray for the Middle East at this time. It is our responsibility and affects each one of us. Pray for the Middle East. 

Don’t wait for a disaster to apply these truths. God wants each of us to stand strong now. He wants us to live for eternity and pray for the lost now. None of us is outside of the reach of a disaster in our city or nation. We all need to live passionate lives, preparing for our eternal home. Jesus deserves our lives now. 

Let’s live 100% for Him, pray for the world with an increasing fervency, grow in knowing Him as our refuge, and learn to be still. He invites us to hide in His presence on a daily basis. When we hear about another disaster on the news, let’s pray fervently for those victims. Let’s not fear disaster but be confident in the Lord. His heart is that we enter into urgent watchfulness and prayer without fear. He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

To help you prepare for the End Times, attend the Daniel Conference here at IHOPKC for free through the internet starting tonight, August 29-31. See Daniel Conference for information. This is all about the Book of Daniel and is key for what we are now facing in the world.

“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your feet from being snared” (Proverbs 3:25-26).

• 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!
• If you would like to pray for us and get monthly updates, see Norm and Debbie's Prayer Partner. Get our Most Recent Update 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.

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

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purposes for me (Psalm 57:1-2).

Every day when we listen to the news we hear of disasters, fighting, and war. It seem to be happening more frequently, and at times seem very close to home. Most of us have not been through a major disaster. But there are smaller crises that can affect us personally and are within the reach of our extended families, or within our city or nation.

In our present day, we are even more aware of international and world problems on a massive scale. The situation in Egypt and Syria right now is ready to explode. Even as I write, the death toll in the Syrian war has been between 82-106,000 people. There has been so much bloodshed in Egypt in the last several days. The situation in the Middle East can affect the entire world. The nations are definitely shaking.

A friend, working internationally informing people of the crisis of AIDs all around the world, told us that the AIDs crisis is critical. What can we do in a world that seems to be so out of control? God is inviting us to be His watchmen in prayer and find Him as our refuge in hard times. 

We must learn how to respond in prayer and in action when we hear of disasters and major crises in the world. 

Norm and I have traveled to over sixty-five countries. We have been in cities just like yours that later had a major, life-changing disaster. We were once in the beautiful city of Kobe, Japan that later was devastated by a large earthquake. We were in Rabau, Papua New Guinea that later was destroyed by a volcano. But in Rabau the entire city was prepared. Scientists were monitoring the movement of the earth in that area. They had a planned method of escape for if and when the eruption would occur—they practiced and were ready. When the real thing happened, they all escaped unharmed.   

We were later in Indonesia and Thailand where a few years ago a tsunami destroyed many cities and villages, killing thousands. This was unexpected. Nobody was ready for the magnitude of that disaster. Within our own cities, we hear of shopping mall and school shootings, of neighborhood robberies and home invasions. A massive tornado devastated Joplin, Missouri two year ago—just a two-hour drive from our home. The truth is that not one of us is immune to the possibility of a disaster happening right where we live or in our own nation. 

God wants us to be alert watchmen who know how to pray for cities and nations. As we do, it’s important for us to realize that we don’t have to fear what is happening in the world. God does not want us to be shaken by the nightly news. The Bible says repeatedly that God is our refuge. We can pray through disasters with Him as our refuge. The word “refuge” in Webster’s Dictionary means, “that which shelters or protects from danger, distress or calamity, a stronghold which protects by its strength or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness, any place inaccessible to an enemy.”

God invites us to hide in His closeness. He wants to be our strong place of refuge. 

It’s His design that we need a safe place of refuge. He knows that we need to feel secure and safe. He was David’s strong refuge in times of danger (Psalm 71:7; 73:28). David knew how to hide in God’s presence. That’s what He wants us to do. Picture a baby bird hiding under its parent’s feathers. Psalm 57:1 is the picture of us sheltered under the shadow of God’s wings. Take a moment and read Psalm 46, and begin to experience the comfort of what David is saying.

Psalm 46 - A Psalm of Comfort 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah. Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.”

Psalm 46 is a great Psalm for all those who need a refuge. Imagine this. It is written in the context of a big underwater earthquake or nuclear explosion and shows us that we do not need to be afraid of natural disasters. Aren’t there times where you feel the pressure of what is happening on earth? I know I do. But God is our present help even in these times of great trouble. He’s not far away but right there with us (v. 1).

Even a major disaster doesn’t have to make us afraid. The center of security for all of us is God’s presence. Even though the nations are in an uproar, we can feel secure because God is our refuge (v. 6-7). The Psalm says that God brings desolation. He makes wars to cease, he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire (v. 8, 9). God does bring an end to injustice and pain. He brings healing and salvation to our needy world. He invites us to be still and know that He is God. He is in total control. His presence is with us. Psalm 46 ends by saying in verses 10-11, “’Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

In light of all of this end-time turbulence, how can we prepare and pray through the disasters in the world? God’s invitation is for us to enter into urgent watchfulness. How can we help disaster victims and war-torn nations through our prayers and our lives? In looking closer to home, how can we ourselves learn to trust God as our refuge during times of disaster? We read in Psalm 5:11-12:

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”  

Let’s learn to be God’s urgent watchmen during times of disaster and war. Let’s learn to pray for nations in a powerful way that makes a difference.

How to Prepare and Pray Through Disasters

• Be grateful and thankful for your life and what you have - Learn to be extremely thankful every day. You don’t know what a day may bring forth. Appreciate life.
  
  
• Prepare the Church in your city for whatever may come - I used to live in a city that had hurricane threats six months out of the year. In Virginia Beach, many came together for several days from 3-6 A.M. to pray for safety in that area. Every city needs to prepare for possible disasters just as they did in Rabau, Papua New Guinea. 
  
  
• Face disasters victoriously - Don’t be overwhelmed or lose your faith in God if a disaster hits your city. Realize that He is greater than any disaster and will work it out for good. Pray for disaster victims to stand strong in faith in God. 
  
  
• Share the love of Christ with disaster victims by meeting their needs - When we had a hurricane in our city, we helped serve food through the Salvation Army. It was a great way to share the love of Christ.
  
  
• Trust God in the midst of disasters and worldwide shaking - This is the time for the Church to arise and shine. This is a time to show others the peace of God through our lives by living out Psalm 46. Pray this for churches and nations facing disasters and war. 
  
  
• Grow deeper in your relationship with God now - Strengthen your prayer life and learn to be still, cultivating God’s presence in your life daily. Pray Psalm 46 for your life and others in your city or in disaster and war-torn areas.
  
  
• Learn to be still - Study Psalm 46 and when it says “selah”, stop and think about what God is saying. 
  
  
• Show forth godliness instead of evil - Be careful to live a godly life. What is inside will come out. In our neighborhood a few days after a hurricane, people began to get impatient and irritable. Let’s pray that the people of God shine His light even in the darkest of times.
  
  
• Live and prepare for the eternal - Learn to live for what is really important—not earthly possessions—but eternal life. Narrow down your possessions, and learn to give things away on a regular basis. Everything is about Heaven. It's time for us to wake up and shake ourselves free from this earth.
  
  
• Pray for the salvation of souls and share your faith - During disasters and times of difficulties, people are open to the Gospel. They need hope, and you have the hope of eternal life. God is the refuge that everyone needs. This is our greatest opportunity for reaching souls.
  
  
• Pray fervently for countries that are in major worldwide turmoil - We must pray for the Middle East at this time. It is our responsibility and affects each one of us. Pray for the Middle East. 

Don’t wait for a disaster to apply these truths. God wants each of us to stand strong now. He wants us to live for eternity and pray for the lost now. None of us is outside of the reach of a disaster in our city or nation. We all need to live passionate lives, preparing for our eternal home. Jesus deserves our lives now. 

Let’s live 100% for Him, pray for the world with an increasing fervency, grow in knowing Him as our refuge, and learn to be still. He invites us to hide in His presence on a daily basis. When we hear about another disaster on the news, let’s pray fervently for those victims. Let’s not fear disaster but be confident in the Lord. His heart is that we enter into urgent watchfulness and prayer without fear. He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

To help you prepare for the End Times, attend the Daniel Conference here at IHOPKC for free through the internet starting tonight, August 29-31. See Daniel Conference for information. This is all about the Book of Daniel and is key for what we are now facing in the world.

“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your feet from being snared” (Proverbs 3:25-26).

• 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!
• If you would like to pray for us and get monthly updates, see Norm and Debbie's Prayer Partner. Get our Most Recent Update 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.

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

Only Nine more days until National Grandparents' Day

 Christian Grandparenting Network is asking grandparents all over the world to unite in prayer for their grandchildren on Sunday, September 8, 2013. This date is the official United States National Grandparents Day designated by a Senate proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978.

            However, our grandchildren are living in a desperate moral and spiritual climate navigating in a world hostile to truth. Satan has launched an aggressive attack our families, schools and our nation to desensitize our children to truth and righteousness. Perhaps at no other time in our history is a call to prayer more urgently required than it is today for our grandchildren.

Will you stand in the GAP to join grandparents worldwide on Sunday September 8 to pray for the next generation that they may walk in the truth?

To join the movement:

• "Like" our fan page,
• "Click" on the free download button for your free gift to receive the chapter "Communicate your Faith to your Grandchildren" from the book Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for your Grandchildren by Lillian Penner, National Prayer Coordinator for Grandparents Day of Prayer.
• For more additional information and resources go to www.gocgn.com Day of Prayer or contact Lillian Penner, Prayer Coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network, lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net. 

Lillian Penner, Grandparents Day of Prayer Coordinator

 http://www.grandparentingwithapurpose.com

Spiritual Intimacy With God is Alice Smith's life message.

Her best-selling book, "Beyond The Veil," now a worldwide bestseller
is available in many languages.

Her newest book, "Spiritual Intimacy With God" is the sequel.

Here, Alice shares two minutes of video instruction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PZxBJpK6ExY#t=21

==================================================

Spiritual Intimacy With God
http://www.prayerbookstore.com/spiritual-intimacy-with-god/

Beyond The Veil
http://bit.ly/New-Edition-BEYOND-THE-VEIL

==================================================

NOTE:  Alice is also available to speak to your church or group.
800-569-4825

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 225 | Wed 28 Aug 2013

by Elizabeth Kendal

'And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.' (Matthew 28:20b ESV)

WELCOME to the intercessors who have joined the list this month.

AUGUST 2013 UPDATE - During August we prayed concerning . . .

* SYRIA (RLPB 222), where Christians in the north face siege (in Aleppo) and ethnic-religious cleansing (across the north-east).

SYRIA UPDATES

REFUGEES: In the past couple of weeks, thousands have fled north-eastern Syria as violence escalates between Kurds and al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists backed by Turkey. Christian ethnic Assyrians comprise around 30 percent of the population of north-eastern Syria, which is contiguous with northern Iraq's Nineveh Province. More than 30,000 predominantly Kurdish refugees arrived in northern Iraq from 15 to 20 August, joining the 150,000 refugees already being sheltered there. The exodus continues. The Kurdish Regional Government in northern Iraq describes what is happening in north-eastern Syria as 'genocide'. The UN High Commission for Refugees has said that the latest 'exodus' is 'among the largest we have so far seen during the conflict'.

CENTRAL SYRIA: On Saturday 17 August gunmen shot dead 15 people - mostly Christians, including women and children - who were dining at a roadside restaurant in Wadi al-Nasarra, a region in central Syria known as the Valley of the Christians. The massacre happened on a road in Homs Province that links the two Christian villages of Ein al-Ajouz and Nasrah. Eleya Dhaher, archbishop of the Wadi al-Nasarra region, laments that the killings have reached the very heart of the Christian homeland. 'It seems . . . no area can enjoy peace,' he said.

ALEPPO: Rebels have tightened the siege on Aleppo in retaliation of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) retaking territory in the south and centre. Sources report that Christians in Aleppo are growing despondent as they rapidly lose weight, health and hope. Those whose homes have been totally destroyed are now squatting in empty office buildings without amenities or food. Many fear that a rebel invasion is imminent. Last week five bus loads of Armenian Christians left Aleppo for the coast. Subsequently, rebels linked to the Syrian Islamic Front took control of the road to Aleppo, cutting SAA supply lines. Nobody knows what has happened to the Armenians. A Protestant pastor in Aleppo tells how his young son recently asked him when the rebels will come and kill them for being Christians. He says the men of the church are preparing for a rebel invasion and for death. He says Christians are greatly distressed and discouraged by the news that the US is preparing to strike, believing a US strike will advance the cause of jihadists and terrorists and hasten the demise of the Church. DAMASCUS: Reports recently emerged of an alleged chemical attack in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta. Previously, US president Barak Obama declared that if the Syrian regime was found to have deployed chemical weapons then it would have crossed a 'red line', triggering US intervention. While the US-led West is rushing to blame the Syrian regime of using chemical weapons, several points should be considered. Who stands to gain from this chemical attack? The SAA has been making great gains against rebel forces, so why would the regime risk everything by deploying chemical weapons against civilians? The chemicals used and the means of delivery are primitive rather than the hi-tech product one might expect from the mighty SAA. According to terrorism analyst Yossef Bodansky, it was in Ghouta that Syrian rebels recently denounced the jihadists and laid down their arms with around a dozen reportedly defecting to the SAA. Interestingly, al-Monitor reports that the Saudis have some 25,000 fighters in Ghouta fighting with the Liwa' al-Islam armed group. Peace activist Walid Shoebat has released video footage showing rebels deploying chemicals, seized chemicals from Saudi Arabia and rebels discussing the use of Sarin nerve gas. In May a member of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Carla del Ponte, reported that her panel 'had not yet seen any evidence of Syrian government forces using chemical weapons', while there were 'strong, concrete suspicions but not yet incontrovertible proof' that the rebels were using nerve gas. [Note that in asymmetric warfare it is normal strategy for the weaker party to use human shields and 'false flag' operations to create propaganda aimed at securing military aid from a stronger force.]

The consequences of a US intervention on the side of the jihadis would be diabolical, catastrophic for Syria and the whole region (especially for the Church) and detrimental to global security. Furthermore, God will not tolerate the West lending its military might to forces whose agenda includes eliminating the Church from the Middle East. Pray that God will intervene.

* KAZAKHSTAN (RLPB 223), where a Protestant pastor has been arrested on a charge of 'harming health' (by praying with the sick) and has been sent to the Almaty City Psychological-Psychiatric Assessment Centre. Pastor Bakhytzhan Kashkumbaev of Astana's Grace Church (Presbyterian) has expressed concern that the authorities, who are shamed by negative international attention, might seek to whitewash the case by having him declared insane, when he knows he is 'psychologically healthy'.

UPDATE: Forum 18 reported on 22 August that Pastor Kashkumbayev is still in Almaty Psychiatric Clinic undergoing 'tests'. His detention has been extended until 17 September. Please pray that God will protect and deliver Pastor Kashkumbayev and preserve his church in Kazakhstan.

* EGYPT (RLPB 224), where violence against the Church is escalating.

UPDATE: Terrorism analyst Yossef Bodnasky reports: 'The Ikhwan [Muslim Brotherhood has] dispatched several leaders - both religious and former military - to Arab countries with strong jihadist traditions in order to recruit jihadist volunteers for the Ikhwan's "Free Egyptian Army" to fight the Egyptian military, reverse Morsi's ouster, and unleash a jihad against Israel and for the liberation of al-Aqsa. Algerian security officials warned that the Egyptian recruiters had already signed up a few thousand Algerian volunteers. Among the recruited Algerians are dozens of street leaders and commanders from the Algerian civil war.'


AUGUST 2013 ROUND-UP - also this month . . .

* IRAN: CONVERT SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS (updating RLPB 220)

Mostafa Bordbar, a 27-year-old convert from Rasht, was arrested along with 50 believers on 27 December 2012 at a Christmas celebration in a private home in Tehran. He was detained in Evin Prison and Judge Pir-Abbas (the 'hanging judge') heard his case on 9 June. The judgment and sentence were released on 31 July. Bordbar has been found guilty of being part of an 'anti-security organisation' and of 'gathering with intent to commit crimes against Iranian national security'. He has been sentenced to ten years in prison. Pray for the Church in Iran.


* RUSSIA: FAITHFUL PRIEST FOUND MURDERED

Russian Orthodox Priest Fr Pavel Adelgeim (75), a gulag survivor who ministered in Russia's north-western Pskov region, died on 5 August from blood loss after being stabbed. His death was doubtless hastened by the reluctance of medical services to come to his aid. Fr Pavel was known as a 'dissident priest' because of his fearless criticism of the systemic corruption plaguing the hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). Recently he outraged ROC elite by pointing out that what Pussy Riot had said about church corruption was actually correct; consequently, the church should reflect, humble itself and show grace rather than unleashing mechanisms of state power against them. Upon hearing of Fr Pavel's death, Archdeacon Andrei Kuraev lamented: 'The last free priest of the Moscow patriarchate has been killed. Which one of the priests, who are married and employed, can now say publicly and not anonymously, "Master, you are wrong"?' Fr Pavel was stabbed to death by a young man from Moscow who had come to him seeking help. Over a thousand attended his funeral at the Church of the Myrrh Bearers, where he served for the last decades of his life. Whilst the incident is being written off officially as the random act of a mentally ill person, circumstances around the killing are mysterious, arousing suspicion. If (as some suspect) corrupt church officials are complicit in the assassination of a faithful dissident, then ROC corruption will become a religious liberty issue.


* SOMALIA: CHRISTIAN MOTHER OF TWO KIDNAPPED

Morning Star News reports that on 5 August Islamic militants (suspected to be al-Shabaab) abducted Shamsa Enow Hussein (28) and threatened her husband, Mohamed Isse Osman (31), because of their Christian faith. Osman, who has gone into hiding with their daughters aged three and five, has not heard anything from his wife since she was taken. Leaders in Somalia's underground Church confirm that Osman and his daughters are safe, but the family is greatly distressed and the girls are constantly crying. Please pray that Shamsa will be freed and reunited with her family and that they will be safe. Pray for the gravely imperilled Church in Somalia.


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 for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC) by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and a member of the AEA RLC team.

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

We had a rather unusual prayer sung at our wedding.  We selected it because we believed that God had called us to ministry and knew there was biblical proof that when God calls, God also accompanies.  Moses was dead.  Joshua was the new anointed leader.  Three times in Chapter 1, God said to Joshua, “Be strong and of good courage” (Jos. 1:6, 7, 9). Why? Because Joshua had been called to lead the people to the promise land, and he had heard God’s promise to, “be with you wherever you go” (Jos. 1:9).  How would God accompany Joshua?  In empowerment and encouragement!  It has been our experience, through seven separate geographical ministry locations spanning fifty years, that when God leads, God accompanies and when God accompanies, He grants power and courage for the assignment. Changing the words from singular to plural, our wedding soloist sang, “Our heart, our life, our all we bring, to Christ who loves us so; He is our Master, Lord and King, wherever He leads, we’ll go.” We were willing to go anywhere as long as God empowered and encouraged. Are you feeling God’s power and courage this week?  You may be exactly where God wants you to be.

Read more of Dr. Dan's Monday Morning Manna at http://discipleallnations.org/blog.

I have heard the phrase (especially related to Prayer Summits) “Seek His face” many times.  I have always appreciated it as an encouragement to look to Jesus and appreciate Him simply for who He is.  It is a great reminder that our walk with Him is not only about what He does for and in us, but of Who He is.  But recently, I came to appreciate it in a fresh manner.

My hearing is below average and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. (Read more.) 

I am copying this from my original post over at www.cityonitsknees.com.

This past week, a local youth leader of a ministry called The Basement here in Birmingham, AL was arrested a second time for impersonating a police officer. The fallout from the arrest will most likely be messy. People are very divided in their opinions about the situation. I debated and prayed for several days about whether or not to post anything, and if so, if it should be a whole blog post or just a post on our Facebook page. I also wanted to be careful not to just post my opinion on the situation. See, I'm the wife of a Birmingham police officer, so I have strong feelings regarding the case.

One of the tragedies, though, in any situation where a well-known person gets into trouble, is the onslaught of public opinion that person, and their family, have to endure. No matter how deserving the person is of the arrest/trouble they've brought on themselves, the comments are horribly abusive. We forget it's a real person with real feelings, and that but for the grace of God, we could find ourselves in a very similar situation someday.

So how should we, as Christians who are called to pray, respond? I think one of the first things we must do is choose to fast from our opinion and emotions about the situation. I had to choose to set them aside, because otherwise, I was too angry at the pride that caused such wrong choices, at foolishness, at sin. I was too hurt for all the young people who are very hurt and confused because of these events by someone they greatly admired. I feared for the direct harm he may have caused some of those young people, if they got sucked into his bad choices. I could not hear how the Holy Spirit wanted me to pray with all of those emotions and opinions drowning out His voice. It doesn't mean I shouldn't feel those things, but that I need to choose to lay them at the feet of Jesus.

The next and real first thing we do is pray for Matt Pitt. If we still can't bring ourselves to pray as we ought, and are tempted to either pray for his complete downfall so that he "gets what he deserves", as some comments have said, or if we are tempted to pray for so much grace that he gets off scott-free, then we can turn to Scripture and pray the Scriptures.

We can pray out of Genesis 50:20 by praying, "God, what the devil and man have meant for evil, You meant it for good. We pray that You would cause Matt Pitt's present result to accomplish Your purposes, to bring many people to You."

We can pray out of the Lord's Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13 - "Heavenly Father, You are holy and Your name is holy. Would you preserve and display Your holiness in the face of this public fall-out from a Christian leader's bad choices? Let Your kingdom come through Your people, and let it stand in stark contrast to the kingdom of darkness. We pray that Your will would be done for Matt Pitt and The Basement here on the earth, as it already is in Heaven. Cause Matt to feed daily on Your Word so that He can receive Your forgiveness that You freely grant to all who sin and have fallen. Deliver him from the evil that has gotten a hold of his life right now. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Those are just two examples of how we can use Scripture to pray for Matt Pitt and any leader who lets us down by succumbing to sin. This kind of praying does not excuse their sin, nor does it condemn him. We have no right to do either of those things. This kind of praying lines us up with the heart of God for all of His children. May we all be so blessed to receive such prayers on our behalf in our time of need.

What are some other Scripture-based prayers the Lord has led you to pray for Matt Pitt or for The Basement ministry?

This summer my husband and I had the opportunity to spend time with our children and grandchildren at a family reunion, playing games, spending time on the beach, shopping, visiting an old historical town, Virginia City, NV, and more. 

Last week Grandpa took two granddaughters to the golf driving range, I made pickles with another granddaughter, and we had a couple of overnighters in our home. These were special times.

Now they are off the college and back in school with homework and activities so our time will be limited with them.  When we long for those hugs and kisses and miss our precious grandchildren, it is a good time to say a prayer for them. (See prayer below)

I heard of a grandmother in Texas who sets the alarm on her cell phone each day at the time her grandchildren are going to school to remind her to pray for them.

The following is a suggested prayer you can pray for your grandchildren going back to school.

Dear Lord, I pray my grandchildren will:

• Desire to do their very best academically.
• Respect their teachers.
• Choose friends, who will have a positive influence.
• Recognize the deception of worldly thinking.
• Have eyes blinded to the temptations they face.
• Have a balanced view of their beauty, charm, and strength.
• Learn to be responsible for their actions and behavior.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

INTERNATIONAL PRAYER CONNECTIONS

August 2013

“Globalizing Prayer, Transforming our World”

IN THIS EDITION

1. Confessing Corporate Sins – a Key to Breakthrough in your Nation?
2. Last Chance to Register for Middle East Prayer Summit, October 1-4, Larnaca, Cyprus
3. United Nations and Children in Prayer Initiatives, New York City, November 15-20, 2013
4. Billion Souls Revival Prayer Call, August 6 to September 14
5. Praying for Egypt in its Continued Revolution
6. Excerpts from Stratfor.com’s analysis of the situation, July 4, 2013
7. North Korea
8. North Africa: “The Great Restlessness”
9. Pray for Cambodia
10. Pakistan Taliban in Syria
11. A Harrowing Report from Aleppo, Syria
12. The First House of Prayer in Melanesia
13. Mexican Mayors Declare Jesus is Lord Over Their Cities
14. Drug Cartel Leader Captured in Mexico
15. G8 Prayer Initiative Report
16. 21 Days for Global Harvest 2013
17. Call2All Compassion and Justice
18. Prayer Training Resources from Transforming Sydney
19. Worldwide Day of Prayer for Grandparents, September 8, 2013
20. IPC Events Calendar
21. The IPC Website
22. About International Prayer Connect (IPC)
23. Donating to IPC through PayPal
24. Contacting the IPC Office 

Click Here

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 224 | Wed 21 Aug 2013

EGYPT: A TIME TO WEEP, MOURN AND PRAY

by Elizabeth Kendal

The present crisis in Egypt is the culmination of several strategic trends, particularly the arrival of 'democracy' after decades of Saudi-sponsored Islamic radicalisation in a State that is hurtling towards collapse. Egypt's population has exploded, doubling in one generation to more than 92 million. With a massive youth demographic, high unemployment (40 percent), high illiteracy (45 percent), critical food and fuel shortages and looming bankruptcy, Egypt is on the brink of becoming a failed State. Saudi money keeps Egypt afloat and the Saudis want their nemesis, the Muslim Brotherhood (which advocates republicanism), not just out of power, but crushed. In this, the interests of the Saudis, the Egyptian military and the Salafis converge.

As noted in RLPB 218 (10 July), the military staged their coup under the cover of anti-Morsi protests, ensuring that anti-Morsi elements would bear the blame and the brunt of reprisals. And 'no soft target so clearly represents opposition to Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) as the Coptic Church'. The military's actions may have halted the Muslim Brotherhood's consolidation of power and guaranteed the flow of Saudi aid, but their actions are making the situation worse. Violence against Christians has exploded. The military may even exploit this, rather than prevent it, to legitimise military violence, military rule and requests for military aid. As the guardians of the Suez Canal and the Sinai, the Egyptian military is essentially a law unto itself, something Morsi and the MB have failed to appreciate.

Meanwhile, the MB will do what it has always done best: play the victim. In late July terrorism analyst Yossef Bodansky reported: 'The Ikhwan's [MB's] spiritual guides are now calling for a violent intifada against the military: a confrontation where the military's superior firepower would create numerous martyrs, thus reinforcing and affirming the Ikhwan's own claim of victimhood.' This provides the context for the recent MB 'sit-ins'. According to Amnesty International, these protest sites were dangerous, violent places, where those who voiced objections were beaten, raped, tortured and killed. The sit-ins comprised bands of violent, armed MB supporters who provoked the military from behind a screen of human shields - thousands of women and children. What occurred on Wednesday 14 August, when the military went in as promised to disperse the sit-ins and clear the streets, was a massacre, a bloodbath. With some 900 dead it was doubtless much worse than the MB leadership imagined it would be, but a massacre was exactly what they sought, for propaganda purposes. [This is the very essence of Islamic asymmetric warfare.]

MB rage again fell on the Church. Over the next few days, churches, monasteries and other Christian properties, including schools and businesses, were torched and looted by rampaging MB supporters in Sohag, Minya, Beni Suef, Fayium, Asyut, Alexandria, Suez and Cairo. Bible Society bookshops in Assiut and Minia were destroyed. Three nuns taken out of the Franciscan school in Bani Suef were paraded like prisoners of war through mob-filled streets, until a courageous Muslim woman rescued them and took them into her home. Two other Christian women who fled from the school were observed being hit, groped and spat on as they fought their way through the mob.

Emergency Law has been established for one month, military officers have been installed as governors and 14 governorates now have 7pm-6am curfews. A low intensity but extremely violent insurgency will doubtless ensue. There are no good options. Remember, this is the same military that drove tanks into Copts at Maspero in October 2011, killing 28, when the Copts led protests against sectarian violence. This is the same military that bulldozed the security walls of Coptic monasteries in the wake of the fall of Mubarak, removing their security so Arab raiders and jihadis could attack and plunder them. General al-Sisi is a Morsi-appointed, pro-Salafi Islamist. To use the language of Isaiah, the convergence of trends has culminated in a 'mighty flood' of trouble. These are days to weep and mourn for Egypt (Ecclesiastes 3:4) but above all - to pray!

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT -

* God will pour his gracious love into the hearts of all Egypt's Christians (Romans 5:3-5), that they will respond in a supernatural way, following the teaching and example of Jesus Christ: loving their enemies, doing good to those who hate them, blessing those who curse them and praying for those who abuse them (Luke 6:27-36). [Never underestimate the miracle of this.]

* the Holy Spirit will give Egypt's Christians the grace and courage essential for witness to a confused, desperate, lost yet hope-seeking people, and the faith and hope essential for prayer to a faithful, loving, Sovereign yet prayer-responsive God. (Lamentations 3:55-66)

* by the grace of God, hope-energising righteousness and truth will shine from the churches (even those reduced to ashes) and from believers (even those reduced to poverty), that there will be a true awakening in Egypt.

* this nation - which once enslaved God's people, but which then received the Christ-child and the Gospel message of the Apostles, only to be ultimately invaded, conquered and enslaved to Islam - will be spiritually liberated to receive Christ and his Gospel yet again. (Isaiah 19:16-25)


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

EGYPT - A TIME TO WEEP, MOURN AND PRAY

The crisis in Egypt arises from the arrival of 'democracy' after decades of Saudi-sponsored Islamic radicalisation in a State hurtling towards collapse. Egypt is kept afloat by Saudi money and Saudi Arabia wants the crushing of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB), which advocates republicanism. In this, the interests of the Saudis, the Egyptian military and the Salafis converge. Fighting back, MB leaders have called for violent intifada against the military, which will create MB victims and 'martyrs' for propaganda purposes. But as the guardians of the Suez Canal and the Sinai, the Egyptian military - definitely no friend of Christians - will doubtless be able to do whatever it wants. There are no good options. Christian security is tenuous. These are days to weep and mourn, but above all, to pray!


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 for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC) by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and a member of the AEA RLC team. 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

Starting and Multiplying Prayer Movements

The first step is to pray. In Luke 10:2, the Lord invites us to pray and ask for laborers into the Harvest field. Seek Him to identify other prayer laborers in the community.

Secondly, look for where God is already at work. Identify existing prayer groups and networks that are already praying for the city. Explore the different types of prayer meetings that are going on in the community, how long they've been praying together and past attempts they've made to try to pray together with other groups.

Thirdly, identify any unresolved issues that might keep the community from praying together in humility and unity. Prayerfully seek reconciliation and possibly work together to resolve any problems.

Fourthly, Pray with and build relationship with prayer leaders in the community, i.e. pastors, intercessors, gatekeepers and ministry leaders. Call a community wide prayer gathering for the current leaders and intercessors within the community to meet one another and simply to pray together.

Discern together what the next steps should be for your community. Some cities will decide that the Pastors should meet weekly for prayer. Some will want an annual city prayer and worship gathering. Some cities start a 24/7 House of Prayer. Some communities start prayer walking troubled areas of their city. The goal should be an ongoing sustainable prayer movement that results in more disciples of Jesus, not just prayer events, but fostering a lifestyle of prayer for everyone.

Seek out resources that will help foster the prayer movement in your community and share them with those who are interested.

Pray Together and invite people to come together for prayer. Don’t just pray for people -  pray with people.

Discover God’s DNA for Your Community

Connect through Prayer

In working together to disciple believers, prayer is your foundation and source of strength. Your relationship with God fills you with His love, which overflows into the lives of those you are reaching. As you connect with Him you are more prepared to connect with others. Prayer is the vital communication we have with Him.

Ask God for His Vision

God knows how He wants to mobilize a move­ment in your area to reach and empower every person. Why not allow Him to orchestrate the movement? Ask God to give you His vision and heart for your community.

Establish a Foundation of Prayer

Building a local movement means making prayer intentional. With whom can you pray and who will pray for you? Here are some ideas:

+ Make prayer a consistent part of your network meeting.

+ Meet regularly in smaller prayer groups.

+ Take one or more days to have a group prayer summit.

+ Enlist local groups to pray for your network and the communities you want to reach, i.e. Moms in Prayer, Congregational prayer groups, etc.

+ Set up an online social networking group to share requests.

3D Prayer

Prayer can be multidirectional for your community.

+ Pray Up: Establish the vertical relationship with God through praise and thanksgiving.

+ Pray Across: Intercede for one another regularly and at gatherings.

+ Pray Out: Listen to God as He reveals your community’s needs and resources for the people in your community.

Prioritizing Prayer

In our network one leader served at a small church that had a prayer garden and we met there. Our prayers were about seeking His will, lifting up our kids, and our community.

As we prayed, I saw us mature with cohesive­ness and intimacy among us. Then we were prepared to truly help.

--Venetia Yates, Network Coordinator Bosque Farms, New Mexico

Connect through Prayer

How is your soul today? How can prayer help you in working together to transform people into disciple makers?

Ask God for His Vision

Take some time to pray right now. How do you sense God is moving in the lives of people in your community? When can you schedule some more time to get away, asking God what He has to say about reaching and equipping youth in your community?

Establishing Your Foundation

Who would be willing to pray for the people of your community? What action points can you set to get people praying together?

Praying in New Dimensions

How can you build prayer more intentionally into your networking times with other believers?

Additional resources

http://nationalprayercommittee.com

http://prayersummit.net

http://www.ihopkc.org

http://www.praynetwork.org

http://www.youthworkers.net/index.cfm/fuseaction/blog.view/BlogID/1550

I serve as the coordinator for the ACT3 prayer team. ACT3 is a ministry dedicated to "missional ecumenism" - challenging the splintered parts of the Body of Christ  to pray and serve and bear witness together. Another expression of "The whole Church showing and telling the whole Gospel to the whole nation and world."

      Why all the fascination with “Duck Dynasty” these days? Is it just another example of mindless cultural fluff, or is a profound spiritual message somehow involved?

      The A&E Network’s unlikely hit series is the second most watched original series on a cable channel. As you probably know by now, the show chronicles the Robertson clan, the rags-to-riches family that has turned making duck calls into a lucrative company called Duck Commander.

      On a recent media blitz in New York City, the bearded stars were asked by Matt Lauer on “The Today Show” whether “Duck Dynasty” episodes were “real” or scripted. Family patriarch Phil Robertson replied, “Most of the time we ad-lib. Think about it: Some TV producer out of L.A. is fixin’ to put words into our mouth? Gimme a break.”

      Jase, one of the Robertson sons, described the culture shock between the TV producers and the fiercely independent Louisianans: “They come up with ideas, and we just get to be ourselves in the situation.”

      Is that the secret to the amazing success of the Robertsons, after all—the fact that they “just get to be themselves”?

      In various other interviews, the Robertsons have discussed how crucial it is for them to “keep it real,” even in the face of constant pressure to compromise their faith and values. Success has its own temptations, but it would be deadly to the show’s success if the family tried to fit into some mold set by TV gurus.

      But I’ve admitted to some friends lately that I don’t always like “reality.” Yes, the truth will set us free (John 8:32), but first it often brings pain and dismay. I can see why some people prefer to live their whole life in a fantasy world.

      And have you ever wondered what people would see if YOUR life was a TV reality show? Would it be the most boring program ever, because you never do anything heroic or adventurous? Would you be embarrassed if hidden cameras caught a behind-the-scenes look at what’s really going on in your family or career?

      Perhaps the reality show cameras would reveal that your public persona is far different from who you truly are. As Jesus described the Pharisees, maybe you’re a hypocrite…a play actor…wearing a religious mask or “happy face” to hide your inner reality.

      Jesus once told a Samaritan woman who had bounced from one immoral relationship to another, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). There’s an important message here about whether we’re living lives that are authentic or phony.

      The Greek word translated “truth” is alētheia. In addition to meaning “truth” in terms of what is right and wrong (e.g., the truth of Scripture), alētheia has a much broader meaning. It can be translated as “reality,” and one Bible dictionary defines it as “candor of mind which is free from pretense, simulation, falsehood, or deceit.”

      Many people today are yearning for reality. Perhaps they’ve never classified themselves as a “seeker of truth,” but they’re tired of the phony, the fabricated, and the hyped.

      Yet, sadly, not everyone is ready to face the truth. Jack Nicholson’s character in “A Few Good Men” may have been right when he famously said, “You can’t HANDLE the truth!”

      Let’s be honest: At the same time as we applaud the “reality” of a program like “Duck Dynasty,” millions are also watching the un-reality of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”

      Do we even have a clue as to what is “real” anymore? Do we even care?

      As you’ve probably guessed, my concern isn’t whether the Robertsons or the Kardashians are living in reality or phoniness. My concern is for you and me.

      I pray you have some true friends who are helping you “keep it real”—people who refuse to allow you to drift into unreality and self-deception. Even though it’s unlikely you’ll ever be offered your own TV program, may the reality of Christ be evident in your life. Although people will be impacted little by what you PROFESS, they can be impacted greatly by the reality of what you POSSESS.

      While the Robertson clan has made a mark on the world through manufacturing duck calls, you probably won’t be attracting any ducks through your sincere walk with Jesus. But I predict you surely will succeed as a fisher of men (Matthew 4:19).

 It is only 23 days until Sunday, September 8, 2013. Thank you for sharing with your friends on Face book, Twitter, and your community about Grandparents Day of Prayer on September 8. It is imperative that we get the word out to all grandparents to unite in prayer for our dear grandchildren, especially as they are going back to school.

The beginning of the school year can be a stressful experience with new teachers, new classmates and many other new adult influences in a time of uncertainty. In public schools, our grandchildren are in an environment, which is not in a friendly moral or spiritual climate. However, grandparents can ask God to place a shield of protection around them as the enemy tries to distract them from the truth.

• Ask God to guide and protect your grandchildren physically, emotionally and spiritually, as they must navigate in a world unreceptive to the truth.
• Send your grandchildren a "Back to School" note to let them know you will be praying for their physical, emotional, and spiritual protection as they go back to school.
• We need your help to promote the Day of Prayer on National Grandparents Day. If you are on Facebook, ask your online community to join us as we stand in the gap for our grandchildren, not only on September 8 but at all times.
• Go to our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GrandparentDayOfPrayer?ref=hl to “like” us to receive additional grandparenting resources. Then share this post with your Face book community.
• Please email me and let me know how you are planning to participate with other grandparents on September 8 to pray for your grandchildren.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at info@grandparentingwithapurpose.com.
• To learn more go to www.christiangrandparenting.net./day-of-prayer/.

“Above, all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

Lillian Penner, Coordinator,

Email: info@grandparentingwithapurpose.com

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 223 | Wed 14 Aug 2013

KAZAKHSTAN: PASTOR VICTIM OF SOVIET-ERA METHODS

by Elizabeth Kendal

The population of Kazakhstan is 63 percent Turkic (mostly ethnic Kazakhs) and 31 percent Slavic (mostly ethnic Russians). It is 54 percent Muslim, 34 percent non-religious and 12 percent Christian (who are overwhelmingly Orthodox). Protestant fellowships are viewed with suspicion, derided in the media and targeted in policy as 'new religious movements' (cults) and 'foreign'. Religious liberty has been in decline for several years, in line with the loss of US influence. The treatment being suffered by several dissidents (including a Protestant pastor) indicates Kazakhstan is returning to Soviet-era methods of social control. The President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, was appointed Prime Minister of the Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan in April 1990. He has continued on as President since the break-up of the USSR.

Lyazzat Almenova (34) is a member of Grace Church in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana. In July 2011 her mother alleged that her daughter had developed paranoid schizophrenia as a result of Pastor Bakhytzhan Kashkumbayev's religious services, an assessment confirmed in September 2012 by a state 'expert'. In October 2012 authorities launched a criminal investigation into Pastor Kashkumbayev (66) 'for causing considerable harm to the psychological health' of a church member. On 17 May 2013 Pastor Kashkumbayev was arrested, accused of violating Criminal Code Article 103, Part 1: 'Intentional inflicting of serious harm to health'. In court, the prosecutor alleged that 'the crime was carried out by Kashkumbayev under the guise of carrying out charitable and religious activity by means of exerting psychological influence on church members, including using stupefying substances with the aim of collecting gifts for the use of the association'.

Lyazzat Almenova, who has been subjected to forced psychiatric treatment by the state, told Forum 18 that Pastor Kashkumbayev is 'totally innocent and has not harmed my health at all'. In a letter to the Astana Prosecutor's Office, Almenova claims she is psychiatrically healthy and the psychiatric assessment conducted on her in September 2012 was conducted illegally; she appealed for the case against Pastor Kashkumbayev to be dropped. Likewise, other church members are adamant that Pastor Kashkumbayev has not done anything wrong nor has he harmed anyone. The 'stupefying substances' alleged to have been administered have turned out to be nothing other than the readily available red tea used by Grace Church as a non-alcoholic communion wine. With the case against Kashkumbayev falling apart, the authorities appear to be making moves to save face.

Astana Police Investigator Vyacheslav Glazkov has ordered that Kashkumbayev's detention be extended until 17 August so he can undergo further psychiatric assessments. On 19 July Pastor Kashkumbayev was transferred to Almaty City Detention Centre No. 2, from where he would be transferred to the Almaty City Psychological-Psychiatric Assessment Centre. Pastor Kashkumbayev protested, writing in a letter that, while he does suffer many physical ailments, he knows he is 'psychologically healthy'.

Kazakhstan's use of forced psychiatric treatment on dissidents has drawn international condemnation. Kashkumbayev now fears that the authorities may move to whitewash his case by having him committed as insane. 'In order to make me mad they will inject me with special substances,' he writes. 'Because of this I announce [a] hunger strike and refuse to leave for the psychiatric ward.' Kashkumbayev's lawyer warned his client that this could be really dangerous but Kashkumbayev was unmoved. He has expressed the fear that 'it will not take much for the authorities to make me a vegetable', pleading, 'I am begging you to protect me.' Since he was forcibly moved to the Almaty Psychiatric Centre, Kashkumbayev's family and lawyer have not heard anything.

Prosecutor Alen Tlenchiyev confirmed to Forum 18, 'Kashkumbayev is charged with the serious crime of inflicting serious harm on the health of citizens. [He] prayed for the sick, and psychologically influenced [Church members] . . . [and] 'people's health was harmed as a total result of his actions.' Pastor Kashkumbayev's son, Askar, believes the police investigator is trying to find evidence that does not exist. 'He may also hope that my father will be diagnosed as mentally ill so he can close the case now that there is so much international attention to it.' As Forum 18 notes, this would allow the Pastor to be confined in a psychiatric hospital. 'Our only hope,' said Askar, 'is the support we can get from wider public and international community. The local news media publish materials against my father. It looks like the authorities are intent on punishing my father.'

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT -

* the ever-present Lord of Hosts will shield, protect and deliver Pastor Kashkumbayev.

'Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me. Arise, O Lord! Confront him [the enemy], subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword, from men by your hand, O Lord, from men of the world whose portion is in this life.' (Psalm 17:7,8,13,14 ESV)

* the Lord, who does not approve of abuse and injustice (Lamentations 3:34-36), will intervene in Kazakhstan to reverse its slide into darkness. May Kazakhstan's citizens be awakened to reject and protest this shameful and dangerous regression.

* God will give Kazakhstan's Protestant and independent Christian fellowships great wisdom, courage and grace in these delicate and difficult days. May the Holy Spirit bless their gospel witness with effectual transforming power.


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

PASTOR IN KAZAKHSTAN VICTIM OF SOVIET-ERA METHODS

Lyazzat Almenova (34) is a member of Grace Church in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana. In 2011 her mother made allegations against the church, claiming the pastor had caused her daughter to become 'schizophrenic'. After a state 'expert' confirmed the diagnosis, the police started investigating Pastor Kashkumbayev (66). He was arrested, accused of 'praying for the sick' and thereby 'psychologically influencing' church members so that their health is harmed. He is also accused of using 'stupefying substances' (which turned out to be the non-alcoholic red tea used in communion) to 'collect gifts' (church offerings) from members. With the prosecution's case collapsing, Pastor Kashkumbayev has been sent to the Almaty City Psychological-Psychiatric Assessment Centre. There are great fears for his well being there. Please pray for him, Kazakhstan and its 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 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 for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC) by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and a member of the AEA RLC team.

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

“I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive…. But you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16).
 
We all want fellowship. We feel sad when we get lonely. We all want relationship with God, but how many of us know how to really fellowship with the Holy Spirit? Multitudes of believers never develop a relationship with the very one who dwells inside of them. So many of us feel like orphans all alone with no Father, no one to guide and help us through life.
 
The Holy Spirit wants our friendship! We are His temple (1 Cor. 3:9, 16-17; 6: 17, 19). He knows everything about everything.
 
He wants to reveal the deep things of God to us (1 Cor. 2:9). He wants to gives us His power and strength. A lady went to a jeweler to get her watch fixed. He disappeared and came back quickly with her watch running perfectly. She asked him, “How could you fix it in such a short time?” He told her that it only needed a small battery. All this time the lady had been trying to wind the watch. She didn’t know she only needed a battery to keep it running. 
 
This is so much like the Christian life. Many times we do not realize the inner power that we have in the Holy Spirit. He can run everything in our life, but so often we think we have to take matters into our own hands. So we live a powerless life. The lack of reality, godliness, power, and fruit in our lives is due to unbelief and our lack of fellowship with the Holy Spirit. We need to go deeper in partnership with the Holy Spirit if we want to live powerful lives. 

Many of us are living life with a dead battery. We feel dead inside. We must begin fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit. He will bring life to our hearts! He will show us the way to really live and find fulfilment.
 
How to Learn to Fellowship with the Holy Spirit
 
Fellowship with the Holy Spirit is not complicated. It’s all about a two-way dialogue. We learn to share our hearts freely with the Spirit. We start the conversation, and He speaks back to us. But we must stay engaged. He wants our heart connection. Out of our abiding connection with the Holy Spirit will flow all the issues of life (love, joy, peace, etc.) or death (Proverbs 4:23, Song of Songs 4:12, 16; 5:1; 6:2, John 7:38).

Learn to linger in His presence without rushing. Speak affectionately, slowly, softly, and briefly with short phrases to Him. Pause and listen to His still, small voice. Journal your thoughts and what you believe He is saying to you.

One way to enhance your fellowship with the Holy Spirit is by using these 5 practical phrases using the acrostic T-R-U-S-T.

• T - Thank you - Thank the Holy Spirit for His indwelling presence. We approach God through thanksgiving (Psalm 100:1-5). Pray, “Thank you Holy Spirit for your presence in me, for your guidance, etc. I love your leadership…”
  
  
• R - Release revelation - Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you His heart and open your eyes to the realm of His glory. Ephesians 1:17-19 is a great prayer to pray. Pray, “Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see the realm of God’s glory. Open the eyes of my understanding, give me the spirit of wisdom and understanding, etc.”
  
  
• U - Use me - Ask the Holy Spirit to use you more and more. Put your sails up and expect Him to use you every day. Pray, “Thank you Holy Spirit for releasing your power and gifts through my life. Use me fully for your glory…”
  
  
• S - Strengthen me - Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your mind, will, and emotions with His divine might so that you may contain more of His wisdom, fruit, and gifts. See Ephesians 3:16. Pray, “Thank you Holy Spirit for your love, patience, joy, etc. Increase my capacity to contain more of your wisdom, gifts, and fruit…”
  
  
• T - Teach me - Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you about God’s Word and ways. Ask Him to manifest His leadership in every area of your life. He will order your steps and give you new and creative ideas. See John 14:26 and 16:13. Pray, “Holy Spirit let me see what you see and feel what you feel. Release it with power through my life…”

The river that flows from the throne of God is the Spirit. Jesus said that out of your innermost being shall flow rivers of living water (John 7:38). The Bible describes 5 facets of the Holy Spirit’s activity in us as light, wind, fire, wine, and a river. In John 3:8 and Acts 2:2, the Spirit is described as the sound of a violent, rushing wind. My husband, Norm, is from Buffalo, New York where Niagara Falls is located. We often visit the falls and are always amazed at that violent, gushing waterfall. It is powerful and sounds like the violent, rushing wind. Look at the activity of the Holy Spirit in our lives as we fellowship with Him:

• Bright Light - gives life (John 1:4; 8:12), purifies, unifies, empowers (1 John 1:5-7), illuminates mind with revelation, truth, and direction (Psalm 43:3; Luke 12:35-36; John 8:32; 2 Cor. 4:4, 6), and overcomes the works of darkness (John 1:4-5; 3:19-21; Acts 26:18; 2 Cor. 4:3-6; James 1:7).
  
  
• Mighty Wind - gives divine strength, stirs hunger, imparts desire (Phil. 2:13), releases fresh creativity (John 3:8), and inspires, directs, and empowers the Church (Acts 2:2-4; 8:26-40).
  
  
• Consuming Fire - energizes (Acts 2:4), tenderizes our hearts, devours that which hinders love (Hebrews 12:29, Luke 24:32, John 5:35), and imparts God’s jealous affection for us (Deut. 4:24; Psalm 79:5; Song of Songs 8:6; Ezek. 23:25; 38:19; Zeph. 1:18; 3:8).
  
  
• New Wine - awakens the sleeping and revives (Song of Songs 7:9), imparts the Father’s love (Song of Songs 2:4-5), strengthens heart, refreshes soul (Isa. 28:12), releases joy and thanksgiving (Mt. 9:17; Mk. 2:22; Lk. 5:37-38; Acts 2:13; 15; Eph. 5:18-19).
  
  
• Flowing River - invigorates, rejuvenates, restores, and satisfies the soul (John 7:37-39).

An author named Jamie Buckingham visited a dam on the Columbia River. He thought that the water spilling over the top gave the dam its’ power, but he was absolutely wrong. That was only the froth. The turbines and generators deep within transformed the power of tons and tons of water into electricity. All of this was happening quietly and without notice deep within.

In the same way, it is the Holy Spirit who is working deep within each of our lives. He gives us the power. It isn’t the flashy froth like in this dam, but it is His deep work in our lives that gives us real spiritual power and makes us like a river of living water. 

Without the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing. Our life depends on it. We must know His power!  

“It must be perfectly obvious to anyone that what the whole church needs from top to bottom is a deeper conversion, a profounder experience of the power of the Holy Spirit.” Samuel Shoemaker

The Holy Spirit wants to fellowship with us in life in a deeper dimension than we have ever experienced or dreamed possible. He wants to have His strength and power operating within us—He wants to give us His wisdom—He wants to participate in everything we are doing. When we pray, He wants to pray with us and through us. He wants to transform everything that we do with His glorious power. We must learn to fellowship with the Holy Spirit every day in order to go deeper in our prayer lives. This is an absolute necessity.

“This is more than the Spirit with a portion of Christ’s influence and power. This is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the glorified Jesus in His exaltation and power, coming to us as the Spirit of the indwelling Jesus, revealing the Son and the Father within us (John 14:16-23). This Spirit cannot simply be the Spirit of our hours of prayer. It must be the Spirit of our whole lives and walks, glorifying Jesus in us by revealing the completeness of His work and making us wholly one with Him and like Him. Then we can pray in His name, because we are truly one with Him. Then we have the immediate access to the Father of which Jesus said, “I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you” (John 16:26). Andrew Murray
 

• 4 books on prayer and intercession with a 20% discount on each book - Use the discount code – PL6G7Y59.
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• Have your friends sign up for Intercessors Arise here!
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Debbie Przybylski
Intercessors Arise International
International House of Prayer (IHOP) KC Staff
deb@intercessorsarise.org
www.intercessorsarise.org

Christian Grandparenting Network is asking grandparents throughout the world to become part of the solution of our troubled world by joining in prayer on National Grandparents' Day on September 8 by making it a Day of Prayer.

Our dear grandchildren will be going back to school soon, in some areas, two of mine are starting next week. Grandparents generally tend to be concerned about their grandchildren's spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and educational environment.

However, Paul tells us in God's word, "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, `will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." ¹ God will displace our worry with peace when we commit our concerns to Him. Our prayers may not be answered according to our agenda but they will be answered in God's way in His timing.

 A family’s faith can be lost in one generation; but grandparents can be defenders of our faith to prevent this loss. Life can be full of disappointments and crises, and if our children and grandchildren turn their backs on their heritage of faith, they will face the challenges and trials of life without God in a chaotic world.

Will you invite your friends who are grandparents to join you for intentional prayer for our grandchildren, not only on September 8 but also throughout the year?

Will you go to https://www.facebook.com/GrandparentDayOfPrayer, if you are on Facebook to indicate your participation to join grandparents worldwide for this Day of Prayer? -

¹ Philippians 4:6, 7 (The Message)

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 222 | Wed 07 Aug 2013

SYRIA: TERROR AND SIEGE IN THE NORTH

by Elizabeth Kendal

The Syrian Arab Army is based in Damascus (in the south), Syria's political capital. The north is logistically difficult to defend as heavy military hardware needs to travel long distances along exposed, open roads and a long supply-line needs to be maintained. Just months ago the regime won a strategic victory in liberating Qusair (south). Now it is ascendant in the 'rebel capital' of Homs (central) in the north-south, Aleppo-Damascus corridor. However, it is still a long way to Aleppo, meaning the stalemate and siege are set to go on for some time yet. Meanwhile, the regime essentially has abandoned the remote north-east.

CHRISTIANS ABANDONED IN THE NORTH-EAST

Adjoining north-western Iraq's Nineveh Province and the Kurdish region of eastern Turkey, north-eastern Syria's Deir al-Zour and Hasakah provinces have long been home to sizable Kurdish and Christian populations who are Syriacs, Armenians and Assyrians. The region is being fought over by Kurds and jihadists, with Turkey supporting and arming al-Qaeda's al-Nusrah Front to fight the Kurds as it does not want to see an independent Kurdish state established in Syria. Across the north-east, towns and villages are slowly being emptied of Christians, as believers - who are totally defenceless - flee for their lives. Kidnappings, extortion and forced conversions are endemic. When al-Qaeda's al-Nusrah Front seized control of al-Thawrah on the Euphrates River in Ar-Raqqah province (north central Syria), Christians fled leaving behind everything, which was looted then as war booty by Muslims. Today the roads in Ar-Raqqah are full of jihadists, making travel exceedingly dangerous. Displaced Christians, desperate to return to their own homes and jobs, are being told they will have to convert to Islam - otherwise they will be killed. For these Christians, having lost everything, the future is bleak indeed.

THE SIEGE OF ALEPPO

Aleppo, in the north-west, has long been Syria's commercial heart. Aleppo's two million residents are predominantly loyalists, most being secular-minded, business-oriented Sunnis, as well as a 10 percent Christian minority. The rebels who have besieged Aleppo are overwhelmingly outsiders, being rural, madrassas-educated fundamentalist Sunnis and foreign jihadis. Having captured large tracts of Aleppo, they despise the locals as loyalists and abuse them, accusing them of being 'Shabiha' (pro-Assad militias). The rebels are also blockading all aid from government-held areas, creating siege conditions.

According to a Protestant pastor in Aleppo, real hunger is driving many Christians to make the dangerous journey on foot into rebel-held territory in search of food. If food is to be found, it will be at exorbitant prices. For example, bread was 15 Lira per kg, now 225 Lira; cheese was 180-200 Lira, now 1200 Lira; powdered milk was 290 Lira, now 2000 Lira; an egg was 3 Lira, now 25 Lira. Meat, fuel, infant formula and medicines are nowhere to be seen. Without work, nobody has income and their money is running out.

On 1 August Christian aid and advocacy group Barnabas Fund (BF) published a harrowing report on the situation in Aleppo. BF's partner in Aleppo, an aid worker supplying food, water and medical care, describes a humanitarian catastrophe brought about by the rebel blockade and constant kidnappings. He reports that rebel-fired mortars are constantly landing in Christian districts, causing serious, crippling and fatal injuries to believers, young and old. Hundreds have been kidnapped, including minors, usually while trying to flee. Great effort goes into just resisting pessimism and despair. He quotes Habakkuk 3:17,18; Psalm 27:1 and Micah 7:7,8.

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT -

* our God, who created the heavens and the earth with a word from his mouth, will work multitudes of little miracles every day: to enable safe travel, to shield from shrapnel, to provide food, water and medical aid, to enable secure and efficient money transfers, to bringing comfort and enable healing and to sustain faith.

The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever. (Psalm 28:8,9 ESV)

* the Lord of Hosts will effect a breakthrough to end the siege of Aleppo.

* Islam will be totally discredited in Syria as being a highway to death and may the God of grace reveal himself to Syrians. 'Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."' (John 8:12 ESV)


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

TERROR AND SIEGE IN SYRIA'S NORTH

The Syrian Arab Army is based in Damascus (in the south), Syria's political capital. Distance makes the north difficult to defend. The north-east effectively has been abandoned to be contested by Kurds and al-Qaeda-linked jihadis. Kidnapping, extortion, forced conversions, looting and killing are endemic, and Christians, who are essentially defenceless, are fleeing. Aleppo, in the north-west, is Syria's commercial capital, having some 2 million mostly loyalist, secular-minded, business-oriented residents, with a 10 percent Christian minority. The city is now divided into rebel-held and government-held territories. The rebels are blockading the government-held districts, creating siege conditions. Hunger is escalating. Because Aleppo is difficult to defend, the stalemate and siege could go on for some time yet. Please pray for Syria, the Aleppo siege and that God will care for his people.


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 for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC) by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and a member of the AEA RLC team.

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