Pray Network Forum

This psalm/prayer was written by David after he left the palace of the king of the Amalekites.

Here is the story in brief:  This event happened in the middle of the 8 years when Saul was chasing David all around that part of the world to eliminate what he thought was threat to his kingship.  David thought that he could offer his military services to the Amalekites in exchange for a place to live.  He had not been in the palace for long when he realized that the king was terrified of him and was going to look for a reason to kill him.

So when David was brought before him, David acted crazy.  He had spittle and drool all over his beard, face and clothes.  He also talked with great fervency about strange things.

The king listened for few minutes that said to his guards to throw him out of the city because he had enough crazy people in his kingdom without adding a crazy Jew to the mix.

You have to admit for a little while David was facing the junkiest thing possible – death.  In this life we all have junk that weighs us down.  It sometimes mounts up to a huge pile that seems to overwhelm us and often leads to depression.  In these three verses David gives us a very useful tool to use when faced with all the junk that naturally comes our way.  He says:

I will praise the Lord all the time.  That’s pretty much all-inclusive.

His praises will be the dominant thing that I say.  That covers just about all of life.

As a matter of fact my whole life will be praise to the Lord.  I will do it so much that even those who are poor (in spiritual matters and economic matters) will also praise Him.

Then David talks to you and me when he says: Come on glorify the Lord with me and let’s praise His name together.

If you are being overwhelmed with the JUNK of life, let me suggest to you with David to praise the Lord. 

In my father’s latter years he and I used to play golf.  Every time as we were on the first tee, he would say: “What a beautiful day the Lord has given us.  It’s so good to be alive in it.”  I could never understand his unabashed optimism because some of those days were lousy, cold, rainy, sleety and miserable days.  Yet there he was praising God for the great day.  Now many years later I understand why he was praising God for everything.  It was because he knew that without that praise the biggest piece of junk in life was staring at him would overwhelm him.  He was in the last half of the stages of terminal cancer.

As I was writing these words to the song Praise the Lord by Russ Taff flooded over my mind:

When you’re up against a struggle, that shatters all your dreams

And your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan’s manifested schemes

And you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fear

Don’t let the faith you’re standing in seem to disappear

Praise the Lord, He will work through those who praise Him

Praise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise

Praise the Lord, for the chains that seem to bind you

Serve only to remind you that they drop powerless behind you

When you praise Him

Would you join me in prayer and praise to the Lord.  He lives in our praise.  If that praise in coming from us as a lifestyle then the Living God moves in and inhabits us even more.  That means that something is forced out and that is the JUNK of life.

Praise the LORD!

This psalm/prayer was written by David after he left the palace of the king of the Amalekites.

Here is the story in brief:  This event happened in the middle of the 8 years when Saul was chasing David all around that part of the world to eliminate what he thought was threat to his kingship.  David thought that he could offer his military services to the Amalekites in exchange for a place to live.  He had not been in the palace for long when he realized that the king was terrified of him and was going to look for a reason to kill him.

So when David was brought before him, David acted crazy.  He had spittle and drool all over his beard, face and clothes.  He also talked with great fervency about strange things.

The king listened for few minutes that said to his guards to throw him out of the city because he had enough crazy people in his kingdom without adding a crazy Jew to the mix.

You have to admit for a little while David was facing the junkiest thing possible – death.  In this life we all have junk that weighs us down.  It sometimes mounts up to a huge pile that seems to overwhelm us and often leads to depression.  In these three verses David gives us a very useful tool to use when faced with all the junk that naturally comes our way.  He says:

I will praise the Lord all the time.  That’s pretty much all-inclusive.

His praises will be the dominant thing that I say.  That covers just about all of life.

As a matter of fact my whole life will be praise to the Lord.  I will do it so much that even those who are poor (in spiritual matters and economic matters) will also praise Him.

Then David talks to you and me when he says: Come on glorify the Lord with me and let’s praise His name together.

If you are being overwhelmed with the JUNK of life, let me suggest to you with David to praise the Lord. 

In my father’s latter years he and I used to play golf.  Every time as we were on the first tee, he would say: “What a beautiful day the Lord has given us.  It’s so good to be alive in it.”  I could never understand his unabashed optimism because some of those days were lousy, cold, rainy, sleety and miserable days.  Yet there he was praising God for the great day.  Now many years later I understand why he was praising God for everything.  It was because he knew that without that praise the biggest piece of junk in life was staring at him would overwhelm him.  He was in the last half of the stages of terminal cancer.

As I was writing these words to the song Praise the Lord by Russ Taff flooded over my mind:

When you’re up against a struggle, that shatters all your dreams

And your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan’s manifested schemes

And you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fear

Don’t let the faith you’re standing in seem to disappear

Praise the Lord, He will work through those who praise Him

Praise the Lord, for our God inhabits praise

Praise the Lord, for the chains that seem to bind you

Serve only to remind you that they drop powerless behind you

When you praise Him

Would you join me in prayer and praise to the Lord.  He lives in our praise.  If that praise in coming from us as a lifestyle then the Living God moves in and inhabits us even more.  That means that something is forced out and that is the JUNK of life.

Praise the LORD!

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 178 | Wed 26 Sep 2012

by Elizabeth Kendal

It was for the 'sick' / sinners that Jesus came, not for the 'well' / righteous (Mark 2:15-17). And it is by his stripes that we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). Pray that these troubled lands will know spiritual awakening; that the LORD may come with healing in his wings (Malachi 4:2). All the while keep praying for the Church, that she might not only endure, but through Christ, overcome (John 16:33). 


SEPTEMBER 2012 UPDATE - During September we prayed concerning . . .

* A SAUDI CONVERT named Maryam (RLPB 175), who had fled the kingdom for liberty and sanctuary in the West. According to the Saudi Gazette, Interpol has been enlisted to help track down the 'girl' who Saudi authorities claim is a victim of traffickers. A Lebanese Christian man (50) is accused of 'coercing' Maryam (28) into Christianity, while a Saudi man is accused of helping 'smuggle' her out of the kingdom. They were due to face court on 15 September. No update is available.

* RIMSHA MASIH & YOUCEF NADARKHANI (RLPB 176), who both walked 'free' from prison on the weekend of 8-9 September, yet remain seriously imperilled.

UPDATE: Rimsha's case has been referred to a juvenile court; the next hearing is set for 1 October. Though Rimsha will doubtless be exonerated, due primarily to her age and mental capacity, her life is still gravely endangered. Pray for her. Pray also for Asia Bibi, a Christian wife and mother of five, who languishes in jail, sentenced to death for insulting Islam. Two Pakistani politicians have been assassinated while trying to defend her.

* THE FILM RIOTS (RLPB 177), which are being used to justify calls for international criminalisation of criticism of Islam.

UPDATE: CHRISTIAN SECURITY

PAKISTAN - MUSLIMS TEAR UP BIBLES, BURN CHURCH, BEAT BOY. On Friday 21 September a mob of several hundred Muslims attacked St Paul's Lutheran Church in Mardan city, some 60km north-west of Peshawar, as they returned from a rally against the film 'Innocence of Muslims'. Security had been provided, but it could not hold off the attackers who had come armed with kerosene and guns. The Muslims broke into the church, desecrated the altar and tore up Bibles and prayer books. They then set fire to the property, holding off fire-fighters so that the 82-year-old church, its adjoining school, library, computer lab and four clergy homes, along with several cars and motorcycles, were all totally razed. The Muslim mob also beat and hospitalised Zeeshan Chand, the 17-year-old son of a pastor. Islamic belligerence is escalating and Christians are understandably fearful.

UPDATE: FREEDOM OF SPEECH The 67th sitting of the United Nations General Assembly (UN GA) is under way in New York. High on the agenda is whether the right to freedom of speech includes the right to criticise religion (specifically Islam). The Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), along with its allies and lackeys, are arguing that violent Islamic rioting is the unfortunate yet unavoidable consequence of 'defamation' of Islam. Once 'defamation' or criticism of Islam is re-branded as incitement (already criminal), the OIC and its supporters will insist that legal instruments and protocols be established so that UN Resolution 16/18 can be implemented and those who 'defame' or criticise Islam can be arrested and punished. [UN Resolution16/18, which equates 'defamation' with incitement, was passed in the UN Human Rights Council in March 2011.] All the while the OIC will insist that this is not to protect Islam from criticism, but to protect the world from Islamic violence.

World leaders must reject this blame-the-victim, schoolyard-bully reasoning, for it will lead simply to the Islamisation of human rights. The Qur'an says that if we do not forbid what Islam forbids, then Muslims are ordered to fight us until we do (Sura 9:29 http://quran.com/9/29 ). It also states that we shall all submit, if not willingly, then by force (Sura 13:15 http://quran.com/13/15 ).

UPDATE: AWAKENING According to Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) several Arab writers have stepped up to criticise harshly the uncivilised behaviour of the rioting mobs, blaming Arab and Muslim society for this backwardness. One Arab writer asked, 'How would Christian society respond [to an offensive image]? What would its discourse [in response to such an offence] be like? [The image] would likely evoke cold and mocking responses. The Christian intellectual would smile and launch a scathing criticism within Christian society ... How can we convince the Western citizen that this religion [Islam] is respectable, when all he sees is extremism and terrorism?' Pray that Muslims will seek and find the truth that will set them free.

With the highly offensive, blasphemous art of Andres Serrano due to go on display in New York from 27 September, pray that Christians will respond rightly with exemplary God-honouring, Christ-glorifying, Spirit-led answers.

'But I [Jesus] say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you' (Matthew 5:44 NKJV).

'. . . always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.' (1 Peter 3:15b,16 NKJV)


SEPTEMBER 2012 ROUND-UP - also this month . . .

* IRAQ, KIRKUK: AFFLICTED BUT NOT CRUSHED On Sunday evening 16 September a bomb hidden in a bag exploded at the door of the Chaldean Catholic cathedral in Kirkuk. Fortunately nobody was injured and only material damage was sustained. The following Saturday some 150 Christian youths held a day of prayer and fasting where they asked the Lord for peace in Kirkuk and across Iraq. The Chaldean archbishop, Msgr Louis Sako, commended the youths, noting that the church in Iraq may be afflicted, but it is not crushed (2 Corinthians 4:8). At the end of the day, other believers joined the youths in a celebration of the Lord's Supper. Pray for the Church in Iraq.


* NIGERIA: GOOD NEWS & BAD

GOOD NEWS - The Nigerian military Joint Task Force (JTF) has had some significant successes against Boko Haram. On Monday 17 September, in a joint operation in Kano with State Security Services (SSS), Boko Haram's spokesman and media co-ordinator, Abu Qaqa, was killed and two senior leaders were captured. The next day the JTF seized control of Boko Haram's command and control centre in Kano. The heavily booby-trapped hideout was full of bomb-making equipment, weapons, motorbikes, computer equipment, a generator and numerous Islamic religious books. On 20 September the JTF reported it had killed two senior Boko Haram militants in Maiduguri and uncovered a well-equipped operations base and a substantial weapons cache that included 39 primed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). On 23 September, after a gun battle in Damaturu, a JTF operation culminated in the death of 35 militants, the arrest of 60, and the recovery of a large cache of weapons. On 25 September one senior Boko Haram leader was killed and 156 militants arrested in a JTF operation in Adamawa. A huge weapons cache was recovered, including some 300 IEDs. Please thank God and continue to pray for a breakthrough against Boko Haram.

BAD NEWS - On Sunday night 2 September Boko Haram militants, armed with explosives and petrol bombs, torched the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) in Marte, 140km north of Maiduguri. At 9am on Sunday 23 September a suicide bomber drove to St John's Catholic Church in Bauchi intending to detonate his explosives inside the church grounds. However, all cars and worshippers were being screened for security at barricades well outside the church perimeter. Realising he would not gain access to the church the bomber rammed his car directly into the queue of worshippers and detonated, killing a woman and an eight-year-old boy, and wounding a further 48 people. Please continue to uphold the Nigerian Church in prayer. This is very much a spiritual battle.


* SOMALIA: GOOD NEWS & BAD

GOOD NEWS - Kenya, Somali and African Union troops are making great gains against al Shabaab. A battle is presently raging for the stronghold of Kismayo. Please continue to pray for a breakthrough against al Shabaab.

BAD NEWS - The battle has displaced many thousands of Somali civilians; it has also forced al Shabaab to retreat north towards Gedo, where the Somali, Kenya and Ethiopia borders meet. This could lead to an escalation in terrorism and revenge killings, particularly over the border in Mandera, Kenya. Also, Kenyan Christian aid workers Janet Kanga, Martin Kioko and Abdinoor Boru remain in captivity (see RLPB 174). The three were serving with International Aid Services when they were taken hostage on 11 July 2012. Pray for God to sustain, protect and deliver them. Pray for the remnant Church in war-ravaged Somalia.


To view this RLPB with hyperlinks, go to 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. 


For more information, updates and helpful links see Elizabeth Kendal's blog 'Religious Liberty Monitoring'

http://elizabethkendal.blogspot.com

Previous RLPBs may be viewed at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

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 is Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology.

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 think one of the reasons people struggle with prayer or fail to grow is that they don't have any idea how to evaluate their prayer life.  We can fairly readily break our physical health down into some core components of strength, flexibility, cardio fitness, etc.  But, what about our spiritual health?

Over the summer, while on a sabbatical, I came to recognize 5 core components of a healthy, growing, prayer life.  I call these core components, the 5 Pillars of Life Changing Prayer.  I also came to realize that each of these pillars, can be consciously strengthened through different prayer practices.  

In the following video, I share what those 5 Pillars are.  I would love to hear your feedback.

Has there been a life-changing prayer somewhere along the way in your journey? Gordon MacDonald describes the recurring prayer that has changed his life. 

Perhaps you've heard of it—the Serenity Prayer. It's often associated with Alcoholics Anonymous. But as Gordon reveals, it's not just for alcoholics. You'll appreciate The Prayer That Changes ME

If prayer is more about aligning our life with God, rather than trying to get God to do our bidding, then Gordon's account will help you pray ever more effectively.

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 177 | Wed 19 Sep 2012

PRAYING THROUGH THE RIOTS

by Elizabeth Kendal

The current 'Film riots' bear many similarities to the 'Cartoon Intifada' of February 2006. The Danish cartoons had been published months earlier - even republished in Cairo during Ramadan (Nov 2005) - to no effect. Similarly, the offensive film, 'Innocence of Muslims', has been available on Youtube for many months. The 'Cartoon Intifada' was incited by Arab-Islamic leaders ahead of the scheduled April 2006 sitting of the UN Human Rights Commission (UNHRC). It was anticipated that at that sitting the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance would present his conclusion as to whether or not defamation of religion should be banned. Similarly, the 'Film riots' were initially incited (so it seems) by Islamists, as a cover for planned 9/11 'revenge' attacks on US embassies in Cairo and Benghazi. Because decades of radicalisation have created a tinderbox, Islamists only need to strike a spark to get the fire of arrogant, hateful rage burning. Fanned by social media, it spread quickly around the globe.

As with the cartoons, the film is far less offensive than much of the anti-Christian material that offends, hurts and sickens Christians - who do not riot. Indeed, the Internet is full of anti-Islamic material that is far more offensive than the Danish cartoons or 'Innocence of Muslims'. For rioters, this is less about offence and more about the fact that Islam demands universal respect and criminalises non-submission. Meanwhile fear motivates the appeasers.

In praying through this crisis, there are three things we should particularly remember.

1. CHRISTIAN SECURITY
As security is tightened around embassies and US economic interests, Islamists may well turn their anger to softer targets with perceived US ties and/or sympathies such as Christians and churches. The riots could evolve into a grinding, communal jihad or terror campaign. We must pray concerning Christian security in these times, especially in places where Christians are already a persecuted, vulnerable minority. The situation for the Copts, Egypt's indigenous Christians, is especially perilous.

2. FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Islam's religious totalitarian, apostaphobic dictators live in constant fear that, given a chance, the masses will apostasise (leave Islam). These religious dictators will doubtless seek to exploit the crisis to advance their goal of having criticism of Islam criminalised internationally. As was done after the Cartoon Intifada, the riots are being put forward as the reason why criticism of Islam must be banned. Muslims should regard this as profoundly offensive as it implies that they are easily provoked and incapable of responding in a civilised manner. On the other hand, non-Muslims should regard this as an Islamic threat.

The Grand Sheikh of Cairo's al-Azhar University, Professor Dr Ahmad at-Tayyib, has already released a statement calling on the UN to enact international laws that will punish those who insult or defame Islam. Egypt has issued arrest warrants for eight Americans (including seven Copts) who they charge have defamed Islam. They will be tried in absentia and may well be sentenced to death, possibly heralding a new wave of 'Salman Rushdies'. (On 16 September, Iran increased the bounty on Rushdie's head by half a million dollars to $US 3.3 million.) Egypt wants Interpol to issue wanted notices for the accused. Pakistan also has appealed to Interpol for legislation that would ban 'sacrilegious [specifically anti-Islamic] materials' from the Internet. Pakistan aims to present draft legislation to the forthcoming UN General Assembly. We can also expect to see renewed efforts by the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) for implementation of UN Resolution 16/18, 'Combating intolerance . . . ', which equates 'defamation' with 'incitement'.

3. AWAKENING
If the terror attacks of 11 September 2001 left many nominal Muslims profoundly confused and conflicted, the Cartoon Intifada of February 2006 compounded those feelings into deep disillusionment. So revolted and embarrassed were most nominal Muslims by the sanctimonious hysteria, barbarity and uncivilised behaviour of hundreds of thousands of Muslims around the world that the trend of apostasy increased markedly through 2007. (See Religious Liberty Trends 2007-2008, 15 Feb 2008, http://elizabethkendal.blogspot.com.au ) We can pray for a similar awakening now.


PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT -

* the Holy Spirit will draw vulnerable, threatened Christians to find shelter under the 'wings' of the LORD. ' . . . in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.' (Psalm 57:1b ESV)

* God will use the struggle over free speech to expose hidden evil and awaken the world to the value of truth. 'Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.' (Proverbs 19:21 ESV)

* the current crisis will serve to awaken many Muslims and further accelerate the exodus from Islam. 'The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest'. (Matthew 9:37,38 ESV)

[* Please see a special note in the footer about Elizabeth Kendal]


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

PRAYING THROUGH THE RIOTS

Whilst the 'Film riots' may well have been incited by Islamists as a cover for planned 9/11 revenge attacks on US embassies in Cairo and Benghazi, they have spread around the world like 'fire'. For the rioters, this is less about offence and more about the fact that Islam demands universal respect and criminalises non-submission. Meanwhile fear motivates their appeasers. In this climate, Christian minorities are profoundly at risk. Freedom of speech is also at risk. We should expect to see efforts being made to punish those who have offended Islam, and to criminalise criticism of Islam internationally. Most critically, we must pray for an awakening amongst nominal Muslims who are appalled by the hysteria and uncivilised behaviour of hundreds of thousands of Muslims around the world.


To view this RLPB with hyperlinks, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at

http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com


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

For more information, updates and helpful links see Elizabeth Kendal's blog 'Religious Liberty Monitoring'

http://elizabethkendal.blogspot.com

Previous RLPBs may be viewed at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

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 has been appointed Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology.

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>.

Pastors Robert Stearns and Jack Hayford

Launch the largest interfaith video exchange in history

(New York, NY)  September 14, 2012    

The Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem is the largest Jerusalem-focused prayer event in history, involving 175 Nations, 300,000 churches, and tens of millions of believers committed to praying for peace to come to Jerusalem and all her inhabitants. Now in its tenth year, the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem takes place every year on the first Sunday of October to raise global awareness and intercession on behalf of Jerusalem.

For the first time since its inception in 2002, participants in the Day of Prayer will be able to record video prayers through KeepTree.com, and these videos will be permanently stored and displayed in a gallery, to be shared with the people of Israel and the world at www.keeptree.com/dppj

“This will be the biggest international video exchange of interfaith words of encouragement and prayers in history,” says Robert Stearns, the founder and Executive Director of Eagles Wings, and co-chairman along with Pastor Jack Hayford of the global prayer day. “Indeed, it will demonstrate to the inhabitants of Jerusalem that they are not alone.  And it will provide an opportunity for much needed healing, as Christians around the world express love and support and our steadfast commitment to see true peace come to Jerusalem and all in the Middle East.”

“KeepTree.com is proud to support this year’s Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem,” says Jon Loew, Founder, CEO of KeepTree LLC.  “As Israel is facing unprecedented threats from its neighbors, we’re encouraging 800,000 people to record video prayers – one for each of the 800,000 inhabitants of Jerusalem to remind her that she does not stand alone.”

Jerusalem is the birthplace of Western civilization, the spiritual center of Judeo-Christian faith, the axis for religious thought and belief that for centuries has had a broader and ensuing effect on philosophical, cultural, artistic, sociological and political expression. 

From today until the Day of Prayer, users can visit www.keeptree.com/dppj  to view videos recorded by respected Pastors and believers from around the globe, and then record their own video prayers for the Peace of Jerusalem. These video prayers will be posted in a gallery dedicated to the DPPJ, at www.keeptree.com/DPPJ

The Israeli government will then make the citizens of Israel - and of the world – aware that they can visit www.keeptree.com/dppj  and view millions of videos recorded for them – and invite them to REPLY. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

About KeepTree

KeepTree.com is an easy-to-use, Internet-based video message delivery service.  The system is based on three simple functions: record – save – send.  KeepTree.com features a proprietary FutureSend application so that videos can be conveniently pre-recorded and sent on a specific date into the future.  KeepTree.com also features a VideoVault for the storage of legacy video messages for the reference and enjoyment of future generations.  KeepTree.com also operates the TroopTree.com video service, allowing members of the U.S. military to exchange videos with their families and friends while they are deployed for free.

About the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem

On the first Sunday of every October, hundreds of millions of people around the world join together to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Begun in 2002 in meetings with leading political and religious leaders from Israel and the United States, this is now the largest prayer movement of its kind, with coordinators in 175 nations and over 1,400 key leaders within the Evangelical Christian world lending their active support.

About Eagles’ Wings

Eagles' Wings is a global Christian ministry with offices in Buffalo New York, New York City area; Karlsruhe, Germany; and Jerusalem, Israel.  Eagles’ Wings diverse network of relationships spans the globe, and includes nearly 40 full-time team members and an international family of partners, volunteers, and friends. This team serves together to build bridges of relationship across faith communities, to bring the world the message of hope that comes from the God of love, to train the next generation of Christian leaders, and to unite and empower believers to make a positive difference in the world around them.

It seems as if a lot of bad things happen to America in September. It is almost as if September is the hangover from summer madness. We all know about September 11, 2001. However in September 1856, the signs were all around the developed cities. New York City was already the financial capitol of the world.  Exhibits A to Z are thus: the economy and accompanying social decline were picking up speed. Bankruptcy was high and morale was low. Preachers were just as ineffective as they are today and fast becoming irrelevant. Many of them had predicted doom and gloom and the end of the world which never happened. Politicians were just as horrible as they are today and unemployment just as high as 2012. Civil War talk was in the air. America was in a bad place. The enemy was domestic.

Finally on October 10, the New York Stock Exchange crashed. Did you know that 10,000 immediately showed up for the noon prayer meeting called by Lanphier on Fulton Street?! They had run out of space on Fulton Street, so the prayer meeting expanded across the street to the larger John Street Methodist Church...then all over New York City....and then Chicago, Philadelphia, Louisville (Kentucky) and so on! This led to the greatest Revival ever in America - the Third Great Awakening. There has been nothing like it since, and it began with one layman, like you and I, who was used by God.

These are some of the darkest days, for the greatest country in the world to ever exist.  America and Freedom, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, are under literal assault from the forces of hell worldwide. Now, almost hourly, we receive news of more violence against military personnel, embassies and while the corrupt American mainstream media will not publicize it - Christians are more in danger around the world than ever before.

So what are God's people on this continent - in the US and Canada - to do? After we get riled up at the video on TV or the internet of the rioting, mayhem and more, we go to the Lord. Abba Father. We cry out to Jehovah Nissi, our Standard Bearer. A Standard Bearer goes before us in battle, carrying the flag (or banner or standard) and tells those who are our enemies, who we are. When God the Father, is your standard bearer, we have the added benefit of knowing WHOSE we are! Amen!

Therefore, in Jesus' Holy Name, we begin praying the Imprecatory Psalm 35 into these times. King David, under the Power of the Holy Spirit, prayed this to the LORD and He heard David's plea and answered Him. Pray this in your own way and cry out to God for the country, our families, our children's future and the US Military. Remember those who are currently in leadership. Pray for them as well. Remember while praying, that enemies are both outside of this country and there are those who wish harm on the people of God, inside the country as well. I will not tell you how to prayer this first portion, but I am replacing the personal pronouns "I and me" with America and "our" etc, to help us press in at this time. The text is from the New King James Bible.

Psalm 35

INTERNATIONAL PRAYER CONNECTIONS

September 2012

“Globalizing Prayer, Transforming our World”

IN THIS EDITION

1. Confronting the Powers Through Prayer
2. Some Reports from the World Prayer Assembly Participants
3. 40 Days of Prayer for the USA
4. Burma
5. North Korea
6. State Orthodoxy and the Conscience in the USA
7. SEPTIME – Synchronized Earth Prayer Time
8. Arab Spring Run Amok: ‘Brotherhood’ Starts Crucifixions
9. Burundi National Transformation Story on Video
10. The Frozen War – a very useful summary of recent developments in Sudan/South Sudan
11. Is Iran Inviting Israel to Attack?
12. USA-Mexico Border Prayer Alert: BORSTAR: The Unseen Border Patrol
13. Mobilize! A Gathering of the North American Chinese
14. Domestic Terrorism: A Persistent Threat in the United States
15. Europe: Demise or turnaround?
16. IPC Events Calendar
17. The IPC Website
18. About International Prayer Connect (IPC)
19. Donating to IPC through PayPal
20. Contacting the IPC Office

Click here to find.

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 176 | Wed 12 Sep 2012

YOUCEF NADARKHANI AND RIMSHA MASIH
- Two Christian prisoners walk 'free' (Updating RLPB 173)

by Elizabeth Kendal

Over the weekend of 8-9 September two persecuted, imprisoned and much- prayed-for Christians - Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani (34) of Iran and Rimsha Masih (14) of Pakistan - walked free from their cells into the warm embrace of family. While we praise and thank the LORD for granting these blessings, we must recognise that these battles are not over. We must persist in prayer.

PASTOR YOUCEF NADARKHANI (IRAN)

On Saturday 8 September, after more than 1000 days in jail, Youcef Nadarkhani - the sorely persecuted pastor who repeatedly refused to renounce his LORD - emerged a free man, unbroken. The court acquitted Nadarkhani of apostasy, the charge for which he had been sentenced to death. According to Mohammad-Ali Dadkhah, Nadarkhani's lawyer, the court 'finally accepted our argument' that Iran's penal code did not 'criminalise apostasy' (Financial Times, 9 Sep). However, the court did find Nadarkhani guilty of 'evangelising Muslims'. For this 'crime' he was sentenced to three years imprisonment but granted time served and released.

While we rejoice that Pastor Youcef is out of jail, enjoying the fellowship of believers and the joyful, tender warmth of his wife and sons, we must remember that Nadarkhani's life might be more at risk now than ever. Iran's penal code might not criminalise apostasy but Islamic Sharia law does. Furthermore, as this prayer ministry previously cautioned in RLPB 173, 'by launching a new trial with unprovable accusations [extortion and banditry], the regime may be seeking to "wash its hands" publicly of Nadarkhani and release him to the Islamists and secret police while declaring itself "innocent of this man's blood". This has happened before in Iran.' Furthermore, a second conviction of 'evangelising Muslims' would doubtless be punished more severely than the first. We must also remember that numerous Iranian Christians remain in prison, including Pastor Behnam Irani (41; married, with two children) who is gravely ill.


RIMSHA MASIH (PAKISTAN)

Rimsha Masih (14) was granted bail on 7 September but could not leave prison until adequate security was arranged. On Sunday 9 September she was transported in a bulletproof armoured vehicle to a helicopter that flew her to a secret location where she should be safe from the radicalised Muslim mobs that demand her death. Rimsha will face court again on Sunday 16 September and should be acquitted. Having been accused of blasphemy, Rimsha in reality is not safe anywhere in Pakistan - her innocence is irrelevant! Unless the family is removed to a safe-haven in the West, she will eventually be killed - probably sooner rather than later.

Whilst Rimsha's plight is terrible, what it says about the Pakistani society in which Christians have to live is far worse. The authorities have been able to turn this case into one about age and mental capacity - Rimsha is a mentally impaired juvenile - and a local imam accused of evidence-tampering. They have been able thereby to whitewash the whole crisis completely so that it is no longer about the blasphemy law and endemic religious hatred at all. The danger is, that with the next crisis looming, the real issues are not being addressed. A few voices of protest and disgust are being raised, warning that Pakistan will be torn apart unless Wahhabi Saudi Arabian, Sunni fundamentalist ideology is countered. However, political courage is in short supply.

While we rejoice that Rimsha is out of jail and back in the comforting arms of her loving parents, we must resist the temptation to cry 'peace, peace' when there is no peace! At this stage, nothing has changed in Pakistan.

[For more details see Religious Liberty Monitoring, 5 Sep 2012 http://elizabethkendal.blogspot.com.au Pakistan: religious hatred not being addressed.]


PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT THE LORD WILL -

* intervene in Iran and (as in RLPB 128) 'redeem the suffering of Iran's Church, so that this persecution will actually have the opposite effect to what is intended. (Habakkuk 2:14)'

* intervene in Pakistan and (as in RLPB 173) 'redeem all this appalling suffering, and use it to shame and awaken Pakistani Muslims to the ugliness that has engulfed them, softening their hearts to the Good News so that they and even their whole communities can be radically transformed. (Isaiah 2:2-4)'

'Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.' (Psalm 126:6 TNIV)

* be a strong shield and fortress around Youcef Nadarkhani and Rimsha Masih as well as all their family members; may angels guard them, and may those who seek to kill them be frustrated and ashamed. (Isaiah 26:1-6 and Psalm 141:8-10)


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

TWO CHRISTIAN PRISONERS WALK 'FREE'

Over the weekend 8-9 September two persecuted and much-prayed-for Christians - Youcef Nadarkhani (34) of Iran, and Rimsha Masih (14) of Pakistan - walked free from their cells into the warm embrace of family. We praise and thank the LORD for this, while recognising that these battles are not over. The court acquitted Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani of apostasy but found him guilty of evangelising Muslims. For this 'crime' he received a three-year sentence but was released due to his time already served. Nadarkhani's life is still seriously at risk. Rimsha, who is out on bail, will face court again on Sunday 16 September and should be acquitted. Rimsha's life is so imperilled that she must remain in hiding so that Muslim mobs do not find and kill her. Please pray.


To view this RLPB with hyperlinks, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at

http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com 


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

For more information, updates and helpful links see Elizabeth Kendal's blog 'Religious Liberty Monitoring' http://elizabethkendal.blogspot.com

Previous RLPBs may be viewed at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

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.

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>. 

Friends, we are living in an hour when the very existence of Israel is literally threatened on all sides, both politically and physically. We are living in an hour when Israel's very right to exist is being questioned on university campuses, in the media, and within international governments. We are living in an hour when - according to a 2010 poll by the European Commission - Israel is believed by Europeans in 15 countries to be the greatest threat to world peace... greater than North Korea, Iran or Afghanistan. If ever people in God's Holy Land needed to know that there are people standing with them, people praying for them, and people looking to bless them and not destroy them...NOW is that time.

As we lead up to the worldwide Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem (DPPJ) on October 7 (www.daytopray.com ), our friends at KeepTree.com have made it possible for believers from all over the world to send a personal prayer (via video) to the people of Israel.  The goal is to send 800,000 video prayers for the 800,000 residents of Jerusalem... and we need  YOUR participation to make it happen!

We are believing that this effort will become the largest video exchange of thoughts and prayers between people in history.  Join us now and help us spread the word.

 Go now to www.keeptree.com/dppj  to learn more and to record your prayer of peace, blessing, or encouragement for one of the 800,000 people in Jerusalem!

Prayer again last night yielded a 'run' on thoughts geared to FULLNESS.
 
1. Fullness of God and all His attributes.  How exhausting this is to not be able to comprehend all His attributes of their fullness!  And that God is complete in all of them.  A truly mesmerizing, thought provoking, heart searching, mind yielding to how great is our God, the Lord God Almighty.
 
2. Fullness of time - for us time is complete, whether our lifetime, or generations or the whole of time since God stepped out and said, 'Let time begin.'  Fullness of 400 years for Israel to be in Egypt; fullness of 70 years the land had rest while the captives were away at Babylon; fullness of each dispensation of law, grace, church. God has all this in His hands.
 
3.  Fullness of creation - of His people, purpose, and all that is found in the earth that He created; He knows each stone, each water drop, each snow flake, each animal, He knows the fullness of all HIs creation.  In us as His people, He has our fullness in His hand and thoughts, He knows how many hairs we have, how many breaths we take, the intents of our hearts, the actions of our lives, our words, He knows all for all 7 billion souls on the earth.  Thsi is the fullness of God's omnipresence, and omnipotence.
 
4.  Fullness of Your ways, O God - complete, perfect in all fullness for His glory.  Consider again attributes and aspects of who He is.  Fullness in holy, perfection, entire in all ways of salvation, redemption, santicfication, justification, glorificeation.  
 
5.  Fullness of being filled with the Spirit - 'Be ye not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit of God.'  And they souls in the upper room were filled on the day of Pentecost.  It is necessary and needful for us to understand this, seek for it, find it and walk with Him in it.
 
6.  Fullness of the cup of wrath - each sin, each actions taken by men against God, puts another drop of indignation in the cup of His wrath.  And when that cup is full, He pours His retribution upon the souls of the wicked.  I often think while I am in prayer, that if the sin of a nation, people, family, or myself, or His church, puts drops into the cup; how much our prayers and intercession take drops out as we seek His mercy, forgiveness and cleansing.  But if no souls are seeking His forgiveness, then no drops are taken out, and it fills up that much faster.  You think your prayers of confession have no merit?   Think again, on the cup of wrath and what happens when it is full.
 
7.  Fullness of the earth - filled with His glory; Glorify Thy Name in all the earth.  Every aspect, as in the creation emphasis, we see that this earth is the Lord's and the fullnes thereof.
 
until,
dan biser

For PRESCHOOLERS, pray they will:

1. Develop a well-balanced personality

2. Learn problem resolutions.

3. Play well with others.

4. Learn to obey quickly; respect authority.

5. Explore and create without fear of failure.

6. Develop a soft heart towards Jesus

7. Develop confidence and independence.

8. Learn to control their emotions and anger.

9. Develop an awareness of God’s love.

10. Build positive friendships.

For ELEMENTARY-AGE CHILDREN, PRAY they will:

1. Discover their God-given gifts and talents.

2. Develop a sense of satisfaction and enjoy using their skills.

3. Be motivated, disciplined and challenged in their learning

experiences.

4. Treat others with respect.

5. Stand firm for what is right and refuse the wrong with a positive

attitude.

6. Choose friendships wisely.

7. Obey their parents.

8. Understand their need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

9. Develop a strong and healthy selfesteem and self-confidence.

10. Have a safe, healthy classroom environment.

11. Be protected from the deception of the enemy

12. Develop a hunger for God’s Word.

As PRE-TEEN & TEENAGERS, pray they will:

1. Be motivated, disciplined, and challenged to apply themselves in their studies in order to excel academically.

2. Experience the reality of Jesus Christ in their lives as they grow strong in their faith.

3. Recognize the deception of the world.

4. Be covered with God’s safekeeping physically, spiritually, and

emotionally.

5. Date wisely (which leads to a life’s partner).

6. Be sexually pure.

7. Have open communication and good relationship with parents.

8. Choose friends who will have a positiveinfluence.

 9. Develop a hunger for God’s Word and grow spiritually.

10. Have a balanced view of their beauty, charm and strength.

As COLLEGE STUDENTS/YOUNG ADULTS

pray they will:

1. Be motivated, disciplined and challenged to apply themselves in their studied to excel academically.

2. Seek God’s wisdom and direction in their management of time, money, and talents.

3. Think creatively and live with integrity.

4. Recognize their gifts so they can find their God given assignment.

5. Find a spouse with a growing relationship with

Jesus Christ.

6. Be sexually pure.

7. Be willing to accept responsibility and

make wise financial decisions.

8. Have open communication and a good relationship with their parents.

By Lillian Penner

National Prayer Coordinator,Christian Grandparenting Network

lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

www.christiangrandparenting.net

Caution: The blog post you are about to read is a BIBLE STUDY about a critical issue of our day. It is not meant as an endorsement or rebuke of any specific political candidate or party. Apply these truths as God leads you!

We live in dangerous, deceptive times, when it has never been more important to be like the sons of Issachar, “who understood the times” and knew what God’s people should do (1 Chronicles 12:32). The recent political conventions have served to illustrate the critical nature of this: Will Christians in our country discern the truth or be hoodwinked by smooth-talking, emotion-stirring politicians? Will we allow the candidates’ rhetoric to twist reality and permit them to substitute promises for performance?

I’m old enough to remember the old “To Tell the Truth” TV program, where three mystery guests claimed to be a certain person, and the four celebrity panelists had to guess which one of them was telling the truth about their identity. Each segment of the program culminated with the host saying, “Only one of these is the real ______, and the others are imposters. Will the real _____ please stand up!”

Matthew 27 tells a story remarkably similar to an episode of “To Tell the Truth.” Two men stood before the Roman governor (Pontius Pilate) and a large crowd of people. Both of these men were revolutionaries, but they advocated two very different kinds of revolution. Both were radical in their approach, but in completely different ways.

Pilate made it clear that only one of these men could be chosen: “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” (v. 17) The people had to carefully evaluate the claims of these two revolutionaries before making their all-important decision.

According to many early manuscripts, the full name of the first man was Jesus Barabbas. Jesus meant “savior,” and Barabbas meant “son of the father” (Bar = Son, Abbas = Father). This man was widely known as an insurrectionist who had participated in a recent uprising against the Roman authorities (Mark 15:7).

The message of Barabbas was clear: “You all could have a great life if it weren’t for the Romans. They’ve victimized and oppressed you, making it impossible to be happy and productive. Let me come to your aid and get rid of the ‘bad guys’ who’ve ripped you off and done you wrong.”

No doubt, there was a grain of truth in Barabbas’ case, just as there’s always an element of truth in the manipulative arguments of political demagogues today. However, the cure he promised didn’t address the more fundamental cause of people’s misery.

Standing next to Barabbas that day was a very different kind of revolutionary, though there were some intriguing parallels between the men. This radical young leader from Nazareth was also named Jesus, and his followers considered him the Savior. And just as the name Barabbas meant “son of the father,” this other Jesus was known by many as the son of Father God. Ultimately he was referred to as Jesus the Christ, or Messiah.

Jesus had some fair-weather followers who probably weren’t much different from the followers of Barabbas. They saw his miracles and hoped he would liberate them from Roman oppression and restore the independent Jewish nation. Mostly likely, this was their misguided motivation in shouting “Hosanna” (save now!) when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey a few days earlier.  

However, the message of this Jesus was much different than Jesus Barabbas. Instead of promising political solutions—salvation from the outside—he told his followers they must repent and receive God’s kingdom on the inside. Rather than allowing his disciples to pity themselves and feel like victims, he challenged them to take the “logs” out of their own eyes and deal with any sin or selfishness that was preventing them from receiving true freedom and abundance.

The unfolding scene in Matthew 27 was almost unbelievable. Which “Jesus”—which savior—would the people choose: Jesus Barabbas or Jesus Christ? Would they opt for a political solution that let them off the hook in dealing with their own sinfulness and disobedience? Or would they embrace Jesus’ promise of a new heart and a transformed life?

You see, two different gospels were presented by these two men. Both claimed to offer “good news” to those who would follow their pathway. Barabbas promised a better life once the Romans were defeated, while Jesus promised new life in a spiritual kingdom that transcended politics and earthly kingdoms.

To Pilate’s shock, the people overwhelmingly voted for Barabbas and were content to send Jesus to crucifixion. How could this be? Were they simply deceived, lured by Barabbas’ promise of sweet revenge against their oppressors? Were they paid off by the jealous religious leaders, who saw Jesus as a threat to their grip on people’s lives? Or was the problem that most of Jesus’ fans and followers simply failed to show up—or speak up—on that fateful day?

Today America faces an eerily similar moment of decision. As in the days of Barabbas and Jesus, we face enormous economic and social challenges, causing many people to feel desperate for relief. If we are seduced by the promises of Barabbas, we will seek political saviors and opt for government solutions to our woes. We will listen to the alluring siren call of those who stoke the flames of victimhood and demonize opponents with a “divide and conquer” strategy.

In contrast, the pathway prescribed by Jesus seems much more costly and difficult. It beckons us to lay down our lives and trust God to meet our needs. Instead of permitting us to play the blame game, it points us to the ancient remedy prescribed in 2 Chronicles 7:14: We must humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from our own wicked ways. Then, and only then, does the Lord promise to forgive our national sins and heal our land.

No matter what your political persuasion might be, it’s time to repent of any tendency to cast our nation’s leaders in the role of our savior or source. Regardless of which Presidential candidate you support, I hope you can see they are certainly not Jesus!

There’s only ONE true Savior and Source, and those who put their hope in Him will not be disappointed (Romans 10:11). Every human substitute is just an imposter and counterfeit, shifting sand that will ultimately replace our soaring hopes with deep disappointment.

Don’t be duped! Examine each candidate’s track record, and not just their words. And pray for God to give discernment, both to you and to your fellow citizens.