Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 154 | Wed 11 Apr 2012

MALI CHRISTIANS FLEE IMPOSITION OF SHARIA 
                                                                              (plus: a Nigeria update) 

by Elizabeth Kendal

Having seized the capitals of the three main northern provinces in three days -- Kidal, on 30 March, Gao on 31 March and Timbuktu on 1 April -- the National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad (NMLA) declared it had achieved its military goal. (NMLA is the ethnic Tuareg rebel group that has seized control of northern Mali.) Consequently, on Thursday 5 April the NMLA announced a ceasefire. Whilst the NMLA has been fighting for political ends -- specifically for autonomy in their homeland -- they have been aided by Islamic jihadists who have been fighting for religious ends, specifically an Islamic state where Sharia (Islamic) Law is enforced. No sooner had the NMLA achieved its goal, the jihadists of Ansar Dine hoisted the black flag of al-Qaeda and announced the imposition of Sharia. Some 100 Nigerian Boko Haram militants who assisted in the capture of Gao have also established a presence there. Sources advise there are four distinct flags flying in Goa: the NMLA, Boko Haram, Ansar Dine and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). However, it is the jihadists calling the shots, not the professedly secular NMLA.

The Tuareg rebellion has left northern Mali devastated. There have been reports of pack rapes as well as massive destruction and looting. The UN's office of humanitarian affairs reports: 'Malians in the northern towns of Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu are hiding in their homes in fear following the weekend takeover by rebel groups, during which hospitals, health clinics, government buildings, and most NGO and UN offices and warehouses were looted, and in some cases destroyed, leaving the bulk of humanitarian operations suspended.' (IRIN, 3 April.) Head of the Malian office of Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Julia McDade, told IRIN: 'Everyone [in Gao] is in hiding, everyone's vehicles have been stolen . . . every single office has been ransacked.' Caritas Mali reported that its local office in Gao was destroyed along with the local church which served Gao's 200-strong Catholic community.

Reportedly, Ansar Dine has distributed leaflets containing a contact number saying that anyone who feels threatened or endangered should call Ansar Dine for assistance. One resident reports being on a bus of families fleeing Gao that was ambushed by Tuareg militants who were robbing everyone. People called the Ansar Dine 'hotline' and jihadists were quickly on the scene. The passengers then watched in horror as the jihadists slit the throat of one of the Tuareg militants to cries of 'Allahu Akbar'.

The shocking violence and destruction, but especially the Islamist threat, has forced virtually the entire Christian population of northern Mali to flee for their lives. The Guardian received an unconfirmed report that the Christian prefect of the town of Bourem had been executed along with his whole family. More than 90 percent of Timbuktu's approximately 300 Christians have fled according to Baptist Pastor Nock Ag Info Yattara, whose congregation has worshipped in Timbuktu since the 1950s. He added that not one of its 205 people is left. In Timbuktu, Ansar Dine is controlling the city and its military base, while the NMLA is camped out at the airport. 'What I deplore,' laments Ousmane Halle, the mayor of Timbuktu, 'is the departure of the Christian community ... I cannot guarantee their safety. And these are people that have lived side by side with us for centuries.'

For more details see Religious Liberty Monitoring http://elizabethkendal.blogspot.com


PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL --

* guarantee the safety of his displaced and threatened people and supply all their needs: spiritual, emotional and physical (food, medical supplies and refuge).

* 'frustrate' (NIV) / 'thwart' (NASB) the way of the wicked (Psalm 146:9c) so that northern Mali will not become an Islamic state and al-Qaeda sanctuary; may he intervene to restore democracy and liberty to northern Mali so that the light of Christ might shine there openly.

* redeem the present sufferings for his own ends, turning the schemes of the wicked 'upside down' (Psalm 146:9c KJV), so that falsehood might be exposed and rejected, truth might be illuminated and lifted up and doors long closed might be opened for gospel ministry.

'The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.' (Psalm 146:9 ESV)


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

Ethnic Tuareg rebels have seized control of northern Mali. Whilst the main rebel group, the National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad, is professedly secular, its ally, a jihadist faction known as Ansar Dine, has wrested control, hoisted the black flag of al-Qaeda and announced the imposition of Sharia Law. The Tuareg rebellion has devastated northern Mali. There have been reports of pack rapes and violence, whilst the massive destruction and widespread looting has left the humanitarian aid sector totally crippled. Christian charities and churches have been destroyed. With Christians being targeted, virtually the entire Christian population of northern Mali has been forced to flee. Please pray for the Church in Mali.


NIGERIA: GIVE THANKS AND KEEP PRAYING

On Easter Sunday a Boko Haram bomber attempted to get access to the 1st Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) on Gwari Road, Kaduna. However, his car was turned away at the barricades despite his having a military uniform folded on the back seat. As he drove away, the massive bomb exploded outside a hotel opposite the church. So far 39 people have died, most of whom were Okada (motor-cycle taxi) drivers parked at the hotel. The massive explosion damaged the ECWA Good News Church and the nearby All Nations Christian Assembly Church, blowing in the windows and destroying fans and roofing. However, the churchgoers worshipping at Easter services inside were protected. Thank the Lord while continuing to pray that he will protect his people (Psalm 125:2) and frustrate the schemes of the wicked (Psalm 146:9).


To see this RLPB with hyperlinks go to http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com.au


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 .

Today finishes our first time praying thru Psalm 119. We have just prayed all of the stanzas (re-written as prayers). Tomorrow we will pray the key words in each stanza, one stanza per day. Starting tomorrow we will begin to use verses OUTSIDE of Psalm 119 (as well as appropriate passages within the Psalm 119 stanza). Continue to follow, and enjoy.

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza was given a Key Word, Emphasis and Application (see below in today's prayer) which succeeding prayers are built around.

Psalm 119:169-176

Key Word                Praise

Emphasis                Your instructions are my delight and my joy

Application              I choose to follow Your commands

Today’s Prayer

Taw

 ¹⁶⁹ O Lord, let my cry come before You;
        give me the discerning mind You promised.
 ¹⁷⁰ Listen to my prayer;
        for I trust You to rescue me as You promised.
 ¹⁷¹ Let praise flow from my lips,
        for You have taught me Your decrees.
 ¹⁷² Let my tongue sing about Your word,
        for all Your commands are right.
 ¹⁷³ Give me a helping hand,
        for I have chosen to follow Your commandments.
 ¹⁷⁴ O Lord, I have longed for the rescue of Your salvation,
        for Your instructions are my delight and my joy.
 ¹⁷⁵ Let me live so I can praise You,
        and may Your regulations help me.
 ¹⁷⁶ When I wander away like a lost sheep;
        come and find me, seek Your servant,
        for I have not forgotten Your commands.

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza was given a Key Word, Emphasis and Application (see below in today's prayer) which succeeding prayers are built around.

Psalm 119:161-168

Key Word                Stand

Emphasis                Your words give great peace

Application              I obey Your commands, for all that I do is before You

Today’s Prayer

Shin

 ¹⁶¹ Though the evil one harasses me,
        my heart stands and trembles only at Your word.
 ¹⁶² I stand and rejoice in Your word
        like one who discovers a great treasure.
 ¹⁶³ I hate and abhor all falsehood,
        but I love Your instructions.
 ¹⁶⁴ I will praise You seven times a day
        because all Your regulations are just.
 ¹⁶⁵ Those who love Your instructions, Your words,
        have great peace and do not stumble.
 ¹⁶⁶ I love to see You rescue me, Lord,
        for I obey Your commands.
 ¹⁶⁷ I have obeyed Your laws,
        for I love them very much.
 ¹⁶⁸ Yes, I obey Your commandments and laws
        because all that I do is before You.

INTERNATIONAL PRAYER CONNECTIONS

April 2012

“Globalizing Prayer, Transforming our World”

IN THIS EDITION

1. IPC Leadership Team - Standing in the Council of the Lord
2. WPA Prayer Concerns
3. Vision About the World Prayer Assembly
4. Central Asia Update
5. Iran-backed Hezbollah’s Threat Growing in the US
6. American Teacher Executed in Yemen 'Loved His Job'
7. The God Factor and Developments in Iran
8. Saudi Arabia
9. EGYPT – THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD
10. Mexico – Keep Praying for the Overthrow of the Sinaloa Drug Cartel and the Arrest of “El Chapo Guzman”
11. Burma: Inching Toward Democracy
12. Japan - Cleaning up the Mess of a Nuclear Meltdown
13. PRAYING FOR MALAYSIA AND THE MALAY…A PEOPLE LOVED OF GOD
14. Urgent Terror Alert – Syria’s WMD Programs
15. Syria Needs Our Prayers
16. Brutality in Syria Creates Humanitarian Crisis
17. GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR NORTH KOREA
18. North Korean Refugees – How Far Would You Go for Your Freedom?
19. GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER for the Tibetan World – June 3, 2012
20. GLOBAL MONTH OF PRAYER FOR PASTOR NADARKHANI – March 12-April 12
21. U.S.A.
22. Report from Cry Hollywood
23. World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk, June 2-3, 2012
24. Three Weeks of Prayer for France: 7 – 29 April, 2012
25. Week of Prayer for Mauritania: 9 – 15 April, 2012
26. IPC Events Calendar
27. The IPC Website
28. About International Prayer Connect (IPC)
29. Donating to IPC through PayPal
30. Contacting the IPC Office

If you would like to subscribe to the newsletter, please go to http://ipcprayer.org/index.cfm?&menuid=70 or contact office@ipcprayer.org and request to sign up.

To view full newsletter, please go to http://ipcprayer.org/newsmaster.cfm?&menuid=6&action=view&retrieveid=50 and click link at the bottom of the page.

 Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said:

“Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever.

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours.

Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.

Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all.

In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.

And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. (1 Chronicles 29:10-13 ESV)

Where in the world will you be praying for children on Global 4/14 Day?

Let us know at Testimony@Global414Day.com 

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ONE MILLION Christians praying for TWO BILLION children worldwide!

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A Prayer and Fasting Guide is now available to download and print at www.Global414Day.com.

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza was given a Key Word, Emphasis and Application (see below in today's prayer) which succeeding prayers are built around.

Psalm 119:153-160

Key Word                Rescued

Emphasis                You redeem and revive

Application              In Your lovingkindness You rescue me, redeem me and revive me

Today’s Prayer

Resh

 ¹⁵³ You have looked upon my suffering and rescued me,
        for I have not forgotten Your word.
 ¹⁵⁴ I trust You to have argued my case; taken my side and
        protected my life as You promised.
 ¹⁵⁵ When I am wicked, I am far from being rescued,
        for I do not bother with Your decrees, I do not seek
       Your word, and I do not seek You.
 ¹⁵⁶ Lord, how great is Your mercy;
        thank You for reviving me, thank You for rescuing me,
        according to Your ordinances.
 ¹⁵⁷ No matter my persecutions,
        I do not swerve from Your laws.
 ¹⁵⁸ When I am ungodly it makes my heart sick,
        because I care nothing for Your word.
 ¹⁵⁹ Oh Lord I love Your commandments.
        In Your lovingkindness rescue me, redeem me and revive me.
 ¹⁶⁰ The very essence of Your words are truth;
        all Your just regulations will stand forever.

 Three days after the crucifixion, the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, Mary, Jesus mother, and the other Mary went to look at the tomb where Joseph of Arimathea had buried Jesus’ body. They wanted to anoint and embalm his body, as was the custom.

 At that, moment there was a powerful earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled back the stone, and took his seat upon it. His appearance was dazzling like lightning and his clothes were white as snow. The guards shook with terror at the sight of him and collapsed like dead men.

The angel said to the frightened women, "Don't be afraid, I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here! He has risen, just as he said he would! Come and see the place where he was lying for yourself and go tell his disciples, 'He has risen from the dead’, you will see him in Galilee.”

 The women hurried away from the tomb, afraid, but filled with joy, running to tell the disciples. However, suddenly, Jesus stood before them in their path, and said, “Peace be with you!” They went forward to meet him and, clasping his feet, worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go now and tell my brothers to go into Galilee and they shall see me there.” ¹  

Did you notice the women’s response to the resurrection of Jesus? They were frightened but filled with great joy, running to tell his disciples. When suddenly, they met Jesus on the way, they fell down at his feet and worshipped Him. They were so excited they quickly continued to run to tell his disciples Jesus would meet them in Galilee.

 This week I asked myself, “What is my response to the resurrection?” Is my response the same as the women who found the empty tomb?

I am so thankful that God sent His Son into the world to live among us, die on the cross for my sins, rose from the dead, and has given me new life. As a result, I am rejoicing that I can have a personal relationship with Him, the Creator of the Universe and given me the Holy Spirit as a down payment of my inheritance of eternal life.

What is your response to the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

Are you full of great joy that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter morning?

What does Easter mean to you?

How are you celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

 I would like to hear your responses. Please leave your comments in the comment section.

By Lillian Penner

¹Taken from Matthew 28:1-10

The Master's Weekend

Recalling a comeback of cosmic proportions

It appeared as though there would be no green jacket for the Master this time.
No green palm fronds either (for that matter).
By now they were brittle and brown, crumpled on Jerusalem's cobblestone streets.
Had the previous Sunday parade been merely a charade?
One couldn't help but wonder.

The customary fairway had given way to rough
treatment that was totally out of character and totally out of bounds.
The Master's scratch handicap had been replaced
by scars and stripes inflicted by those whose sinful nature he willingly embraced.

As the gallery watched, the Master stumbled through his round.
His stance betrayed his discomfort.
Noticeably off balance, he swung
the shaft of the cross.
Awkwardly grazing the ground, it fell (as did he).

A bystander was pressed into service quite unexpectedly.
The inexperienced caddy carried the Master's wood
while he limped in a forward direction
wedged between a twosome of condemned players
who had not survived the cut.

The Master, in obvious pain, found a smile for his few followers
while grimacing at the leaders.
Ignoring the marshals' calls to be quiet,
the large disappointed crowd desecrated the silence with rude remarks.

The Master bent low trying to read the break he'd been denied.
What had been a "gimmie" before had become a "why me?"
Feeling forsaken, the Master scanned the sky (eagle eyed)
hoping (in vain) for divine intervention.
But none was forthcoming.

Having given it his best shot,
he'd reached the end of his round (fully spent).
He finished his course and he'd kept the faith.
In the process, however, he'd humbled himself.
The Master (humiliated) hung his head motionlessly.
Removed from the viewing area by his handlers,
he was written off as a failure.
His reputation was immediately buried
by analysts and pundits who attested to his demise.

But, those who claimed to know it all
didn't seem to know the Master's weekend was far from over.
After all, Sunday's final round was yet to be played.

The last day of the event began without fanfare.
By the dawn's early light the arrogant leaders enjoyed a leisurely breakfast,
grateful the Master was no longer a contender.
With premature pride they proceeded to retrieve their sticks
(and stones) with which they had humbled the crowd favorite earlier in the weekend.

But as the mist evaporated and the fog lifted, something was amiss.
The course was significantly different from what the leaders had anticipated.
The Master (given up for dead the day before) was back.
Furthermore, he was unstoppable.
His recognizable form left little doubt why he would not be beaten.

With obvious wounds in his ungloved hand,
the Master waved to those who surrounded the hole
from which the flag (and the stone) had been removed.

Yes, it was a comeback of cosmic proportions.
The Master reclaimed his green jacket after all.
In a blaze of glory, wearing his coveted blazer of righteousness,
Jesus inscribed his name in the history book, defeating death once and for all.

The score had been settled.
His signed card had been verified.

Christ is risen!
He is risen, indeed!

by Greg Asimakoupoulos (@ 2012)
* The Master's Weekend is dedicated to Pastor Glen D. Cole who died unexpectedly on February 14, 2012 in Sacramento. Glen was my friend and mentor. He loved golf almost as much as he loved his Savior and his family.

 
 Final call to register for one of history's most strategic gatherings-
 World Prayer Assembly
 May 14-18, 2012
 Jakarta, Indonesia


April 3, 2012
Let the "New Wave" of His Glory Fill the Earth!

Dear Ministry or Marketplace Leader, Intercessor, Praying Youth or Child,
 
This is the last call for the World Prayer Assembly, a once-in-a generation encounter with the Lord, with cutting-edge ministry leaders and praying people from around the world. Registration will close on April 14. But there is still time to reserve a place for yourself, your friends, colleagues and family members who would like to come.

The registration fee is $100 for adults and $50 for youth and children (18 and under) and covers all your meals during the WPA. A limited number of subsidies for reduced cost accommodations are available for ministry leaders, youth and children who can demonstrate genuine financial need. When you register, you can inquire to see if this provision is still available.  

The World Prayer Assembly (May 14-18, 2012) is taking place in the midst of a modern day spiritual awakening in the nation of Indonesia. Millions of Indonesians are now connected in prayer for their nation. 24/7 "prayer towers" are operating in many cities, and over two-hundred thousand trained child intercessors are crying out to God for the transformation of their nation.   
The Lord is moving in this vast archipelago of 17,000 islands with many diverse people groups. The Church has united in an extraordinary way, creating an environment for spiritual and societal transformation that is spreading across the region.  
Thousands of prayer, mission and marketplace leaders, along with on-fire youth and children, will gather in Jakarta to seek the Lord together in a new paradigm for an international congress. Like the five leaders at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3), we want to "let God be God" and seek Him together for His strategies of "prayer-action" for our hurting world. It was the first International Prayer Assembly, almost 30 years ago in Seoul, Korea, in 1984 where the seeds for the current global prayer movement were sown. Korea will serve as the co-host with Indonesia for the WPA.
 
Special track sessions will create a forum for participants to focus on international issues, cutting-edge models of ministry, and ministry spheres ("7 Mountains") for which they have a passion. And, while there will be world-renowned speakers, presenters and facilitators for both plenary and track sessions (such as David Yonggi Cho, Enoch Adeboye, Lee Younghoon, Luis Bush, Dick Eastman, Suzette Hattingh, Ed Silvoso, Graham Power, Brian Mills, Ian Cole, Pete Greig, Niko Nyotorahardjo, Iman Santoso, Gloria Au Yeung, Bennie Mostert and many others), we want to hear from one Personality primarily, the Lord Himself. All speakers will, therefore, share briefly and in a way that facilitates our time of encounter with God and one another.  
 
The WPA will be led inter-generationally with youth and children helping to facilitate plenary and other sessions. There will also be strong youth and children tracks. This will help launch the next generation of men and women of God to lead the prayer and mission movements. We want to see modern Josephs, Esthers, Daniels, and Deborahs raised up so that God will use to impact the nations.
 
Then, on May 17, we will gather in the national stadium with 100,000 others, including 20,000 children intercessors and 20,000 on-fire youth. Over 350 cities of Indonesia will host simultaneous gatherings, connected by live television with the Jakarta stadium. Tens of millions more will join us across the world by satellite TV and Internet streaming. As one of the largest prayer meetings in history, it has the potential to change our planet in fundamental ways.
 
We believe the WPA will be a stepping stone to the fulfillment of the ancient prophet's prediction that "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea" (Habakkuk 2:14). It will also be a direct answer of Jesus' prayer in John 17 as Christ's people unite in prayer around the world.
 
Please pray for the World Prayer Assembly and join us in Jakarta for this unique time in the presence of the Lord as His people gather from around the world. If there are others in your ministry network that you feel should be with us, feel free to share this letter of invitation with them.
 
There is a lot of information available for you on the website www.wpa2012.org. As you visit this site, your heart will be stirred to see the seven-minute video called, "A New Wave is Coming!" It was filmed and produced by the award-winning Media Village. Check out other inspiring videos that are also available for you to view and share with others
 
You can also register at this site and take care of your accommodations in Indonesia. If you have any questions, please contact
info@wpa2012.org.

We look forward to seeing you in Jakarta,

Yours in Christ,
 
Bambang Widjaya (Indonesia) and Younghoon Lee (Korea) WPA Co-Chairmen, Daniel Pandji (General Secretary), Tom Victor (Media Coordinator), Tety Irwan (Children), Jerome Ocampo (Youth) and John Robb (International Facilitator)
 
(on behalf of the WPA International Coordination Team, leaders from the Indonesian and Korean prayer movements, the International Prayer Council, and many other prayer and ministry networks)  
 

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza was given a Key Word, Emphasis and Application (see below in today's prayer) which succeeding prayers are built around.

Psalm 119:145-152

Key Word                Cried

Emphasis                You are near, O Lord

Application              I rise, cry for help and put my hope in Your words

Today’s Prayer

Qoph

 ¹⁴⁵ I pray with all my heart, I cried with all my heart: answer me, Lord!
        I will obey Your decrees.
 ¹⁴⁶ I cry out to You; rescue me,
        that I may obey Your laws.
 ¹⁴⁷ I rise early, before the sun is up;
        I cry out for help and put my sure hope in Your words.
 ¹⁴⁸ Lord, do You want me to stay awake through the night,
        meditating on and thinking about Your promises?
 ¹⁴⁹ In Your faithful love, O Lord, hear my cry;
        let me be revived by Your regulations, Your ordinances.
 ¹⁵⁰ Lawless people are around me;
        and I live like them, when I live far from Your instructions .
 ¹⁵¹ But You are near, O Lord,
        and all Your commands are true.
 ¹⁵² I have known from my earliest days
        that Your laws will last forever.

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza was given a Key Word, Emphasis and Application (see below in today's prayer) which succeeding prayers are built around.

Psalm 119:137-144

Key Word                Righteous

Emphasis                Your promises are pure

Application               I don’t forget Your commandments as they are my delight.

Today’s Prayer

Tsadhe

 ¹³⁷ O Lord, You are righteous,
        and Your regulations are fair and true.
 ¹³⁸ Your laws are perfect and Your testimonies righteous,
        they are completely trustworthy.
 ¹³⁹ At times Lord, I feel overwhelmed,
        for the evil one disregards Your words.
 ¹⁴⁰ Your promises have been thoroughly tested and are pure;
        that is why I love them so much.
 ¹⁴¹ I am insignificant,
        but I don’t forget Your commandments as they are my delight.
 ¹⁴² Your justice is eternal,
        and Your instructions are perfectly true.
 ¹⁴³ As pressure and stress bear down on me,
        I find joy in Your commands.
 ¹⁴⁴ Your laws are always right;
        help me to understand them so I may live the abundant life.

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 153 | Wed 04 Apr 2012

EASTER: THE BATTLE HAS BEEN WON

By Elizabeth Kendal

SUDAN: PIVOTAL MOMENT IN ETHNIC-RELIGIOUS CLEANSING

Easter Sunday is the last day for ethnic 'Southerners' (who are predominantly Christian) to register as citizens of the new Sudan which will soon have a Sharia-based constitution. If they fail to register they will be treated as illegal immigrants. The message essentially is this: submit to Sharia or get out. Churches may well be be targeted immediately and aggressively, starting 9 April. All across the Sudan, churches have been emptying as ethnic Southerners - including those born and raised in the north - flee south. This could eventually become a pretext for closing them. Under-developed, under-resourced and poverty-stricken, South Sudan is struggling to cope with the incoming tide of desperately-needy displaced families. As competition for land and resources intensifies so too does tribal tension and conflict. Khartoum's policies would thus be jeopardising South Sudan's survival.

Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) are continuing the aerial bombardment of Nuba civilian populations in the Kauda Valley, South Kordofan. Khartoum has systematically engineered the conditions for famine and is still refusing to allow humanitarian aid into South Kordofan and Blue Nile. The regime's aim is nothing short of the genocide of the non-Arab, non-Muslim, predominantly Christian Nuba, a people who have lived in the region for millennia.

In the year 2000 the All Sudan Council of Churches held an Easter Celebration in Green Square, Khartoum. Presumably the government permitted the three-day rally on the assumption that few Muslims would be interested. However, that Easter Sunday more than 210,000 mostly Arab Muslim Sudanese turned out to hear the gospel. Never again would the regime permit such an event. Only God knows what is behind the facade and how fragile is Islam's grip on the people.


PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED THIS EASTER

Only God knows what is behind the facade of any totalitarian society. We see the iron curtain, the bamboo curtain, the curtain of swords: curtains erected by political and religious dictators; curtains erected for the benefit of those dictators, not their captives.

Multitudes of Christians head into this Easter season facing threats of military violence, Islamic jihad, Islamic terrorism, systematic state violence, imprisonment, torture, beatings and deprivation. There are simply too many to list. So pray that the LORD will lay a people upon your heart - then pray for that people with all your heart as one called by the LORD to intercede for them. In obedience, advocate for them before the throne of grace, a throne we have access to because God has already torn open the greatest curtain of all: the one that separated us from God (Matthew 27:51).


FATHER WE PRAY THAT -

* the power that raised Christ from the dead on the first Easter day will be mightily at work in and through your faithful people today (Ephesians 1:17-21), sustaining faith, empowering witness and providing comfort, courage, peace and hope beyond measure.

* you will supply your faithful ones with all their needs - material, emotional and spiritual - according to your riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

* the same power that raised Christ from the dead on the first Easter day will tear through the curtains erected by the dictators of this world, so that the Church will be free to witness and that men and women will be free to receive the wonderful, life-transforming gospel.

'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.' (Zechariah 4:6b ESV)

To see this RLPB with hyperlinks go to http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com.au


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED THIS EASTER

[We suggest you edit the paragraphs under that heading above. Churches and fellowships using a summary might also provide a copy of the listed prayer points to be used in their worship by people who are leading in prayer.]

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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.

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From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza was given a Key Word, Emphasis and Application (see below in today's prayer) which succeeding prayers are built around.

Psalm 119:129-136

Key Word                Guide

Emphasis                Your word gives light

Application              Do not let iniquity have dominion over me

Today’s Prayer

Pe

 ¹²⁹ Your laws and testimonies are wonderful.
        No wonder I obey them!
 ¹³⁰ The teaching of Your word gives light,
        so even the simple can understand.
 ¹³¹ I pant with expectation,
        longing for Your commands.
 ¹³² Guide me, and show me Your mercy,
        as You do for all who love Your name.
 ¹³³ Guide my steps by Your word,
        and do not let iniquity have dominion over me.
 ¹³⁴ You redeemed me from the oppression of the evil one;
        so that I can obey Your commandments.
 ¹³⁵ Look upon me with love, make Your face shine upon me;
        and teach me Your decrees, Your statutes.
 ¹³⁶ Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
        because there are times when I disobey Your instructions.

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza was given a Key Word, Emphasis and Application (see below in today's prayer) which succeeding prayers are built around.

Psalm 119:121-128

Key Word                Rescue
Emphasis                 It is time for You, the Lord, to act
Application              Your commands cause me to turn away from every false way

Today’s Prayer

Ayin

 ¹²¹ Lord, I trust You to not leave me to the one who oppresses me,
        for I have done what is just and right.
 ¹²² You have already guaranteed a blessing for me.
        I know that I do not have to worry
        even though sometimes I let my arrogance oppress me!
 ¹²³ My eyes strain to see Your rescue,
        the salvation You have already promised,
        which is in the process of being fulfilled in my life.
 ¹²⁴ I am Your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,
        teaching me your decrees, Your statutes.
 ¹²⁵ Give discernment to me, Your servant;
        then I will understand Your laws.
 ¹²⁶ Lord, it is time for You to act,
        for I no longer want to do evil and violate Your instructions.
 ¹²⁷ Truly, I love Your commands
        more than gold, even the finest gold.
 ¹²⁸ Each of Your commandments is right.
        That is why I hate and turn away from every false way.

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza was given a Key Word, Emphasis and Application (see below in today's prayer) which succeeding prayers are built around.

Psalm 119:113-120

Key Word                Sustains

Emphasis                You remove wickedness from me
Application              You are my hiding place and my shield

Today’s Prayer

Samekh

 ¹¹³ I hate it when I am double minded and have divided loyalties,
        so I love Your instructions.
 ¹¹⁴ You are my refuge, my hiding place and my shield;
        Your word is my source of hope.
 ¹¹⁵ Lord, get out of my life, evil-mindedness,
        for I intend to obey Your commands.
 ¹¹⁶ Lord, sustain me as You promised, that I may live!
        And do not let my hope be crushed.
 ¹¹⁷ Sustain me, and I will be rescued,
        I will be safe because You uphold me;
        and then I will meditate continually on Your decrees.
 ¹¹⁸ You do not hear me when I stray from Your decrees.
        I am only fooling myself, desiring useless deceit.
 ¹¹⁹ Thank You for continually removing wickedness from me,
        That is why I love to obey Your testimonies;
        Oh Lord, no wonder I love to obey Your laws!
 ¹²⁰ I tremble in fear of You;
        I stand in awe of your regulations, Your word.

It Seems To Me . . .

Originally published by the Church Prayer Leaders Network

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show .

To see ALL of the Psalm 119 prayers, click here.

Each stanza was given a Key Word, Emphasis and Application (see below in today's prayer) which succeeding prayers are built around.

Psalm 119:105-112

Key Word                Inclined

Emphasis                Your word is my light

Application              I will keep Your righteous ordinances

Today’s Prayer

Nun

 ¹⁰⁵ Lord, Your word is a lamp unto my feet
        and a light unto my path.
 ¹⁰⁶ I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again Lord:
        I will obey Your righteous ordinances.
 ¹⁰⁷ I have suffered much, O Lord;
        revive me, just as Your word says.
 ¹⁰⁸ Lord, accept my offering of praise,
        and teach me Your regulations.
 ¹⁰⁹ When my life feels like it hangs in the balance,
        I will not stop obeying Your instructions.
 ¹¹⁰ The wicked one  sets traps for me,
        but I will not turn from Your precepts.
 ¹¹¹ Your laws are my treasure;
        they are my heart’s delight and the joy of my heart.
 ¹¹² Lord, I am determined to incline my heart to perform Your

        Statutes, Your decrees, forever, even to the very end.