Pray Network Forum

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 152 | Wed 28 Mar 2012

By Elizabeth Kendal

Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. (Psalm 118:5 ESV)

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


MARCH 2012 UPDATE -- During March we prayed concerning . . .


NIGERIA (RLPB 149), after the al-Qaeda-linked terror group Boko Haram declared its intention to 'end the Christian presence' in much of Northern Nigeria by means of co-ordinated terror attacks and the kidnapping of Christian women. Please continue to pray for the Church in Northern Nigeria.


SUDAN (RPLB 149), after Sudan president Omar al-Bashir declared that the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) would 'purge South Kordofan' of 'traitors' (i.e. the non-Arab, non-Muslim, predominantly Christian Nuba). According to Sudan Vision, some 80,000 Islamic volunteer paramilitary 'mujahideen' are ready to fight and die in 'defence of the country and its Islamic belief'.

* UPDATE: Sudan continues to withhold humanitarian aid from hundreds of thousands of Nuba and other non-Arabs fleeing genocide in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. Once the rainy season sets in (April-October) roads will become impassable and delivery of aid impossible. Consequently it is imperative that aid be delivered now if mass starvation is to be averted. The lack of international pressure is difficult to understand. According to reports, Khartoum has bombed the Kauda Valley through which displaced Nuba are fleeing south. Furthermore, Khartoum bombed close to the Bentiu oil fields in South Sudan's oil-rich Unity State on Tuesday 27 March. There have also been bombings and cross-border clashes at the border town of Jau (formerly held by Khartoum, but liberated by the Kauda Alliance / Sudan Revolutionary Front on 26 February: see RLPB 148). The US government is opposed to regime change in Khartoum, saying it would rather see democratic reforms. May God, who knows that the racist, Islamist regime of Omar al-Bashir is genocidal and treacherous to the core, bring peace, equity and liberty to Sudan. (Isaiah 59:15b-19)

Further to this, Easter Sunday (8 April) is the deadline for some 700,000 'Southerners' (i.e. non-Arab, non-Muslims) living in Sudan to register as citizens of Sudan. If they fail to register, they will be treated as foreigners, stripped of their citizenship rights and expelled as illegals. Consequently, thousands of 'Southerners' -- many of whom were born and raised in the north -- are heading for South Sudan despite there being few jobs and limited services.


LAOS (RLPB 150), where Christians continue to suffer serious persecution at the hands of Communist officials and animist villagers.

* UPDATE: On Sunday 25 March five Lao Christians from various villages in Palansai district, Savannakhet Province, were arrested while worshipping with believers in Boukham village, Ad-Sapangthong district. The arrested Christians have been charged with 'leading a religious movement without official approval'. According to Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom the arrests are part of a wider crackdown against the spread of Christianity in Savannakhet Province. Pray for these believers and for all Christians in Laos for whom the cost of faith can be very high.


MIDDLE EAST (RLPB 151), where the region's Christian minorities, from Iran through Iraq and Syria to Lebanon, face the prospect of being trampled by Islamic blocs battling for regional hegemony and Islamic supremacy. Pray for the Christians of the Middle East.


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

* CHINA: BELIEVERS ARRESTED IN XINJIANG

On Sunday 18 March police raided a house church in China's far west Xinjiang Province, arresting more than 70 Christians. The church in Aksu prefecture, which has been meeting regularly for nearly 20 years, was gathered for worship in the home of Pastor He Enjun when more than 10 police and Domestic Security Protection agents stormed in. Each believer was photographed before being taken away for interrogation. Some believers were held for two days. Everyone's Christian materials were confiscated, without receipts (i.e. they were stolen -- pray that God will put them to good use!). Pastor He Enjun and his wife were threatened and ordered to stop holding 'illegal' meetings.

* CHINA: COMMUNIST PARTY DEMANDING LOYALTY

On 19 March Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials seized Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin (49) and Father Paul Jiang Sunian of the 'underground' Catholic Church in Wenzhou, whisking them away for 'learning classes'. Government officials have told the church that if Bishop Shao and Father Jiang are 'intelligent enough in their learning' they will be allowed back soon, indicating that their release will depend on their willingness to accept CCP ideology and serve CCP interests. Similarly China's Justice Ministry has recently announced that all lawyers obtaining or renewing their licence will now be required to take an oath of allegiance to the CCP. Who will defend the CCP's victims and critics now?

* CHINA: EASTER AT SHOUWANG CHURCH

Last Christmas the battle between the CCP and Beijing's large, unregistered Shouwang Church intensified as church leaders sought premises in which to hold Christmas services. While several landlords were initially willing to lease their premises, CCP pressure ensured they eventually backed out. One place reneged at the very last minute, ensuring that numerous church members arrived for Christmas services unaware they would be met by hoards of police. With Easter approaching, the Shouwang Church is requesting prayer. For a full year now, the believers -- around 1000 mostly young professionals -- have suffered harassment, intimidation and persecution as they make a stand for religious liberty. Having seized their property, the CCP will not let them gather for worship anywhere. Still, the faithful turn up each Sunday to be dispersed and arrested by CCP agents, waging a quiet battle of attrition. Pray for Beijing's Shouwang Church this Easter. May God provide all their needs and bless their witness. See http://www.facebook.com/prayforshouwang


* EGYPT: ISLAMISTS TO DOMINATE CONSTITUTION PANEL

On Saturday 24 March Egypt's democratically elected Islamist-dominated parliament appointed a 100-member panel to write Egypt's new constitution. The panel's clear majority of 60 Islamists will ensure that Christian and secularist voices will be inconsequential. Several Christian and secularist members have already resigned from the panel, denouncing it as a farce designed only to legitimise the drafting of an Islamist constitution.

* EGYPT: SLIDING INTO A DARK AGE

When Pope Shenouda III (88), the head of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church, died on 17 March, Salafi Muslim clerics responded with a barrage of hateful, offensive and even slanderous insults. Their rejoicing over the death of the 'head of the infidels' has shocked Christians, compounding their sense of vulnerability. Meanwhile, serious anti-Christian violence is escalating. On Sunday 4 March some 1500 armed Muslim villagers in Abu Al-Reesh village, Aswan Province, Upper Egypt, launched a pogrom against the local Notre Dame Language School. They were responding to calls emanating from local mosques to attack this privately run public school, falsely claiming that a church was being built there. Two nuns were besieged in the school's guesthouse for some eight hours by a murderous mob threatening to burn them alive. The entire property was ransacked and looted. The next day the Muslims returned and terrorised the children. Consequently, school attendance has dropped by at least one-third. By 8 March one of the nuns had suffered a major nervous breakdown requiring hospitalisation. Pray for Egypt's minority Christians.


Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3: 20,21 ESV)

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To view this RLPB with links, go to Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com 

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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.

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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>.

I'm praying through the Spiritual Disciplines, asking God how I can put my love for Him into practice. This week I'm praying about sacrifice, asking God what He would like me to give or give up.

I thought of Jesus' life on earth, and the great sacrifice He paid for us. I thought about the smaller sacrifices in His earthly life, and this story came to mind:

Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. ...

About eight days after these words, He took along Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, two men were talking with Him—Moses and Elijah. They appeared in glory and were speaking of His death, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.

Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep, and when they became fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who were standing with Him. As the two men were departing from Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it’s good for us to be here! Let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.

While he was saying this, a cloud appeared and overshadowed them. They became afraid as they entered the cloud.

Then a voice came from the cloud, saying: “This is My Son, the Chosen One; listen to Him!”

After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was found. They kept silent, and in those days told no one what they had seen.

The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Him. (Luke 9:23, 28-37)

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 119:97-104

Key Word                Insight

Emphasis                Wisdom from Your word

Application              I desire to be wise, so I have kept Your commandments and observed Your precepts.

Today’s Prayer

Mem

 ⁹⁷ Oh, how I love Your instructions!
      I meditate on them all day long.
 ⁹⁸ Your commands make me wiser than my enemy,
      when Your commands are my constant guide.
 ⁹⁹ Thank You Lord, I have insight to see unscriptural teaching,
      for I am always thinking of Your laws.
 ¹⁰⁰ I desire to be wise,
        so I have kept Your commandments and observed Your precepts.
 ¹⁰¹ I have refused to walk on any evil path,
        so that I may remain obedient to Your word.
 ¹⁰² I haven’t turned away from Your regulations,
        for You have taught me well.
 ¹⁰³ How sweet are Your words to my taste;
        they are sweeter than honey.
 ¹⁰⁴ Your commandments give me understanding;
        no wonder I hate every false way of life.

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 119:89-96

Key Word                Forever

Emphasis                Earthly perfection is limited

Application              Your word is stands forever heaven. It revives me

Today’s Prayer

Lamedh

 ⁸⁹ Forever, O Lord,
      Your word is settled, it stands forever, it stands firm in heaven.
 ⁹⁰ Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
      as enduring as the earth which You created.
 ⁹¹ All of these things remain true to this day,
      for everything serves Your plans and are Your servants.
 ⁹² If Your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy

      and been my delight,
      then I would have died in my misery.
 ⁹³ I will never forget Your commandments,
      for by them You give me life and revive me.
 ⁹⁴ I am Yours; thank You for saving me!
      I work hard at obeying Your commandments.
 ⁹⁵ Though the wicked one wants to destroy me,
      I diligently keep my mind on Your laws.
 ⁹⁶ Even the perfection of Your creation has its limits,
      but Your commands have no limit.

 God gives parents and grandparents a responsibility to imprint a child’s life with His faithfulness. Since our world is in moral and spiritual decline, the enemy is trying to steal their faith; we are in a battle for the minds and hearts of our dear children. In addition to trying to destroy their faith, the enemy is trying to destroy the morals of our country, especially the family unit.

       However, prayer is the best weapon in our cultural and spiritual battle. Esther stood in the gap for her people, the Israelites, when their lives were threatened. Today, grandparents can stand in the gap with prayer for their grandchildren and their parents so they do not become victims of our culture.

      I often do not know how to pray for my children and grandchildren because I don’t know their needs, especially since I am a long distance parent grandparent for some of them. However, in Romans 8:26, 27 I have learned that the Holy Spirit intercedes for me when I don’t know exactly what or how to pray for my grandchildren. The Holy Spirit knows their needs, so I ask him to intercede for me according to His will. I feel blessed to know I can put my concerns in God’s hands instead of carrying them myself and it keeps me from telling God how to answer my prayer. Often, my prayers are not answered on my timetable, but in the waiting God does amazing things in my heart. Asking the Holy Spirit to make intercession for me according to God’s will has given me new meaning in praying for my family and myself.

      I want to encourage you, as parents and grandparents to ask the Holy Spirit to make intercession for you as you pray for your children when you don’t know their specific needs.

By Lillian Penner

 http://www.grandparentingwithapurpose.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 119:81-88

Key Word                Longing

Emphasis                Waiting on Your word

Application              You rescue me because You are trustworthy and faithful

Today’s Prayer

Kaph

 ⁸¹ I am worn out waiting for Your rescue,
      but I have put my hope in, and continue to wait on, Your word.
 ⁸² My eyes are straining to see Your promises come true.
      When will You comfort me?
 ⁸³ I feel like I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,
      but I have not forgotten to obey Your decrees.
 ⁸⁴ How long must I wait?
      Lord, I trust that You have already rescued me
      from the evil one’s persecution of me?
 ⁸⁵ He is arrogant and hates Your instructions.
      He digs deep pits to trap me.
 ⁸⁶ But all Your commands are trustworthy and faithful.
      I trust You to protect me from his persecution of me.
 ⁸⁷ He nearly drags me down to his level, but, as for me,
      I refuse to abandon Your commandments, Your precepts.
 ⁸⁸ In Your unfailing love, I trust You to spare my life, and revive
      me according to Your lovingkindness;
      so that I can continue to obey Your laws, the testimonies of

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 119:73-80

          Key Word                Compassion

          Emphasis                 Your compassionate judgment

          Application              Lord, because Your judgments are full of compassion I meditate on and turn to Your precepts

Today’s Prayer

Yodh

 ⁷³ Your hands made me; You created me.
      Now give me the sense and understanding to follow Your commands.
 ⁷⁴ May all who fear You find in me a cause for joy,
      for I have put my hope in, and wait on, Your word.
 ⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are fair and full of compassion;
      and that You disciplined me because I needed it.
 ⁷⁶ Now let Your unfailing love comfort me,
      just as You promised me, Your servant.
 ⁷⁷ Surround me with Your tender mercies
      and Your great compassion,  so I may live,
      for Your instructions are my delight.
 ⁷⁸ Bring disgrace upon me when I am arrogant;
      and then cause me to meditate on Your precepts.
 ⁷⁹ Let me be united with all who fear You,
      with those who know Your laws and testimonies.
 ⁸⁰ May I be blameless in keeping Your decrees;
      then I will not be ashamed.

The apostle Paul instructs Christians in 2 Corinthians 5:18 that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation.  Specifically in verse 20 of this same chapter, Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit says "we are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us".   Reconciliation in this portion of scripture is that of reconciling people to God. The need for reconciliation is a result of each of us being separated from God because of our sin. Knowing God desires a personal relationship with each person, and that we are separated from Him, He provided a way for us to have our sin forgiven in order that we could realize this relationship He offers us. When Jesus died upon the cross, was buried and rose again the third day, our sin penalty was paid.  If you confess Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved (Romans 10:9). The Bible uses at least two words to describe those who have yet to be reconciled to God as being blind and lost. Have you ever watched a visually blind person navigate a busy intersection, and did you find yourself praying for God to help them in their walk?  In a similar way we need to pray with compassion for those who are spiritually blind.  Often as we pray for unsaved people we may be limited to praying "God, help my friend to be saved", sensing there might be more specific things to pray, but we're just unsure how to go about it.  Lee E. Thomas has written a book titled "Praying Effectively for the Lost".  The author suggests at least six prayers for those who need to be reconciled to Christ. We are to ask God to sanctify, bless, convict, illuminate, save and send laborers. Please consider the verses associated with these six items.  Revive your intercessory prayer life this week with this simple pattern of praying effectively for lost people.

How to Pray for the Lost

(from Praying Effectively for the Lost by Lee E. Thomas)

Ask God to:

SANCTIFY

1 Pet 1:2: “who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit for obedience…”

2 Th. 2:13: “from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit…”

BLESS

Rom 2:4: “God’s kindness leads you toward repentance”

CONVICT

Jn. 16:8: “When he comes he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness…”

ILLUMINATE

2 Cor. 4:6: “For God who said “let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ”

SAVE

Lk. 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost”

SEND LABORERS

Mt 9:37: “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field”

For more encouragement and additional information about the book Praying Effectively for the Lost, please visit www.pelministries.org. 

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 119:65-72

Key Word               Afflicted

Emphasis               He deals with His servant

Application              Even in my affliction, You deal well with Your servant

Today’s Prayer

Teth

 ⁶⁵ You have dealt well with me, doing many good things for me, Lord,
      just as You promised.
 ⁶⁶ I believe in Your commands;
      now teach me good judgment and knowledge and discernment.
 ⁶⁷ I used to wander off until You disciplined me with affliction;
      but now I closely follow Your word.
 ⁶⁸ You are good and do only good;
      teach me Your decrees.
 ⁶⁹ Oh Lord, in my arrogance I fell for the evil one’s lies,
      but now, in truth, I will obey Your commandments with all my heart.
 ⁷⁰ My heart was dull and foolish,
      but now I delight in Your instructions.
 ⁷¹ My suffering, my affliction, was good for me, thank You Lord,
      for it taught me to pay attention to Your decrees.
 ⁷² Your instructions are more valuable to me
      than millions in gold and silver.

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 119:57-64

Key Word               Sought

Emphasis               The Lord is my portion

Application              Because You are my portion, I constantly rise and give You thanks

Today’s Prayer

Heth

 ⁵⁷ Lord, You are mine, You are my portion!
      I promise to obey Your words!
 ⁵⁸ With all my heart I have sought Your favor, Your blessings.
      Be gracious, be merciful as You promised.
 ⁵⁹ I considered my ways, I pondered the direction of my life,
      and I turned to follow Your laws.
 ⁶⁰ I hasten, without delay,
      to obey Your commands Lord.
 ⁶¹ Evil people try to drag me into sin,
      but I am firmly anchored to Your instructions.
 ⁶² I rise throughout the night to thank You
      for Your just regulations and ordinances.
 ⁶³ I am a friend to anyone who fears You—
      to anyone who obeys Your commandments.
 ⁶⁴ O Lord, Your unfailing love fills the earth;
      teach me Your decrees, teach me Your statutes.

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 119:49-56

Key Word               Comfort

Emphasis               Your words are my songs

Application              Even in affliction Your Word comforts me

Today’s Prayer

Zayin

 ⁴⁹ Lord, remember Your promises to me, Your servant;
      Your word is my only hope, my sure hope.
 ⁵⁰ Your promises revive me, they  are my comfort in affliction;
      and in all my troubles.
 ⁵¹ Lord, when I am arrogant, and proud, I hold Your words
in utter contempt,
      cause me to not turn away from Your instructions.
 ⁵² I meditate on Your age-old regulations;
      O Lord, they comfort me.
 ⁵³ I become furious when I am wicked,
      because I have rejected Your instructions.
 ⁵⁴ Your decrees have been the theme of my songs
      wherever I have lived.
 ⁵⁵ I reflect at night on who You are, O Lord;
      therefore, I obey Your instructions, I keep Your law.
 ⁵⁶ This is how I spend my life:
      obeying Your commandments.

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 151 | Wed 21 Mar 2012

MIDDLE EAST: ISLAMIC POWER BLOCS TO TRAMPLE MINORITIES 

By Elizabeth Kendal

The Middle East is undergoing a massive upheaval wherein Islamist powers are struggling for regional and Islamic supremacy. According to terrorism analyst Yossef Bodansky, the 'buffer' that prevents the Islamic blocs from 'fratricidal violence' is the 'Fertile Crescent of Minorities' (Defense & Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy magazine (2/2012)). Thus it is in the interests of these blocs as they struggle in their quest for supremacy over the others that the 'Fertile Crescent of Minorities' be crushed. Unfortunately the West is so committed to majority rule that it cannot see that, by being complicit in the crushing of the region's minorities, it is actually setting the stage for a regional war of cataclysmic proportions.

* THE SUNNI ARAB AXIS (led by Saudi Arabia, backed by the West)

A Kuwaiti Member of Parliament, Osama Al-Munawer, has announced plans to submit a draft law that would ban the building of new churches while permitting existing churches to remain. On Monday 12 March a Kuwaiti delegate questioned Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, on the matter. The Grand Mufti responded by citing Muhammad's command: 'Two deens [religions] shall not co-exist in the Arabian Peninsula.' (Al-Muwatta Hadith - 45.18. Note that 45.17 uses the broader phrase 'in the land of the Arabs'.) Therefore, said the Sheikh, it is actually 'necessary to destroy all the churches of the region'. The Grand Mufti is Saudi Arabia's highest official of religious law. He is also the head of the Supreme Council of Ulema (Islamic scholars) and of the Standing Committee for Scientific Research and Issuing of Fatwas. Consequently his decree could unleash a tsunami of persecution. Beyond the Arabian Peninsula, Christians in the Arab lands of Egypt and Lebanon have expressed alarm and anxiety over the decree.

On Sunday 18 March militants in Yemen's southern city of Taiz shot and killed an American English-language teacher. Al Qaeda-linked Ansar al-Sharia (Partisans of Islamic Law) claimed responsibility for the targeted assassination, describing the victim, Joel Shrun (29), as 'one of the biggest American proselytisers'. Shrun had lived in Taiz with his wife and two children since 2010. Church leader Ulf Edstrom told reporters that threats against the school had increased of late. 'Al-Qaeda is searching for Westerners,' he said. Yemen is home to some 41,000 Christians, more than half of whom are expatriate workers. Local believers, generally converts from Islam, are mostly 'underground'.

* IRANIAN AXIS

In Iran, security officials in Isfahan have arrested 12 Christian converts over the past month as part of a wider crackdown on Christian symbols and conversions. As repression and persecution escalate, some local church leaders allied to the regime are publicly distancing themselves from their suffering brothers and sisters. (This is a common problem in highly dangerous non-free states.)

In Syria (where the struggle is currently centred) recent bombings have hit Christian districts. On Saturday 17 March simultaneous suicide bombings in Damascus targeting government facilities killed 27 and wounded more than 100. One car bomb was detonated as the bomber drove through the Christian neighbourhood of al-Qassa. The 'martyrdom' group al-Nusra Front to Protect the Levant (see RLPB 148) claimed responsibility. Then on Sunday 18 March a bomb was detonated near a Latin church and two primary schools in Aleppo's Sulaymaniyeh neighbourhood, a district heavily populated with Christians. A security guard and a Syrian-Armenian woman were killed and thirty people were injured.

In Iraq (which was formerly ruled by Sunni Arabs but is now ruled by Arab Shi'ites under Iranian hegemony) another church has been bombed. Baghdad's Syrian Orthodox Church of St Matthew was one of some 20 sites targeted in a nation-wide simultaneous bombing campaign on 20 March, the ninth anniversary of the US invasion. (At the time of writing, no group had claimed responsibility.)

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL --

* preserve a remnant of his people in their homeland; may he be their refuge, provider and deliverer, bringing guidance, healing, comfort and strength, along with justice and recompense. '. . . in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. [God] will put to shame him who tramples on me.' (Psalm 57:1b,2,3b ESV)

* facilitate the escape of those who are seeking and needing an escape route; may asylum be granted without delay.

* draw his people ever closer into communion with him, increasing their faith so they will know they are never alone, but have as their ally the sovereign creator of the universe, for whom 'nothing will be impossible' (Luke 1:37).


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


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

ISLAMIC POWER BLOCS IN MIDDLE EAST TRAMPLING MINORITIES

The Middle East's minority Christians are being trampled as the region's Islamic blocs compete for regional hegemony and supremacy. On Monday 12 March the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia decreed that, in line with the teaching of Muhammad, all the region's churches should be destroyed. Days later, an American Christian English-language teacher was gunned down in Yemen. Repression and persecution are escalating in Iran with 12 believers arrested in Isfahan in the past month. In contested Syria, recent bombings in Damascus and Aleppo struck predominantly Christian districts. In Iraq, Baghdad's Syrian Orthodox Church of St Matthew was one of some 20 sites devastated on 20 March as bombs were detonated simultaneously across the nation. Please pray for the Church in the Middle East.

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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>.

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 119:41-48

Key Word               Love

Emphasis               There is Liberty in Your word

Application             Your word is my sure hope.

Today’s Prayer

Waw

 ⁴¹ Lord, I trust that You are giving me Your unfailing love,
      the salvation that You promised me.
 ⁴² Then I can answer those who may taunt me,
      for I trust in Your word.
 ⁴³ Lord, do not snatch Your word of truth from me,
      for Your regulations and Your ordinances are
      my only hope, my sure hope.
 ⁴⁴ I will keep on obeying Your instructions
      forever and ever.
 ⁴⁵ I will walk in freedom, I will walk in liberty
      for I have devoted myself to Your commandments,
      to seeking Your precepts.
 ⁴⁶ I will speak to those in leadership above me
      about Your testimonies,
      and I will not be ashamed.
 ⁴⁷ How I delight in Your commandments!
      How I love them!
 ⁴⁸ I will honor and love Your commands.
      I will meditate on Your decrees.

A child desperately wanted a new high-tech gadget.  He had heard about it from older friends. He begged and pleaded his parents for the gadget to no avail.  He cried for it, promised he be good forever if he got it, and offered to give up other possessions if necessary.  Still the parents did not yield.  Why?  Were they mean? Unloving? Hateful? Unresponsive?  Insensitive to his requests?  No.  The truth was that the child was not yet mature enough to properly benefit from the gadget.  Sound familiar? We hear of revival and we pray to God to let us experience it.  Sometimes we beg and plead for revival.  We make promises to God if we can just experience revival.  We offer to give up things if revival will just happen.  And yet no revival comes. Why? Is God mean, unloving, hateful, unresponsive, and insensitive?  No.  The problem is not with God, who longs to send revival.  The problem is often with believers whose stewardship level is not yet mature enough to properly handle the blessings and responsibilities of heaven-sent revival. If we don’t know what to do with revival when it comes, God will not send it, just because we want it and ask for it.

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 119:33-40

          Key Word                Observe

          Emphasis                You incline my heart

          Application              You make me walk in Your path, which is where my happiness is found

Today’s Prayer

He

 ³³ Teach me Your decrees, O Lord;
      and I will keep them, I shall observe them to the end.
 ³⁴ Give me understanding Lord and I will obey Your instructions;
      I will put them into practice with all my heart.
 ³⁵ Lord, make me walk along the path of Your commands,
      for that is where my happiness is found.
 ³⁶ Give me an eagerness Lord, for Your laws
      rather than a love for money!
 ³⁷ Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
      turn my eyes from worthless things, Lord,
      and revive my life through Your word.
 ³⁸ Reassure me of Your promises,

      and it will produce reverence for You,
 ³⁹ Help me abandon my shameful ways;
      for Your regulations and Your ordinances are good.
 ⁴⁰ I long to obey Your commandments!
      Father, revive my life with Your goodness.

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 119:25-32

Key Word               Shame

Emphasis               You remove false ways from me

Application              Lord You revive me, You enlarge my heart

Today’s Prayer

Daleth

 ²⁵ Lord, sometimes, because of sin and shame, I feel like I lie in the dust;
      please revive me by Your word.
 ²⁶ I told You my plans, and You answered me Lord.
      Now teach me Your decrees.
 ²⁷ Lord, help me understand the meaning of Your commandments,
      and I will meditate on Your wonders.
 ²⁸ I weep with sorrow, I weep because of grief, because of shame;
      encourage me by Your word.
 ²⁹ Lord, remove false ways from me;
      and graciously give me the privilege of knowing Your instructions.
 ³⁰ I have chosen to be faithful;
      I have determined to live by Your ordinances.
 ³¹ I cling to Your testimonies.
      Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
 ³² I will pursue Your commands,
      for You enlarge my heart and expand my understanding.

LAGOS PRAYS


1 Hour non-denominational Holy Ghost prayer meeting, every Friday
wherever you are---because Prayer knows no boundaries!

March 16 , 2012 PERSONAL PRAYER PROGRAM:

Romans 14:  Lord I want to live for you

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 119:17-24

Key Word                Counseled

Emphasis                You open my eyes to Your word

Application              Your testimonies are my delight they give me wise advice and wise counsel

Today’s Prayer

Gimel

 ¹⁷ Be good to Your servant,
      that I may live and obey Your word.
 ¹⁸ Open my eyes to see
      the wonderful truths in Your instructions and laws.
 ¹⁹ I am only a stranger on the earth.
      Do not hide Your commands from me!
 ²⁰ I am often crushed and overwhelmed
      with a desire for Your ordinances.
 ²¹ You rebuke my arrogance,
      when I wander away from Your commands.
 ²² Lord, don’t let scorn and insult affect me,
      for I have obeyed Your laws.
 ²³ Even though people sit and speak against me,
      I will meditate on Your decrees.
 ²⁴ Your laws, Your testimonies are my delight;
      they give me wise advice and wise counsel.

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 119:9-16

Key Word                Hidden

Emphasis                Reflecting on Your ways

Application               I recite Your statutes and so I do not forget Your word

Today’s Prayer

Beth

 ⁹ Lord, You have made it clear how a young person,
      how any person, can stay pure,
      by obeying Your word.
 ¹⁰ With all my heart I have sought You,
      don’t let me wander from Your commands.
 ¹¹ Thy word have I hid in mine heart,
       That I might not sin against Thee.
 ¹² I praise You, O Lord;
      teach me Your decrees and Your statutes.
 ¹³ I recite aloud
      all the ordinances You have given us.
 ¹⁴ I rejoice in Your laws
      as much as in all riches.
 ¹⁵ I will meditate on Your precepts
      and reflect on Your ways.
 ¹⁶ I will delight in Your statutes Lord.
      I will not forget Your word.

From January to April we are praying Psalm 119 on the Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show . For a cross reference for you to go to each prayer, click here. Each stanza was given a Key Word, Emphasis and Application (see below) and so each prayer is built around these items.

Example stanza information:

Psalm 119:1-8
Key Word               Blessed
Emphasis                Walking in Your law, Lord
Application            When I keep Your statutes I am not ashamed

Today’s Prayer

Aleph

 ¹ Lord, how blessed are people of integrity,
      the ones who follow Your instructions, their ways are blameless!
 ² Blessed are those who obey Your laws
      and search for You with all their hearts.
 ³ They do not compromise with evil,
      and they walk only in Your paths.
 ⁴ You have charged us Lord that we should
      keep Your commandments and keep them carefully and
      keep them diligently.
 ⁵ Oh, that my actions would consistently
      reflect Your decrees!
 ⁶ Then I will not be ashamed
      when I compare my life with Your commands.
 ⁷ As I learn Your righteous regulations and judgments
      I will thank You, by living as I should!
 ⁸ I will obey Your decrees and statutes.
      I trust You to not give up on me!