But God…
Dear friends and intercessors
One Day in the Gap
From the 1st of September until now, there has been a community that has
undertaken to stand in the gap for our country for at least a full 24 hours. On
many days there was more than one community. Consider earnestly taking on a
day, and if your community has already taken a day, consider taking another day
before the end of December.
Scepticism
We live in a time of increasing scepticism, a time when being a sceptic is
considered fashionable. It is, however, not the first time in the history of the
church or society that such a phenomenon has occurred. A typical example was
during the 1770-90’s in the U.S.A., England and Europe. France is our best
example of agnosticism, atheism and scepticism.
Since the 1960’s, a new movement of scepticism has begun, and has increased in
intensity year by year. Currently it is specifically the Bible that is being
questioned. Strangely enough, though, Islam and the Koran, Hinduism and
Buddhism, do not fall under the spot light as much. There is, rather, an incredible
attack on the holiness of the Bible, the church, or at least Christianity. When God
is referred to, it is usually the God of the Bible. People feel that society and they
have now grown up and that they can see through the ‘fraud’ of the church and
that they no longer need Jesus and the Bible. Without them realizing it, it is a sad
truth that there exists a moral scepticism, hedonism, and free-will that allows
people to live without bounds or restriction.
All sorts of “proofs’ are held to as reasons why people feel that they cannot
believe in God, questions for which there are no answers, difficult questions that
cannot be solved through reasoning (whether one believes in God or not).
Interestingly enough, it is the sceptics and atheists that hold a great anger
towards a God, in whose existence they do not believe.
At the end of the day, it is very clear that neither God, nor no-God, can be proven
by exacting argument. Only once a person has chosen what you would believe, or
in whom you will believe, can you begin to garner evidence as to your belief.
God’s existence is not proofed by whether we ‘have’ of ‘do not have’ proof
through science or by human argument. It is when people put themselves into
the hands of the Living God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they
experience redemption and a deep personal relationship with God. Just because
it is not possible to proof scientifically, it does not mean it is not ‘real’.
It is also true that when the concept of God does not function in a society, the
entire society falls into chaos. Furthermore, it is true that when the principles of
the Ten Commandments, which are pivotal to Judaism and Christianity, are
instituted as the fundamental rules that govern a society, an ordered and
meaningful co-existence in society results. Add to this the ethical principles
taught by Jesus through parables found in the New Testament, and spiritual rebirth, and the result is a system where people can co-exist peacefully, life makes
sense, and societies can function in an orderly fashion.
Two comments:
•
One can chose to live as one wills, but one cannot determine the outcome
of one’s choices. - G. K. Chesterton
•
Eternity is a long time to be wrong. - Rick Warren
Prayer focuses for March-June
For the following 4 months we will focus on the social responsibility of the
church, to say and to action. We focus on a deeper walk with God and on
holiness. Thereafter we look at the difficult questions that people ask, and the
prayer focus for June is primarily on children.
Bennie Mostert
Managing Director: Jericho Walls International Prayer Network
Eph. 3:20
Did you know?
God is moving in Windhoek!
After our Pentecost services last year, 14 people signed up for prayer. In August,
a 7-day prayer chain was established. At this stage, people pray from their
homes. Each day we focus prayer on 3 key areas. Firstly: prayer for leaders of
congregations, those involved in different ministries, government leaders, and
Members of Parliament. Secondly: we encourage our intercessors to pray
through newspaper articles daily; and lastly: we focus on prayer for revival and
salvation of the unsaved. Our eyes have been opened and we see God moving
now in special ways! We are certainly not ready to stop! Please pray for us to
continue standing and growing in our responsibility to pray.
Eros DRC, Windhoek, Ulfried Schwacke, 0811 299 710, www.ngeros.com or
ulfrieds@gmail.com
Prayer initiative for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games
The Forever team is laying the foundation for the biggest YWAM Olympic
outreach ever. They are mobilizing YWAM in 24-7 prayer for the UK in 2012;
with a focus on the Olympic outreach and releasing the next wave of
missionaries from this nation to the nations. Starting on January 1st and running
right through until December 31st, YWAM will be covering every hour of 2012 in
prayer, focusing on our largest Olympic event to date. To register visit
www.forever2012.com/brickbybrick
What’s online:
www.operationworld.org/join-prayer-movement
60 Day Prayer Experience: Join people from every nation, praying for people in
every nation. Receive daily prayer reminders for a different country or need
somewhere in the world. Info includes: An Operation World country snapshot of
prayer needs, challenges to prayer, and country specific information to help
focus your prayers. Electronic e-prayer cards from Joshua Project for the
unreached peoples for that country. A prayer video for that country from Prayer
cast that you can watch, hear, and join with in prayer.
www.operationworld.org/prayer-movement-sign-up
What, where an when
NATIONAL
14 April 2012: Arise 2012
Join the praise and worship event focusing on children between 4-14 years. On
April 14th 2012, at 16:14, every country participating will start with a praise and
worship event in their time zone. They will pray and proclaim Isaiah 61 and cry
out to the Lord.
For more information: Children’s Prayer Network of South Africa, Gerhard Botha,
pray@mweb.co.za, 0835379770 or Juzaan van Zyl,
juzaan@transformingkids.co.za, 083 201 1665 or www.kidsarise.com
INTERNATIONAL
Women’s World Day of Prayer
This year, during the Women’s World Day of Prayer, women, men and children
from more than 170 countries will gather together to pray according to the
theme “In Christ we are many Members, Yet One Body.”
For more info: Women’s World Day of Prayer (Sandra Pillay), P.O. Box 2002,
Kempton Park, 2002, 011 975 4598, www.wwdp.co.za or wwdp@telkomsa.net
30 April - 1 May 2012: Just Pray NO!
Join in the 22nd Annual Just Pray NO! to drugs Worldwide Weekend of Prayer
and Fasting. Substance abuse has been directly linked with violence and sexual
immorality and is a major source of income for organized crime and terrorist
activities.
Visit www.justprayno.org or justprayno@aol.com
2-3 June 2012: World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk
The World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk, facilitated by Viva, takes
place every year on the first weekend of June. Hundreds of thousands of
Christians gather at events across the world to devote themselves to prayer for
their own children, children in their church, neighbourhood, country, or in other
parts of the world. Please pray for the church to become aware and more
involved in ministering to the children of the world.
Download free resources at www.viva.org/wwp
MIA 2012 (Moving Into Action): April & May 2012
As part of the MIA2012 (Moving Into Action) campaign we are planning to send
prayer teams (consisting of not more than 5 people) from South Africa into 18
African countries for a period of 4 to 5 days during April or May 2012. The
prayer teams will visit each country just before the Moving Into Action
outreaches that are planned for June and July 2012. To participate, contact
Crystal Strydom, 012 365 3213, www.mia2012.co.za or nations@jwipn.com
MIA 2012 (Moving Into Action) Launch: 25-28 June 2012
Moving Into Action 2012 Event in Pretoria at the Fountains Circle Recreation
Site, followed by outreaches into Africa. The Church in Southern Africa needs to
'Go North', not in an individualistic effort, but a collaboration between
individuals, churches, organisations and businesses, unified around a common
mission vision. From South Africa into Africa. Outreach dates: Option 1: 28 June –
1 July 2012 or option 2: 28 June – 6 July 2012 and option 3: 28 June – 11 July
2012. To attend, contact Adriaan Adams, 012 346 4611 or cell: 082 770 5310,
www.mia2012.co.za or info@mia2012.co.za. To participate in outreaches, contact
S J Swart, 083 451 0566, www.mia2012.co.za or outreaches@mia2012.co.za
14 - 18 May 2012: World Prayer Assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia
The key objective for this assembly is to bring together prayer leaders,
intercessors, church and marketplace leaders, children and youth, to accelerate
the development of an on-going, interactive global prayer movement towards
the fulfilment of Habakkuk 2:14, that “the earth will be filled with the knowledge
of the glory of the Lord”. Please pray for God’s guidance and help for the
international planning team with various task forces, as well as the Indonesian
national committee working on all the logistics. Pray for delegates representing
all nations, most especially the small island nations. Also ask the Lord for His
provision for the financial needs of the participants, speakers and facilitators, as
well as for any extra or unforeseen costs.
International Prayer Council (IPC) International Office, www.ipcprayer.org or
office@ipcprayer.org
Monthly prayer focuses: March – June 2012
The prayer focuses on this page are to encourage those involved in a 24-7 house
of prayer to focus on the same things at the same time in prayer. These are only
guidelines and watch coordinators may add their own focuses as the Holy Spirit
leads them. Please consider putting up these prayer pointers in your prayer
room in creative ways, or use them in your quiet time. Also, inform others and
encourage them to pray for these issues during each of the monthly focuses.
More information on these issues is available free of charge from our website:
www.jwipn.com. Remember to subscribe to our weekly Global Prayer Alert
which covers current issues in prayer on a weekly basis by sending an e-mail to
cape@jwipn.com
March 2012: Social responsibilities of the church
The church has a definite prophetic role and responsibility in the world to speak
out and speak up on how to act in terms of the poor and needy and any form of
injustice in society. The church, however, also has a responsibility to model
practical involvement in the social needs of people and to rectify laws and
systems which create systemic poverty and hopelessness. We need to pray that
the church will fulfil its mandate.
April 2012: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
In April we will pray for God’s glory to be revealed in and through the church.
When we read the prayers of the apostles in the New Testament, this is the one
thing that they are praying for, more than for anything else. During revival it is
the glory of God that draws people to the church. God’s promises about His
power and glory are still true and always available. Let us ask him to come in His
glory and to visit us and His church. To see the glory of God manifested in the
church must be our deepest desire.
May 2012: The Global Day of Prayer as well as doubt & unbelief in the
church
During May we will focus on the Global Day of Prayer where millions of
Christians all over the world, in all the nations of the world, will ask for God’s
grace and mercy, for the healing of the nations and for a fresh work of the Holy
Spirit in the church. We will also pray for people that are entangled in
Scepticism, doubt and unbelief. We are living in an age of increasing scepticism
and doubt and when people all over the world feel they cannot trust the Bible
and do not want anybody to tell them what to do or what is right or wrong. We
pray that God will reveal Himself to these people and for a restoration of the
authority of the Bible.
June 2012: Children at Risk
In June there will be a strong focus on children, especially children in need or at
risk. Millions of children are suffering beyond measure through famine, child
labour, wars, human trafficking, and sexual abuse. Our cry to God will be for hope
for the children, for laws to be changed that children will have a real hope and a
future. Nearly 50% of the world’s population is under the age of 20.
MARCH 2012
Thursday 1 March 2012
Social responsibility of the church: Media
Violence, nudity, blasphemy, explicit sex and the promotion of decayed moral
values, has become a normal part of TV broadcasts, interviews and films. Pray
that God’s Spirit would awaken a resistance in the hearts of both the saved and
the unsaved towards such ungodly content (Isaiah 5:19). Pray for the church to
speak out loudly about this matter, and not to make any excuses for what God
sees as evil. Pray that church leaders will be united in this. Ask for Christians
who do have access to social media, to use this platform to create groups, so the
wave of blasphemy and perversion may be stopped.
Friday 2 March 2012
Women’s World Day of Prayer
The Women’s World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian
women to observe a common day of prayer each year. This year, during the
Women’s World Day of Prayer, women, men and children from more than 170
countries will gather together to pray according to the theme “In Christ we are
many Members, Yet One Body.” Give thanks to the Lord for gathering people to
pray and for Him listening to their prayers. Pray, especially, for meetings that
will take place in schools, prisons, hospitals and old-age homes. Women’s World
Day of Prayer (Sandra Pillay), P.O. Box 2002, Kempton Park, 2002, 011 975 4598,
011 975 2537, www.wwdp.co.za or wwdp@telkomsa.net
Pray 52: Week 27: Morocco / Azerbaijan (2-8 March 2012)
Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to government leaders in these nations, and for
Christians to be bold in their witness, so that many will come to Christ. Pray that
Christians will be able to stand against persecution. Pray for believers in
Morocco and Azerbaijan to see answers to persistent prayers for the church and
their nation. Contact: pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also available in
Arabic, French and Farsi. For detailed prayer information on these countries, visit
www.operationworld.org
Saturday 3 March 2012
Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) in the Western Cape
Give thanks to the Lord for touching many lives through the work and ministry
of CCC across the country. Please pray for God’s provision for personnel
vacancies in Bellville, for churches and individuals to become involved with
discipleship and for the JESUS Film outreaches to Muslims, for more full-time
staff, and for students to join CCC full-time after completion of their studies.
Campus Crusade for Christ, 079 777 1407, www.cccsa.org.za or
ccc.wcape@mweb.co.za
Sunday 4 March 2012
Personal revival focus: How to pray: Through the Holy Spirit as Mediator
For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself
makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).
Although we are ignorant and weak, we can believe in the quiet dwelling and
mediation work of the Holy Spirit in us. Give yourself consistently to His life and
will. He will help you in your weakness and prayers. Stand on God’s promises,
even when you cannot see how they may be fulfilled. The Holy Spirit does
intercession for the saints in accordance with the will of God. Pray with the
simplicity of a small child; pray with the holy awe and reverence of someone in
whom God’s Spirit dwells and intercedes. Adapted from Conversation with God by
Dr. Andrew Murray.
Prayer story:
24-7 Prayer Revival Run
Revival Run is simply an idea that came out of a moment of prayer when some
people thought about their part in praying across the nation. Born out of a
church in the south east of the United Kingdom, the Global Generation Church
has a simple prayer: that God would go beyond their wildest imagination for
their own town, and in other places, and that souls would be gathered for His
Kingdom.
What is Revival Run?
What if people began to pray for other towns, other churches and communities
beyond their own?
What would happen if those same people literally went to some of those places
to invite the Presence of God through prayer to invade those places once again?
So why not take a moment and take a risk? Make a ‘prayer -stake’ and ‘stick in
the ground at one of those other places and pray!
Revival Run testimonies at www.revivalrun.org/?p=1194 and
www.revivalrun.org/?p=1099
For more info visit at www.revivalrun.org/2011/01/what-is-revival-run
Monday 5 March 2012
Salvation focus: Tourists
Thousands of tourists visit many tourist sites in our country every year. Please
pray for them to sense the presence of the Living God as they admire the scenery
and the people of our land. Pray that each tourist would have someone witness
to them about the Lord at least once during their stay. Pray that many be saved
and become involved in their local churches back home.
One Thought for One Day: Christ above all: Father grant the church in South
Africa the grace to fully understand that You have put all things under Jesus’ feet
and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the
fullness of Him who fills all in all (Ephesians1:23).
One Day in the Gap prayer focus: Remember to register for a specific day
when you will stand in the gap for the nation of South Africa at:
pray@jwipn.com or 012 365 3213.
Tuesday 6 March 2012
Social responsibility of the church: Long-term solutions
Pray for the church to take on effective projects with wisdom, projects that will
address the corporate and social needs of the country. Many church projects are
short-term, and bring only temporary relief, without addressing the deeper
causes of the problem. Pray for people who do in-depth research and devise
practical suggestions that will bring long-term solutions.
Focus on persecuted children
Every five minutes a Christian is killed for their faith. Children comprise at least
1 million of Christians enduring persecution worldwide. Pray for suffering
believers who face death because of their faith in Christ. Ask that their suffering
will draw them closer to God, and increase their faith. Pray also for the church to
grow in nations where persecution prevails. Pray that the Holy Spirit will enable
persecuted Christians to forgive and love their persecutors and that the Lord will
work remorse of sin and salvation in the hearts of persecutors.
Visit www.incontext.webs.com or helga@incontextministries.org
Wednesday 7 March 2012
The social responsibility of the church: Environmental stewardship
It remains the task of the church to work alongside government in tackling
pollution, the misuse of water and minerals. Where no comprehensive law
covers these issues, or the government has insufficient regulations in place to
enforce laws, the church (congregants and leadership) must address these issues
and take them up with government. In Genesis 2:15 it is clear that the church has
a responsibility towards the earth which God created. In general, the church
doesn’t speak up on these issues, or fails to address them directly. By so doing,
the church is avoiding its responsibility and not equipping its members to be
involved in such important matters as these. Pray for wisdom the church, and for
the church to make practical suggestions, and to equip its members to be
involved in their various spheres of influence with wisdom and responsibility.
Pray for Jewish people: Purim
Jewish people today commemorate the fast of Esther and the festival of Purim.
According to the history recorded in the Book of Esther, God delivered the
Israelites from their death-sentence as a nation. Consider reading through the
book of Esther this week and pray for many Jewish people to come to an
understanding of Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Redeemer. Pray that
Christians will testify to Jewish people of their everlasting life in Christ at this
time. Christian Friends of Israel, 012 361 1437, www.cfijerusalem.org or
allwiese@lantic.net
Thursday 8 March 2012
The social responsibility of the church: Integrity of political leaders
The church and spiritual leaders have a responsibility to talk with politicians
about moral and political integrity. Pray for church leaders to act in wisdom
towards pastors and congregations when they side with certain political leaders
and put unbiblical political policies and modus operandi above the authority of
Scripture. Pray for wisdom the church, and for the church to make practical
suggestions, and to equip its members to be involved in their various spheres of
influence with wisdom and responsibility.
Revival focus: How to pray: Pray tirelessly and do not become disheartened
Then He spoke a parable to them that man always ought to pray and not lose
heart (Luke 18:1). Do you not also feel sometimes, that prayer is the only counsel
for this sinful world? What a need there is for persevering prayer! The sheer
scale of the task makes us disheartened! What will my ten minutes of
intercession achieve? It is right that we feel this way: it is the manner in which
God calls us and prepares us to surrender our lives in prayer. Yield yourself
completely to God on behalf of your fellow-man in the midst of all your
responsibilities. A heart that is led by the Holy Spirit is capable of praying
unceasingly, without becoming disheartened. Adapted from Conversation with
God by Dr. Andrew Murray.
Friday 9 March 2012
Focus on Praybook
Praybook is a new Facebook application that is mobilizing thousands of people
to pray for their friends. Praybook is a simple and systematic way to organize
your Facebook friends into a daily prayer list. Select a number of friends to pray
for each day. Many responses have been received regarding the thankfulness for
prayer, on behalf of believers and non-believers alike. Give thanks to the Lord for
initiatives like these. Pray for those participating to use it not merely as another
social tool, but instead to truly and honestly set themselves before the Lord on
behalf of those for whom they pray. Visit www.praybook.com
Pray 52: Week 28: Egypt / Albania (9-15 March 2012)
Pray specifically for those in influential positions who have a large following, to
come to the Lord Jesus. Ask that their lives and testimony will lead many others
also to come to God.
Pray for believers in Egypt and Albania to experience the presence of the Lord
and hear His voice for the church and their nation.
Contact: pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also available in Arabic, French
and Farsi. For detailed prayer information on these countries, visit
www.operationworld.org
Breakthrough: Woman attacked for her faith
Thirty-year-old Dhanishta Jode’s immediate and extended family follows a
religion traditional to their area in Asia. Dhanishta Jode is now a Christian, and
the differences between her own faith and the religion of her family came
sharply into focus when a relative passed away. The burial involved bowing to
idols. When she refused to take part in violating the first commandment; her
husband brutally beat her and her family joined in the violent attack. They then
kicked Jode out onto the street and warned her never to return. A group of
believers went to speak to Jode’s husband. He allowed her back home and is now
supporting and encouraging her to stand strong in the midst of opposition from
his family. Pray for her husband to come to faith in Christ as well, and that Jode
would continue to stand firmly in her faith, and that others would follow her
bold example. Gospel for Asia, www.gfa.org/news or
www.mnnonline.org/article/15741
Saturday 10 March 2012
Focus on Healthcare Christian Fellowship
There is a desire amongst healthcare workers to see more of God’s manifested
presence in the healthcare institutions of our country. Consider joining national
healthcare facilities, churches, and other intercessors in becoming involved in a 3
year prayer chain from January 2012 to 31 December 2014. Continue to pray for
healthcare facilities to improve, and for the salvation of healthcare workers,
patients and clients.
To register contact Jaco, 084 6000 558 or javheerd@pgwc.gov.za or Minie,
021 933 2378 or 083 3015 572
Sunday 11 March 2012
Personal revival focus: What should I pray for? Pray for all those who suffer
Remember the prisoners as if chained with them – those who are mistreated –
since you yourselves are in the body also (Hebrews 13:3). What a world of
suffering we live in! Jesus sacrificed everything and in the process became
closely associated with the world, a fellow-sufferer! Let us do likewise. The
persecuted, the Jews, the hunger-affected millions of India, the hidden slavery of
Africa, the poverty and suffering of our great cities and so much more – what
suffering there is amongst those who know God, and amongst those who do not
know Him. And what pain there is in also smaller groups and in ten thousand
hearts and households. How many are there not in our own surroundings, which
need help and comfort? Let us open our hearts to them and consider their
suffering. This will spur us on to pray, to work, to hope, and to love more. In a
manner and time that we cannot know, God will hear our prayer. Adapted from
Conversation with God by Dr. Andrew Murray.
Sixteenth Global Day of Prayer for Myanmar (Burma)
Today thousands of people from all over the world will join together in prayer
for the people of Myanmar. Naw Pah Lah, the mother of a 5 year old girl, and a 5
month old boy, who were shot dead at point-blank range by the Myanmar Army
says, “What can we do? They are dead, but at least they are free. We want our
children to be with us but at least they are free.” Please pray for those who are
devastated by the war and hostility of the Myanmar Army. Pray that God will
raise Christians up and that they will have opportunities to share Jesus Christ
with the soldiers and that many will come to salvation. Such salvation occurred
in the first 3 centuries of the early church, and it can happen again. Cry out to
God for the salvation of the souls of all Myanmar people. A free 24 page prayer
guide for Myanmar (Burma) is available from www.prayforburma.org or
mailadmin@prayforburma.org
Monday 12 March 2012
Salvation focus: Prisoners
Today, lift up in prayer prisoners nationwide. Please pray for the protection of
young Christians and other prisoners, and pray that those who rape and abuse
others will repent. Ask for each offender to have the opportunity to hear and
fully understand the message of God the Father’s love for them, as expressed
through Jesus Christ. Pray that many will submit their lives to Jesus and grow
spiritually.
One Thought for One Day: Bow our knees: We, as Your church in South Africa,
today bow our knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and
on earth is named, that according to the riches of Your glory You may grant us to
be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in our inner being, so that
Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith, that we, being rooted and grounded
in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth
and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses
knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:1421).
One Day in the Gap prayer focus: Remember to register for a specific day
when you will stand in the gap for the nation of South Africa at:
pray@jwipn.com or 012 365 3213.
Tuesday 13 March 2012
The social responsibility of the church: Accountability
Politics functions in this day and age without any understanding of sin. When
there is no understanding of sin in a political system, there is no place for
politicians to be held accountable for their deeds – with the double emphasis on
accountability and responsibility. It is the prophetic role of the church to hold
politicians and government accountable for their actions. Out of the truths of
Scripture and a clear understanding of what Scripture declares as right and
wrong, the church must direct the government as to their basic responsibilities.
The church also has the responsibility to direct the government on how to
behave ethically in their public as well as private lives. Pray that the church will
take up its responsibility in this regard.
The 4/14 Movement focusing on children
Almost 80% of all responses to the gospel are made by children. The 4/14
Movement is working to reach children between the ages of 4 and 14, the period
during which they are most likely to form a personal relationship with Jesus.
During September 2011 over 1,000 Christian leaders from 93 different countries
gathered in Singapore for the 4/14 Global Summit, an opportunity to learn from
one another about how best to support and serve children as they learn about
and seek to follow Christ. Please pray for the follow-up to this Summit. Ask for
more volunteers to give their time and efforts in reaching out with the gospel
and to disciple children at a young age. Visit www.4to14window.com
Wednesday 14 March 2012
The social responsibility of the church: Racism
The church has a radical responsibility to speak out about racism. Racism is not
unique to South Africa. It is to be found the world over. Racism remains one of
the largest problems in communities in South Africa and worldwide. In our
country we have seen an increase in racism – brown towards black, white
towards black, black towards black, black towards white, and also in various
forms between brown, black and Indian. Various laws, that bestow favour on a
particular race group, whilst disadvantaging others, or may even be degrading to
some race groups, and has encouraged economic growth of one group above
another, has led to racial-conflict. Pray to God for mercy, for healthy laws that
result in no particular group feeling disempowered, for a deeper understanding
of the various cultures, and for grace to be able to put the past behind us, and for
true forgiveness and restitution.
Focus on establishing 24-7 Houses of Prayer
Pray, by name, for God’s favour to firmly establish the following growing prayer
watches: Woodstock Baptist prayer room in Woodstock, (Jack Bruce,
083 659 5119, jkbruce@telkomsa.net) and Tygerberg Prayer Watch, (Ash,
072 341 8759, oomash@telkomsa.net) Father, grant that houses of prayer will
also be established all over the world. We ask that believers will faithfully pray
the promises from Your Word night-and-day so Your kingdom may come and
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Pray that Christians
will spend time on regular prayer and fasting for breakthroughs in difficult
situations. Pray also that they will become disciplined in their prayer lives and
see breakthroughs as they increase the time they spend with God.
Thursday 15 March 2012
The social responsibility of the church: Marriage
Scripture is clear that marriage is a permanent union between one man and one
woman (Genesis 2:22; Matthew 19:4-6). There is no allowance for “same-sex”
marriages. We may have different opinions regarding this, but it remains the role
of the church to proclaim what Scriptures says on this matter. It has nothing to
do with being loveless. When the reverse is proclaimed, and the church is a
laughing matter, and treated with disrespect, it is not viewed as being “loveless”.
It is the role of the church to proclaim the truth and to defend itself against the
State, regardless of the standpoint it takes. At the very least, the church must call
its members to proclaim marriage as a union between one man and one woman,
without being lacking in love or destructive towards each other.
Friday 16 March 2012
World Mission Centre outreach
In March we will complete the training of elderly people in Pretoria who will
help with certain aspects of the roll out of Live School in various parts of the
world. Please pray that the Lord will use them in a unique way and that through
their involvement many others will also join the Live School team. Ask for open
doors as some of them prepare to visit Live School sites in various parts of the
world. Pray that many more retired people will join the Live School team on a
part-time basis. World Mission Centre, P.O. Box 36147, Menlo Park, 0102,
012 343 1165, 083 300 2567, www.liveschool.org or chrissien@liveschoolsa.org
Pray 52: Week 29: Algeria / Gambia (16-22 March 2012)
Ask the Lord of the harvest to open doors and send more workers into closed
nations. Pray that they will be filled with the Holy Spirit that many will turn to
God because of the obedience of these workers. Pray for believers in Algeria and
Gambia to hear the voice of the Lord and to submit and obey His call for the
church and their nation. Contact: pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also
available in Arabic, French and Farsi. For detailed prayer information on these
countries, visit www.operationworld.org
Saturday 17 March 2012
Evangelistic outreach in South African schools
Give thanks to the Lord for numerous successful outreaches to schools in
Eldorado Park, Ennerdale, Katlehong and many other areas in our country. Save
the World Foundation is an inter-denominational ministry partnering with
churches and like-minded community leaders with the aim of sharing the gospel.
Pray for their work and that young people will yield to the call of Christ and
moral regeneration, based on Christian principles. Lift up in prayer the two
teams presenting the gospel over 500 times every year that they will be able to
convey the heart of God to those they reach out to. Visit
www.savetheworldfoundation.com
Sunday 18 March 2012
Personal revival focus: What to pray for: For the Holy Spirit to work in you
To this end I also labour, striving according to His working which works in me
mightily (Colossians 1:29). You have a special task; make it a task of intercession.
Paul laboured and strove according to the working of God in him. Remember,
God is not only the Creator, but the Blessed Controller of all things. You can only
do your work in His might, through the working of His Holy Spirit in you.
Intercede regularly for those with whom you labour, and persevere until God
hears your prayer. Let each one of us intercede for one another, for every colabourer throughout the church of God, no matter how remote or unknown they
may be to us. Adapted from Conversation with God by Dr. Andrew Murray.
Monday 19 March 2012
Salvation focus: Illegal immigrants / refugees
Most illegal immigrants in South Africa had to flee their countries due to their
lives being in danger as a result of war, or because of a lack of food or income.
Lift up in prayer these people within our borders. Pray that they will find Jesus
Christ as the answer to their questions about life from the testimony of South
Africans. Pray that they will then also lead others to choose Christ, and that
despite their desperate situation, would refrain from involvement in crime.
Africa to bless Israel
From 24 March - 5 April a group of Christians from South-Africa and Africa will
go to Israel to pray prophetically for Israel and Africa. The focus of Mandate:
Africa! is to position, declare and comfort. Many countries turned against Israel
and God’s plan for this nation. Pray for those going to Israel - leaders from the
church, business, art and culture, and media personnel - to unite in prayer before
the Lord. Ask that they will hear God’s voice, be anchored in the truths of the
Word and experience His guidance and favour as they obey His commandments.
Lindie Gouws, www.myworld.co.za or lindie@myworld.za.com
One Thought for One Day: Bitterness: Father God, grant us grace as Your
church in South Africa, to let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and slander be
put away from us, along with all malice (Ephesians 4:31).
One Day in the Gap prayer focus: Remember to register for a specific day
when you will stand in the gap for the nation of South Africa at:
pray@jwipn.com or 012 365 3213.
The tests we face in life
God never tempts us, but He does allow times of testing and trials (Daniel 12:10,
Romans 5:3, 1 Peter 1:7). Why do we need to be tested at the core of our
providence? Do we understand that God is testing us in order to prepare us for
what He is going to do in our lives, or do we believe He is forsaking us? Will we
lose patience in this time, or will we grow in faith? He often uses three things to
test us and show us our hearts. Prayerfully read through this, taking each ‘test’
you recognizes from your life to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to teach you His
heart for you in these different circumstances, and to purify your heart and mind
to serve Him whole-heartedly!
Heart: What is inside comes out
I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity
(1 Chronicles 29:17). How easy it becomes to think you are ‘anointed’ when the
Lord answers your prayers for the healing of people, or that you are gifted when
you produce a CD, are one of the main speakers and lead many to salvation, or
have a significant position in the church. Let us ask the Lord to show us what is
really in our hearts. Too often we discover that there are things hidden in our
hearts that have more to do with our own ambitions and self, than with the
Kingdom and glory of God. Arrogance, pride, ambition and presumption are
always nearby to take us away from God. These things cause us to think we can
live without Him. We cannot do it, not even for one moment. God always works
through our dependence on Him. The Holy Spirit will always search our hearts
for humility and dependency upon Him. If found wanting, He might allow us to
hit rock bottom, face our own bankruptcy and gain a new perspective. We have
to look up to Him! God does not want to torture us. He allows these
circumstances so our hearts can be purified and we can see Him. Blessed are the
pure in heart, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8). Simple prayer: Father, purify
my heart now, lest I be found in want on the Day You judge your people. Give me
a heart after Your heart alone.
Faith: Give up your purse
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (James
1:2-3). One of the most common ways our faith is tested is when we struggle
financially. The possibility of losing our house, not having enough food, or not
being able to pay our bills is hair-raising to any individual. This is especially
frightening when it involves a family with dependent children. Such are the times
we learn to walk in the provision God gives us for each day. We are not in control
to change anything ourselves; we have no other option but to cry out to God.
When our faith is tested during these times, our response to it reveals many
things in our hearts. Do we trust Him to provide, or do we get angry with other
and with God, blaming others for the situation, fall into deep depths of doubt?
We can view this as a time that God wants us to draw closer to Him, or we can
see it as the end of everything. The answers we give to these questions are the
keys to passing the test. Simple prayer: Father of mercy, how much do I still need
to grow in putting all of my trust in You! Please teach me to trust You with all of
my heart, mind and soul. Also help me to lead my family and friends to do the
same with great humility in times of trouble.
Obedience: How willing are you?
In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions
(Exodus 16:4). Think about your children. Usually the privileges they enjoy are in
proportion to their obedience to the rules of your home. Disobedience does not
reap rewards, although it also does not take away the responsibility of parents to
care for needs of their children, loving them no matter what they do. Extra
privileges though, are for them to enjoy beyond what they reap from obedience.
God works the same with us. He loves us no matter what, but there are certain
blessings and privileges that we forfeit if we are disobedient. When our
obedience is tested, our willingness to yield to righteousness and justice, rather
than the pressures of life and fear of man, steps to the forefront. Humble yourself
and do what is right and obey the Holy Spirit promptly. Simple prayer: Father, I
surrender my life to You again right now. I hand You the authority to take my life
in Your hands, to direct me and to tell me what You want me to do, or not do.
Tuesday 20 March 2012
The social responsibility of the church: Abortion
The Constitution makes allowance for abortion-on-demand. It is the church’s
responsibility to declare the sanctity of life unceasingly to the State. The fact that
law in this regard changed in 1997, must not allow the church to lose its grip on
its mandate, and dodge its responsibility in annulling that law. The results of
abortion-on-demand are indescribably negative, and open doors that can never
again be closed. What took place under the Nazi-regime during the Second World
War is but one result of this type of profession.
Britain is considering pre-abortion counselling
Members of the British Parliament are looking at a plan to require that all
women in England considering an abortion undergo pre-abortion counselling —
a move they say could stop as many as 60,000 abortions annually. Give thanks to
the Lord for breakthroughs like these! Too many young people today see
abortion as a type of birth-control. Ask for God to raise up Christian counsellors
who will take these positions and for them to minister Jesus Christ boldly to
those coming for counselling. Visit www.lifenews.com
Wednesday 21 March 2012
The social responsibility of the church: The plight of the people
The church has a large responsibility to address poverty and suffering with the
government. In most cases there are laws that, by their nature, lead to situations
where poverty and suffering cannot be diminished or abolished. In such
instances, it is the role of the church to fight against such laws, and to make
suggestions on how the situation can be changed. This is how, for example, laws
regarding slavery in the 1800’s were changed and people’s self-esteem
reinstated. It was the church that campaigned for this change. The same applies
to child-labour. Pray for wisdom the church, and for the church to make practical
suggestions, and to equip its members to be involved in their various spheres of
influence with wisdom and responsibility.
Pray at Equinox
There are two equinoxes every year, occurring around March 21st and
September 21st. The term “equinox” in Latin means “equal night”. In other
words, the night equals the day in length. Please lift up in prayer all those who
will today and tonight engage in occult practices centering on the sun, moon and
stars. Pray that they will encounter the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray also for the
protection of Christians. Visit www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equinox
Thursday 22 March 2012
The social responsibility of the church: Biological- and genetic-engineering
The church has a responsibility to give guidance regarding issues such as
surrogate motherhood, genetic-engineering, cloning and a variety of other such
related sensitive issues. The church cannot simply remain silent, but must,
instead, be involved in the creation of laws and give direction to them. The
church must do more to remain in the forefront of laws centering on these issues
and to give practical input into their creation. The church’s involvement must,
however, always be done with sensitivity and accountability to God. The church
may not remain silent on these issues. Pray for wisdom the church, and for the
church to make practical suggestions, and to equip its members to be involved in
their various spheres of influence with wisdom and responsibility.
World Water Day 2012: Water and food security
The United Nations (UN) has designated March 22nd as World Water Day. This
year the focus is to raise awareness regarding the amount of water necessary to
produce food. Each product “consumes” water to grow and by providing you
with information about the consumption, every meal will make us aware of how
much water is used for our food, and which products may require a lower hydric
input. Continue to pray for the availability of fresh, clean water and at the very
least, basic food products worldwide. Ask the Lord for multiplication of the
harvests of the world, and for rain in season in every place in the world. Visit
www.worldwaterday.unwater.org
Friday 23 March 2012
Prison outreach in South Africa
The Andrew Murray Centre (in Wellington) makes 17 visits for Bible training to
360 students in nine prisons weekly in the Boland. This will be the 13th year of
calling men and youths to know Jesus Christ through the study of His Word, to
begin serving Him inside prison, and later, outside. Continue to pray for
volunteers to become involved in the existing inter-denomination teams
reaching out to inmates. Specifically pray for male and female, ‘retired-andmobile’ seniors to also become involved in fathering these young inmates.
Contact Andrew May, amay2@gmail.com or David Bliss, 072 728 7963,
www.prisonministry.net/AMC
Pray 52: Week 30: Yemen / Guinea-Bissau (23-29 March 2012)
Pray for the salvation of individuals in these nations. Ask our Father, through His
Holy Spirit, to reveal the gospel to individuals in dreams, visions, and meetings.
Pray also for indigenous believers to be missionaries in their own nation. Pray
for believers in Yemen and Guinea-Bissau to have special times of prayer for the
church and their nation. Contact: pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also
available in Arabic, French and Farsi. For detailed prayer information on these
countries, visit www.operationworld.org
Saturday 24 March 2012
Prayer focus: Jericho Walls International Prayer Network
Please pray today for all Jericho Walls International Prayer Network staff
members (and their families), specifically for their physical health, safety, and
protection from spiritual oppression. Pray that God will open new doors to
promote prayer as a lifestyle in the different spheres of life, inspiring Christians
to cry out to God. Continue to pray with us that prayer material will reach its
destination, especially the Jericho Walls Daily Prayer Guide. Please also pray for
financial provision so that the work may continue. Jericho Walls International
Prayer Network, Private bag X22, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, 012 365 3213,
www.jwipn.com or info@jwipn.com
Focus on World Tuberculosis Day
World Tuberculosis Day is a worldwide event held on March 24th each year.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lungs. It is transmitted from
person to person via droplets from the throat and lungs of people with the
disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the largest
number of new TB cases in 2005 occurred in south-east Asia, which accounted
for 34% of incident cases globally. However, the estimated incidence rate in subSaharan Africa is nearly twice that of south-east Asia. Continue to pray for
breakthroughs in finding more effective treatments for TB. Specially pray for
Christians to become involved in ministering, helping and caring for TB patients.
Visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/world-tuberculosis-day
Sunday 25 March 2012
Personal revival focus: How to pray: In God’s living presence
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8a). The presence of
God gives us peace and power in prayer. “Draw near to God,” seek His presence
and He will not withhold it; “He will draw near to you.” Remember, in the
beginning, when God first teaches you about prayer it is almost more for your
benefit, than it is for the other! You have to learn how to love, how to wait, to
pray, and to believe. Persevere only. Learn to come into His presence, and to wait
quietly for the assurance that He has drawn near to you. Enter into His holy
presence, rest there a while and lay your labours and your responsibilities at His
feet. Continue to pray for your fellow-workers. Ask God to pour out His heart for
them into yours, through the Holy Spirit. Adapted from Conversation with God by
Dr. Andrew Murray.
Monday 26 March 2012
Salvation focus: Labour union leaders and members
Lift up in prayer everyone belonging to or in leadership of a union. Ask God to
raise up Christian leaders who will stand for Biblical principles in negotiations.
Continuously pray for the salvation of individuals and especially for those in
leadership positions in labour- and other unions in our country.
One Thought for One Day: Bearing fruit: Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we
pray that unceasing prayers will be made for all believers to be filled with the
knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in
a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good
work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Strengthen us all with power,
according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, always
giving thanks to You (Father), who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of
the saints in light (Colossians 1.9-12).
One Day in the Gap prayer focus: Remember to register for a specific day
when you will stand in the gap for the nation of South Africa at:
pray@jwipn.com or 012 365 3213.
Tuesday 27 March 2012
The social responsibility of the church: Education
When the State disregards its responsibility in terms of education and instates
laws that teach children values that have no ethical responsibility, and no
concept of right and wrong is taught, and where the standard of education is
diluted, and Biblical principles and values are rejected, the church must act. In
100% of instances where Biblical principles and values are compromised, a
generation is raised that does not know how to live with integrity and
responsibility in the long-term, or how to govern a land and give its people
human value. This always leads to the erosion of the institution of marriage,
social structure and eventually the collapse of the whole society. Pray for
wisdom the church, and for the church to make practical suggestions, and to
equip its members to be involved in their various spheres of influence with
wisdom and responsibility.
The Bashgali of Pakistan
The Bashgali reside in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan, an area of
much turmoil. There are no known followers of Jesus among the Bashgali tribe.
Pray for breakthroughs for the gospel among this people group, and for
labourers to harvest this difficult harvest field.
Visit www.joshuaproject.net/upgotdfeed.php
Wednesday 28 March 2012
The social responsibility of the church: Freedom of speech
The church must voice itself regarding freedom of speech, the responsibility with
which information is circulated and the revelation of information. This is a multifaced situation and the church must operate with much wisdom and insight.
Freedom of speech restricts, amongst others, corruption and the possibility of
dictatorship, the formation of a rich elite that is not called to account, and laws
that can negatively impact the population of a country. Pray that the church will
know how to involve itself and that it will give practical insight into this matter.
Focus on establishing 24-7 Houses of Prayer
Pray, by name, for God’s favour to firmly establish the following growing prayer
watches: Charismatic Renewal Ministries prayer room in Parow, (Pastor Light
Eze, 073 786 1410, lighteze@yahoo.com) and El Shaddai prayer room in
Durbanville, (Judy, 021 975 1983). Pray that Christians, who have committed
themselves to plant houses of prayer, will remain encouraged and will not give
up their work or stop spreading this message.
Thursday 29 March 2012
The social responsibility of the church: The issues of the day
It is important and unavoidable that church leaders (ministers / pastors etc.)
must preach regarding the issues of the day, including political questions,
controversial matters in the media and various types of law. It is the context
within which the Christian lives daily and they must be equipped regarding these
matters. This requires much wisdom. Church leaders must speak with authority
regarding the Scriptural principles concerning these matters at the very least.
Pray for wisdom for church leaders and for the boldness to address such issues,
despite opposition, criticism and ridicule. That a subject is controversial, is not
reason enough for church leaders not to speak out about it (Acts 20:26-27).
There are, however, subjects regarding which the church has no compulsion to
speak, such as: Reserve Bank fixed interest rates, farmers’ subsidies etc. Pray for
wisdom the church, and for the church to make practical suggestions, and to
equip its members to be involved in their various spheres of influence with
wisdom and responsibility.
Friday 30 March 2012
Crime focus: SMS tip-off initiative
The Crime Line initiative was started in June 2007 and is aimed at getting
criminals off the streets. Crime Line has led to some 1,400 arrests and R41million worth in seizures since it was launched. This project has been endorsed
by the South African Police Service (SAPS). If anyone suspects that someone is
involved in crime (even family or friends), they can now report it anonymously.
Any information regarding criminals passed on to the Crime Line will be acted
upon – regardless of whether perpetrators are murderers, rapists, robbers,
hijackers, drug dealers, gangsters, child abusers, etc. Give thanks to the Lord for
initiatives like these in answer to much prayer over the years! Pray that more
people become aware of this initiative, and that many criminals will be put to
trial for their deeds. Pray also for the salvation of criminals.
Send an SMS to 32211 or visit www.crimeline.co.za to send an anonymous tip-off
relating to any crime or suspicious activity.
Pray 52: Week 31: Saudi Arabia / Guinea (30 March - 5 April 2012)
Pray for the establishing and growth of new believers in Christ (Philippians
4:19). Pray for believers in Saudi Arabia and Guinea to be sensitive and to yield
to the leading of the Holy Spirit for the church and their nation. Contact:
pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also available in Arabic, French and Farsi.
For detailed prayer information on these countries, visit www.operationworld.org
Prayer Positions
I remember once when we returned from a weekend seminar - we were parting
from our new found friends at the airport in Bloemfontein - our hearts were
heavy because we had grown so close to one another. Then our leader said:
“Jesus has been so good to us this weekend - let us kneel right here and give
thanks to Him and ask for His protection over us as we part from one another.” It
was a very special and clear testimony to those passing by! Likewise, you too can
pray in different ways. Sometimes we pray in private, other times as part of a
group, and sometimes in public. Why not join up with some of your friends and
be bold in positioning yourselves in prayer?
Kneeling: is one way of entering Jesus’ presence and showing Him that you
accept the way in which He answers your prayers. It is a physical way of
humbling yourself before Him. You can kneel down when you have an important
prayer request you want to bring before God, or simply to show that you honour
Him. You can kneel on a map to pray for the nations. (Scriptures: Psalm 95:6,
Romans 14:11, Acts 21:5).
Lifting your hands: is one way to show Jesus that you are reaching out to Him. It
is a way to praise and glorify Him; you ask something with your arms open in
order to receive it. You can also sing Him a song, telling Him how much you love
Him. (Scriptures: Nehemiah 6:8, Psalm 141:2, 1 Timothy 2:8).
Standing: shows Jesus your position before Him. Standing to your feet when you
are spoken to is a way of showing respect. It also shows that you are waiting for
Jesus to tell you what to do. You can ask Him about a problem you are facing, and
then wait to hear what He says to you. You can also just stand quietly before Him,
with your heart and eyes set on Him. (Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1).
Walking: is a practical way to outwardly show the intention of your heart to
follow Jesus in His ways, and to show Him that you are ready for His direction or
plans for your life. Pray for schools, churches, hospitals, or shopping centres
every time you enter one and when you step onto a sports field. In fact,
anywhere you walk, look around you and ask Jesus to show you what He sees,
and pray about it.
Bowing: shows Jesus that you honour Him and are humbled because you
recognize He is wonderful and powerful and that He supplies your needs. You
can do this by only bowing your head while waiting in prayer before a meal, for
instance, or when you want to say thank you because of who He is, or in
response to Him having answered one of your prayer requests. (Scripture: Ezra
10:1).
Being prostrate: Whenever someone was overcome by Jesus’ presence in Bible
times, they would fall down on their face. It shows Jesus that you recognize He is
awesome and that you are overcome by His love for you. You can do this after
you have had your quiet time or prayer time. When lying prostrate, you do not
need to do anything to think or meditate upon His greatness in your life.
(Scriptures: Genesis 17:3, Nehemiah 6:8, Matthew 26:39).
Dancing: Every time God gave a great victory, the people would gather together
to feast and dance with joy. When we dance before the Lord, it shows Him that
we are thankful for the things He has done in our lives. Always remember to
thank Jesus for answering your prayers. (Scriptures: Psalm 149:3, Psalm 150:4,
Ecclesiastes 3:4).
Saturday 31 March 2012
Every Home for Christ, South Africa (EHCSA)
EHCSA currently has 19 hospital and 23 school projects in different provinces
where outreach teams are sharing the gospel message and providing gospel
literature to patients and learners. Praise God for the opportunity to minister
freely in hospitals and schools where the message of salvation in Jesus Christ is
still welcomed. Please pray that even more congregations and volunteers will
step forward with the desire to reach out in this large harvest field that is
literally within reach of most congregations. EHCSA, P.O. Box 7256, Centurion,
0046, 012 663 4587, www.ehcsa.co.za or info@ehcsa.co.za
APRIL 2012
Sunday 1 April 2012
Personal revival focus: What to pray for: Pray for more salvations
“…but we give ourselves continually in prayer and to the ministry of the word…”
Then the word of God spread and the number of the disciples multiplied…
(Acts 6:4, 7). When the apostles withdrew themselves from other work, and gave
themselves completely to preaching and prayer, the result was that the number
of disciples increased dramatically! Likewise, if we, too, give ourselves
completely to intercession, we will see many more souls come to salvation. Let
us plead for this. Jesus was crucified to save people. Let us not be ashamed to
confess our sins and weaknesses, and to call out to God for more souls in
evangelized countries, as well as for those countries and people groups who have
to date not yet heard the gospel. Let us pray with fortitude and urgency for the
salvation of those we know and love.
Adapted from Conversation with God by Dr. Andrew Murray.
Monday 2 April 2012
Salvation focus: Toddlers and young children
Most Christians who continue their Christian lifestyle came to salvation when
they were young. Please lift up in prayer toddlers and young children. Ask the
Holy Spirit to touch their sensitive hearts with a desire to give their lives to Jesus
and live for Him. Pray that nothing will hinder their salvation. Pray for God to
complete the work He has begun in each child (Philippians 1:6).
One Thought for One Day: Acceptance: Lord God, we pray that You, who give
endurance and encouragement, give us a spirit of unity among ourselves as we
follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify You, the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to accept one another, just as
Christ accepted us, in order to bring praise to You (Romans 15:5-7).
One Day in the Gap prayer focus: Remember to register for a specific day
when you will stand in the gap for the nation of South Africa at:
pray@jwipn.com or 012 365 3213.
Tuesday 3 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: The church has, in general become inwardly focused. Meeting the
immediate needs of the congregation has become so important, that involvement
in missions and outward expression of local congregations towards the nations
has reached a plateau. Let us humble ourselves and ask the Lord’s forgiveness
for our inward focus.
From the Word: Father, with Jesus we ask for the nations as our inheritance as
Your church. May the church serve You with fear and rejoice with trembling. We
humble ourselves and kiss the Son, lest He becomes angry and we perish in the
way (Psalm 2:8, 11-12). Restore to Your church a desire to fulfil the great
Commandment (Matthew 28:19).
Focus on Muslim women in the Netherlands
Every year Christian women from the Netherlands attend a conference for
women. They are taught how to reach out to Muslims, how to share testimonies,
experiences and ideas with them. They also pray together. In recent years,
Christian women from a Muslim background also attended this conference. This
is a great encouragement to Christian women in the Netherlands and a great
opportunity for them to learn about how to effectively reach out. Pray for Marike
and Cees and those joining them in reaching out to Muslim people. Ask for much
favour for them to share openly, and for many ladies to respond to the call of
Jesus. Pray for similar initiatives all over Europe and the Scandinavian countries.
Contact Marika and Cees Rentier, marikarentier@solcon.nl
Wednesday 4 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: In the church today there are many teachers and preachers, and
even more listeners, but there are not enough doers of the Word. The Bible says:
Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who
looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and
immediately forgets what he looks like (James 1:22).
From the Word: Father, we confess that we often only listen to the Word and in
this way we are deceiving ourselves! Help us to do what Your Word says
(James 1:22). Create a pure heart in Your church, and renew a steadfast spirit
within us. Do not cast us from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit away from
us (Psalm 51:10-12).
Focus on establishing 24-7 Houses of Prayer
Pray today for the following One Day in the Gap Initiative volunteers: Southern
Paarl Teen Church, (ds. Theo Hay, 021 863 2700) who have agreed to pray on
the 1st Sunday of every month. Dutch Reformed Parke Church Kraaifontein,
(Carol van Rensburg, 082 314 2658, carol@parke.co.za). Lord, pour out Your
Spirit of prayer and supplication on Your church. Grant that houses of prayer be
established everywhere. We ask that believers will pray the promises from Your
Word faithfully night-and-day so that Your kingdom may come and Your will be
done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
Pray 52
A year of non-stop prayer: 5 September 2011 - 2 September 2012
Non-stop prayer for the church and by the church for 52 weeks in 52 nations
with Christian minorities.
Why a year of non-stop prayer?
In these 52 nations with Christian minorities, there are many extraordinary
situations. We have extraordinary promises for extraordinary situations. God’s
promises are available for those who come in prayer, asking Him for the
fulfilment of these promises. Many are already praying, but let us pray with
renewed faith and desperation.
Strategy:
Every week two nations are encouraged to mobilize all Christians to stand in the
gap to pray for their nation: Christians (both citizens and expatriates),
missionaries and mission agencies working in that nation, and churches that are
supporting missionaries in that nation. Every nation is encouraged to take 2
weeks of extraordinary and non-stop prayer for their nation, one week in every 6
months.
Practical:
Encouraging believers to come together in larger groups (where possible) to
have extended times of prayer.
Encouraging believers to start new prayer rooms or prayer watches where all
168 hours of the week can be covered in prayer.
Encouraging Christians from other nations to send prayer teams to those nations
during the specific week.
Encouraging every nation to use all possible means available to mobilize the
church in their own country.
Prayer focus for the first 6 months: The church
Establishing new believers in Christ (Philippians 4:19).
Salvation of those unsaved, and that the church will take Matthew 28:19-20
seriously.
An outpouring of the Spirit of Prayer and Supplication on the church (Zechariah
12:10).
That God will fill the church with power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:28-31;
Ephesians 5:18).
That the church would reach out to the poor and needy, as well as to the social
needs within their communities (Ephesians 2:10; Isaiah 58).
Prayer focus for the second 6 months: Godly leadership in the church and the
establishing of God’s Kingdom in all spheres of society
Church: For servant leaders and committed believers that will seek the Kingdom
of God (Matthew 6:33).
Governments / Politics: For righteous leaders and corruption to be exposed
(Proverbs 14:34).
Economics / Business: For people to do business with integrity and that the poor
and the needy will receive help (Isaiah 58; Matthew 5:16).
Education: That education provided will adequately prepare young people for
life and not corrupt them with godless values (Proverbs 2-4; Psalm 119:8;
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8).
Arts / Entertainment, Media / Communications: To be free of immortality and
godlessness (2 Timothy 3:1-17).
Families: The restoration of families (Ephesians 5:22-6:4).
Contact: pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also available in Arabic, French
and Farsi.
Schedule
Week 1/27 - Morocco / Azerbaijan (2-8 Sept 2011 & 2-8 March 2012)
Week 2/28 - Egypt / Albania (9-15 Sept 2011 & 9-15 March 2012)
Week 3/29 - Algeria / Gambia (16-22 Sept 2011 & 16-22 March 2012)
Week 4/30 - Yemen / Guinea-Bissau (23-29 Sept 2011 & 23-29 March 2012)
Week 5/31 - Saudi Arabia / Guinea (30 Sept - 6 Oct 2011 & 30 March - 5 April
2012)
Week 6/32 - UAE / Uzbekistan (7-13 Oct 2011 & 6-12 April 2012)
Week 7/33 - Syria / Iran (14-20 Oct 2011 & 13-19 April 2012)
Week 8/34 - Tunisia / Brunie-Drussalam (21-27 Oct 2011 & 20-26 April 2012)
Week 9/35 - Iraq / Kazakhstan (28 Oct - 3 Nov 2011 & 27 April - 3 May 2012)
Week 10/36 - Mauritania / Bangladesh (4-10 Nov 2011 & 4-10 May 2012)
Week 11/37 - Libya / Burkina Faso (11-17 Nov 2011 & 11-17 May 2012)
Week 12/38 - Iran / Tajikistan (18-24 Nov 2011 & 18-24 May 2012)
Week 13/39 - Israel / Turkmenistan (25 Nov - 1 Dec 2011 & 25-31 May 2012)
Week 14/40 - Jordan / Chad (2-8 Dec 2011 & 1-7 Jun 2012)
Week 15/41 - Oman / Togo (9-15 Dec 2011 & 8-14 Jun 2012)
Week 16/42 - Kuwait / Senegal (16-22 Dec 2011 & 15-21 Jun 2012)
Week 17/43 - Lebanon / Sierra Leone (23-29 Dec 2011 & 22-28 Jun 2012)
Week 18/44 - Palestine / Somalia (30 Dec 2011 - 5 Jan 2012 & 29 Jun - 5 Jul
2012)
Week 19/45 - Turkey / Gabon (6-12 Jan 2012 & 6-12 Jul 2012)
Week 20/46 - Sudan / Comoros (13-19 Jan 2012 & 13-19 Jul 2012)
Week 21/47 - Cameroon / Niger (20-26 Jan 2012 & 20-26 Jul 2012)
Week 22/48 - Bahrain / Qatar (27 Jan - 2 Feb 2012 & 27 Jul - 2 Aug 2012)
Week 23/49 - Afghanistan / Maldives (3-9 Feb 2012 & 3-9 Aug 2012)
Week 24/50 - Pakistan / Mali (10-16 Feb 2012 & 10-16 Aug 2012)
Week 25/51 - Malaysia / Nigeria (17-23 Feb 2012 & 17-23 Aug 2012)
Week 26/52 - Indonesia / Cote d’Ivoire (24 Feb - 1 March 2012 & 24-31 Aug
2012)
Thursday 5 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: Why do we worship God? Do we worship Him for His sake and to
bring Him glory, or do we worship Him so that we can feel free to ask Him
things? It is not wrong to ask God for things for ourselves, but is that all He is to
us? Someone who provides? Can we not also worship Him without asking
something of Him each time? The church needs to turn from self-centred
worship towards Christ-centred worship.
From the Word: Father, it is all about You and Your kingdom. Cause the church
to truly seek Your kingdom and Your righteousness first of all (Matthew 6:33).
We know that You know all our needs (Matthew 6:8). Teach us true Christcentred worship (Luke 4:8).
Focus on prayer mobilization: Jericho Walls International Prayer Network
Please pray today for the different projects of Jericho Walls International Prayer
Network across the country. Pray that more individuals and groups will join,
start praying together, and subscribe to the printed booklet and the weekly
Global Prayer Alert to keep up-to-date with regular prayer-related news and
events. Pray that God will raise up more prayer-coordinators across the country
to encourage others in their towns and cities to become more involved in prayer.
Jericho Walls International Prayer Network, Private bag X22, Lynnwood Ridge,
0040, 012 365 3213, www.jwipn.com or info@jwipn.com
Friday 6 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: Easter is before us this weekend. Jesus is the Word, the Message of
the Father, to all people. During His earthly life, Jesus had to learn obedience
through suffering (Hebrews 5:8). If the Son of God had to learn obedience
through suffering, how can we not but follow Him? It is an unfortunate truth that
the gospel we preach today is too often a gospel of prosperity, about self and
personal comfort. Some even preach that something is wrong if you are not rich
and have abundance! The truth is that God asks us to what extent we are also
willing to sacrifice? What are we willing to give up for the Kingdom of God? Are
we willing to suffer because we follow Him? Are we willing to be obedient even if
it costs us our lives?
From the Word: Father, forgive the selfish gospel we preach as Your church.
Today we accept and declare that the Son is the radiance of Your glory and the
exact representation of Your being, sustaining all things by His powerful Word
(Hebrews 1:3). With Paul we choose to join in suffering for the gospel, through
and by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not
because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace.
This grace was given us in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:8-9). Thank you for the
sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Pray 52: Week 32: United Arab Emirates (UAE) / Uzbekistan (6-12 April
2012)
Pray for salvation of the unsaved and for the church to make a serious effort to
fulfil the command of Christ in Matthew 28:19-20. Pray for believers in the UAE
and Uzbekistan to gather together to pray until they see breakthroughs in the
church and in their nation. Contact: pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also
available in Arabic, French and Farsi. For detailed prayer information on these
countries, visit www.operationworld.org
Saturday 7 April 2012
Prayer focus on Moria gatherings at Polokwane
Three to four million people from the Zionist Christian Church (ZCC) will gather
together at Moria for the Easter celebrations. Please pray that all kinds of
deception will be exposed and that Jesus will be seen as the only Deliverer.
Please lift up in prayer all those in leadership before the throne of grace. Ask God
to intervene in their meetings, to reveal to them the true and only Mediator, the
Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who died and rose again and will live forever. Pray
for lies to be exposed and replaced by Biblical truths, for a sincere hunger for
salvation and peace, and an understanding that Jesus alone is the Way, the Truth
and the Life.
Pray for Jewish people
Jewish people commemorate Passover 7th -13th April 2012. At this time they
contemplate God’s deliverance of His people from Egypt. On the 7th April they
celebrate the Passover, on the 7th – 13th the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and on
the 9th the Feast of the First Fruits. Let us pray that at this time many will come
to an understanding of what Jesus Christ did on Calvary and His resurrection as
the first fruit from the dead. Ask for their hearts to be open and receptive to the
gospel message across the world. Christian Friends of Israel, 012 361 1437,
www.cfijerusalem.org or allwiese@lantic.net
A testimony from a ZCC convert
One of the pillars (leaders) of Zionist Christian Church (ZCC) accepted the Lord,
and he released a CD telling others about his conversion and warning people
about the church and the rituals that they practise. Many people in most parts of
South Africa have heard it. It is only in Sesotho and covers truths about what is
going on in secret. Give thanks to the Lord as many are accepting Christ. Johanna
Bopape, 079 338 6848, pretoria@jwipn.com
Sunday 8 April 2012
Personal revival focus: What to pray for: For God’s Spirit to be upon those
newly saved
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria has received
the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come
down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had
fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord
Jesus (Acts 8:14-16). How many new converts are there which remain weak, how
many fall into sin, or fall completely back into their unsaved state? When we pray
for the church to grow in holiness and commitment to God’s service, let us pray
most especially for the young converts. Many stand alone surrounded by
temptation. Many have received little or no instruction regarding the Holy Spirit
in them and the power of God to build them up. When you pray for the power of
the Holy Spirit to be in the church, pray also that every new convert may know
that he can appropriate the fullness of the Holy Spirit and receive it. Adapted
from Conversation with God by Dr. Andrew Murray.
Monday 9 April 2012
Salvation focus: Day-care & after school care personnel
Lift up in prayer all those who are involved in the running of day-care and after
school care facilities. Pray for them to have a personal relationship with the Lord
Jesus. Ask the Lord to raise up many Christians in these facilities to take care of
and look after the children, and to testify to them of Jesus Christ, even those
children of different faiths.
One Thought for One Day: Communities: Pray that local churches across the
country would reach out to the lost in their communities.
One Day in the Gap prayer focus: Remember to register for a specific day
when you will stand in the gap for the nation of South Africa at:
pray@jwipn.com or 012 365 3213.
Breakthrough testimony:
Voodoo Priest finds Christ in Haiti
Recently we told you about a grassroots effort to dedicate Haiti to Christ. A
minister in the northwest region of Haiti says they prayed daily at different
crossroads in the region. He tells: “After we closed the seventh crossroads event
on Saturday, a Voodoo priest named Solivert Joseph, came forward with his wife.
They both declared that they wanted to renounce their Voodoo practices in
favour of the ‘Living God’.’ We filled three pick-up trucks with Christians and
drove to the Joseph’s home to remove and burn their Voodoo articles.” Earlier in
the week another couple came forward to renounce their Voodoo practices in
favour of the ‘Living God’.” Ulysse recounts: “After the service, we went to their
home at crossroad No.5 to destroy their Voodoo articles. They had more articles
than anyone we have seen so far in this campaign. They attended all of the
remaining crossroad services.”
Another husband and wife who were saved out of their Voodoo worship are so
excited. “They have been trying to get their friends, neighbours and relatives to
do the same. Voodoo keeps people in bondage through fear. Haitians, in general,
fear the power of Voodoo more than they fear God. However, many people
believe that anyone who would dare attack the Voodoo spirits on their turf (the
crossroads) would be severely punished. Some people clearly said that they
would wait to see if we could really hold the services at the crossroads without
anyone among us being struck dead right there.”
But that never happened. They prayed that God would protect them from even
the smallest incidents. Ulysse reports: “We knew that any incident could be and
would be interpreted as a punishment from the angry spirits of the crossroads.
By the grace of God, we ended the seven days without even a minor incident
even though overloaded pickup trucks and buses carried thousands of people
over mountainous and other potentially-treacherous roads.” Resources from
www.charismamag.com/index.php/news/31733-voo-doo-priest-finds-christ-inhaiti
Tuesday 10 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: If someone’s sin is exposed, the Word says that we, who are spiritual,
should restore him gently. We should also watch ourselves, lest we be tempted
to fall into the same sin. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he
deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in
himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry
his own load (Galatians 6:1-5).
From the Word: Father, forgive us for acting in judgment towards people
trapped in sin. Show us how to be merciful and how to carry one another’s
burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ. Remove pride from our hearts and minds
(Galatians 6:1-5).
Night and day prayer across the world
Globalprayer365 invites individuals from across the world to take up their place
in prayer for the world. There are numerous testimonies from individuals and
groups of how God lead them to pray about difficult situations in their countries
and for the world. Please pray for many more people to take up their
responsibility in prayer for their communities, countries and the world. Ask the
Lord of the harvest to raise up prayer warriors everywhere so millions more
souls might come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Visit www.globalprayer365.com
Wednesday 11 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: God’s commandment is for the church to take the gospel to the
nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus came to save sinners (Luke 19:10). Let us
pray for a renewed awareness and clarity in the church about our calling. Pray
that people’s hearts would be outwardly focused, and that the church would not
merely send out workers, but instead realize that they as a congregation have
already been sent by God.
From the Word: Father, give us the strength to go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, and to teach them to obey everything You have commanded us. Let us
always be aware that You are with us, even to the very end of the age
(Matthew 28:19-20).
Focus on establishing 24-7 Houses of Prayer
Pray today for the following One Day in the Gap Initiative volunteers: Dutch
Reformed Church Elarduspark, (Kobie Fourie, jnsfourie@ngelarduspark.org.za)
and Karmel Christian Congregation Vredenburg, (Hennie & Sarien Steyn,
082 322 0782, sarienq@gmail.com) who have agreed to pray on every Monday
for one year. Pray for a hunger and thirst to call upon the Name of God to be in
the hearts of all Christians.
Thursday 12 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: How important is the number of people attending church on
Sunday? Is it about the total of the tithes and offerings, or the number of souls
saved per week? How does the church measure God’s favour? Do we value depth
and humility? Do we give thanks for one sinner that came to Christ as much as
we do for a 100 sinners? Do we give thanks to God as much as we ask things of
Him? The Lord says that He looks at the attitudes of our hearts (Psalm 73:1).
From the Word: Father, even our best intentions to serve You are corrupt!
Please forgive us. Create in us a fear of the Lord (Proverbs 15:33). Let the church
once again become a good shepherd to Your flock. Let us serve as overseers - not
because we must, but because we are willing to, not out of a greed for money, but
in eagerness to serve You, not lording it over those entrusted to us, but rather
being examples to them (1 Peter 5:2-4).
Friday 13 April 2012
Focus on establishing 24-7 Houses of Prayer
Pray today for the following One Day in the Gap Initiative volunteers: House of
My Glory Church Centurion, (Zirkie Smit, 082 458 5450,
zirkie.smit@daimler.com) and Greyville Presbyterian Church in Durban, (Linda
van Schalkwyk, 084 645 6645, office@saiss.co.za) who have agreed to pray on
the 12th of every month. Pray for God to raise up willing and able people for
every prayer watch, big or small, to coordinate prayer in the watches and
surrounding communities, to oversee the prayer schedule and prayer watch
activities, to fill all the hours with individuals and groups from the communities,
and to remain in their position of prayer, despite difficulties and resistance.
Pray 52: Week 33: Syria / Iran (13-19 April 2012)
Ask the Heavenly Father for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit of prayer and
supplication on the church (Zechariah 12:10). Pray for believers in Syria and Iran
to have special times of prayer for the church and their nation. Contact:
pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also available in Arabic, French and Farsi.
For detailed prayer information on these countries, visit www.operationworld.org
Saturday 14 April 2012
Just Pray NO!
April 14-15, 2012 has been designated as the 22nd Annual Just Pray NO! to drugs
Worldwide Weekend of Prayer and Fasting. Substance abuse has been directly
linked with violence and sexual immorality and is a major source of income for
organized crime and terrorist activities. Lift up in prayer these 5 pointers: (1)
Pray that the Holy Spirit brings conviction of guilt of sin, righteousness and
judgment to those bound by addiction (John 16:8-11). (2) On behalf of the
addicted, let us pray that with the weapons that God gives us, we break every
stronghold, demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against
the knowledge of God. Pray that their every thought be taken captive in
obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). (3) Pray that our fast will be pleasing to
God and will set the oppressed free and break every yoke of addiction and
bondage (Isaiah 58:6). (4) Pray that the addicted will seek after God with all of
their heart, soul, mind and strength (Deuteronomy 4:29) and will place their
trust in Jesus Christ as both Saviour and Lord. (5) Pray that those who are
enslaved to carnal desires will be set free and instead hunger and thirst for the
Word of God and the righteousness of Christ (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 6:33).
Visit www.justprayno.org
International concern:
The power of mercy ministry
(By Jeff Fountain, chairman of the Hope for Europe Round Table)
The Roman Empire, Hitler, and many other government leaders over the last 200
years despised Christianity because they felt it was a ‘weak’ religion. They
rejected a religion that preached love for one’s enemies – they felt that in the real
world ‘only the fittest and the strongest survived’. But they underestimated the
power of Jesus’ way.
One lesson we can learn from the stories of faithful minorities through the
centuries, is that love conquers and truth prevails. These are the ‘soft powers’, of
the Christian faith. Birthed from the concept of agape (unconditional love) that is
unique to Christianity, seven ‘works of mercy’ shaped the society that emerged
from the ruins of the Roman Empire in the Middle Ages. Six of the works of
mercy are drawn from Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:31-46, a sobering passage for
those of us who were brought up with warnings regarding the ‘social gospel’. The
criteria by which Jesus separates the ‘sheep’ from the ‘goats’ are whether we
have (a) fed the hungry and (b) satisfied the thirsty, (c) cared for the sick, (d)
visited the prisoner, (e) clothed the naked, and (f) sheltered the stranger. A
seventh criterion came from the church in the Middle Ages namely (g) buried the
dead.
Such mercy works are the staple diet of all Christians, monks, nuns and Beguines
(women who give their lives to serving the poor, but do not take vows, as nuns
do), leading to the establishment of hospitals, hospices and hostels all over
Europe, as well as a culture of Christian solidarity. Even before the medieval
period, it was this kind of selfless love, coupled with the preaching of
uncompromising truth, which won the ‘hard-power’ based Empire of Rome over
to Christianity. Early evangelicals, such as the Methodists and Quakers, fully
embraced this dimension of the gospel, leading to widespread social reforms
including workers’ rights, trade unions, prison reform, the nursing profession
and the abolition of slavery.
During the big revivals of the last 300 years, mercy ministry and social
involvement in the daily needs and problems of society were a part of the
outcome of these revivals. It was only during the late 1880s, with a strong focus
on the importance of salvation through evangelism, that the social responsibility
of the church became a neglected part of the preaching of the gospel. What a
tragedy that the evangelical movement lost sight of its roots for much of the past
century! Confronted by Jesus’ uncomfortable statement that I was hungry and
you didn’t feed Me (Matthew 25:42), many of us still would be tempted to say,
“but surely, Lord, that’s the government’s job!”
The early church conquered the nations, exposed darkness and brought people
into freedom in Christ, through a number of practices:
•
Mercy ministry.
•
Signs, wonders, and miracles.
•
Deliverance of demons (which had an extra-ordinary impact).
•
The proclamation of Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
Fortunately the church is rediscovering the importance of mercy ministry. It is,
however, true that, in many cases, mercy ministry is being done without a clear
proclamation of Jesus as Lord and Saviour. This needs to be rectified.
Without a definite focus on mercy ministry, reaching out to the felt- and pressing
needs of the people, the gospel will not and cannot be received by the poor and
needy as “good news”. Jesus never intended it to be so. He came to earth for the
physical and the spiritual needs of people (Luke 4:18-19). In a world with
growing physical and social needs, the “good news” has to include all the needs
people have. They need food, housing, jobs, and dignity, as well as the gospel of
salvation for sin and reconciliation with God. This needs to be central to our
prayers and the activities of the church.
Sunday 15 April 2012
Personal revival focus: What to pray for: To abide in Christ
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and
it shall be done for you (John 15:7). Our adoption through God, our way to Him,
is all in Jesus Christ. When we consciously remain in Him, we have the freedom –
not the freedom of our old self or our own will – but the godly freedom which
sets us free from self – to live in the power of our new nature and to ask for that
which we desire and to receive it. Let us keep this position and believe that our
intercession is heard and that the Spirit of supplication will be poured out all
around us. Adapted from Conversation with God by Dr. Andrew Murray.
Monday 16 April 2012
Salvation focus: Teenagers and young adults
Please pray for teenagers and young adults to encounter the love and care of the
Lord Jesus Christ as the One who has given His all for them. Ask that many be
saved out of addictive and / or careless lifestyles, and for their healing from
diseases, so that their lives become living testimonies to their friends.
One Thought for One Day: Conviction: God, convict the believers of the church
in South Africa of any unforgiveness and bitterness. Let us not rest or be at
peace, until we have dealt with this (Ephesians 4:30-32).
One Day in the Gap prayer focus: Remember to register for a specific day
when you will stand in the gap for the nation of South Africa at:
pray@jwipn.com or 012 365 3213.
Tuesday 17 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: Why is unity so important? Jesus prayed to His Father, I have given
them the glory that You gave me, that they may be one as We are one: I in them
and You in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that
You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me (John 17:21-23).
We need to be in unity as the body of Christ, so the world may know Him. Is the
body of Christ in true unity, or do we merely tolerate each other? To become
“one” is hard work! It means accepting one another - even with our faults and
short-comings. Does the world today value the church’s opinion, or do they scoff
at us we are divided, disagree and fight inside and outside of the church on
politics, business, and many other viewpoints?
From the Word: Father, we confess that we lack true unity as Your body. We
have become self-centred in our expression of Christianity: it has become about
us and what we personally stand for or believe. Please forgive us for these
presumptuous sins, and keep us back from such wilful sin that it may not have
dominion over us (Psalm 19:13). Help us, Lord, to walk in Your love towards
each other, for by this shall all men know that we are Your disciples (John 13:35).
Focus on missions in Zambia
The Good News II Team at OM Lake Tanganyika in Zambia is continuing to reach
out to the lost on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Please pray for the pioneer
work which has begun in Burundi, at the northern end of the lake. Please also ask
God to send more missionaries to be involved in church-planting and in the
villages along the lake shore. Local language discipleship training is being offered
to fishermen from villages along the Zambian shore of the lake. These fishermen
and their families are being equipped to evangelize in their neighbouring
villages, and to reach out to their fellow fishermen as they live and work daily
together. Good News II, OM Lake Tanganyika, P.O. Box 39, Mpulungu, Zambia,
+26 097 400 2640, tanganyika.office@om.org
Wednesday 18 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: What are we to do with the blessings, riches, wealth and abundance
the Lord bestows on His church? Scripture says: Command those who are rich in
this present world not to be arrogant or to put their hope in wealth … but to put
their hope in God …Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to
be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for
themselves in the time to come … (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Does your church reach
out to the poor? Do you take care of widows and orphans? Do you pray for the
sick on a regular basis in your church and visit them in hospital? These are all
good deeds to which the Lord calls us as His church.
From the Word: Father, please forgive us where we have become arrogant and
put our hope in our wealth, and not in You. Please help us to increase in good
deeds and in generosity. Also help us to become more willing to share what we
have with others (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
Focus on establishing 24-7 Houses of Prayer
Pray, by name, for God’s favour to firmly establish the following growing prayer
watches: Moravian Church in Mamre (Brenda, 021 576 0701), and De Rust
Prayer Watch in Durbanville (Maisie, 071 991 1110, hendrine@mweb.co.za).
Continue to pray for God to pour out His Spirit of prayer and supplication on
every house of prayer across the world (Zechariah 12:10). Ask for strength for
each intercessor, perseverance and unity among leadership, favour with
believers and non-believers in the surrounding communities and the necessary
funds and premises for each house of prayer to continue in their work.
Thursday 19 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: As believers we, like children, also need good discipline to help us
grow spiritually. Christians often compromise because of fear of offence. It is
necessary to speak the truth according to God’s Word. Adultery is sin. Addiction
is a trap. Divorce and suicide is not the will of the Father. Watching movies or
programs containing strong language, explicit sex, orgies, or consulting mediums
is a definite “no” to Christians. These things defile our hearts and minds, causing
us to doubt God in the long term (Leviticus 19:31). It is important to preach and
teach believers on the real issues of life from a Biblical point of view.
From the Word: Father, we confess that we do not know Your Word on the
issues of life. We think that if something seems in order with us, it would
naturally be in order with You (Psalm 50:21). The fear of man has become a
snare to many in the church. We seek the favour of people of influence. Stir in the
church an understanding that the only true justice is Your justice (Proverbs
29:25-27).
How to grow spiritual fruit
Women can often feel they are doing nothing of value with their lives and time,
and are merely handling mundane everyday routines and responsibilities. As a
woman, wife and mother, how do you live a fruitful life? Is there a simple way
that a busy woman can live a life that overflows with abundance and that
glorifies God? Bearing fruit involves planting: if you want to be fruitful for the
Lord, you need to plant seeds every day! Fertilize the soil of your heart with the
food of God’s Word and ask the Holy Spirit to water it afresh every day.
Plant seeds of love. Ask God to plant His love in you in such a profound and
powerful way, that you are able to experience it fully. Ask that His love may flow
through you to others. Jesus said, If you obey My commands, you will remain in
My love, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commands and remain in His love
(John 15:10). Ask the Lord to show you individuals for whom you can sow deeds
of love.
Plant seeds of joy. Joy has nothing to do with your circumstances. You can have
joy in spite of difficult and painful circumstances, because joy comes through a
close, intimate relationship with the Lord. Jesus said, I have told you this so that
My joy may be in you, and that in you joy may be complete (John 15:11). Ask for
joy - the Lord has promised it.
Plant seeds of peace. Pray that the presence of the Lord, planted in your life,
will yield peace beyond comprehension. The peace of God which transcends all
understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Ephesians
4:7).
Plant seeds of patience. God’s timing is not our timing. He is always doing more
than we see or know, so we have to trust Him no matter how long He takes to
bring things to pass and the manner in which He does so. Perseverance must
finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything
(James 1:4).
Plant seeds of kindness. Kindness is something you choose to clothe yourself
with, like a garment. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
(Colossians 3:12). The ultimate act of kindness was when Jesus gave His life for
us. Pray that His kindness will grow in you so that you can sacrifice your life for
others through your acts of kindness also.
Plant seeds of goodness. When God’s goodness is sown in your soul, it produces
in you good deeds. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in
him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him (Matthew
12:35). Ask the Lord to direct you to those for whom you can do good.
Plant seeds of faithfulness. When we are solid, steadfast, dependable, reliable,
loyal, and trustworthy and do what is right no matter what, we exhibit
faithfulness. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with
much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much
(Luke 16:10).
Plant seeds of gentleness. Being considerate towards the feelings and needs of
others by exhibiting gentleness, shows that you are responding to the Spirit of
God. Pray that you can be as gentle and meek as Jesus (2 Corinthians 10:1).
Plant seeds of self-control. Self-control is not fragile like a strawberry plant; it
is big and solid like an apple tree. Only God can plant something of that
magnitude in you and make it bear fruit. Make every effort to add to your faith
goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to
self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness (2 Peter 1:5-6).
(Notes taken and added to from various sources and Bibles).
Friday 20 April 2012
Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC)
Pray that each staff member will have a close walk with the Lord and use every
opportunity to share the gospel and develop committed disciples of Jesus. Pray
for financial provision and the good health for all staff, and that many more
workers will join the harvest, most especially young people to help grow the
student ministry. Eddie Andrews, National Prayer Coordinator, Campus Crusade
for Christ South Africa, 072 385 6945, eddie.andrews@cccsa.org.za
Pray 52: Week 34: Tunisia / Brunie-Drussalam (20-26 April 2012)
Ask the Father to once again fill the church with the power of the Holy Spirit so
that many may come to Christ (Acts 4:28-31, Ephesians 5:18). Pray for believers
in Tunisia and Brunie-Drussalam to take up their responsibility of night-and-day
prayer for the church and their nation.
Contact: pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also available in Arabic, French
and Farsi. For detailed prayer information on these countries, visit
www.operationworld.org
Saturday 21 April 2012
World Mission Centre (WMC)
Kairos (a catamaran houseboat), is a floating ministry of the World Mission
Centre on Lake Malawi, and is instrumental in reaching shoreline communities.
Please pray for the completion of technical repairs, re-stocking, and, most
importantly, finding a strong team and skipper. The team will be trained through
the Live School curriculum on the boat and spend some time with churches and
communities along the shore.
World Mission Centre, P.O. Box 36147, Menlo Park, 0102, 012 343 1165,
083 300 2567, www.liveschool.org or chrissien@liveschoolsa.org
Sunday 22 April 2012
Personal revival focus: What to pray for: That all believers will know the
Holy Spirit
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may
abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive,
because it neither sees Him nor knows Him, but you know Him, for He dwells
with you and will be in you (John 14:16-17). The Holy Spirit is the power of God
unto salvation. He is active because He dwells in the church. He has been given to
us so that we, as believers, may live in a way that pleases God, in the full
experience and witness of Him who saves completely. Pray that every believer
would know the Holy Spirit and realize that He, in all His fullness, is given to
them, and that they can only live as the father desires for them to live, when they
are filled with the Holy Spirit. Pray that new believers, especially those from
another faith background, may learn to say: “I believe in the Holy Spirit”.
Adapted from Conversation with God by Dr. Andrew Murray.
Monday 23 April 2012
Salvation focus: Ballet dancers and artists
Taking part in a ballet performance requires much physical and mental
discipline. Living, working and traveling with a production means that more
intimate time is spent with your colleagues than with your own family. Please
pray that they would live pure and holy lives, honouring their families even
when they are far away from them. Pray for Christian artists to live in the power
of the Holy Spirit and to testify with boldness of Jesus Christ to their fellow
dancers and artist colleagues. Pray that many ballet dancers would come to
salvation.
One Thought for One Day: Deception: Father, I plead that You convict and save
those who belong to the church who have been deceived about true salvation
and are actually lost. Have mercy on them and save them (Matthew 23:27-28).
One Day in the Gap prayer focus: Remember to register for a specific day
when you will stand in the gap for the nation of South Africa at:
pray@jwipn.com or 012 365 3213.
Tuesday 24 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: The Lord says in Isaiah 56:7... and I will give them joy in My house of
prayer … for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. This is
repeated in the New Testament. What does it mean for a church to be a house of
prayer? Does it simply mean to have prayer meetings, or is it to live a lifestyle of
prayer and supplication as a token of our complete dependency on the Lord? Is
your life a house of prayer?
From the Word: Father, we have so many misconceptions about prayer. Yet,
over and over again, You prompt us to pray. Please forgive the lack of prayer in
the church today. Restore to us the gift of night-and-day prayer. Bring justice to
Your chosen ones speedily (Luke 18:6-8).
Pray for the liberation of North Korea
North Korea occupies the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Many people in
North Korea are dying of hunger, oppression, abuse and violence every day.
North Korea has the largest prison camp in the world. Approximately 500,000
have fled to China for survival- mostly women, 80% of whom are raped and
sexually trafficked with 1 million more brutally killed in concentration camps
thus far. Please pray for breakthroughs for the gospel in North Korea, the
country which persecutes Christians the most worldwide, as well as for the new
President.
Prayer Initiative for North Korea (PINK), www.pink2011.org, to watch a video clip
about North Korea, visit http://tiny.cc/dvs3n
Wednesday 25 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: Jesus said: “For false Christ’s and false prophets will appear and
perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect if that were possible. So be on
your guard, I have told you everything ahead of time” (Mark 13:22). The church
will struggle to discern false prophets in the end times. People will use the Bible,
preach from it, and will perform signs and miracles. How will we recognize these
false prophets? If anyone teaches false doctrine and does not agree with the
sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and does not listen to godly teaching,
he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in
controversy and disputes over words, from which results envy, strife, malice, evil
suspicion, constant friction between men with corrupt minds, who have been
robbed of the truth, who think that godliness is a means of gain (1 Timothy 6:35).
From the Word: Father, we ask for Your discernment in the church in these last
days. And this is our prayer: That our love may abound still more and more in
knowledge and depth of insight, so that the church may be able to discern what
is best, and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit
of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God
(Philippians 1:9-11). Deliver us from greed and seeking gain (1 Timothy 6:5).
World Malaria Day
World Malaria Day is commemorated every year on 25 April. Globally, 3.3 billion
people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria. In 2009 alone, 781,000 people
died from malaria, mainly women and children in Africa. Please pray for those
living in widespread malaria areas in tropical and subtropical regions, including
much of Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Americas. Continue to pray for an
inexpensive, effective cure for malaria. Visit www.cutecalendar.com/event/world-malaria-day/6414-world.html
Thursday 26 April 2012
Outcry: Manifesting God’s glory in the church
Reflection: The sovereignty of God and His Word (the Bible) will increasingly be
questioned in the last days. Even in the church in South Africa today, people
disagree about the Bible being the actual Word of God. The Bible says: Your
word, o Lord, is eternal, it stands firm in the heavens. …Your laws endure to this
day, for all things serve You (Psalm 119:89-91). Let us continue to increase in
our knowledge of the Word of God, and encourage others to do so too.
From the Word: Father, forgive us for doubting Your Word as eternal and
enduring forever. Let Your Word once more become the centre of our lives. Let
this be true of Your church in the last days: But if I say, ‘’I will not mention Him
or speak any more in His name,” His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up
in my bones. I am weary of holding it in, indeed, I cannot (Jeremiah 20:9).
Friday 27 April 2012
New Pro-Life organization starts up in Johannesburg
Yearly about 85,000 abortions take place in South Africa (1 in 8 pregnancies) and
per day 130,000 worldwide. The gathering of abortion statistics in South Africa
is a difficult task because they are not sufficiently detailed. An inspection of the
numbers over the last ten years, for which statistics are available (1997-2006),
reveals an enormous increase in the number of reposted abortions: from 26,519
(1997) to 83,913 (2006)! In other words: abortion has increased by 316.43% in
one decade in South Africa! Access to “safe abortions” has therefore not resulted
in a decline in the number of abortions! Pray for ministries and organizations to
successfully turn ladies away from aborting their unborn babies, choosing an
alternative rather, such as adoption. Pray for the troubled minds of these
mothers to come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Visit www.abort97.co.za or
abort97@gmail.com
Pray 52: Week 35: Iraq / Kazakhstan (27 April - 3 May 2012)
Pray for the church worldwide to become actively involved in reaching out to the
poor and needy as well as to respond to the social needs and suffering in their
communities (Ephesians 2:10, Isaiah 58). Pray for believers in Palestine and
Somalia to have special times of prayer for the church and their nation. Contact:
pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also available in Arabic, French and Farsi.
For detailed prayer information on these countries, visit www.operationworld.org
Saturday 28 April 2012
Focus on establishing 24-7 Houses of Prayer
Pray, by name, for God’s favour to firmly establish the following growing prayer
watches: Lighthouse in Belhar (Peter, 073 165 7217, gourmet@tiscali.co.za), and
Eagle’s Rising in Gordon’s Bay (Annemie, 072 297 0750,
kingsgate@eaglesrising.org.za). Continue to pray for God to pour out His Spirit
of prayer and supplication on every house of prayer (Zechariah 12:10). Pray that
definite premises will emerge as venues for houses of prayer. Ask for Christians
to find favour - even with those who oppose them - so that places of prayer will
be established in every town and city worldwide.
Pray for Buddhists during the Vesak festival
The Vesak festival or Buddha Day celebrates three major events in the life of the
Buddha: his birth, enlightenment, and his passing away on the full moon of the
6th lunar month (May), which takes place tomorrow. It is the most important
festival in the Buddhist lunar calendar. Buddhist festivals are a time for joy. The
Vesak festival give Buddhists an opportunity to meet together to take the Three
Refuges (their teachings) and learn more about the Buddha’s teachings. Families
bring food candles and flowers to the monks in the monasteries. In return the
monks chant the scriptures lead a period of meditation and give teachings on the
themes of the festival. Please lift up in prayer all Buddhists today, and ask the
Father to reveal the true living Lord Jesus Christ to them through the powerful
working of the Holy Spirit, so that many of them will turn their lives over to
Christ. Resources from www.buddhanet.net/elearning/buddhism/pbs2_unit07a.htm
Sunday 29 April 2012
Personal revival focus: How to pray: Strive fervently in prayer
Epaphras, who is one of you, a bond-servant of Christ, greets you, always
labouring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and completes
in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12). For a healthy man, work is a joy: he works
fervently in the work which interests him. The believer that enjoys good health,
and whose heart is filled with God’s Spirit, is fervent in prayer. Why? So that
fellow believers may know God’s will for their lives, how God is calling them to
prepare their lives and be led by the Holy Spirit. Labour fervently in prayer so
that God’s children may know that it is possible, even blessedly assured. Adapted
from Conversation with God by Dr. Andrew Murray.
Monday 30 April 2012
Salvation focus: Pharmacists
Whether full-time or part-time, being a pharmacist can pose many challenges.
Pray for pharmacists to remain faithful and to work with integrity when
customers try to get prescribed medicine without a prescription, or when those
addicted to over-the-counter medicine return to ask for more. Pray for
pharmacists’ health, as they often work 12-hour days. Pray for opportunities for
pharmacists to come to know the Lord Jesus, and for those pharmacists who
have already accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour to testify boldly to
their colleagues of their faith and trust in Christ.
One Thought for One Day: Divides: Ask God to break down all racial, cultural,
and denominational walls in our country. Ask for unity that pleases the Father
(Psalm 133) to be established in our land.
One Day in the Gap prayer focus: Remember to register for a specific day
when you will stand in the gap for the nation of South Africa at:
pray@jwipn.com or 012 365 3213.
MAY 2012
Tuesday 1 May 2012
Scepticism, doubt and unbelief: Does God really exist? There is intense
debate about this question, and many books are written on this subject. Some
claim to have “proof” that God doesn’t exist, but the same “proof” can be equally
used to ‘prove’ the opposite. God cannot be proven. Likewise, His non-existence
can also not be proven. You either believe there is a God, or you don’t. It is
important to grasp that only once you have made your choice, can you begin to
search for proof for that in which you believe. As Christians, we chose to believe
that there is a God, and for us there is ample evidence to support this. Pray for
people to search themselves honestly concerning what they believe, and for
them to understand the consequences to their beliefs. Pray that God would
reveal Himself to those who are consumed by doubt, through the Holy Spirit.
Cry out for souls on Witchcraft Sabbath
May 1st is usually the peak of Beltane, a witchcraft Sabbath. The expectation now
in satanic circles is that the fullness of the sorcery programmed during the
various satanic gyrations that have already taken place will occur during this full
moon. Let us pray with great confidence to avert this evil expectation, so as to
reprove (expose) the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). Ask God to
reveal Himself to those captured in Satanism. Ask that they will realize Jesus is
truly the King of kings and turn their lives over to Him.
Kanaän Ministries, 021 930 7577, www.kanaanministries.org or
kanaan@iafrica.com
Wednesday 2 May 2012
Scepticism, doubt and unbelief: My friend/family member is a Christian.
They say that I will go to hell because I do not serve God, but their lives are not
what I would want mine to be. They are critical and lacking empathy towards
others. Some Christians are insincere and many live lives that are far worse than
non-Christians! If I look at the lives of some Christians, it makes me feel that I
cannot believe what the Bible says, or in God. Pastors have extra-marital affairs,
my Christian colleagues live immoral and unethical lives, and I can’t tell the
difference sometimes between those who say they are Christian and those who
are not. There are some non-Christians who are better role-models than
Christians, if I look at their lives. Many people use this argument to avoid
repentance, and to avoid answering questions, such as: Who is God, actually?
Does He actually exist? Is the Bible true or false? On Judgement Day, we are not
firstly judged on how we lived as Christians, or on what we did wrong, we are
firstly and foremost judged in terms of how we responded to the Cross and to
God’s grace through Jesus. Christians are imperfect people, who have turned to
God because they recognize they need His help! Pray that people would not use
this argument as an excuse, but will realize that they are not judged on the basis
of Christians’ faults, but rather on how they responded to what Jesus did for
them: the One who gave up His life for them!
Focus on establishing 24-7 Houses of Prayer
Pray, by name, for God’s favour to firmly establish the following growing prayer
watches: Lighthouse in Parow & The Upper Room in Elsies River (Gavin,
079 781 1849, jerichogavin@yahoo.co.uk) and The Prayer Room in Kraaifontein
(Paula, 084 825 9046). Pray for a hunger and a thirst in the hearts of Christians
and that they start praying together, and have a greater desire to read and pray
from the Word. Pray also that they will encourage each other with hymns and
psalms from the Word.
Thursday 3 May 2012
Scepticism, doubt and unbelief: Would a God of love send people to hell for
eternity? For many people, Christians and non-Christians, this is a crucial
question and the Biblical answer a stumbling block. This is actually what Jesus
came to teach us: He came to tell us about the love of His Father, and to warn us
about the reality of hell. The reality of hell helps us to understand that sin and
unrighteousness have dire consequences, and today (as through the ages) people
still do not want to take responsibility for their actions. From 2 Peter 3:9 it is
clear that God does not desire that anyone should perish! No-one goes to hell but
by his own choice or agreement (Matthew 23:27). People have a choice whether
they will accept God’s love and Jesus’ offer of forgiveness for sin, or not. People
are not sent to hell against their will. They deny their actions to be sinful and also
deny the forgiveness and freedom God worked through His Son Jesus Christ.
Many, who use this argument, are not serious about God, do not want to
comprehend, or accept, the overwhelming consequences of their sin, and are not
prepared to submit their lives to God. Pray that God would reveal the real state
of their hearts to them, and that they would not continue to make excuses for
their unbelief and rejection of God.
Friday 4 May 2012
Focus on prayer: Jericho Walls International Prayer Network
Please pray today for each person working at the different offices of Jericho
Walls Prayer Network across the country. Pray for those working on the
websites, database, with the finances, those writing material and conducting
seminars, those answering letters, and telephone calls, those participating in
prayer journeys, etc. Pray that God will protect them and take care of them
(body, soul and spirit). Please pray that the printing and distribution process of
the next issue of Jericho Walls Daily Prayer Guide will be running smoothly this
month, as it will be posted during the next 12 days. Jericho Walls International
Prayer Network, Private bag X22, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, 012 365 3213,
www.jwipn.com or info@jwipn.com
Pray 52: Week 36: Mauritania / Bangladesh (4-10 May 2012)
Pray for more believers across Mauritania and Bangladesh to come together in
larger groups (where possible) for extended times of prayer for breakthroughs
in their own nations. Pray for believers to cry out night and day to remind the
Lord of His promises for the church and for their nations. Contact:
pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also available in Arabic, French and Farsi.
For detailed prayer information on these countries, visit www.operationworld.org
The One Day in the Gap initiative
The need
We are a country that needs the Lord’s intervention: We are living in challenging
times and ever increasingly so. The church has a powerful message, but to a large
extent the church is making very little impact on society.
The church as a house of prayer
Jesus defined the church as a house of prayer (Matthew 21:13). The most
important command is for the church to pray. The Bible and history teaches us
that when the church prays, God works in power. When the church does not
pray, however, the opposite is true.
Past, as well as current revivals, and the transformation of communities and
nations, give us hope and assurance that God still revives, heals, restores and
reconciles today. Every positive attempt Christians make in order to bring
change, is secondary to prayer. We certainly need to do more than to pray, but
we cannot do more unless we have prayed! History proves this fact. A church
that prays is a church that will always experience the power of God. Our present
need is for individual Christians and churches to pray. When the church prays it
experiences the powerful working of the Holy Spirit, and that which is
impossible for man to change, changes!
What will be our prayer focus?
A definite spiritual revival in the church.
For God’s power in the church through the working of the Holy Spirit.
The suffering in our country, and the poor and needy.
For the millions of unsaved people.
A simple prayer strategy
A year of non-stop prayer for our nation.
Uniting local churches and Christian organizations to pray for the nation.
Encouraging local churches to take at least one day (a full 24 hours) to pray
between 1 September 2011 and 31 December 2012.
One Day in the Gap
We encourage congregations, schools, prayer groups, and Bible-study groups etc.
to take one day to pray for 24 hours. We are calling on Christians in the market
place to have prayer meetings at their places of work. Where possible, take more
than one day. Some churches may want to take 3 or 7 days for example, or
perhaps a One Day in the Gap every quarter? It is up to each church to decide
how they would like to proceed. Jericho Walls International Prayer Network,
contact: Anneke Hanekom, Private bag X22, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040, 012 365 3213,
www.jwipn.com or pray@jwipn.com
Saturday 5 May 2012
Pray for There is Hope Ministries
Glory and honour to God for changed lives and attitudes because of your prayers!
We give thanks to God for Pieter who is involved in the Unique Wellness
Program for the positive upliftment of workers on farms through a program of
‘living godly values’. Also for Magdaleen, who is involved in the Internet ministry
for daily, active, global e-mentoring via email. Pray for more producers, as well
as financial- and prayer partners to come aboard in order to expand the current
Wellness Program. There is Hope Ministries, 028 271 5124, www.hope365.co.za or
www.knowinggod.co.za and hope@hope365.co.za
Sunday 6 May 2012
Personal revival focus: What to pray for: The Holy Spirit in conjunction
with the Word of God
For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the
Holy Spirit and in much assurance… (1 Thessalonians 1:5). How many Bibles are
distributed? How many messages regarding the Bible are not preached? Yet, how
little blessing we receive when what is proclaimed is in words – dead letters! But
what godly blessing and power is there not, when the words are proclaimed in
the power of the Holy Spirit! Pray that Bible distribution, preaching the gospel
message, and studying the Bible, would all be done in the power of the Holy
Spirit and in much prayer. Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit wherever the
Bible is read or the gospel message proclaimed. Adapted from Conversation with
God by Dr. Andrew Murray.
Monday 7 May 2012
Salvation focus: Members of Government
Let us not become weary of praying for the Lord Jesus to reveal Himself to every
individual in our government. Pray that everyone will have an opportunity to
hear the message of Christ in a way that relates to their inner most being. Pray
that one by one, all members of government will surrender their lives to the
Lordship of Jesus Christ.
One Thought for One Day: First love: Lord Jesus, enable the believers of the
church in South Africa to return to You as our first love (Revelation 2:4).
One Day in the Gap prayer focus: Remember to register for a specific day
when you will stand in the gap for the nation of South Africa at:
pray@jwipn.com or 012 365 3213.
Tuesday 8 May 2012
Scepticism, doubt and unbelief: (1) For many, the existence of suffering, death
and unrighteousness, is a “proof” that God does not exist. It is understandable
that one might struggle over this. Only God, by His grace, can bring us to an
understanding of why He allows suffering. There is no easy answer, and as
Christians we ought not to offer any quick answers. Pray for a deep working of
the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s compassion, grace and love, in the face of suffering
and death. In the Psalms, we read of how David struggled with these same
questions, and how he found comfort each time in the fact that he could see
God’s grace, care and blessing over time past. Pray that people would see God as
He really is, as Scripture describes Him.
Pray for the Uyajitaya who need Scripture
The approximately 1,000 speakers of Uyajitaya live in Madang Province in Papua
New Guinea. They have no Scripture in their language. Literacy levels are low, as
the schools are too far away and most children do not attend. Pray for God to
send language workers into this community to preach the gospel, but also to
remain there, learn the language and translate the Bible. Wycliffe Prayer Focus
Bulletin, www.wycliffe.net, jan_crowell@wycliffe.net
Wednesday 9 May 2012
Scepticism, doubt and unbelief: (2) People ask: How can a good and allpowerful God allow suffering? The church, just like the world, has been
struggling to arrive at a meaningful answer to this question. Suffering, and the
fact that evil is operative in people’s lives, has come about due to people being
disobedient to God, and trying to be like God (Genesis 3). The Christian derives
hope and comfort from the knowledge of God’s character, His unwavering love,
grace and goodness. Pray for those who wrestle with such questions -that they
will come to know the character of God, will believe the promises of God, and not
focus on the temporal. Pray also that God would teach them through their pain
and suffering who He is, and that they would allow Him to reveal Himself to them
in a new and deeper way. Pray that people would not lose their faith in God as a
result of their circumstances.
Focus on establishing 24-7 Houses of Prayer
Pray, by name, for God’s favour to firmly establish the following growing prayer
watches: Dutch Reformed Church Kuilsrivier South prayer room (Amanda,
083 271 1837, bothmaamanda@gmail.com) and Cape Town House of Prayer in
the City Bowl (Jacqueline, 084 620 3353,
jacqueline.vankradenburg@capetown.gov.za). Pray for towns and cities
worldwide to launch night-and-day prayer initiatives, involving Christians from
different congregations to commit themselves at least once a week, or once a
month, to pray for a full 24 hours.
Thursday 10 May 2012
Scepticism, doubt and unbelief: Is Jesus the only true God? And is salvation
only through Him? Is He the only one who can redeem our sins? What about
Buddhism, Hinduism or Islam? The Bible is clear that Jesus is the only Way,
Truth and Life (John 14:6). Many view such a statement as arrogance. All faiths,
without exception, claim that what they teach is the truth. Even the person, who
says that one faith cannot be elevated above another, is making a statement of
belief, and this in itself, could be viewed as arrogant. It is only the Holy Spirit that
can reveal to people who is the only true Redeemer. Let us pray, therefore, that
the Holy Spirit would reveal Jesus in the hearts of man. Under the banner of
“tolerance and love” the view that all faiths are right, and that all will eventually
lead you to God (all paths lead to “Rome”), is being propagated. Pray that this
deception would be broken down and that the Holy Spirit would work in the
hearts of all mankind, so that all would be able to ‘see’ Jesus as their Redeemer.
May God use signs, wonders and powerful workings, if necessary. Pray that the
Father would reveal to people Jesus as the only true God, through the working of
the Holy Spirit. Pray for more Christians who would equip themselves to be able
to reason with sceptics and those who doubt. Pray that they would do so in love,
understanding, and much wisdom.
Friday 11 May 2012
Mater-Domini Home Donated a building in Cape Town
Praise the Lord! For the Mater Domini Home, for women with crisis pregnancy
situations, has been donated a building large enough to house 15 people in
Claremont, Cape Town! Pray for ladies who will be cared for here and at other
similar places to have an opportunity to know the Lord Jesus Christ, and for their
lives to completely be turned around for His glory. Ask for God’s protection and
grace upon inter-personal relationships in these ministries. Christian View
Network, Postnet 114, Private bag X18, Rondebosch, 7701, 021 685 4500,
www.ChristianView.org or mail@ChristianView.org
Pray 52: Week 37: Libya / Burkina Faso (11-17 May 2012)
Ask the Holy Spirit to encourage believers in Libya and Burkina Faso to establish
prayer rooms or prayer watches covering all 168 hours of the week in prayer for
breakthroughs in their nations so that many will come to Christ. Contact:
pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also available in Arabic, French and Farsi.
For detailed prayer information on these countries, visit www.operationworld.org
Saturday 12 May 2012
Prepare and pray for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXX
Olympiad, will take place in London from 27 July -12 August 2012, for the 3rd
time since 1908/1948. Please pray for the preparations of many Christian
ministries who will reach out with the message of Christ in various ways for the
duration of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Pray for their provision and
favour, and for them to have a heart of prayer and supplication to the Lord Jesus
Christ, for a harvest of souls. Visit
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Summer_Olympics
Sunday 13 May 2012
Personal revival focus: What to pray for: For Christ’s spirit in His children
I am the vine, you are the branches… (John 15:5). Although we are the branches
we need to become so complete in the vine, so completely grafted in, that
everyone will be able to see that, as believers, we possess the same nature, life
and spirit. When we pray in the Holy Spirit, we must not only think of a Spirit of
power, but must also consider the true nature of Jesus. Ask and anticipate
nothing less, less yourself and all God’s children. Plead for it. Adapted from
Conversation with God by Dr. Andrew Murray.
Internet Evangelism Day
Digital media has transformed the world in the last 15 years. Internet
Evangelism Day exists to help Christians understand the huge and growing
potential to share the good news of Jesus through digital media. Give thanks to
the Lord for this and similar ministries. Pray for God to touch the hearts of many
individuals to respond to the gospel as they come across material that explains
the gospel message to them. Visit www.internetevangelismday.com
Monday 14 May 2012
Prayer for the World Prayer Assembly, 14 - 18 May 2012 in Jakarta,
Indonesia
The goal of the World Prayer Assembly is two-fold: to see the knowledge of the
glory of the Lord filling the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14),
and the fulfilment of Jesus’ prayer that His followers become one so the world
will know He is its Creator and Saviour (John 17:21). Pray for God’s guidance in
the hearts and minds of people as prayer leaders, intercessors, church- and
marketplace leaders, children and youth gather to accelerate the development of
an on-going, interactive global prayer movement towards the fulfilment of the
promises of the Lord. For more information about the World Prayer Assembly, or
to register your interest in participating, visit www.wpa2012.org or
wpa2012@gmail.com
One Thought for One Day: Geographically: Do not just pray for personal
needs. Find out about issues in nearby schools, homes, and churches and pray for
breakthroughs in these areas as you pass through your community
(2 Chronicles 6:19-21). Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his
supplication, O Lord my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer which Your
servant is praying before You … may You hear the supplications of Your servant
and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven
Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive.
One Day in the Gap prayer focus: Remember to register for a specific day
when you will stand in the gap for the nation of South Africa at:
pray@jwipn.com or 012 365 3213.
Tuesday 15 May 2012
Scepticism, doubt and unbelief: Many people struggle with questions, such as:
was Jesus really born to a virgin? Did He really bodily resurrect from the grave?
Should we take the story of Jonah in the belly of the fish literally? In other words,
the question really is: are miracles possible? There is no scientific evidence to
support that they are. Miracles are impossible, if God doesn’t exist, and God’s
existence has never been proven. There is, however, a point when one either
believes unconditionally in miracles, or rejects them completely. If you chose to
reject them, understand that you are rejecting miracles, not based on any factual
evidence that you have, but on the basis that you do not believe they are
possible. Pray that the Holy Spirit would help people to ‘see’ God, and that they
would not wrestle over questions, for which we do not now have answers and
which cause them not to be able to ‘see’ God.
The 38th G8 Summit: 15-22 May 2012
G8 refers to the number of member states, or to the annual Summit Meeting of
the G8 heads of Government (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the
United Kingdom and the United States). Please pray for God’s intervention in the
numerous discussion groups, and in the lives of individuals and heads of State
during this week. Pray for Christian influence as they try to address issues such
as poverty in developing countries via debt and trade policy, globalization, global
warming, and pray, especially, for a breakthrough in finding a cure for AIDS.
Visit www.arlingtoncardinal.com
Remember to prepare for the World Weekend of Prayer for Children at
Risk
from 2-3-June 2012.
Wednesday 16 May 2012
Scepticism, doubt and unbelief: The Bible and science: Are there mistakes in
the Bible? If so, I cannot believe. Many sceptics say that ‘mistakes’ in the Bible is
the reason why they cannot believe in God or the Bible. It is also the case,
however, that when asked about which specific mistakes they are referring to,
that they cannot refer to any specific one. The Bible is, in fact, surprisingly
accurate. To date, there are no archaeological discoveries that contradict what is
written in the Bible, for instance. Archaeological excavations and different
instances of research affirm this. Pray that people would read the Bible and that
God would reveal Himself to them whilst they read His word, and that they
would bow before the awesomeness of the Word. Apparent discrepancies do not
automatically mean that there is in actual fact a discrepancy. What it does
indicate, is that we don’t understand it comprehensively!
Focus on establishing 24-7 Houses of Prayer
Pray, by name, for God’s favour to firmly establish the following growing prayer
watches: Dutch Reformed Church Southern Strand prayer room (Carel,
072 278 9225, carelrita@iburst.co.za), and La Motte Prayer Watch in
Franschhoek (Junita, 082 393 7811, pray@la-motte.co.za). Isaiah 55:11 says: …
so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but
will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it…. Pray
that Christians will become aware of this truth and read God’s Word aloud (from
Genesis to Revelation), as a proclamation over their communities. Pray that the
Word of the Lord will also encourage and strengthen them to remain standing in
prayer for breakthroughs in their communities.
The 38th G8 Summit: Continue to stand in the gap for this Meeting. See 15
May.
TEN days leading up to the ONE day event,
followed by NINETY days
The primary purpose we gather is for the Glory of Christ and the blessing of the
nations (Habakkuk 2:14). Following the example of the first believers who
“joined together constantly” in prayer (Acts 1:14) until the outpouring of the
Holy Spirit, the Global Day of Prayer is calling Christians from all nations to unite
in prayer.
Ten Days of constant prayer: 17 - 26 May 2012. Starting on the 17th, millions
of Christians will find ways to pray night and day throughout the Ten days
leading to the Global Day of Prayer, following the pattern of Christ’s followers
before the first Pentecost.
The Global Day of Prayer: 27 May 2012. Christians in many countries will
assemble to pray. Many will gather in small groups such as prayer groups,
homes, local churches, businesses and some may even assemble in large
stadiums and other public venues. In some places, television, radio and Internet
will help to connect and align our prayers even more.
Ninety Days of Blessing: 13 June - 10 September 2012. As in the first
Pentecost, transformed Christians transform their communities as they offer
themselves to God as instruments through which their prayers can be answered.
The Global Day of Prayer anticipates the forming or furthering of local alliances
among pastors, churches, missions and business leaders, to bring practical,
transformational blessing to their communities. A Prayer guide for the 90 Days
will invite you to continue your prayer efforts, but we also want to invite you to
become physically involved in the places that we normally pray for. Five sections
are included in the prayer guide for the 90 Days: (1) Meditate on the Word, (2)
Pray the Blessing, (3) Ask for the Nations, (4) Declare your Faith, and (5) Pray on
Foot.
Global Day of Prayer, P.O. Box 3856, Somerset West, 7129, 021 856 3130. For more
information, guidelines and other resources visit www.globaldayofprayer.com
Thursday 17 May 2012
10 Days of night-and-day prayer: Day 1
Baptize us!
WAIT FOR THE PROMISE: [Jesus said:] “You will be baptized with the Holy
Spirit!” (Acts 1:5).
PRAY:
•
For believers to join together in united and persevering prayer to once
again wait on God for the fulfilment of His promise.
•
For a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our generation, on men and
women, young and old, rich and poor, literate and illiterate, rulers and servants.
•
For the church to repent of incidences where we quenched or disobeyed
the Spirit through unbelief.
Read and meditate on Acts 1 and 2
The 38th G8 Summit: Continue to stand in the gap for this Meeting. See 15
May.
Friday 18 May 2012
10 Days of night-and-day prayer: Day 2
Empower us!
BE MY WITNESSES: [Jesus said:] “You will receive power…” (Acts 1:8).
PRAY:
•
For believers to become living testimonies of God’s salvation, forgiveness
and deliverance in a very troubled and needy world.
•
For the restoration of the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the church, so that
every believer can minister God’s power to a hurting, disillusioned, and corrupt
world.
•
For the church to repent of dead works, and for allowing the world to
infiltrate, dictate and intimidate our witness.
Read and meditate on Acts 3, 4 and 5
Pray 52: Week 38: Iran / Tajikistan (18-24 May 2012)
Ask the Lord of the harvest to encourage Christians from other nations to send
prayer teams to Iran and Tajikistan during this week. Pray that they will stand in
persevering prayer for breakthroughs in the name of Christ in these nations.
Pray for believers in Iran and Tajikistan to experience revival in their personal
relationships with the Lord Jesus this week that will continue. Contact:
pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also available in Arabic, French and Farsi.
For detailed prayer information on these countries, visit www.operationworld.org
The 38th G8 Summit: Continue to stand in the gap for this Meeting. See 15
May.
Saturday 19 May 2012
10 Days of night-and-day prayer: Day 3
Sanctify us!
BE HOLY AS I AM HOLY: [Jesus said:] “I chose you and appointed you that you
should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you
ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you” (John 15:16).
PRAY:
•
For the church to grow in maturity and to be released in ministry through
the faithful work of apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers and evangelists.
•
For the revival of holiness, humility, simplicity and integrity in the church.
•
For the world to see the Reflection of Christ in the lives of ordinary
believers in every aspect of society, and in acts of selfless compassion.
Read and meditate on Acts 6, 7 and 8
The 38th G8 Summit: Continue to stand in the gap for this Meeting. See 15
May.
Global Day of Prayer (GDOP) 2012
Join the world in your prayer group, in your local church, as a community, city,
town or nation to raise a canopy of prayer across the world on this one day.
These are some guidelines to help you to respond to the call and to organize your
event / gathering. Please take note that these are only suggestions and
guidelines.
The primary purpose of the Global Day of Prayer is to have a process of
repentance and prayer where we will ask the Lord to forgive our sins, for the
restoration of the church, for the healing of the nations. All communities are
encouraged to stand before the Lord and unite in repentance & prayer for one
day each year. We pray from the basis of 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Habakkuk 2:14
Choosing a venue
The prayer meeting should be held in a neutral venue and be accessible to the
whole community. The venue could be anything from a prayer room, local
church, town hall, tent, office building, sport stadium, school sports grounds,
open land, auditorium etc. Cities and densely populated areas can host several
events at the same time, instead of having one major event. This will simplify
logistical arrangements, keep costs down. When selecting a venue for the day of
prayer, also keep in mind the weather, start/finish time of the event, availability
of public transport, number of people expected, etc. It will be a bonus if the
venue has got a good sound system. If you have to hire a sound system, rather
spend more money and secure a proper sound system.
Do’s & Don’ts
DO’S
The Lord Jesus Christ, and Him alone must be lifted high.
The focus of the day is repentance and prayer.
Speeches & messages should be kept to a minimum.
Titles of those participating/leading from the stage are irrelevant.
No great names should be promoted or used to draw people.
The process must be non-denominational, non-racial and non-political.
“Middle of the road “songs, choirs, bands, etc. should be used in the program. Try
to accommodate as many denominations, churches and communities as possible.
Invite the community/political leaders to the event, but without a platform to
address the crowd.
DON’TS
No political speeches.
No marketing of individual ministries.
No selling of CD’s of performing artists.
No non-Christian activities.
Global Day of Prayer, P.O. Box 3856, Somerset West, 7129, 021 856 3130. For more
information, guidelines and other resources visit www.globaldayofprayer.com
One verse prayer guide
Do you sometimes feel that prayer is difficult? How and when are you supposed
to pray? Is there a wrong way of praying? Is it fine to ask for things for yourself?
Among many other Scriptures, there is one verse that answers all these
questions in one! Why don’t you ask the Lord in these coming weeks to make
prayer a reality in your life according to His will as shown in this Scripture? You
can print or copy this article and put it up in your bedroom, on the fridge, or in
your Bible.
Ephesians 6:18 says: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of
prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for
all the saints (other Christians)” (NIV).
Monday: How to pray. Pray in the Spirit. Lord, help me to pray according to the
leading of the Holy Spirit and not my own will. Teach me from Your Word Your
will so that I can know how to pray.
Tuesday: When to pray. On all occasions. Lord, help me to remember to pray
wherever I am or whatever situation I am in.
Wednesday: Different. All kinds of prayers. Lord, teach me in prayer to
worship You, to thank You, to honour You and to praise You. May Your Holy
Spirit guide me in how to pray for others, how to pray for my own needs, how to
thank You when You have answered my prayers, and show me when to resist the
devil.
Thursday: Asking and requests in prayer. Lord, help me to only ask for things
according to Your will and purposes. Please open my eyes when I read the Bible
so that I can know and understand what I can ask for, and how to ask for it.
Friday: Being alert. With this in mind, be alert. Lord, help me to be watchful in
all situations and to pray when You prompt me. I want to be still before You and
listen to You. Speak to me through Your Word or in any way that You want to
make Your will known to me.
Saturday:
Keep on praying. Always keep on praying. Lord, help me never to
grow tired of reminding You of Your promises through prayer. Over and over
Your Word teaches us to continue to pray and never give up.
Sunday: Others. For all the other Christians. Lord, help me to be sensitive to the
needs of other Christians and to pray for them.
Sunday 20 May 2012
10 Days of night-and-day prayer: Day 4
Guide us!
KNOW THE TRUTH: [Jesus said:] “He [the Spirit of Truth] will guide you into all
the truth” (John 16:13).
PRAY:
•
For the church to proclaim the undiluted and uncompromising truth
about Jesus Christ: that there is no salvation other than through Him.
•
For Christians to be strengthened in their knowledge of Jesus Christ, for
deception to be exposed, and for ignorance to be removed.
•
For the veil that the god of this world put on the minds of unbelievers to
be removed through the testimony of Christians and through the truth of the
gospel message.
Read and meditate on Acts 9, 10 and 11
The 38th G8 Summit: Continue to stand in the gap for this Meeting. See 15
May.
Remember to prepare for the World Weekend of Prayer for Children at
Risk from 2-3-June 2012.
Monday 21 May 2012
10 Days of night-and-day prayer: Day 5
Convict us!
REPENT AND BELIEVE [Jesus said:] “When He [the Holy Spirit] comes, He will
convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8).
PRAY:
•
For anointed teaching and preaching to pierce the hearts of unbelievers,
and hard-hearted sinners and backslidden Christians alike, to bring them to
repentance.
•
For the world to experience God’s kindness through a church that loves
unconditionally, without judgment, criticism or arrogance.
•
For Christians to deny themselves, and to submit and obey the voice of
the Holy Spirit.
Read and meditate on Acts 12, 13 and 14
The 38th G8 Summit: Continue to stand in the gap for this Meeting. See 15
May.
Tuesday 22 May 2012
10 Days of night-and-day prayer: Day 6
Comfort us!
TAKE HEART, I HAVE OVERCOME: [Jesus said:] “I will ask the Father, and He
will give you another Helper [Comforter]” (John 14:16).
PRAY:
•
For strength, perseverance, grace and joy for Christians who are
persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ.
•
For the salvation of the interrogators, politicians, religious leaders and
judges who order the persecution of believers.
•
For Christians to persevere when subjected to all kinds of suffering,
poverty, oppression, mocking, injustice, sicknesses, etc. for the sake of Christ and
His kingdom.
Read and meditate on Acts 15, 16 and 17
The 38th G8 Summit: Continue to stand in the gap for this Meeting. See 15
May.
Missions article:
The beginning of a mandate
(By Lars Widerberg, from his notes to a Church in Bronx, New York).
To some people prayer warfare is attractive and exiting. They seek the rush and
sense of power that ensues from the speaking against a “Pharaoh” or addressing
the “powers” of a city. But few are those who have received a solid mandate from
the Eternal to do so. The prophetic mandate is a rare item, but a necessary one as
the world “and the church at large” is toppling over.
God’s mandate (whom God sends) is firmly founded in His own choice. If man
can add anything at all to the process, it would be his willingness to wait, and to
be reduced. The waiting process is a reducing process: reducing one’s selfgratification and self-aggrandizement. Waiting that is acceptable to God is
directly related to the altar - to the work of the Cross. God’s mandate requires the
40 years of isolation in the desert. Only God is able to light a thorn-bush, and
keep it burning!
The encounter with God, and the thorn-bush which is not consumed by fire,
produces meekness. The “I am undone” before the altar of eternal fire, is the
beginning of apostolic meekness, without which there will be no mandate.
Moses’ and of Isaiah’s experiences are absolutes for the formation of an apostolic
man. The mandate is a non-occurrence without one’s prior reduction at the altar.
To begin to see, as these men saw, is the beginning of the mandate process, and
such an experience cannot be appropriated by faith, it must take place in reality.
It is the “shoes’ of reality, it reduces the three-piece-suit man to a bare minimum
of existence. A silk-tie and patent-leather shoes will have no meaning in this
setting or after such an experience! A seeing and a cleansing of this peculiar kind
bring about the mandate.
Apostles and prophets are foundational men, overwhelmed by the Holiness of
God. To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and
that trembles at My word (Isaiah 66:2). Apostolic meekness has its counterpart
in apostolic trembling. The apostolic man is qualified to speak because of his fear
of the Word, even because of his jealousy for the righteousness set forth in the
Word. God is greatly to be feared in the congregation of the saints (Psalm 89.7).
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and truth go
before Your face (Psalm 89:14). The apostolic man bears the mark of “otherness”
which he has encountered in the presence of God” (John 3:31-34).
The prophetic man is a tempered man, a man who has learned obedience. He is
tempered by the Tent. …at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, where
I will meet you, to speak there to you. And there I will meet with the sons of
Israel, and Israel shall be sanctified by My glory (Exodus 29:42-43). This
speaking brings substance and depth to the prophetic man. The tempering of the
Tent brings mandate. And, once again, this experience is not to be appropriated
by faith. It is a substantial day-to-day experience in fellowship with Him who
dwelled in a thorn bush.
Who shall go up into the hill of Jehovah? Or who shall stand in His holy place?
(Psalm 24:3). The pretentious man does not care for such an experience. The
light-hearted man finds substitutes for it and dares to call it glory. The conceited
man follows his own imaginations and becomes a vanity prophet. The mandate
begins at the altar; the mandate begins with a holy fire. What burns within will
be seen without. A fire of personal desires will not manifest holiness and glory. A
fire of personal ambitions will not satisfy hearts which long for righteousness.
Only the heart which is touched by His Word unto godly living will carry a
prophetic testimony to chosen segments of our cities and churches.
Wednesday 23 May 2012
10 Days of night-and-day prayer: Day 7
Unite us!
BE ONE SO THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE: [Jesus prayed:] “…that they may all be
one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in us, so
that the world may believe that You have sent Me” (John 17:21).
PRAY:
•
For a deep work of the Spirit to join and reconcile the hearts of believers
across all race groups, languages, and cultures, to become one new man in Christ.
•
For the church to bear with one another in love, to eagerly maintain unity
and to really become one in body, spirit, hope, faith, and one with the Father and
the Lord.
•
For the church to unite in finishing the task of world evangelism, to share
resources, and to appreciate the different callings and gifts that God has placed in
the body of Christ.
Read and meditate on Acts 18, 19 and 20
PRAYER FOR THE WORLD DOWNLOAD
Visit www.globaldayofprayer.com/prayer.html to download, print and distribute
the Prayer for the World to be prayed this Sunday.
Thursday 24 May 2012
10 Days of night-and-day prayer: Day 8
Deliver us!
OPEN THEIR EYES: [Jesus said:] “I am sending you to open their eyes, so that
they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that
they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified
by faith in Me” (Acts 26:18).
PRAY:
•
For Christ’s victory on the cross over all the power of Satan, demonic
principalities and spirits, to be boldly and fearlessly proclaimed to all people
groups, languages and nations.
•
For people to be delivered from bondage, for covenants made with spirits
of death and destruction to be annulled, and for lies to be exposed.
•
For divine revelation of the truth concerning Jesus Christ to those in any
form of idolatry, secularism, atheism or deception.
Read and meditate on Acts 21, 22 and 23
Friday 25 May 2012
10 Days of night-and-day prayer: Day 9
Teach us to pray!
BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER: [Jesus said:] “…will not God give justice to his elect,
who cry to Him night and day?” (Luke 18:7).
PRAY:
•
For the church to believe that we have a God who answers prayer, and
persevere in supplication and thanksgiving.
•
For understanding concerning how to wait on God for His counsel, and
how to unite in prayer with the Holy Spirit in His intercession.
•
For the church to understand the urgency of the times, to lay aside all
hindrances and to confidently draw near to the throne of grace to plead for grace
and mercy for ourselves, our communities, and the nations of our world.
Read and meditate on Acts 24, 25 and 26
Pray 52: Week 39: Israel / Turkmenistan (25-31 May 2012)
Ask our Father in Heaven, that His Name be hallowed on earth, and for Christians
worldwide to use all possible means to mobilize the church in their own country
to pray for, visit, and support missionaries and new believers to Israel and
Turkmenistan. Contact pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also available in
Arabic, French and Farsi. For detailed prayer information on these countries, visit
www.operationworld.org
Saturday 26 May 2012
10 Days of night-and-day prayer: Day 10
Set us apart!
GO INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PROCLAIM: “While they were worshiping the
Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me…” (Acts 13:2).
PRAY:
•
For the church to be obedient to the call of the Holy Spirit to send
labourers to the harvest fields.
•
For the spiritual, emotional, physical and financial provision and support
for those who heeded the call and are serving in any cross-cultural setting.
•
For doors to open in countries hostile to the gospel of Jesus Christ, for
workers to be granted long-term visas and jobs, and for divine appointments to
share the gospel.
Read and meditate on Acts 27 and 28
Sunday 27 May 2012
Pentecost Sunday: Global Day of Prayer (GDOP)
Two thousand years ago, on Pentecost Sunday, the Holy Spirit was poured out on
the church. The Holy Spirit was given to the church. Many times through the
centuries, however, the church became stagnant and resisted the work of the
Holy Spirit. God in His mercy came and poured out His Spirit in a fresh way on
the church. Some of these fresh outpourings of the Spirit we find, for instance, in
Acts 4:29-31, Acts 10:44-47 and Acts 11:15. Martyn Lloyd-Jones suggests that
when we read the books of Galatians and 1 Corinthians12-14 carefully, it is clear
that these churches experienced an extra-ordinary work of the Holy Spirit in
their midst. Over the centuries this has happened again thousands of times in
local churches, regions, nations, as well as globally.
Let us then, today, pray for an extra-ordinary work of the Spirit of God in the
midst of the global church. Without a new and powerful working of the Spirit in
the church, the church will be powerless and not able to do its work. We need
God’s divine power to do our work.
Upcoming dates for the Global Day of Prayer
YEAR 10 DAYS
GDOP
90 DAYS OF BLESSING
2013 9 - 18 May
19 May
20 May onwards
2014 29 May - 7 June
8 June
9 June onwards
2015 14 - 23 May
24 May
25 May onwards
2016 5 - 14 May
15 May
16 May onwards
2017 25 May - 3 June
4 June
5 June onwards
Monday 28 May 2012
Salvation focus: Members of Parliament
Lift up in prayer every individual Member of Parliament before the Lord. Pray
for Christian Members to pray for opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus
Christ with others. Pray for the hearts of Members of Parliament to be open and
receptive, to receive the life of Christ.
One Thought for One Day: Good things in Christ: We pray that together with
other believers, we may be active in sharing our faith, so that we will have a full
understanding of every good thing we have in Christ (Philemon 1:6)
One Day in the Gap prayer focus: Remember to register for a specific day
when you will stand in the gap for the nation of South Africa at:
pray@jwipn.com or 012 365 3213.
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Scepticism, doubt and unbelief: Is the Bible really true? Can we trust what it
says? It is when we read the Bible for ourselves that God reveals Himself to us.
Through reading the word, people realize truth. The word is its own advocate. It
happens time and again that when people read the Bible, they see the truth and
come to salvation. Pray for those who doubt, that they would read the Bible
themselves, and that God would reveal Himself to them. There should be no
uncertainty about the important and central truths of Scripture.
Prepare and pray for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXX
Olympiad, will take place in London from 27 July -12 August 2012, for the 3rd
time since 1908/1948. Please pray for the preparations of many Christian
ministries who will reach out with the message of Christ in various ways for the
duration of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Pray for their provision and
favour, and for them to have a heart of prayer and supplication to the Lord Jesus
Christ, for a harvest of souls. Visit
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Summer_Olympics
Remember to prepare for the World Weekend of Prayer for Children at
Risk from
2-3-June 2012.
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Scepticism, doubt and unbelief: There exists a group of people that could be
termed moral sceptics or doubters. These are people who have chosen to be
doubters, sceptics, unbelievers, atheists, or agnostics. They have chosen to fall
into one or more of these categories, mostly because they do not wish to live a
restricted life, or subject themselves to any authority, or be responsible to
anyone for their behaviour, nor will they recognize that some of their actions
constitute sin and they do not wish to be held accountable for these actions. Pray
for deep conviction of sin, and that these people would recognize that a society
based on these principles, can only result in chaos and a meaningless coexistence.
Focus on establishing 24-7 Houses of Prayer
Pray, by name, for God’s favour to firmly establish the following growing prayer
watches: Mandela Park prayer room in Khayalitsha (Cynthia, 078 067 1498), and
the City Wide Watch in Cape Town (Dave, 074 155 1247, citywatch@jwipn.com).
Lord, pour out Your Spirit of prayer and supplication on Your church worldwide.
Grant that houses of prayer will be established all over the world. We ask that
believers will faithfully pray the promises from Your Word night-and-day so
Your kingdom may come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
(Matthew 6:10).
Thursday 31 May 2012
Scepticism, doubt and unbelief: Evolution and creation
Great dispute exists regarding the question of evolution, and if it is what God
created. The truth is that there is no definitive proof to support evolution. The
same is true of the creation theory. Hebrews 11:3 tells us clearly that by faith we
understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God…People are carried
along by the wave of popular opinion that there is evidence for the theory of
evolution, but evolution is merely a belief system which denies the involvement
of a Creator. More and more, scientists are coming to the realization that an
intelligent and intricate design exists in creation, which cannot be explained by
science. Pray for the dismantling and exposure of lies and myths regarding
evolution theory, which is being espoused as truth. Pray that scientists will speak
the truth regarding creation, and will not fear ridicule or rejection.
Feedback on World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk 2011
More children than ever took responsibility for planning and running events,
often leading whole congregations of adults in prayer!
Lots of children prayed for children: 61% of people praying over the World
Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk were under the age of 18.
Events took place in 41 different countries around the world and those are just
the ones we know about!
An average event saw 506 people gather together for over three hours of prayer,
discussion and activities.
Event organisers in Cuba told that churches from five different denominations
put aside their differences and joined together to pray over the World Weekend
of Prayer for Children at Risk. They were all encouraged by the show of unity,
and it has inspired them to find ways to work together throughout the year.
People from all over the globe were able to join together in prayer as resources
were translated into 19 different languages. Viva together for children,
www.viva.org or info@viva.org
JUNE 2012
Friday 1 June 2012
World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk: 2-3 June 2012
The World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk, facilitated by Viva, takes
place every year on the first weekend of June. Hundreds of thousands of
Christians gather at events across the world to devote themselves to prayer for
their own children, children in their church, neighbourhood, country, or in other
parts of the world. Please pray for the church to become aware and more
involved in ministering to the children of the world. Download free resources at
www.viva.org/wwp
Cry out to God for the children…
At home: Pray for their salvation.
Around the world: To feel welcome and loved. Jesus showed us to welcome
children. Guide all people to welcome children in Your name (Matthew 19:4,
18:5).
Pray 52: Week 40: Jordan / Chad (1-7 Jun 2012)
Ask the Father to once again fill the church with power of the Holy Spirit so that
many may come to Christ (Acts 4:28-31, Ephesians 5:18). Pray for believers in
Jordan and Chad to take up the responsibility of night-and-day prayer for the
church and their nation.
Contact: pray52@supermail.co.za / Information also available in Arabic, French
and Farsi. For detailed prayer information on these countries, visit
www.operationworld.org
Saturday 2 June 2012
Cry out to God for the children…
At home: Pray that they will grow and increase in love.
Around the world: Hear the gospel. Saviour, send people to share the good
news about Christ with children so they can call on Your name for salvation
(Romans 10:13-14).