Prayer Assignments for February 1-16
WORD MINISTRIES FEBRUARY PRAYER COVERAGE FOR THE NATIONS
"This is considered the month of love and expressing our love for special ones in our life. Isn’t it wonderful that God gave us the greatest valentine of all " in John 3:16... Let us pray together this month for the love of the Lord to shine bright in the nations of the earth!"
Please click on Prayer Assignments... to read more of who and how to pray for the Nations(number in parenthesis is for the day we are praying for that area, be sure to go read the specifics at WORD Ministries)... and let's cover God's Kingdom with love... we start out praying for Europe(1-5) "for God to raise up men and women who will pioneer this bridging of different cultures and backgrounds into one unified body that will glorify Jesus and win Europe back to the gospel." then on to the Pacific (6-8)"Completing the task of world evangelization in the Pacific..." continuing with Afghanistan (9-10), Albania(11), Algeria(12-13), American Samoa and Andorra(14), Angola (15-16)... it looks like we're praying A-Z from here on along with...
OPERATION WORLD: Prayer for Today... 1/6/12 The Church Worldwide; For the first 11 days, the prayer focus is the WORLD
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.” (Isaiah 52:7-8)
The World— January 1-11: Listed here are some of the critical international hot spots most likely to cause turmoil, conflict, and suffering or even war in the coming years. These need to be covered in prayer: 1 The future of Jerusalem. (Israel)The world’s holiest city is probably also its most volatile flashpoint. Conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has resisted major international efforts to resolve it. The fundamental and seemingly irreconcilable differences between most Israelis and Arabs mean that any outbreak of serious conflict can easily embroil neighboring countries – especially Lebanon and Syria. Many feel that such a war is almost inevitable. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
I hope to add one for each day, in the comments, just like in the Daily Prayer from Germaine Copeland, because there are 30... and we should pray for #1 every day. Maybe God will lay one of these on your heart to continuing praying for that country. Please pray as led by the Holy Spirit...
The rest will be continued in the "PRAYERS LIFTED to the THRONE" (comment area)...
"Prayer not only changes people, situations and even the course of history, but also those who pray! It is dangerous for the enemy and also 'dangerous' for you." Patrick Johnstone (from "Why pray for the nations?" Pray and the Nations)
So when it's the 9th, pray #9... etc. Pray for any country as or when you feel led. This post is to PRAY FOR THE NATIONS so "prayers lifted to the throne" here need to be for a NATION. Thank you!
*actually posted on 1/6/12, reposted again each month with new prayer assignments or links to WORD but did not want the others to be moved down from above such as our PRAYER REQUESTS and personal prayers...
39 comments:
9 Immigration into Europe is an unstoppable tide of humanity from Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe. The plunging birthrates in EU countries and the affluence,
stability and generous social services in Europe are factors that pull in immigrants, many of
whom are coming from countries where conflict rages. While immigration is utterly necessary for the demographic and economic survival of Europe, the potential for resentment and violent backlash on the part of the native peoples of the EU is also strong.
Postmodern secularism, Islam
and Christianity must learn to co-exist or face a very turbulent future.
10 The Himalayan region simmers with tension and division. The competing claims over Kashmir, the volatile nature of Nepal, the oppression of Tibet, the upheaval in Bangladesh and Northeast India and the opposition of India and Pakistan on many issues make this a potentially dangerous area – especially since the three main players are all nuclear powers.
11 The West African fault line between Islam and Christianity has seen clashes, mob violence and civil war, especially in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. Religious differences are
exacerbated and fuelled by ethnic divisions.
Heavenly Father,
You are God of all the world! You are God of the universes.
Thank You for Operation World and Word Ministries, for people that commit to pray for the nations of our world. This is an intercessory need that goes far beyond our corners of the world. May our "prayers not only change people, situations and the course of history, but also change for those who pray.
Father, You see the needs of the nations of the world and the Church worldwide. We lift of JERUSALEM and pray for Your peace! Peace, Father God, for Jerusalem and the conflicts there. We cry out for these nations, O Lord: for the Korean Peninsula, Somalia, Central Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan,for China, Iran and Mexico.
We seek peaceful resolutions for these countries. We ask for Your will and Your way to be made known for those seeking refuge, that they see You as their refuge... for immigration in Europe and the situations arising in the USA regarding this;
for the Himalayan regions and West Africa; between Islam and Christianity... Father, protect our Christian brothers and sisters in whatever nation they may be, keep them from evil and harm and further persecutions not by just other religions but also the governments or lack therein.
You have all authority in these nations, You have all the power! Have Your way, O Lord. We come against violence, corruption and increasing tensions and we release a spirit of peace, honesty, justice and fairness, that hearts would have more compassion and less animosity.
We claim the Promises in Your Word from the prophet Isaiah: For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
And He will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Father, I lift Jerusalem up before You. I ask for protection, peace, and no more suffering. Love on Your people Father. Amen.
Father, I come to You , praying for the korean peninsula. I ask for You to bring peace, not war to that area. I also ask for You to help them rebuild. Thank You Father. Amen.
Father God, We lift up the country of Iran to You!
The news was blocked here on YouTube from FoxNews but the title read "Iran calls off long range missile tests in Persian Gulf." I wish that I knew more but that sounds like we should give You praise for this. I give You praise for keeping the arms
shut down and for PEACE for this area. You alone can bring peace there. Since they are mostly a Muslim nation, and have internal strife... disillusioned with the Islamic Revolution, disconnected with their rulers... the younger generation seems to be open to the gospel. Protect any Christians there that are sharing the Gospel. Bring an increase in church growth. There is a hunger for the good news and for authentic spirituality. Open doors as You protect and guide. Many promises made by the government of the Islamic Revolution over 30 years, have not yet materialized.
But Your Promise is for right now and eternity.
We come against the bloodshed, the cruelty, the injustices, the extremism and economic deprivation. The human rights abuses they suffer are frequent. I pray that corruption and repression end in Iran, if that be Your will and that their government will provide true justice and safety for all, since religious leadership controls the police, army and judicial system, we ask that Your reign and authority would demand them to obey and be just, that true justice be established in Jesus name!
Father, I lift up Somalia to You. Please heal this failed state. Take its brokeness, and replace it with wholeness. Have Your way, and will. Amen.
Heavenly Father,
Padre Celestial...
Today is the day for MEXICO!
Hoy oremos para Mexico!!!
Although the prayer focus of WORD and Operation World says for Mexico-USA Drug corridor, I know that the problem is far beyond this to arms, and children and women being trafficked. You, O LORD see the problem much more clearer and a bigger picture than even I have... but the fault is not Mexico's alone. I cry out for Mexico and the people from here that leave with the hope of the American dream for their families.
I cry out a loud protest against the hardened hearts and the corruption in this country but also in the USA!
Open hearts Lord! Give them wisdom and Your hand of protection for those that are living righteous or honest lives before You!
Have mercy on us all!
There are so many victims in this! I come against the greed and the need for money and power that is/has caused so many injustices. I come against the perversions of people, buying and selling women and children for sexual pleasures. It is a crime that must be stopped!
So the "hedonistic excesses" are Americans with appetites
for liberties and abuses that are wrong!!! The brutal war is not just drugs, but precious people. The war between the drug cartels and the government police is increasingly explosive and more and more dangerous to the population in general.
Tensions are mounting on both sides and a wall will not STOP these atrocities!
My heart breaks over this situation Lord. My heart breaks over the poverty here. My heart breaks over what people are willing to do for money. The police do not earn enough and are open to bribes to compensate. The economic situation is increasingly worse for all. The tourism business is being impacted tremendously but it should not be used for selling sex nor anything else. You are God over these lives. You are the final authority and judge. We (USA) are forcing many to live lives of more devastation and poverty by not doing anything to resolve or help Mexico, our neighbors. As Christians, we have responsibilities to these people... those that are victims need You constant protection and guidance. Put an impenetrable hedge around the innocent and the poor to not be further victimized!
Be Provider and Protector to all those seeking Refuge!
Make Yourself known to the many that are lost in this Catholic nation where the Jehovah Witnesses are covering more territory each day... Bring Your Truth to the captives here. Bring boldness to the Christian churches here to continue praying and evangelizing their people. Thank You for the hearts that serve You!
Break the chains of false beliefs and injustices, the spirit of poverty and any obstacle that is keeping Mexico from knowing You as Lord! Direct the steps of those who desire to make Your way and will known.
Thank You for Your protection! Supply the many needs of those working with the people and the people that they are helping. Bless the organizations and people reaching out to a nation in need. Bring upright people in the government! No MORE
corruption or illegal activity in the political parties or the people in charge of protecting the people. Protect their lives as they defend the people if they are just and fair. Bring peace to Mexico! Bring the Truth of Jesus Christ to destroy the force of the enemy here. Praise God for every advancement in STOPping the drug cartels and the traffick of innocent lives, even the ones who ignorantly agree...shine Your light to their value in You! There is nothing that You cannot do. We are more than conquerors in You! Empower us with the sword of Truth and the shoes of the gospel of peace!
In Jesus name...
Father, please surround Central Africa with protection, help them to follow laws, instead of being lawless. Amen.
Father, I am here to pray for Afghainstan, and Pakistan. These are two of the most unstable, and dangerous nations. Please keep their enemies far away, keep terriorism away from them. Let them be able to see Your light shining through the darkness. Amen.
Today's PRAYER for
10 The Himalayan region simmers with tension and division. The competing claims over Kashmir, the volatile nature of Nepal, the oppression of Tibet, the upheaval in Bangladesh and Northeast India and the opposition of India and Pakistan on many issues make this a potentially dangerous area – especially since the three main players are all nuclear powers.
Weds.
11 The West African fault line between Islam and Christianityhas seen clashes, mob violence and civil war, especially in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire. Religious differences are
exacerbated and fuelled by ethnic divisions.
Thurs. we begin to pray for the continent of Africa
—January 12 – 18:
Africa has 13 of the world’s 20 least-evangelized countries by percentage. There are many clusters of unreached peoples in Africa. The vast majority are Muslim of varying degrees of commitment and orthodoxy. Reaching them will be a great challenge in terms of spiritual opposition, cultural learning and effective mission strategies.
Pray for the light of the Gospel to begin to penetrate these people groups:
Thurs.
12 The Arabs of North Africa.
Arriving from the Arabian peninsula in the early years of Islam, the Arabs conquered the Maghreb and imposed Islam upon the population. There
has been little by way of outreach to them until recent years – and even less by way of response.
They number nearly 210 million from Mauritania across to Egypt.
Fri.
13 The Imazighen, or Berber.
North Africa’s original inhabitants; they were conquered by Rome, many becoming Christian, then conquered by Arab Muslims in the 8th Century and assimilated into Islam.
There are 18 million Imazighen in 76 distinct sub-groups living in 17
countries. Major groups include the Kabyle (3.3m), Riff (2.6m), Shilha (8.7m) and Shawiya
(1.9m).
Only among the Kabyle has there been a significant turning to Christ. Less than 0.4% might be considered Christian. Several partnerships of agencies concerned for them exist.
Sat.
14 The peoples of the West Africa coastal nations, including the Wolof, Malinke, Jula and Susu clusters. Totalling 17.2 million people, they include 114 peoples speaking 75
languages and dialects. The largest peoples are the Wolof of Senegal (4.6m), Maninke of Guinea
(2.4m), Maninka of Côte d’Ivoire (1.9m), Mandinka of Senegal and Gambia (1.4m) and Susu of Guinea (1.1m).
They remain largely unevangelized, even though there are a number of
Christian workers and African churches among neighbouring peoples.
The rest of AFRICA petitions
(be sure to pray for the missionaries in these countries also _ I should check with Marsha but her daughter, SIL and family are in Africa and perhaps you know of others)... but God does if you just say missionaries...:0)
Sun.
15 The Fulbe (Pulaar, Fulani) number 31.9 million in 50 or so distinct ethnic groups speaking related dialects. They have spread from Senegal to become a major component of nearly every country of the Sahel as far east as Sudan. They are the largest nomadic-culture people in the world. More than half now live settled lifestyles and are more strongly Muslim
than their nomadic or semi-nomadic brethren. Planting churches among them has been hard and slow with small breakthroughs in Benin, Nigeria and Chad. The Fulbe represent one of the major challenges for missions in Africa today. There are dozens of agencies with some outreach or ministry to the Fulbe, and several partnerships have been formed specifically to synergize ministry among them.
Mon.
16 The interior peoples of West Africa.
These consist of the Kanuri, Bambara, Songhai,Soninke people clusters, adding up to 78 peoples with 31 languages and 22.3 million
people. Largest among them are the Yerwa Kanuri of Nigeria (5.5m), the Zarma of Niger (4.5m), the Bambara of Mali and Côte d’Ivoire (3.1m, 1.0m), the Songhai-Koryaboro of Mali and Niger
(1.6m) and the Soninke of Mali (1.0m). Of these, only the Bambara (5.0%) and Koryaboro (0.4%) have a notable Christian population.
Many smaller peoples have no known believers.
Tues.
17 The Hausa are dominant in Niger and northern Nigeria, but live in 20 countries in
total and number 32.4 million. Hausa has become the major language for much of
Nigeria, Niger and beyond. Many resources exist in Hausa – the Bible, the JESUS film, radio broadcasting – and much ministry is done in Hausa, but few have turned to Christ from Islam.
Response is greatest among the Maguzawa section of the Hausa. Evangelization of the Hausa remains a major challenge to the Church.
Weds.
18 The Horn of Africa-Cushitic peoples. There are 101 million in 160 ethnic groups living mainly in Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. They are represented in six people
clusters – Afar, Beja, Ethiopian (often referred to as “Semitic”), Omotic, Oromo and Somali. A number of peoples are Christian. The great challenge remains to reach the Somali (15.7m), Beja (3.2m) and Afar (2.3m). Many Christian agencies are burdened to bring the gospel to them and see a harvest; there have been many attempts, but the risk and the cost are great. It is effectively impossible for outsiders to do mission work among the Somali and Afar clusters in their home
countries, but there is a sizeable Somali diaspora in Africa and beyond.
Please let China learn to be a friend to other nations, instead of a scary enemy Father. Amen.
Father, Iran has the ability to use nuclear weapons against other nations. Please watch over all other nations, keep them safe. Turn Iran away from evil, turn them toward good deeds. Amen.
Father, my heart hurts for the people of Mexico. Drugs, danger, and tensions run wild there. Please take over, and send satan, and his demons back to hell. Thank You Father. Amen.
Father, The Himalayan region is full of division, and tension. They have nuclear powers also. Please ease the tensions, and unite the divisions. Take the nuclear powers away Father. Thank You. Amen.
Father, The West African fault line sees nothing but mob violence, and civil wars. Clashes are a daily occurence there. There is also much religious differences are constantly fueled. Please lay Your healing hands upon this nation. Heal them Father, before it is to late. Amen.
Father I lift up the continents of Africa. These people need You so much. They are living in total darkness, least evangelized people. Father, help them to seek You, bring Your bright light to them. Shine on them, lead them away from the darkness. Take their sinful hearts, and make them a new people. Thank You Father. Amen.
"Lord, hear our cry
Come heal our land (and the land of each nation, Lord)
Breath life into these dry and thirsty souls
Lord, hear our prayer
Forgive our sin
And as we call on Your name
Would you make this a place
For Your glory to dwell?
Open the blind eyes
Unlock the deaf ears
Come to Your people
As we draw near
Hear us from heaven
Touch our generation
We are Your people
Crying out in desperation"
Hear us from heaven...
hear us from heaven...
Listening and praying and worshiping you Lord, with this anointed group of
ORU students ... touch each one and move on them to continue to worship, honor and praise You with their lives...Thank You for raising up hearts to worship You in this generation! Bless each one and all the nations so that they will continue to come to You and the saving grace of knowing You fully and completely as Lord, Savior and JESUS, Emmanuel, God with us..
Father, heal the world, make it a better place for everyone. Let there be peace, not war. Let us all know You, and love You, and love each other. Thank You Father. Amen.
Remove the heart of selfishness, O God, that keeps me from caring for the downtrodden, abused, forgotten, and broken. Give me your eyes of concern and Jesus' heart of compassion to see them and minister to them. In his name, the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Today the Prayer Assignments from WORD Ministries starts with/for the AMERICAS (that means our hemisphere from the North to the South America:
"The Americas: Despite the large Christian presence and much evangelical activity, major challenges remain for prayer
19 Upper and upper-middle classes. These tend to be less evangelical, often wearing their liberal Protestant or Catholic sensibilities quite lightly. In many cases, even these are intellectually atheist or Marxist but make a show of religion as a social networking mechanism. Specific strategies are needed to reach these influential classes.
20 The urban poor. In North America, they usually live in the decaying hearts of major cities; in Latin America, they live in huge slums that ring or even permeate the major cities.
Churches have a great role to play and are well positioned to do so. Pray for the light of Jesus
to shine through Christian ministry, effecting urban renewal with a reduction in crime, violence and substance abuse and a growth in education, employment and, most importantly, the winning of lives into the Kingdom.
21 Whole regions of some countries are far less evangelized than the rest of the country, such as Quebec Province in Canada, the northeastern states and Amazonia in Brazil, some of Mexico’s states as well as entire nations such as French Guyana.
22 Students in the universities. In North America, this means an opportunity to reach
out to students from nearly every nation on earth, many from unevangelized backgrounds.
Throughout the Americas, it is a chance to reach nationals for Jesus and to disciple young
believers into Christian leaders. CCCI and Navigators have extensive ministries to campuses,and IFES has well-established work in the majority of countries, with younger movements in others. Pray for all agencies concentrating on this strategic sector of the community. A clear, radiant, evangelical student witness in every university is a key target for prayer.
23 The Romani (Gypsies) – present, but usually unrecognized and often undetected in most Latin American countries, and numbering over one million. They often remain
deliberately incognito in order to avoid marginalization in society, but they have notable needs
in terms of education and health, and especially need to be reached with the gospel.
24 Immigrant communities from all over the world. Nearly every significant culture has a migrant community in the Americas. For special mention:
a) Chinese – over four million all over the Americas. The one million in Latin America are less
reached. Their numbers are being augmented by immigrants, especially from Mainland China. The latter need specialized ministry in order to reach them.
b) Japanese – around three million with communities in Brazil (1.4m), USA (1.2m) and Peru.
c) Muslims – mainly Arabs in Latin America, but increasing in numbers throughout the Americas via immigration from the Middle East. There are also South Asian Muslims in the Anglophone countries and Javanese Muslims in Suriname. Brazil is especially seeing Muslim
growth. Events of the 21st Century have brought focus on these peoples and increased outreach to them. Many Arabs in Latin America are Christian and could be instrumental in reaching Muslims or enabling Latin Americans to do so."
Father God, I place the entire world, in Your very capable hands. I ask that You protect us all from harm. Watch over all of us, lead us in the right way Father. We love You. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, Please bring forth Godly men, and women, who will work together to bring all of Europe together, sharing Your love with them, uniting them as one. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, Please bring world evanglization to the Pacific. Let the people there have a chance to know You, and love You. Amen.
Afghanistan-Father, please bless over Afghanistan. There are so many health risks in this country, please keep them well. Also, violence is all around there, please put a wedge of protection around the people. Poverity is everywhere there, please provide for the needs of the people. Thank You. Amen.
Father, Please bless over Albania spiritually, morally, and econmically. The people there need Your help. Amen.
Father, Please cause an awakening, and renewal in American Samoa, and Andorra. I pray that the people living in these countries, would totally committ their lives to You. Bless them Father. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, Please watch over the country of Angola. I pray for physical healing of the people there. I lift up the young people, and little children there. There are what make up the population of Angola. Bless them all Father. Help them to be able to rebuild their schools, education is so very important for them. Amen.
WORD MINISTRIES PRAYER COVERAGE FOR THE NATIONS – FEBRUARY 17 TO MARCH 3
This is considered the month of love and expressing our love for special ones in our life.
Isn’t it wonderful that God gave us the greatest valentine of all:
This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted (John 3:16-17 The Message)
Let us pray together this month for the love of the Lord to shine bright in the nations of the earth!
February
17. Anguilla: Anguilla is a remnant of a bygone era as a little colonial outpost.
Pray that this small island and its churches may not be bypassed by the Holy Spirit.
Pray that religious traditions might be infused with real spiritual life.
Pray for spiritual strength in the midst of change.
Interdenominational cooperation needs further improvement despite the island’s small size.
Pray that Christ’s followers may function effectively as a united body.
*********************
17. Antigua & Barbuda: Strongholds of sin remain entrenched – money laundering, drug dealing, violence, gambling and others. The recent arrest in the USA of a major investor in Antigua is wreaking some havoc in the economic and political spheres.
Pray that righteous authorities and the prayers of the saints may break down these structures of sin; pray for wisdom and discernment for the government in handling these difficult issues.
Two local Christian radio stations are on the islands.
Pray that Abundant Life Radio and Caribbean Radio Lighthouse might be powerful influences for the Kingdom.
***************
18.-19. Argentina: Deep-seated problems are masked by recent economic and political progress. The nation emerged from its crises with a much wider gap between rich and poor. In the past, the nation prided itself on its egalitarian society, but now as many as 500,000 live in slums in and around Buenos Aires. Two pillars of Argentina, its strong middle class and education system, are under threat.
Pray for the country’s decision makers to focus beyond mere economic growth to assisting the most needy and building a solid foundation for the future.
Spiritual hunger led to growth. Evangelical numbers, under one million in 1980,reached 3.7 million by 2010. It is no coincidence that this growth was simultaneous to some of Argentina’s most troubled times.
Pray that the Spirit will continue to draw many to himself and to do a deep work in believers. But spiritual openness is also seeing many drawn into cults, including Umbanda occultism from Brazil as well as to churches with some questionable teachings.
Unity of believers is essential to growth and revival. Locally, Councils of Pastors
meet for prayer in key cities, and, slowly, trust is being built and cooperative ministry
enhanced. On a national level, the National Evangelical Alliance (ACIERA) draws together
leaders from across the evangelical spectrum.
Pray that leaders may hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church today and act together in faith.
20.-21. Armenia: Good relations with neighbors are key to Armenia’s future. The political and economic scenes are deeply affected by this issue. Centuries of bitter conflict, oppression and massacres left a legacy of hatred and mistrust of these nations. From 1915-17, the Turks killed up to 1.5 million Armenians in what many regard as an unrecognized genocide. Much has been made of Turkey’s refusal to accept responsibility. However, small but significant
progress between the two nations has been achieved in recent years; a timetable is set to normalize diplomatic relations between them and to open their shared border once again.
Pray that Armenians would be able to forgive, and pray for the establishment of trade, trust
and cooperation between Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Armenia was the world’s first Christian nation and enjoys a great spiritual legacy of
more than 1,700 years of Christianity.
Pray that Armenian Christians might become sources of light and blessing to the surrounding region; few peoples here have a significant indigenous church. Armenian Christians are only now realizing the blessing of their Christian heritage and the mission responsibility that lies with it. Pray that this movement may grow.
The Armenian Apostolic Church has long been a cultural refuge in times of persecution, but the very traditional nature of the Church, which is key to Armenian
self-identity, also keeps them from discovering the living Christ. It often inoculates Armenians
against the message shared by other Christian groups.
Pray for:
a) Unity and cooperation within the Church. There are two main groups, tracing back nearly
1,000 years, which use different dialects. Pray that these two (Eastern and Western) will find
common ground and the ability to work together for the purposes of God.
b) Deep spiritual regeneration of the Church and for godly leaders. This Church will almost
certainly remain the dominant religious force in Armenian life. Therefore, pray that there
would be a radical transformation therein that sees Christ glorified and many saved.
c) An appreciation of, and fellowship with, the smaller denominations in Armenia. Though
this is improving, significant suspicion and occasional hostility toward non-Orthodox groups
remain.
**********************
22. Aruba: Media. There are three Christian radio stations on Aruba: Radio Victoria (originally TEAM) and two others broadcast to Aruba and the Venezuelan coast. TWR broadcasts to Bonaire on its FM station and internationally through shortwave and the Internet. The gospel is also proclaimed on programmes that appear on secular radio and TV.
Pray for the enduring fruitfulness of these strategic ministries.
The evangelical presence has grown, predominantly due to the more recent arrivals. Large numbers have immigrated from Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia, but evangelical growth is not even. There are several English-speaking churches and many congregations using Papiamento. Pray for a greater impact on the Asian immigrant population.
**********************
23.-24. Australia: Australia is undergoing many changes, all of which place greater strains and tensions on the nation.
Some examples for prayer are:
a) Increasing pluralism and aggressive secularization have taken greater hold of public life. A traditionally Christian country, Australia is now characterized more by its diversity of religions under a secular rubric, with increasingly secular laws – especially regarding issues of sexuality, religion and the sanctity of life.
Pray that Christian values might not be driven into the margins, but that believers might engage secular society in a productive and relevant manner.
Pray for wisdom in conservation and stewardship.
Student ministry is one area needing greater attention. Witness to the nearly 600,000
students in 40 universities and many more colleges has had some impact, but not nearly as much as potential would allow. AFES(IFES) is on almost every campus (with 53 groups and nearly 100 workers/volunteers), Student Life (CCCI) is on over 20 and Navigators on 5. A notable trend is that foreign students are proving more responsive to outreach than Australians.
Praise God for this open door, but …
Pray that Australians might also be reached during this crucial phase of their lives.
Pray for a greater evangelistic zeal, a larger harvest for the Kingdom and an increased flow of missionaries from these groups to the world.
Young people and children. With a drastic drop in Sunday school attendance, alternative methods must be found to reach the younger generation. Christian school systems are growing rapidly. The Inter-Schools Christian Fellowship (SU) has a valuable ministry in secondary schools. In every state except South Australia, religious instruction is
conducted in schools by volunteers from churches, but this is increasingly one voice among
competing religions (Islam and Baha’i, especially). Many groups – such as YFC, the Crusader Movement, God Squad and others – seek to evangelize young people. The innovative Fusion International developed a well-researched and culturally relevant range of ministries to youth,
kids and families, and is based in 25 centers with over 200 full-time workers across the country.
A non-religious chaplaincy/counselor role is filled by committed believers in hundreds of
schools, many of them through SU.
Pray for their faith to help them offer caring support and wise advice to students dealing with many personal and social issues.
23.-24. : Christmas Island; Territory of Cocos(Keeling) Islands; Norfolk Island:
The isolation of the islands and their limited resources make Christian ministry difficult. Isolation also makes their communities’ very existence somewhat precarious – depending on assistance from Australia, potential disaster from violent weather and a great distance from immediate help.
Pray for God to move among the existing churches to foster renewal and awakening, and for believers to reach out effectively to others, particularly to the Malays of Cocos Island and the Chinese of Christmas Island.
25.-26. Austria: Almost all church growth occurs within evangelical/charismatic churches. Pentecostal churches nearly doubled between 2000 and 2010. Even so, all evangelicals number only 0.5% of the population. (WdV) working across all Christian blocs, as well as the Evangelical Alliance (ÖEA) and the Fellowship of Evangelical Congregations in Austria (ARGEGÖ). Their work is vital in bringing cooperation and partnership to the diverse Christian framework.
Pray for further multiplication of congregations where the Lord Jesus Christ is proclaimed and honored.
Pray also for the efforts of the Runde Tisch
Pastors for the multiplying congregations are a great need. Locating leaders,
training them capably, then supporting them adequately is a challenge. BAO (Bible
Training on Location), a decentralized programme of non-formal courses based in Vienna, has
over 500 students receiving training and is seeking to expand further in Austria. The Evangelical
Academy (EVAK) operates a Bible college in three locations.
Pray for these as well as the Evangelical Education for Austria (EBÖ) and other training programmes.
Pray for God to raise up men and women with passion for the Kingdom, for holiness and for people to be won.
Less-reached sections of the population that need prayer:
a) Provinces. Lower Austria and Burgenland in the east, Styria in the southeast and Voralberg
and Tyrol in the west have fewer evangelicals.
b) Rural areas. People living away from the cities have little chance to encounter the gospel.
Most do not have an evangelical group in their midst.
Pray for believers to reach out to these neglected areas.
c) Cults and sects. The aggressive activities of New Age movements, Eastern religions, Jehovah’s Witnesses (more numerous than evangelicals), Mormons and the New Apostolic Church have gained thousands of followers. The Dalai Lama conducted a rite wherein he released 722 spirits to make Austria the bridgehead of Buddhism for Western Europe.
Pray both for the nullification of these efforts and for the release of those ensnared in false beliefs.
27. Republic of Azerbaijan: The Church faces intensifying opposition, even as it grows. Many churches find intimidation, surveillance and obstructionist tactics increasingly common. Despite these, there is relative freedom to share the gospel sensitively – many Azeris are Muslim out of cultural affiliation rather than deliberate choice. Pray that Christian witness to the majority Muslim population may be with humility, wisdom and love.
Nagorno-Karabakh is an almost entirely Armenian enclave existing as a de facto
separate state within Azerbaijan’s borders, using Armenian money, licence plates and
such. Escalating tensions began in 1987 and culminated in a war in 1990 with Nagorno-
Karabakh’s declaration of independence. A corridor between the enclave and Armenia exists,
across which soldiers from both sides eye each other daily.
Pray for:
a) Conflict to be avoided. Many fear an impending reawakening of hostilities as Azeri military
spending and its ambitions peak. No one has committed to finding a political solution. Pray
for the deliberate choice of all leaders to find a workable and peaceful solution.
b) The proclamation of the gospel. Orthodox churches have re-established, but there is little
known non-Orthodox, evangelical witness, despite relative freedom to establish such. Pray
for the good news to be made known, and for a renewal within the Orthodox Church,
which is so deeply tied to Armenian identity.
Azerbaijan remains a politically volatile nation. The conflict with Armenia remains
unresolved, with both sides manipulating the suffering of many for their own advantage.
Regional tensions – involving Russia and its southern republics, Turkey, Georgia, Iran and with
NATO – complicate matters further. Azerbaijani military spending is at an all-time high, and
no long-term solution to any problem has been found, with most players being intransigent on
key issues. Pray for stability and a genuine will to make peace in and around Azerbaijan.
28. Bahamas: Christian commitment is low and nominalism widespread, despite nearly all Bahamians claiming to be Christian. Few are willing to commit themselves to the Lord’s work, and many congregations are without adequate pastoral care. Most households own a Bible; few actively read it.
Pray for revival and for a missionary vision among believers.
The younger generation is increasingly out of touch with and alienated from
traditional church culture. Specific efforts to reach, disciple and integrate them into the
larger body of Christ are needed.
There is a growing Haitian Diaspora who are resented by Bahamians.
Pray for God to enable the Bahamian Church to minister meaningfully to this needy group in their midst.
28. Bahrain: Christian ministry in Bahrain has good foundations. For over a century, the American Mission Hospital has been well known and highly regarded.
Pray that this may continue and that there may be fruit from the tactful witness of believers.
Bahrain enjoys greater freedoms than almost all Gulf countries and therefore is
spiritually strategic. With greater freedoms, the accompanying vices are becoming problems. Many Saudis and Kuwaitis visit here to enjoy the more relaxed environment.
Pray for them to meet Christians and encounter the gospel. Pray for the king as he leads the nation forward.
Among the large expatriate community (predominantly from South and East Asia and
the Middle East, but also the West and Africa), a considerable number of active Christians
meet formally and informally.
Pray that expat believers might have courage and wisdom to share their faith outside their cultural group as well as a sense of God’s purpose in bringing them to Bahrain.
One area of great potential is in education. The internationalization of education opens
many opportunities, since locals prize good education and much schooling is in English.
Pray for believing teachers who will be witnesses in their jobs.
March 1.-3. Bangladesh: The cycle of poverty will perpetuate itself until fundamental changes occur.
Pray for long-term, penetrating transformation in the following areas of desperate need:
a) The economy is sorely underdeveloped.B Bangladesh has little infrastructure, very few
natural resources, and therefore affords few ways of making an income. Most people work
in agriculture or textiles for scandalously low wages. The majority of Bangladeshis live in
gripping poverty, with a very small wealthy minority.
b) A solid social foundation for progress is lacking. Education levels are low (but improving),
and overpopulation creates problems in a nation already wanting in land, resources and
employment opportunities. Women have been the backbone of micro-credit success (80%
of households participate in benefits from micro-credit), yet often suffer undignified and
inequitable treatment.
c) A frightening vulnerability to changes in climate and economy. With such widespread
poverty, a large proportion of income is spent on food. Significant rises in food prices have
a devastating effect, but not as devastating as the effect of flooding from swollen rivers and
monsoons. With alarming regularity, the nation is made to endure tragic loss of life and
property.
The churches have been growing faster than the population rate for the last 50 years.
Pray specifically for:
a) The people-movement tribal churches. Significant church growth (greater than 10%
evangelical) has occurred among the following peoples: Santal, Munda, Khasi, Garo, Maramei,
Ralte, Mizo, Poi. Another 18 groups have more than 5% evangelicals and multiplying
churches.
Pray that these churches may become strong and full of vision for mission.
b) The churches among sections of the Hindu population. The majority of indigenous
believers have traditionally been from a Hindu background, and usually from the less
populous and lower caste peoples. The ill-treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh has made
them more amenable to the gospel.
c) Believers from a Muslim background. There are tens of thousands who now call on Jesus as
Lord, but a wider breakthrough awaits. Some have found Christ through highly contextualized
“Jesus mosques”, others through relational networks, even visions and dreams.
Pray for these fledgling movements with such staggering potential to grow, spread and mature.
As we end this time of prayer I pray that these nations and people groups will remain in your heart. Our God is faithful to hear and answer our petitions. We believe for the winds of revival to blow across the nations of the earth. May you have a blessed month!
“If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14),
March 1.-3. Bangladesh: The cycle of poverty will perpetuate itself until fundamental changes occur.
Pray for long-term, penetrating transformation in the following areas of desperate need:
a) The economy is sorely underdeveloped.B Bangladesh has little infrastructure, very few
natural resources, and therefore affords few ways of making an income. Most people work
in agriculture or textiles for scandalously low wages. The majority of Bangladeshis live in
gripping poverty, with a very small wealthy minority.
b) A solid social foundation for progress is lacking. Education levels are low (but improving),
and overpopulation creates problems in a nation already wanting in land, resources and
employment opportunities. Women have been the backbone of micro-credit success (80%
of households participate in benefits from micro-credit), yet often suffer undignified and
inequitable treatment.
c) A frightening vulnerability to changes in climate and economy. With such widespread
poverty, a large proportion of income is spent on food. Significant rises in food prices have
a devastating effect, but not as devastating as the effect of flooding from swollen rivers and
monsoons. With alarming regularity, the nation is made to endure tragic loss of life and
property.
The churches have been growing faster than the population rate for the last 50 years.
Pray specifically for:
a) The people-movement tribal churches. Significant church growth (greater than 10%
evangelical) has occurred among the following peoples: Santal, Munda, Khasi, Garo, Maramei,
Ralte, Mizo, Poi. Another 18 groups have more than 5% evangelicals and multiplying
churches.
Pray that these churches may become strong and full of vision for mission.
b) The churches among sections of the Hindu population. The majority of indigenous
believers have traditionally been from a Hindu background, and usually from the less
populous and lower caste peoples. The ill-treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh has made
them more amenable to the gospel.
c) Believers from a Muslim background. There are tens of thousands who now call on Jesus as
Lord, but a wider breakthrough awaits. Some have found Christ through highly contextualized
“Jesus mosques”, others through relational networks, even visions and dreams.
Pray for these fledgling movements with such staggering potential to grow, spread and mature.
As we end this time of prayer I pray that these nations and people groups will remain in your heart. Our God is faithful to hear and answer our petitions. We believe for the winds of revival to blow across the nations of the earth. May you have a blessed month!
“If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14),
UNITED STATES of AMERICA...
so many concerns...pray for our leaders in each state and nationwide
“If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)
Pray Against the Deception
What do we mean? At the Prayer Team, we felt 2012 would be a time of testing … even trial … for our nation … well before we launched our recent 40 Day Challenge of prayer. Since then, the political climate and moral compass of this country has swayed dangerously off course. For example, we’re hearing from more people – even some involved with this Prayer Team – who have bought into the lie that the government’s role is to take care of the poor and needy … to determine what religious organizations, even churches, can or cannot do … to somehow make everything better in America.
God help us. We need the eyes of Americans, and even believers in Jesus Christ, to understand again that only the truth of God’s Word will make everything better in this nation. Only HIS TRUTH can make a life-changing difference in the lives of our citizens … our congressional leaders … our president.
Between now and Election Day and beyond, your Prayer Team will continue to trumpet this message and call Americans to unified, humble prayer. We will do this through our daily devotional and the 24/7 Prayer Watch emails, our Weekly Update email, and campaigns coming soon leading up to the National Day of Prayer in May and, even later, with Pray the Vote.
We will do this because God has called us to be faithful to His truth. We will accomplish this as you continue to pray for and generously give to your Prayer Team."...
from email
Father God, I lift up the country of Arubia to You. I pray that the radio stations there, will continue to proclaim the Good News, and that more media will become active in spreading Your Word. I love You Father. Amen.
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