Neighbor Prayer Update

And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse (Isa al Masih) will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
the Gentiles (all nations) will hope in him.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 15:12-13)

In a climate of fear, mistrust and animosity people often lack the sense of hope that anything can or ever will change. This lack of hope leads to a downward spiral of despair and desperation. It is precisely these places in our world where the Gospel of Hope is needed the most, and where the people of Hope need to be engaged. Today lets pray for those who are working as ambassadors of hope in challenging situations.

1. Praise God that our colleagues have been cleared to move this weekend to their new home and work in a major gateway city in Asia. Their transition had been delayed by recent ethnic violence in that city. However, God has opened the door for them to begin their new jobs this weekend. Pray that that through this couple’s words, deeds, lives, interactions and relationships they will convey (exemplify) the HOPE that is so lacking right now in that city. The dividing walls of hostility have already been broken (Eph. 2:13-17) — it’s just a matter of people’s eyes, hearts and minds being opened to this reality.

2. Pray for the victims and family members of last week’s Jakarta bombings. One of the suicide bombers is believed to have been a 16-17 year old. Pray for his family members and friends too that they will be awakened to the lack of hope that causes a young person to take his life in such a senseless act. Pray too for the church in Indonesia to respond to this tragedy with love, forgiveness and compassion.

3. Lift up a young couple serving in a key location in Indonesia. They will soon be returning to their place of service after attending a recent funeral for a family member. May they return to their host community with a clear testimony of the hope they have in Christ, even in the midst of death. (I Thess. 4:13-14; 2 Thess. 2:16)

4. Ann was not able to meet M last week for their first bible study because M was ill. M’s family has struggled alot in recent months with various types of illnesses. M’s mother K has been especially sick with complications from cancer. All of this is taking it’s toll on the family’s finances and spirits. Pray that Ann is able to encourage M and her family that there is hope in Christ. May M and her family be open to and find an anchor in the “root of Jesse.”

5. From this month’s “Intercede Magazine”, please pray ….

• …for six Egyptian Christians arrested during Ramadan of 2008 for opening their cafe. They have been sentenced to three years in prison. During their time in prison, may they find hope in Christ and be exemplary witnesses for Christ. May the righteousness, joy and peace of Christ be evident in their lives.
• …for continued protections for Christians in Kazakhstan. A highly restrictive religious law was rejected by the Constitutional Council. May believers be prepared in season and out, to share the reason for the hope they have in Christ, regardless of government laws.
• …for an ease of religious restrictions in Sudan. A non-profit aid group was expelled from Darfur after thousands of Bibles were discovered in its office. Pray also that believers would be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” as they attempt to live their faith.