www.glasgowelim.org.uk
www.vccokc.org
www.shiloh-usa.org
www.fotb.com
www.nsrm.net
www.westminsterchapel.org.uk
www.alm.org.uk
www.ecf.org.uk
www.care.org.uk
www.actsparl.org
www.kingdomfaith.com
www.fgbmfi.org
www.aglow.org
www.elim.org.uk
www.hillsclc.org.au

Prayers for July

• More about "governments" this month! We all in Britain waited with 'baited breath' as we watched the Blair/Hague saga play out. Personally, I hoped William would "get in" - I like the idea of us in the UK retaining our British sovereignity and £! It is thought in some Christian circles that the closer we move toward federalism (in layman's terms this means when several states run the show in the respect that there is no individual nationality of a nation allowed). This, in their view, would be to move out of God's will and purpose for "governments". I am inclined to agree, because I can see that if nations join together in such a way that they are willing to lose their individual sovereignity this could easily set the platform for a dictatorship. It is quite an emotive subject and, of course, not one that is easy to base solid facts on. I hope we never have to.
• Well, it has turned out that Tony is not in a hurry for us to rush into using the Euro for currency as yet. There IS something to be said for nations to gather together to support one another in their individual expressions, especially, for example, in times of war by being allies in order to provide a legitimate defense, but not ganging up on a country to achieve a certain political agenda. Well, these are some thoughts of mine. Whatever the political views of Christians are, in the Last Days we need godly governments. Government is terribly important to God, more than we could ever imagine. I am heartened that NOT being a "policital animal" myself, that the aspect of government which is particularly important is being ANOINTED for the task. We can look at David, for example, known as the "Singer of the Songs of Israel", who as a young shepherd boy was anointed by Samuel the Prophet for such a task. Indeed, it was a Calling and Callings are always Anointed, or rather, the people bearing the Calling receive an Anointing. David, in this regard, was very much "Tomorrow's Man", so his Anointing was part of the preparation process. This in itself, reveals how crucial God's Hand in government is.
• Anointing for national government in the west, in Christ's Name, is not something I have heard of in my lifetime. I wonder if such happens in other places. As this is the Prayer page, perhaps you might like to pray for this to happen. The United States of America and the United Kingdom, plus some parts of Europe, such as Germany and France, are known as the "affluent west". We do have pockets of poverty in each of our cities, however, in comparison to the rest of the world, this is true. As has always been the case, those who have the money tend to wield more of the power. "Money has 'clout'" it was been well if not, vulgarly, said. It is so true. If that is the reality, then this money needs to be placed into the hands of the wise. How about modern type David's, Deborah's, Solomons, and the equivalent of the Judges of Israel. It is true that these were men (and lady) with their faults. Their humanity came out quite strongly at times, but in response to true repentance when sin was committed, God administered Grace and set them apart from tremendous use. Is it so too far fetched that we could earnestly pray that God will establish His Government and Rule through His men and women in our nations. Surely not, afterall we pray this for the Church in the nations...or are we a little lax on that too in some places? God is not into the numbers game, but at the same token, He does not do anything small either. His idea of government is drenched, saturated with WISDOM, and involves "many counsellors" and "willing servants". It involves the learned, the wise and the down-to-earth, the ordinary, the visionaries, and the facilitators of vision, the planners, and the implementers, the leaders (especially) plus the managers and overseers. Can we pray for this? Can we dare to dream big? Should we not ask what God's heart on this issue is? Now, if you want the bottom line on this I narrow it down to two words to assist your prayers!
• ANOINTING & WISDOM for present and upcoming national leaders.
• 
  NEXT MONTH AFTER DOING SOME OF MY OWN RESEARCH I AM CONSIDERING PRODUCING AN ARTICLE ON CHURCH GOVERNMENT. I am unsure yet whether I will prepare this as an article for either the Devotional Page, Prophecy Page, or whether it will be a prayer slot. In any event, governments in the Church of the Last Days is worthy of research, and I will be seeking to present this in a fresh and innovative way, because I am totally convinced that God's "governments" is an exciting and dynamic issue and completely different from politics as we understand them, including within the Church as well as in the nations! In August, therefore, be sure to check each of these pages for such an article. I shall, of course, seek to keep as close to Scripture as possible in this subject.

Prayers for June

• Please continue to pray for Israel, for great wisdom for her leaders, for real peace to come at last. What is impossible with man is possible with God, let us believe that God will have His way in that nation.
• For a worldwide outpouring of God's Spirit. We appreciate what we have, but we "ain't seen nothin' yet!". God is more willing to move than often we are. Governments are affected when a nation is filled with God's Glory and wars end. Check it out in the Old Testament and you'll see that this is true. This will encourage your prayers! (I recommend Ed Silvosos books on the subject on praying for cities on nations - very heart warming!) There's nothing quite like getting together to pray for this. ** If, like me, you struggle with the concept of intercession, you may be a "praiser", well, God uses that too, because He "sits enthroned upon the praises of His People" - and praise changes the spiritual atmosphere of cities & nations!
• Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters. In our western and westernised nations, such as South Africa, us Christians have life very easy in comparison and so often our eastern friends can teach us a thing or two about what it means to really rely on God. They need our support. Out of sight must not mean that they are out of mind. For their sake, may Christ return soon.

Prayers for May

• Continue to pray about the Foot & Mouth disease situation in the U.K. This is beginning to level out now, and it is hoped that it will be eradicated by July. However, farmers find themselves in a desparate plight as to how they will make a living from now on in.

At Elim Conference I had coffee with a gentleman who told me that one of his closest friends is a farmer who actually has too many sheep now, but because of the crisis is unable to sell them at market. There are farming issues such as this one us "townies" would never consider in a million years. Many farmers are distraught at the loss of livestock, and the sheer waste of healthy lives in order to eradicate Foot & Mouth. The Government plans compensation to go to farmers and some other businesses closely associated with the disaster. Pray for wisdom for the Government and the necessary resources.

Above all, pray that this situation will cause many to consider God. I personally believe this is a sign of God's judgement on our nation. I don't wish to be negative, friends, but that is how I see it. It has been well attested in God's dealings with Israel, if the people would not listen to God and continued to disregard Him and His ways, He found other stronger ways to grab their attention. God would rather "speak tenderly to Jerusalem" were He granted an open ear and willing heart "in the Day of His Power", but if He can't get that, He may just resort to harsher measures. As a nation with such a heritage of revival and the promise of more to come in the coming days, I don't think we want to find ourselves going down the road of judgement. Mercy triumphs over judgement - that's the heart of God. He is not into making big shows of His power to scare people. The idea is to win folk because He loves them, but if He has to use strong measures to herd people to safety, then He will. Life was never intended to be lived without Him, and the nations were never intended to be governed without the leadership of God.

• Please pray for my friend, Eddie, who I meet every year at Elim Conference. Eddie and his wife, Elizabeth (they will not mind me using their names!) are believing God for a miracle long prophesied about that Eddie would be released from cerebral palsy with which he has been wheelchair bound all his life. Eddie is in his mid-forties. Eddie married Elizabeth 2 years ago - she is the wife he never thought would come along. Elizabeth looks to Jesus to heal her (He has done so much already she says!) from the effects of past events. She also needs healing for a heart condition.
• Pray for Pastor George Canty who has a marvellous Divine Healing ministry and has been used this way, alongwith preaching/teaching, radio and television broadcasting, shadow writing for Reinhard Bonnke, painting, playing the violin (I know there's more!) for over 50 years! Mr. Canty is a man who gives all the Glory to God and simply "trust's" Jesus. He does not see the Gift of Healing as something that is resident in one's hands, but rather that those who require healing receive "Gifts of Healings". It follows, doesn't it! He minister's at Conference every year and is not sure if he will be able to be with us next year, though he hopes to. Pray also for his wife for a mighty touch from God and that God will greatly encourage and bless George.
• It has also come to my hearing that Reinhard Bonnke has received attacks from the enemy of our souls via the harsh and totally inaccurate criticism of his ministry, alongwith Benny Hinn. It is interesting in light of this that last month (below) I put Reinhard's name down for you to pray for - at that time I was unaware of what was going on. Reinhard, George, and Benny, are all totally ethical in their style of ministry. It would not be appropriate for me to spell out all the details of what the criticisms were - they were all completely unfounded and levelled by individuals not fully acquainted with the facts, as is often the case with judgementalism of which there ought to be no place in the Body of Christ for. Please continue to pray for Reinhard that God will bring tremendous good out of all of this and vindication to this genuine man of God.

  Give thanks for the successful election of Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, to office in Israel, and pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. Pray that Sharon and his cabinet will be truly God guided in all their endeavours and that the world will note and see God's Hand on Israel in a profound way in the coming days.

  Pray for the survivors and families of the train disaster in Selby, U.K. It was a particularly horrific crash in a "no blame" circumstance. Pray especially for the driver of the car which careered out of control towards the track. Pray also for his family.

  Pray for the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all the nations, and that God will give Christians wisdom on how to effectively reach their neighbours in ways that are "cringe free" and natural, with the help of the Holy Spirit. **Two of the most effective means, alongwith mass evangelism (such as Reinhard Bonnke's preaching ministry) are Alpha Groups and cell based evangelism. Alpha Groups are geared for anybody, Christian or otherwise, who would like to find out more about the doctrines of Christianity in an informal "pressureless" setting! Usually food is also available for people who are hungry for that too! Cell based evangelism is in the context of house groups and other small groups (such as friendship circles) which regularly meet, and is about meeting people "where they are". Cell based evangelism is about sharing our faith in a gentle way, demonstrating and explaining to people what Christianity is about and how they too can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray for wisdom, love, and success to come to all such endeavours. Pray also for the ministry of Reinhard Bonnke who has a particular heart for the Africas. He originates in Germany and is a world renowned evangelist.

  Pray for any new Christians you know, for their protection, nurture, and growth.

  Pray for the Christian conferences and Bible Weeks to be held this year that God will mightily pour out of His Spirit upon them, that the teaching will be rich, and that many people will have life changing encounters with God.

  If you wish YOUR prayers posted here for June, send them in now! Not every prayer can be posted due to space, but every effort will be made to include your prayer. (See my note in the body of text on my home page for guidance on posting prayers). In anticipation, I thank you. When you Email your prayers, do stop to leave a "wee" message in my guestbook too.

  • Pray for India and her peoples who have experienced one tragedy upon another. How do we possibly begin to pray for such a mammoth situation? God knows every detail. Seeing and reading news like this, sometimes all one can do is sigh. This is all clearly understood and accepted by Him because this is His compassion expressed through us in some small way. We pray that help will come soon to India.
  • Continue to pray for Rwanda.
  • Remember Mozambique and neighbouring lands which suffered in last year's floods. At the same time as those who experienced severe flooding, we need to remember those lands which suffered and continue to suffer from drought, leaving in their wakes, famine. Pray that help will come swiftly.
  • Give thanks that at long last the Lockerbie trial is over and that justice is seen to be done. Not all agree on how much justice has been done, but now at least those who have lost loved ones can begin to move on with their own lives. It cannot be doubted that this is what loved ones would have wished for. Pray that fresh hope will emerge out of the embers. Lockerbie is on the map in a way she never planned, a pretty, quiet, peaceful little Scottish town in the Borders, which in one day as many plummetted to their deaths, Lockerbie became a household name among the nations. Much prayer has been offered for and in the town of Lockerbie. May God be with you Lockerbie in a new way today, and with Spring just around the corner, with it we pray shall there be the promise of new life, new beginnings, and great hope for your future.

    God knows and cares.

    Bring to Him your cares this day, He will listen and always do what is best, even though His ways and timing are not ours. Still your heart before Him and allow His tenderness to come and melt away the stresses of this week...

    On the subject of prayer, do check out the poem by Rabbi Zimmerman, submitted by Jack Blundell on my Devotional page. Below the poem I have retained from January an article for this month also, as I wish it to have a wider viewing. The article is an extract from Charles Spurgeon's writings on hungering and thirsting for righteousness. If we are hungry and thirsty to meet with God and for His righteousness when we come to pray, then that is a great way to commence prayer!