(Led by Pastor Philip Joseph. Join us in this soulful praying! For more info visit the "Global Day of Prayer" website www.globaldayofprayer.com)
This Sunday (Pentecostal Sunday) is commemorated as the Global Day of Prayer, where believers from around the world can look up and cry out to God with
one voice - even while gathering together in the local church, whichever part of the world they may belong to. The voice of our cry is of repentance from sin, turning from wickedness and humbling ourselves before God, and pray the prayer for our land, and lands that need God's touch through His Spirit's outpouring and for our whole earth to filled with the knowledge of the glory of God as waters cover the sea. And God, according to His promise in 2 Chr. 7:14 will hear from heaven and heal our lands.
It is a privilege for us- as God's people, to lift our hands and our hearts, together, in prayer. Because it says, "If My people, who are called by My name, humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land."
And in this age of widespread information-dissemination of world events, we can know of what is happening to believers-in-Christ in any part of the world. And in knowing of their plight- whether of persecution, affliction or marginalisation, we can pray an effective prayer that will bring in God's protection, intervention and power into their lives; that we may be equipped as one church- pure and strong, for the soon-coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Now, according to your heart's burden and desire in the Lord, you can pray the prayer for the nations of the world, and the nation of India.
PRAYER FOR AMERICA:
- Pray that Americans would understand and heed the fact that our nation's strength comes from God, not from ourselves.
- Pray that authentic Christians would model Christ's love and grace in workplaces throughout America.
- Continue to pray for the portions of the nation that is experiencing Tornados, flash floods and other natural disasters
- After the death of Osama Bin Laden, USA is under plans of terrorist activity by Al Qaeda , pray that any plans for terrorist activity would be thwarted and that any would-be terrorists would be apprehended.
- Pray that our nation's leaders would make wise decisions regarding the war on terror in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Pakistan. Pray that they would instead work together to develop the wisest course of action
- Intercede for our troops serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and throughout the world. Ask the Lord to comfort, protect and guide them.
PRAYER FOR ISRAEL: Israel is one of the nation that is close to the heart of God, Through out the history of bible, Israel is critical in the plan of God. Israel’s desire and hope for peace remains as constant as her enemies’ desires for her death and destruction. Israel needs continued prayer for Angelic hosts to encamp around the Land.
- Pray that the Lord to show Your mercy and favor to Israel in this set time. (Psalm 102:13)
- Raise up government leaders in Israel (and worldwide) who will not seek to "divide the land," and who would recognize the unique significance of Jerusalem in God's end-time purposes.
- He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock. (Jeremiah 31:10) Father, continue to draw the Jewish people to you according to Your sovereign plan.
- Destroy and divide the tongues of those who would incite violence against Israel. (Psalm 55:9) In the name of Jesus, we bind every false religion and false doctrine that does not acknowledge Your eternal plan for the land and people of Israel
- The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes their plans of no effect. (Psalm 33:10) We declare that God's purposes for Israel will be completely fulfilled and that He will be glorified.
PRAYER FOR LIBYA: Fighting and Disunity Run Rampant. Libya is divided into tribal factions of whom the majorities fight with each other. These tribes continue to hate each other and remain in disunity. There is severe fighting taking place right now which results in loss of human life.
- Pray for God's rule and peace would come upon all the places where affected by war.
PRAYER FOR EGYPT: After Hosni Mubarak stepped down, both Coptic and Evangelical Christians took to the square to conduct mass and worship openly for the first time in a long time. The Christian community, however, is still divided. Some are happy with revolution, and some are afraid of it. Some Islamic groups are also excited about the possibilities for Egypt’s future. Despite division and poverty in the country, doors are now open for true reform to take place at the highest levels of government. This means a greater future for many Egyptians.
PRAYER FOR SUDAN: Since 2005, when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed and their civil war was ended, Sudan has seen a steady decrease in violence and political tension. A recent referendum for independence paved the way for Southern Sudan to become its own country on July 9, 2011. To this point, President Omar al-Bashir has seemed cooperative and peaceful throughout the referendum process. Many Christians living in the north are moving to South Sudan in hopes of starting a new life. Along with them goes a majority of the Christian influence in this predominantly Muslim region. Recently, many churches in the North have worked together to distribute one million copies of the Gospel of Luke to help ensure that the Word of God will stay even if they do not.
PRAYER FOR THE ARAB WORLD — UPSIDE DOWN: On December 17, 2010 a Tunisian street vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire to protest his mistreatment by police, he couldn't have known the effect it would have on the Arab world. His act of self-immolation set off a storm of unrest that swept across North Africa and the Middle East. Street demonstrations have since erupted in Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Yemen. Entire governments have been toppled and others are in danger of falling. What began as an individual act of protest grew into a multinational revolution. In a matter of weeks the Arab World was turned upside down.
The world stands amazed. Many in the nations where demonstrations are taking place are frightened by the violence and worried about their uncertain future. Even some Christians are living in fear. But what if these events can and are being used to advance the Kingdom of God? What if instead of a great tragedy or threat, we are seeing a door open for the Gospel to be preached in some of the Arab countries.
Prayer served as a chief catalyst to the Arab world revolution. For decades, intercessors have been focusing their attention on the 10/40 Window. And we are now seeing the results. History is being made. And those who have labored in prayer have become history-makers.
- Pray For the Kingdom of God to come Middle East with great power, signs, wonders, miracles, dreams, and visions.
- Pray that the events taking place today to become opportunities for the Gospel to be preached to previously Unreached people in places like Libya, Morocco, and Iran.
- Pray that the Lord to raise up leaders who will honor Him and lead these nations into political, financial, and spiritual freedom.
- Pray that the Lord to capture the hearts of the youth who are so discontented. Pray for them to realize they cannot find satisfaction in anything or anyone but Jesus Christ.
- Pray for the Christians in the nations in turmoil to be strong and courageous.
- Pray for the Lord to surround them with His angels and empower them to share their faith with boldness.
PRAYER FOR NEPAL — SOURCE FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Nepal's sparsely populated land hidden from the rest of Asia by the Himalayas has become a source country for human trafficking. It is estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 Nepali girls and women are trafficked into India each year for the purpose of sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude. Another 7,000 are trafficked to South East Asia for the same purposes.
Some of the victims of this criminal activity are tricked into traveling by the promises of a job. Others are kidnapped. But it is also common for parents or relatives to sell their children and young girls into the sex industry. Another factor in the selling and trafficking of girls and women in Nepal is the deukis system. Deukis means "girl offered to god , the locals are convinced by the local priests that if he gave his daughter to the temple, the gods would look favorably on his kingdom and their problems (natural disasters and disease) would be solved.
- Pray that the government of Nepal to realize how serious this problem is and begin taking steps to combat it. Pray for the Lord to move leaders to take up the cause of the oppressed and defenseless.
- Pray for an end to the demonic practice of deukis. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to those in poverty as Jehovah Jireh — the-LORD-will-provide.
- Pray for them to be convicted by the Holy Spirit, to repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
- the Lord to deliver victims from slavery and prostitution. Ask the Lord to heal their minds, bodies, and souls.
PRAYER FOR THAILAND — TRADING IN PEOPLE: Some call it a "trade." Others refer to it is an "industry." Whatever the term used to describe human trafficking, it is flourishing in Thailand. "People are bought and sold — children too. According to agencies involved in tracking human trafficking, Thailand is considered a source, transit, and destination country. Major trafficking routes run between Thailand and neighbors like Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Many victims are teenage girls who end up in prostitution. Large number of women and girls from Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam and eastern Europe are transit through Thailand's southern border to Malaysia for sexual exploitation.
Despite the threat of prosecution and long prison sentences, the practice of human trafficking is rampant and quite profitable with as many as 400,000 prostitutes under the age of 19. Both human trafficking and HIV greatly threaten human development and security. Among the root causes for this problem in Thailand and throughout the world are lust, greed, and poverty.
- Pray that the victims who are suffering, trapped, and hopeless. Pray for the Lord to deliver them from this oppression
- Pray that the people (mostly men) who are satisfying their own lusts at the expense of the physical, emotional and spiritual health of others (mostly women and children).
- Pray for them to turn from their sin and seek forgiveness in Christ.
- Pray that the government of Thailand to continue to take serious steps in shutting down this destructive industry.
- Pray that the Gospel to be preached and demonstrated in Thailand, setting free all who are in bondage to human trafficking, as well as false religions.
PRAYER FOR Maldives – Opening a Closed Nation: Maldives is a small island nation approximately 985 miles southeast of Sri Lanka It is a long-time stronghold of Islam. It is number 6 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2010 of the world’s worst persecutors of Christians. As Open Doors points out, “Islam is the official state religion and all citizens must be Muslims. Sharia law is observed, which prohibits the conversion from Islam to another religion.” Missions work and Christian worship are forbidden and can result in deportation or loss of citizenship. The Maldives is a “closed” nation gripped tightly by the lies of Islam. Because of the laws and spiritual atmosphere, it remains one of the least reached nations in the world.
- Pray for expatriate Maldivians who are in other nations where they have greater opportunity to hear the Good News.
- Pray that they will encounter fellowships of worship that preach the uncompromising Word of God, and that their first experience with believers would be a positive one.
- Pray that when the indigenous church is established in the islands, the leaders will have the wisdom to incorporate local music and creative arts as part of worship to God.
- Pray that church in Maldives ( brothers and sisters) will gather to worship and sing God’s praises freely in their churches.
Pray for PAKISTAN: Pakistan Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, the cabinet's only Christian minister, was gunned down by four assailants in broad daylight in the capital Islamabad. Shabaz had received death threats for urging reform of the blasphemy law. This law carries a death sentence for anyone who insults Islam. The Governor of Punjab, Salman Taser, was also killed by his own police guard who felt he was being blasphemous in opposing this unjust law.
The situation looks grimmer as the extremist forces working in Pakistan are making it harder to oppose this law or propose any reform of this discriminatory law. This law is a sword of death hanging over every Christian as any one out of animosity can accuse you of blasphemy. Before you can be taken to court to prove your innocence, they will kill you with help of extremist mobs. During trial or in prison, you can also be killed by the police assigned for your protection.
Prayer Points for Pakistan:
1. For unity among Christians/church leaders and denominational barriers coming down.
2. For abolition or repeal of the blasphemy laws and for the Christian brothers and a sister who are in prison facing trials, falsely accused under this law.
3. For safety and security of brothers and sisters who live under constant threat of being persecuted under the blasphemy laws, especially in Punjab.
4. For sustainability of 24/7 and other prayer watches that are going on, that the Pakistani church will understand the power of corporate prayers, and that churches will move into a culture of prayer.
5. For a spiritual awakening of the church on a national level so that the gospel can spread across the country.
6. Pray for the end of different types of shortages that are occurring in Pakistan: water, electricity, natural gas, food commodities like, cooking oil, sugar etc. That the government will take sincere measures to resolve these issues which are making the everyday life miserable.
7. That the rising extremism and radicalization will be curbed and that the strong- holds of terrorism in the country will be destroyed.
8. That the Pakistani church will be especially focusing prayer against corruption in all spheres of life and praying for the strongholds to be taken down.
9. For the peace and an end to all violence.
10. For the Christian converts and Pastors who are from Islam are disowned by their families.
PRAYER FOR INDIA
Corruption: Corruption in India is a major concern. Pray for the corruption free administration in the Nation.
- The political leaders who can follow the principles sincerely to serve the people only be elected.
- Pray for a change in the mind set of the people as well as politicians, who consider black money, bribes and payoffs as the norm and as perks that come with a government official’s job.
- Pray for a change in mind and heart for all the people who regularly pay bribes as a matter of course to get their work done.
- Pray for Big Business Magnates, who lobby for certain laws and policies and pay huge bribes, no matter if they harm the poor, just to serve their vested interests.
- Pray for politicians and senior government officials, who use their senior positions to strike deals and make their personal fortunes.
Naxals and Maoists: As per the reports Naxals are active across more than 190 districts of India in the states of Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal , Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh declared them as the “Most serious internal threat to India's national security”.There have been more than 1,400 cases related to violence by Maoists between January and August, Nearly 600 civilians have died over that period. Around 13 of India's 29 states are affected by Maoist violence.
- Pray for God's rule and peace would come upon all the places where affected by Naxals.
- Pray and bind all spirit of darkness that involve terrors in this wicked activity and forcing them that terrorism is the only way to resolve problems
- Pray that all Naxals should repent from their wicked ways and saved
- Pray that Government should take wise decision to control Naxals.
- Pray for protection to innocent people especially to Christians, ministers and missionaries
Alcohol and Drugs: Alcohol addiction leads to Poverty, Unemployment, Child Labor and Suicide. Alcohol is the one of the social evils in the state, It destroys the individuals, friends, families , marriages and the society. There are more than 6 Crores of Alcohol addicts in the nation including 2 million young people. In the state of Tamil Nadu alone there are more than 5.5 Lakhs of government run TASMAC shops in the state, More than 65% of the laborers in the state are addicted to Alcohol.
- Pray for God’s mercy & deliverance upon drugs addicted people
- Pray that people should repent from their grievous sin and saved
- Pray & bind all unclean spirits cause people to fall in this trap
- Pray that the police to nab all the Narcotic Drug dealers , Middle men and peddlers
- Pray that the state government should take uniform and total prohibition of alcohol
Women Issues: Nearly half the population of the city is women. The President of India is a woman and moreover at present 4 states in India is ruled by women Chief Ministers. Yet the women in India are treated as the second rate citizens and the recent Supreme Court verdicts states girl child in India as a liability. Girls living in Urban and Semi Urban regions are very vulnerable to harassment, eve teasing, rapes. Illegal Trafficking of Women is one of the thriving industries in our nation. The other major area of concern in regard to crimes against women is dowry harassment and deaths.
- Pray for the protection of girl children in India.
- Pray for the protection of teen age girls from the eve teasing, harassment and abuses.
- Pray that every man will treat women with dignity and honor.
- Pray that more Women welfare schemes will be implemented by the government.
- Pray that that the church will be a example in honoring women and encourage women in the ministry and church affairs.
Children Issues: India has the largest number of children (0-14 years) in the world. Children are becoming decision makers in the family. “Children under the age of 15 make up nearly 40 percent of our population. The bitter fact is that only less than 1 % of the money is spent by the church and ministries across India to evangelize and target the children.
There are several unfolded challenges for the children in the nation. Government says 12.59 million children are child laborers. India has the largest number of child laborers in the world. These children work as Domestic servant / Baby sitters, Sales boy / girl, in Match and cracker industry , Sweet shops., Carpet factories , in hotels as cleaners / helpers, in automobile repair helpers, as beggars and also in child Prostitution.
There are approximately 2 million child commercial sex workers between the age of 5 and 15 years.
- Pray for new life for these beggars. Adopting these children in Christian homes, Children homes are some options.
- Pray for ministry like YWAM, COME and other ministry and catholic institutions which serve these children.
- Pray for Christian TV channels which will target the children to educate the child in moral and ethical living.
Right to Information Act: On of the bright spots of the present central government is the enactment of Right to Information Act- This act provides as the vital tool to fight out corruption in the land.
RTI Act - An Act to provide for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, the constitution of a Central Information Commission and State Information Commissions and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
- Thank and praise God for the Prime Minster Shri. Manmohan Singhji and their team for bringing this law.
- Pray that more and more people will be able to utilize this law to make this nation a corrupt free nation.
- Pray that every citizen will be aware of this law and utilize this law.
- Pray that the government and the police will protect the people who stand as the protector of this law.
Terrorism: Terrorism is one of the major challenge this world is facing right now. In India nearly 70% of the Terrorist incidents are reported in Jammu and Kashmir. National Security Advisor has said that there are as many as 800 terrorist cells operating in the country
Most of the terrorist organization aim is to destabilize is the Indian Economy and wage a so called ‘holy war’ against India. Indigenous Kashmiri groups as well as the Pakistani jihadi groups operating in India cite the holy Koran as justification for their jihad against the government of India and the Hindus. Recently the government identified many Hindu Terrorist organization which also carry Arms and Ammunitions to destroy the secular fabric of the nation.
- Pray for God’s rule and peace would come to India.
- Pray that God would forgive our sins and protect all Indians from terrorism
- Pray that all evil plans of terrors & their organization should scatter.
- Pray that God would reveal His power to all terrorists and saved them
- Pray that government should take wise decision and to tackle terrorism
- Pray the people involve in terrorism will leave the arms and terrorist activities.
Suicides: Family problems, unemployment, failure in examinations, poverty and dowry disputes are reasons for people succumbing to the urge to commit suicide. Over 1,00,000 people die by suicide in India every year (contributes 10% of suicides in the World). Suicide is also due to increase burden of debts and to loan problem . Banks are to be blamed to a large extent for providing loans so easily. The customers fall trap and take huge loans and when they are unable to pay they end up taking the drastic step. More and More farmers in the states of Maharastra, Karnataka and other states committed suicides in the last few years due to crop fail ( due to insufficient rainfall) and increase of debts One of the shocking news is that more and more children under the age of 13 are committing suicides due to increase pressure to excel in their academics. Most suicide cases in the city are related to stress; several patients, especially from the IT and BPO industry, complain that they are unable to survive with their work. (Extended work timings, competition and, most importantly, insecurity at work are contributing to an increase in people's stress levels Family conflicts, domestic violence, academic failures, and unfulfilled romantic ideals.)
- Pray for God’s mercy upon all people & prevent them from suicide
- Pray that God would reveal Himself to these kinds of people graciously. Pray that those people should be saved and work for His Kingdom
- Pray that people in worries and depression should come to presence of God and get great joy
- Pray for the salvation of hopeless people living in the world
- Pray for deliverance of people who are in problem like stress, debt issues etc.
- Bind all unclean spirits cause suicidal thoughts and push into wrong decision
Persecutions: The church and Christian ministries in the state of Karnataka is facing countless persecutions in the last few years. The BJP party is coming against the church by implementing stringent laws to curb the Christian ministries work in several parts of the state. Many false cases were booked against the Christian workers in the state . The government target the Christian run social units like women and children homes , schools and other social institutions Recently a Christian opposition group entered into 'New India Church of God’ and stopped Sunday worship, and frighten ministers of God. Civil society members protest serial attacks against Christians in Karnataka. At least more than 200 anti-Christian attacks across 29 districts in the recent years in the state. Persecutions are increasing in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh and Rajasthan.
The types of persecution involves demolishing the church properties and attack the church members. Interrupt the church services by attacking the pastors and drag them to the police station in the name of conversion. The minister of God stopped to do the ministry by putting them in jail, not allowing the churches to open which are newly built. Restriction on the prayer meetings conducted at houses and churches.
- Pray that might hand of God would meet Christian opposition people who stop ministries by attacking Christian leaders, believers
- In the midst of tribulation, ministers of God and people should live a witness life and build the kingdom of God with more zeal.
- Pray that all the power of darkness should be bound which stands against the revival of this state.
- Pray that abundant people should come to the church
- Pray for the Anti- Conversion law to be removed from the States of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Arunachal Pradesh, Chattisgarh
- Pray that this law should not be implemented in the states of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.
Marginalized People in India: People are pushed to margins of the society due to physical sickness, economic reasons, social reasons. They live in ghettos or slums. These people need the gospel also.
AIDS victims: AIDs awareness in the churches is necessary. The victims are rejected by the society. The drugs that can provide some relief is very expensive and beyond the reach of many.
Lepers: Pray for these people who around begging for money. Their children also are rejected by the society.
Handicapped – Visually handicapped, Disabled, Deaf and dumb, and Mentally retarded.
Church and handicapped: Pray for the handicapped to be integrated in the society, for education and employment opportunities. Churches should have ramps for these people to come for worship. Sign language should be used in worship services to help them. Special services for such people should begin in the city.
Eunuchs: Philip ministered to Ethiopian eunuch. Pray for special ministries among them. Mumbai has some good ministries among them.
Commercial sex workers: Many of them are pushed to this profession because of poverty, circumstances and by force. Pray for their deliverance and new life.
Rag pickers: These people survive on garbage. Pray for restoration of their dignity and opportunity for new life.
Street dwellers, Bonded Laborers, Terminally ill People...
Pray, PRAY. Amen.
