Zimbabwe needs our prayers

Once again, Zimbabwe is in urgent need of prayer. With unemployment at around 90%, human rights lawyers are saying report that things are as bad now as they were under the rule of Robert Mugabe. The brutal and systematic beatings that have been being meted out to men and boys in Harare and Bulawayo, the second city, are both horrifying and unjustifiable. This is so sad – especially in a country where something like 85% of the nation would call itself Christian, and which is blessed with such exceptional natural resources.

Pray for journalists!

You will probably be up to date with the situation there, but the following links provide fuller details to draw us into the suffering the people are going through in Zimbabwe and provide many pointers for prayer.

Reading these accounts is a poignant reminder of just how important the role of journalists is. What would we in the West know of all this were it not for people like John Sparks, the Africa correspondent for Sky news, courageously reporting on what he is witnessing? (You will remember that the BBC was barred for many years from reporting in Zimbabwe) We are rightly grieved when the press gets details wrong, let alone when editors deliberately slant the news to match their bias – but how grateful we can be for fair and honest reporting. We so need it, both to hold people to account and to round up prayer!

Troops return to Zimbabwe’s streets with avengeance

Church leaders call on government to restore the rule of law as brutal crack down continues

Emmerson Mnangagwa returns to Zimbabwe as unrest continues

See also this report by Reuters hZimbabwe army says bogus soldiers are behind the beatings.

Zimbabwe daylight beatings instil public fear in lawless country.

Who is the crocodile Emmerson Mnangagwa

The prayer for Zimbabwe we recorded and set to music a little over a year ago.

Praying for Zimbabwe

Remember the principle we have often shared, and, as a ‘way in’ to praying for ‘wider’ topics, start by focusing on one or two people or situations, and taking them as being ‘representative’ of a profession, community or even nation. For some this may be for the children caught up in the awfulness. Or perhaps you will be drawn to pray for an individual in one of the photos, or his mother, or the policeman beating him. Ask the Lord to draw your attention to the ones He wants to lay on your heart, and then allow Him to lead you on from there.

As our heart cry of many rise up before the King of Kings for this beautiful land, may He rescue it from the tyranny, economic paralysis and international isolationism that it has descended into and fulfil its God given role.

And how the Lord feels about these things

Mark 1:41 How the Gospel of Mark reveals how Jesus feels about many situations that reflect the Fall

Praying for France . . .

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France, Gilet jaunes, Macron, Pray for France, Revolution

It can only be a good thing when Christians on this side of the Channel join with their brothers and sisters in the French speaking world and lift France to the Lord in prayer, as opposed to merely looking on it as a holiday destination!. Recent media perspective on events across the Channel tends to be rather narrowly defined by news filtering through from the journalists who take up residence beside the Arc de Triomphe, with little or no information on what is happening around the rest of the country. The fact is that, with the widespread protests of the so-called ‘gilets jaune,’ France finds itself in a distinctly uncomfortable situation. Friends who live outside Paris have spoken of widespread disruption – to say nothing of very low morale in the police force, overstretched as they have been in recent months.[i]

A ‘People’s Revolution??’

Marching bravely into the coming year

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2019, New year prayer

As we set our faces to ‘march’ into this coming year,
we start by thanking You, Lord Jesus,
for each venture and adventure
that You have led us to:
those that are now complete and those that are under way.
Let each one unfold and evolve
as we devote both time and thought:
our hearts a furnace of love.

Thank You . . .
For the incredible love and care that You have invested
in shaping and moulding us according to Your purposes.
We place the very circumstances that You have set us in
afresh into Your hands.

Have mercy . . .
Where we have fallen short in reflecting Your likeness
and let You and others down in thought and word and deed.
Forgive all tardiness in making You our focus,
or in extending our forgiveness
to those who have hurt or harmed us along the way.
Replace our littleness of mind and faith
with greater courage, trust and kinder ways.

Keep us, Lord . . .
From thoughts that taunt and daunt,
and in the midst of every threat and pitfall
and every peril that tests our mettle,
grant grace and provision to bear it well,
making up each shortfall to fulfil Your purposes.

Bless . . .
Each hope we hold within our hearts,
Each person, place or nation for whom we care
and for which You summon us to pray.

So as we journey on from day to day
and one adventure to another,
may we be faithful in seeking You,
and find delight in knowing
that You Yourself take pleasure
in each offering that we bring.

Father, Lead us on into Your heart

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Father lead us on, Huw Humphries, song of prayer

When Huw Humphries wrote this sumptuous song, I love the fact that he wrote lead us on rather than just lead me on. It makes it so much easier to align ourselves with the Lord and His people everywhere!

May it bless deeply and become part of the rhythm of our prayer as we seek to draw close to God’s heart ‘right across the board’ – in His joys and sorrows as well as our own.

A refreshingly different perspective on Brexit

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Brexit, Prophecy and Brexit

With both sides in the Brexit situation seemingly on the edge of despair at the terrible things which will happen if it goes the other way, here is a refreshingly encouraging contribution that was sent to me. I am not familiar with Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace and the Quiver Prayer Movement, but this prophetic word provides a positive reminder of Who is on the throne, without pushing any particular viewpoint. It feels like a timely reminder. As a friend said who I sent it to, “My only reference point on that is the reminder that even though God had promised the return from Babylon it was still necessary for the intercessor to take hold of the promises and to pray them through until all was  fulfilled. Whatever promises we may feel are given regarding the state of our country, there is still a clarion call for intercession at such a time to see His purposes fulfilled in the Earth.”

Brexit Matters: Will this draft declaration provide a way forward?

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Brexit, Division, Isaiah 63, Unity

At a conference in Westminster on Tuesday, the Lord spoke to Linda about His desire for restoration rather than ruin – effectively for a profound remodelling of Britain – not just in terms of our relationship with Europe but in His concern for the poor in this land. There is so much in the UK that cries out to the Lord in a cacophony of noise and chaos that is anything but attractive to Him. Can we sing a song that draws and attract the Lord to us again?

As Linda put it, it is not just that God wants restoration for us rather than ruin, but that in every crisis there is also opportunity. The clay is in the Potter’s hands as it were and it is for us to pray that the shape we finally become as a nation is pleasing to Him. May we come before the Lord, sitting, standing, kneeling or prostrate calling upon Him to find reasons to intervene to make a way forward.

Brexit is a game changer that has dominated political affairs to an unparalleled extent in British history – so much so that we have been effectively unable to play any meaningful role on the world stage in recent years. We explored in our previous edition that that when we bring matters to the Lord in prayer, we give Him the opportunity to draw our attention to the reasons behind events. In this case we may well conclude that much of the chaos and dissension currently at work in Britain is actually the consequence of deliberately pushing the Lord out of one realm after another of our national life.

What can the righteous accomplish
when truth’s pillars are destroyed and law and order collapse?
Yet the Eternal One is never shaken—
He is still found in his temple of holiness,
reigning as Lord and King over all.
He is closely watching everything that happens.
And with a glance, His eyes examine every heart.
For His heavenly rule will prevail over all.
He will test both the righteous and the wicked,
exposing each heart.
Remember this: the Righteous Lord loves
what is right and just, and every godly one
will come into His presence and gaze upon His face! (Ps. 11:3-7 TPT)

No two ways about it, the ‘pillars of truth’ have been shaking in the furore and division that Brexit has stirred up – which is itself a reflection of wider turmoil. In America, for instance, politics have become an undisguised vehicle for the President to exercise his own will with but the scantiest respect for traditions right up to and including the American Constitution, and the nation remains divided right down the middle. So too in Brazil in the aftermath of the election of the ‘Trump of the Tropics’. And we in the UK are now facing a pivotal moment, whether to approve the draft declaration to leave the ‘one size fits all framework’ but to remain closely linked. Even making the big assumption that Parliament accepts this, (thereby effectively endorsing Theresa May’s long standing efforts), many of the key matters such as fisheries will remain to be negotiated.

A comparison with Isaiah’s day

I found myself comparing our situation today with that of Israel in Isaiah’s day. There was so much that was wrong in both the nation and the world then, too, and the Lord was looking for those who would set up a godly standard and raise their voices for Him. At that time, only a small handful of exiles had returned from Babylon, and although the temple had been rebuilt, the walls had not – and even the temple was anything but ‘shining in glory’. In all the people’s very considerable distress, the Lord too was distressed. (Is. 63:9). Yet still God found ways to be gracious:

For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption (or ‘the year of My redeemed’) had come. (Is. 63:4 ESV)

Only the Lord can speak of intense distress and such opportunity in one breath! We can surely pray that out of the increasing distress and shaking will come a humbling that prepares the way for reconciliation between the Lord and His beloved people. We have seen this happen in Argentina, where defeat in the Falkland’s war led to a sense of humiliation across the nation – something that played a massive part in softening hearts and souls, and which effectively proved to be the unlikely touch paper that lit what has turned out to be the longest running revival in history!

Likewise, earthquakes that occurred thirty odd years ago in Romania and Armenia played their part in paving the way for a considerable spiritual harvest in their aftermath. How wonderful that God can even use horrendous shakings to achieve positive good.

When London was struck by two earthquakes in the late eighteenth century, the Church saw them as a serious warning and as a call to repentance. It is a sad reflection that we in the West no longer heed the Power behind ‘natural’ events.  Yet since Scripture is clear that there are many significant earthquakes to come in the days ahead. (Revelation 11:13; 16:15-21, Isaiah 29:6,f Joel 2:10, and Zechariah 14:4-5) it is so important that we recover our recognition  of God’s hand at work behind events rather than attributing everything to climatic and ‘rational’ explanations.

How can there not be shaking when sinful deeds and attitudes meet the holiness of God? Rather than being taken aback we should redouble our prayers for people, especially in the West, to humble their hearts so that God can bring good things out of the continuing shakings that assuredly lie ahead. Here is a hope can fuel our prayers for something better than merely being forced to choose between ‘the lesser of two weevils’ – to quote the appalling pun in Patrick O’Brian’s masterly Master and Commander!

Assuming that Theresa May does indeed remain for some time in office, the Parliamentary vote on the draft Declaration will presumably establish whether she will be in real power or merely ‘nominally’ in office – effectively as the leader of a minority government.

Things will doubtless continue to develop on a daily basis and take pundits – ourselves included! – by surprise. Will a hi-tech solution way be found to solve the outstanding issue of the Irish border? And what of Spain’s long standing concerns about Gibraltar? Not to mention its sudden decision to support Scotland rejoining the EU post Brexit? Frankly, this squares poorly with its own high-handed treatment of Catalonian separatist wishes. As for President Trump’s increasingly blatant placing of self-interest above human values is this not just giving strong autocratic leaders around the world carte blanche to do whatever they like with and to their own people?

How good it would be to hear the Lord saying, “For I am ready to set things right, not in the distant future, but right now! (Isaiah 46:13 NLT) We are no doubt far too proud for Him to say such a thing, but we know that in His time He can move swiftly to accomplish so much ‘suddenly.’ See, for instance, this powerful song by Godfrey Birtill.

Btw, you may find it helpful to revisit this prayer we sent out for the future shaping of Britain and Europe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember those in prison

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Imprisoned for their faith, persecuted Christians, pray for prisoners

Political decisions are important because they will ultimately affect our lives profoundly – but what happens in the depths of people’s hearts is still more important. Let’s be sure not to forget those who are in prison and facing interrogation and great deprivations.

The writer to the Hebrew Christians reminds us to remember and “Identify with those who are in prison as though you were there suffering with them, and those who are mistreated as if you could feel their pain.” (Heb. 13:3 TPT). The Aramaic can be translated “as if you were people who wear their bodies” (vulnerable to their pain). What a powerful concept.

A recent judgement sent Christian pastors to prison in Iran for “spreading propaganda against the regime.” In an ominous move, it is written into the verdict that for Christians to claim that Jesus is Lord, and that the Bible is their final authority, can be perceived as an attack against Islam.

The word of God is continuing to spread powerfully in Iran through the courageous witness of believers, but the cost remains very high.

We used to pray in infant school ‘for those in peril on the sea.’ This is a prayer for all who are currently detained for their faith, or who are being pursued by people with violence and vengeance in their hearts for no ‘crime’ other than that of loving the Saviour of the world, who gives freedom in this world and the next.

Join in this prayer that the power of God may surround and strengthen each one by the power of His Spirit.

Concerning the first piece of music that I wrote recently for two cellos, when Sally Mowbray first heard it she felt that it spoke of deep mourning- but that the light was still able to shine through. For that reason the picture she chose to accompany this is of darker clouds but with the sun shining through, bringing a sheen to the pebbles below.

The music is played for us by Corinne Frost, to whom I dedicated the piece.

Praise God for those who are attempting to free western prisoners who are being unjustly held in countries such as Iran, but let’s remember and “Identify with those who are in prison as though you were there suffering with them, and those who are mistreated as if you could feel their pain.” (Heb. 13:3 TPT). The Aramaic of that verse in Hebrews 13 can be translated “as if you were people who wear their bodies” (vulnerable to their pain).

We used to pray in infant school ‘for those in peril on the sea.’ This is a prayer for all who are currently detained for their faith, or who are being pursued by people with violence and vengeance in their hearts for no ‘crime’ other than that of loving the Saviour of the world, who gives freedom in this world and the next.

Jesus You call Your people to endure in faith. Be with every single person who is currently detained for their faith, some of whom will be being interrogated even as we pray. May they remain clear headed and strong under the pressure.

Be too with those who are being interrogated pursued by people with a spirit of ill will and vengeance in their hearts.

By the power of Your outstretched hand grant strength dispel fear and bring Your focused power.

Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say when you are delivered into the hands of persecutors – for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it will not be You speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (From Matthew 10)

Grant supernatural wisdom as well as strength. Protect others by Your mercy as a result of information extracted during interrogations.

When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next,(Matt. 10:23) Let people know when that moment comes that they must depart in haste, even as You were with Mary and Joseph in Egypt and rescued Saul from Damascus.

Surround those who have been detained in the past and who are suffering in mind as well as in their bodies as a result of the stresses and strains they endured during their incarceration. Deliver them in body mind and spirit – especially those who are well aware that they could well be rearrested at a moment’s notice.

Let the power of Your mercy brood this day over those in extreme need: whether in Iran India; Saudi Arabia or Pakistan, North Korea or China, or wherever else the Spirit of God leads you now in prayer.

Music only

Some Brexit Thoughts

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Brexit, Pray for revival, Pray for the EU, Pray for the Uk

(i) Justin Coldstream

At around the time of the referendum, I had a sense that a Leave result was very likely. It almost felt like a spiritual earthquake taking place!  On the night before the vote, our church home group was treated to the most spectacular rainbow over Poole harbour – truly memorable and one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. I took this to be a reassurance from God that He was watching over us for our good. But since then, we have been plunged into a crucible of pain and confusion over Brexit. The promises seem to have been all but forgotten, whether the [often dubious] ones made by the Leave campaign, or the spiritual promises that I along with many others believe that we received.

Reflections on the other nations mentioned in the 1911 prophecy

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pray, Pray for China, Pray for France, Pray for Germany, Pray for Russia, Pray for the nations

The 1911 prophecy I referred to in the article A twin pronged Call to Women to pray briefly mentioned a number of countries, rather as many of the oracles in the Old Testament frequently referred to Edom and Moab and so on.

Concerning the nations specifically mentioned in this prophecy, Italy has certainly endured a great battering of natural disasters. We will each have our own interpretation and understanding of the measure of divine displeasure we are seeing worked out in nations such as Italy.

Who will rise up for Me?

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Intercede, intercession, pray, Pray for the nations

Back in 1980, at a time when we were being called as a small community to deepen our life of prayer for the nations, Martin Charlesworth wrote this powerful call from Lord to rise up as intercessors for Him. With Megan singing it for us, this is a really beautiful as well as a powerful call from the Lord that you will want to hear more than once to take the words, as well as the melody, deeper into your heart.