Iraqi pastor’s miraculous escape
In 2010, an Iraqi pastor miraculously survived a car bomb. 'Every part of my car was destroyed except for my seat. I had no scratches. The car was in flames, but I wasn't burned. I found pieces of glass in my hair and four parts of the bomb in the scarf I had around my neck. As if a scarf could stop a bomb. Nothing touched me, I lost not even a drop of blood.' The pastor knows it was God who allowed him to survive, and he believes God did so because He still had work for him to do. 'God gave me additional time. He put his stamp on my ministry, He said 'Go on.' God encouraged me that day.'Pastor Joseph now witnesses to many Muslims who are turning to Christ despite the threats they face. 'We have new blood, born-again new believers.'
Friday Focus: fruitful evangelism
What a privilege it is to be able to pray for people in our lives, especially for those who need to begin a relationship with Jesus. We have a great example in Andrew, the disciple, who brought his brother Peter to Jesus, the Messiah. Through them, many others met with Jesus and had their lives transformed.
(written by Yioula Taliadorou, JustOne)
Intercessors’ focus
In this season of shaking and change God is calling intercessors, waking up prayer warriors, and reminding us that the real battles and dangers we face are not flesh and blood. The challenges we see are real, but they are animated by unseen dark spiritual forces influencing society. NOW is the time for the church to have spiritual eyes opened, seeing beyond the natural; and spiritual ears opened to hear God's leading for Spirit-led prayers. NOW is the time for humble prayers of repentance on behalf of our nation, prayers that will prepare the way for God's plans of redemption, and restoration to all that has been damaged or destroyed. NOW is the time to pray for Christians in parliament, commerce and industry to have increased spiritual awareness to lead the UK in God's way forward. NOW is the time for God to empower those preserving peace and detecting crime, and jettison the atmosphere of fear off the UK.
(written by Linda Digby - Prayer Alert team)
Pray for those in government
Neither Theresa May nor Nicola Sturgeon nor Arlene Foster is superhuman. They have weaknesses, faults and failings, and don't have all the answers. As God's representatives here on earth, we have a responsibility to pray regularly for those who govern us, whether we like their politics or not, if we want to 'live peaceful and quiet lives'. A key prayer is to ask God for His wisdom to guide them in their discussions, debates and decisions. If we want a government that listens, takes good advice and makes wise decisions - pray! If we want a fair and just government - pray! If we want a government that enables the country to prosper - pray! If we want a Government (and a society) that really cares for the poor, the disadvantaged, those genuinely needing the state-provided 'safety-net' - pray! If we want our nations to be safe and secure - pray!
