Prayer Update for June 2014
For the church to discover the incredible effects of united prayer once again, we must keep our eyes on the “Bigness” of Christ, instead of the world. We must focus on Jesus—not on our culture’s worsening condition—and see the glory of “him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine” (Eph. 3:20).
There was a report of a church that had mid-week prayer meetings during which people would just get down on their knees and call on God together. Hundreds joined in a symphony of prayer. Although we can’t all be together in the same place at the same time, we are so thankful for you joining together with us wherever you are!
CLICK HERE for a prayer requests and some Scriptures to pray.
We are particularly asking for prayer for the awakening of the church, the salvation of lost souls, the spread of the truth, and the preservation of the family.
Why are we so concerned for deeper prayer, more prayer, and more people praying? It is because we want to reach the point of non-stop communion with the Lord that keeps flowing in an unbroken chain. We believe this is necessary so the church can be ahead of the enemy, sowing the good seeds of truth and righteousness rather than asleep while the enemy sows his weeds of lies and sin. We want to witness an awakening in our society like the first century church!
In Ez. 45:18-20 an offering was to be made by the priests “for anyone who sins unintentionally or through ignorance.” We think of family members we all have who have turned away from God. He loves them deeply. They are on his heart.
Three areas we can cover in prayer:
1.) Loved ones gone astray
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).
It’s God’s will that no one would suffer eternity in hell. He wants us to share his grace and love with those in our lives who are walking down a wrong path. Prayer has a profound effect on the person for whom you’re praying. Don’t ever believe otherwise.
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:13-15).
2.) Our state and nation’s leaders who have passed laws that are against God.
“When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when an enemy besieges them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel—being aware of the afflictions of their own hearts, and spreading out their hands toward this temple—then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart), so that they will fear you all the time they live in the land you gave our ancestors” (1 Kings 8:37-40).
3.) Against the darkness that covers our state and nation and blinds people to the truth.
Pray for the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that is expected this summer regarding the Obamacare HHS Mandate. Two family-owned companies, Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties, challenged the abortion pill mandate that would force them to pay for life-ending drugs or face crippling fines. The outcome will have a dramatic impact on your religious freedom in America.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord .Live as children of light(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said:
Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be foolish,
but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Eph.5:8-17).
We at IFI are very thankful for God’s protection and wisdom in the day-to-day battles we face. And, we are very thankful for your partnering with us in prayer. God bless you all!