Several years ago we started a prayer group in our house, called Prayer for the Nations. With a group of friends we would come together once a month and specifically pray for our European continent.
There are prayer groups in most of our cities and churches of course, but we noticed that they are often focused on people and personal needs, and not so much on nations. And boy, do we need to pray for this struggling world.
During Prayer for the Nations we focus on God's Word, not on the daily news. We proclaim Psalm 67 over the nations of Europe, May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
We pray for governments, for the church, the economy and the harvests. We pray that God's righteousness and truth will be revealed, that His peace will become known and His love shared. We cry out for God's will to be done on earth, as it is in heaven. The prayer meetings are very encouraging and inspiring.
We no longer meet in our house. We have moved to Twinkeltje, a little 2nd hand shop that friends of us opened up a year ago... with all proceeds going towards our non-profit organization Traveling Light. We often present pictures from the countries we visit during our travels and that really helps to pray specifically. With contacts in more than 30 nations there is always something to pray for!
I am curious about the prayer group(s) you are involved in. Anything you want to share?
If you're not involved in a specific group, may I encourage you to start a prayer group?
I pray on Thursday nights with a small group from my church. It doesn't take many. Usually, intercessors are small in number. (I think.)
ReplyDeleteBe encouraged praying for Europe. I just read where North Korea is experiencing a huge growth in faith-- and who would have ever thought that possible?
That is so true Sandi, small groups but with huge impact. Most of the time we are with 10 people or so, sometimes more, sometimes less. But when we pray for others it is always so encouraging! Thanks for sharing that good news about North Korea.
DeleteMarja: I am involved in two prayer groups at our church. One, Mustard Seeds, meets on Tuesday mornings. We pray for those who endure difficult personal times. The situations in our nation and in our world, also we pray for our local church and the church universal. There are as many as six people involved in that group. On Wednesday nights, we have another prayer group that meets after our Mid-week worship/Bible study. The same type of requests get taken before God. Sometimes we have had as many as eight participate. I like your thought of focusing on God's word and not the daily news. I think I will suggest this to the leader. Thank you for your involvement in God's kingdom.
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful Cecelia, it is so essential to be part of prayer groups. We noticed that when people focus too much on the daily news they end up telling God what is happening in the world, like He doesn't know.... So, we remind Him of the promises in His Word and bless the nations! Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it.
DeleteOh, Marja, what a terrific plan to ask God's intervention in our nations and world! We often forget that God instructs us to pray for all our leaders. I am guilty of neglecting this element of my prayer life. Thank you for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteJen
Well, no need to feel guilty Jeanette :) We started our prayer group because we noticed that watching the daily news was making people fearful and anxious while God's word is full of promises about ALL nations and tribes acknowledging Jesus is Lord!
DeleteWe have a prayer meeting every Monday & once a month a night prayer meeting - with praying in tongues, worship, laying hands on sick, or just laying hands on those we pray for. People also share their visions from God, Word of knowledge or wisdom, prophesy. We try to exercise & use gifts of the Holy Spirit. But we pray more for specific people, needs, our church, our country. It is am interesting idea to pray for nations too. I want to pray for Ukraine (my country), Israel, Germany... & other nations. Thank you for the idea, dear Marja! ����������������
ReplyDeleteHi Zhenya, praying for specific nations is really different from praying for personal needs (which is great of course, don't get me wrong). The Holy Spirit really speaks strategic words and ideas and prayers we can pray. We always pray for Ukraine :)
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