It really took me by surprise. I was in Jakarta, Indonesia, for the World Prayer Assembly in May and was excited about hearing from prayer leaders around the globe. But by the end of the first day, God had pulled me completely off my focus and onto His. By the end of the week, I couldn’t wait to come back to the States and give myself fully to the task of calling our nation to pray as never before – to passionately pray for the forty days before our elections!
You see, during the course of that week, God sent six different prayer leaders from six different nations to tell me that they had been mobilizing their intercessors to pray for the elections in the United States! Wow, talk about convicting! If Christians in China, India, Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Great Britain were praying for our elections, how could we not? They then graciously posed this question – which I took as a challenge – “Are Christians in America praying?”
As I’ve shared this experience here at home, the response has been incredible. All across the nation, Christian leaders are issuing calls to pray before the elections. Whole denominations, para-church ministries, and individuals are developing powerful websites and tools that point believers to the critical role of prayer. The elections and all of the issues facing our country are obviously a huge touch point and a catalyst to ignite this growing movement to pray.
Ultimately, I believe that God is simply using what’s important to us – the elections, to accomplish what’s important to Him – mobilizing a praying church. His desire is for His people to humble themselves and trust Him to accomplish His purposes in His people. Accordingly, the call to prayer rolling out across the nation is not merely for God to help us select leaders for our country but is a cry of repentance and humility – a plea for revival and longing for righteousness to be established.
I’m convinced that the destiny of our nation is dependent upon the prayer response of the people of God! We must be a people who pray! The call to prayer that America’s National Prayer Committee and many other leaders have issued encompasses and encourages all of the prayer initiatives that we’ve seen the Lord raise up. Simply put, it is a call for all Christians to pray. No programs . . . no required curriculum . . . no big budget . . . just prayer!
As a leader in your church and community, I would like to personally encourage you to raise up a standard with me! For the 40 days between September 28th and November 6th, let’s allow ourselves, our friends, and our congregations to be challenged by the same question that I was asked in May – “Are Christians in America praying?” Let’s get the word out through every means possible, so that millions of Christians in America can join together and answer with one resounding voice, “YES WE ARE!”
May the Lord richly bless your efforts as you lead people to pray!
David Butts
President, Harvest Prayer Ministries
Chairman, National Prayer Committee
P.S. We’ve created a website called 40daysofprayer.net and have made some great tools available to help engage the millions of believers who will be praying for our nation the 40 days prior to the elections – and beyond. Desperate for Change (http://www.40daysofprayer.net/resources/desperate-for-change) is a powerful, non-partisan, Scripture-based prayer guide to use.
Purchase copies of Desperate for Change (http://www.40daysofprayer.net/resources/desperate-for-change) for you, your small group or congregation. The books are available right now so click here to place your order (http://www.prayershop.org/40-Days-of-Prayer-for-America-p/pin-bud-bk-002.htm). Even though online delivery is inexpensive, we’ve found that more people will pray with a hard copy in their hands!
The content of this guide will also be available free of charge online during the 40 days (September 28 - November 6). Receive each day's entry via email/RSS feed. You can sign up today. There are two different sources that will be running the entries during those 40 days: Connection (http://connection.harvestprayer.com/), the daily devotional of Harvest Prayer Ministries (http://www.harvestprayer.com/) and our Blog at this website (http://www.40daysofprayer.net/blog/topic-articles). Click on a link and sign up to receive them. Feel free to put these links on your website and tell others about it via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/prayforelection) or by email.
Note: We would deeply appreciate your prayers for the USA between now and the national election on November 6 for the 3 Rs - revival, righteousness and right leadership.
1. Nepal
Thank you so much for your continuous prayer for Nepal and House of Prayer in Nepal. After the WPA, prayer activities have been ongoing on very strongly and it is felt this is the "most need for Nepalese Christian Community". Today, we had discussion with pastors and businessmen and praise the Lord that three prayer groups were formed. Businessmen's prayer day will be on Sunday, businessmen's wives prayer is on Monday, intercessors prayer is on Tuesday and Thursday, and there will be general prayer Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
1. Please pray for us that a House of Prayer will be established in Nepal and for volunteer staff and rental funds.
2. Please pray for House of Prayer to be in every city of Nepal by 2020. I talked with many pastors about House of Prayer. All are agrees that this is God's vision.
3. Please pray for National Board and its members that it will be forming very soon.
Govinda and Sujita
House of Prayer,
Kathmandu, Nepal
2. Democratic Republic of Congo
In Gisenyi, a city in Rwanda next to Goma (DRC), I hold a meeting with church leaders to give them report about the WPA and especially about Children and Youth Programs and about Prayer in Unity. This same meeting is being planned in Goma (DRC). In Goma and in Gisenyi, we are about to develop Prayer Cells.
I believe a mustard seed is sown in this part of both DRC and Rwanda, and God is going to let it grow to a significant wave.
Gatimbirizo Nkundimana
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
3. All Nations Prayer House in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Thank you for the encouraging report on developments of the WPA, and it will surely go further than any man can carry it. The Lord spoke to me that He will take me to 8 nations while I was there in Jakarta. Immediately after the WPA conference within a period of 40 days, that promise was fulfilled and miraculously provided for since I am a full time minister. It was as though I was carrying a torch and lighting fires to many churches to start praying. Amazingly I met one pastor in Switzerland who said he was also there in the WPA conference in Jakarta. Seeing the great cry and need of the people of God to pray, while returning from Europe, the Lord clearly said He wants me to establish a 24-hour prayer house in the city of Kuala Lumpur. I am believing God for the right place and connections and proceed in His timing. Please continue to intercede for the Malaysian revival children to adults must Watch, Catch, Match and March. Remain Blessed.
Rev. Paul Singam
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
A practicing lawyer, Ruth Lew, another WPA participant from Ampang, Malaysia, also intends to start a house of prayer in this city which is part of greater Kuala Lumpur. Believers and leaders from several churches of Ampang just completed a Prayer Advance, August 31-September 1, with approximately 200 taking part. John Robb, IPC Chairman, was asked to speak for it on “Shaping the Future of A Nation through Prayer”, “Catching the Wave: Becoming a House of Prayer for All Nations” and “Investing in the Future: Raising up A Movement of Children and Youth in Prayer”.
It is very encouraging what the Lord is doing to bring churches and prayer ministries together into a united prayer movement in the nation. Some see this as a direct outcome of many Malaysian leaders’ participation in the WPA. Let’s pray that it will spread and deepen throughout the nation!
4. Solomon Islands National House of Prayer
After WPA in Jakarta, I was totally consumed with the passion to start new Houses of Prayer in our five Melanesian nations namely: Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. These HOP will become the National Power Houses for these nations.
I am a Solomon Islander missionary serving in Australia for 24 years. Now God burdened my heart to start the first National House of Prayer in Melanesia in my own country. Already more than 100 intercessors are praying every week in Honiara. I will move back to Honiara early next year 2013 to prepare the SOLOMON ISLANDS HOUSE OF PRAYER for our international launch in June/July 2013. I am over enthusiastic about this venture because it will represent the 'NEW WAVE' focusing on Prayer, Worship & Mission and will be fully accommodating the three generations, children, youth and adults as intercessors, worshippers and missionaries.
You are invited to join us next year in Honiara at the official launch of this first National House of Prayer in Melanesia.
I am passionately impacted by the WPA and give my whole life and ministry in spreading the me the 'New Wave' message.
Rev. Roy Funu
House of Prayer for All Nations
Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
5. North East India
It was my great pleasure to have joined the World Prayer Assembly in Jakart. I can say that it was unprecedented historical prayer and intercession gathering in the Christian world...I am already involved 'prayer and intercession movement since 15 years, and we have a 24/7 prayer house in Siliguri, India. When I attended WPA, my focus was enlarged, especially among the children and the youths. Now I am organizing more prayers among the children and also among the pastors, leaders, and youths. Praise God that the 'new wave is flowing' to many nations, and it has to reach out all the nations before Jesus' 2nd coming. Hallelujah! We all coworkers are frequently praying for you and your team members to good wisdom and knowledge to bring His anointing and blessings among the several nations.
Ps. Jiwan Rai
Glory Place Prayer Center
Siliguri, N-E India
Shamir Rai (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
6. Switzerland
It is good to hear from WPA headquarters and to know the New Wave is still spreading around the Globe. I heard about this event through Daniel Lim from IHOP Kansas City. I attended it and was so blessed and ignited with a new fire and faith to dream for Switzerland and Europe. I am dreaming that the Lord would bring such a gathering in Switzerland. God put in my heart to invite all the intercessors of the world to Switzerland and lift up Switzerland and Europe before God for a mighty visitation of God before His coming.
The WPA in Jakarta gave me such a faith to dream and pray and wait for His time. I am blessed, and we are praying fervently for this move. This January, the Lord enabled us to open up a house of prayer in Basel Switzerland. We are excited about the future developments; please pray for us. I am looking forward for the next WPA.
Larwin Nickelson
www.bete.net and Oikos International Church
Renewed call for economic jubilee
Hundreds of activists across the UK are signing up to a new Jubilee for Justice call for countries afflicted by debt. In addition, more than 200 faith leaders have so far shown their support by signing a letter, which will be delivered to the Prime Minister, David Cameron, later in this Jubilee year. The Jubilee for Justice petition calls for cancellation of the unjust debts of the most indebted nations, but also for just and progressive taxation instead of excessive borrowing and an end to the harmful lending which puts countries into debt. Through the continued work of the Jubilee Debt Campaign (JDC) some $125 billion (£80 billion) of debt has been cancelled across 33 countries, resulting in improved spending on schools, health and social care. However, campaigners say that due to the immense suffering still being inflicted on impoverished people around the world, more action still needs to be taken.
Pray: for the rich countries of the world, even in times of economic downturn, not to forget the even greater impact on many countries in huge debt and that their leaders will respond to the call for jubilee. (Lev.25:54)
More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/16994
Human rights 'agenda' is new totalitarianism, bishop warns judges
Laws originally designed to protect basic freedoms are instead being used to strip British society of its Christian foundations while upholding the rights of minorities. The warning, from a prominent Church of England bishop, comes as part of a landmark case on religious freedom in Britain to be heard at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg next week. In a powerful submission to the judges, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, warns of a distorted “human rights agenda” which he likens to the atheist communist regimes in Eastern Europe which also suppressed Christianity by preventing public manifestations of faith. Unless basic Christian values are upheld, human rights will become “another inhuman ideology”, like the totalitarian regimes of the past, suppressing individuals, he says. The case is being brought by four workers including Shirley Chaplin, and Nadia Eweida, who were denied the right to wear a cross at work as a visible manifestation of their faith.
Pray: for this case and that the references to religious freedom in Human Rights will be reasserted (Jos.24:15)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9511836/Human-rights-agenda-is-new-totalitarianism-bishop-warns-judges.html
Esther Rantzen: kids are ‘haunted’ by internet porn
Internet pornography is “warping” children’s understanding of sex and leading them to mimic “aggressive, harmful and dangerous” behaviour, Esther Rantzen has warned. Miss Rantzen, the founder of ChildLine, says the number of youngsters ringing the helpline who have “been deeply alarmed by watching pornography has shot up by 34 per cent in the past year”. She said: “We received 641 calls from children who had been exposed to sexually indecent material — more than 50 a month. The stuff our callers see is horrifying, and has stayed in their memories, haunting and frightening them”, the former That’s Life presenter added. The stark warning comes amidst a Government consultation on protecting children online. Miss Rantzen backs an ‘opt-in’ system which would automatically block adult content. Those who wanted to view such materials would be required to contact their Internet service provider.
Pray: for much tighter regulation of the way that such materials can be accessed. (Ro.12:2)
More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/esther-rantzen-kids-are-haunted-by-internet-porn/
Churches have ‘prophetic duty’ to challenge poverty
Christians must not only serve the hungry and homeless in practical ways, but speak out against the economic injustice behind their poverty, says the head of Church Action on Poverty (CAP). Writing in the September edition of Reform magazine, Niall Cooper praised the work of Christians who are running hundreds of foodbanks and debt counselling centres across the country. However, he echoed the sentiments of Jim Wallis who recently said that Christians were “prophetic interrogators” who should not only “keep pulling bodies out of the river, but send people upstream to see who or what is throwing them in”. Mr Cooper said the “prophetic duty” of Christians demanded more than providing social services and issuing statements. So what can we do to ‘go upstream’ and work for economic justice locally?” he asked. Mr Cooper proposed harnessing the power of the fairtrade movement to achieve economic justice closer to home.
Pray: for God to inspire and encourage us all in His work. (Pr.14.31)
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/churches.have.prophetic.duty.to.challenge.poverty/30566.htm
Pakistan: Christian boy’s mutilated body found
With the hysteria over the arrest of a Christian girl with Down’s syndrome on a charge of blasphemy (See Prayer Alert 34-2012) the body of 11-year-old Samuel Yaqoob was found in Punjab province with his lips and nose cut off, his stomach removed and his legs mutilated. The body was badly burned and relatives identified the corpse from a distinctive mark on the boy’s forehead. Yaqoob, a resident of the Christian Colony of Faisalabad, was last seen on August 20 going to a local market. His remains were found on the last day of Ramadan. Detectives are investigating whether accusations of blasphemy had previously been filed against the minor. When a Christian group is suspected of transgressing the blasphemy laws, the consequences can be brutal, reports the World Public Forum NGO.
Pray: for God to comfort the families and communities touched by this tragedy and for a change in Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. (Ps.123)
More: http://rt.com/news/boy-torture-pakistan-christian-440/
South Africa: Bishop brokered mine meeting
Bishop Jo Seoka, the president of the South African Council of Churches brokered a meeting between Lonmin executives and striking miners following the death of 34 miners when police opened fire on them at a protest meeting for better pay and conditions. The Bishop also sent an open letter to President Jacob Zuma demanding an inquiry into the killing of the miners. Bishop Seoka chairs a Foundation that monitors corporate social responsibility which said ‘the way in which mines in the North West presented themselves often differed from the way communities see them. Communities in the area say that mines' corporate social responsibility programmes are 'lies' that make promises when they enter a community but often do not deliver,’ Seoka added, ‘The majority of the projects are done to satisfy their public image and they rarely consult with workers on what they actually need.’ The foundation warned that lack of education, training and employment opportunities in the province could trigger further unrest.
Pray: the investigation into the shootings would impartially establish responsibilities for the incident within the police force, government and Lonmin. Pray also for justice and fair working conditions for the miners and their families. (Pr.12:6-7 & 11-12)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/bishop.brokers.south.africa.mine.meeting/30519.htm
Iran: Facing death in Prison
Jailed Iranian pastor Behnam Irani is ‘already facing death’ after being denied proper medical care promised by prison officials. An update on his condition from a council member of the pastor's Church of Iran said he was suffering in jail and his situation was getting worse. Irani, who is in his 40s, was arrested in 2011 for 'acting against the interests of national security’ but several persecution watch groups said the real reason was his preaching the Gospel and leading Iranians to Christ. After being severely beaten in Prison and being found several times unconscious in his cell when visited, a hospital examination discovered a bleeding ulcer. Officials claimed he would be provided with more care – but so far that hasn't happened. A recent update reported he had a blood infection and may need surgery to remove part of his intestines which are the source of infection. However despite earlier promises nothing has been done. There is more of Behnam’s tragic story at
Pray: for Pastor Behnam’s complete healing and releasse for God’s peace and comfort to be with him, his family, and all in Iranian prisons for their faith. (Ps.59:4)
More: http://www.christianpost.com/news/iranian-christian-pastor-behnam-irani-facing-death-in-prison-80681/
Mali: Humanitarian crisis
Armed conflict and food shortages have driven 400,000+ from their homes after April’s coup d'état left a government once considered a model of African democracy in shambles. Al-Qaeda-linked Islamist groups controlling an expanse the size of France are implementing a strict and destructive version of Sharia law. The international community said the situation is ‘a potential threat to international peace and security’. See: Valerie Amos the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator is visiting the area to assess this ongoing humanitarian need and draw attention to the severe food and nutrition crisis affecting people in Mali, including 175,000 children at risk of severe malnutrition. During her meetings with Government officials and humanitarian partners Ms. Amos is exploring ways to strengthen humanitarian operations and improve access to the north of the country. She will also call for urgent funding to scale up operations in the south, where the majority of people suffering the effects of the food and nutrition crisis live.
Pray: for God in His mercy to enable wise and effective distribution of food and medical aid to every area in need at this time. (Ps.57:1)
More: http://www.zimbio.com/Baroness+Amos/articles/vnYQz83IhEH/UN+HUMANITARIAN+CHIEF+VALERIE+AMOS