Canada:30th April election prayers
Over 100 churches, networks and prayer ministries across Canada are joining forces to pray on April 30th for a righteous outcome of the May 2nd elections. Many cities and communities are expected to meet together for inter-denominational prayer throughout the day, culminating in an evening of worship and celebration to exalt Jesus as Lord over Canada. We are invited to intercede with Canada in the run up to the elections and pray that the national media will report from an unbiased and non-partisan way and that any personal opinions of those reporting would be down-played. - Also that the coming public debates this Tuesday (English) and Thursday (French) will be presented in a fair and orderly way and not be used for personal attacks. - for repentance where Christians have walked in compromise with the world's values or have been too dependent on our Government to raise the moral standard in Canada. Pray: for a strong and stable government to bring effective leadership and navigate a secure course for the future. (Heb.12:1,2) More: www.redleafprayer.org
Japan:Praying with Japan
Last Sunday Christians from inside and outside Japan asked Christians globally to pray ‘with Japan’ asking if mercy can triumph one more time over justice and to bring the current situation before God from a place of national repentance and a capitulation of its leaders before the King of Kings. According to leaders in society, business and politics, the Church, as it is, has next to no voice nor influence in the Japanese society. As intercessors however we have huge privileges and can and should pray for repentance and forgiveness, asking God to shorten the days of tribulation (Mark 13:20) and stand in the gap for a nation that God is calling back to himself. This would mark a historic chance for a new beginning, and could be the beginning of liberating the nation of Japan to stepping into the historic role. Pray: for a spiritual reconstruction based on the foundations of the Kingdom of God.(Ex.34:17)
INSIGHT ARTICLE: Ivory Coast religion and democracy
Laurent Gbagbo had sadly claimed fraud using security forces to instigate civil war until being forced out. Historically Gbagbo enjoyed support from United States leaders who respect democratic values, but those values took second place to religious affinity to motivate support as he flaunted his Christianity in all his speeches. Pat Robertson speaking on his Christian Broadcasting Network said, ‘The UN has said the other guy won. Well, that may be, but the problem is that this is a country now that has been run by a Christian that is going to be in the hands of Muslims. So it’s one more Muslim nation that’s going to be building up that ring of Shariah law around the Middle East.’ To aid intercession into the fault line of Muslim Christian communities in the Ivory Coast and the historical dangers needing prayer click the 'Info' button. See:
Pray: against religiously driven attitudes within the government and for the Christian communities to be strengthened. (Ps.119:86)
British millionaire buys, then donates religious paintings
A self-effacing multi-millionaire, Jonathan Ruffer, has become a cultural icon here after buying a series of 17th century religious paintings from the Anglican Church for 15 million pounds and then giving them back so they can remain on public display. Painted by Francisco de Zurbaran, a contemporary of Velazquez and El Greco, the representations of the Biblical patriarch Jacob and his sons have been kept at Auckland Castle at Durham since 1756 when they were bought by Bishop Richard Trevor for just under 150 pounds. Earlier this year, the Church Commissioners proposed to sell the Zurbarans at public auction in the hope of using the money to fund Church ministry in poorer parts of England. Thousands of people in the north east of England signed a petition asking that the paintings remain at the castle and supported a campaign organized by Helen Goodman, Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, to keep them in Britain. Praise: God for the generosity of Mr Ruffer. (2Cor.9:11)
British millionaire buys, then donates religious paintings
A self-effacing multi-millionaire, Jonathan Ruffer, has become a cultural icon here after buying a series of 17th century religious paintings from the Anglican Church for 15 million pounds and then giving them back so they can remain on public display. Painted by Francisco de Zurbaran, a contemporary of Velazquez and El Greco, the representations of the Biblical patriarch Jacob and his sons have been kept at Auckland Castle at Durham since 1756 when they were bought by Bishop Richard Trevor for just under 150 pounds. Earlier this year, the Church Commissioners proposed to sell the Zurbarans at public auction in the hope of using the money to fund Church ministry in poorer parts of England. Thousands of people in the north east of England signed a petition asking that the paintings remain at the castle and supported a campaign organized by Helen Goodman, Labour MP for Bishop Auckland, to keep them in Britain. Praise: God for the generosity of Mr Ruffer. (2Cor.9:11)
No plans to change prayers in House of Lords
Suggestions to make prayers in the House of Lords more inclusive were given a lukewarm response this week. Lord Roberts of Llandudno asked peers to consider ‘widening the scope of House of Lords prayers into devotions encompassing faiths that are represented in the House’. He suggested a minute of silence and reflection in addition to the prayers out of consideration for the diversity of faiths and denominations in the House of Lords and wider society. The proposal was met with opposition from the Chairman of Committees, Lord Brabazon of Tara, who said there were no plans to change the prayers. He noted that the practice of prayer in the House of Lords went back to the 1500s and that change might be ‘premature’ (See Prayer Alert 07-2011) Praise: God for the recognition that prayer would remain at the heart of our Parliament. (Mk.12:17) More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/no.plans.to.change.prayers.in.house.of.lords/27767.htm
No plans to change prayers in House of Lords
Suggestions to make prayers in the House of Lords more inclusive were given a lukewarm response this week. Lord Roberts of Llandudno asked peers to consider ‘widening the scope of House of Lords prayers into devotions encompassing faiths that are represented in the House’. He suggested a minute of silence and reflection in addition to the prayers out of consideration for the diversity of faiths and denominations in the House of Lords and wider society. The proposal was met with opposition from the Chairman of Committees, Lord Brabazon of Tara, who said there were no plans to change the prayers. He noted that the practice of prayer in the House of Lords went back to the 1500s and that change might be ‘premature’ (See Prayer Alert 07-2011) Praise: God for the recognition that prayer would remain at the heart of our Parliament. (Mk.12:17) More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/no.plans.to.change.prayers.in.house.of.lords/27767.htm
South Africa: Concern over violent protests
South African Council of Churches has warned their state leaders that all efforts must be made to save democracy lest they walk the path of Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. ‘It is becoming apparent that in areas where local leaders fail to provide leadership and offer basic social services to the communities, people have now resorted to displaying their agitation and anger in a violent way. We wish political parties could respect the desires of communities and allow internal democracy to lead their choice of candidates,’ the South African Council of Churches said. ‘The violent developments associated with poor delivery of social services west of Johannesburg, and some other parts of the country is a rude re-awakening call to the authorities and an indication of just how destructive things can turn.’ Pray: for credible elections on 18th May and against excessive force by the police at times of demonstration and canvassing. (Pr.8:15)
China: House Church persecution increase
Chinese authorities raided a house church in Shaanxi Province where twelve believers were gathered for Sunday worship in the village of Ma'an. A local police chief and two officers broke into the home, confiscated Bibles and other Christian literature, then took all the believers into police custody. Ten were released that evening. Two believers Weng and Zhang Yongkuan remain detained. See: Also on April 3rd at Beijing’s 1,000 strong Shouwang Church, worshippers prayed before facing eviction by authorities wary of losing control over religion. Several worshippers were crying after being told by the landlord that they can’t worship at the ‘Old Story Restaurant’ with walls covered in pictures of Chinese Party leaders shaking hands with former US presidents. The church refused to register with the government, saying its congregation belongs to God alone. Pray: for Weng and Zhang’s release and for all Chinese church leaders to be strong in the Lord as they face increasing opposition. (2Ch.14:11) More: http://www.bosnewslife.com/16390-beijings-largest-house-church-facing-eviction
Ivory Coast: Tensions despite calm
Archbishop Jean-Pierre Kutwa of Abidjan said shootings have reduced but it is a disquieting calm and very tense. People are barricaded in their homes, some without water, electricity or food as they await the finale to the battle in an indescribable tragedy. Internationally recognised President Alassane Ouattara needs to take over the presidential palace and the national radio and television network headquarters. The local Church feels, ‘Without control of these three structures Ouattara cannot establish himself in the eyes of Ivorians as the legitimate authority of the Country.’ It is reported that both sides have recruited mercenaries and militias to fight the past months battles. Pray: for all weapons and missiles to be laid down by state-run military and hired foreign militia. (Ps.118:17)