Pray for our new parliament
Last week’s general election has brought a change in the political direction of our nation and is being heralded as a ‘new era’. The new partnership has the potential to cause our government to re assess commitments and look again at previously rejected options. As the new members of parliament step into their roles of authority let us pray that decisions made are based on sound biblical values full of truth and justice, and not driven by political convenience or attractive presentations. Many of our politicians now need God’s wisdom and vision for a prosperous and peaceful society. Christain Concern for our Nation are asking Christians to pray for those elected to parliament asking that they may be good governors; giving thanks for the Christian MPs amongst them and to bathe them in prayer so they may stand firm in the truth of the gospel from the outset.
Pray: that the LORD would have mercy on our nation, turning hearts to Him and raising up godly leaders. (Ro.15:5)
Global Day of Prayer UK - 2010
Global Day of Prayer Sunday 23 May 2010 is a very unique day in the Christian calendars, when the Eastern Orthodox tradition of ‘Kneeling Day’ and the Western tradition of ‘Pentecost Sunday’ converge on the same day. Thus the 10 year celebration of the Global Day of Prayer is very significant in that hundreds of millions of Christians from all over the world will kneel simultaneously in a day of repentance and united prayer before God, expecting the glory of the God to cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. (Hab.2:14) 216 nations are currently taking part – and the aim is to get all 220 nations involved. Across the British Isles there are events around Scotland; in Armagh for whole of Ireland; in Swansea, Wales; St. Hellier, Jersey; about 26 venues in England and in every borough in London. and Events page;
Pray: Blow the trumpet! A call for repentance and prayer (Joel.1:14)
Council rejects calls to ban prayers at the start of its meetings
Wellington Town Council has rejected a controversial motion calling to scrap the traditional saying of prayers at the start of its meetings. Independent councillor Pat McCarthy claimed compulsory Christian prayers discriminated against atheists and people of other faiths, and said he wanted a separate service before meetings with official council business starting 15 minutes later. The Council decided to reject the calls as none of its members was in favour of the ban. Rt Revd Mark Rylands, the Anglican Bishop of Shrewsbury, said: ‘I fully support Council members in continuing to offer prayers before their meetings begin. The saying of prayers before meetings is an integral part of the British system of government. ‘Prayers remind councillors that they are answerable not only to themselves but also to those beyond the Chamber. Those who pray remind themselves they are answerable to God’
Praise: God for all those who have supported our Christian roots of prayer. (Ps.88:13)
More: http://www.ccfon.org/view.php?id=1077
Council rejects calls to ban prayers at the start of its meetings
Wellington Town Council has rejected a controversial motion calling to scrap the traditional saying of prayers at the start of its meetings. Independent councillor Pat McCarthy claimed compulsory Christian prayers discriminated against atheists and people of other faiths, and said he wanted a separate service before meetings with official council business starting 15 minutes later. The Council decided to reject the calls as none of its members was in favour of the ban. Rt Revd Mark Rylands, the Anglican Bishop of Shrewsbury, said: ‘I fully support Council members in continuing to offer prayers before their meetings begin. The saying of prayers before meetings is an integral part of the British system of government. ‘Prayers remind councillors that they are answerable not only to themselves but also to those beyond the Chamber. Those who pray remind themselves they are answerable to God’
Praise: God for all those who have supported our Christian roots of prayer. (Ps.88:13)
More: http://www.ccfon.org/view.php?id=1077
Christian preacher who said that homosexuality is sinful walks free
Common sense and the rule of law have prevailed after charges were dropped against a Christian preacher who said that homosexual conduct is sinful. Dale Mcalpine, 42, was arrested and had to repot before the courts after a homosexual police officer arrested him on 20 April 2010 for saying that homosexuality is going against the word of God. He was held in a cell for several hours before being charged with a public order offence. On 13 May 2010, charges against Mr Mcalpine were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as preaching peacefully that homosexuality is a sin is not against the law. In response to the CPS’s decision, Mr Mcalpine said: 'It's good news. I'm relieved the police and the Crown Prosecution Service have finally seen sense. It was a ridiculous charge and I should never have been arrested in the first place. The whole thing was like fiction. It was surreal'. Praise: God for answered prayer. (1Cor.6:9) More: http://www.ccfon.org/view.php?id=1080
Christian preacher who said that homosexuality is sinful walks free
Common sense and the rule of law have prevailed after charges were dropped against a Christian preacher who said that homosexual conduct is sinful. Dale Mcalpine, 42, was arrested and had to repot before the courts after a homosexual police officer arrested him on 20 April 2010 for saying that homosexuality is going against the word of God. He was held in a cell for several hours before being charged with a public order offence. On 13 May 2010, charges against Mr Mcalpine were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as preaching peacefully that homosexuality is a sin is not against the law. In response to the CPS’s decision, Mr Mcalpine said: 'It's good news. I'm relieved the police and the Crown Prosecution Service have finally seen sense. It was a ridiculous charge and I should never have been arrested in the first place. The whole thing was like fiction. It was surreal'. Praise: God for answered prayer. (1Cor.6:9) More: http://www.ccfon.org/view.php?id=1080
Syria: Defender of Palestinians
Syria claims to be the true defender of the 550,000 Palestinian refugees living there and is home to several Palestinian political organisations. However, the relationship between the two countries is strained. In general the Palestinians are poorer than the Syrians around them. Not having respect from the rest of society, makes them more passionate about returning to the Occupied Territories. Palestinians have not been allowed to revisit the occupied territories nor have Palestinians coming from the Occupied Territories been allowed to visit Syria. Palestinians in Syria have two choices; never visit family and see the homeland, or find ways to work around the rules and hope they do not get caught. It has been a generation since anyone in Syria has actually lived in the ‘original’ Palestine, but today’s youth tell you what town they are from and when their family became refugees. It is instilled in them that their destiny is ‘return to Palestine’
Pray: that Palestinians in Syria will discover their eternal citizenship through Jesus and that believers in Syria successfully share Christ’s love. (Heb.11:16)
More: http://www.cryoutnow.org/images/shoutforjoy-english.pdf
Yemen: Abducted Christians update
In June last year nine Christians were kidnapped - three were later murdered. (See Prayer Alert 3009) Two of the captives have been found - Lydia and Anna aged 5 and 4 respectively were in a Saudi Arabian military operation in the disputed border region of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Following hospital assessments in Saudi Arabia they returned to Germany on 19th May in good physical health. There is still no news of their parents Johannes and Sabine, their brother Simon aged 2 or of Tom the British man kidnapped with them. A peace agreement signed in February between the Yemeni government and militia ended a period of armed conflict in disputed border areas. Christians in Yemen request our prayers for Lydia and Anna to know the presence and peace of Jesus and recover well from the trauma of captivity; that the missing four (assuming they are alive) to know God’s daily provision and be released unharmed shortly.
Pray: for close relatives to be able to provide the loving and secure environment the released children need, free from unwanted intrusion or publicity. (Ps.90:14)
More: http://www.meconcern.org
North Korea: Torpedo sank a South Korean navy ship
International investigators say they have overwhelming evidence that a South Korean warship was sunk by a North Korean submarine in March, resulting in the death of 46 South Korean sailors. Investigators from US, Australia, Britain and Sweden said they had discovered part of the torpedo on the sea floor and it carried lettering that matched a North Korean design. North Korea rejected the claim as a ‘fabrication’ adding the North would threaten war if sanctions were imposed by the South. But South Korean President Lee Myung-bak pledged to take ‘stern action’ against the North. UK and US Foreign Secretaries describe the sinking of the ship as an ‘act of aggression’ by North Korea that challenged peace.
Pray: and take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that keep North Korea bound and ask God to turn this situation around and open His way forward for the nation (Eph.6:12) More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia_pacific/10129703.stm
Ethiopia: Elections on 23 May
Church leaders in Ethiopia ask Christians everywhere to join them in prayer for the Ethiopian church in the run-up to the national elections on 23 May. Historically the pre-election period has been a time of increased difficulty for the church. Crime levels rise and legal processes slow down as government officials are pre-occupied with securing votes for their political party. Those opposing the Christian faith often take this opportunity to attack church buildings, and Christians who are arrested because of false accusations may have to wait longer before being able to defend their case in court. Church leaders also face increased pressure, many civilians fear a repetition of the 2005 political violence. Open Doors have asked us to pray for peaceful and just election procedures, that God’s will be done, and that the outcome will not result in bloodshed. Pray: for the protection of Christians located in persecution hot spots and for them to know God’s strength and peace. (Is.49:8) More: http://www.opendoorsuk.org/pray