Israelis encouraged to study the Bible

Israel is currently taking positive steps to teach people God’s Scriptures on a national level. The programme, called ‘929 studying the Bible together’, was launched in December 2014 and will end on Israel’s 70th birthday, 19 April 2018. The daily Bible readings of one chapter per day run from Sunday to Thursday. There are 929 chapters in the Hebrew Bible. 93% of Israelis own a Bible, but only a minority have ever read it. It is expected that one million Jews will participate - studying in schools or educational institutions, or using social media, TV, smart phones, radio and internet, with a variety of commentaries to promote discussion. Hebrew Scriptures follow a different order from English Bibles. On 12 and 13 June (Pentecost in the Hebrew calendar) they will read of the Messiah in Isaiah 52 and 53 (not normally read in annual synagogue readings and remaining largely hidden). See also

Praise:

God for His amazing timing. Ask him to remove the veil from the eyes of rabbis and the nation. (2Cor.3:16,17)

Fleeing from terrorists, finding Jesus

Nouh, a young Iraqi boy, said, ‘I used to be scared of Daesh but Jesus filled my heart with joy and peace.’ He came to faith in Christ after his family were forced to flee from IS. Though his family were of Christian heritage, they didn’t know Jesus personally. Nouh said that when IS seized control of his home town, he was ‘very afraid that they would kill us because we heard they killed many people’. His family, like thousands of other Iraqi Christians, fled to Lebanon where they were welcomed and supported by a local church. ‘We got introduced to many people who love Jesus Christ.’ Despite all that Nouh and his family have suffered and lost, he said, ‘I am very happy that I came to Lebanon and learned about Jesus. Now I know that Jesus takes care of all the details in my life.’

Praise:

God for the green shoots of salvation and new life resulting from tragedy and conflict. (Mt.24:6)

Praying for the EU referendum

The World Prayer Centre will not make recommendations on how to vote on 23 June, but they do want to mobilise prayer for God's sovereignty over the decision and His wisdom as we make that choice. The following is based on the WPC prayer diary: a) May the younger generations in the UK find a voice as they engage and vote (1 Tim 6:11). b) Bless and give wisdom to guide everyone who is eligible to vote (Prov. 3:5-6). c) Give every church and every Christian the courage to engage with the issues (Jn.10:27). d) Declare ‘Jesus is Lord’ over EU institutions (Dt. 32.4).

Pray:

for God to bless and give wisdom and guidance to the people of the UK as they decide. (Pr.3:5-6)

He's not the Messiah - and you wouldn't see him in church!

A church in Leamington Spa showed the film Life of Brian on 28 May to a packed audience. Father Christopher Wilson screened the controversial film to raise funds. His decision angered churchgoers who say the satirical comedy was 'offensive'. It was branded 'anti-Christian' when it was released. Life of Brian tells the story of a young Jewish man being mistaken as the Messiah. It sparked protests from religious groups and 39 local authorities in the UK banned it when it was released in 1979. The church also staged a fundraising concert called 'Music you don't normally hear on a church organ' (Meat Loaf's Bat out of Hell, Madonna's Like a Prayer, and Vicar in a Tutu by The Smiths).

Pray:

for not-yet Christians to understand the huge difference between Brian and Jesus and explore Christianity and the life of Jesus as a result of this screening. Pray for Christians to be wise in fundraising initiatives. (1Pt.2:5)

Britain and corruption

Roberto Saviano spent a decade exposing criminal activities of the Italian Mafia, and has lived under police protection since 2006 when he publicly denounced members of a powerful mafia crime syndicate. Last Saturday, flanked by security guards, he made a rare appearance at the Hay Literary Festival. He warned the audience that financial institutions were allowing ‘criminal capitalism’ to thrive through offshore holdings. ‘If I asked you what is the most corrupt place on earth, you might tell me it’s Afghanistan, maybe Greece, Nigeria, or the south of Italy, but I will tell you it’s the UK’, he said. ‘It’s not the bureaucracy, it’s not the police, it’s not the politics but what is corrupt is the financial capital. 90% of owners of capital in London have their headquarters offshore.’

Pray:

for UK Christians in business to be a powerful force for the Kingdom and to have a significant influence on the lives of those around them. Pray for a spiritual disruption of mammon’s authority over banking, etc. (Is.26:2)

New inquests on Birmingham bombings

Fresh inquests into the deaths of 21 people who died in the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings offer an opportunity for the perpetrators to come forward, said Canon Janet Chapman after Birmingham's top coroner ordered them in view of ‘significant’ new information that West Midlands Police missed two potential warnings of the bomb attacks. Canon Chapman belongs to Birmingham Cathedral, which has been holding an annual vigil for the victims of the double bombing, which struck two pubs in 1974. Explaining her hopes for the new inquests, she said, ‘I think it is about discovering more about the truth. It is a desperate situation with the gross miscarriage of justice over forty years ago. As I have worked in the cathedral and have got to know some of the victims of the families, I can see the heartache they carry because they do not know the truth.’

Pray:

for truth, justice and accountability to be revealed, and for the families to be able to move forward. (Ps.74:19b)

Fire and rescue service failings

In her first major statement since the Home Office took over responsibility for fire and rescue services this year, Theresa May said that lack of diversity and accountability and bullying make reforms necessary. She criticised the services for being 96% white and 95% male, and for condoning a ‘culture of bullying and harassment’ in some parts of England and Wales. In her speech she confirmed her intention to allow elected police and crime commissioners (PCCs) to take over fire and rescue services where a local case to do so is made, and to introduce an independent inspection regime, which she said was currently impossible. Mrs May described a toxic and corrosive culture in some parts of the services, necessitating a programme of reform that was ‘radical and ambitious’.

Pray:

for a fire and rescue service with excellent governance and transparent structures. (Pr.8:1)

Special needs children - not enough support

Schools in England are struggling to support pupils with special needs or disabilities. A survey of 1,100 school leaders found delays to assessments, insufficient budgets, and cuts in funding to local authorities. The government says it has increased funding for those with ‘high needs’. There are 1.3 million children in England - 15% of the total - who have special educational needs or disabilities. Of these, 1.1 million are in mainstream schools rather than in special schools. 82% of mainstream schools do not have sufficient funding and budget to provide adequately for pupils with special educational needs. 89% of school leaders believe cuts to local authority services have had a detrimental impact on the support their school can give these pupils. Three-quarters of schools have pupils who have been waiting longer than expected for assessment of special needs or an education, health and care plan. 88% of school leaders think that initial training does not prepare teachers adequately to support pupils with special needs.

Pray:

for teachers to have adequate training and families to have appropriate support. (Pr.23:12)

Britain's border weak-spots

Criminal gangs are using over a dozen small ports and harbours not protected by border officials to smuggle hundreds of migrants into the UK. Europol has identified the following smuggling hotspots: Hull, Immingham, Orford Ness, Harwich, Tilbury, Purfleet, Whitstable, Dover, Newhaven, Chichester, Portsmouth, and Portbury. The Chief Inspector of Borders warned that border officials are not collecting details about the identity of passengers entering the country on small boats. Captains routinely ignore legal requirements to report their movements and who they have on board. The Border Force rates its own performance as poor in 27 out of 28 areas.

Pray:

for improved border security and advance passenger information on all arrivals to the UK. (Nu.15:16)

Europe: floods and climate change

The European Environment Agency reports, ‘Temperatures are rising, rainfall patterns are shifting, glaciers and snow are melting, and the global mean sea level is rising. These changes are expected to continue, and extreme weather events such as floods and droughts will become more frequent and intense.’ This week torrential rain has hit several countries. On Wednesday five people died in floods in France and Germany. Dozens of towns have been inundated and people have been saved by helicopter. Residences, schools and a retirement home were evacuated in Montargis, south of Paris. In Germany, near the Austrian border, firefighters and other emergency services were dispatched to inundated towns. The national weather service said France had endured the wettest month of May since records began. Forecasters say waters are expected to keep rising for several days. See also

Pray:

for us all to recognise how our choices can cause the suffering of others; for international politics to honour God and His creation. (Ge.1:28a)

Bulgaria: meeting point of Europe

The Bulgarian people-group is formed from the ancestral mixing of the Bulgar and Slavic peoples, but the country is also home to Macedonian, Millet, Turkic, and Roma people, with Greek, Slavic, Ottoman and Persian influences. It has a rich heritage of traditional dance, music, costumes, and crafts - but society is broken. High poverty, divorce, abortion (outnumbering live births), emigrating youth, and discriminating minorities plague the country. Both Islam and Christianity have united old pagan beliefs and traditions. In the 1990s, an influx of foreign-funding created dependency among churches and a general perception that evangelicals ‘buy’ converts - now diluting efforts to share the Gospel. Many who pledge allegiance to the Church do not practise any faith, and even more are repulsed by anything associated with it. Pray for Christ to reclaim his position as the Head of the Bulgarian Church, and for racism to be counteracted by believers demonstrating Christ’s love.

Pray:

for unity among the Church and mission groups seeking to shatter wrong perceptions of faith. (Jn.8:32)

Can UN do more about Christian genocide?

As genocide against Christians and other minorities intensifies in the Middle East, advocacy groups are putting pressure on the United Nations to do more to intervene. In March John Kerry officially declared, ‘Christians and minorities in the Middle East are facing genocide’. Now the American Centre for Law and Justice (ACLJ) has written to Kerry, thanking him for his speech, but calling on the USA to press the UN to declare that the ongoing atrocities committed by IS and associate groups constitute genocide. It wants the UN to do everything in its power to mobilise the international community to take swift and decisive action. In its letter to Kerry, the ACLJ details how IS is targeting Christian and Yazidi minorities, forcing them to pay the jizya tax, destroying their homes and places of worship, and brutally putting them to death. It warns that action must be taken because the Christian population in the Middle East is rapidly decreasing. The letter, it is hoped, will influence the UN Human Rights Council discussion (6-10 June).

Pray:

for God to inspire and direct the action needed to preserve life and to add to the kingdom of God. (Ps.28:1)

Iraq: fierce fighting continues

Last week we asked God to direct the government forces and their allies in their battles to retake Fallujah so that families are protected, and to keep open ‘safe corridors’ for fleeing people. This week Iraqi forces have intensified their assault against IS in Fallujah, and special forces have entered a ‘second phase’ in their fight to recapture central city areas. The week-old operation had previously focussed on retaking villages and rural areas. In this second phase of combat, 50,000 people are still trapped inside the city, where US forces in 2004 fought their toughest battles since the Vietnam War. Only a few people have managed to escape through the ‘safe corridors’, which now appear to be closed. A Fallujah resident told Al-Jazeera by phone that there is lack of fuel and medicine, no rice or sugar, and only a few vegetables.

Pray:

for families stranded in a city of violence which is facing enormous pressure from the Iraqi government forces and their allies. (Ps.140:1)

Praying for Muslims during Ramadan (6 June to 5 July)

Muslims are our neighbours. Jesus instructed us to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (Matt. 22:39). International 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World started in 1993, and every year the number of Christians using their resources has increased. A new illustrated prayer guide booklet is published every year, with daily readings that focus on various topics, people groups and geographical areas of the Islamic world. Each day's subject focus is followed by prayer points. The booklet also features informative background articles and resources for involvement. We are in the midst of the greatest turning of Muslims to Christ in fourteen centuries of Muslim-Christian interaction. More than 80% of all the Muslim movements to Christ in history have occurred in the past two to three decades (a period which coincides with the modern prayer movement for Muslims). Praying Christians can download a pdf version ‘30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World’ for their personal use Here

Pray:

for God to increase and bless the millions of Christians globally praying for our Muslim neighbours. (Jas.4:10)

Australia: prayer for 2 July elections

With the calling of federal elections on 2 July, there will be a season of prayer up to that date. The Australian Prayer Network will be providing weekly prayer points from the web address below. The following points are from that list: i) Cry out to God for His righteousness, just nature, and ruler-ship to be established in Australia through the government, as they are in heaven. ii) In the light of His perfect righteousness, let Australians acknowledge sin and failures and in repentance and humility cry out for His mercy to be extended to the nation through the outcome of this election. iii) Approach His throne of grace with confidence, praying that the nation will receive mercy and grace in our time of need, and the Church in Australia will be like Esther finding favour and approval with our King so that He will hear and answer our prayers. iv) Pray that God will give His Church the prayers of Jesus so that we pray in righteousness, unity, and maturity.

Pray:

for God's righteousness for Australia to come from the federal elections, that Australia would be known as a nation of righteousness and integrity. (Pr.14:34)

Israel and the WCC

The World Council of Churches is still complaining about the interrogation and treatment of its staff and professional colleagues at Ben Gurion International Airport a month ago. Some were interrogated repeatedly for up to eight hours, and Israeli officials accused them of arriving for an entirely different reason than for their stated purpose: a meeting on climate change hosted by member churches in the region. They were threatened with a ten-year ban on entry to Israel and being listed on Interpol watch lists; then they were detained in prison-like conditions for up to three nights before being deported. Many of the participants in the working group meeting had little or no previous experience of visiting Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In the light of this intimidating and traumatic experience, the WCC is carefully reviewing its procedures and advice to participants in such ecumenical visits and meetings, to eliminate ambiguities and to avoid misunderstandings. Pray for peace and justice for all people in the region.

Pray:

for wisdom as well as safety at Israel’s borders where different cultures clash. (Ps.147:14)

South Sudan leaders discuss peace agreement

For the first time since the formation of a transitional government of national unity on 29 April, the South Sudan leaders have met to review the implementation of the August 2015 peace deal. On Tuesday in Juba, President Salva Kiir and his first and second deputies were shown on national television shaking hands and meeting for discussions. The brief broadcast reported that the three leaders reviewed the implementation of the deal, with emphasis on a deteriorating economy. There were no details of the discussions’ outcome. There are many contentious issues - the number of states, containment of forces, reconstitution of the national legislative assembly, and more. No donors have pledged financial support to the new government, citing lack of commitment to peace by the former warring parties. Pray for both sides to humble themselves and allow the civil war to end. Meanwhile Christians are still being killed by bombs: see also

Pray:

for a peace agreement that will last, and for the thousands of families who have lost loved ones in the conflict to be supported. Pray also for the displaced to have their needs met. (Is.14:3)