40 Day Prayer Journal 2011

COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

DAY PRAYER JOURNAL

1 JULY–9 AUGUST 2011

DRAW NEAR ... “... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

HEBREWS 10:22

17 July

Missions Week begins

1 July

40-Day Prayer Journey begins Missions Week ends

24 July

1 JULY – 9 AUGUST 2010

40-Day Prayer Journey ends

Dawn Prayer: 1-5 Aug, 6.00am-7.30am BPJ Main Sanctuary

Dawn and Day with Jesus 7.30am-6.00pm Aloha Changi

5 August

MandarinDialect Prayer to be held concurrently

9 August

1-5 August

40-DAY PRAYER JOURNEY

contents 2 Trumpet Call 3 Foreword

Using the 40-Day Prayer Journal A Guide to Fasting

4

6

A Guide to Having Solitude with God Dawn and Day with Jesus

8

12

13 The Father’s Love Letter 108 Why Revival Tarries 110 All rights reserved. All Scripture references are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Song—The Mission

14 Draw Near to See 22 Week 2, 4–10 July Draw Near to be Loved 38 Week 3, 11–17 July Draw Near to Love 54 Week 4, 18–24 July Draw Near to Serve 70 Week 5, 25–31 July Draw Near to Rejoice 86 Week 6, 1–7 Aug Draw Near to Arise 102 Week 7, 8–9 Aug Draw Near to Know Week 1, 1–3 July

Appendix: Missions Week Schedule

[1]

foreword A CONSISTENT PRAYER LIFE often begins with discipline before it becomes a delight. It might take us a lifetime to bridge this gap. But if we do not start with discipline, I am afraid we will not make any progress at all.

One of the transformational strategies of Covenant is “Empower Me”, where we seek to empower God’s people in their prayer life. We are determined to press on and see busy Covenanters grow in their prayer lives.

Covenant’s church board members come together every Saturday morning at 6.30am to pray and fellowship. This is a discipline not many churches have.

Over the years, it has become a great delight for our leaders.

We have also kept our monthly Day of Prayer for many years now. We used to have it on a Friday night, but most of us arrived tired after a hard day’s work. Subsequently, we made a bold move to shift our time of prayer to a Saturday afternoon. Covenanters responded well to this change. More people participated. Hearts were blessed. And we rejoice at the progress.

We used to have 24-hr prayer chains on the eve of National Day, then our Dawn Prayers and 24/7 prayer chains. This year, we are led not just to have Dawn Prayer but a “Dawn and Day with Jesus” on 5 August as well. We term it as “D&D with Jesus”. We believe that if we can show you how you can spend a day with Jesus, your spiritual life would take on a new depth. It can then be a spiritual discipline you do on a regular basis. It will give you the confidence to venture into our annual 3D2N silence and solitude retreat.

Recently, I observed that God is teaching the church board to LISTEN, LEARN and then LEAD God’s people into His purposes. I believe you can do likewise. The Lord has also impressed upon me Psalm 103:7—“He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.” (ESV) To know His ways, we have to listen. To see His acts, we have to move out in faith. Without listening and moving out in faith, we know nothing and see nothing.

Arise, Covenanters, and be blessed!

Reverend Tan Kay Kiong Senior Pastor Designate Covenant Evangelical Free Church “WITHOUT LISTENING AND MOVING OUT IN FAITH, WE KNOW NOTHING AND SEE NOTHING.” [2]

“

t

... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

trumpet call HEBREW 10:22

[3]

foreword A CONSISTENT PRAYER LIFE often begins with discipline before it becomes a delight. It might take us a lifetime to bridge this gap. But if we do not start with discipline, I am afraid we will not make any progress at all.

One of the transformational strategies of Covenant is “Empower Me”, where we seek to empower God’s people in their prayer life. We are determined to press on and see busy Covenanters grow in their prayer lives.

Covenant’s church board members come together every Saturday morning at 6.30am to pray and fellowship. This is a discipline not many churches have.

Over the years, it has become a great delight for our leaders.

We have also kept our monthly Day of Prayer for many years now. We used to have it on a Friday night, but most of us arrived tired after a hard day’s work. Subsequently, we made a bold move to shift our time of prayer to a Saturday afternoon. Covenanters responded well to this change. More people participated. Hearts were blessed. And we rejoice at the progress.

We used to have 24-hr prayer chains on the eve of National Day, then our Dawn Prayers and 24/7 prayer chains. This year, we are led not just to have Dawn Prayer but a “Dawn and Day with Jesus” on 5 August as well. We term it as “D&D with Jesus”. We believe that if we can show you how you can spend a day with Jesus, your spiritual life would take on a new depth. It can then be a spiritual discipline you do on a regular basis. It will give you the confidence to venture into our annual 3D2N silence and solitude retreat.

Recently, I observed that God is teaching the church board to LISTEN, LEARN and then LEAD God’s people into His purposes. I believe you can do likewise. The Lord has also impressed upon me Psalm 103:7—“He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.” (ESV) To know His ways, we have to listen. To see His acts, we have to move out in faith. Without listening and moving out in faith, we know nothing and see nothing.

Arise, Covenanters, and be blessed!

Reverend Tan Kay Kiong Senior Pastor Designate Covenant Evangelical Free Church “WITHOUT LISTENING AND MOVING OUT IN FAITH, WE KNOW NOTHING AND SEE NOTHING.” [2]

“

t

... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

trumpet call HEBREW 10:22

[3]

using the 40-day prayer journal

decide

to draw near to God

Prepare Your Heart: • Tell the Lord you desire to meet Him. • Ask Him to cleanse you from all sin and unrighteousness.

• Believe that He has forgiven you in Christ Jesus and thank Him. • Bring before Him your open and contrite heart.

• Enter into His presence with expectancy.

Meditate Before Prayer Session: • Hebrews 4:16 • Hebrews 11:6 • James 4:8 • Psalm 51:17 • Jeremiah 17:9 • Matthew 11:28–30

End your time with the LORD in prayer. Seal your transaction with the LORD with a Personal Prayer for the day.

Going Through The Watchman Prayer Next, pray for God’s people in Covenant EFC, for Singapore and for Missions with the Watchman Prayer for the day. Watchman Prayer is praying for others.

• Note the prayer focus for the day.

• Read and pray through “Our Dream”, the Scripture provided and the “Three Greatest Prayer Needs”.

• Pause and ask the LORD if there is another Scripture, burden or blessing He would like you to pray about.

• Follow His Spirit’s leading. God’s Word will authenticate the promptings you receive.

Give thanks for His presence and guidance in your prayer journey. Continue to linger in His presence and joy as you go about the day’s routine.

The prayer journey will culminate with five days of Dawn Prayer from 1-5 Aug and Dawn and Day with Jesus on 5 Aug. In that week, seek the Lord and pray together with other believers, especially those in your District.

Going Through The Personal Prayer During the 40-Day Prayer Journey, read each day’s Scripture passage and reflect on God’s Word and the prompters for the day. Transact with the LORD on what He is speaking to you about.

Act According To God’s Word: • Claim God’s promises.

• Obey God’s commands.

• Repent from sins.

• Give thanks for God’s blessings.

• Pray for God’s purposes to be done.

Delight in being with the LORD. He is waiting for YOU! He delights in being with you! Enjoy your time with Him! Worship and adore Him in prayer!

[4]

If God has revealed to you any impressions or insights during this prayer journey, please email us at 40dayprayer@cefc.org.sg and share them with us.

Include your name, contact number, topic of impression/insight, CGL name, Worship Centre and indicate the date you received them.

[5]

“GIVE THANKS FOR HIS PRESENCE AND GUIDANCE IN YOUR PRAYER JOURNEY. CONTINUE TO LINGER IN HIS PRESENCE AND JOY AS YOU GO ABOUT THE DAY’S ROUTINE.”

using the 40-day prayer journal

decide

to draw near to God

Prepare Your Heart: • Tell the Lord you desire to meet Him. • Ask Him to cleanse you from all sin and unrighteousness.

• Believe that He has forgiven you in Christ Jesus and thank Him. • Bring before Him your open and contrite heart.

• Enter into His presence with expectancy.

Meditate Before Prayer Session: • Hebrews 4:16 • Hebrews 11:6 • James 4:8 • Psalm 51:17 • Jeremiah 17:9 • Matthew 11:28–30

End your time with the LORD in prayer. Seal your transaction with the LORD with a Personal Prayer for the day.

Going Through The Watchman Prayer Next, pray for God’s people in Covenant EFC, for Singapore and for Missions with the Watchman Prayer for the day. Watchman Prayer is praying for others.

• Note the prayer focus for the day.

• Read and pray through “Our Dream”, the Scripture provided and the “Three Greatest Prayer Needs”.

• Pause and ask the LORD if there is another Scripture, burden or blessing He would like you to pray about.

• Follow His Spirit’s leading. God’s Word will authenticate the promptings you receive.

Give thanks for His presence and guidance in your prayer journey. Continue to linger in His presence and joy as you go about the day’s routine.

The prayer journey will culminate with five days of Dawn Prayer from 1-5 Aug and Dawn and Day with Jesus on 5 Aug. In that week, seek the Lord and pray together with other believers, especially those in your District.

Going Through The Personal Prayer During the 40-Day Prayer Journey, read each day’s Scripture passage and reflect on God’s Word and the prompters for the day. Transact with the LORD on what He is speaking to you about.

Act According To God’s Word: • Claim God’s promises.

• Obey God’s commands.

• Repent from sins.

• Give thanks for God’s blessings.

• Pray for God’s purposes to be done.

Delight in being with the LORD. He is waiting for YOU! He delights in being with you! Enjoy your time with Him! Worship and adore Him in prayer!

[4]

If God has revealed to you any impressions or insights during this prayer journey, please email us at 40dayprayer@cefc.org.sg and share them with us.

Include your name, contact number, topic of impression/insight, CGL name, Worship Centre and indicate the date you received them.

[5]

“GIVE THANKS FOR HIS PRESENCE AND GUIDANCE IN YOUR PRAYER JOURNEY. CONTINUE TO LINGER IN HIS PRESENCE AND JOY AS YOU GO ABOUT THE DAY’S ROUTINE.”

a guide to fasting

(Adapted from LoveSingapore’s 40-Day Prayer Guide 2008)

HOW TO FAST You are free to fast however the Spirit leads you. Some options are: • Total Fast: Abstain from solid foods for an extended part of the day. Take only water. You may fast from sunrise to sundown or from breakfast to afternoon tea.

• One-Meal Fast: Sacrifice one full meal a day.

• Beverage Fast: Abstain from solid foods for 24 hours. Take only water and liquid foods, such as milk, Milo or other health beverages.

• Daniel Fast: Abstain from meats and other favourite delicacies. Take only small portions of fresh vegetables, fruit and juices. You may practise this as a 40-day routine. Or as Daniel 1:12 suggests, make this a 10-day fast.

• Esther Fast: Abstain from solid foods for 24 hours for 3 days (Esther 4:16).

“IS THIS NOT THE FAST WHICH I CHOOSE, TO LOOSEN THE BONDS OF WICKEDNESS, TO UNDO THE BANDS OF THE YOKE, AND TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE AND BREAK EVERY YOKE? ...

HOW TO ENJOY FASTING • Set aside time each day to seek God in prayer and fasting. It may be half an hour, an hour, or more.

• Adopt an attitude of prayer as you go about your daily duties at home, at work or at school. Apply what you learnt in tangible actions.

• Scale down your normal activities. Avoid rigorous exercise such as rock-climbing, cycling or jogging.

• Be alert! Besides fasting from food, fast from things that distract you, such as television, the Internet, computer games; or things that destroy, such as coarse jesting or careless words.

• Break your fast gradually and wisely. For health reasons, you should consume small portions as you break fast, avoiding chilli or acidic foods as much as possible.

[6]

HOW TO INVOLVE OTHERS Fasting together as a group is easier than doing it alone. Some options: • Family: Agree to fast and pray as a family. Decide on the type of fast your family members are comfortable with. Use this 40-Day Prayer Journal for your family devotion.

• Covenant or Discipleship Groups: As a group, commit yourselves to a specific type of fast. Throughout this 40-Day Prayer Journey, yearn for personal transformation, church transformation and national transformation. Ask God to use your small group to be His mouthpiece and His outstretched hands here in Singapore and the nations.

• Friends: In this city of mobile phones, keep a daily prayer appointment with a friend by phone. Send SMS reminders to pray or to share daily insights over the 40-Day Prayer Journey. At the agreed time, connect to pray!

• Suggestion: From your fasting, donate the money you saved to the needy.

{isaiah

... IS IT NOT TO DIVIDE YOUR BREAD WITH THE HUNGRY AND BRING THE HOMELESS POOR INTO THE HOUSE; WHEN YOU SEE THE NAKED, TO COVER HIM; AND NOT TO HIDE YOURSELF FROM YOUR OWN FLESH?” ISAIAH 58:6–7

58:6-7} [7]

a guide to fasting

(Adapted from LoveSingapore’s 40-Day Prayer Guide 2008)

HOW TO FAST You are free to fast however the Spirit leads you. Some options are: • Total Fast: Abstain from solid foods for an extended part of the day. Take only water. You may fast from sunrise to sundown or from breakfast to afternoon tea.

• One-Meal Fast: Sacrifice one full meal a day.

• Beverage Fast: Abstain from solid foods for 24 hours. Take only water and liquid foods, such as milk, Milo or other health beverages.

• Daniel Fast: Abstain from meats and other favourite delicacies. Take only small portions of fresh vegetables, fruit and juices. You may practise this as a 40-day routine. Or as Daniel 1:12 suggests, make this a 10-day fast.

• Esther Fast: Abstain from solid foods for 24 hours for 3 days (Esther 4:16).

“IS THIS NOT THE FAST WHICH I CHOOSE, TO LOOSEN THE BONDS OF WICKEDNESS, TO UNDO THE BANDS OF THE YOKE, AND TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE AND BREAK EVERY YOKE? ...

HOW TO ENJOY FASTING • Set aside time each day to seek God in prayer and fasting. It may be half an hour, an hour, or more.

• Adopt an attitude of prayer as you go about your daily duties at home, at work or at school. Apply what you learnt in tangible actions.

• Scale down your normal activities. Avoid rigorous exercise such as rock-climbing, cycling or jogging.

• Be alert! Besides fasting from food, fast from things that distract you, such as television, the Internet, computer games; or things that destroy, such as coarse jesting or careless words.

• Break your fast gradually and wisely. For health reasons, you should consume small portions as you break fast, avoiding chilli or acidic foods as much as possible.

[6]

HOW TO INVOLVE OTHERS Fasting together as a group is easier than doing it alone. Some options: • Family: Agree to fast and pray as a family. Decide on the type of fast your family members are comfortable with. Use this 40-Day Prayer Journal for your family devotion.

• Covenant or Discipleship Groups: As a group, commit yourselves to a specific type of fast. Throughout this 40-Day Prayer Journey, yearn for personal transformation, church transformation and national transformation. Ask God to use your small group to be His mouthpiece and His outstretched hands here in Singapore and the nations.

• Friends: In this city of mobile phones, keep a daily prayer appointment with a friend by phone. Send SMS reminders to pray or to share daily insights over the 40-Day Prayer Journey. At the agreed time, connect to pray!

• Suggestion: From your fasting, donate the money you saved to the needy.

{isaiah

... IS IT NOT TO DIVIDE YOUR BREAD WITH THE HUNGRY AND BRING THE HOMELESS POOR INTO THE HOUSE; WHEN YOU SEE THE NAKED, TO COVER HIM; AND NOT TO HIDE YOURSELF FROM YOUR OWN FLESH?” ISAIAH 58:6–7

58:6-7} [7]

a guide to having solitude with God (Adapted from IDT Module 1B © 2011 Covenant EFC 2011)

External factors: Our Action • Step 1: A Place Find a comfortable place where you can be still and alone with God. Do bring with you everything you need so that you will not need to get up from the place.

WHAT SOLITUDE IS • Keeping company with God. • Being ALONE with God. • Being ONE with God. • Communing with God. • A GIFT … a JOY… a PRIVILEGE! Why? Imagine … the Almighty, Sovereign, Holy, Loving and Gracious God being with each of us, fellowshipping with us, delighting in us, alone. The Son of God obeyed the Father to suffer and die on the cross for all humanity that we might enjoy communion with God. WHAT SOLITUDE IS NOT • NOT firstly a place but a state of mind and heart. 1 • NOT being a company of one.

• NOT being lonely and isolated.

• NOT a mere refrain from speech but actively listening.

[8]

• Step 3: An Honest Reckoning There will be “floating thoughts” that come into our silences (especially the things you need to do). Do write them on a piece of paper and attend to them at a later time. Tell yourself that all these can wait. Still your heart before God and seek His face. In that quietness, God longs to draw you into intimacy with Him. • Step 4: A Praise Start by praising God. God deserves the highest worship and adoration. Use a Praise and Worship song book and spend at least half an hour worshipping and adoring God for who He is and for what He has done.

WHY IS SOLITUDE IMPORTANT? • Solitude helps us to nurture our relationship with God. • Solitude helps us to abide in Christ.

• Solitude develops our hunger for God’s presence.

HOW DO WE HAVE SOLITUDE? Internal factors: Our Heart • Submit to God To be contrite and vulnerable before God. To be real without pretense (Psalm 57:17).

• Surrender to God To give in to God. To die to self in our will, wants and ways (Luke 9:23).

• Desire God To know God. To hunger for intimacy with Him (Psalm 27:4).

• Desire to be transformed To be like Jesus in character, deeds and life.

To seek and set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1–3).

• Step 2: A Quietness It takes discipline and practice to cultivate quietness. Being still is an intentional and deliberate attempt to silence the noisy workshops of our hearts. Leave your cares and worries and come before the presence of God. If there are distracting sounds, put those sounds behind you and let them dissolve into the background. If it gets too loud and distracting, do find another spot.

THE SON OF GOD OBEYED THE FATHER TO SUFFER AND DIE ON THE CROSS FOR ALL HUMANITY THAT WE MIGHT ENJOY COMMUNION WITH GOD.

• Step 5: A Reflection Identify your thoughts and emotions. Those thoughts and emotions may arise from the time of praise and worship or from the beauty of creation around you. They may also be evoked in the course of the reading of the Bible, an article, a book, or from a situation in your life. Ask yourself why you are thinking and feeling this way. Reflect and ask God how He views those thoughts and feelings. Listening is key during solitude. Listening to self and, more importantly, listening to God. • Step 6: A Meditation Meditate on the Word of God. God speaks to you primarily through His Word. As the Lord leads you to read a Scripture passage, read it slowly, ask what each word or phrase means in the context, and read it several times over. Observe repetitions, key words, who God is, what God has done or promised to do, and what God expects us to be and to do.

1 Celebration of Disciplines, by Richard J. Foster, (Harper & Row: San Francisco, 1987), p. 84.

[9]

a guide to having solitude with God (Adapted from IDT Module 1B © 2011 Covenant EFC 2011)

External factors: Our Action • Step 1: A Place Find a comfortable place where you can be still and alone with God. Do bring with you everything you need so that you will not need to get up from the place.

WHAT SOLITUDE IS • Keeping company with God. • Being ALONE with God. • Being ONE with God. • Communing with God. • A GIFT … a JOY… a PRIVILEGE! Why? Imagine … the Almighty, Sovereign, Holy, Loving and Gracious God being with each of us, fellowshipping with us, delighting in us, alone. The Son of God obeyed the Father to suffer and die on the cross for all humanity that we might enjoy communion with God. WHAT SOLITUDE IS NOT • NOT firstly a place but a state of mind and heart. 1 • NOT being a company of one.

• NOT being lonely and isolated.

• NOT a mere refrain from speech but actively listening.

[8]

• Step 3: An Honest Reckoning There will be “floating thoughts” that come into our silences (especially the things you need to do). Do write them on a piece of paper and attend to them at a later time. Tell yourself that all these can wait. Still your heart before God and seek His face. In that quietness, God longs to draw you into intimacy with Him. • Step 4: A Praise Start by praising God. God deserves the highest worship and adoration. Use a Praise and Worship song book and spend at least half an hour worshipping and adoring God for who He is and for what He has done.

WHY IS SOLITUDE IMPORTANT? • Solitude helps us to nurture our relationship with God. • Solitude helps us to abide in Christ.

• Solitude develops our hunger for God’s presence.

HOW DO WE HAVE SOLITUDE? Internal factors: Our Heart • Submit to God To be contrite and vulnerable before God. To be real without pretense (Psalm 57:17).

• Surrender to God To give in to God. To die to self in our will, wants and ways (Luke 9:23).

• Desire God To know God. To hunger for intimacy with Him (Psalm 27:4).

• Desire to be transformed To be like Jesus in character, deeds and life.

To seek and set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1–3).

• Step 2: A Quietness It takes discipline and practice to cultivate quietness. Being still is an intentional and deliberate attempt to silence the noisy workshops of our hearts. Leave your cares and worries and come before the presence of God. If there are distracting sounds, put those sounds behind you and let them dissolve into the background. If it gets too loud and distracting, do find another spot.

THE SON OF GOD OBEYED THE FATHER TO SUFFER AND DIE ON THE CROSS FOR ALL HUMANITY THAT WE MIGHT ENJOY COMMUNION WITH GOD.

• Step 5: A Reflection Identify your thoughts and emotions. Those thoughts and emotions may arise from the time of praise and worship or from the beauty of creation around you. They may also be evoked in the course of the reading of the Bible, an article, a book, or from a situation in your life. Ask yourself why you are thinking and feeling this way. Reflect and ask God how He views those thoughts and feelings. Listening is key during solitude. Listening to self and, more importantly, listening to God. • Step 6: A Meditation Meditate on the Word of God. God speaks to you primarily through His Word. As the Lord leads you to read a Scripture passage, read it slowly, ask what each word or phrase means in the context, and read it several times over. Observe repetitions, key words, who God is, what God has done or promised to do, and what God expects us to be and to do.

1 Celebration of Disciplines, by Richard J. Foster, (Harper & Row: San Francisco, 1987), p. 84.

[9]

a guide to having solitude with God (cont’d) • Step 7: A Prayer Pray for yourself in the light of God’s revelation to you regarding your heart, thought, emotions and lifestyle. Pray that you will choose God, His way and His will.

Pray for others who are in similar situations, or as the Lord leads you.

• Step 8: A Journal Pen down in your journal brief notes on your communion with the Lord. Record God’s word to you, whether a promise, an encouraging word, a rebuke, or an assurance of forgiveness, etc. All such words are precious! Record God’s faithfulness and lovingkindness to you for your remembrance and thanksgiving!

This is because through solitude: • We grow in intimacy with God. • Intimacy with God IS the blessing!

We receive favour and blessings!

Within self • Greater sensitivity to God. • Greater spiritual well-being.

• Greater victory over personal strongholds.

• Greater burden to pray.

Note: Steps 5, 6, 7 and 8 are NOT rigidly chronological. In fact, they are very fluid. You will find that these three steps interweave one another seamlessly as you commune with the Lord and Him with you.

Toward others • Increased sensitivity toward others.

• Increased compassion for others.

• Increased attentiveness and responsiveness to the needs of others.

• Increased prayer for others.

Critical factor: Our Faith • Believe God will show up, listen to and commune with you!

• Lay hold of God’s Word, truth and promises that He will!

(Hebrews 4:16; 11:6; James 4:8; 1 John 5:14–15; John 10:3–4)

We become fruitful for Jesus! (John 15:5) • Bear the character and life of Jesus.

• Be witnesses for Jesus.

• Bring others to Jesus.

SOLITUDE IS NOT AN OPTION IF WE DESIRE TO RUN THE LONG HAUL AND FINISH THE RACE. IT IS ONE OF THE DISCIPLINES OF THE INNER LIFE. AND OUR INNER LIFE MUST BE FED.

Solitude is NOT an option if we desire to run the long haul and finish the race. It is one of the disciplines of the inner life. And our inner life must be fed.

In fact, Jesus set us the example Himself. What more for us, His disciples! (See Matthew 4:1–11; Matthew 6:57; Luke 4:42; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Matthew 14:13; Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Mark 6:31; Matthew 17:1–9; Matthew 26:36–46.)

RECOMMENDED READINGS • Celebration of Discipline: The Discipline of Solitude, by Richard Foster • Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home, by Richard Foster • Sacred Rhythms, by Ruth Haley Barton

We will do well to guard against deception, distractions, disobedience, self-will, self-love and self-sufficiency as we spend time in solitude with the Lord.

Some benefits of solitude We find fulfillment!

• Fulfillment of our being human in God. • Fulfillment in our obedience to God. • Fulfillment of our heart’s yearnings for God. [ 10 ]

[ 11 ]

a guide to having solitude with God (cont’d) • Step 7: A Prayer Pray for yourself in the light of God’s revelation to you regarding your heart, thought, emotions and lifestyle. Pray that you will choose God, His way and His will.

Pray for others who are in similar situations, or as the Lord leads you.

• Step 8: A Journal Pen down in your journal brief notes on your communion with the Lord. Record God’s word to you, whether a promise, an encouraging word, a rebuke, or an assurance of forgiveness, etc. All such words are precious! Record God’s faithfulness and lovingkindness to you for your remembrance and thanksgiving!

This is because through solitude: • We grow in intimacy with God. • Intimacy with God IS the blessing!

We receive favour and blessings!

Within self • Greater sensitivity to God. • Greater spiritual well-being.

• Greater victory over personal strongholds.

• Greater burden to pray.

Note: Steps 5, 6, 7 and 8 are NOT rigidly chronological. In fact, they are very fluid. You will find that these three steps interweave one another seamlessly as you commune with the Lord and Him with you.

Toward others • Increased sensitivity toward others.

• Increased compassion for others.

• Increased attentiveness and responsiveness to the needs of others.

• Increased prayer for others.

Critical factor: Our Faith • Believe God will show up, listen to and commune with you!

• Lay hold of God’s Word, truth and promises that He will!

(Hebrews 4:16; 11:6; James 4:8; 1 John 5:14–15; John 10:3–4)

We become fruitful for Jesus! (John 15:5) • Bear the character and life of Jesus.

• Be witnesses for Jesus.

• Bring others to Jesus.

SOLITUDE IS NOT AN OPTION IF WE DESIRE TO RUN THE LONG HAUL AND FINISH THE RACE. IT IS ONE OF THE DISCIPLINES OF THE INNER LIFE. AND OUR INNER LIFE MUST BE FED.

Solitude is NOT an option if we desire to run the long haul and finish the race. It is one of the disciplines of the inner life. And our inner life must be fed.

In fact, Jesus set us the example Himself. What more for us, His disciples! (See Matthew 4:1–11; Matthew 6:57; Luke 4:42; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Matthew 14:13; Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Mark 6:31; Matthew 17:1–9; Matthew 26:36–46.)

RECOMMENDED READINGS • Celebration of Discipline: The Discipline of Solitude, by Richard Foster • Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home, by Richard Foster • Sacred Rhythms, by Ruth Haley Barton

We will do well to guard against deception, distractions, disobedience, self-will, self-love and self-sufficiency as we spend time in solitude with the Lord.

Some benefits of solitude We find fulfillment!

• Fulfillment of our being human in God. • Fulfillment in our obedience to God. • Fulfillment of our heart’s yearnings for God. [ 10 ]

[ 11 ]

dawn and daywith

Jesus

COME AND SPEND A WHOLE DAY WITH JESUS!

mission the

There’s a call going out Across the land in every nation A call to those who swear allegiance to the cross of Christ A call to true humility, to live our live responsibly To deepen our devotion to the cross at any price

IT CAN BE DONE!

ALOHA CHANGI

IT CAN BE ENJOYABLE! IT CAN BE MEANINGFUL!

SEALAND RD

NETHERAVON RD

IT WILL BE TIME WELL SPENT!

Let us then be sober, moving only in the Spirit As aliens and strangers in a hostile foreign land The message we’re proclaiming is repentance and forgiveness The offer of salvation to a dying race of man

Date Friday, 5 August 2011 Time 7.30am to 6.00pm

(after Dawn Prayer) Venue Aloha Changi Address 30 Netheravon Road,

Singapore 508521

BIGGIN HILL RD

HA LTO N RD LOYANG AVE

By having personal solitude with the Lord as a Covenant family together, we hope to give encouragement or assistance to participants who might need it. There will be resource materials to guide you and your District Mentors will be there to help you grow in faith, adventure and intimacy with our Lord Jesus.

So, make a date with the Lover of your soul! See you there!

Registration is required for catering and transport.

More details will be provided at a later date. * See page 8 to 11 for notes on solitude.

[ 12 ]

by steve green

* Map is simplified and not drawn to scale

This is because it will be a time of drawing near and being with the One who loves you and delights in you—just as you are. And our perfect Father in Heaven promises that He will draw near to anyone who makes time to draw near to Him (James 4:8).

THEME SONG

CHORUS To love the Lord our God Is the heartbeat of our mission The spring from which our service overflows Across the street Or around the world The mission’s still the same Proclaim and live the Truth In Jesus’ name As a candle is consumed by the passion of the flame Spilling light unsparingly throughout a darkened room Let us burn to know Him deeper Then our service flaming bright Will radiate his passions And blaze with holy light

[ 13 ]

dawn and daywith

Jesus

COME AND SPEND A WHOLE DAY WITH JESUS!

mission the

There’s a call going out Across the land in every nation A call to those who swear allegiance to the cross of Christ A call to true humility, to live our live responsibly To deepen our devotion to the cross at any price

IT CAN BE DONE!

ALOHA CHANGI

IT CAN BE ENJOYABLE! IT CAN BE MEANINGFUL!

SEALAND RD

NETHERAVON RD

IT WILL BE TIME WELL SPENT!

Let us then be sober, moving only in the Spirit As aliens and strangers in a hostile foreign land The message we’re proclaiming is repentance and forgiveness The offer of salvation to a dying race of man

Date Friday, 5 August 2011 Time 7.30am to 6.00pm

(after Dawn Prayer) Venue Aloha Changi Address 30 Netheravon Road,

Singapore 508521

BIGGIN HILL RD

HA LTO N RD LOYANG AVE

By having personal solitude with the Lord as a Covenant family together, we hope to give encouragement or assistance to participants who might need it. There will be resource materials to guide you and your District Mentors will be there to help you grow in faith, adventure and intimacy with our Lord Jesus.

So, make a date with the Lover of your soul! See you there!

Registration is required for catering and transport.

More details will be provided at a later date. * See page 8 to 11 for notes on solitude.

[ 12 ]

by steve green

* Map is simplified and not drawn to scale

This is because it will be a time of drawing near and being with the One who loves you and delights in you—just as you are. And our perfect Father in Heaven promises that He will draw near to anyone who makes time to draw near to Him (James 4:8).

THEME SONG

CHORUS To love the Lord our God Is the heartbeat of our mission The spring from which our service overflows Across the street Or around the world The mission’s still the same Proclaim and live the Truth In Jesus’ name As a candle is consumed by the passion of the flame Spilling light unsparingly throughout a darkened room Let us burn to know Him deeper Then our service flaming bright Will radiate his passions And blaze with holy light

[ 13 ]

WEEK 1234567 1-3 JULY

draw near to

KNOW

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

JAMES 4:8 [ 14 ]

[ 15 ]

WEEK 1234567 1-3 JULY

draw near to

KNOW

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

JAMES 4:8 [ 14 ]

[ 15 ]

FRIDAY, 1 JULY

week one

Draw Near To KNOW

NOTES

WEEK 1, DAY 1

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Hebrews 10:22; James 4:8 Our Lord assures us that we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus.

He calls us to draw near to Him and promises that He will draw near to us. He initiates, waits and longs for us to draw near to HIM! Reflect • Will you heed your Abba Father’s call and draw near to him?

• What are some hindrances that keep you from drawing near?

• How will you draw near to Him in this 40-Day prayer journey?

Pray • Thank Jesus for shedding His Blood that we may draw near to God. • Commit to God the action(s) you will take to draw near to Him in the coming 40 days.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church: Mission Statement Scripture 2 Timothy 2:2 Our Dream Returning the Church to its disciplemaking roots through authentic discipleship and intentional disciplemaking so as to reproduce disciples of “a certain kind” and to multiply them to win the world for Christ.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. That God will empower every leader and disciple to become “a certain kind” in their life — with a humble posture in heart; a wise perspective in mind; excellent pragmatics in works, and a spiritual power over principalities and darkness.

2. That God will enable us to first become His disciples, then disciple our family, then our small group members and working colleagues.

3. That God would send us out into the world and the nations to become His living witnesses through love and kind deeds.

[ 16 ]

[ 17 ]

FRIDAY, 1 JULY

week one

Draw Near To KNOW

NOTES

WEEK 1, DAY 1

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Hebrews 10:22; James 4:8 Our Lord assures us that we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus.

He calls us to draw near to Him and promises that He will draw near to us. He initiates, waits and longs for us to draw near to HIM! Reflect • Will you heed your Abba Father’s call and draw near to him?

• What are some hindrances that keep you from drawing near?

• How will you draw near to Him in this 40-Day prayer journey?

Pray • Thank Jesus for shedding His Blood that we may draw near to God. • Commit to God the action(s) you will take to draw near to Him in the coming 40 days.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church: Mission Statement Scripture 2 Timothy 2:2 Our Dream Returning the Church to its disciplemaking roots through authentic discipleship and intentional disciplemaking so as to reproduce disciples of “a certain kind” and to multiply them to win the world for Christ.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. That God will empower every leader and disciple to become “a certain kind” in their life — with a humble posture in heart; a wise perspective in mind; excellent pragmatics in works, and a spiritual power over principalities and darkness.

2. That God will enable us to first become His disciples, then disciple our family, then our small group members and working colleagues.

3. That God would send us out into the world and the nations to become His living witnesses through love and kind deeds.

[ 16 ]

[ 17 ]

SATURDAY, 2 JULY

week one

Draw Near To KNOW

NOTES

WEEK 1, DAY 2

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Hebrews 10:22–23; Psalm 51 God requires us to draw near to Him with a sincere, broken and contrite heart. In other words, we draw near to God acknowledging that He is “justified when He speaks and blameless when He judges” (Ps 51:4), AND that we have sinned against God as we have done evil in His eyes, not ours.

Reflect • Would you sincerely be open to whatever God will say to you about any sin in His eyes?

• Ask God to show you specific sins in your life.

Pray • Come before our holy God sincere, contrite and broken, and ask Him to cleanse you by the Blood of Jesus Christ.

• Praise and thank God for forgiving us when we do not deserve it.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Truth We value Truth centred upon the Word of God. Scripture Psalm 119:160 Our Dream For Covenanters to have a strong conviction that truth as revealed in the Word of God is most precious. That we will be unwavering in our commitment to the Bible as the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God; and as the sole authority governing a disciple’s life and practice. For the pulpit ministry and Bible teaching to continually be held as high premiums in our ministries. That we will have a growing love for God’s Word and deepening appreciation for sound biblical teaching, despite the contrary views, opinions and voices of our times. Truth personally applied, resulting in lives being transformed and disciples being effectively made.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Church level: Covenant’s preachers and teachers will be committed to the faithful, clear and fresh preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

2. CG level: Gifted Bible teachers will arise and serve their small group communities.

3. Personal level: Covenanters will read the Bible daily and grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s character, works and ways. [ 18 ]

Pray for opportunities to connect with the youths in our community through our “To the Max” event [ 19 ]

SATURDAY, 2 JULY

week one

Draw Near To KNOW

NOTES

WEEK 1, DAY 2

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Hebrews 10:22–23; Psalm 51 God requires us to draw near to Him with a sincere, broken and contrite heart. In other words, we draw near to God acknowledging that He is “justified when He speaks and blameless when He judges” (Ps 51:4), AND that we have sinned against God as we have done evil in His eyes, not ours.

Reflect • Would you sincerely be open to whatever God will say to you about any sin in His eyes?

• Ask God to show you specific sins in your life.

Pray • Come before our holy God sincere, contrite and broken, and ask Him to cleanse you by the Blood of Jesus Christ.

• Praise and thank God for forgiving us when we do not deserve it.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Truth We value Truth centred upon the Word of God. Scripture Psalm 119:160 Our Dream For Covenanters to have a strong conviction that truth as revealed in the Word of God is most precious. That we will be unwavering in our commitment to the Bible as the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God; and as the sole authority governing a disciple’s life and practice. For the pulpit ministry and Bible teaching to continually be held as high premiums in our ministries. That we will have a growing love for God’s Word and deepening appreciation for sound biblical teaching, despite the contrary views, opinions and voices of our times. Truth personally applied, resulting in lives being transformed and disciples being effectively made.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Church level: Covenant’s preachers and teachers will be committed to the faithful, clear and fresh preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

2. CG level: Gifted Bible teachers will arise and serve their small group communities.

3. Personal level: Covenanters will read the Bible daily and grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s character, works and ways. [ 18 ]

Pray for opportunities to connect with the youths in our community through our “To the Max” event [ 19 ]

SUNDAY, 3 JULY

week one

Draw Near To KNOW

NOTES

WEEK 1, DAY 3

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Hebrews 10:26–31 “For if we go on sinning willfully … there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins …. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God … It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (v26–27, 29, 31).

Reflect • What is God saying to you today?

• Reflect why God has given us this ultimate warning. Reflect on who He is and what He has done for us. (Gen 1:27; 1 Pet 1:15¬–16; Rom 3:23; Rom 5:8; Gal 2:20) Pray • Thank God for reconciling us to Himself and restoring us to bear His image through Jesus’ death.

• Confess your sins as the Holy Spirit convicts you.

• Repent and be resolute as you re-commit yourself to God, coming under His total Lordship.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Community We value Community centred upon the Worship of God. Scripture Acts 2:43–47 Our Dream We are called to love God with all our heart, mind, strength and soul, and to love our neighbours as ourselves (Luke 10:26–27). Our dream is to be a community where every Covenanter is a true worshipper of God, one whose love for others flows out of his/her love for God. It is out of this love that we will learn to care for, minister to and lovingly serve one another. Where every Covenanter will be part of a small group community with regular testimonies of changed lives as we live, grow and serve in community. Where we will, as a community, share the Gospel message with the unreached, poor and needy, reach out to them and love them. That multitudes may come to know our Lord Jesus Christ as a result of our insuppressibly joyful witness and service.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Hundreds of potential CG Leaders of godly character will answer the call, be trained and equipped, and lead by serving and serve by leading.

2. Every Covenanter will be a true worshipper of God, become a committed member of a CG and of the church, and actively contribute to the life and ministry of the Body.

3. Every CG member will grow in spiritual maturity and in faithful service to God and to people, and leave a lasting legacy.

[ 20 ]

{

“O Lord our God, grant us grace to desire you with our whole heart, that so desiring we may seek and find you, and so finding you, may love you, and loving you, may hate those sins from which you have redeemed us.”

ANSELM [ 21 ]

}

SUNDAY, 3 JULY

week one

Draw Near To KNOW

NOTES

WEEK 1, DAY 3

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Hebrews 10:26–31 “For if we go on sinning willfully … there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins …. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God … It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (v26–27, 29, 31).

Reflect • What is God saying to you today?

• Reflect why God has given us this ultimate warning. Reflect on who He is and what He has done for us. (Gen 1:27; 1 Pet 1:15¬–16; Rom 3:23; Rom 5:8; Gal 2:20) Pray • Thank God for reconciling us to Himself and restoring us to bear His image through Jesus’ death.

• Confess your sins as the Holy Spirit convicts you.

• Repent and be resolute as you re-commit yourself to God, coming under His total Lordship.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Community We value Community centred upon the Worship of God. Scripture Acts 2:43–47 Our Dream We are called to love God with all our heart, mind, strength and soul, and to love our neighbours as ourselves (Luke 10:26–27). Our dream is to be a community where every Covenanter is a true worshipper of God, one whose love for others flows out of his/her love for God. It is out of this love that we will learn to care for, minister to and lovingly serve one another. Where every Covenanter will be part of a small group community with regular testimonies of changed lives as we live, grow and serve in community. Where we will, as a community, share the Gospel message with the unreached, poor and needy, reach out to them and love them. That multitudes may come to know our Lord Jesus Christ as a result of our insuppressibly joyful witness and service.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Hundreds of potential CG Leaders of godly character will answer the call, be trained and equipped, and lead by serving and serve by leading.

2. Every Covenanter will be a true worshipper of God, become a committed member of a CG and of the church, and actively contribute to the life and ministry of the Body.

3. Every CG member will grow in spiritual maturity and in faithful service to God and to people, and leave a lasting legacy.

[ 20 ]

{

“O Lord our God, grant us grace to desire you with our whole heart, that so desiring we may seek and find you, and so finding you, may love you, and loving you, may hate those sins from which you have redeemed us.”

ANSELM [ 21 ]

}

WEEK 1234567 4-10 JULY

draw near to

SEE

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?”

JEREMIAH 17:9

[ 22 ]

[ 23 ]

WEEK 1234567 4-10 JULY

draw near to

SEE

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?”

JEREMIAH 17:9

[ 22 ]

[ 23 ]

MONDAY, 4 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 4

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 6:1–4; Isaiah 6:5–7 Isaiah saw God as the Sovereign, Almighty Lord; awesome in splendor, glorious in holiness and purity. By contrast, he looked within his own heart and saw the ugliness and corruption of his sin.

Reflect • How important is holiness to you? How much thought, attention and effort do you devote to put away everything that is displeasing to God so as to live a holy life?

• What are the sins that hold on to you and keep you from living a holy life?

• What areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit’s cleansing, comfort and power?

Pray • Confess your sins to God, ask Him to cleanse and thank Him for His unfailing love.

• Commit to deal thoroughly and decisively with anything that is unholy in your heart, work, home or ministry.

• Worship the Lord in His holiness.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Stewardship We value Stewardship centred upon the Will of God. Scripture 1 Corinthians 4:1–2, Ephesians 4:7–16 Our Dream Every Covenanter will see himself or herself not as an owner, but as a steward of the Gospel and God-given resources, i.e. time, talents and treasures. We will see that we are called by God to leverage our resources as best as we can for the extension of His Kingdom and we’ll be faithful in our stewardship of the Gospel. That Covenanters will tithe faithfully and give sacrificially to support the church’s ministries. In the stewardship of our spiritual gifts, we believe that God is worthy of our best, and we will cultivate a spirit of excellence in all our ministries.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. We will have the mindset of a steward rather than an owner.

2. We will become an increasingly better and faithful steward of time, talents and treasures, for the extension of God’s Kingdom.

3. We will grow in excellence in our ministries and service. [ 24 ]

[ 25 ]

MONDAY, 4 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 4

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 6:1–4; Isaiah 6:5–7 Isaiah saw God as the Sovereign, Almighty Lord; awesome in splendor, glorious in holiness and purity. By contrast, he looked within his own heart and saw the ugliness and corruption of his sin.

Reflect • How important is holiness to you? How much thought, attention and effort do you devote to put away everything that is displeasing to God so as to live a holy life?

• What are the sins that hold on to you and keep you from living a holy life?

• What areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit’s cleansing, comfort and power?

Pray • Confess your sins to God, ask Him to cleanse and thank Him for His unfailing love.

• Commit to deal thoroughly and decisively with anything that is unholy in your heart, work, home or ministry.

• Worship the Lord in His holiness.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Stewardship We value Stewardship centred upon the Will of God. Scripture 1 Corinthians 4:1–2, Ephesians 4:7–16 Our Dream Every Covenanter will see himself or herself not as an owner, but as a steward of the Gospel and God-given resources, i.e. time, talents and treasures. We will see that we are called by God to leverage our resources as best as we can for the extension of His Kingdom and we’ll be faithful in our stewardship of the Gospel. That Covenanters will tithe faithfully and give sacrificially to support the church’s ministries. In the stewardship of our spiritual gifts, we believe that God is worthy of our best, and we will cultivate a spirit of excellence in all our ministries.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. We will have the mindset of a steward rather than an owner.

2. We will become an increasingly better and faithful steward of time, talents and treasures, for the extension of God’s Kingdom.

3. We will grow in excellence in our ministries and service. [ 24 ]

[ 25 ]

TUESDAY, 5 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 5

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 58 God’s people can engage in religious activities where everything appears to be aligned to God’s commandments. For example, seeking the Lord daily, delighting to know His ways, delighting to be near Him, etc. But God declares that His people have sinned against Him. Reflect • Why does the Lord reject our worship and devotion?

• How desirous are you to please God in all that you are and do, rather than yourself?

• What steps can you take today to choose to please God above all else and make your heart tender toward Him? Pray • Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Confess your sins. Receive His forgiveness.

• Claim Ezekiel 36:26, 27 and ask God to give you a new heart.

• Worship the Lord with a pure heart.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Balance We value Balance centred upon the Wisdom of God. Scripture Ecclesiastes 7:18 Our Dream Covenanters will ride the tensions of life’s complexities with compassion and discerning wisdom from above. Our lives will consistently exhibit a biblical balance amid a world prone to extremism. It’s often not an either-or option, but a both-and position that must be carefully held in tension. With controversial issues regarding ministry, Covenanters will have humility, an open mind and the right posture to understand the positions on all sides, so that we can adopt a balanced position, without compromising our biblical integrity, and see ministry effectiveness and cultural relevance.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. We will seek and receive wisdom from above, as revealed by God, primarily in His Word.

2. Ministries will apply wisdom and balance to avoid extremes, e.g. style and forms of worship, exercise of spiritual gifts, engagement in spiritual warfare, evangelism and social action, etc.

3. Ministries will be effective and culturally relevant without compromising biblical integrity. [ 26 ]

[ 27 ]

TUESDAY, 5 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 5

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 58 God’s people can engage in religious activities where everything appears to be aligned to God’s commandments. For example, seeking the Lord daily, delighting to know His ways, delighting to be near Him, etc. But God declares that His people have sinned against Him. Reflect • Why does the Lord reject our worship and devotion?

• How desirous are you to please God in all that you are and do, rather than yourself?

• What steps can you take today to choose to please God above all else and make your heart tender toward Him? Pray • Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Confess your sins. Receive His forgiveness.

• Claim Ezekiel 36:26, 27 and ask God to give you a new heart.

• Worship the Lord with a pure heart.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Balance We value Balance centred upon the Wisdom of God. Scripture Ecclesiastes 7:18 Our Dream Covenanters will ride the tensions of life’s complexities with compassion and discerning wisdom from above. Our lives will consistently exhibit a biblical balance amid a world prone to extremism. It’s often not an either-or option, but a both-and position that must be carefully held in tension. With controversial issues regarding ministry, Covenanters will have humility, an open mind and the right posture to understand the positions on all sides, so that we can adopt a balanced position, without compromising our biblical integrity, and see ministry effectiveness and cultural relevance.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. We will seek and receive wisdom from above, as revealed by God, primarily in His Word.

2. Ministries will apply wisdom and balance to avoid extremes, e.g. style and forms of worship, exercise of spiritual gifts, engagement in spiritual warfare, evangelism and social action, etc.

3. Ministries will be effective and culturally relevant without compromising biblical integrity. [ 26 ]

[ 27 ]

WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 6

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 58 Worshipping God involves more than observing an outward ritual; there must be an inward obedience and submission to the Lord. True fasting will lead to humility before God and ministry to others. God is delighted when we delight in Him. Reflect • Is your worship merely an outward show without any inward reality?

• What are the obstacles you face in delighting in God? • What concrete action would you take to bless those in need?

Pray • Covenanters to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27).

• Worship God through your concrete act of blessing someone in need as you do it for Him. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Brokenness We value Brokenness centred upon the Way of God. Scripture Psalm 51:17 Our Dream For Covenanters to know that God always looks at the heart and have “a broken spirit and a contrite heart” before God. To know that the Lord Jesus Christ has called us to die to self and follow Him. That we will live out a discipleship of humility, brokenness and avoid the performance trap. We’ll be neither proud of our accomplishments, nor plagued with a sense of inadequacy and insecurity. To respond with graciousness and gratitude when praised by people, but seek only the approval of God, please Him and honour His name.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Covenanters will live out humility and brokenness through personal prayer and worship before God, even amid major failures or setbacks in life.

2. Covenanters will practise sincere confession of sins regularly, and receive God’s forgiveness and cleansing on account of Christ’s perfect work on the Cross.

3. Covenanters will seek the approval of God and not the applause of people in everything that they do.

[ 28 ]

[ 29 ]

WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 6

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 58 Worshipping God involves more than observing an outward ritual; there must be an inward obedience and submission to the Lord. True fasting will lead to humility before God and ministry to others. God is delighted when we delight in Him. Reflect • Is your worship merely an outward show without any inward reality?

• What are the obstacles you face in delighting in God? • What concrete action would you take to bless those in need?

Pray • Covenanters to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27).

• Worship God through your concrete act of blessing someone in need as you do it for Him. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Brokenness We value Brokenness centred upon the Way of God. Scripture Psalm 51:17 Our Dream For Covenanters to know that God always looks at the heart and have “a broken spirit and a contrite heart” before God. To know that the Lord Jesus Christ has called us to die to self and follow Him. That we will live out a discipleship of humility, brokenness and avoid the performance trap. We’ll be neither proud of our accomplishments, nor plagued with a sense of inadequacy and insecurity. To respond with graciousness and gratitude when praised by people, but seek only the approval of God, please Him and honour His name.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Covenanters will live out humility and brokenness through personal prayer and worship before God, even amid major failures or setbacks in life.

2. Covenanters will practise sincere confession of sins regularly, and receive God’s forgiveness and cleansing on account of Christ’s perfect work on the Cross.

3. Covenanters will seek the approval of God and not the applause of people in everything that they do.

[ 28 ]

[ 29 ]

THURSDAY, 7 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 7

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Matthew 6:19–24; Jeremiah 17:9 Spiritual vision is our capacity to see as God sees. This spiritual insight, however, can be easily clouded by our own understanding, perception, desires and goals.

Reflect • What is God saying to you about your sight? Do you see your heart and life as God sees?

• We serve the one we love. Who are you serving—God or wealth?

• Would you make a resolute choice to serve God from today?

Pray • Identify some steps you will take to reflect your decisiveness in serving God alone.

Commit these steps in prayer.

• Adore the Lord who gives us second chances!

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Pillar: Worship Scripture 1 Samuel 16:23 Our Dream Our dream is to encounter God every time we gather as a Church, as a family or an individual simply because He takes delight in us. That through an honest and wholehearted offering of worship to Him, we would be empowered by His Spirit and see transformational change in our lives.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. A mighty visitation of God at both Worship Centres.

2. A renewed heart among Covenanters to encounter Him afresh.

3. A Church that is hungry for Him and His Word.

[ 30 ]

[ 31 ]

THURSDAY, 7 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 7

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Matthew 6:19–24; Jeremiah 17:9 Spiritual vision is our capacity to see as God sees. This spiritual insight, however, can be easily clouded by our own understanding, perception, desires and goals.

Reflect • What is God saying to you about your sight? Do you see your heart and life as God sees?

• We serve the one we love. Who are you serving—God or wealth?

• Would you make a resolute choice to serve God from today?

Pray • Identify some steps you will take to reflect your decisiveness in serving God alone.

Commit these steps in prayer.

• Adore the Lord who gives us second chances!

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Pillar: Worship Scripture 1 Samuel 16:23 Our Dream Our dream is to encounter God every time we gather as a Church, as a family or an individual simply because He takes delight in us. That through an honest and wholehearted offering of worship to Him, we would be empowered by His Spirit and see transformational change in our lives.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. A mighty visitation of God at both Worship Centres.

2. A renewed heart among Covenanters to encounter Him afresh.

3. A Church that is hungry for Him and His Word.

[ 30 ]

[ 31 ]

FRIDAY, 8 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 8

PERSONAL PRAYER Read 1 Peter 4 Disciples of Christ will experience persecution and pain as they live out their faith in an unbelieving world. He calls His people to persevere and show deep love for one another in the midst of suffering as love covers a multitude of sins. Believers will be judged for the things they do (2 Cor 5:10).

Reflect • What is God saying to you regarding the suffering you are going through?

• Would you embrace your suffering and entrust yourself to God? Pray • Tell the Lord honestly about how you are feeling and thinking.

• Claim God’s promises in Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:16 and 1 Peter 5:10.

• Honour the Lord, our God, who identifies with us in our suffering.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Prayer Pillar Scripture Isaiah 56:6-7 Our Dream Every disciple of Jesus Christ has a Lifestyle of Prayer … born out of a love relationship with God. … born out of gratitude, reverence and awe of God. Every disciple of Jesus Christ has a heart that … burns with a passion for God, His holiness and the lost. … prays God’s will and Kingdom purposes to be done in one’s own life and that of others, the church, the community, our nation and the world.

Every disciple to intercede for others in prayer.

Every disciple to influence God’s people and Kingdom through prayer.

Every disciple to ignite others to pray.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Everyone is convicted that God has appointed each one of us to pray.

2. Everyone embraces this privilege and responsibility to pray and truly pray!

3. Everyone prays for God’s will and Kingdom purposes, beyond personal needs, enjoys praying, ignites others to pray and does not fear praying. [ 32 ]

[ 33 ]

FRIDAY, 8 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 8

PERSONAL PRAYER Read 1 Peter 4 Disciples of Christ will experience persecution and pain as they live out their faith in an unbelieving world. He calls His people to persevere and show deep love for one another in the midst of suffering as love covers a multitude of sins. Believers will be judged for the things they do (2 Cor 5:10).

Reflect • What is God saying to you regarding the suffering you are going through?

• Would you embrace your suffering and entrust yourself to God? Pray • Tell the Lord honestly about how you are feeling and thinking.

• Claim God’s promises in Galatians 6:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:16 and 1 Peter 5:10.

• Honour the Lord, our God, who identifies with us in our suffering.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Prayer Pillar Scripture Isaiah 56:6-7 Our Dream Every disciple of Jesus Christ has a Lifestyle of Prayer … born out of a love relationship with God. … born out of gratitude, reverence and awe of God. Every disciple of Jesus Christ has a heart that … burns with a passion for God, His holiness and the lost. … prays God’s will and Kingdom purposes to be done in one’s own life and that of others, the church, the community, our nation and the world.

Every disciple to intercede for others in prayer.

Every disciple to influence God’s people and Kingdom through prayer.

Every disciple to ignite others to pray.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Everyone is convicted that God has appointed each one of us to pray.

2. Everyone embraces this privilege and responsibility to pray and truly pray!

3. Everyone prays for God’s will and Kingdom purposes, beyond personal needs, enjoys praying, ignites others to pray and does not fear praying. [ 32 ]

[ 33 ]

SATURDAY, 9 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 9

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Zechariah 13:7–9; Malachi 3:1–7; 2 Chronicles 7:14 God often puts His people through the furnace of suffering in order to refine and purify them. As we seek His face, call on Him, and turn from our wicked ways, He will forgive, bring healing and bless the land in response to our repentance.

Reflect • Are you part of God’s remnant and going through the Refiner’s fire?

• How may you rightly respond to His loving purification?

Pray • Entrust yourself in God’s faithfulness and loving heart as He moulds you towards Christ-likeness.

• Worship the Lord who is all holy and perfect in His love toward us.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Pillar: Equipping Scripture 2 Timothy 3:17 Our Dream A clear discipleship equipping process that will train disciples from conversion to disciplemakers who “can pass it on to other faithful men and women”. We desire to see every new believer grounded in God’s Word, established in the foundations of faith, spiritual disciplines, community, ministry, empowered to grow and serve in the Spirit and mobilised to win the world for Jesus.

We want to design and publish a comprehensive range of discipleship resources and make them available to the IDMC global alliance. We want to equip and empower a core team of trainers and mentors that will lead, guide and direct the disciplemaking equipping process. We will develop learning tools, design discipleship programmes and enrich the equipping platforms across all ministries to enable leaders and trainers to contribute towards the global disciplemaking mission of Covenant EFC.

[ 34 ]

[ 35 ]

SATURDAY, 9 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 9

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Zechariah 13:7–9; Malachi 3:1–7; 2 Chronicles 7:14 God often puts His people through the furnace of suffering in order to refine and purify them. As we seek His face, call on Him, and turn from our wicked ways, He will forgive, bring healing and bless the land in response to our repentance.

Reflect • Are you part of God’s remnant and going through the Refiner’s fire?

• How may you rightly respond to His loving purification?

Pray • Entrust yourself in God’s faithfulness and loving heart as He moulds you towards Christ-likeness.

• Worship the Lord who is all holy and perfect in His love toward us.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Pillar: Equipping Scripture 2 Timothy 3:17 Our Dream A clear discipleship equipping process that will train disciples from conversion to disciplemakers who “can pass it on to other faithful men and women”. We desire to see every new believer grounded in God’s Word, established in the foundations of faith, spiritual disciplines, community, ministry, empowered to grow and serve in the Spirit and mobilised to win the world for Jesus.

We want to design and publish a comprehensive range of discipleship resources and make them available to the IDMC global alliance. We want to equip and empower a core team of trainers and mentors that will lead, guide and direct the disciplemaking equipping process. We will develop learning tools, design discipleship programmes and enrich the equipping platforms across all ministries to enable leaders and trainers to contribute towards the global disciplemaking mission of Covenant EFC.

[ 34 ]

[ 35 ]

SUNDAY, 10 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 10

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Galatians 2:20; Luke 11:9–13 and 2 Peter 1:3–4 It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. God promises the gift of the Holy Spirit who will live the life of faith, power and godliness in us.

Reflect • Is the Holy Spirit living the life of faith, power and godliness in and through you? Or are you trying to live His life in your own strength?

• What are your feelings and thoughts about being owned and possessed by God? • On what basis is God righteously able to exact this out of us?

Pray • Confess and repent of any audacious, irreverent and rebellious thoughts, words and posture toward the Sovereign, Almighty Lord of Hosts, the gracious Redeemer God. • Relinquish full control of your life to the Holy Spirit.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Outreach Pillar: Local Outreach Scripture Psalm 126:4–5 Our Dream A PDA (Personal Revival, Divine Appointment, Active Obedience) lifestyle as a personal and church phenomenon characterised by a “supernatural–naturalness”. This can be seen in: • God working in pre-believers’ lives in such a way that they cannot explain it yet cannot explain it away • Covenanters being equipped, praying for and connecting with pre-believers compassionately and regularly, thereby leading them towards Christ Average Worship Attendance growth by massive conversions rather than transfers.

(A new momentum has already started!)

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God to ignite a passion for Him, compassion and urgency to reach the lost—so that we may live with a sense of destiny and desperation.

2. God to raise up lay teams who will run with the vision, together with the staff team.

3. God to bring unity and synergy among departments involved in the Outreach Pillar— The Next Generation (TNG), MD (Mandarin-Dialect Ministry), Specialised Ministries, the English congregation, etc. [ 36 ]

{

“Holy Spirit think through me till Your ideas are my ideas.”

AMY CARMICHAEL

[ 37 ]

}

SUNDAY, 10 JULY

week two

Draw Near To SEE

NOTES

WEEK 2, DAY 10

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Galatians 2:20; Luke 11:9–13 and 2 Peter 1:3–4 It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. God promises the gift of the Holy Spirit who will live the life of faith, power and godliness in us.

Reflect • Is the Holy Spirit living the life of faith, power and godliness in and through you? Or are you trying to live His life in your own strength?

• What are your feelings and thoughts about being owned and possessed by God? • On what basis is God righteously able to exact this out of us?

Pray • Confess and repent of any audacious, irreverent and rebellious thoughts, words and posture toward the Sovereign, Almighty Lord of Hosts, the gracious Redeemer God. • Relinquish full control of your life to the Holy Spirit.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Outreach Pillar: Local Outreach Scripture Psalm 126:4–5 Our Dream A PDA (Personal Revival, Divine Appointment, Active Obedience) lifestyle as a personal and church phenomenon characterised by a “supernatural–naturalness”. This can be seen in: • God working in pre-believers’ lives in such a way that they cannot explain it yet cannot explain it away • Covenanters being equipped, praying for and connecting with pre-believers compassionately and regularly, thereby leading them towards Christ Average Worship Attendance growth by massive conversions rather than transfers.

(A new momentum has already started!)

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God to ignite a passion for Him, compassion and urgency to reach the lost—so that we may live with a sense of destiny and desperation.

2. God to raise up lay teams who will run with the vision, together with the staff team.

3. God to bring unity and synergy among departments involved in the Outreach Pillar— The Next Generation (TNG), MD (Mandarin-Dialect Ministry), Specialised Ministries, the English congregation, etc. [ 36 ]

{

“Holy Spirit think through me till Your ideas are my ideas.”

AMY CARMICHAEL

[ 37 ]

}

WEEK 1234567 11-17 JULY

draw near to

BE LOVED “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

JOHN 15:13

[ 38 ]

[ 39 ]

WEEK 1234567 11-17 JULY

draw near to

BE LOVED “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

JOHN 15:13

[ 38 ]

[ 39 ]

MONDAY, 11 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 11

PERSONAL PRAYER Read John 15:13; Romans 5:6–11 God loves you! There is NO GREATER love we can receive from anyone because Jesus died for us—we who are eternally condemned, undeserving sinners.

Reflect • Would you believe this truth of God? Why or why not?

• Recall and pen down the personal encounters when you tasted this truth that God loves you!

Pray • If you doubt God’s incomparable great love for you, confess your doubt, unbelief and/ or deception and place it under the obedience of Jesus Christ. Intentionally choose to believe God’s truth.

• Exult in God for His unmatched love, especially for your unique personal encounters!

WATCHMAN PRAYER Small Group Infrastructure (SGI) Scripture Hebrews 10:24–25 Our Dream The NT church grew as the Word of God spread (Acts 6:7). The early church lived, served, reached and grew together! The setting today is different, but the idea remains—the church grows when the Word of God spreads; God’s Word spreads when believers of the church spread it; we spread it when we grow in Christ-likeness; we grow best in Christlikeness in a community of fellow godly believers.

We dream of a Covenant church on the move, with our small group community moving ahead, because God is moving mightily in our small group members’ lives.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Pray for every CG member to walk with the LORD, read the Word of God and have a PDA lifestyle for God daily.

2. Pray for CGs to grow in authentic discipleship and intentional disciple-making.

3. Pray for SGI Leaders at every level to grow in God, His grace and godliness.

[ 40 ]

[ 41 ]

MONDAY, 11 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 11

PERSONAL PRAYER Read John 15:13; Romans 5:6–11 God loves you! There is NO GREATER love we can receive from anyone because Jesus died for us—we who are eternally condemned, undeserving sinners.

Reflect • Would you believe this truth of God? Why or why not?

• Recall and pen down the personal encounters when you tasted this truth that God loves you!

Pray • If you doubt God’s incomparable great love for you, confess your doubt, unbelief and/ or deception and place it under the obedience of Jesus Christ. Intentionally choose to believe God’s truth.

• Exult in God for His unmatched love, especially for your unique personal encounters!

WATCHMAN PRAYER Small Group Infrastructure (SGI) Scripture Hebrews 10:24–25 Our Dream The NT church grew as the Word of God spread (Acts 6:7). The early church lived, served, reached and grew together! The setting today is different, but the idea remains—the church grows when the Word of God spreads; God’s Word spreads when believers of the church spread it; we spread it when we grow in Christ-likeness; we grow best in Christlikeness in a community of fellow godly believers.

We dream of a Covenant church on the move, with our small group community moving ahead, because God is moving mightily in our small group members’ lives.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Pray for every CG member to walk with the LORD, read the Word of God and have a PDA lifestyle for God daily.

2. Pray for CGs to grow in authentic discipleship and intentional disciple-making.

3. Pray for SGI Leaders at every level to grow in God, His grace and godliness.

[ 40 ]

[ 41 ]

TUESDAY, 12 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 12

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Romans 8:31–39; Jeremiah 31:3 God says NOTHING can separate us from His love! Moreover, God declares that His love toward us extends beyond this temporal sphere of time (pg 1973, no. 5769)*, connotes care, affection, faithfulness, and demands loyalty as in any covenant relationship (pg 1793, no. 160)*.

Reflect • Recall the times—present or past—when you do not seem to witness or feel God caring for you.

• Counter every thought and emotion that runs contrary with God’s truth with the promises of God in today’s scripture reading.

Pray • Praise and thank God for loving you!

• Commit afresh your loyalty and faithfulness as your love response to Him. WATCHMAN PRAYER Sunbeam Scripture Psalm 78:5–7 Our Dream • To build the spiritual foundation of our children, lead each one to know our Lord Jesus Christ personally, and fully understand what a personal, intimate and authentic relationship with Him means.

• To develop an active partnership with parents and help them disciple their children to salvation.

• To build a platform for Intentional Disciple-making Families in an Intentional Disciplemaking Church (IDMC).

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. The Lord will refresh, encourage, empower and bless the current team of faithfully serving teachers and leaders.

2. Parents will take an active role in the disciple-making process of their children.

3. To raise up more leaders and teachers for the ministry. * Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible (NASB), Zodhiates & Baker (editors), AMG Publishers: Chattangooga, 2008

[ 42 ]

[ 43 ]

TUESDAY, 12 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 12

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Romans 8:31–39; Jeremiah 31:3 God says NOTHING can separate us from His love! Moreover, God declares that His love toward us extends beyond this temporal sphere of time (pg 1973, no. 5769)*, connotes care, affection, faithfulness, and demands loyalty as in any covenant relationship (pg 1793, no. 160)*.

Reflect • Recall the times—present or past—when you do not seem to witness or feel God caring for you.

• Counter every thought and emotion that runs contrary with God’s truth with the promises of God in today’s scripture reading.

Pray • Praise and thank God for loving you!

• Commit afresh your loyalty and faithfulness as your love response to Him. WATCHMAN PRAYER Sunbeam Scripture Psalm 78:5–7 Our Dream • To build the spiritual foundation of our children, lead each one to know our Lord Jesus Christ personally, and fully understand what a personal, intimate and authentic relationship with Him means.

• To develop an active partnership with parents and help them disciple their children to salvation.

• To build a platform for Intentional Disciple-making Families in an Intentional Disciplemaking Church (IDMC).

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. The Lord will refresh, encourage, empower and bless the current team of faithfully serving teachers and leaders.

2. Parents will take an active role in the disciple-making process of their children.

3. To raise up more leaders and teachers for the ministry. * Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible (NASB), Zodhiates & Baker (editors), AMG Publishers: Chattangooga, 2008

[ 42 ]

[ 43 ]

WEDNESDAY, 13 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 13

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 43:1–7 “You are Mine! ... You are precious in My sight… I love you! I am with you and will be with you in times of difficulties…” says the LORD. Read the scripture passage again but now, personalise it by replacing the name, “Jacob” with your name and the pronouns “you” and “your” with “me” and “my”.

Reflect • Allow God to deepen your grasp of His love.

• Identify if anything or anyone is preventing you from receiving God’s love in fullness.

Pray • Ask God to remove any hindrance revealed by His Spirit.

• Ask God to heal and restore you so that you may receive His love in fullness.

• Sing the song, “O Lord Your Tenderness” as a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord.

WATCHMAN PRAYER The Next Generation (TNG) Scripture John 10:14–16 Our Dream One act ... Of discipling one ... Impacting one young person, who impacts another ... Forming one group impacting another, multiplying the same kind.

Resulting in many groups influencing families, communities, and ultimately a world of jealousy, distrust, scepticism, confusion, bitterness, empty pursuits, hopelessness, brokenness and death. Giving hope, faith, love, encouragement, clarity, life ... Giving a Shepherd, a Father, a Saviour.

For the next generation to make this impact, we need: One decision: Follow Christ wholeheartedly One message: The selfless love of Christ One voice: Jesus, the Good Shepherd One dream: To he ends of the earth One body: The Church Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Young people will turn from apathy to adoration and activity for God, to impact their generation and the next for Christ.

2. Young people will know, listen to and be influenced by God. 3. For God to help Christian parents disciple their children to live God-fearing lives. [ 44 ]

[ 45 ]

WEDNESDAY, 13 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 13

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 43:1–7 “You are Mine! ... You are precious in My sight… I love you! I am with you and will be with you in times of difficulties…” says the LORD. Read the scripture passage again but now, personalise it by replacing the name, “Jacob” with your name and the pronouns “you” and “your” with “me” and “my”.

Reflect • Allow God to deepen your grasp of His love.

• Identify if anything or anyone is preventing you from receiving God’s love in fullness.

Pray • Ask God to remove any hindrance revealed by His Spirit.

• Ask God to heal and restore you so that you may receive His love in fullness.

• Sing the song, “O Lord Your Tenderness” as a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord.

WATCHMAN PRAYER The Next Generation (TNG) Scripture John 10:14–16 Our Dream One act ... Of discipling one ... Impacting one young person, who impacts another ... Forming one group impacting another, multiplying the same kind.

Resulting in many groups influencing families, communities, and ultimately a world of jealousy, distrust, scepticism, confusion, bitterness, empty pursuits, hopelessness, brokenness and death. Giving hope, faith, love, encouragement, clarity, life ... Giving a Shepherd, a Father, a Saviour.

For the next generation to make this impact, we need: One decision: Follow Christ wholeheartedly One message: The selfless love of Christ One voice: Jesus, the Good Shepherd One dream: To he ends of the earth One body: The Church Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Young people will turn from apathy to adoration and activity for God, to impact their generation and the next for Christ.

2. Young people will know, listen to and be influenced by God. 3. For God to help Christian parents disciple their children to live God-fearing lives. [ 44 ]

[ 45 ]

THURSDAY, 14 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 14

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Mark 14:1–9; Luke 7:36–50 Mary, the woman who drew near to Jesus in utter brokenness and gratefulness of being forgiven recognised that she was a sinner. She embraced the gracious love of God and burst forth in spontaneous extravagant, uninhibited and unashamed worship!

Reflect • To what extent do you recognise yourself as a sinner? The apostle Paul saw himself as the chief of all sinners! (1 Tim 1:15) • What would God say about your worship of Him in terms of your gratitude toward Him, your extravagance and spontaneity and not being self-conscious?

Pray • Ask God to help you face the truth of your reflection. Confess, repent and choose to please God. • Praise God as He gives grace to anyone who is contrite at heart.

WATCHMAN PRAYER New Life Community Services Centre Scripture Matthew 5:14–16 Our Dream New Life seeks to demonstrate God’s love by empowering people to master life’s transitions—in particular, the building of the next generation. As the face and hands of Covenant EFC, New Life’s core commitments to the church are: • Mobilise the church to represent Christ in serving the community • Meet the needs of the needy in the community • Mentor the lives of the next generation • Make a difference in the whole community Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Clarity in the long-term direction for New Life’s work with The Next Generation (aged 18 months–18 years).

2. For God to guard the Board and Director’s spiritual and professional relationship and leadership, position the right leaders and people in the right places and help New Life focus on personal growth within the organisation.

3. To develop an infrastructure and system for volunteer and donor management. [ 46 ]

[ 47 ]

THURSDAY, 14 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 14

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Mark 14:1–9; Luke 7:36–50 Mary, the woman who drew near to Jesus in utter brokenness and gratefulness of being forgiven recognised that she was a sinner. She embraced the gracious love of God and burst forth in spontaneous extravagant, uninhibited and unashamed worship!

Reflect • To what extent do you recognise yourself as a sinner? The apostle Paul saw himself as the chief of all sinners! (1 Tim 1:15) • What would God say about your worship of Him in terms of your gratitude toward Him, your extravagance and spontaneity and not being self-conscious?

Pray • Ask God to help you face the truth of your reflection. Confess, repent and choose to please God. • Praise God as He gives grace to anyone who is contrite at heart.

WATCHMAN PRAYER New Life Community Services Centre Scripture Matthew 5:14–16 Our Dream New Life seeks to demonstrate God’s love by empowering people to master life’s transitions—in particular, the building of the next generation. As the face and hands of Covenant EFC, New Life’s core commitments to the church are: • Mobilise the church to represent Christ in serving the community • Meet the needs of the needy in the community • Mentor the lives of the next generation • Make a difference in the whole community Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Clarity in the long-term direction for New Life’s work with The Next Generation (aged 18 months–18 years).

2. For God to guard the Board and Director’s spiritual and professional relationship and leadership, position the right leaders and people in the right places and help New Life focus on personal growth within the organisation.

3. To develop an infrastructure and system for volunteer and donor management. [ 46 ]

[ 47 ]

FRIDAY, 15 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 15

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Psalm 89:30–34; Exodus 20:1–17 God’s love is a covenantal love. Hence, He will love us to the end despite our breaking of our covenant to Him through our disobedience and unfaithfulness to Him and His commandments. Let us remember that true love is not devoid of punishment of wrongdoing. God punishes in purest love, holiness and justice.

Reflect • Ponder over God’s unconditional and unfailing love poured out to you.

• How faithful have you been in keeping your covenantal love with God? Pray • Would you renew your covenantal love relationship with God? (cf. Matt 26:26–29; Luke 9:23) • Thank God for His grace and great love.

WATCHMAN PRAYER New Life Childcare, New Life Children & Student Care Scripture Matthew 9:36 Our Dream Childcare: To nurture wholesome children in partnership with parents.

Student Care: To mentor children to become disciplined and confident individuals.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Thanksgiving • The successful completion of facilities in 2010—cyclical maintenance of the Childcare Centre, and the building of the Children & Student Care Centre.

• Steady enrolment of new students.

2. New Life Childcare: Provision of English teachers, greater focus on character and life skills than academic emphasis for children, and a safe, loving and conducive environment for their growth and development.

3. New Life Children & Student Care: Provision of staff and volunteers, especially to strengthen the leadership of the centre, for safety and a good working relationship with parents.

[ 48 ]

[ 49 ]

FRIDAY, 15 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 15

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Psalm 89:30–34; Exodus 20:1–17 God’s love is a covenantal love. Hence, He will love us to the end despite our breaking of our covenant to Him through our disobedience and unfaithfulness to Him and His commandments. Let us remember that true love is not devoid of punishment of wrongdoing. God punishes in purest love, holiness and justice.

Reflect • Ponder over God’s unconditional and unfailing love poured out to you.

• How faithful have you been in keeping your covenantal love with God? Pray • Would you renew your covenantal love relationship with God? (cf. Matt 26:26–29; Luke 9:23) • Thank God for His grace and great love.

WATCHMAN PRAYER New Life Childcare, New Life Children & Student Care Scripture Matthew 9:36 Our Dream Childcare: To nurture wholesome children in partnership with parents.

Student Care: To mentor children to become disciplined and confident individuals.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Thanksgiving • The successful completion of facilities in 2010—cyclical maintenance of the Childcare Centre, and the building of the Children & Student Care Centre.

• Steady enrolment of new students.

2. New Life Childcare: Provision of English teachers, greater focus on character and life skills than academic emphasis for children, and a safe, loving and conducive environment for their growth and development.

3. New Life Children & Student Care: Provision of staff and volunteers, especially to strengthen the leadership of the centre, for safety and a good working relationship with parents.

[ 48 ]

[ 49 ]

SATURDAY, 16 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 16

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Luke 15:11–32 It is the father’s strong and generous love that enabled him to release his younger son to make bad life choices and receive him when he returns. The father demonstrated this love for his older son with his presence and granting co-ownership of all he had (verse 31).

Reflect • “I am not worthy to be called your son/daughter.” Is this your heart’s cry?

• Do you enjoy your Heavenly Father’s presence and “every spiritual blessing” in Christ (Eph 1:3)?

• Would you be offended or would you be rejoicing when lavish attention is given to lost children returning to the Father?

Pray • Thank and praise God for His strong and generous love lavished on us.

• Ask God for a heart desiring to be with Him, live in His blessings and see other children return to Him. WATCHMAN PRAYER New Life Children Services, New Life Youth Services Scripture Proverbs 22:6 Our Dream New Life Children: Love children by mentoring them to become character champions.

New Life Youth: Building character and developing resilience through life’s transforming purpose.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Thanksgiving • New programmes such as Magic Mentoring.

• Consolidation and growth of established programmes such as the Youth Hub, Steady Readers and Kids Champ Club.

2. New Life Children: pray for strengthening of the leadership of the department, and favour as programmes are launched in Woodlands as well as in Bukit Panjang, for greater opportunities in collaboration with schools.

3. New Life Youth: pray for the smooth and timely completion of the new Youth Hub in Woodlands, that we will serve the real needs for the youths, and be a good role model and mentor to youths. Pray for greater intentionality in reaching disadvantaged youths, and wisdom in doing casework and counselling in the Enhanced STEP-UP programme. We also need a Youth Manager for Woodlands.

[ 50 ]

[ 51 ]

SATURDAY, 16 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 16

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Luke 15:11–32 It is the father’s strong and generous love that enabled him to release his younger son to make bad life choices and receive him when he returns. The father demonstrated this love for his older son with his presence and granting co-ownership of all he had (verse 31).

Reflect • “I am not worthy to be called your son/daughter.” Is this your heart’s cry?

• Do you enjoy your Heavenly Father’s presence and “every spiritual blessing” in Christ (Eph 1:3)?

• Would you be offended or would you be rejoicing when lavish attention is given to lost children returning to the Father?

Pray • Thank and praise God for His strong and generous love lavished on us.

• Ask God for a heart desiring to be with Him, live in His blessings and see other children return to Him. WATCHMAN PRAYER New Life Children Services, New Life Youth Services Scripture Proverbs 22:6 Our Dream New Life Children: Love children by mentoring them to become character champions.

New Life Youth: Building character and developing resilience through life’s transforming purpose.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Thanksgiving • New programmes such as Magic Mentoring.

• Consolidation and growth of established programmes such as the Youth Hub, Steady Readers and Kids Champ Club.

2. New Life Children: pray for strengthening of the leadership of the department, and favour as programmes are launched in Woodlands as well as in Bukit Panjang, for greater opportunities in collaboration with schools.

3. New Life Youth: pray for the smooth and timely completion of the new Youth Hub in Woodlands, that we will serve the real needs for the youths, and be a good role model and mentor to youths. Pray for greater intentionality in reaching disadvantaged youths, and wisdom in doing casework and counselling in the Enhanced STEP-UP programme. We also need a Youth Manager for Woodlands.

[ 50 ]

[ 51 ]

SUNDAY, 17 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 17

PERSONAL PRAYER Read John 14:21–24; 1 John 2:1–6, 4:19 & 5:3 Reflect God first loves us and graciously turns sinful human beings to become His beloved children through Jesus Christ. What a gift of sonship, love and intimacy with the Almighty God! In gratitude, we love Him in return too through our joyful obedience!

• Think about the price God paid for you to be called children of God and be dearly loved

by Him. • Reflect on your love for God. How do you fare in terms of willing and joyful obedience?

Pray • Thank God for His love to you. Think of specific examples.

• Thank God for the promise of His abiding presence, and ask Him to reveal more of Himself to you.

• Ask God for a heart of obedience to His Word, especially in one area that you are still struggling with.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Missions Scripture John 14:21 Our Dream To love the Lord is the heartbeat for missions, so our dream is for all Covenanters to love the Lord and obey His commands.

Our mission goal for 2020 is for all church members to be involved in missions: • 10% (500 members) to be sent out as missionaries to plant 1,000 disciple-making church plants in Asia.

• 10 church members (the other 90%) to be praying for each missionary.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Every child of God will participate in missions and there will be no spectators.

2. Everyone will have a significant and unique role. For example, support missionaries in prayer or financially; be a witness to a migrant colleague or friends; make a Christian impact in another country.

3. Ask God for diligence and faithfulness to fulfill what He has assigned to you.

[ 52 ]

Start of Missions Week

{

“In His love He clothes us, enfolds and embraces us; that tender love completely surrounds us, never to leave us.”

JULIAN OF NORWICH

[ 53 ]

}

SUNDAY, 17 JULY

week three

Draw Near To BE LOVED

NOTES

WEEK 3, DAY 17

PERSONAL PRAYER Read John 14:21–24; 1 John 2:1–6, 4:19 & 5:3 Reflect God first loves us and graciously turns sinful human beings to become His beloved children through Jesus Christ. What a gift of sonship, love and intimacy with the Almighty God! In gratitude, we love Him in return too through our joyful obedience!

• Think about the price God paid for you to be called children of God and be dearly loved

by Him. • Reflect on your love for God. How do you fare in terms of willing and joyful obedience?

Pray • Thank God for His love to you. Think of specific examples.

• Thank God for the promise of His abiding presence, and ask Him to reveal more of Himself to you.

• Ask God for a heart of obedience to His Word, especially in one area that you are still struggling with.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Missions Scripture John 14:21 Our Dream To love the Lord is the heartbeat for missions, so our dream is for all Covenanters to love the Lord and obey His commands.

Our mission goal for 2020 is for all church members to be involved in missions: • 10% (500 members) to be sent out as missionaries to plant 1,000 disciple-making church plants in Asia.

• 10 church members (the other 90%) to be praying for each missionary.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Every child of God will participate in missions and there will be no spectators.

2. Everyone will have a significant and unique role. For example, support missionaries in prayer or financially; be a witness to a migrant colleague or friends; make a Christian impact in another country.

3. Ask God for diligence and faithfulness to fulfill what He has assigned to you.

[ 52 ]

Start of Missions Week

{

“In His love He clothes us, enfolds and embraces us; that tender love completely surrounds us, never to leave us.”

JULIAN OF NORWICH

[ 53 ]

}

WEEK 1234567 18-24 JULY

draw near to

LOVE

“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.”

MATTHEW 9:36 [ 54 ]

[ 55 ]

WEEK 1234567 18-24 JULY

draw near to

LOVE

“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.”

MATTHEW 9:36 [ 54 ]

[ 55 ]

MONDAY, 18 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 18

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 56:6–8 Reflect God loves all peoples from all nations in desiring all to know and worship Him. He calls His children to love as He loves by praying for the salvation of all peoples in the world.

• Do you desire as God does for all peoples to know and worship Him? Why or why not?

• How is your love for God and the nations with regards to your prayers for their salvation?

• God promises joy to those who worship Him and pray for all nations. Would you make Him joyful?

Pray • Praise the Lord for He loves all peoples and grants salvation to any who believes in His Son. • Ask God for a heart to pray for the nations, beyond praying for yourself, family and friends.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Missions need not be in a faraway country. Missions can be right in our backyards. There are 1.31 million non-resident foreigners in Singapore. (These constitute 25.7% of the total population of 5.08 million.) They can be classified into three distinct groups: • International students—100,000 from about 120 countries (This is estimated to rise to 150,000 by 2012.)

• Foreign Talents—200,000 professionals under the P, Q and S employment passes.

• Foreign Workers—over 950,000 under work permit.

Pray As you have already asked God for a heart to pray for the nations, now ask Him for divine appointments to connect with some of these internationals in your sphere of influence. Ask God to gather these foreigners to Himself.

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[ 57 ]

MONDAY, 18 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 18

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 56:6–8 Reflect God loves all peoples from all nations in desiring all to know and worship Him. He calls His children to love as He loves by praying for the salvation of all peoples in the world.

• Do you desire as God does for all peoples to know and worship Him? Why or why not?

• How is your love for God and the nations with regards to your prayers for their salvation?

• God promises joy to those who worship Him and pray for all nations. Would you make Him joyful?

Pray • Praise the Lord for He loves all peoples and grants salvation to any who believes in His Son. • Ask God for a heart to pray for the nations, beyond praying for yourself, family and friends.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Missions need not be in a faraway country. Missions can be right in our backyards. There are 1.31 million non-resident foreigners in Singapore. (These constitute 25.7% of the total population of 5.08 million.) They can be classified into three distinct groups: • International students—100,000 from about 120 countries (This is estimated to rise to 150,000 by 2012.)

• Foreign Talents—200,000 professionals under the P, Q and S employment passes.

• Foreign Workers—over 950,000 under work permit.

Pray As you have already asked God for a heart to pray for the nations, now ask Him for divine appointments to connect with some of these internationals in your sphere of influence. Ask God to gather these foreigners to Himself.

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[ 57 ]

TUESDAY, 19 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 19

PERSONAL PRAYER Read John 4:34–38 Reflect Jesus declared that His life’s focus and purpose is to do the Father’s will and to reconcile men to Him. Moreover, Jesus proclaimed that people are ready to be reconciled and return to the Father! No wonder Jesus sends us out to reap that for which we have not laboured!

• What is your focus and purpose in life? How are you following Jesus today?

• Would you believe all Jesus said is true then and is still true today? Would you believe this is true in your life? Why or why not?

Pray • Ask God for His grace that you will believe in His Word and act on it.

• Ask God for His compassion for the lost.

• Ask God for divine appointments to share the gospel and for the miracle of leading someone to receive Jesus Christ.

WATCHMAN PRAYER On the way to buy food, the disciples walked past the Samaritan woman and did not connect with her. When they were bringing food back to Jesus, again they failed to connect with her.

Today, the urban centers of the world are growing at an amazing pace. People are increasingly lonely in the midst of the concrete jungle. More and more are salvaging for a living at the slums right in the midst of such cities. More and more are being abandoned due to extreme poverty. People around us are in desperate need.

Pray 1. We will connect with people in need around us despite our busy lifestyles.

2. We will have compassion for the lost and needy.

[ 58 ]

[ 59 ]

TUESDAY, 19 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 19

PERSONAL PRAYER Read John 4:34–38 Reflect Jesus declared that His life’s focus and purpose is to do the Father’s will and to reconcile men to Him. Moreover, Jesus proclaimed that people are ready to be reconciled and return to the Father! No wonder Jesus sends us out to reap that for which we have not laboured!

• What is your focus and purpose in life? How are you following Jesus today?

• Would you believe all Jesus said is true then and is still true today? Would you believe this is true in your life? Why or why not?

Pray • Ask God for His grace that you will believe in His Word and act on it.

• Ask God for His compassion for the lost.

• Ask God for divine appointments to share the gospel and for the miracle of leading someone to receive Jesus Christ.

WATCHMAN PRAYER On the way to buy food, the disciples walked past the Samaritan woman and did not connect with her. When they were bringing food back to Jesus, again they failed to connect with her.

Today, the urban centers of the world are growing at an amazing pace. People are increasingly lonely in the midst of the concrete jungle. More and more are salvaging for a living at the slums right in the midst of such cities. More and more are being abandoned due to extreme poverty. People around us are in desperate need.

Pray 1. We will connect with people in need around us despite our busy lifestyles.

2. We will have compassion for the lost and needy.

[ 58 ]

[ 59 ]

WEDNESDAY, 20 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 20

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 6:1–8 Reflect Passion for the lost and reconciling them to Jesus Christ naturally flows from a true worship of the living and holy Lord.

• Have you ever tasted such a description of worship, cleansing and willing service to the Lord?

• Would you like to have such an encounter with the Lord? Why or why not?

Pray • Worship the Lord for WHO He is—all holy, all glorious, all merciful and gracious.

• Confess and repent of any sin that the Holy Spirit is convicting you.

• Offer yourself to God and tell Him, “Here I am. Send me!”

WATCHMAN PRAYER We have unclean lips and we live in the midst of a people of unclean lips. Many use the name of our Lord Jesus as a curse word. Such outbursts come from an angry and hurting heart. Would you ask God to examine your heart, and to give you a heart that is tender towards the lost? More than that, would you ask God to send you into their midst? Would you look through the eyes of God into the countries of Asia, wait for God to put a country into your hearts and then pray, “Here am I! Send me!”

Pray 1. Ask God for courage, faith and obedience to enforce Jesus’ victory and restoration to the fullness of life to all nations through prayer (Colossians 2:14–15, Luke 4:18–19).

2. Believe God’s word and pray audacious and tenacious prayers for the salvation, freedom and restoration in Jesus Christ for foreign workers here in Singapore!

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[ 61 ]

WEDNESDAY, 20 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 20

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 6:1–8 Reflect Passion for the lost and reconciling them to Jesus Christ naturally flows from a true worship of the living and holy Lord.

• Have you ever tasted such a description of worship, cleansing and willing service to the Lord?

• Would you like to have such an encounter with the Lord? Why or why not?

Pray • Worship the Lord for WHO He is—all holy, all glorious, all merciful and gracious.

• Confess and repent of any sin that the Holy Spirit is convicting you.

• Offer yourself to God and tell Him, “Here I am. Send me!”

WATCHMAN PRAYER We have unclean lips and we live in the midst of a people of unclean lips. Many use the name of our Lord Jesus as a curse word. Such outbursts come from an angry and hurting heart. Would you ask God to examine your heart, and to give you a heart that is tender towards the lost? More than that, would you ask God to send you into their midst? Would you look through the eyes of God into the countries of Asia, wait for God to put a country into your hearts and then pray, “Here am I! Send me!”

Pray 1. Ask God for courage, faith and obedience to enforce Jesus’ victory and restoration to the fullness of life to all nations through prayer (Colossians 2:14–15, Luke 4:18–19).

2. Believe God’s word and pray audacious and tenacious prayers for the salvation, freedom and restoration in Jesus Christ for foreign workers here in Singapore!

[ 60 ]

[ 61 ]

THURSDAY, 21 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 21

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Matt 9:35–38 Jesus met the needs of the people. He taught them and healed the sick. However, Jesus saw the real need of the crowds around him--they were distressed, downcast and needing a shepherd and He felt compassion for them.

Reflect • Reflect on how you live your life each day. Do you notice the people around you?

Do you meet their needs? Do you see their real need? Do you feel compassion for them? Why or why not?

• Would you live as Jesus did?

• Would you answer His call to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest?

Pray • Worship the Lord who is the Lord of the Harvest and is compassionate for people.

• Exchange your eyes and heart for His. • Pray for workers to be sent into God’s harvest.

WATCHMAN PRAYER God has a special place in his heart for the distressed and downcast—harassed and helpless orphans and widows. Missions and social action are twin blades of a pair of scissors. To tell orphans that Jesus loves them and died for them must also include providing them with food and shelter. To tell children who were abused and abandoned by their own parents that there is a heavenly Father that loves them requires concrete demonstrations of God’s love in action. Only such genuine love can heal the wounds that were inflicted on their tender hearts. Walk into any Christian orphanage, and you will find a man or woman who was called by God to do something for those orphans.

Pray 1. Pray for those working among orphans and widows, the marginalised and disadvantaged.

2. Ask God what act of kindness He wants you to do for any one of the above groups.

And do it!

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[ 63 ]

THURSDAY, 21 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 21

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Matt 9:35–38 Jesus met the needs of the people. He taught them and healed the sick. However, Jesus saw the real need of the crowds around him--they were distressed, downcast and needing a shepherd and He felt compassion for them.

Reflect • Reflect on how you live your life each day. Do you notice the people around you?

Do you meet their needs? Do you see their real need? Do you feel compassion for them? Why or why not?

• Would you live as Jesus did?

• Would you answer His call to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest?

Pray • Worship the Lord who is the Lord of the Harvest and is compassionate for people.

• Exchange your eyes and heart for His. • Pray for workers to be sent into God’s harvest.

WATCHMAN PRAYER God has a special place in his heart for the distressed and downcast—harassed and helpless orphans and widows. Missions and social action are twin blades of a pair of scissors. To tell orphans that Jesus loves them and died for them must also include providing them with food and shelter. To tell children who were abused and abandoned by their own parents that there is a heavenly Father that loves them requires concrete demonstrations of God’s love in action. Only such genuine love can heal the wounds that were inflicted on their tender hearts. Walk into any Christian orphanage, and you will find a man or woman who was called by God to do something for those orphans.

Pray 1. Pray for those working among orphans and widows, the marginalised and disadvantaged.

2. Ask God what act of kindness He wants you to do for any one of the above groups.

And do it!

[ 62 ]

[ 63 ]

FRIDAY, 22 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 22

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 41:8–16 What a privilege to be chosen and not rejected by God! He made us His People, dearly loved and calls us to be His Servants! The Lord encourages us not to fear nor be anxious, but to become His instrument in the Kingdom and do His bidding. God promises He will do the work in and through us because He is our God and He is with us. He will strengthen us, help us and uphold us. So, let us rejoice in Him! Reflect • Have you fully embraced the call of God—to be His People as well as His servants?

Why or why not?

• How have you been His servant?

• How have you been appropriating the promises of God? Pray • Worship the Lord who chose you as His own!

• Confess and repent of any sin.

• Renew your covenant with the Lord.

WATCHMAN PRAYER When God calls us to the mission field, we often respond in fear. Fear of leaving loved ones and the present comforts of life so as to step out into the unknown; fear of safety and what the future holds, etc. God knows we fear and hence, He has given us His promises to still our anxious hearts.

Pray 1. For the missionaries already sent from Covenant.

2. For at least 500 Covenanters to be sent in the mission field. Pray for faith, courage and love to arise that they will respond to God’s call. Pray that you would too, if God calls!

3. Wisdom and discernment for the church regarding who, when and how to send God’s servants to the mission field.

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[ 65 ]

FRIDAY, 22 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 22

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 41:8–16 What a privilege to be chosen and not rejected by God! He made us His People, dearly loved and calls us to be His Servants! The Lord encourages us not to fear nor be anxious, but to become His instrument in the Kingdom and do His bidding. God promises He will do the work in and through us because He is our God and He is with us. He will strengthen us, help us and uphold us. So, let us rejoice in Him! Reflect • Have you fully embraced the call of God—to be His People as well as His servants?

Why or why not?

• How have you been His servant?

• How have you been appropriating the promises of God? Pray • Worship the Lord who chose you as His own!

• Confess and repent of any sin.

• Renew your covenant with the Lord.

WATCHMAN PRAYER When God calls us to the mission field, we often respond in fear. Fear of leaving loved ones and the present comforts of life so as to step out into the unknown; fear of safety and what the future holds, etc. God knows we fear and hence, He has given us His promises to still our anxious hearts.

Pray 1. For the missionaries already sent from Covenant.

2. For at least 500 Covenanters to be sent in the mission field. Pray for faith, courage and love to arise that they will respond to God’s call. Pray that you would too, if God calls!

3. Wisdom and discernment for the church regarding who, when and how to send God’s servants to the mission field.

[ 64 ]

[ 65 ]

SATURDAY, 23 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 23

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Matt 28:18–20, Mark 16:15–18 God calls us to be His servants and He tells us clearly what He wants us to do—make disciples of all the nations!

Reflect • What does the command, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” mean to you?

• God promises that miracles will accompany those who have believed to authenticate the Gospel. Are we missing out on His promises because we have not obeyed His command? Or are we trying to fulfill the Great Commission without claiming His promises?

• Would you personally embrace and obey this command?

Pray • Praise God as He desires the nations to be saved by sending His People to them and doing miracles through them!

• Intentionally ask God and find someone to disciple as a decisive act of obedience, faith and love.

• Ask God to convict Covenanters and the Church to return to our disciple-making roots through authentic and intentional discipleship.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Covenant can neither reach the world nor Asia alone. We need strategic partners.

Pray 1. God to connect us with mission agencies and local churches that share our DNA of being disciples of “a certain kind” that we may plant 1,000 disciple-making churches by 2020.

2. God to direct us into specific countries, specific cities and specific church plants.

3. Boldness to do as God commands—whether to go in the strength of our might (Judges 6:14) or move in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Covenant Family Missions Evening

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[ 67 ]

SATURDAY, 23 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 23

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Matt 28:18–20, Mark 16:15–18 God calls us to be His servants and He tells us clearly what He wants us to do—make disciples of all the nations!

Reflect • What does the command, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” mean to you?

• God promises that miracles will accompany those who have believed to authenticate the Gospel. Are we missing out on His promises because we have not obeyed His command? Or are we trying to fulfill the Great Commission without claiming His promises?

• Would you personally embrace and obey this command?

Pray • Praise God as He desires the nations to be saved by sending His People to them and doing miracles through them!

• Intentionally ask God and find someone to disciple as a decisive act of obedience, faith and love.

• Ask God to convict Covenanters and the Church to return to our disciple-making roots through authentic and intentional discipleship.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Covenant can neither reach the world nor Asia alone. We need strategic partners.

Pray 1. God to connect us with mission agencies and local churches that share our DNA of being disciples of “a certain kind” that we may plant 1,000 disciple-making churches by 2020.

2. God to direct us into specific countries, specific cities and specific church plants.

3. Boldness to do as God commands—whether to go in the strength of our might (Judges 6:14) or move in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Covenant Family Missions Evening

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[ 67 ]

SUNDAY, 24 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 24

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1–4 and Ephesians 1:13–14 The Holy Spirit has come upon us! Hence, we have received power, ready as Jesus’ witnesses!

Reflect • What does it mean to be a witness of Jesus Christ?

• What does it entail for the Holy Spirit to empower you? Would you be willing?

• The Jews were prejudiced against the Samaritans (John 4:4, 9). Who are those that you avoid sharing the gospel with?

• What does “to the remotest of the earth” mean to you? What steps can you take to be a witness of Jesus, even “to the remotest of the earth”?

Pray • An increased passion to be witnesses of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, in your Jerusalem, Judea and to the end of the earth.

• Ask God to remove any blind spots that you may have regarding the “Samaria” in your lives.

• Ask God for faith to take the gospel beyond your comfort zones.

WATCHMAN PRAYER God’s work done in God’s way, will not lack God’s resources.

Pray 1. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading regarding how the church can fulfill its mandate to bring the gospel to Asia.

2. God’s provision of all the resources especially the labourers in the mission field.

3. Humble obedience to overcome our prejudices to reach our “Samaria” for Jesus.

4. Everyone in Covenant to be faithful in fulfilling their individual roles and calling in the kingdom of God.

End of Missions Week

[ 68 ]

{

“Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t. … Worship is the goal of missions because in missions we simply aim to bring the nations into the white-hot enjoyment of God’s glory.”

JOHN PIPER, LET THE NATIONS BE GLAD [ 69 ]

}

SUNDAY, 24 JULY

week four

Draw Near To LOVE

NOTES

WEEK 4, DAY 24

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1–4 and Ephesians 1:13–14 The Holy Spirit has come upon us! Hence, we have received power, ready as Jesus’ witnesses!

Reflect • What does it mean to be a witness of Jesus Christ?

• What does it entail for the Holy Spirit to empower you? Would you be willing?

• The Jews were prejudiced against the Samaritans (John 4:4, 9). Who are those that you avoid sharing the gospel with?

• What does “to the remotest of the earth” mean to you? What steps can you take to be a witness of Jesus, even “to the remotest of the earth”?

Pray • An increased passion to be witnesses of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, in your Jerusalem, Judea and to the end of the earth.

• Ask God to remove any blind spots that you may have regarding the “Samaria” in your lives.

• Ask God for faith to take the gospel beyond your comfort zones.

WATCHMAN PRAYER God’s work done in God’s way, will not lack God’s resources.

Pray 1. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading regarding how the church can fulfill its mandate to bring the gospel to Asia.

2. God’s provision of all the resources especially the labourers in the mission field.

3. Humble obedience to overcome our prejudices to reach our “Samaria” for Jesus.

4. Everyone in Covenant to be faithful in fulfilling their individual roles and calling in the kingdom of God.

End of Missions Week

[ 68 ]

{

“Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t. … Worship is the goal of missions because in missions we simply aim to bring the nations into the white-hot enjoyment of God’s glory.”

JOHN PIPER, LET THE NATIONS BE GLAD [ 69 ]

}

WEEK 1234567 25-31 JULY

draw near to

SERVE

“We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

1 JOHN 3:16

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[ 71 ]

WEEK 1234567 25-31 JULY

draw near to

SERVE

“We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

1 JOHN 3:16

[ 70 ]

[ 71 ]

MONDAY, 25 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 25

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Luke 10:25–37 In receiving God’s love, we love Him with our ALL. In loving Him with our ALL, we love our neighbour. In loving our neighbour, we show care, compassion and kindness to them—even if they are strangers, or our enemies, or even if our own life is in danger.

Reflect • Honestly, do you see yourself as the priest, Levite or Samaritan? Why? • Re-read what the Samaritan did and note the extent of his compassion and kindness, e.g. sacrifice of money and time, suffering various inconveniences, and breaking of cultural taboos.

Pray • Confess and repent as the Holy Spirit convicts you.

• Pray for a change of heart evidenced in action for yourself, then for God’s people.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Mandarin Ministry (Bukit Panjang Centre) Scripture John 17:20–21 Our Dream We dream that believers are empowered to be channels for Jesus’ mission — sent by the Father to be a blessing for humankind. In the Mandarin Ministry, our dream is focused not only on the pre-believing parents of our English-speaking members (blessing of family oneness), but also on a younger bilingual generation that might lead the future of Singapore (blessing of national unity).

We have yet to make a breakthrough in reaching the Mandarin-speaking Singaporeans.

We claim Jesus’ promise: “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one …” May the Lord continue to blaze this vision in our present generation for the future of the nation.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. The Lord will raise up visionary leaders for the future of the Mandarin Ministry.

2. The Lord will empower the people in the Mandarin Ministry to make a difference in their lives regardless of social or educational status.

3. The Lord may impassion our English-speaking members to reach out to their prebelieving Mandarin-speaking F.R.A.N.S.* *Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbours, Strangers

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MONDAY, 25 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 25

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Luke 10:25–37 In receiving God’s love, we love Him with our ALL. In loving Him with our ALL, we love our neighbour. In loving our neighbour, we show care, compassion and kindness to them—even if they are strangers, or our enemies, or even if our own life is in danger.

Reflect • Honestly, do you see yourself as the priest, Levite or Samaritan? Why? • Re-read what the Samaritan did and note the extent of his compassion and kindness, e.g. sacrifice of money and time, suffering various inconveniences, and breaking of cultural taboos.

Pray • Confess and repent as the Holy Spirit convicts you.

• Pray for a change of heart evidenced in action for yourself, then for God’s people.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Mandarin Ministry (Bukit Panjang Centre) Scripture John 17:20–21 Our Dream We dream that believers are empowered to be channels for Jesus’ mission — sent by the Father to be a blessing for humankind. In the Mandarin Ministry, our dream is focused not only on the pre-believing parents of our English-speaking members (blessing of family oneness), but also on a younger bilingual generation that might lead the future of Singapore (blessing of national unity).

We have yet to make a breakthrough in reaching the Mandarin-speaking Singaporeans.

We claim Jesus’ promise: “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one …” May the Lord continue to blaze this vision in our present generation for the future of the nation.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. The Lord will raise up visionary leaders for the future of the Mandarin Ministry.

2. The Lord will empower the people in the Mandarin Ministry to make a difference in their lives regardless of social or educational status.

3. The Lord may impassion our English-speaking members to reach out to their prebelieving Mandarin-speaking F.R.A.N.S.* *Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbours, Strangers

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TUESDAY, 26 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 26

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Matthew 25:31–46, 1 John 3:16–17 and Micah 6:8 Jesus requires of us to help those in need—feed the hungry, satisfy the thirsty, give shelter to the stranger, clothe the naked, visit both the sick and the prisoners? Jesus says, “To the extent you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” Reflect • When was the last time you served in the above-mentioned ways?

• Will Jesus say to you, “Come, inherit the Kingdom …”? or “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire …”?

Pray • Confess and repent as the Holy Spirit convicts you.

• Praise God for He cares for the helpless and downtrodden.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Mandarin Ministry (Woodlands Centre) Scripture Matthew 9:37–38 Our Dream As disciples of Jesus Christ, we dream of having compassion for the lost, reaching out and bringing a new hope and faith to them, just like Jesus does. It is our desire to see our Mandarin-speaking members bring the Good News to many pre-believing family members, friends and neighbours, and to equip them to disciple the next generation of Chinese-speaking believers. We want to welcome the many mainland Chinese whom God has brought to our doorstep, bring them towards Christ and integrate them into our church. We also want to reach out to the younger China students who have the potential of staying here long-term.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. The Lord will unite the new leaders with a clear vision for the pioneering work of the Mandarin Ministry in Woodlands.

2. The setting up of an SGI in the Mandarin Ministry (WDL Centre) to strengthen the community life and pastoral care of the members.

3. The Lord will stir up a great passion in us to reach out to the pre-believing community locally (China students) and overseas through missions involvement in China.

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TUESDAY, 26 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 26

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Matthew 25:31–46, 1 John 3:16–17 and Micah 6:8 Jesus requires of us to help those in need—feed the hungry, satisfy the thirsty, give shelter to the stranger, clothe the naked, visit both the sick and the prisoners? Jesus says, “To the extent you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” Reflect • When was the last time you served in the above-mentioned ways?

• Will Jesus say to you, “Come, inherit the Kingdom …”? or “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire …”?

Pray • Confess and repent as the Holy Spirit convicts you.

• Praise God for He cares for the helpless and downtrodden.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Mandarin Ministry (Woodlands Centre) Scripture Matthew 9:37–38 Our Dream As disciples of Jesus Christ, we dream of having compassion for the lost, reaching out and bringing a new hope and faith to them, just like Jesus does. It is our desire to see our Mandarin-speaking members bring the Good News to many pre-believing family members, friends and neighbours, and to equip them to disciple the next generation of Chinese-speaking believers. We want to welcome the many mainland Chinese whom God has brought to our doorstep, bring them towards Christ and integrate them into our church. We also want to reach out to the younger China students who have the potential of staying here long-term.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. The Lord will unite the new leaders with a clear vision for the pioneering work of the Mandarin Ministry in Woodlands.

2. The setting up of an SGI in the Mandarin Ministry (WDL Centre) to strengthen the community life and pastoral care of the members.

3. The Lord will stir up a great passion in us to reach out to the pre-believing community locally (China students) and overseas through missions involvement in China.

[ 74 ]

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WEDNESDAY, 27 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 27

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Matthew 5:13–16; 43–48 As children of God, we are expected to love and hence, serve all people—the good, bad and the ugly. In doing so, we reflect and glorify our Father in heaven.

Reflect • Have we been conscious and conscientious in serving people?

• Do we serve them with strings attached? Jesus did not! He died for ALL—whether they believed in Him or not!

Pray • Worship the Lord for His amazing grace!

• Commit anew to love and serve people as you depend on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and appropriate the promises of God (2 Pet 1:3–4) WATCHMAN PRAYER Cantonese Ministry Scripture Acts 26:18 Our Dream “When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius.”

Matthew 20:9 Though no one hired the workers at the eleventh hour, the landlord hired and paid them the same as other workers. This is God’s love towards the elderly. Indeed His love and favour unto them is even greater! May the elderly come to the LORD before their departure from this world, and take ownership of the Cantonese Ministry, continue to pursue God, evangelise, serve joyously and passionately, and be prayer warriors. The joy of the LORD is their strength to possess the gate of the enemy!

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. The Lord will raise up faithful leaders with passion and compassion.

2. The congregation will receive anointing and boldness in evangelism and prayer.

3. That we will have a greater desire to love Christ and witness for Him.

[ 76 ]

[ 77 ]

WEDNESDAY, 27 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 27

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Matthew 5:13–16; 43–48 As children of God, we are expected to love and hence, serve all people—the good, bad and the ugly. In doing so, we reflect and glorify our Father in heaven.

Reflect • Have we been conscious and conscientious in serving people?

• Do we serve them with strings attached? Jesus did not! He died for ALL—whether they believed in Him or not!

Pray • Worship the Lord for His amazing grace!

• Commit anew to love and serve people as you depend on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and appropriate the promises of God (2 Pet 1:3–4) WATCHMAN PRAYER Cantonese Ministry Scripture Acts 26:18 Our Dream “When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius.”

Matthew 20:9 Though no one hired the workers at the eleventh hour, the landlord hired and paid them the same as other workers. This is God’s love towards the elderly. Indeed His love and favour unto them is even greater! May the elderly come to the LORD before their departure from this world, and take ownership of the Cantonese Ministry, continue to pursue God, evangelise, serve joyously and passionately, and be prayer warriors. The joy of the LORD is their strength to possess the gate of the enemy!

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. The Lord will raise up faithful leaders with passion and compassion.

2. The congregation will receive anointing and boldness in evangelism and prayer.

3. That we will have a greater desire to love Christ and witness for Him.

[ 76 ]

[ 77 ]

THURSDAY, 28 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 28

PERSONAL PRAYER Read 1 John 4:7–21 Here is another call for us to love one another. If we say we love God, then we should love our brother and our families too. We cannot say we love God whom we cannot see and hate our brother whom we can see.

Reflect • Have you been loving your brother or sister in your own family and the family of God? • How have you served them in the light of God’s word, e.g. putting their interests before yours? (Phil 2:1-11) Pray • Thank God that He first loved us and He enables us to love!

• Seek the Lord how He would like you to serve your own family and the family of God. And do it!

WATCHMAN PRAYER Hokkien Ministry (BPJ and WDL Centres) Scripture Acts 26:17–18 Our Dream We believe the Lord is preparing a great spiritual “fishnet” to bring about a major revivalharvest of the Hokkien people in Singapore and globally, as we establish and strengthen links with other churches to be a united harvest force. In line with this, we aim to serve as a bridge of the church to win, disciple and send the heartlanders to win more for Christ. We desire to see their lives continually transformed by God’s power, as they become a people called for the Lord’s glory and purpose.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God will send a full-time Hokkien Pastor, a man full of the Spirit, wisdom and passion to reach out to the Hokkien people, to assist Pastor Gilbert.

2. God will raise up more faithful and committed lay leaders and labourers for WDL Centre.

3. God will build up the Hokkien congregation to be a people of faith and courage, who abide fully in Christ and bear fruit to bring glory to our Father’s name.

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THURSDAY, 28 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 28

PERSONAL PRAYER Read 1 John 4:7–21 Here is another call for us to love one another. If we say we love God, then we should love our brother and our families too. We cannot say we love God whom we cannot see and hate our brother whom we can see.

Reflect • Have you been loving your brother or sister in your own family and the family of God? • How have you served them in the light of God’s word, e.g. putting their interests before yours? (Phil 2:1-11) Pray • Thank God that He first loved us and He enables us to love!

• Seek the Lord how He would like you to serve your own family and the family of God. And do it!

WATCHMAN PRAYER Hokkien Ministry (BPJ and WDL Centres) Scripture Acts 26:17–18 Our Dream We believe the Lord is preparing a great spiritual “fishnet” to bring about a major revivalharvest of the Hokkien people in Singapore and globally, as we establish and strengthen links with other churches to be a united harvest force. In line with this, we aim to serve as a bridge of the church to win, disciple and send the heartlanders to win more for Christ. We desire to see their lives continually transformed by God’s power, as they become a people called for the Lord’s glory and purpose.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God will send a full-time Hokkien Pastor, a man full of the Spirit, wisdom and passion to reach out to the Hokkien people, to assist Pastor Gilbert.

2. God will raise up more faithful and committed lay leaders and labourers for WDL Centre.

3. God will build up the Hokkien congregation to be a people of faith and courage, who abide fully in Christ and bear fruit to bring glory to our Father’s name.

[ 78 ]

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FRIDAY, 29 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 29

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Galatians 6:9-10, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:11-16 What privilege and honour—“to do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” God has also given us spiritual gifts through His Spirit to edify people around us and glorify Him. Let us serve one another!

Reflect • Is serving others a privilege and honour? Why or why not?

• Allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts—when we serve, who and why are we serving, truly?

Pray • Thank God that He made us unique through the diverse spiritual gifting among His people.

• Commit to the Lord to discover your spiritual gifts to serve others joyfully! (Ps 100) WATCHMAN PRAYER Families-in-Covenant (FiC) Scripture 2 Chronicles 31:18 Our Dream We envisage the church as a colourful quilt, the social fabric of which is the family, each one interwoven out of Christ-centred marriages and godly parenting, where: • Every husband loves his wife sacrificially • Every wife respects her husband unconditionally • Every father brings up his son purposefully • Every mother surrenders her daughter to God resolutely • Every son obeys his mother submissively • Every daughter honours her father lovingly We dream of a certain kind of church, whose families are so resilient, exemplary and counter-cultural, that the pre-believing community, the secular state, the godless nation and the lost world come knocking on its door.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Couples in Covenant EFC will establish, embrace and enjoy Christ-centred marriages.

2. Parents in Covenant EFC will experience the Father love of God, and model it for their children by godly parenting.

3. Husbands and fathers in Covenant EFC will fear God, and by godly example, lead and inspire their wives and children to be likewise. [ 80 ]

[ 81 ]

FRIDAY, 29 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 29

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Galatians 6:9-10, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:11-16 What privilege and honour—“to do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” God has also given us spiritual gifts through His Spirit to edify people around us and glorify Him. Let us serve one another!

Reflect • Is serving others a privilege and honour? Why or why not?

• Allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts—when we serve, who and why are we serving, truly?

Pray • Thank God that He made us unique through the diverse spiritual gifting among His people.

• Commit to the Lord to discover your spiritual gifts to serve others joyfully! (Ps 100) WATCHMAN PRAYER Families-in-Covenant (FiC) Scripture 2 Chronicles 31:18 Our Dream We envisage the church as a colourful quilt, the social fabric of which is the family, each one interwoven out of Christ-centred marriages and godly parenting, where: • Every husband loves his wife sacrificially • Every wife respects her husband unconditionally • Every father brings up his son purposefully • Every mother surrenders her daughter to God resolutely • Every son obeys his mother submissively • Every daughter honours her father lovingly We dream of a certain kind of church, whose families are so resilient, exemplary and counter-cultural, that the pre-believing community, the secular state, the godless nation and the lost world come knocking on its door.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Couples in Covenant EFC will establish, embrace and enjoy Christ-centred marriages.

2. Parents in Covenant EFC will experience the Father love of God, and model it for their children by godly parenting.

3. Husbands and fathers in Covenant EFC will fear God, and by godly example, lead and inspire their wives and children to be likewise. [ 80 ]

[ 81 ]

SATURDAY, 30 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 30

PERSONAL PRAYER Read John 14: 12–17 Jesus did not leave us to serve others on our own! We could pray and He will do as He promised. He even promised a Helper who will be with us forever—and this is the Holy Spirit who lives inside us. Through the Holy Spirit, “greater works than these” will we do!

Reflect • Do you believe you will do “greater works than these”? Submit all doubts at Jesus’ feet until you believe it!

• Think about your service to others—did you serve by your own strength, skills and wisdom? Or through the Holy Spirit’s strength, ways and wisdom?

Pray • Thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit!

• Ask God to help you serve others through His Spirit.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Men-in-Covenant (MiC) Scripture Proverbs 27:17 Our Dream God using MiC to model a safe place for the mission of: • Taking every man a step closer to Jesus; • Returning believing men to authentic and godly manhood to impact strategic communities by: * Embracing our identity in Him; * Keeping spiritual disciplines; * Taking ownership to be loving leaders at home, effective witnesses at work, humble servants in the church as well as salt and light in our spheres of influence • Catalysing men’s movements in Singapore and beyond by strengthening the interchurch Men’s Ministry Network to fulfill its mission of enhancing the discipleship of men.

This will be through encouraging, equipping and empowering ministries to men within the distinctive context of each local church.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Refresh men who are confused, distracted, tired and bored to turn to the Lord.

2. Restore refreshed men to God’s call of taking ownership as servant leaders.

3. Reconcile men to God, their families and other men. [ 82 ]

[ 83 ]

SATURDAY, 30 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 30

PERSONAL PRAYER Read John 14: 12–17 Jesus did not leave us to serve others on our own! We could pray and He will do as He promised. He even promised a Helper who will be with us forever—and this is the Holy Spirit who lives inside us. Through the Holy Spirit, “greater works than these” will we do!

Reflect • Do you believe you will do “greater works than these”? Submit all doubts at Jesus’ feet until you believe it!

• Think about your service to others—did you serve by your own strength, skills and wisdom? Or through the Holy Spirit’s strength, ways and wisdom?

Pray • Thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit!

• Ask God to help you serve others through His Spirit.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Men-in-Covenant (MiC) Scripture Proverbs 27:17 Our Dream God using MiC to model a safe place for the mission of: • Taking every man a step closer to Jesus; • Returning believing men to authentic and godly manhood to impact strategic communities by: * Embracing our identity in Him; * Keeping spiritual disciplines; * Taking ownership to be loving leaders at home, effective witnesses at work, humble servants in the church as well as salt and light in our spheres of influence • Catalysing men’s movements in Singapore and beyond by strengthening the interchurch Men’s Ministry Network to fulfill its mission of enhancing the discipleship of men.

This will be through encouraging, equipping and empowering ministries to men within the distinctive context of each local church.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Refresh men who are confused, distracted, tired and bored to turn to the Lord.

2. Restore refreshed men to God’s call of taking ownership as servant leaders.

3. Reconcile men to God, their families and other men. [ 82 ]

[ 83 ]

SUNDAY, 31 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 31

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Luke 4:18–19, Isaiah 58:6–7 and Colossians 2:13–15 We continue Jesus’ ministry by preaching the Gospel, breaking bondages and yokes of those oppressed and setting those in captivity free in Jesus’ name. We simply enforce the victory and restoration found in Jesus alone in their lives!

Reflect • Ponder the awesome truth that Jesus has triumphed over the enemy and all peoples can choose to be totally free from sin, death, spiritual bondages and oppression!

• How burdened are you in the salvation and freedom of these ones in bondage to sin and oppression? Jesus gave His life for us all.

Pray • Worship God for His sovereign plan of salvation to helpless sinners.

• Commit to fast for these oppressed ones to be set free in Jesus Christ.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Women-in-Covenant (WiC) Scripture Proverbs 27:17 Our Dream We seek to disciple women to become obedient followers of Christ in every arena of life, be it as a daughter, wife, mother, sister, colleague, or neighbour.

This discipling process begins at our Women’s Breakthrough Weekend, where each heart has the opportunity to hear God’s voice individually and through a community of loving people in a safe environment. Thereafter, an eight-week Walking-in-Wholeness support group programme is available to those who need further healing in their lives.

It is our desire to see women connecting with and encouraging one another to walk their necessary journey. We desire women to be equipped, counselled, spend time in solitude and prayer, and reach out to pre-believing friends so that all may grow to embrace their God-given destiny.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Key leaders and facilitators will draw close to God daily through prayer and God’s Word.

2. Multiplication of godly leaders and facilitators for our Breakthrough Weekend; Consider fasting Walking-in-Wholeness; Healing, Deliverance & Spiritual Direction; and and praying REACH events. through the Lunar 3. Faith to see and a heart to believe as we live our God given destiny.

7th month period [ 84 ]

{

“Our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which they are done.”

TERESA OF AVILA

[ 85 ]

}

SUNDAY, 31 JULY

week five

Draw Near To SERVE

NOTES

WEEK 5, DAY 31

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Luke 4:18–19, Isaiah 58:6–7 and Colossians 2:13–15 We continue Jesus’ ministry by preaching the Gospel, breaking bondages and yokes of those oppressed and setting those in captivity free in Jesus’ name. We simply enforce the victory and restoration found in Jesus alone in their lives!

Reflect • Ponder the awesome truth that Jesus has triumphed over the enemy and all peoples can choose to be totally free from sin, death, spiritual bondages and oppression!

• How burdened are you in the salvation and freedom of these ones in bondage to sin and oppression? Jesus gave His life for us all.

Pray • Worship God for His sovereign plan of salvation to helpless sinners.

• Commit to fast for these oppressed ones to be set free in Jesus Christ.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Women-in-Covenant (WiC) Scripture Proverbs 27:17 Our Dream We seek to disciple women to become obedient followers of Christ in every arena of life, be it as a daughter, wife, mother, sister, colleague, or neighbour.

This discipling process begins at our Women’s Breakthrough Weekend, where each heart has the opportunity to hear God’s voice individually and through a community of loving people in a safe environment. Thereafter, an eight-week Walking-in-Wholeness support group programme is available to those who need further healing in their lives.

It is our desire to see women connecting with and encouraging one another to walk their necessary journey. We desire women to be equipped, counselled, spend time in solitude and prayer, and reach out to pre-believing friends so that all may grow to embrace their God-given destiny.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Key leaders and facilitators will draw close to God daily through prayer and God’s Word.

2. Multiplication of godly leaders and facilitators for our Breakthrough Weekend; Consider fasting Walking-in-Wholeness; Healing, Deliverance & Spiritual Direction; and and praying REACH events. through the Lunar 3. Faith to see and a heart to believe as we live our God given destiny.

7th month period [ 84 ]

{

“Our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which they are done.”

TERESA OF AVILA

[ 85 ]

}

WEEK 1234567 1-7 AUGUST

draw near to

REJOICE! “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”

PHILIPPIANS 4:4

[ 86 ]

[ 87 ]

WEEK 1234567 1-7 AUGUST

draw near to

REJOICE! “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”

PHILIPPIANS 4:4

[ 86 ]

[ 87 ]

MONDAY, 1 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

DAWN PRAYER & DEVOTIONS

WEEK 6, DAY 32

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Psalm 16 God exhorts us to rejoice in Him always and in everything, give thanks! As the Psalmist wrote, the secret is in knowing who God is and what He will do for His children!

Reflect • Who is the Lord to you personally?

• How can you remind yourself to rejoice in the Lord in all circumstances?

Pray • Thank God that you can trust Him in all things and for all things!

• Make a resolute choice to rejoice in the Lord always.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate A — Arts & Entertainment Scripture Philippians 4:8 Our Dream The LORD gave the Arts & Entertainment to mankind to celebrate the beauty of life — song, dance, drama, painting, television, movies etc. Imagine the Arts & Entertainment scene advance the Kingdom of God and exalt His Name! Through the various Arts & Entertainment arenas, people get to know the Holy, Almighty, Sovereign Creator God and come to believe and receive Jesus as their Saviour and Lord! Hence, through the Arts & Entertainment, we are led to worship the Giver of life and all beauty.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God-fearing leaders to be agents of influence and change.

2. God’s people to rise up and pray for the reclamation of the Arts & Entertainment industry for God, His Kingdom and holiness.

3. For God’s people to be planted in the industry and that those finding enjoyment through it be holy and blameless — choosing to honour God and His Name.

Start of Dawn Prayer

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MONDAY, 1 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

DAWN PRAYER & DEVOTIONS

WEEK 6, DAY 32

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Philippians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Psalm 16 God exhorts us to rejoice in Him always and in everything, give thanks! As the Psalmist wrote, the secret is in knowing who God is and what He will do for His children!

Reflect • Who is the Lord to you personally?

• How can you remind yourself to rejoice in the Lord in all circumstances?

Pray • Thank God that you can trust Him in all things and for all things!

• Make a resolute choice to rejoice in the Lord always.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate A — Arts & Entertainment Scripture Philippians 4:8 Our Dream The LORD gave the Arts & Entertainment to mankind to celebrate the beauty of life — song, dance, drama, painting, television, movies etc. Imagine the Arts & Entertainment scene advance the Kingdom of God and exalt His Name! Through the various Arts & Entertainment arenas, people get to know the Holy, Almighty, Sovereign Creator God and come to believe and receive Jesus as their Saviour and Lord! Hence, through the Arts & Entertainment, we are led to worship the Giver of life and all beauty.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God-fearing leaders to be agents of influence and change.

2. God’s people to rise up and pray for the reclamation of the Arts & Entertainment industry for God, His Kingdom and holiness.

3. For God’s people to be planted in the industry and that those finding enjoyment through it be holy and blameless — choosing to honour God and His Name.

Start of Dawn Prayer

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[ 89 ]

TUESDAY, 2 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

DAWN PRAYER & DEVOTIONS

WEEK 6, DAY 33

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 43:14–21 We are not to think about the things of the past but see, believe and rejoice that God will do something new! Our God is awesome and is able to do the impossible like blessing us despite our sinning against Him or defeating our seemingly infallible enemies!

Reflect • What is the new thing that God promises to do in your life?

• Think about God’s grace, love and faithfulness to you.

• Reflect likewise about Covenant Evangelical Free Church.

Pray • Tell God that you believe He is going to do the impossible!

• Declare God’s praise for what He has done and for what He is going to do!

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate B — Business, Science & Technology Scripture Proverbs 10:9 Our Dream All endeavours in Business, Science & Technology are to be pursued to honour God. Such endeavours in practice, research and marketing are to bless society, serve the LORD and transmit God’s values. In the midst of these pursuits, people from all walks of life would encounter God and His values and come to know Him through those they meet who uphold His values, honour and trust in Him. From the young users of technology to the elderly senior scientist and research fellow, each being amazed at God’s creation and miracles, to anyone buying and selling products that experience little graces of honesty, truth and integrity. May the LORD be glorified and known!

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Integrity, ethics and responsibility to be upheld in the Business, Science & Technology arenas involving lives and the world’s eco-system.

2. Working adults to have time for family and friends.

3. God’s people to rise up and pray regularly for each of these three arenas.

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[ 91 ]

TUESDAY, 2 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

DAWN PRAYER & DEVOTIONS

WEEK 6, DAY 33

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 43:14–21 We are not to think about the things of the past but see, believe and rejoice that God will do something new! Our God is awesome and is able to do the impossible like blessing us despite our sinning against Him or defeating our seemingly infallible enemies!

Reflect • What is the new thing that God promises to do in your life?

• Think about God’s grace, love and faithfulness to you.

• Reflect likewise about Covenant Evangelical Free Church.

Pray • Tell God that you believe He is going to do the impossible!

• Declare God’s praise for what He has done and for what He is going to do!

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate B — Business, Science & Technology Scripture Proverbs 10:9 Our Dream All endeavours in Business, Science & Technology are to be pursued to honour God. Such endeavours in practice, research and marketing are to bless society, serve the LORD and transmit God’s values. In the midst of these pursuits, people from all walks of life would encounter God and His values and come to know Him through those they meet who uphold His values, honour and trust in Him. From the young users of technology to the elderly senior scientist and research fellow, each being amazed at God’s creation and miracles, to anyone buying and selling products that experience little graces of honesty, truth and integrity. May the LORD be glorified and known!

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Integrity, ethics and responsibility to be upheld in the Business, Science & Technology arenas involving lives and the world’s eco-system.

2. Working adults to have time for family and friends.

3. God’s people to rise up and pray regularly for each of these three arenas.

[ 90 ]

[ 91 ]

WEDNESDAY, 3 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

DAWN PRAYER & DEVOTIONS

WEEK 6, DAY 34

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Zephaniah 3:12–17 God rejoices over His people with shouts of joy—those who repented and returned to Him with a wholehearted devotion. He takes delight in you!

Reflect • Think about God rejoicing. Think about God rejoicing over YOU! • What does this scripture text tell us about your God, His thoughts and love toward you?

Pray • Exalt the sovereign Lord who declares that He delights in you and all of His people!

• Be counted as God’s remnant – those who seek Him, delight in Him and do no wrong.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate C — Communications & Media Scripture Isaiah 32:6 Our Dream Communications & Media like newspapers, books, magazines, television, DVDs, advertisements, Internet, mobile phones, etc., will be used to communicate truth and model purity. We dream that both purposes and content would be crafted to glorify the LORD and point people to Himself, His holiness and saving grace. Imagine the magnitude of influence of sharing the Good News of God’s love and truth to the whole world literally!

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God-fearing leaders in this industry to be agents of influence and change.

2. God’s people to rise up and pray for the reclamation of the Communications & Media industry for God, His Kingdom and holiness.

3. For people, especially children, youth and young people, to choose truth and purity and renounce addiction to these means, pornography and the like.

[ 92 ]

[ 93 ]

WEDNESDAY, 3 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

DAWN PRAYER & DEVOTIONS

WEEK 6, DAY 34

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Zephaniah 3:12–17 God rejoices over His people with shouts of joy—those who repented and returned to Him with a wholehearted devotion. He takes delight in you!

Reflect • Think about God rejoicing. Think about God rejoicing over YOU! • What does this scripture text tell us about your God, His thoughts and love toward you?

Pray • Exalt the sovereign Lord who declares that He delights in you and all of His people!

• Be counted as God’s remnant – those who seek Him, delight in Him and do no wrong.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate C — Communications & Media Scripture Isaiah 32:6 Our Dream Communications & Media like newspapers, books, magazines, television, DVDs, advertisements, Internet, mobile phones, etc., will be used to communicate truth and model purity. We dream that both purposes and content would be crafted to glorify the LORD and point people to Himself, His holiness and saving grace. Imagine the magnitude of influence of sharing the Good News of God’s love and truth to the whole world literally!

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God-fearing leaders in this industry to be agents of influence and change.

2. God’s people to rise up and pray for the reclamation of the Communications & Media industry for God, His Kingdom and holiness.

3. For people, especially children, youth and young people, to choose truth and purity and renounce addiction to these means, pornography and the like.

[ 92 ]

[ 93 ]

THURSDAY, 4 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

DAWN PRAYER & DEVOTIONS

WEEK 6, DAY 35

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Zechariah 8 Rejoice! For the Lord has promised to turn His great wrath into miraculous blessings! As we are blessed by God with a life of peace, truth and justice, we in turn become a blessing to other nations, by leading them to the One and True Living God! Reflect • Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your sins and that of Covenant’s for which we incurred God’s great wrath.

• Meditate on verses 20–23. Wrestle with it until you believe and embrace the tremendous blessings God has purposed to do through you and His people.

Pray • Thank and praise God for His grace, forgiveness, blessings and second chances.

• Be willing for God to raise you and others in Christ up to be His remnant—holy and righteous—doing His bidding.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate D — Disadvantaged & Marginalised Scripture Psalm 82:3–4 Our Dream Singapore and the Church of God as a nation and society will be a community filled with grace and mercy for people who are poor, orphaned, having special needs, suffering from mental disorders, abandoned aged, migrant workers, etc. The Church will be a compassionate and loving community who provides healing grace to these people by accepting them, defending them, meeting their needs and manifesting Christ to them.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God’s people will have compassion for the disadvantaged and marginalised, accept them and meet their needs.

2. God’s people to repent of neglecting and marginalising these ones whom we are to help and care for.

3. God’s people to proactively help, care for and serve these ones in God’s love and name.

[ 94 ]

[ 95 ]

THURSDAY, 4 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

DAWN PRAYER & DEVOTIONS

WEEK 6, DAY 35

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Zechariah 8 Rejoice! For the Lord has promised to turn His great wrath into miraculous blessings! As we are blessed by God with a life of peace, truth and justice, we in turn become a blessing to other nations, by leading them to the One and True Living God! Reflect • Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your sins and that of Covenant’s for which we incurred God’s great wrath.

• Meditate on verses 20–23. Wrestle with it until you believe and embrace the tremendous blessings God has purposed to do through you and His people.

Pray • Thank and praise God for His grace, forgiveness, blessings and second chances.

• Be willing for God to raise you and others in Christ up to be His remnant—holy and righteous—doing His bidding.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate D — Disadvantaged & Marginalised Scripture Psalm 82:3–4 Our Dream Singapore and the Church of God as a nation and society will be a community filled with grace and mercy for people who are poor, orphaned, having special needs, suffering from mental disorders, abandoned aged, migrant workers, etc. The Church will be a compassionate and loving community who provides healing grace to these people by accepting them, defending them, meeting their needs and manifesting Christ to them.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God’s people will have compassion for the disadvantaged and marginalised, accept them and meet their needs.

2. God’s people to repent of neglecting and marginalising these ones whom we are to help and care for.

3. God’s people to proactively help, care for and serve these ones in God’s love and name.

[ 94 ]

[ 95 ]

FRIDAY, 5 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

DAWN PRAYER & DEVOTIONS

WEEK 6, DAY 36

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 66:10-24 Rejoice as the Lord promises not only joy, peace and comfort to His people, but also His fiery judgment on all who defy and rebel against Him. Moreover, the Lord promises the gathering of all nations to see His glory in the new heavens and the new earth. (cf. Rev 21:1) Reflect • Do you find yourself rejoicing with these promises of God? Why or why not?

• How could you grow to embrace the Lord’s heart for all the nations to worship Him? Pray • Worship the Lord who is Sovereign and judges righteously and justly.

• Ask God to create in you a heart that desperately hungers after Him and His heart.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate E — Education & School Scripture Proverbs 22:6 Our Dream The educators and students in our schools will endeavour to know the truth and upon knowing the truth, they will eventually seek God and serve Him. Truth encompasses the whole spectrum of life — understanding life, the know-how of living and living life to the fullest. With this knowledge and know-how, coupled with wisdom, generation upon generation will be willing and passionate to serve the community around us and beyond the shores of Singapore in the discipline and industry expertise we have been trained for.

We will thus be blessed to be a blessing to others.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God-fearing leaders in this arena to be agents of influence and change.

2. God’s people to rise up and pray regularly for students, educators and policy makers of the Education & School arena.

3. Our education system will be holistic in emphasis, orientation and practice regarding character, life skills and academia.

Covenant’s Day with Jesus

[ 96 ]

[ 97 ]

FRIDAY, 5 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

DAWN PRAYER & DEVOTIONS

WEEK 6, DAY 36

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 66:10-24 Rejoice as the Lord promises not only joy, peace and comfort to His people, but also His fiery judgment on all who defy and rebel against Him. Moreover, the Lord promises the gathering of all nations to see His glory in the new heavens and the new earth. (cf. Rev 21:1) Reflect • Do you find yourself rejoicing with these promises of God? Why or why not?

• How could you grow to embrace the Lord’s heart for all the nations to worship Him? Pray • Worship the Lord who is Sovereign and judges righteously and justly.

• Ask God to create in you a heart that desperately hungers after Him and His heart.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate E — Education & School Scripture Proverbs 22:6 Our Dream The educators and students in our schools will endeavour to know the truth and upon knowing the truth, they will eventually seek God and serve Him. Truth encompasses the whole spectrum of life — understanding life, the know-how of living and living life to the fullest. With this knowledge and know-how, coupled with wisdom, generation upon generation will be willing and passionate to serve the community around us and beyond the shores of Singapore in the discipline and industry expertise we have been trained for.

We will thus be blessed to be a blessing to others.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God-fearing leaders in this arena to be agents of influence and change.

2. God’s people to rise up and pray regularly for students, educators and policy makers of the Education & School arena.

3. Our education system will be holistic in emphasis, orientation and practice regarding character, life skills and academia.

Covenant’s Day with Jesus

[ 96 ]

[ 97 ]

SATURDAY, 6 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

NOTES

WEEK 6, DAY 37

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Habakkuk 3:17–19 We can rejoice although God’s promises have yet to be fulfilled in the physical realm! Even amidst suffering and loss, we can trust God, and with that trust comes great joy, not in circumstances but in God Himself. God becomes our strength!

Reflect • Do not ponder “How can this be?” but rather, “WHO is the One who has all power and all authority to accomplish all that He declares, and who also did not spare His own Son to demonstrate His love for you.”

• Journal your thoughts, feelings and responses to God. Pray • Praise the Lord for His power, awesome love and faithfulness.

• Rejoice in one promise yet to be fulfilled in your life and Covenant’s life amidst difficulties.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate F — Family & Home Scripture Ephesians 5:21 Our Dream Imagine families and homes permeated with love, respect and stability, beginning with fathers leading the family and loving their wives, and wives respecting their husbands.

Marriages are Christ-centred, and family life is built on the Word of God — God’s Truth.

Parents will not exasperate their children while children obey their parents. The fear of God and love for God are evident within the family and overflow to the community around them and whomever they meet. Hence, the world will know that the LORD is God — He is the initiator and source of marriages and families, that we may all be blessed, accepted and loved.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Fathers will take up the mantle to lead their families as God’s appointed head of the household.

2. Married couples are determined to keep their marriages undefiled.

3. Families will experience great spiritual awakening — revival of the Word, revival of worship, revival of prayer and deep personal transformation.

[ 98 ]

[ 99 ]

SATURDAY, 6 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

NOTES

WEEK 6, DAY 37

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Habakkuk 3:17–19 We can rejoice although God’s promises have yet to be fulfilled in the physical realm! Even amidst suffering and loss, we can trust God, and with that trust comes great joy, not in circumstances but in God Himself. God becomes our strength!

Reflect • Do not ponder “How can this be?” but rather, “WHO is the One who has all power and all authority to accomplish all that He declares, and who also did not spare His own Son to demonstrate His love for you.”

• Journal your thoughts, feelings and responses to God. Pray • Praise the Lord for His power, awesome love and faithfulness.

• Rejoice in one promise yet to be fulfilled in your life and Covenant’s life amidst difficulties.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate F — Family & Home Scripture Ephesians 5:21 Our Dream Imagine families and homes permeated with love, respect and stability, beginning with fathers leading the family and loving their wives, and wives respecting their husbands.

Marriages are Christ-centred, and family life is built on the Word of God — God’s Truth.

Parents will not exasperate their children while children obey their parents. The fear of God and love for God are evident within the family and overflow to the community around them and whomever they meet. Hence, the world will know that the LORD is God — He is the initiator and source of marriages and families, that we may all be blessed, accepted and loved.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Fathers will take up the mantle to lead their families as God’s appointed head of the household.

2. Married couples are determined to keep their marriages undefiled.

3. Families will experience great spiritual awakening — revival of the Word, revival of worship, revival of prayer and deep personal transformation.

[ 98 ]

[ 99 ]

SUNDAY, 7 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

NOTES

WEEK 6, DAY 38

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Revelation 21 and 22 This is heaven described for us from God! A place where God dwells with His people in all perfection! The greatest blessing of heaven is unhindered fellowship with God Himself.

God’s ultimate purpose in redemptive history is to create a people to dwell in His presence, glorifying Him through numerous varied activities and enjoying Him forever.* Reflect • Do you long for God’s greatest blessing that will find its complete fulfillment in heaven?

• How do your daily choices and lifestyle give evidence to this longing?

Pray • Praise Jesus as He is coming—soon!

• Choose to live each day ready for Jesus’ final coming!

• Share this great blessing found only in Jesus Christ to others!

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate G — Government & Leadership Scripture Romans 13:1–4 Our Dream Those who constitute the Government & Leadership will govern with godly principles and lead with the fear and wisdom of God. As they are appointed by the LORD, they will serve Him and His purposes — not only to see to the welfare of citizens and residents, but also to bless the nations around us as the LORD blesses us with national security, prosperity and freedom.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God-fearing leaders to govern with godly principles and lead with God’s wisdom.

2. God’s people to rise up and pray regularly for our Government & Leadership.

3. Salvation of our leaders, and faith and courage to do the LORD’s bidding for those who are God’s children. * ESV BS Notes (pg 2494-2495), Rev 21:3 and Rev 21:9–22:5

[ 100 ]

{

“Happy are they who know that discipleship simply means the life which springs from grace, and that grace simply means discipleship.”

DIETRICH BONHOEFFER

[ 101 ]

}

SUNDAY, 7 AUGUST

week six

Draw Near To REJOICE!

NOTES

WEEK 6, DAY 38

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Revelation 21 and 22 This is heaven described for us from God! A place where God dwells with His people in all perfection! The greatest blessing of heaven is unhindered fellowship with God Himself.

God’s ultimate purpose in redemptive history is to create a people to dwell in His presence, glorifying Him through numerous varied activities and enjoying Him forever.* Reflect • Do you long for God’s greatest blessing that will find its complete fulfillment in heaven?

• How do your daily choices and lifestyle give evidence to this longing?

Pray • Praise Jesus as He is coming—soon!

• Choose to live each day ready for Jesus’ final coming!

• Share this great blessing found only in Jesus Christ to others!

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Gate G — Government & Leadership Scripture Romans 13:1–4 Our Dream Those who constitute the Government & Leadership will govern with godly principles and lead with the fear and wisdom of God. As they are appointed by the LORD, they will serve Him and His purposes — not only to see to the welfare of citizens and residents, but also to bless the nations around us as the LORD blesses us with national security, prosperity and freedom.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. God-fearing leaders to govern with godly principles and lead with God’s wisdom.

2. God’s people to rise up and pray regularly for our Government & Leadership.

3. Salvation of our leaders, and faith and courage to do the LORD’s bidding for those who are God’s children. * ESV BS Notes (pg 2494-2495), Rev 21:3 and Rev 21:9–22:5

[ 100 ]

{

“Happy are they who know that discipleship simply means the life which springs from grace, and that grace simply means discipleship.”

DIETRICH BONHOEFFER

[ 101 ]

}

WEEK 1234567 8–9 AUGUST

draw near to

ARISE!

“... And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing.”

GENESIS 12:2 [ 102 ]

[ 103 ]

WEEK 1234567 8–9 AUGUST

draw near to

ARISE!

“... And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing.”

GENESIS 12:2 [ 102 ]

[ 103 ]

MONDAY, 8 AUGUST

week seven

Draw Near To ARISE!

NOTES

WEEK 7, DAY 39

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 60:1–3; Ephesians 5:1–21 God’s wake up call for His children is to “Arise and Shine” for Him! We need to live a life of love and bring the Light of Christ to darkened corners.

Reflect • Is your life transformed by Christ’s light and does it reflect His love? If not, would you allow Him to do a transforming work in you?

• Would you go and shine the Light of Christ in places that the Holy Spirit leads you to?

Pray • You would respond to God’s call by saying “Here I am; send Me!” WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Antioch Of Asia Scripture Acts 11:19–27 Our Dream That the Church in Singapore will fulfil her God-given destiny as a centre of Christian witness to the nations, especially in Asia. That the Church will be united in praying for the nations; growing in God’s Word; obeying the Holy Spirit’s direction in sharing the Good News; supporting missions; sending missionaries and blessing the other nations in one accord, so that we will see the LORD turning the hearts of many to Jesus for His glory.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. The Church in Singapore will embrace and fulfill her destiny as a centre of Christian witness to the nations, especially in Asia.

2. Hearts to be filled with compassion for the lost.

3. Churches in Singapore will be united in praying for and reaching the nations for Christ through growth in God’s Word and obedience to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

[ 104 ]

[ 105 ]

MONDAY, 8 AUGUST

week seven

Draw Near To ARISE!

NOTES

WEEK 7, DAY 39

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Isaiah 60:1–3; Ephesians 5:1–21 God’s wake up call for His children is to “Arise and Shine” for Him! We need to live a life of love and bring the Light of Christ to darkened corners.

Reflect • Is your life transformed by Christ’s light and does it reflect His love? If not, would you allow Him to do a transforming work in you?

• Would you go and shine the Light of Christ in places that the Holy Spirit leads you to?

Pray • You would respond to God’s call by saying “Here I am; send Me!” WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: Antioch Of Asia Scripture Acts 11:19–27 Our Dream That the Church in Singapore will fulfil her God-given destiny as a centre of Christian witness to the nations, especially in Asia. That the Church will be united in praying for the nations; growing in God’s Word; obeying the Holy Spirit’s direction in sharing the Good News; supporting missions; sending missionaries and blessing the other nations in one accord, so that we will see the LORD turning the hearts of many to Jesus for His glory.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. The Church in Singapore will embrace and fulfill her destiny as a centre of Christian witness to the nations, especially in Asia.

2. Hearts to be filled with compassion for the lost.

3. Churches in Singapore will be united in praying for and reaching the nations for Christ through growth in God’s Word and obedience to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

[ 104 ]

[ 105 ]

TUESDAY, 9 AUGUST

week seven

Draw Near To ARISE!

NOTES

WEEK 7, DAY 40

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Genesis 12:1-3 God wants to pour out His manifold blessings on His people and the nation Singapore who would in turn become a great blessing to the surrounding nations!

Reflect • Are you ready to receive God’s wondrous blessings?

• Do you believe and are you ready to stand on God’s promise to bless you and our nation mightily? Why or why not?

Pray • Prayer of Adoration—God’s magnificent glory.

• A willing and humble spirit to rise up and be used by God to be a channel of blessing to the nations.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: National Day Scripture Genesis 12:2–3 Our Dream As God’s people, live as the salt of the earth and the light of the world in all Seven Gates of Cultural Influence. Singapore will see our good works, glorify God and come into salvation grace. This transformation leads us, as a nation, to serve, love and bless other nations with humility and generosity in all that the LORD has blessed us with, like expertise in leadership, infrastructure and economic strategies.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Repent of self-sufficiency and pride on behalf of our nation and acknowledge that it is God who established us as a sovereign nation and has blessed us.

2. God’s people unite in Christ Jesus, to rise up in prayer, be an example and lead our nation to bless, love and serve the nations around us.

3. Transform Singapore to be a nation where joy abounds and her people will love the Lord, serve and care for others in practical ways.

[ 106 ]

{

“The will of God is the measure of things.”

AMBROSE

[ 107 ]

}

TUESDAY, 9 AUGUST

week seven

Draw Near To ARISE!

NOTES

WEEK 7, DAY 40

PERSONAL PRAYER Read Genesis 12:1-3 God wants to pour out His manifold blessings on His people and the nation Singapore who would in turn become a great blessing to the surrounding nations!

Reflect • Are you ready to receive God’s wondrous blessings?

• Do you believe and are you ready to stand on God’s promise to bless you and our nation mightily? Why or why not?

Pray • Prayer of Adoration—God’s magnificent glory.

• A willing and humble spirit to rise up and be used by God to be a channel of blessing to the nations.

WATCHMAN PRAYER Singapore: National Day Scripture Genesis 12:2–3 Our Dream As God’s people, live as the salt of the earth and the light of the world in all Seven Gates of Cultural Influence. Singapore will see our good works, glorify God and come into salvation grace. This transformation leads us, as a nation, to serve, love and bless other nations with humility and generosity in all that the LORD has blessed us with, like expertise in leadership, infrastructure and economic strategies.

Three Greatest Prayer Needs 1. Repent of self-sufficiency and pride on behalf of our nation and acknowledge that it is God who established us as a sovereign nation and has blessed us.

2. God’s people unite in Christ Jesus, to rise up in prayer, be an example and lead our nation to bless, love and serve the nations around us.

3. Transform Singapore to be a nation where joy abounds and her people will love the Lord, serve and care for others in practical ways.

[ 106 ]

{

“The will of God is the measure of things.”

AMBROSE

[ 107 ]

}

my child, You may not know me, but I know everything about you.

Psalm 139:1

I will never stop doing good to you.

Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.

Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.

John 17:23

Jeremiah 32:41

John 17:26

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.

And brought you forth on the day you were born.

Psalm 139:2

Psalm 71:6

I am familiar with all your ways.

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me.

Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.

John 8:41–44

Matthew 10:29–31

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.

For you were made in my image.

Genesis 1:27

1 John 4:16

In me you live and move and have your being.

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.

Acts 17:28

1 John 3:1

For you are my offspring.

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.

Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.

1 John 3:1

Jeremiah 1:4–5

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.

I chose you when I planned creation.

Matthew 7:11

Ephesians 1:11–12

For I am the perfect father.

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.

Matthew 5:48

Psalm 139:15–16

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.

James 1:17

Acts 17:26

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Matthew 6:31–33

Psalm 139:14

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.

I knit you together in your mother’s womb.

Jeremiah 29:11

Psalm 139:13

Because I love you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

He is the exact representation of my being.

Jeremiah 33:3

Hebrews 1:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.

Deuteronomy 4:29

Romans 8:31

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.

2 Corinthians 5:18–19

Psalm 37:4

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.

For it is I who gave you those desires.

2 Corinthians 5:18–19

Philippians 2:13

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.

1 John 4:10

Ephesians 3:20

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.

For I am your greatest encourager.

2 Thessalonians 2:16–17

Romans 8:31–32

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.

2 Corinthians 1:3–4

1 John 2:23

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.

Psalm 34:18

Romans 8:38–39

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.

Isaiah 40:11

Luke 15:7

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.

I have always been Father, and will always be Father.

Revelation 21:3–4

Ephesians 3:14–15

And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.

My question is…

Will you be my child?

Revelation 21:3–4

John 1:12–13

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.

FATHER’S LOVE LETTER USED

BY PERMISSION FROM FATHER HEART COMMUNICATIONS

© 1999-2011 WWW.FATHERSLOVELETTER.COM

I am waiting for you.

Psalms 139:17–18

Luke 15:11–32

And I rejoice over you with singing.

Love, Your Dad Almighty God

Zephaniah 3:17 [ 108 ]

[ 109 ]

my child, You may not know me, but I know everything about you.

Psalm 139:1

I will never stop doing good to you.

Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.

Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.

John 17:23

Jeremiah 32:41

John 17:26

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.

And brought you forth on the day you were born.

Psalm 139:2

Psalm 71:6

I am familiar with all your ways.

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me.

Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.

John 8:41–44

Matthew 10:29–31

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.

For you were made in my image.

Genesis 1:27

1 John 4:16

In me you live and move and have your being.

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.

Acts 17:28

1 John 3:1

For you are my offspring.

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.

Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.

1 John 3:1

Jeremiah 1:4–5

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.

I chose you when I planned creation.

Matthew 7:11

Ephesians 1:11–12

For I am the perfect father.

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.

Matthew 5:48

Psalm 139:15–16

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.

James 1:17

Acts 17:26

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Matthew 6:31–33

Psalm 139:14

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.

I knit you together in your mother’s womb.

Jeremiah 29:11

Psalm 139:13

Because I love you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

He is the exact representation of my being.

Jeremiah 33:3

Hebrews 1:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.

Deuteronomy 4:29

Romans 8:31

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.

2 Corinthians 5:18–19

Psalm 37:4

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.

For it is I who gave you those desires.

2 Corinthians 5:18–19

Philippians 2:13

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.

1 John 4:10

Ephesians 3:20

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.

For I am your greatest encourager.

2 Thessalonians 2:16–17

Romans 8:31–32

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.

2 Corinthians 1:3–4

1 John 2:23

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.

Psalm 34:18

Romans 8:38–39

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.

Isaiah 40:11

Luke 15:7

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.

I have always been Father, and will always be Father.

Revelation 21:3–4

Ephesians 3:14–15

And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.

My question is…

Will you be my child?

Revelation 21:3–4

John 1:12–13

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.

FATHER’S LOVE LETTER USED

BY PERMISSION FROM FATHER HEART COMMUNICATIONS

© 1999-2011 WWW.FATHERSLOVELETTER.COM

I am waiting for you.

Psalms 139:17–18

Luke 15:11–32

And I rejoice over you with singing.

Love, Your Dad Almighty God

Zephaniah 3:17 [ 108 ]

[ 109 ]

no christian is greater than his prayer life

NOTES

THE CHURCH HAS MANY ORGANIZERS, BUT FEW AGONIZERS.

Many who pay, but few who pray; Many resters, but few wrestlers; Many who are enterprising, But few who are interceding.

People who are not praying are playing.

Two pre-requisites of a dynamic Christian living Are vision and passion, And both of these are generated in the prayer closet.

The ministry of preaching is open to a few.

The ministry of prayer is open to every child of God. Don’t mistake action for unction, Commotion for creation, And rattles for revivals.

When we pray, God listens to our heartbeat.

Hannah’s lips moved But her voice was not heard (1 Sam 1:12,13) When we pray in the Spirit, There are groanings which cannot be uttered (Rom 8:26) Tithes may build a church, But tears will give it life.

That is the difference Between the modern church and the early church.

Our emphasis is on paying, theirs was on praying.

When we have paid, the place is taken.

When they had prayed, the place was shaken (Acts 4:31) In the matter of effective praying, Never have so many left so much to so few.

Brothers and sisters, we need to pray. ~ Leonard Ravenhill ~ “WHY REVIVAL TARRIES” [ 110 ]

[ 111 ]

no christian is greater than his prayer life

NOTES

THE CHURCH HAS MANY ORGANIZERS, BUT FEW AGONIZERS.

Many who pay, but few who pray; Many resters, but few wrestlers; Many who are enterprising, But few who are interceding.

People who are not praying are playing.

Two pre-requisites of a dynamic Christian living Are vision and passion, And both of these are generated in the prayer closet.

The ministry of preaching is open to a few.

The ministry of prayer is open to every child of God. Don’t mistake action for unction, Commotion for creation, And rattles for revivals.

When we pray, God listens to our heartbeat.

Hannah’s lips moved But her voice was not heard (1 Sam 1:12,13) When we pray in the Spirit, There are groanings which cannot be uttered (Rom 8:26) Tithes may build a church, But tears will give it life.

That is the difference Between the modern church and the early church.

Our emphasis is on paying, theirs was on praying.

When we have paid, the place is taken.

When they had prayed, the place was shaken (Acts 4:31) In the matter of effective praying, Never have so many left so much to so few.

Brothers and sisters, we need to pray. ~ Leonard Ravenhill ~ “WHY REVIVAL TARRIES” [ 110 ]

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missions17–24week july SEof AtoRtheIcall

MISSIONS

highlights Sunday, 17 and 24 July: Missions Sundays • Speakers: SP Edmund Chan and Elder Tan Lian Seng, Missions Director Monday-Thursday, 18–21 July: Missions Evening Talks 8.00pm–10.00pm @ BPJ Centre • 18 July: Business as Missions—Successes and Failures in Asia Speaker: Mats Tunehag • 19 July: Loving International Students —Culture and Challenges: Speaker: Lisman Komaladi • 20 July: Traffic Jams & Teenage Blues—Bringing the Gospel to Urban Families Speaker: Dr Tan Lai Yong • 21 July: Full/Part-Time Opportunities in East Asia, Indochina and SE Asia Speakers: Region Coordinators (Ps Glen, PSB, and Andy Lew) Saturday, 23 July: Covenant Family Missions Evening Evening (Billingual) 7.00pm–9.00pm @ WDL Main Sanctuary • Speaker: Dr Tan Lai Yong This is the first time the Youths, the Mandarin & Dialect Ministries and English congregation are coming together to celebrate Missions as a Covenant family! A special children’s programme for P1-4 will be anchored by YWAM.

Returning the Church to its disciplemaking roots through authentic discipleship and intentional disciplemaking so as to reproduce disciples of “a certain kind� and to multiply them to win the world for Christ.

COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH For all matters regarding the 40-Day Prayer Journey, please email: 40dayprayer@cefc.org.sg

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