Prayer Matters Weaving passionate and effective prayer through the fabric of The Salvation Army
January – April 2018
A happy and peaceful New Year to you all! Welcome to this January – April 2018 edition of Prayer Matters. This is the time of year when we look back in reflection and forward in anticipation, giving thanks to the Lord for all that is past and placing our trust and faith in him for all that’s to come. Our God is a faithful God, hallelujah! May this coming year be a year of peace and joy for each of us, as we grow in discipleship as followers of Jesus. You will find in this edition varied Scripture and mission focus prayer topics relating to the territory and also the international Salvation Army. We have a January focus week on this year’s Vision and Commitment theme, ‘Living as Disciples’. Linked with this, throughout the season of Lent, prayers are focused around 12 spiritual disciplines to help direct our hearts and minds upwards, outwards and onwards as we approach Holy Week. Based on the survey responses, we’re in the process of changing the design of Prayer Matters. However, as prayer is integral to discipleship we decided to do this transitional cover edition throughout 2018 as a preparation for the overall change. You will see that some colour has also been brought into the resource. My grateful thanks to all who have informed and enriched our prayers by their contribution to this edition of Prayer Matters and thanks also to Stephanie Chagas-Bijl (Resource Hub, THQ) who has collated and edited this issue. Prayer Network news Encounter – Prayer Gathering Weekend: 26–28 January 2018, The Hayes, Swanwick. The theme for the weekend is ‘Mission-centred prayer and prayercentred mission’ and promises to be an exciting weekend of encounter with God through worship, teaching, workshops and prayer. Whilst the sad news is that Commissioners Clive and Marianne Adams will not be with us, since they will have taken up their new appointments as 2
leaders of the Sweden and Latvia Territory, the good news is that our new territorial leaders, Commissioners Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham, are delighted to be with us on the Friday evening. The response for this event has been overwhelming and we have had to book additional rooms at the venue. If you haven’t booked yet and want to come, please do so as quickly as possible as places are now subject to availability. One Thing Prayer School DVD series See inside back cover for full details of the whole series and watch out for the third and final DVD coming in April 2018: Season 3, ‘One Thing for the World – moving out in prayer’. Welcome to Grace Last but by no means least, we are delighted to welcome Grace Scoulding to our team at THQ in the role of Prayer and Spiritual Life Development Support Officer. It is such a privilege to partner with fellow Salvationists though the Prayer Network. It is my prayer that you will find this edition of Prayer Matters a helpful resource, not only uniting us together in prayer, but also drawing us closer to God as we wait on him. God bless you all in this vital Kingdom-building mission of prayer. Captain Pauline Milner, SA Prayer Network Co-ordinator
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Bible quotations from the New International Version (2011) unless otherwise stated.
January Scripture Focus – Colossians 1:3-14 Major Sarah King (William Booth College)
Monday 1 January – Colossians 1:4 ‘We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people.’ At the beginning of 2018, thank God for Christians you know who are an example of faith in Jesus Christ and who love others. Pray that God would help you be such a person. Tuesday 2 January – Colossians 1:5-6a Praise God that we are people with a sure and certain hope because of the good news of Jesus Christ. Life can be messy, and our circumstances change, but remember today that ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever’ (Hebrews 13:8). Wednesday 3 January – Colossians 1:6-8 Pray that the good news of Jesus Christ will continue to spread throughout the world. Pray especially for those Christians who are being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus. Pray for yourself that you might have opportunities today to be like Epaphras, who faithfully spoke about Christ to those he encountered. Thursday 4 January – Colossians 1:9-10 Pray Paul’s prayer for someone in your corps/centre. Pray that they ‘may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God’. Friday 5 January – Colossians 1:11-12 Remember God’s ‘glorious might’ which strengthens us and gives us ‘great endurance and patience’. Who do you know who needs that strength and patience right now? Pray for them. How can you encourage them practically? Perhaps you could send them a card or a text, or even pick up the phone? Saturday 6 January – Colossians 1:13-14 God has redeemed and forgiven us and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son he loves – this sounds like a reason to shout for joy! Give thanks today for the grace you have received in Christ – you might even want to sing! 4
Discipleship Focus
Major David Taylor (Spiritual Life Development Secretary) Sunday 7 January – Living as disciples: every day, in everything and everywhere ‘His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life’ (2 Peter 1:3). Today is Vision and Commitment Sunday, an opportunity to affirm our desire, in a new year, to be apprentices to Jesus. Father, we pray today that you will transform us into the fully devoted followers that you long to be in relationship with, in all the many events and experiences of our lives and wherever life may take us. Amen. Monday 8 January – Living as disciples: ‘Putting first’ ‘Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed’ (Mark 1:35). In his book Too Busy Not To Pray, Bill Hybels reminds us that followers of Jesus need to learn always to put first things first. Father, we pray that you will help us to see clearly that there is no greater priority in our lives than putting you and the priorities of your Kingdom first, today and every day. Amen. Tuesday 9 January – Living as disciples: ‘Letting go’ ‘Anyone who does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple’ (Luke 14:27). At the heart of God’s good news for us is the example of Jesus giving up any selfabsorbed aims and goals in order to serve our need for a restored relationship with God, even to the point of his death. Father, we pray today that you will pinpoint those things in our lives that are hindering your life in us. May we see the need to let go of them and serve your purposes freely. Amen. Wednesday 10 January – Living as disciples: ‘Opening up’ Jesus said: ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’ (Luke 18:16). Father, we pray today that you will give us eyes to see the people we pass by as you see them, so that we may see them wholly included in your love, and may act accordingly. Amen. Thursday 11 January – Living as disciples: ‘Getting together’ ‘For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them’ (Matthew 18:20). The world we live in encourages us every day to focus on our personal choices and preferences. However, we know that the greatest joy is found in focusing on others, including our Christian community, where God is always ready to show up! Father, we pray that you will help us to recognise today the vital role that we play as disciples in building, strengthening and affirming communities of the gospel’s good news. Amen. 5
Friday 12 January – Living as disciples: ‘Acting out’ ‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet’ (John 13:14). There are many different ways in which we can translate ‘washing feet’ into practical and relevant actions today, thereby showing that we know what it means to live as disciples. Father, we pray that you will fill our hearts, minds and hands today with a passion to serve you in practical ways. Amen. Saturday 13 January – Living as disciples: ‘Speaking up’ ‘The whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices… Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you.” He replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out’ (Luke 19:37,39-40). No matter how people try to silence our witness to his presence in us, it will always be heard! Father, we pray today that you will untie our tongues and open up our voices, in bearing witness to your love, grace and glory. Amen.
Divisional Prayer Focus – Ireland
Major Marjory Parrott (Divisional Prayer Co-ordinator) Sunday 14 January The song ‘Be thou my vision’ (SASB 573) is based on an eighth-century prayer composed in the Old Irish language. Join with Christ’s followers throughout the centuries, and make it your prayer today: Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart! Be all else but naught to me, save that thou art; Thou my best thought in the day and the night, Both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light. Monday 15 January The Ireland Division is the only division in the territory to consist of two complete countries, with different currencies, laws, and – more recently – different histories. However, we stand united in our desire to see people brought to Jesus, people growing in their relationship with God, and to serve whomever God wants us to serve. Pray for the godly success of our mission, both in the Ireland Division, and in your own part of the territory. Tuesday 16 January In Northern Ireland, religion and politics are frequently linked. Pray for all Christians, that the power of love, not the love of power, will be what defines them. Pray for The Salvation Army, that Paul’s words in Galatians 3:28 will guide all our interactions, within the Church and within the community: ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ 6
Wednesday 17 January ‘Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes’ (Isaiah 54:2). As The Salvation Army seeks to extend its work in the Republic of Ireland, pray for faith, courage and obedience for all who are called to extend God’s work in our territory. Ask God what part he wants you to play in extending his work today.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – That all may be free (Prayers used with permission)
Thursday 18 January – Welcoming the stranger ‘You shall love the alien as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:33-34 NRSV). Barrier-breaking God, you embrace all cultures and lands, but keep a special place in your heart for the stranger, the widow and the orphan. Grant us the gift of your Spirit that we may become as you are, welcoming all as brothers and sisters, your cherished children, citizens together in Christ’s Kingdom of justice and peace. Amen. Friday 19 January – Resisting modern slavery ‘Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?’ (Psalm 10:1-10 NRSV). Just and righteous God, you called your people out of slavery and onwards to the new humanity where all are one in Christ Jesus our Lord. Enfold with your love those trafficked as slaves today. Empower your Church to denounce and work to end that evil trade, living out the love and compassion of Christ as we tend its victims. Amen. Saturday 20 January – Upholding human dignity God frees those who are in human bondage (see Exodus 3:4-10). God of beauty, you made us in your image, and made us with authority that is ‘a little lower than the angels’ (Psalm 8:5 KJV). Save us from the exploitation of each other’s bodies. For the sake of Christ, who became flesh and reigns in glory, teach us that our bodies are sacraments of grace and vessels of your beauty. Amen. Sunday 21 January – Overcoming violence ‘Seek peace, and pursue it’ (Psalm 34:14 NRSV). Reconciling God, you call us to be signs of peace in the midst of violence. You call us to be the embodiment of hope in the midst of despair. May Christ so live in us that we might spend and be spent in his ministry of reconciliation. Amen. Monday 22 January – Pursuing economic justice ‘The Lord upholds all who are falling’ (Psalm 145:14 NRSV). God of the poor and dispossessed, you hear the cries of your despised ones. You look with favour on the lowly and bring down the powerful from their thrones. Hear our 7
cries for those who are silenced, our protests for those pushed to the margins. In our advocacy for them, may we find the unity to which you call us. In Christ’s name. Amen. Tuesday 23 January – God acts for the powerless ‘Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others’ (Philippians 2:4 NRSV). Generous God, your overflowing love gave birth to creation; your redeeming love journeyed through lands of forsakenness so that the tomb might be empty and our life with you unending. Teach us your logic – that to give is to receive, to empty ourselves is to be filled, and that as we point away from ourselves we might discover anew our unity in Christ. Amen. Wednesday 24 January – Different families ‘Moses was hidden by his parents… because they saw that the child was beautiful’ (Hebrews 11:23 NRSV). God of love, you risked your life through the womb of a teenager and shared the nurture of your Son with a village carpenter. You understand families, communities, relationships – mixes all of beauty and brokenness. Bless all those who raise children and care for the vulnerable. Through your grace, gather them into the life of your Kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Thursday 25 January – The call to reconciliation ‘I have been glorified in them’ (John 17:10 NRSV). God of unity, you call your people to be one, so that the world may believe. Grant us your Spirit that we might act and speak with one voice so that our world’s pains and divisions may be transformed by healing, hope and reconciliation. Hear our prayer and may your name be glorified. Amen.
Prayer Gathering Focus – Prayer and Mission Friday 26 January Today sees the commencement of the Prayer Network’s Prayer Gathering weekend. Take time to pray for the delegates as they arrive, and for the speakers (snippets of their message will be focused daily throughout this week). The theme is prayer and mission. Ask the Lord to give a fresh revelation of how each person there can serve him better in their local contexts, through prayer. Major Kathryn Blowers (Armada Spasy Corps, Margate) Saturday 27 January Prayer and mission are inextricably linked. For all of us in ministry – and that is all of us, whoever and wherever we are – if we start off at any other place than prayer, 8
we start at the wrong place and we go in the wrong direction. So let us pray, with weeping and with boldness, that our mission is the Lord’s mission, our power only his power, and that the direction, the vision and the glory shall all be his. Major Judith Payne (Well Being Department) Sunday 28 January Lord, we believe in the power of your healing presence. Help us to practise the presence of Jesus within us, as temples of your Holy Spirit; around us, as you always walk with us; and above us, as you are high and lifted up as King of kings. We pray that you would love the world through us, help us to learn how to collaborate with you and teach us to be open to your presence, to your love and to your leading. Amen. Gary and Abi Pitt (Pioneer Leaders) Monday 29 January God, we ask you to open our eyes towards our community. Give us a heart and a vision that reflect what you feel and see. Help the gift of community become very tangible, close and relevant. May we see your presence in the darkest of places, and may the ordinary become an insight and a tool to discovering more of you and your design for our lives. Amen. Tuesday 30 January ‘I will give you every place that you set your foot, as I promised Moses’ (Joshua 1:3). God’s promises stand yesterday, today and for ever. Set aside time today to walk around your local neighbourhood, asking that streets, homes and businesses are claimed for his Kingdom. Have your eyes and ears open to where God might speak to you in this time. Rebekah Brettle (Neighbourhood Prayer) Wednesday 31 January ‘Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper’ (Jeremiah 29:7). Father, grow in us a passion to pray for the streets where we live, work and go to church and for all the people who live on these streets. As we travel, Lord, whether walking, cycling or by car, open our eyes to the problems people are facing and let us hear what you are saying. Help us to pray frequently and with persistence, to see transformation on these streets. Amen. 9
February Self-Denial Focus
Christine Thomas (Annual and Self-Denial Appeals Officer) Thursday 1 February As we soon commence this season of Self-Denial, may it also be a time to encounter God’s presence in a fresh way. Make these sacred words your prayer today: God be in my head, and in my understanding; God be in mine eyes, and in my looking; God be in my mouth, and in my speaking; God be in my heart, and in my thinking; God be at my end, and at my departing. (SASB 1026, from a 1514 book of hours) Friday 2 February Lord, you are the source of all goodness, generosity and love. May we take your example and be compelled to give generously and share what we have with those who are in need. In your name we pray. Amen. Saturday 3 February Jesus, we pray for our brothers and sisters in our partner countries overseas. Whether they live in Finland, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan or South America East, they are just like us, even though our lives are different in so many ways. We pray for your love in their lives, and that they will be able to worship you where they are. Sunday 4 February – Launch of the Self-Denial Appeal Lord, I pray that my heart will be so in tune with you that I may understand the needs of others, see the needs of others, think about the needs of others and share and speak about the needs of others. Help me to make a difference through all I do, say and give. Amen.
Pioneer Gathering
Major Andrea Vertigan (Fresh Expressions Enabler) Monday 5 February Pray for the Territorial Pioneer Gathering that starts today. Over 150 delegates will come together to hear more from God, with deep expectancy for him to do immeasurably more than we can all imagine. Pray for our new Territorial Commander, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, as he gives the keynote address, and for God’s sovereignty over this event. 10
Tuesday 6 February Pray for the teaching that will be led by Rev Dr Trevor Hutton and Rev Dave Male, and for the exploration spaces that will happen today, guided by Lyndall Bywater (prayer), Rob Moye (sport) and Richard Prescott (art). Pray for everyone to hear from God and experience something new. Wednesday 7 February Please pray for the coaching groups that are an integral support network for the pioneers. Also remember the territorial pioneer advocates that are facilitating the groups as the coaches, for the overall discussions and for the support they will receive from each other. Thursday 8 February Please pray for all the delegates as they go home. Pray for safe journeys and that the ministry and teaching they have received will be protected. Pray that God will help them to implement the things they have heard. Pray also that this week will have a positive impact not only on the delegates but also their corps, their divisions and the whole territory.
Divisional Prayer Focus – Severn and Somerset Lieutenant Shelley Ward (Divisional Prayer Co-ordinator)
Friday 9 February Simply looking around our communities, noticing landmarks, buildings and nature, can inspire prayer – a tree, a flower, the night sky, empty buildings or children playing. Creator God, let the world outside speak to our world inside. Show us who you are and who you want us to be through our surroundings. Create space and stillness in us to listen and watch for you. Amen. Saturday 10 February At the heart of the Severn and Somerset Division is Bristol’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. Think of a bridge in your community or town, perhaps one you cross regularly. Loving Christ, you have called us to be your hands, feet and voice in the world. Help us to be a bridge between you and the people in our lives and community. May your unconditional love flow through our words, actions and presence. Amen. Sunday 11 February From grand cathedrals to humble chapels, people will be gathering in communities to worship today. Pray for the beautiful witness of God’s people coming together as one, to praise God as the source of all life and creation. We pray that our 11
communities will not see our church buildings as simply bricks and mortar, but as spaces where all are welcome, and from which God’s love is expressed and made visible. Monday 12 February Somerset is known for its rolling hills. Is there a hill or high point in your community? Imagine yourself looking down over your community, or over your life. Lord, we pray for your ‘God’s-eye’ perspective. Forgive us when we get distracted or disheartened. Help us to see everything through your eyes and with your heart, and renew our hope and trust in your great plan. Amen. Tuesday 13 February The Severn and Avon rivers and the Bristol Channel provide our division with plenty of water! Where are the sources of water in your community? God’s Spirit is described as flowing water and a spring inside you (see John 4). Living God, remind us that we are all in the flow of your providential love. May we become more aware of your presence and power around us and within us today. Amen.
Lent – Spiritual Disciplines Wednesday 14 February – Ash Wednesday During this time of Lent we will be focusing our prayers around 12 spiritual disciplines to help direct our hearts and minds upwards, outwards and onwards in the lead-up to Easter. Our prayer is that this tool will draw you closer to God and, in return, bless your community and mission. (The content has been edited from the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s Practising Spiritual Disciplines resource). Take some time today to commit these next weeks to the Lord in prayer.
Upward Discipline: Solitude Thursday 15 February Lord, the demands of my day seem relentless, and I often ignore my fatigue, overstimulation, longings and desires. Help me to step off the ‘busy train’ so that I can firstly encounter myself – the good and the bad – to then be able to encounter you. Amen. Friday 16 February ‘The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him’ (Habakkuk 2:20). The prophet Habakkuk reminds us that solitude isn’t being isolated, but being still enough inwardly to hear God when he speaks. Lord, quieten my heart so that I may learn to recognise your voice. Amen. 12
Saturday 17 February As we create a space for solitude in our lives, we discover the inner prayer chapels of our souls (Brother Lawrence). As we wait in the queue at the supermarket or sit for a few moments in front of the computer, it is the ability to recognise that God is there with us, recognising this divine presence through all of life’s muddles. Take time to try this today, keeping in mind the words of James 4:8 – ‘Come near to God and he will come near to you.’
Upward Discipline: Confession Sunday 18 February Confession is good for the soul, but it can be very hard and painful to do. Confession is when we are completely honest with God about our weaknesses and sins, bringing everything before him with a humble heart and seeking his forgiveness. Pause and examine your conscience before God, ask him to show you any areas of your life that need his forgiving and healing touch today, and make your confession. Monday 19 February ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9). Taking responsibility for our failings is an act of humility that enables us to experience God’s amazing grace. Thank you, Father, for the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross, that I might be forgiven and live a holy life by your grace alone. Amen. Tuesday 20 February The discipline of confession disarms the work of Satan to separate us from God. It leads to joy in the forgiveness of sin and the ongoing work of God in our lives through his Spirit. Heavenly Father, help me to be determined to avoid sin by the power of your Holy Spirit in me. Replace my sinful habits with a hunger and thirst for holy living. Amen.
Upward Discipline: Sabbath Wednesday 21 February ‘By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work’ (Genesis 2:2). God ordained ‘rest’ as part of the natural rhythm of life. Pray today that God will help you receive and practise the gift of Sabbath. Thursday 22 February Jesus gave so much to so many people, but he also knew how to set healthy boundaries and get restorative rest and prayer. Lord, today we pray that you will help 13
us set healthy boundaries around our Sabbath rest time. Please guide us to spend regular uplifting time with you in prayer, and in different fun and restful activities that restore our souls. Amen. Friday 23 February Entering God’s rest may also include time outdoors, as nature has an incredible way of reconnecting us with our maker. Lord, you promise to satisfy and replenish the weary soul (Psalm 62:1). Help us to remember that our souls find rest in you alone. Help us to enter your rest by sharing fellowship with others, and by connecting with you by spending time in your beautiful creation. Amen.
Upward Discipline: Prayer Saturday 24 February Prayer begins with God; God is always the initiator. Thank God for any stirring in your heart to pray, because it is evidence of his work in your life. Ask God to give you a greater hunger and thirst for him. Ask God if there is someone with or for whom he wants you to pray. Thank him for speaking to you. Sunday 25 February Responding to the request ‘Teach us to pray’ (Luke 11:1), Jesus shared what has come to be known as the Lord’s Prayer. Linger over each word and phrase of the Lord’s Prayer. Start by reflecting on the privilege of calling God Father and for being adopted into his family. Dwell on the fact that you have a Father who knows your name and the intricate details of your life. Thank God because he will never disappoint and he always keeps his promises. Monday 26 February ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus’ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Lord, help me to be disciplined in my prayer time, either scheduling set times throughout the day or attempting to be in constant prayer by keeping you in mind in all I do. Amen.
Upward Discipline: Scripture Tuesday 27 February Scripture reading is a spiritual discipline as well as a gift and a blessing. When we read Scripture prayerfully and thoughtfully, we should let it speak for itself and allow the word of God to feed our heart, mind and soul. Reflect on these words and shape it into your prayer – ‘Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path’ (Psalm 119:105). 14
Wednesday 28 February The Scriptures are full of powerful prayers. They help us to believe that God can do more than we can ask or imagine. What areas of personal growth or protection do you need to bring before God today? Cry out to the Lord as Jabez did: ‘“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request’ (1 Chronicles 4:10).
March Thursday 1 March Eugene Peterson writes: ‘Christians don’t simply learn or study or use Scripture; we assimilate it, take it into our lives in such a way that it gets metabolised into acts of love…’ For that to happen we need to read it, let it speak to us and apply it. Lord, help us to be disciplined in reading your word and to put into practice all that we learn, hear and receive from you. Amen. Friday 2 March – World Day of Prayer ‘All God’s Creation is Very Good!’ is the theme of the World Day of Prayer. This year the women of Suriname lift up their voices to remind us that we are caretakers of God’s creation. Join in with the prayers that will be made all over the world and ask God to help the Christian faith community to continue to make a contribution in preserving a liveable, healthy and safe environment. Pray also for the people of Suriname, as they are faced with the way in which pollution, climate change and exploitation of their lands becomes increasingly detrimental to their country.
Upward Discipline: Worship Saturday 3 March ‘Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song’ (Psalm 95:2). We gather to worship at God’s invitation. Imagine that God invites you to his house for dinner and then gives you words of welcome. What does he say? What do you say or do? Tell God today how much he means to you and how thankful you are for him. Sunday 4 March Remember you do not worship alone. Not only are you a part of your local congregation, but you also belong to a global Church of believers. Dear Lord, thank 15
you that I worship you along with my Christian brothers and sisters all over the world as well as in my local setting. Please help me to be faithful in joining together with others in worship, and help me also to be of encouragement to others in their worship. Amen. Monday 5 March ‘And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him’ (Colossians 3:17). Lord, today I pray that I will worship you in every moment, every conversation, every act of work and prayer, every act of service, every mundane chore, and every decision, large or small. May my whole being and my whole life praise you today. Amen.
Outward Discipline: Self-Denial Tuesday 6 March Lent is traditionally a period of self-denial. Christians tend to fast from things to help them keep their focus on Christ’s sacrifice during this time. Lord, you proved your love to us by sacrificing your own beloved Son. Help us to respond to this act of love by putting you above all our desires, appetites and plans. Amen. Wednesday 7 March Jesus said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’ (Matthew 16:24). With so much food, entertainment and technology at our disposal, it can be hard to live a life of simplicity. Jesus told his disciples to follow him and leave everything behind. Ask God what are the things that you need to ‘leave behind’ so that you can follow him. While self-denial involves sacrifice, it is also a huge blessing. Thursday 8 March Self-denial was at the core of Jesus’ ministry – it began with a 40-day fast in the desert. Once he concluded this time he was filled with the Spirit and ready for service. If you are fasting for Lent, ask God to deepen in you a better understanding of your mission, and to empathise and share fellowship with the materially poor. If not, ask the Lord if there is something specific he would have you give up, and commit that to him.
Outward Discipline: Service Friday 9 March The first disciples argued about who was the greatest amongst them (Luke 9:46). But Jesus turned their idea of greatness upside down by taking a basin and towel 16
and washing their dirty feet, then calling them to a life of service (John 13). Lord Jesus, we are humbled by your lowly act of service. In the same way, help us to be ready to serve others in your name. Amen. Saturday 10 March True service comes from having a relationship with our heavenly Father. Selfrighteous service is concerned with the big project, while true service welcomes all opportunities, big and small, to serve. Lord Jesus, help us to serve with pure motives, flowing out of our relationship with you. Amen. Sunday 11 March – Mother’s Day Lord, today we thank you for mothers – for all they mean or have meant, for the love they have shown and the care they have given. In Isaiah 66:13 we read that you too are like a mother to us, comforting and carrying us in your arms. Loving, gentle, patient God – thank you for your tender care. Amen. Monday 12 March Our relationship with the Lord is strengthened through private prayer and Bible reading, but it is only part of the experience of knowing God. He calls us to experience him also through serving and loving others. Ask the Lord to give you opportunities to love and serve others as an act of worship to him, humbly and simply, as you go about your everyday life.
Outward Discipline: Hospitality Tuesday 13 March ‘But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…’ (Luke 14:13). Godly hospitality includes the stranger, the poor and the weak. Today, think of people you would find it challenging to show hospitality to. How can your heart and home become a place where people feel included, welcomed, cared for and refreshed on their journey? Ask God to give you a hospitable heart like his. Wednesday 14 March Dear Lord, we have received so much from you. We pray that you would help us to give freely to others in a spirit of hospitality. Help us, as individuals and churches, to create spaces where people can be accepted and known for who they are, and where they can experience the love and welcome of God and get to know him for themselves. May we, in our practice of hospitality, reflect the heart of Christ. Amen. 17
Thursday 15 March Let us offer our lives afresh to God as a living sacrifice and open up our lives for him to use us to bless others. Dear Lord, help us to be creative and to follow your Holy Spirit in trying new ways to offer rest and refreshment to whomever you send our way. Amen.
Outward Discipline: Evangelism Friday 16 March There are many discussions, even arguments, which we can have with people as we share the gospel. However, our personal testimony is unique and generally hard to challenge. When we share with others how God has been working in our life, it presents a powerful picture to the person who is listening. Lord, give us boldness to share with others how you have changed our heart, direction and purpose. Amen. Saturday 17 March If you don’t actively witness, it will never become natural. Ask yourself, ‘Do I have a deep concern for the lost?’ You would think the answer to that is easy, but you might be surprised with yourself. It will be very hard to witness if you are not concerned for the people who don’t know Christ or don’t have an understanding of their eternal consequences. Ask the Lord to show you how his heart aches for souls, and remember his compassion for you. Only then will witnessing become a natural expression of who you are. Sunday 18 March ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…’ (Romans 1:16). Lord, forgive me for the times I have felt ashamed of witnessing to others, with fear of being rejected. Thank you because you call some to plant and others to harvest the seeds of salvation that only you can bring to fruition. Help us to be obedient in playing our part. Amen.
Onward Discipline: Tithing Monday 19 March As materialism and consumerism infiltrate our lives, it’s tempting to drift from biblical teaching on Christian giving. The spiritual discipline of tithing, giving ten per cent of our income to finance God’s work, is a biblical principle. Ask the Lord to help you to work out your budget and determine an appropriate amount to give regularly to your church as your tithe. 18
Tuesday 20 March Tithing is a spiritual act of worship, surrender and trust as we return to God a portion of what he has given us and acknowledge that God is the source, the giver and sustainer of all life. Lord God, we acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from you. We thank you for every blessing and for your promise that it is in giving that we receive (Luke 6:38). Amen. Wednesday 21 March An unknown author has written: ‘I tithe because I owe that much, and more, to God. I tithe because I want to share in giving the gospel to others. I tithe because I love God who gave the greatest offering – his Son.’ Are you willing to make this your prayer today?
Onward Discipline: Guidance Thursday 22 March The spiritual discipline of guidance is defined by Richard Foster in The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible as ‘experiencing an interactive friendship with God that gives direction and purpose to daily life’. How amazing it is that we do not need to walk alone! Ironically, it is very hard to truly surrender our spiritual journey and humbly walk in the daily presence of God. This act of surrender is what makes guidance a spiritual discipline. Today, surrender all your plans to God, and pray to know and follow his ways. Friday 23 March Consider a time you were wrestling with a decision. Were there moments in your Scripture readings when one verse seemed to leap out at you? Was there a moment in your prayer time when you knew what you had to do? Lord, we thank you for the way your presence guides us. We ask your Holy Spirit to create a space within us to encounter these moments, and then to have the humility and obedience to follow your leading. Saturday 24 March Dear Lord, thank you that your guidance will often come to us through the gracious presence of another. We praise you for all our good friendships that you use to bring guidance into our lives. Thank you that we are not meant to journey alone. As we engage in relationships that support our spiritual journey, we pray that we, and others through us, will encounter many moments when your guidance comes our way. Amen. 19
Holy Week Commissioner Harry Read (Winton Corps) takes us on a journey through Holy Week, focusing on the Promises of the Upper Room, with his own poetic prayers. Sunday 25 March – Palm Sunday, a day for Hosannas! (John 12:12–19) Lord, let me sing hosanna with all my heart and mind. Let love’s free-flying banner be seen for all to find. And Jesus, reign within me, in gracious, sovereign power. For love will ever win me, to serve you every hour. Monday 26 March – An upper room promise (John 14:18) So often, Lord, I sense you near to me; I feel your tenderness and your concern. Your touch of comfort makes you dear to me, and makes me for a deep communion yearn. You keep your promise, Lord, your word is sure; your presence strengthens me, makes me secure. Tuesday 27 March – Another upper room promise (John 14:20) O Lord, can it be true, that I can live in you? And in me you will be to live your life in me? If this, O Lord, is what you will, in me, O Lord, your will fulfil. Wednesday 28 March – Another upper room promise (John 14:27a) I claim, O Lord, your promised peace, your calm within me to increase; I ask to be made more aware of your great willingness to share my burdens and my heart’s distress, and grant me faith and peacefulness. Thursday 29 March – An upper room command (John 15:12) The Master made a new command, each other we should love: love’s pattern he has clearly set, love’s value we must prove. And, when that love is shown to all, more then will hear the Saviour’s call. 20
Friday 30 March – Good Friday, humankind’s darkest day (John 19:1-3) God took the worst that man could do and turned their worst into his best. On that vile cross which all could view, God unconditional love expressed. His love and mercy none exclude – no sin need unforgiven be; broken is evil’s servitude, liberty flows through Calvary. Saturday 31 March – An upper room commission (John 15:16) None but the Lord has chosen me, has chosen me to be his friend; has chosen me to fruitful be, upon his promises depend. And in that chosenness I find the life for which I am designed.
April Sunday 1 April – Easter Sunday, creation’s greatest day! (John 20:18) All the powers of resurrection lie within the life he gives: power to overcome our frailty, power to live the life Christ lives. Power to live a life of boldness, power, redeeming love to tell, power to show the Lord’s compassion, in his promises to dwell.
Prisons Focus
(Prisons Week prayer points – used with permission) Monday 2 April – Freedom Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist. Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care. Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others, especially the victims of crime. Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ in his strength and in his Spirit, now and every day. Amen. 21
Tuesday 3 April – Prisoners God of hope, by the power of your Holy Spirit, bring strength and encouragement to all those in prison. Sustain and support them as they seek to survive and grow into the new life offered to all in Christ. Bring them true repentance and a new start, support their hopes, calm their fears, and be present as they press on seeking redemption and release from the past, and courage and inspiration for the future. Lord, in hope we turn to you. Amen. Wednesday 4 April – Families of prisoners God of hope, in you we find wholeness and peace, forgiveness and new life. Send your Spirit to heal damaged and broken relationships. Support and restore all those who have been wounded and affected by the consequences of crime to fullness of life. Rebuild hope and trust, that pressing on in faith, a sense of recovery becomes possible. Lord, in hope we turn to you. Amen. Thursday 5 April – Those who work in prisons God of hope, keep hope alive in the difficult and stressful jobs in our prisons. Help those who work with the difficult and distressed to press on confidently, that by the power of your Holy Spirit your light will shine in the dark places. Give grace and strength to all those who work and volunteer in our prisons. Lord, in hope we turn to you. Amen. Friday 6 April – Victims of crime God of hope, be present with all those who have become the victims of crime. Pour out your Holy Spirit into lives broken and distorted by the actions of others. Surround those in distress with your love, and the love of friends and family. Restore strength and confidence, build resilience, bring healing and peace as they press on, and out of sorrow bring joy. Lord, in hope we turn to you. Amen. Saturday 7 April – Our communities God of hope, teach us to be good neighbours, your Spirit enabling all those who work to build community, make connections, develop networks and include the other. We remember those who struggle for inclusion and long for acceptance and affirmation. Teach us to be gentle with one another, to press on recognising our brothers and sisters in all their diversity as fellow members of your family, made in your image and worthy of all reverence and respect. Lord, in hope we turn to you. Amen. Sunday 8 April – All in the criminal justice system God of hope, generous and merciful, gracious and strong, pour out your Holy Spirit on all those who work to administer justice. Give them your wisdom and discernment so that their decisions might be the best possible; give them the energy 22
and enthusiasm to press on and to meet the needs of offender, victim and society for justice and for restoration. Lord, in hope we turn to you. Amen.
Scripture Focus – Promises of God
Karen Findlay (Corps Sergeant-Major, Wellingborough Corps) Monday 9 April ‘And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord – his name alone will be worshipped’ (Zechariah 14:9 NLT). Father, we declare you Lord over our whole lives today. Amen. Tuesday 10 April ‘Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand’ (Isaiah 41:10 NLT). Father, we claim the truth that you are here with us in whatever happens today. Amen. Wednesday 11 April ‘Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”’ (Lamentations 3:21-24 NLT). Father, for those who feel that there is no hope, may they see that their hope is in you. May we be beacons of hope in the world. Amen. Thursday 12 April ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you’ (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT). Father, we thank you that you go ahead of us in everything. Help us to remember that today and not be anxious about anything. You will not fail. Amen. Friday 13 April ‘And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words’ (Romans 8:26 NLT). Father, there are times when we do not have the words to say what is on our hearts. There are times when there are no words. We praise you because your Spirit intercedes for us. We surrender to you all the deepest desires of our hearts. Amen. Saturday 14 April ‘Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think’ (Ephesians 3:20 NLT). Father, 23
today we dare to pray big prayers (tell God your prayers that may seem impossible to you). Amen. Sunday 15 April ‘For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty saviour. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs’ (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT). Father God, just now we delight in you, we praise you with our songs, we pause and become aware of your glorious presence. Amen.
Divisional Prayer Focus – North Scotland Captain Susan Tidball (Divisional Prayer Co-ordinator)
Monday 16 April – Psalm 143:8 Thank God for a brand new day – a gift from God. As you share with others today, imagine you are painting a picture. Pray that with God by your side, you are going to fill the blank canvas and paint a picture of colour, light and shade, a picture of life and God’s mission. Thank God that we can hear his voice each and every day. Tuesday 17 April – Mark 1:35 In the busyness and business of life, Jesus needed to take time to be alone. Perhaps today you need to stop and reflect. Take time to stop and breathe in deeply the wonderful knowledge of God’s love, and then breathe out all that would distract you from that. Be kind to yourself and take some time to rest in his presence today. Know that you can rest in God and that your hope comes from him. Wednesday 18 April – Matthew 5:13-16 Pray today for the opportunity to share your faith story with another person. Ask God to give you the right words to say for the right moment. Pray that your life will reflect the example of Jesus in your actions to others. Pray that through your life God’s light will shine and that people will want to know Jesus for themselves. Thursday 19 April – Hebrews 13:7-17 Pray for all who are in a position of responsibility, leadership and management in the North Scotland Division and for the corps and centres they represent. Pray that God will continue to do great things in and through them. Friday 20 April – 1 John 5:14 Sometimes it is difficult to find the right words to pray. God tells us that when we do speak to him in prayer, we can approach him with confidence and trust. Whatever is 24
on your mind and in your heart today, come before God with boldness, knowing that he hears and cares. Saturday 21 April – Matthew 19:13-15 Pray for the young people and children of the North Scotland Division, and that God will raise up leaders who have a passion for working with young people. Pray that God will put the right people and positive role models in their way, to help them to grow and develop in their lives and in their walk with the Lord. Sunday 22 April – Numbers 6:22-27 God uses each one of us just as we are, with our own unique characters and personalities. Today, as you recognise that God has blessed you in many ways, pray for him to bless others through your life. Share God’s love with someone today and be a channel of blessing.
Prayer for Leaders Monday 23 April – Local corps leaders ‘Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this’ (Psalm 37:5). In our corps settings we see many local officers and leaders who work hard week after week. Consider today these dedicated and committed local leaders at your corps. Name them in your prayers. Perhaps write them a card as an encouragement for all the hard work they do in your corps community. Tuesday 24 April – Corps officers/envoys ‘Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith’ (Hebrews 13:7). Thank God for your corps officers/envoys. Sadly, not every corps in the territory is fortunate to have one. If you don’t have corps officers at present, remember those corps leaders of the past or leaders who have journeyed with you through the good and difficult times. Wednesday 25 April – Divisional leaders Remember your divisional leaders in prayer. They often have to deal with situations that are escalated from corps and they have the pastoral responsibility towards their officers. Pray for wisdom, discernment and guidance in all of their decision-making. Thursday 26 April – Territorial and international leaders Bring before God in prayer our territorial leaders and Cabinet members. We pray especially for Commissioners Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham as they settle into our territory. Ask that God would give them his vision to lead us in the coming years. Pray also for our international leaders, General André and Commissioner Silvia Cox. 25
Friday 27 April – Local political leaders Whoever our local leaders are (councillors, local MPs etc), it is our duty to pray for them. For a politician it is difficult to please all the voters in a constituency. Pray for the decisions that your local MP and councillors have to make. Pray for your mayor and for all the people in local leadership. Find out their names, and pray for them specifically today. Saturday 28 April – National leaders ‘Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good’ (Titus 3:1). Pray for the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom / President of Ireland. Pray for the responsibilities that come with their roles and for all members of their Cabinet. Pray for wisdom and insight into the consequences of their decision-making. Sunday 29 April – International leaders ‘For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him’ (Colossians 1:16). Pray for international leaders across the globe. We live in a world where war, violence and poverty are still dominant. Pray for patience and grace between leaders and countries in order that the world may be a better place to live in. Monday 30 April – Ourselves as leaders ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up’ (Galatians 6:9). A leader is a person of influence. Whether we realise it or not, we all exert some form of influence in our relationships with others. As Christians, it is our duty to live out our faith through our actions and words. Pray that God may show you opportunities to influence people’s lives, in whatever situation you find yourself in.
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Vision and Commitment 2018 A year to focus on discipleship
Living as disciples
If you would like more information about the SA Prayer Network, please contact us. E-mail: saprayernetwork@salvationarmy.org.uk Phone: 020 7367 4539 Or log on to www.salvationarmy.org.uk/prayer-resources The Salvation Army, SA Prayer Network 101 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BN Registered charity number 214779, and in Scotland SC009359