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2027 P E R S O N A L

P R AY E R D I A R Y D A I L Y

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YWAM Publishing is the publishing ministry of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), an international missionary organization of Christians from many denominations dedicated to presenting Jesus Christ to this generation. To this end, YWAM has focused its efforts in three main areas: (1) training and equipping believers for their part in fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), (2) personal evangelism, and (3) mercy ministry (medical and relief work). For more information about books and materials, visit us online at www.ywampublishing.com, email books@ywampublishing.com or call (425) 771-1153 or (800) 922-2143. Project Director Marit Newton

Illustrations Julie Bosacker

Editorial Marit Newton Luann Anderson

Art Digitization Fred Renich

Contributors See pages 200–201

Layout Marit Newton

© 2026 by YWAM Publishing. All rights reserved. Published by YWAM Publishing A ministry of Youth With A Mission P.O. Box 55787, Seattle, WA 98155-0787 Information was taken from the most recent and reliable sources available to the best of our knowledge. Every effort has been made to ensure factual accuracy. However, because of the complexity and rapid pace of world events, statistical information should not be regarded as authoritative. Updated information is welcome. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. [February 2018] Verses marked NASB are taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org. [November 2022] Bright Blue Fabric: 978-1-64836-195-1 Charcoal Dark Gray Fabric: 978-1-64836-201-9 Dark Red Fabric: 978-1-64836-202-6 Green Fabric: 978-1-64836-196-8 Orange Fabric: 978-1-64836-194-4 Petal Pink Fabric: 978-1-64836-198-2 Purple Fabric: 978-1-64836-197-5 Raspberry Red Fabric: 978-1-64836-199-9 Tan Fabric: 978-1-64836-200-2 Black Fabric: 978-1-64836-205-7 Burgundy Fabric: 978-1-64836-203-3 Dark Blue Fabric: 978-1-64836-204-0 Unbound Inserts: 978-1-64836-206-4 Printed in Colombia disonex.com

Contents Welcome Living and Praying Intentionally in 2027 4 Principles for Life and Prayer Flesh and Blood 6 The Lord and His Prayer 9 Introduction to the Christian Year 12 Calendars Weekly Prayer Plan 13 2027–2029 Year-at-a-Glance Planners 14 2027 Month-at-a-Glance Planners 22, 36, 48, 62, 74, 86, 100, 112, 124, 138, 150, 162 2027 Week-at-a-Glance Planners beginning on page 24 Monthly Guides to Intercession and Reflection January: Building a Place to Hope 20 February: True Dignity in Life and Death 34 March: A Growing Underground Church 46 April: We Worship the Great I AM 60 May: New Life after Displacement 72 June: The Oro Wari: A Personal Mission 84 July: Diospi Suyana: We Trust in God 98 August: India’s Emerging Jat Movement 110 September: Caught in the Web of Vodún 122 October: Our Maker Holds the Ultimate Power 136 November: Cults Wreaking Havoc in Japan 148 December: The Agta: A People of Great Worth 160 Snapshots of the World Weekly Featured Nations beginning on page 24 Maps of the World 178 Countries of the World 188 Time Zones 199 Scripture Infusion Daily Bible-Reading Plan beginning on page 24 Weekly Meditation and Memorization beginning on page 24 Bible-Reading Checklist 174 Contributors, Notes, and Reflections Contributors 200 Article Notes 201 Prayer Journal & Note Pages 202

WELCOME

Living & Praying Intentionally in 2027

he Personal Prayer Diary and Daily Planner is designed to help you live an intentional, integrated life connected to God’s kingdom. Far more than an effective organizer and journal, this resource is a window through which thousands of believers like you see God’s work in the world and join him in that work through vital intercession. Together in 2027 we will celebrate the joyful truth: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” ( John 1:5). Jesus Christ is that light. Through him, the Father “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:13–14). This rescue, and transformative new citizenship, is the good news we will pray over peoples and global situations in 2027. As we follow the news and as we experience brokenness in our own lives, we see how urgently humankind needs rescue from sin, freedom from fear, unconditional love, renewed minds, just governance, even basic sustenance and shelter. In the face of great personal and global need, we hope in God; we pray, and we prayerfully act. Fred Rogers knew that children, and adults, can be overwhelmed by fear. He told kids to look for the helpers when something scary is happening because there are always people doing something to help. As Christians, we look first for God, “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble,” to see where he is at work (Ps. 46:1). How is our faithful God already responding, and what do his promises tell us we can count on? We also look for those following God’s heart, the myriad helpers reflecting God’s light in the darkness. In 2027, you’ll read about helpers like the staff of the Gem Foundation, who care for more than 65 children with disabilities, and about the design 4

and building professionals of EMI who came alongside them to create their campus in Uganda. The needs, near and distant, that enter our awareness each day can make us callous, or like the children Mr. Rogers addressed on TV, anxious. Reframed, they are invitations to pray. We can pray with ancient believers, “Lord, as you will and as you know, have mercy.” We can pray with hope and assurance, for “our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps. 124:8), who through Jesus Christ is reconciling to himself all things—on earth and in heaven (Col. 1:20). One way we hope in God is to join with other believers in the daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms of the Christian life. For centuries, Christians around the world have recalled the important events in the life of Christ and the early church—Jesus’s birth, death, resurrection, and more. In many Christian communities, it is through the Christian year, not the calendar year, that they keep time—the “time” of the church and the Christian life. John D. Witvliet writes, “The Christian year…provides a way of understanding the Christian life. These events are not just about Jesus; they are about us” (see his article on page 12). By living into the seasons of the Christian year, we continually orient ourselves in God’s Story. It is a way to focus our whole lives on the person of Jesus Christ and the continuing work of God in the world. The Personal Prayer Diary therefore provides a weekly scripture for meditation selected from the Revised Common Lectionary as well as a record of important Christian days, including the name of each Sunday, to help you grow and stay in tune with Christian brothers and sisters around the world. As you practice these rhythms and pray for the nations, “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him” (Rom. 15:13).

Welcome January

January

Uganda

JOHN 16–17 Out of his fullness we have all received

– Eastern Africa Population: 50,015,090 Christian: 84.4% Muslim: 13.7% Nonreligious: 0.2% Other: 1.6% Literacy Rate: Male 81 Female 73 Life Expectancy: Male 65 Female 71 Infant Mortality: 36 GDP per capita: $3,300

grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Goals and projects for the week:

3 SUNDAY F

Monday

month at a glance

Tuesday

Wednesday

by Engineering Ministries International ustice strained to turn his neck toward the shaft of afternoon sunlight breaking in through the flimsy curtain of his family’s shelter. On his stronger days he might be able to scoot all the way to the door, but most days he lacked the strength, and there was no one home to move him. The physical disabilities Justice was born with left him fully reliant upon others for all his needs, even at the age of 10. Worse still, he often heard his aunt whisper that many neighbors believed his deformities were the result of a curse and suggested he be abandoned in the woods to whatever fate might befall him. Certainly no one would do that, would they? But his mind returned to the dark memories of the night his father left, saying if his mother would not cast him away, then he would not remain. The family had little money, and Justice felt little hope.

in the community believe it will rub off on them as well. While some children are abandoned with birth certificates and health information indicating the family cares but lacks the resources to provide, sadly other children are left to die in secluded places. Even children kept by their families encounter steep obstacles to a full life. Their communities lack accessible public systems and inclusive schools with properly trained teachers, and they will face continued discrimination from society and employers. All these factors greatly increase their risk of living in extreme poverty. Though Uganda is praised for leading the way in subSaharan Africa for advocating for the rights of disabled people and passing legislation against discrimination, these efforts do not always make it down to those who need it the most.

M.L.K. Jr. Day

Friday

4 MONDAY

Saturday

Gen. 5–7; Ps. 3; Matt. 3

Pray for children abandoned by their families in Serbia

New Year’s Day

Using Your Prayer Diary By God’s grace, live and pray intentionally in 11 2027.12 The Personal Prayer Diary and Daily Planner helps you be intentional with (1) intercessory prayer; 18 19 (2) Bible reading and meditation; (3) journaling Barriers to Hope Love Always Hopes and many parts of the world, itscheduling; is comandInmonUganda, reflection; (4) and (5) keeping for children with disabilities to be aban- We know God cares deeply for all his precious This is often due to a combination of phys- children, and we also know that he often works timedoned. with the Christian year (see pages 4 and 12). ical poverty and the prevailing belief that those through his people to care for his creation. Nearly 26 with disease or disability are cursed. This curse is two decades ago, God began working on 25 the Collection of family, Christian teaching. on believed to extend to the whole and others heart of one little girl. In Beginning 2014 Emma and Josh page 6 find principles that inform your intercession and support your walk with God. For example, in “Flesh and Blood,” we read that fighting other people in the name of our reconciling God is like working for the kingdom of darkness. At the same time, as the “helpers” in our monthly profiles show us, loving people in the name of Jesus, sometimes in very earthy ways, is kingdom work. Monthly articles exploring places of brokenness and redemption around the world (A). Each month you’ll read about a people, nation, or issue in desperate need of the church’s intercession and intervention. Each Sunday you’ll find a reminder to pray for the people or situation discussed in that month’s profile. A list of contributors and notes to the articles can be found on pages 200 and 201. Daily prayer guide (B). Each day, join thousands of other diary users in praying for the same people or situation. Bible meditation and memorization guide (C). Weekly verses are found at the beginning of each week. By meditating on and memorizing each selection, you will commit more than 50 portions of Scripture to memory in 2027. Weekly guide to praying for the nations (D). One nation is highlighted for prayer each week. 20

Thursday

Notes:

A J

Pray for Ugandan children abandoned by their families (see pages 20–21)

Second Sunday after Christmas Day

January Sunday

Gen. 8–9; Ps. 4; Matt. 4

Explanations of the country statistics are found on 197–198. 13 pages 14 15 16 17Each nation can be located in 5 TUESDAY the maps section beginning on page 178. Two-track Bible-reading program (E). Option 1: 20 21through 22 23 24 Read the Bible in a year by following the reading guide each day. Option 2: If you read an average of 3.5 chapters each day using the check27 system 28 29 on30pages 31 174–177, you will also read off the entire Bible in one year. Calendars for planning and reference (F). A three-year planner begins on page 14. Each month opens with a month-at-a-glance planner. The daily calendar is designed in a week-at-a-glance format. By noting Christian days, the daily calendar helps you keep “church time” too. (Some non-Christian religious holidays are also included on the calendars as an aid to prayer.) Journaling spaces. You can choose to use the week-at-a-glance calendar as a daily journal and prayer diary. A prayer journal/notes page is also included at the beginning of each month. Additional journal/notes pages begin on page 202. Reference helps (G). The world maps, countries of the world section, and time-zone chart are on pages 178–87, 188–98, and 199, respectively. The more you use your Personal Prayer Diary and Daily Planner, the more it will assist you in connecting the whole of your life to God’s kingdom. As you learn about areas of need and areas of hope in God’s world this year, both through this tool and in your daily life, be encouraged and emboldened in the knowledge that you are one of thousands of Christians using this diary who are united in vital intercession. Epiphany

Pray for children abandoned by their families in Turkmenistan

Gen. 10–11; Ps. 5; Matt. 5

January

by Engineering Ministries International

ustice strained to turn his neck toward the shaft of afternoon sunlight breaking in through the flimsy curtain of his family’s shelter. On his stronger days he might be able to scoot all the way to the door, but most days he lacked the strength, and there was no one home to move him. The physical disabilities Justice was born with left him fully reliant upon others for all his needs, even at the age of 10. Worse still, he often heard his aunt whisper that many neighbors believed his deformities were the result of a curse and suggested he be abandoned in the woods to whatever fate might befall him. Certainly no one would do that, would they? But his mind returned to the dark memories of the night his father left, saying if his mother would not cast him away, then he would not remain. The family had little money, and Justice felt little hope. Barriers to Hope In Uganda, and many parts of the world, it is common for children with disabilities to be abandoned. This is often due to a combination of physical poverty and the prevailing belief that those with disease or disability are cursed. This curse is believed to extend to the whole family, and others 20

in the community believe it will rub off on them as well. While some children are abandoned with birth certificates and health information indicating the family cares but lacks the resources to provide, sadly other children are left to die in secluded places. Even children kept by their families encounter steep obstacles to a full life. Their communities lack accessible public systems and inclusive schools with properly trained teachers, and they will face continued discrimination from society and employers. All these factors greatly increase their risk of living in extreme poverty. Though Uganda is praised for leading the way in sub- Saharan Africa for advocating for the rights of disabled people and passing legislation against discrimination, these efforts do not always make it down to those who need them most. Love Always Hopes We know God cares deeply for all his precious children, and we also know that he often works through his people to care for his creation. Nearly two decades ago, God began working on the heart of one little girl. In 2014 Emma and Josh

Building a Place to Hope Quisenberry opened the doors of the Gem Foundation, a home for abandoned children with disabilities, welcoming 11 “Gems” into their facility in Kampala, Uganda. By 2016, together with their staff, they were caring for more than 40 children with special needs in a cramped three-story building sandwiched between busy streets and a nightclub. The city air quality was poor, and carrying children in wheelchairs up and down flights of stairs was not sustainable. Then, one day, after many land searches, Josh visited what was known as a chili farm. Emma came to see it later, and she could picture it all! The land was better than their wildest dreams—88 acres of gently rolling, fertile farmland, complete with beautiful big trees. It was exactly what they had been praying for! Kakiri, Uganda, is a long way from Kampala, figuratively. The drive takes only an hour, but the transition from crowded city to rural hills is refreshing. In Kampala they were surrounded by dust and traffic noise. At the Gem Village, residents are soothed by bird song and a lush green landscape. Beauty matters to one’s mental health, and it was in this spirit that Gem Foundation directors Emma and Josh began dreaming of a forever home for their precious Gems.

hope to the world. As Paul reminds us in Romans 12:4–6, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” In this way, the body of Christ works together to bring restoration and hope to the world, and in the case of these abandoned children, a literal garden of Eden in which to experience the transforming love of Jesus. Today the Gem Foundation is nationally recognized by the Ugandan government and is usually one of the first placement options when an abandoned child is found. The Quisenberrys and a staff of primarily Ugandan nationals actively care for over 65 children and adults with occupational therapy, physical therapy, individualized schooling, medical care, and of course, the love of Christ. They also work closely with families whenever possible to place children back in their homes, providing training and support to caregivers. But there is still more work to be done. Join together to lift these precious Gems up to God in prayer, both those in good homes and those still waiting to be found.

Designing Hope The transformation of 88 acres of farmland into a fully accessible campus of services is easy to imagine but difficult to do well. From dreaming to planning and designing, from fundraising to construction and move in, there are so many little details to get right. This is where EMI came in to be a small part of what God was doing through this ministry. As an organization we are founded on the idea that architects, engineers, and design and construction professionals have an important part to play in world missions. God has gifted people around the world like the Quisenberrys with a heart for disadvantaged people groups and the skills and desire to take on this work. We believe God has also gifted design professionals with the technical skills to partner together with others to bring

• for more people and ministries to rise up to care for and love the disabled population of Uganda and the surrounding region • for Ugandan Christians to be a significant agent in reversing years of cultural stigma and superstition surrounding people with disabilities • for key people in the Ugandan government to champion this issue nationwide • for the Quisenberrys and their staff as they lovingly care for these precious Gems and for their ability to increase capacity in the coming years

Pray

January Sunday

Monday

month at a glance Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Notes:

Saturday

New Year’s Day

Epiphany

MLK Jr. Day

24 31 22

Prayer Journal & Notes

December

Januar y

Februar y

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 23

December GALATIANS 4:6–7 God sent the Spirit of his Son

into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Goals and projects for the week:

27 SUNDAY

Pray for children with disabilities in Uganda (see pages 20–21)

El Salvador – C. America Population: 6,338,190 Christian: 86% Nonreligious: 12% Other: 2% Literacy Rate: Male 92 Female 88 Life Expectancy: Male 68 Female 76 Infant Mortality: 9 GDP per capita: $13,300

Hag.; Prov. 27; Rom. 12

First Sunday after Christmas Day

28 MONDAY

29 TUESDAY

Pray for children with disabilities in El Salvador

Zech. 1–4; Prov. 28; Rom. 13

Pray for children with disabilities in North Korea

Zech. 5–9; Prov. 29; Rom. 14

See pages 197–98 for an explanation of the abbreviations, symbols, and categories used in country statistics.

December–January Zech. 10–14; Prov. 30; Rom. 15

Pray for children with disabilities in Austria

Mal.; Prov. 31; Rom. 16

Pray for children with disabilities in Azerbaijan

WEDNESDAY 30

THURSDAY 31 New Year’s Eve

Gen. 1–2; Ps. 1; Matt. 1

Pray for children with disabilities in the Bahamas

FRIDAY

New Year’s Day

Gen. 3–4; Ps. 2; Matt. 2

Pray for children with disabilities in Croatia

SATURDAY

January JOHN 1:16–17 Out of his fullness we have all

received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Goals and projects for the week:

3 SUNDAY

Uganda – Eastern Africa Population: 50,015,090 Christian: 84.4% Muslim: 13.7% Nonreligious: 0.2% Other: 1.6% Literacy Rate: Male 81 Female 73 Life Expectancy: Male 65 Female 71 Infant Mortality: 36 GDP per capita: $3,300

Pray for Ugandan children abandoned by their families (see pages 20–21)

Gen. 5–7; Ps. 3; Matt. 3

Pray for children abandoned by their families in Serbia

Gen. 8–9; Ps. 4; Matt. 4

Pray for children abandoned by their families in Turkmenistan

Gen. 10–11; Ps. 5; Matt. 5

Second Sunday after Christmas Day

MONDAY

5 TUESDAY

January Gen. 12–13; Ps. 6; Matt. 6

Pray for children abandoned by their families in Ghana

WEDNESDAY

6 Epiphany

Gen. 14–15; Ps. 7; Matt. 7

Pray for children abandoned by their families in Bulgaria

THURSDAY

Gen. 16–17; Ps. 8; Matt. 8

Pray for children abandoned by their families in Myanmar

FRIDAY

Gen. 18–19; Ps. 9; Matt. 9

Pray for children abandoned by their families in Sri Lanka

SATURDAY