Shining a beacon of prayer in the darkness

Thursday 16th February, Bible reading, Ezekiel 37: vv 1-8

The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.”
Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”’”
So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.

SPAIN:
Notice that the Lord did not speak over the bones and prophesy, but commanded Ezekiel to do so. This passage (which relates to Israel) teaches us about speaking out in faith and with a vision that the Lord gives us. We have to seek the Lord, who by His Spirit will impart to us His vision. Then it is our duty to speak it out in faith and expect miraculous results.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for men of faith, the prophets of old and we look to you to provide our vision. We pray that you will empower us, guide us and show us the metaphorical dry bones which we need to speak over in faith. Father, in our minds we often limit what might be possible, but we ask you to open our minds, giving us a vision for what You make possible, and in the way that You want to achieve it. With this in mind we speak over and raise up your followers in Spain, and breathe new life into each one, empowerment for your purposes, truth and adherence to your Word.
In Jesus’ wonderful Name we ask it, Amen.

We remember Costa Blanca missions who asked us to pray with them for:

• For the Lord to open the hearts and minds of the Spanish people.
• For further new links with Biblically sound Spanish evangelical churches and ministries.
• For their continued safety and security on the roads and at home.

Heavenly Father, we lift up our friends at Costa Blanca Mission in Torrevieja to you and pray with them giving thanks for all that You have already done, and asking in faith that you will cover all of their needs. We thank you Lord, knowing that You hear our prayers and are going before us as we serve You in faith. Amen.

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UK/Europe:

We prayed last week about the extremely cold weather which has killed many people in Europe.
Loving Heavenly Father, we  give thanks that the temperatures have now returned to what is more normal for the time of year.
Amen.

World:

Iran this week announced that they are cutting off oil supply to 6 European nations, then said they might do. On the same day they declared that they had manufactured nuclear fuel for a power station and had inserted the rods into their power plant.

Loving Heavenly Father, we pray that You will intervene and find a solution to the Iran problem, in the way that only You will know.
We pray for the peace and protection of Jerusalem, for Christians in all these countries , that they are encouraged in faith and protected from evil. Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour – In Your precious Name we ask it. Amen.

Shining a beacon of prayer in the darkness

Thursday 9th February, Bible reading, Acts 2:42
And they continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

SPAIN:
Do you pray for your church or fellowship leaders? We all should do, as they are in the prime position for attacks of every kind from the enemy. Let’s take some time out today to pray for deacons, elders and pastors, those that hold together the body of Christ in sound doctrine. Whilst on the subject, why not make the little effort today to speak to them, or give them a call, text or email of encouragement?
Heavenly Father, we pray for  those who have been gifted and appointed by You to feed Your sheep. We pray that they are protected from evil, protected from illness. We pray that they are encouraged in the faith, stay true to the Word, and are blessed and filled with joy and peace. We pray that when we act in obedience to You, Lord, that many souls will be saved in Spain, in Jesus name – Amen.

We remember Donna. Her mother recently died in England and they have to travel back for the funeral and to make arrangements.
Father, we lift up Donna and Andy to you and pray for travelling mercies, and peace and blessings for them. Amen.

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UK/Europe:

Europe continues to be in a serious economic situation, much of which has been caused by mismanagement and greed. At the same time there is a very cold spell of weather, with temperatures as low as minus 39C in the Czech republic, and sub-zero temperatures all over Europe.
Loving Heavenly Father, we pray for the governments and leaders of European nations. We pray for wisdom, honour and that they will make good decisions on behalf of the people that they represent.
Lord we pray that you will show Your mercy and protect people from the cold, as many homeless are suffering and dying in the streets. Amen.

World:

Syria is the latest of the Arabic countries to undergo disturbances and revolution. People are dying in their hundreds as civil war has broken out.  The UN cannot agree on any action.
Loving Heavenly Father, we pray for peace in this country of Syria, and for justice and a sound political and diplomatic solution to these troubles. Every day that goes by sees more people suffering and dying. Lord, we pray for the 9% Christian minority living in Syria, may they be protected and stay true to Jesus Christ our saviour. In His precious Name we ask it. Amen.

Shining a beacon of prayer in the darkness

Thursday 2nd February, Bible reading, 2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

SPAIN:
One of the problems in these last days, is that there will be a turning away from sound teaching. Churches will move away from the truth and preachers will just tickle the ears of those who listen. (2 Timothy 4 paraphrased) We need to pray against this.

Heavenly Father, we pray for  the Christian fellowships in this country of Spain, that they will stick to sound doctrine and not be bowed by any false teaching. We pray that the core truthes of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, perfect Lamb of God, crucified in our place for the sins of mankind, and raised after 3 days to glory – now seated at the right hand of God the Father. Salvation only by faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God – as our Saviour, trusting in Him for the grace which sets us free from sin, giving us freedom to live our lives for Him. We pray that many souls will be saved, in Jesus name – Amen.
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UK/Europe:

We’d like to highlight the case of Andy Stephenson and Kathryn Stone, who are being prosecuted at Brighton Magistrates Court. Story here.
They have entered a not-guilty plea on 30 January at Brighton Magistrates’ Court, after being arrested for a demonstration outside an abortion clinic in Brighton on 22 June 2011. Since 2007, Mr Stephenson and Mrs Sloane have been silently witnessing outside the publically-funded BPAS abortion clinic showing pictures of the effects of abortion, only engaging in conversation with women entering the premises if they start a conversation.
Without going into the ethics of abortion, which is legal in the UK up until 24 weeks gestation, (however, if there is a substantial risk to the woman’s life or if there are foetal abnormalities there is no time limit.)
We need to pray for this couple to be acquitted, as people should have the right to demonstrate and protest in a peaceful manner. If this basic right is taken away, then it will not only be Christians who suffer from arrest and detention, but others too.

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for the couple involved in this trial, that they will be exonerated, and left free to demonstrate about their beliefs and convictions. We pray that freedoms will not be taken from any group, as it could lead to preachers being gagged on the streets for fear of “offence” under the Public Order Act. Father, may sense prevail in the United Kingdom, where the fight for freedom has been successfully fought on so many occasions. Amen.

World:

Let us once again turn our eyes to the Middle East, where there is huge turmoil. The Muslim Brotherhood have democratically taken over Egypt. They have close links with Hamas and this news can only be bad for Israel. There is civil war in Syria and the UN are made impotent by the Russian’s threatened veto. Israel is still under rocket fire from Gaza. There is a huge naval build up in the gulf, British, American and Russian warships all in the area. Iran threatens to close oil supply routes through the straits of Hormuz whilst they continue with their nuclear programme.

Loving Heavenly Father, we see the wars and rumours of wars which Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:6 and we watch and pray to you Lord, knowing that You have a plan for your beloved Nation of Israel. We thank You that we gentiles are grafted into the vine and pray for protection of your people. We pray for the Peace of Jerusalem however You will bring it. We pray for Christians living under oppression in the world, especially Pakistan, Egypt, Iran but other places, like China where they are not free.Sustain, strengthen them, feed them, protect and bless each one. In the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Shining a beacon of prayer in the darkness

SPAIN:

Thursday 26th January, a chorus from a well known hymn:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way,
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Spain: We sang this chorus at a friend’s house this week whilst talking about church matters. We were placing importance on trusting not in any man or system, but in God.
We spoke about the corruption in the system in Spain and called on the Lord to move in power to remove the dishonesty in the way that only He we will know how. 

Heavenly Father, we pray for  this Nation of Spain, for integrity and honesty to be restored to the government and the whole fabric of society. We are dismayed by the present situation, Lord, and ask for Your intervention to root out the evil of greed and bribery and bad practices, in Jesus Christ our Lord’s name. Amen.
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UK/Europe:

Pakistan:

The latest news from Pakistan is that the accuser in the Asia Bibi case has stated that his report was based on personal bias and religious emotion. Although this may appear to be some good news he has failed to retract his statement. See the report HERE

Loving Heavenly Father, we thank You for this answer to prayer, we now ask You to have the false case against Asia Bibi dropped and for her to be released from prison unharmed. Father bless her and her family, place a fence of protection around them and other Christians living under difficult circumstances in that country. In the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Shining a beacon of prayer in the darkness

SPAIN:

Thursday 19th January, Bible reading: Psalms 121: 1-4

I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
² My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
³ He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴ Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Spain: One of the by-products of the financial crisis is that some of the fuel stations are supplying sub standard or incorrect fuel. This recently resulted in friends of ours breaking down . As they are both elderly, this places them in a potentially dangerous situation, particularly vulnerable on high speed roads. This is not an isolated case.

Heavenly Father, we pray for  this Nation of Spain, in faith knowing that You want to bless us. We pray for protection of the elderly and vulnerable. Place a fence of protection around them, Lord. Amen.

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UK/Europe: –

Nigeria

Nigeria has become a focus of attention for an Islamist group called Boko Haram who are actively attacking Christians in the country. The government troops are battling these Islamists and trying to keep peace and order.

Heavenly Father we pray for all the people in Nigeria, asking You Lord to bring peace to that nation. 

Uganda

Praise the Lord that after our previous mention of pastor Mulinde, and prayers after he was injured in a vicious  acid attack in Kampala, he was accepted for treatment by the Sheba Medical Centre, in Israel. Story (click here).

Heavenly father, we thank you for this news of Pastor Umar Mulinde and thank you for the staff at the Sheba Medical Centre in Israel, who will give him the most expert care possible. We pray for his healing of body, restoration of his sight, and peace and blessings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

ISRAEL/IRAN - The political situation in the Middle East is fast changing from day to day. A joint troop operation between Israel and the USA has been called off amid allegations of a rift between Obama and Netanyahu. Russia has stated that an attack on Tehran will be considered an attack on Russia. China disapprove of oil sanctions.

Heavenly father, You have told us to watch and pray, to intercede and stand in the gap. This we do, asking You Lord, for Your will to be done. Protect those who love You, Lord, and bless them. Confuse and scatter their enemies O Lord. We trust You, Lord in all situations, relying on that which is sound – the Rock of Salvation, Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.

Shining a beacon of prayer in the darkness

SPAIN:

Thursday 12th January, bible reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Spain, for so many people, is not a happy place. The economy is in a very poor state with 5 million people unemployed and many of them are not able to receive any benefits after the time limit for them has expired. The economies in the EU are giving real cause for concern, even the future of the Euro currency is in doubt. However, as the scripture says above, we have something greater than worldly wealth or things that we can hold on to, with inexpressible and glorious joy. Everyone in the World can have this hope, if they turn to the Lord. “Jehovah Jireh” – the provider.

Heavenly Father, we pray for  this Nation of Spain, for its governments, armed forces, police, the people in general. We pray that there will be a reliance on the Lord God to provide their needs. Allay the fears of many as they place their faith in You, O Lord. Amen.
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UK/Europe: –
We pray for Gerald, Bev and their family as they have encountered testing times. Pray for a blessing on this faithful couple, healing and joy. 

Nigeria

Nigeria has become a focus of attention for an Islamist group called Boko Haram who are actively attacking Christian targets in the country. On Christmas day many were killed and the attacks have continued with a threat that civil war will ensue. BBC report

Heavenly Father we pray for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria, as they seek to live their lives in faith and peace, yet needing to be vigilant and defending themselves from attacks. We pray that You will intervene in Nigeria and bring peace to the region. 

We proclaim, in faith, that no weapon that is formed against them shall prosper and every tongue which rises against our brothers and sisters in judgement we do condemn. This is their heritage as servants of the Lord and their righteousness is from You, O Lord of hosts.

ISRAEL/IRAN - Another Iranian scientist was murdered on the streets of Tehran this week, and Iran point the finger at Israel. The naval military build-up continues and all the world powers are involved.

Lord, we know that the whole world situation is in Your hands and we pray for this region and that You will intervene to bring a just peace. We know that the end time plan is not peaceful but we ask that many more people will come to Your kingdom, before the end. We pray for all the Christians in Israel and Iran, all worshipping and witnessing under difficult, different circumstances. May they lift up the name of Jesus in those lands, empowered “not by might, but by the Spirit, says the Lord”. Amen.

Shining a beacon of prayer in the darkness

SPAIN:

Thursday 5th January, bible reading:  Matthew 24: 4-14:
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,  and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (NIV).

Our friend Julie is now back home and recovering. Praise God for His loving care and answers to prayers.
Heavenly Father, we continue to pray for Julie, that You will place Your mighty healing hand upon her, restore her health completely. Amen.
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UK/Europe: –

Pakistan

It is 12 months since Salman Taseer was murdered by his own bodyguard, who admitted the offence and was jailed. He claimed to be acting on behalf of his god.
Asia Bibi, the married Christian woman he died for, continues to be held in prison with no signs of justice over her appeal.
READ THE STORY from Muslims for Jesus.
Heavenly Father, we are so saddened by the oppression and persecution of our brothers and sisters in various places around the world, and we do think especially of Pakistan, where it is getting worse, as Islamic fundamentalists tighten their grip on the country. We ask You to intervene in the way that You know is best for all your servants in that country, in Jesus name, amen.

ISRAEL -

The nuclear threat to Israel (and the rest of the world) from Iran remains. There have been war games in the gulf from various quarters, with the USA threatened to keep their aircraft carrier away from Iran. The Straits of Hormuz is a gateway for oil tankers and Iran are threatening to block it. This could lead to war. The EU have just decided to embargo Iranian oil which is angering Iranian leaders. Big world powers, Russia and China are also having their say. The whole situation is very tense.
Lord, we know that the whole world situation is in Your hands as part of Your plan for humanity. We pray that peace will prevail for a while longer, that many will turn to You as their God and Saviour. We pray for the protection of Your chosen people, Israel and for those of us “grafted into the vine”. Your perfect will be done, O Lord. 

Shining a beacon of prayer in the darkness

SPAIN:

Thursday 29th December, bible reading:  Ephesians 3:20:
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

Our friend Julie is currently in hospital in Malaga province.
Heavenly Father, we pray for Julie, that You will place Your mighty healing hand upon her, restore her health that she may soon return home. Amen.

Salt & Light:
In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus said:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Father, we pray for all your churches in Spain, that we may be salt and light to this country in the way that you meant when preaching the sermon on the mount.
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UK/Europe: –

NIGERIA

Christmas Day saw 5 bomb attacks take place in Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of more than 40 people, and more injuries. These bombs were placed by an Islamist group (Boko Haram) at Christian churches. This is another attack on Christians which is part of their sacrificial struggle against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12)
Also in Nigeria, Pastor Umaru Mulinde was attacked by a man throwing acid whilst shouting “Allah Akbar”. He has been blinded in one eye. REPORT.
Heavenly Father, we see in the news these atrocious attacks on our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria and we pray for the churches. We pray that you will give them the strength to forgive, to love their enemies, to stand up for Christ without physically retaliating. We specifically pray for Pastor Mulinde and for his healing. Bless each one of our brothers and sisters in Nigeria and protect them from evil, give them peace and comfort in their time of bereavement.

ISRAEL -

Shining a beacon of prayer in the darkness

SPAIN:

Thursday 22nd December Bible reading  Matthew 6:33:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Today sees the draw of the huge lottery “El Gordo” in Madrid. It speaks loudly that in a time of recession, the payout is going to be at record levels. 2,520 million Euros in prizes this year. People in Spain have a very unhealthy obsession with lotteries. There is always the excuse that money is raised for good causes, but as our bread man was saying recently the main motivation is avarice – one of the so-called deadly sins. Apart from the few winners, whose lives may be changed, not necessarily for the better, there are very many losers.
Heavenly Father, we pray for the people who take part in the lotteries, and there are many millions of them. We pray that they will realise that the pursuit of money is futile. We pray that people will realise, that the Way forward for them is to recognise riches in Heaven and look for them. Amen

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UK/Europe: –

PAKISTAN

Please remember to pray for Asia Bibi, in prison over Christmas in Pakistan, arrested on trumped up charges and sentenced to death for blasphemy.
Details HERE
Pray that Asia Bibi will soon be freed unharmed. Pray that people will have religious freedom in the new democracies in the Arab world, for all Christians subjected to persecution, wherever they are in the world.

ISRAEL

Please stand in the gap (Ezek 22:30) in prayer for Israel as they face enemies on all sides.
Pray that God will bless His people and keep them safe in this difficult time. Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and the salvation of all of the people of Israel.