Join us as we pray for ourselves, our church and our world this December

Transcription

1 Join us as we pray for ourselves, our church and our world this December

2 Thanks for joining us to pray each day throughout December. We recognise that December is a busy and stressful month, and we want to provide a way to encourage each other to take time out and spend it being refreshed with God. Each week, we will be focusing on a different part of the events surrounding Jesus birth. The week will start on the Sunday where we will be encouraged to read the designated passage and prayerfully reflect upon it. For the following 6 days, there will be a different extract from that passage each day to focus on and guide us in our prayers. There will be 3 areas we will be focusing our prayers on each day: Our own personal lives and the lives of those we know Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church Community/Global Issues Don t worry if you miss a day or two, just jump back in and get connecting with God. We have also created a digital version that you can receive by each day. To sign up, please us and let us know you would like to be included. The digital version will be suitable for android and Apple phones, ipad/tablets and computers. It will have an audio version as part of it as well.

3 Week One: Sunday 2 nd Saturday 8 th December 2018 Sunday 2 nd December Reading for the Week: Luke 1:26-38 The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you. 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end. 34 How will this be, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin? 35 The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail. 38 I am the Lord s servant, Mary answered. May your word to me be fulfilled. Then the angel left her. Spend a few moments reading through this passage a couple of times asking God to speak to you as you do so. Bring to God in prayer the things that strike you from it. Spend some time thinking about your week ahead and inviting God to be part of it. Who do you know that needs prayer at the moment? Spend time bringing them to God in prayer. Week One: Sunday 2 nd Saturday 8 th December 2018 Please pray too for the services at SCBC today: 8:30am 10:30am 2pm 6:30pm Donald is preaching and Laurie/Alison leading worship Donald is preaching and Joel will be leading worship The Glory Group Service Donald is preaching and Ignite will be leading worship

4 Monday 3 rd Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you. God promises to go with us and help us in all of the situations we face. Spend some time asking him to help, guide, inspire and lead you in specific situations you know you will be facing today. As you do so, pause and allow time for God to speak to you about any of these situations. Week One: Sunday 2 nd Saturday 8 th December 2018 As our Ignite and Fusion young people go to school, please pray that they would know God with them and that God would help them to stand firm in their faith in the face of temptation. Pray for Ruth as she works with Agape who go into universities and share the love of Jesus and encourage CU s. Pray for God s provision and blessing in her ministry. There are many people around the world who are persecuted for being a follower of Jesus. Pray for those who are in prison, living in fear or who have lost loved ones, that they would know God s presence, comfort, peace and help in the situation. Pray for a country and its leaders who are known to persecute Christians. Tuesday 4 th Mary was greatly troubled. Do not be afraid, Mary Bring before God the areas in your life where you are feeling anxious and troubled in and invite him to speak to you, meet with you and help you in these areas. Pray for those you know who have been bereaved in the past year. Pray for God s peace and comfort as Christmas approaches. Pray they would not feel alone or vulnerable, but that as a community we would support, love and encourage them. Pray for those in refugee camps who have lost their homes, possessions and sometimes family, that they would know God s peace. Pray too that God would raise up Christians in the camps that would help people find an eternal hope and help. Pray for favour from governments and officials in providing for them in the camps and finding ways of getting them reintegrated back into the world again.

5 Wednesday 5 th you have found favour with God Spend some time quietly reflecting on the truth that you are a child of God, precious and dearly loved and that he is your good heavenly father that longs to lavish you with love and good things. Use those reflections to praise and thank God and ask that you may experience more of it. Give thanks for the ministry of The Glory Group as they bless many in our community. Pray for the leaders to have God s inspiration and ideas as they plan. Pray for those who come to feel loved, valued and to come to know God in their lives. Pray for people who are campaigning for policies to combat pollution. Pray for favour with Local Governments and Parliament as they put their proposals forward. Pray as a nation and a world, we have God s heart for its care and would seek to do our bit. Thursday 6 th you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end. Spend some time praising Jesus for who he is and the difference he has made in your life. Invite him to reign in all areas of your life and allow God time to bring to mind areas that we may be withholding or have lost sight of him in. As SCBC seek to share the love of Jesus this Christmas, pray for those people you know, who do not yet know Jesus. Bring them by name before God and pray into the situations that they face and that they would be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Pray for an opportunity to invite them to a service, event or activity. Week One: Sunday 2 nd Saturday 8 th December 2018 Pray for Mike and Daveen as they seek to share the love of Jesus in Portugal. Pray for relationships that have already been established and those they are seeking to make, that they would lead people to Jesus. Pray for wisdom and empowering as they teach the bible in the gypsy church and disciple believers in the Catholic church. Pray too for health, protection and God s favour.

6 Friday 7 th For no word from God will ever fail. Give thanks for the gift of the Bible. Re-read passages that have built you up and encouraged you in the past and use them as the basis of your prayers today. As the Christmas Cabaret takes place tonight and tomorrow night, please pray for those who come to be touched by what they hear about Jesus and that they will want to come back to something else this Christmas. Pray for health, safety and for everything to work together for God s glory. Pray too for the cooks that they would know God s peace and favour in the kitchens. Week One: Sunday 2 nd Saturday 8 th December 2018 We give thanks for the Bible translation work being done around the world and for Chris, Margaret, Cheryl and Ian who are part of it. Pray for God s protection upon their travels overseas, his wisdom and insight as they work with other people and languages, and his protection on their health, ministries and families. Pray that the word of God would change lives around the world. Saturday 8 th 38 I am the Lord s servant, Give thanks for the gifts and abilities God has given you. If you are unsure what they are, spend some time asking God to reveal them to you in the week ahead. Commit those gifts to God and ask him to bless others as you use them and to empower you to do so. Please pray that God would envision and raise up more volunteers to use their gifts in the life of our church, particularly in Lightyears, Ignite, the Brigades and Worship Group. Give thanks for those who are already serving as part of these teams. Pray they would be equipped, fulfilled and bear fruit. Pray that God would add to their teams. Pray for God to raise up his servants in positon of influence and authority that they may have the ear of Kings/Presidents/Prime Ministers. Pray they would exercise a Godly influence that would bring God s Kingdom into Parliament, The White House, Brussels and other prominent places.

7 Notes: Week One: Sunday 2 nd Saturday 8 th December 2018

8 Week 2: Sunday 9 th Saturday 15 th December 2018 Sunday 9 th Reading for the Week: Matthew 1: This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Week 2: Sunday 9 th Saturday 15 th December But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. 22 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means God with us ). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Spend a few moments reading through this passage a couple of times asking God to speak to you as you do so. Bring to God in prayer the things that strike you from it. Spend some time thinking about your week ahead and inviting God to be part of it. Who do you know that needs prayer at the moment? Spend time bringing them to God in prayer. Please pray too for the services at SCBC today: 8:30am 10:30am 6:30pm Donald is preaching and Chris L is leading worship Donald is taking the service Donald is preaching and Tex is leading worship

9 Monday 10 th she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Give thanks that God gives each one of us the gift his Holy Spirit to dwell in us. Bring to God the areas you struggle with and invite the Holy Spirit into those areas to bring help, healing and breakthrough. Invite the Holy Spirit to equip and use you in all you have on today. Part of the role of the Holy Spirit is to convict people of the truth. Please pray for our Cafechurch Christmas Special tonight, that the Holy Spirit would be at work in the lives of those who come, softening their hearts and convicting them of the truth that they need Jesus as their saviour. Pray too for Lyndsay as she speaks that she would be empowered by the Holy Spirit with God s words. Choose a global issue and invite the Holy Spirit to work powerfully to bring about change in that area. It could be the environment, sex trafficking, refugees, war, disaster relief, homelessness or anything else you feel passionate about. Tuesday 11 th 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace Give thanks that God doesn t make us face public disgrace for our mistakes. Thank him for his grace and favour and ask that he may empower us to act with grace and mercy towards those we come into contact with. Are there those we need to forgive or show compassion, grace and mercy to? Pray for them and for our actions towards them. Give thanks for our Food Bank and those who are not afraid or too embarrassed to ask for help. Pray that as people come to us, they would receive material help and find spiritual help as well. Pray too that as a church we would give generously so that the food bank is well stocked at all times. Week 2: Sunday 9 th Saturday 15 th December 2018 Pray for those who are being used and abused through sex trafficking and who will feel public disgrace. Pray they would be rescued and their lives redeemed. Pray for those who are orchestrating these sordid organisations around the world that they would be exposed and imprisoned and their organisations shut down. Pray for any corrupt officials that are allowing these organisations to function, that they would be discovered and brought to justice.

10 Wednesday 12 th Joseph son of David, do not be afraid As we approach Christmas, bring to God the things that you are worried about it could be family, money, time, loss. Ask him to bring his peace and to help in those situations we are struggling with. Ask him to help you plan your time so that he is at the centre of all your plans and preparations this year. Week 2: Sunday 9 th Saturday 15 th December 2018 Give thanks for 5 F s, Artability and Ladies Fellow as they reach out to many people who don t yet know Jesus - some of whom are on their own. Pray that they would hear God speak to them this Christmas and that he would bring his peace and his everlasting life. Pray that folks wouldn t feel isolated and alone as they break for Christmas, but that people would keep in touch and they would know God with them. Pray for nightshelters for the homeless in Birmingham, Derby and the UK. Pray that they would be places of peace and calm, where those who come need not be afraid of violence, bad weather or anything else. Pray for Paul as he heads up the shelter in Derby that God would continue to lead, envision and equip him for this task. Pray that he would see people come to faith this Christmas. Thursday 13 th and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Spend some time sitting in God s presence and allowing him to refresh you and bless you and allow that to set the platform for your time of prayer. Give thanks for All Aboard and Playgroup and pray for the children and those who bring them, that they would want to find out more about Jesus. Pray they would come to a service or event over Christmas and that many would start coming to Grow Together. Pray for their Christmas services that they would be well attended and that the Holy Spirit would be at work convicting people of the truth. Pray for Rachel and Lemuel in Spain as they seek to share Jesus through a local church there. Pray for good health for Rachel, good relationships with the young people for Lemuel and God s blessing on their ministry that they would see people saved from their sins and know Jesus for themselves.

11 Friday 14 th they will call him Immanuel (which means God with us ). As God goes with us into the situations we face today, invite him to empower you to be and do all he has called you to do. Pray that you would be aware of the Holy Spirit s promptings and leading that you may walk with God, speak his words and be a blessing. As Cath speaks at our Out to Lunch Christmas Special, pray that God would go with her, speak through her and that he would soften and challenge the hearts of those who come. Pray that today would be the day that people give their lives to Jesus and they would know God with them for eternity. Pray too for the cooks, serving and all practical aspects, that they would run smoothly. Pray for the Leaders of other churches in Sutton Coldfield as they prepare for their Christmas Services. Pray they would know God s leading, empowering and equipping. Pray that in churches throughout Sutton Coldfield, many people would come to know. Jesus Christ for themselves. Pray for the Carols in the Gracechurch Centre that there would be many from each church there supporting it and many people listening and wanting to find out more. Week 2: Sunday 9 th Saturday 15 th December 2018

12 Saturday 15 th 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him Ask God to help us live a life that reflects his son and his command to go and make disciples. Pray that we would make an impact for Jesus on the lives of those around us and take the opportunities he gives to share his life and love. Week 2: Sunday 9 th Saturday 15 th December 2018 Give thanks for those who were obedient to God s call to open Second Thoughts. Thank God that it is a place of help, hope, laughter and life and that it has been for so many years. Pray for those who come to have Second Thoughts and want to find out about Jesus. Give thanks for those who have already found faith through its ministry. Pray for Robin, Liz and Paul as they serve God by inspiring and equipping others to serve overseas. Pray for God s provision for them and the Mission Agency the serve as part of. Pray for more workers, for God to provide financially and that those who are serving around the world would know God s protection, favour and a fruitfulness in their ministry. Notes:

13 Week Three: Sunday 16 th Saturday 22 nd December 2018 Sunday 16 th Reading for the Week: Luke 2:1-20 The Birth of Jesus 2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests. 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Spend a few moments reading through this passage a couple of times asking God to speak to you as you do so. Week Three: Sunday 16 th Saturday 22 nd December 2018 Bring to God in prayer the things that strike you from it. Spend some time thinking about your week ahead and inviting God to be part of it Who do you know that needs prayer at the moment? Spend time bringing them to God in prayer.

14 Spend a few moments reading through this passage a couple of times asking God to speak to you as you do so. Bring to God in prayer the things that strike you from it. Spend some time thinking about your week ahead and inviting God to be part of it Who do you know that needs prayer at the moment? Spend time bringing them to God in prayer. Please pray too for the services at SCBC today: Week Three: Sunday 16 th Saturday 22 nd December :30am 10:30am 6:30pm Monday 17 th Donald is preaching and Laurie/Alison leading worship Lightyears are taking the service Donald is preaching and Gaynor is leading worship 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. Joseph came from the line of David. Spend some time praying for your family members and the things that are going on in their lives, inviting God to be part of those relationships, to heal wounds and to bring love and peace. Pray that you would reflect Jesus in your family and draw people together in love. Give thanks for our Church Leaders and pray for them as they meet together tonight. Pray they would be aware of the leading, guiding and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Pray for one of two members of the team specifically (Lyndsay, Judy, Cath, Rob, Laurie, John, Donald) in whatever way God leads you to pray for them. Pray for those who have been affected by child loss, post-natal depression, miscarriage or infertility. Pray for God s comfort, peace, hope and help. Pray for organisations like Acacia who provide places of refuge and help.

15 Tuesday 18 th She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Mary used the resources that were available to her. Give thanks for all that God has given us, and pray that God would help us to make the most of what we ve got and not feel the need to continually add to it. Pray that this would not be an excessive Christmas materially, but would be one that keeps Jesus at the centre of it. Pray for the plans and preparations for our Christmas Day Meal. Pray all that is needed would be provided and that there would be enough helpers. Pray that God would be working in the hearts and minds of those who will be joining with us. Pray they would know Jesus for themselves this Christmas. Give thanks that we can make room for people and welcome them in this Christmas time. Are there people on their own that you could invite to join with you this Christmas? Pray for countries who have no room for Jesus this Christmas because they do not believe he is the Messiah. Pray that God would give dreams and visions to leaders of countries, governments and those in positions of influence in communities, that they would encounter Jesus. Pray that encounter would change their lives, communities and countries. Pray especially for the Muslims in Oman and those who are seeking to share the love of Jesus with them. Wednesday 19 th I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Spend time reflecting on how you became a Christian. Give God thanks and praise for what he has done and ask that he may carry on the work that he has begun and you may grow in knowledge, understanding and joy. Tonight are the last sessions of the Alpha Course and the Bereavement Journey. Give thanks for those who have joined with us and pray that they would finish well and want to know Jesus for themselves and stay connected with our community over Christmas and in the coming months and years. Week Three: Sunday 16 th Saturday 22 nd December 2018 Pray for Danny, Lydie, Asha and Nate in Ibiza as they bring good news to the people of Sa Penya and Ibiza Town. Pray God would continue to bless their relationship and give them conversations about Jesus. Pray their home would be a sanctuary and a refuge for many. Pray they would see their friends come to know Jesus this Christmas and would be a blessing to the homeless they love and want to bless.

16 Thursday 20 th 11 Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Give thanks that Jesus, the saviour of the world, changes lives. Pray for those people God places upon your heart who do not yet know him. Ask God who he would have you invite to the Carol Service. Pray that God would be preparing their hearts and minds in the coming days. Week Three: Sunday 16 th Saturday 22 nd December 2018 Pray for the preparations for the Carol Services as our Worship Group meet this evening. Give thanks for the gift of music and pray that God would speak through the carols, songs and sermon to lead people to Jesus. Pray too for Donald as he prepares his sermon. Jesus was born in the Town of David, pray for our Royal Town, Sutton Coldfield. Pray for any of our local schools for Christian teachers, Christian Governors and Christian pupils and parents that they would know God goes with them and lead and inspire them as they take Jesus into those schools. Pray too for our fire service, police force and politicians. Friday 21 st 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests. Spend time resting in God s presence without an agenda or set of prayers and let him refresh and renew you. Give thanks that the Friday Diner provides a place for people to come and find company and a good meal. Pray for our guests that they would know God s peace this Christmas and that their lives would be changed forever by Jesus. Give thanks too for the Diner team and pray that God would bless those we have and bring along more helpers to be head chef. Pray for the conflicts in Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen. Pray that opposing groups would lay down their arms. Pray too that refugees and displaced people would find safety, hope and a fresh start. For those who have been affected by war to be comforted and helped with their trauma. For God to redeem these nations and people.

17 Saturday 22 nd 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. The Shepherds were amazed. Spend some time reflecting on God s goodness and grace and answers to prayer you have seen and spend time giving thanks and praising him for who he is and what he s done. Invite him to do even more in your life in the coming day. Pray for those coming to the Remembrance Service this afternoon that word would spread that God is the God of all comfort and the one who wants to love and help them in this time of pain and difficulty. Pray that the service would be a real blessing to them and lead them towards Jesus. Pray for Graham and Linda in the USA as they serve God there. Give thanks for the dance school Linda heads up and pray that it would be a place of excellence and a signpost to the love of God for all those who come. Pray for Linda s health that she would know God s energy, strength and healing. Pray for Graham as he travels the world that God would protect him, energise him and use his wisdom and experience to bless and build up those that he meets. Week Three: Sunday 16 th Saturday 22 nd December 2018

18 Week 4: Sunday 23 rd Saturday 29 th of December 2018 Sunday 23rd Reading for the Week: Isaiah 9:6-7 Week 4: Sunday 23 rd Saturday 29 th of December For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this Spend a few moments reading through this passage a couple of times asking God to speak to you as you do so. Bring to God in prayer the things that strike you from it? Spend some time thinking about your week ahead and inviting God to be part of it. Who do you know that needs prayer at the moment? Spend time bringing them to God in prayer. Please pray too for the services at SCBC today: 8:30am 10:30am 4pm and 7pm Cath is preaching and Mark/Heather are leading worship Cath is taking the service Donald is taking the Carol Services

19 Monday 24 th 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. What burdens are we carrying on our shoulders that King Jesus wants to take from us and bring his peace? Are there things we have done that we feel guilty about that we want to lay at the cross and be relieved of? Are there stresses and strains we are carrying with us, that we are invited to lay down. Jesus was given for you to help you live life to the full. Please pray for Deb and Sam Lyden as they lead our Christmas Eve Communion Service at 4pm. This is always a special service as we take time out in the busyness of Christmas Eve to focus on Jesus. Pray for those who come who don t yet know Jesus or who have wandered away. Pray that Jesus will draw them to himself through the service and they will accept the gift of Jesus. Pray that is would be a time of refreshing and envisioning as we approach Christmas Day. Pray for our Government as they have time off this Christmas. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be at work in their lives convicting them of the truth and their need for Jesus. Pray they would go to church tomorrow and would encounter the living Jesus and have their lives and perspectives changed forever. Pray for Andrew Mitchell that he would encounter Jesus too. Tuesday 25 th And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor Christmas can be a day of heightened emotions. Spend some time giving thanks for the gift of Jesus, but also spend time asking for his help and his presence in whatever the day holds for you. He promises to walk with you into it and never leave you or forsake you. Please pray for Donald as he leads our Christmas Day Services at 8:30am and 10:30am and also for our guests and those who are helping with our Christmas Day Meal. Pray that God would work in the lives of those who do not yet know him, softening their hearts and convicting them of the truth. Week 4: Sunday 23 rd Saturday 29 th of December 2018 Pray for our fellow believers around the world as they celebrate the birth of our saviour. Pray especially for those who are persecuted and will be unable to celebrate publically and pray too for our mission partners away from their families at Christmas time.

20 Wednesday 26 th Mighty God In what areas do we want to ask God to move mightily and bring about change in our lives? Spend some time talking with God about them and allowing him time and space to prompt, lead and speak to you about those. Be still and know that he is God. What would be your one prayer for the church for 2019? Spend some time praying that through with God. Week 4: Sunday 23 rd Saturday 29 th of December 2018 There are too many refugees around the world. The main reasons are as a result of war or religious/national/social or political persecution. Pray that our Mighty God would bring an end to wars, support and care for refugees, his favour, new life through Jesus and hope and a future. Thursday 27 th Everlasting Father God is our good Father. Spend some time thanking him for his care, his provision and for his unconditional love. Give thanks for our Family Ministries that include parenting children/teenagers, Divorce Recovery and the Marriage Course. Pray for those who head them up to be empowered and envisioned and for the courses that will be running in the term ahead to be well attended. Pray for family relationships to be changed as a result of them and for people to encounter Jesus. Pray for children around the world who are orphaned through war or persecution. Pray they would know the love and life of God as their Everlasting Father. Pray that good and godly men would take on the role of their father and love them, look after them and lead them to their heavenly father.

21 Friday 28 th Prince of Peace Be still in the presence of God and allow him to refresh, renew and encourage you. Let God set the agenda for your time with him today. Pray for families that this Christmas season would be a time of peace and not one of arguments, stress and difficulties. Ask God to bring to mind specific families he would have you pray for today, and spend some time thanking God for them and praying for their relationships with one another and that they would know God s help, love and provision this Christmas time. Pray for the family of Ozell who was murdered in Sutton Coldfield on the Parade earlier this year. Pray that they would know the love and comfort of our prince of peace this first Christmas without him. Pray too for the Parade and for our Town that it would be a place of peace and not violence and aggression. Saturday 29 th He will reign on David s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness Pray that God would help you to see the world through his eyes. Pray that he would break our hearts for what breaks his that we would be motivated to stand up for injustice and speak out against oppression. Ask God to show you where there is injustice in our town/city or further afield and spend time praying into that situation and asking that God would move in that area and bring justice. Get out of the house and go on a prayer walk around the streets where you live. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be at work in the lives of all those who live in those streets. Pray for those you know by name and pray into the situations that they face. Pray for other homes that you would have opportunities to get to know them and to share the love of Jesus with them. Pray for salvation to come to these streets and for the Kingdom of God to come in power. Week 4: Sunday 23 rd Saturday 29 th of December 2018

22 Week 4: Sunday 23 rd Saturday 29 th of December 2018 Notes:

23 Half Night of Prayer: New Year s Eve Drop in at any time between 6pm and Midnight in the Prayer Room to join with others as we give thanks for all that God has done this year and look ahead to 2019 inviting God to lead, guide and take us with him in the year ahead. Regular Prayer Meetings in the Life of the Church If you ve enjoyed praying with us for this month, there are lots of other opportunities to carry on praying in the coming weeks. Here are a few of our regular prayer meetings: Mission Partner Prayer Meeting: 1st Monday Every Month Join us from 7:30pm in L3 as we hear the latest news from our Mission Partners around the world and pray for them. Cancer Prayer Meeting; 1 st Wednesday of Every Month 10:30am-12pm in the prayer room. Kingdom Come: 2 nd Tuesday Evening Monthly Join Tex and his small group as they lead us in a time of worship and prayer for those in their 20s and 30s who don t yet know Jesus. Friday Morning Prayer Meeting: Weekly on Fridays 10:00am-12pm in the Prayer Room Prayer Hour: Weekly on Saturday Mornings 7:30-8:30am in the Prayer Room Week 4: Sunday 23 rd Saturday 29 th of December 2018

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