10 DAYS OF PRAYER/FASTING DECEMBER 1-10, 2014 6.00am - 6.30am (daily) for joint prayer and any other times to suit individuals.... He told them not to leave Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them in fulfilment of the Father s promise... Acts 1:4 But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power to testify about me with great effect, to the people in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 God has one promise to and through His exalted Son. Our Lord has one gift to his Church. The Church has one need. All prayer unites in the one petition the power of the Holy Spirit. Make it your one prayer.(from The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer by Andrew Murray, p125 1.What is prayed for 2. Scriptures/Readings 3. Pictures 4. Words Monday December 1, 2014 1. We prayed for; Forgiveness for complacency and grumbling Unity in the Church Healing of the land, deep repentance and the presence of God. Tuesday December 2, 2014 1. We prayed: That God would fulfil his promises over this land (New Zealand); that his glory will be seen and that many people will be sent out in missions. That we would humble ourselves, pray and repent. God has placed us in this area, at this time, in this place, and in this generation. We do not want to lose focus away from the mission; 12,000 new houses in this area. Where the Spirit comes, freedom will come, to minister how He leads and empowers people for a unique time, to work in a unique way Festival 200, Canterbury Baptist Association meeting. 2. Romans 8:26 Zechariah 12:10 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. I will fill the descendants of David and the other people of Jerusalem with the spirit of mercy and the spirit of prayer. Isaiah 43:1 and 2. 3. Someone had a picture of a bible covered in dust and dirt. We think that we have the word of God and that we are alright but we need to clean up and repent. Wednesday December 3, 2014
1. Healing for Christchurch, the land (NZ), the weariness of Christians of Christchurch because of the last few years. 2. Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6 Ephesians 6:18 Thursday December 4, 2014 1. We prayed for Unity The LORD created Jacob and formed Israel. Now, this is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid, because I have reclaimed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through the sea, I am with you. When you go through rivers, they will not sweep you away. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned, and the flames will not harm you. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord s people. I rejoiced with those who said to me, Let us go to the house of the LORD 2. Forgiveness, repentance when we don t function as a body all separate parts but work as one. A hunger for God The Church and for the leaders That issues may be resolved quickly so that we can progress with the mission in this area the river of people flowing in to this area. Psalm 122:1. Friday December 5, 2014 1. We prayed for: The people flooding into the Halswell area help us to be proactive in sharing the 3. That they would come to know Jesus. Alan Jamieson (about coming to the Sunday service) to be able to listen as well as inform, for the protection of people who might be hurt with the issues being raised in Alan s message. The flock do not let the flock be scattered. Protection of young adults missionaries in this area to this generation. Protection for people who may be unaware of issues going on and who may feel hurt For the worship team leading on Sunday And now I am coming to you; I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world. Holy Father! Keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me,
John 17:11, 15 and 16 Psalm 124 and so that they may be one just as you and I are one. I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but I do ask you to keep them safe from the Evil One. Just as I do not belong to the world, they do not belong to the world. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which can never be shaken, never be moved. 2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, Psalm 125 3. Someone had a picture of a bride (the Church) without spot or blemish. We prayed for protection of the church. Saturday December 6, 2014 1. We prayed for: Alan Jamieson and the difficult position he is in. Spiritual battle; an awareness that we are not fighting against flesh and blood but the principalities and powers in the heavenly world. 2. Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God believe also in me. Discernment about Neighbourhood Community theology. Life to be breathed in to the church again, the new life of the Holy Spirit people to be in love with God again. Ian leading the worship team on Sunday for powerful worship in defiance of the enemy. John 14:1 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one 23 I in them and you in me so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them. John 17:22, 23 and 26 Galatians 5:22, 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labour; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband, says the LORD. 2 Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. 3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. 4 Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. Isaiah 54:1-4 I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem;
Isaiah 62:6 they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD give yourselves no rest, 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his [a] holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever. 2 Chronicles 20:21 My great life work, like Christ s, is intercession - to pray for the leaders and those who do not yet know God. (Andrew Murray). 3. Picture of an interrogation room with a 2-way mirror; we cannot always see the full picture of what is going on when we are on the inside. Sunday December 7, 2014 A group prayed together before the Church service but no notes were taken. Alan came to Halswell Site at the end of the 10am service and a meeting was held where issues were raised about whether it was sustainable to continue with all 3 services on a Sunday morning (and the possibility of dropping the 10am service at Halswell). Discussions were also held about how the merger has gone/is going and the development of Neighbourhood communities. Monday December 8, 2014 1. We prayed for - Wisdom, to soften our hearts, to know the heart of God, to be outward-looking and not inward-looking. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 2. We prayed for Andy and his role in the Tuesday Night Fellowship and for Lee- Ann and her role in administration in the Church. Peace of God to be poured out over staff at SWBC and people at Halswell site. Psalm 27:4 Psalm 46:1-5 Ezekiel 47 River flowing from the Temple the river of life when it flows, no rubbish can settle. 3. Be exceedingly kind to each other from the story in Acts, where after the shipwreck, the people of Malta are exceedingly kind to those who came off the ship and Paul. Acts 27-28:1 Tuesday December 9, 2014 1. We prayed for:
Humility across the Church and not pride or arrogance. That issues would be resolved quickly and that God s Will will be done. Elders and specifically for Richard (Chair of the elders). Psalm 15:1-2 Wednesday December 10, 2014 1. We prayed for: Fresh anointing for the Church leadership Shepherds to be watching out for the sheep Healing of Christ s bride (the Church), Meal and movie night (taking place that night at Halswell site) 2. 2. 1 LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? 2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. 3. Someone had a picture of a bride walking down the aisle with her eyes on the front in the same way we need to keep our eyes on Jesus. Acts 1:8 40 DAYS OF PRAYER DECEMBER 31, 2014 FEBRUARY 8, 2015 Saturday nights 5.30-6.00 p.m. Kai time, 6.00 7.30 p.m. worship/prayer I have asked the Lord for one thing: One thing only do I want: To live in the Lord s house all my life To marvel there at his goodness And to ask for his guidance. Psalm 27:4 (GNT) Wednesday December 31, 2014 14 adults and 4 children Sonja - Welcome to group Song of Praise Be Thou My Vision Time of Reflection and Confession We prayed for: Forgiveness for resentment Renewal in our Church and in New Zealand 2015 and God s blessing on our lives and church. Created pictures of what we were thankful for 2014 and prayers for 2015 Closed with song Our Father Millennium Prayer Saturday January 3, 2014 20 adults and 6 children Sonja Welcome to group Worship lead by Jill and Chris Bunting made by children with the names of God/Jesus written on it. Prayer lead by Bruce White he reflected on Craig Vernall s (Baptist Union leader) December prayer letter (see later in these notes for more detail). Reflective time as individuals and then each individual gave feedback to group. Our focus during this prayer time was to
pray about worship in the Church. Scriptures Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house the labourer labours in vain. Psalm 145, Proverbs 20:6 Saturday January 10, 2015 8 adults and 2 children Bruce Apperley led the group. Alan Jamieson attended. Group discussion on what communities are, what they were to us, our role in the community as Christians a time of learning from each other. Short prayer time at the end about what was discussed Saturday January 17, 2015 28 adults and 4 children Worship lead by Jill and Chris Prayer time lead by Roger Roger spoke on 2 Chronicles 20:1-21 Victory Through Prayer There were seven points 1. Seek and enquire of the Lord 2. All the people came before the Lord 3. Honesty and humility 4. Spirit of the Lord and a prophetic voice 5. Take position and trust in God 6. Stand up and stand firm 7. Praise and singing We prayed specifically for the leadership team, Richard and the Elders We broke into small groups of 4 to 5 people to pray. After prayer, pictures and words were encouraged to be given. Someone gave us a picture of beauty and diversity from many places, to be bound together by the Holy Spirit as a colourful picture. Someone else related how they had prayed, looking out over Halswell from Kennedys Bush and believe God is actively working in this area. At Pentecost, God broke in and broke out - God is at work. Someone else commented that we have a mission to this area and a responsibility to share our faith with others. Someone else highlighted 2 Chronicles 20:14, that the Spirit of the Lord was at work and commented that through all this there will be peace. January 24, 2015 22 adults and 6 children, Claire Russell (pastor) and Pam Arnold (elder) attended. Sonja lead Scripture 2 Chronicles 14, 2 Chronicles 16:9 Sonja reflected on Craig Vernall s December 2014 newsletter. Leaders from the Baptist Union met to reflect and pray after The gathering which was held at Waitangi. They felt the Lord called them to repent over the following issues: A spiritual pride concerning our sense of place amongst the NZ Christian community Our loss of confidence in the power of the Gospel to bring salvation in all its forms Failing to put prayer as a priority of significance We have dropped the ball when it comes to our tradition of church planting
We have isolated our autonomy rather than our unity We have failed to learn from each other We are late starters when it comes to welcoming the foreigners into our churches We have been negligent when it comes to our NZ bi-cultural journey We prayed in response to Alan Jamieson s email which gave us some things to pray about including worship in the life of SWBC, exploring the possibilities of different sites, for church camp and for neighbourhood communities. For the eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward him, so that he can show his great power in helping them. Pictures/words/scriptures from people include: Tribes of Israel which were separate individual tribes but unified under God. Someone was reminded of a previous picture regarding the Halswell site that we are to be a beacon of light, like a lighthouse. Someone else had a picture of a fishing net, the lost are the fish and the net is the way you can scoop them out from the deep dark water. At times a net needs maintaining, repairing and extending to gather more lost in. Someone else also was reminded of the original vision of Halswell Church to be a hospital church to bring healing of a variety of kinds. Someone else had a picture of a map of Halswell, Wigram, Aidanfield, and Longhurst/Knightstream and that there were light bulbs dotted around the place which represented Christians in the area. More light bulbs came on as Christians moved into the area but also as more people became Christians. There was a beacon/lighthouse on the corner of Balcairn Street, as people gathered at Halswell site to worship and more people came. The beacon/light grew stronger, shining out to the people of this area, Someone else had a similar picture of flames all over the area, which then joined together to form a big bonfire. Someone had verses - the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and Psalm 127:1 Someone else had a picture of a concert pianist and commented that if you go to a concert you do not question the expertise of the pianist and raised the question Do we need to put more trust in our leaders? Watch/listen for prophetic words from unlikely people. January 31, 2015 17 adults - Alan Jamieson attended. The evening was led by Roger and the following notes were taken 1. We need to be exceedingly kind MUST practice this. There are lots of different ways of doing this but we must be kind to each other and the leadership. Leadership must be kind to us, we must look after the sheep, many are confused and hurting we must care for them 2. Our questions need to be answered so that we feel we ve been heard. Want to be kept in the loop.
3. Need to be aware that for some it takes them a long time to feel a part of a church. Some have found something amazing at Halswell. If it is ripped away they ll find it impossible to start again. Some will never recover. 4. This is God s church not ours. Often a death had to occur before a resurrection. Lazarus etc. Jesus weeping at the tomb. Cares about our pain. Halswell may have to die to be resurrected. 5. We re in a chrysalis moment we need a vision. 6. Peter being called out of the boat. Kept his eyes on Jesus OK. Going into something untried and untested. Fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). 7. Creativity is important as we move forward. Moving into something new and different. 8. Put a stake in the ground here in this place for this is where I have chosen for you to worship me. (Picture and a word) February 1, 2015 - Alan (and CLT and Elders) announce two proposals being considered and the process around making a decision (See information in newsletter 1/2/15). February 7, 2015 - Church Camp at Spencer Park no formal prayer meeting was arranged. February 12, 2015 Alan places a Background Paper on Our merger of two churches becoming one in mission where are we at? See AJ s blog on SWBC website. Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.