Prayer and the end of the age

Was sent a very good aricle by John Piper regarding prayer in Revelation chapter 8:

The utterly astonishing thing about this text is that it portrays the prayers of the saints as the instrument God uses to usher in the end of the world with great divine judgments. It pictures the prayers of the saints accumulating on the altar before the throne of God until the appointed time when they are taken up like fire from the altar and thrown upon the earth to bring about the consummation of God's kingdom.

Read more here: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByScripture/17/859_The_Prayers_of_the_Saints_and_the_End_of_the_World/

Voice of the Martyrs prayer update: Jan. 30, 2009

If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul. Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124

SRI LANKA – Anti-conversion Law Under Review in Parliament – VOM CanadaOn Jan. 6, the Buddhist- led Jathika Hela Urumaya (National Heritage Party) presented an anti-conversion bill to the Sri Lankan Parliament. The purpose of the bill, which was first presented in 2004, is to "provide prohibition of conversion from one religion to another by use of force or allurement or by fraudulent means." The current legislation no longer contains two clauses that the Supreme Court deemed unconstitutional following challenges from several civil and religious rights groups. However, Christians and other religious minorities remain concerned because the bill, if passed, will introduce serious penalties for those found guilty of "forcibly" converting people, including jail terms, and could violate the right to religion and worship in the country. Ask the Lord to intervene so that this legislation will not be passed. Pray for wisdom and endurance for those serving Christ in Sri Lanka.
Psalm 27:1-3
KYRGYSTAN – UPDATE- Restrictive Religion Law Passed – Forum 18 News
The draft religion law approved by Kyrgyzstan's parliament in early November has been signed and approved by President Kurmanbek Bakiev, according to Forum 18 News. Religious leaders across Kyrgyzstan have expressed concern for their communities, especially those with small numbers. The new religion law stipulates that 200 adult citizens are necessary to apply for state registration, whereas previously only 10 citizens were required. The new law also bans the involvement of children in religious organizations, forbids religious groups from spreading their faith and prohibits the distribution of religious material. Pray for believers in Kyrgystan to remain faithful to Christ despite this repressive law. Ask God to encourage them and give smaller communities creative ways and means to continue meeting and worshipping together.
Joshua 1:9
INDIA – UPDATE - Relief Camps Closed in Orissa - VOM Sources
Government authorities in Orissa state have shut down relief camps forcing thousands of Christians displaced by the wave of violence that began last August to flee, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Believers have been left without adequate protection against further attacks or compensation for damages sustained. Many of the believers were threatened with violence while in the camps and fear further attacks if they return to their homes, many of which have not been rebuilt. Officials are providing some of the refugees with 10,000 rupees (US$201). However, the sum is inadequate to meet their long-term needs and it is unlikely that many will be able to secure employment, as local Hindus often refuse to hire Christians. Ask God to protect believers as they face potential challenges and danger. Pray their needs are met and for them to find employment so they can provide for their families.
Isaiah 40:31

Stir up the flame

A Misty Edwards/Merchant Band song inspired from Acts 4:29-31... a prayer we need to pray and wait for.  Here's the song:

Stir up the flame, keep it alive, even ablaze on the inside
Come have Your way, rise in this place
Consume our hearts, for Your Name's sake

CHORUS:
Come, receive Holy Spirit from above
Holy Spirit fall upon us
Breathe on us, Holy Spirit from above
Holy Spirit fall upon us

Look on their threats, stretch out Your Hand
Come shake this place, give us boldness
We lift up our voice, as one we will shout
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done

Lord let Your fire fall
Our hearts are longing for Your Presence
Longing for You... Your Presence

Lord let Your fire fall, we are in need of You,
Our hearts are longing for Your Presence

Stir Up The Flame - Misty Edwards

See me through

From Tim Reimherr's song 'See Me Through' (emphasis mine):

As I journey on this path of life
Let me find favor in Your eyes
To walk humbly before Your eyes always, always
Whom have I in heaven but You
And only what You say will really see me through
Send forth Your light and truth, and lead me, lead me on...

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Lord have mercy, ‘cause it’s my only means
To find You here with me, to find you here with me

Excellent worship resource (link)

Image by [bastian.] via Flickr

Check this out, a growing compilation of lyrics and chords for contemporary worship:

http://soarworship.wordpress.com/

News article: Iceland's government collapses

Image via Wikipedia

REYKJAVIK, Iceland - Iceland's coalition government collapsed Monday, leaving the island nation in political turmoil amid a financial crisis that has pummeled its economy and required an international bailout.

Read more here, pray for the moving of God's Spirit in Iceland:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28854529/

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