APRAYED4CITY December 2013 prayer guide

Thank you all for praying.   This is such a busy time of the year but the needs are great.

 

APRAYED4CITY PRAYER GUIDE DECEMBER 7, 2013

“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. 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. 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. 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.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1: 18-25

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. 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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 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.”  Luke 2:1-7

During the month of December, AP4C is celebrating the Savior’s birth. May the blessings of hope, joy, love, and peace be yours this Christmas.  Merry Christmas from AP4C!

SALVATION

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him  Immanuel (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32

Praise God for His gift of salvation that is celebrated at Christmas!

Pray that those who do not attend church regularly will go to church this Christmas—will hear the gospel clearly proclaimed. 

Pray that those who do not know Christ as Savior will find the greatest  gift of all—Jesus and His salvation.

Continue to pray for the salvation of people within your sphere of influence. 

DISCIPLESHIP

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

“On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

Pray for churches, ministries and organizations as they prepare and execute their Christmas services and outreaches to the city, proclaiming God’s love and gift of Jesus.

Pray for God to restore to His Church the Hope, Joy, Love and Peace of Christ’s coming to earth.

Pray that believers will give sacrificially to help others during the Christmas season.

COMMUNITY

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’” Luke 2:13-14

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:20

Pray for God’s protection for all who are traveling during the Christmas holidays.

Pray for God’s presence and comfort to be felt by individuals this Christmas season who have lost loved ones this year.

Pray for those who are separated from family and friends this Christmas.

Pray that God will open doors to believers to share their faith as they share the love of Christmas within their community.

TRANSFORMATION

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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 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.” Isaiah 9:6-7

“May all kings bow down to Him and all nations serve Him.” Isaiah 11:1

Pray for God to release a spiritual awakening in our city during this Christmas season as people share the love of Christ.

Pray that individuals will be able to openly celebrate Christmas in their places of education and employment.

Pray that individuals and families would avoid getting caught up in the commercial aspects of the season, and will focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

10 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas        By Mary Fairchild

Excerpts taken from christianity.about.com

Keeping Christ in Christmas means daily revealing the character, love and spirit of Christ that dwells in you, by allowing these traits to shine through your actions. Here are simple ways to keep Christ the central focus of your life this Christmas season.

1) Give God one very special gift just from you to Him. Let this gift be something personal that no one else needs to know about, and let it be a sacrifice.

2) Set aside a special time to read the Christmas story in Luke 1:5-56 through 2:1-20. Consider reading this account with your family and discussing it together.

3) Set up a Nativity scene in your home.

4) Plan a project of good will this Christmas. Find someone with a genuine need, involve your whole family and see how happy you can make someone this Christmas.

5) Take a group Christmas caroling in a nursing home or a children's hospital.

6) Give a surprise gift of service to each member of your family. Jesus taught us to serve by washing the disciples feet. He also taught us that it is "more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 (NIV) The idea of giving an unexpected gift of service to members of your family is to demonstrate Christ-like love and service. Make it personal and meaningful and watch the blessings multiply.

7) Set aside a time of family devotions on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Before opening the gifts, take a few minutes to gather together as a family in prayer and devotions. Read a few Bible verses and discuss as a family the true meaning of Christmas.

8) Attend a Christmas church service together with your family. If you are alone this Christmas or don't have family living near you, invite a friend or a neighbor to join you.

9) Send Christmas cards that convey a spiritual message. This is an easy way to share your faith at Christmastime. If you've already bought the reindeer cards—no problem! Just write a Bible verse and include a personal message with each card.

10) Write a Christmas letter to a missionary. Many missionaries are unable to travel home for the holidays, so it can be a very lonely time for them. Write a special Christmas letter to a missionary of your choice, thanking them for giving their life in service to the Lord.

November aprayed4city prayer guide

SURPRISINGLY IT IS NOVEMBER AND WE ARE NEAR THE END OF 2013 ALREADY!  Thank you all for praying.  In addition to the prayer guide there is an invitation to attend a special prayer event below.
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Good afternoon, Prayer Champions!  The November prayer guide is attached and focuses on gratitude.  Please feel free to pass it along to other prayer warriors in your sphere of influence encouraging them to sign up and pray with us monthly.  Also, note the attached Covenant Calendar which indicates the committed to monthly praying and their assigned day.

We want to make you aware of a prayer event revolving around education.  This event will be held on Sunday, December 1^st, from 6:30 to 8pm at Lake Highlands United Methodist Church.  (See the map link below.)  Please make educators and parents in your congregations/organizations aware of the event.  Several education leaders from across the Metroplex will lead in prayer as well as be prayed for.  Additionally, AP4C prayer champions will have an opportunity to gather and share best practices prior to the event at 5pm.  So mark your calendars and watch for additional information!

As always, let us know if you have any questions and/or suggestions.  We’re grateful for each of you!

 

Map link to LHUMC:  http://www.lhumc.com/#/address-location/address-map

 

 

 

 

“Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.  Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.  Yours, Lord, is the Kingdom; You are exalted as head over all.  Wealth and honor come from You ; You are the ruler of all things.  In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.  Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious Name. 

1 Chronicles 29:10-13

“A spirit of thankfulness is one of the most distinctive marks of a Christian whose heart is attuned to the Lord. Thank God in the midst of trials and every persecution.”

“When thanksgiving is filled with true meaning and is not just the formality of a polite ‘thank you,’ it is the recognition

of dependence.”

“Grumbling and gratitude are, for the child of God, in conflict. Be grateful and you won’t grumble.

Grumble and you won’t be grateful.”

“Why should we give God thanks? Because everything we have comes from God.”

Quotes by Billy Graham, Posted on November 17, 2012  by notesfromthecove.com

 

During the month of Thanksgiving, AP4C is focusing on giving thanks to God.  It is our intention for believers from all ethnic, socio-economic and denominational backgrounds to unite in prayer and use this guide as a catalyst for our on-going prayer.  It is also our prayer that God will unite the Church and use us to shape Greater Dallas into a place that more accurately reflects His Kingdom. 
 
SALVATION
 

“My mouth will tell of Your righteous deeds, of Your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim Your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim Your righteous deeds, Yours alone.”  Psalm 71:15-16

 

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:56-57

 

· Give thanks to God for His attributes: goodness, love, mercy, holiness, peace, righteousness, omnipotence, sovereignty, omniscience, wisdom, love, wrath, transcendence, omnipresence, immanence, immutability, justice

· Thank God for His gift of salvation given to you and for loved ones in your life who have a relationship with Christ.

· Continue to pray for the salvation of people within your sphere of influence. 

 

DISCIPLESHIP

“I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Corinthians 1:4

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

· Give thanks to God for the spiritual blessings of life.

· Thank God for the avenue of prayer and for the prayer movements He has established (i.e. AP4C) and for answered prayers.

· Thank God for the trial that you are going through or will go through in the future knowing that He makes all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).

· What are you anxious about?  Thank God for how He will work that out after prayer in ways you can’t see now (Phil. 4:5-6).

· Think about the people who have discipled you and thank God for them by name.

· Think about the people you have discipled and thank God for trusting you with their spiritual growth.

 

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His Name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.” 1 Chronicles 16:8-9

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17

COMMUNITY

· Give thanks to God for the physical blessings of life (see back of guide) and for His provision in the lives of those individuals with whom you live, work and play.

· Praise God for the opportunities He gives us to serve Him in our community.

· Thank God for the people who serve you in your daily life.

· Thank God by name for the organizations/companies that are reaching out to the poor in your community.

· Thank God for young people who are obeying God in their youth and pray they will continue to stay close to Him.

· Pray that the Thanksgiving season will bring hearts home to God.

 

TRANSFORMATION

 

“I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the Name of the Lord Most High.” Psalm 7:17

“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the Gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.“ 

2 Corinthians 9:11-13

 

· Give thanks to God for His work in our city.

· Thank God for how the act of praying transforms our hearts and minds.

· Thank God for all the venues in which the transforming work of the Gospel is spreading in our city.

· Thank God for ways His Name is being made famous through the good deeds of Christians.

· Thank God for the generosity of His people in our city.

 

 

10 Basic Blessings You Should Be Thankful For

Excerpts taken from www.charismamag.com

J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma

 

1. Got clean water? The next time you uncap a bottle of water or grab a drink from the tap, remember that one in eight people in the world (that’s 884 million people) lack access to clean water supplies.

2. Do you have a bathroom? About 40 percent of the world's population (2.6 billion people) do not have toilets.

3. How’s your electricity? 1.6 billion people—a quarter of humanity—live without any electricity. And, because of unreliable infrastructure, at least 2 billion people on earth don’t have any light at night.

4. Got a roof over your head? One billion people live in slums. Meanwhile here in the United States, between 2.3 to 2.5 million people are classified as homeless.

5. Is there food on your table? According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty.

6. Got a stove? In developing countries, some 2.5 billion people use fuelwood, charcoal or animal dung to meet their energy needs for cooking. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 80 percent of the population depends on these crude, traditional means for cooking, as do over half of the populations of India and China.

7. Got regular income? You may have had to take a pay cut during the recession. But keep in mind that at least 80 percent of humanity lives on less than $10 a day. The world's average income is about $7,000 a year.

8. Did you go to school? Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names. Enrollment data shows that about 72 million children of primary school age in the developing world were not in school in 2005 (and 57 percent were girls).

9. Are you generally healthy? Americans face illness like people in other nations—and more than 12 million Americans are battling cancer in any given year. In the developing world, more than 2.2 million children die each year because they are not immunized.

10. Are you free to worship God? More than 400 Christians die for their faith every day around the world, and most of these believers suffer in Islamic countries—although the top hot spot for Christian persecution, according to Open Doors International, is the atheist regime of North Korea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A must-watch video from the Jessens! Also, a special note to VRBC!

Grab a box of tissue and watch this amazing video which highlights some of the work the Jessens are involved in and a bit of Jenni's testimony!
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Becoming Priceless

If you have known us for long then you have probably heard us talk a lot about modern day slavery. For the past two years we have been working hard to create a tool that might be used to prevent human trafficking through education. You have walked with and prayed us through this long, battle-filled journey.  Time and time again we have surrendered our will, our plan, our pride and our story.  The culmination of this work, PricelessCube, was launched a few weeks ago. Please watch as the story unfolds in this 4 minute film: Becoming PricelessCube.

Becoming PricelessCube™ from e3 Resources on Vimeo.

We have already seen PricelessCube be effective in slowing the supply of people being trafficked. Our strategy will be to train local churches, ministries, governments and families to protect the women and children in their communities and at the same time point them to Jesus who is the only hope for rescue and restoration.  Please join us in prayer that this tool would be used mightily and that God would be glorified in all

In His grip,

Kelly and Jenni


__________________

Dear Valley Ranch Baptist Church,

In the heat of the day, sticky and sweaty, it is many times easy to wish to be swept away back to America.  Of course that is not our desire but it would definitely make it much easier to connect with you.  MANY things have happened in our family and in the work God has called us to over the past year as He as used us to do things we never could have asked or imagine.  Email can be so foreign and informal but please know that is not our intent.  We'd much more enjoy sitting down for coffee or sharing a meal but for now...email and video updates will just have to do.

With that out of the way, we just want to say thank you for continuing to invest in God's Kingdom through us.  We could not do what we do without faithful financial supporters like you.  It is our partnership that is allowing people to be educated against the perils of Human Trafficking, girls and their babies sleeping in a safe bed with hopes for the future, people hearing the Good News of Jesus and others being training and equipped to reach the lost.  YOU are a part of that and we thank you for the partnership that we have.

In His grip,

The Jessens in Thailand

APrayed4City prayers for October 15

 APRAYED4CITY PRAYERS OCTOBER 15
Thank you for joining us in praying for the metroplex.  This goes right along with our prayers for the community that surrounds VRBC.  Think specifically about those you see in and around the area when you are driving to and from your homes while you are praying for God to open your hearts and eyes to where He is calling you to reveal His love and compassion for the financially poor but especially those who are poor in spirit.
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OCTOBER 2013 PRAYER GUIDE
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one—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.” John 17:20-23

“The unity of Christendom is not a luxury, but a necessity. The World will go limping until Christ's prayer that all may be one is answered. We must have unity, not at all costs, but at all risks. A unified Church is the only offering we dare present to the coming Christ, for in it alone will He find room to dwell.” Charles H. Brent, 1862-1929

This month AP4C is highlighting UNITY. It is our intention for believers from all ethnic, socio-economic and denominational backgrounds to unite in prayer and use this guide as a catalyst for our on-going prayer.
It is also our prayer that God will unite the Church and use us to shape Greater Dallas into a place that more accurately reflects His Kingdom.
Let these Scriptures and your time with God renew your heart for our Metroplex. Please prepare your heart before you begin to pray through the AP4C categories.
All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, NIV translation.
www.ap4c.org


WORKING TOGETHER IN UNITY
According to national experts like Tim Keller and Eric Swanson, more than 5 million people are moving to cities around the world every month. This is the largest migration in history. God cares about cities, and He has a purpose for them: to provide community, work, homes, diversity, culture, and access to needed services. In Isaiah 65:20-25, God gives us a picture of a future, perfect city. As He transforms us into His image, wouldn’t He also desire to transform our cities into the image described in Isaiah?
We are seeing Him work in a special way in our generation. He is bringing the Church together in cities across the globe to bring about such transformation. Just look at what He’s doing across the Metroplex:
 The Church is working together to see that every public school in Greater
Dallas has a church partner. So far, 175 local schools have at least one part-ner to help meet the needs of at-risk students and families. Your church can help. If you can’t take on a whole school, a partner will be found for you.
 The Church is working together to see that everyone has access to
healthy, affordable food. For example, a Richardson church has offered some undeveloped land to a church of immigrants who farmed in their homeland. Another church provides transportation from Dallas to the garden in Richard-son every week.
 The Church is working together to provide families with the tools they
need to bring themselves out of poverty. In Irving, Lake Highlands, and East Plano churches are working with the city, specialized non-profits, and other partners to help bring whole communities into financial stability.
 The Church is working together to care for immigrants & refugees. In
Vickery Meadow, dozens of churches & non-profits are working together to ultimately welcome every refugee and come alongside them as they try to make a new life here.
 The Church in Dallas was instrumental in passing the toughest city
ordinances in the state against predatory lending. Now we are uniting to protect surrounding communities.
What other issues could we tackle if we effectively advocated for the poor?
What if we all worked together to find a loving foster family for every child in the system and an adoptive family for those eligible for adoption? The Church in several other major cities has done it.
What if we all worked together to eliminate human trafficking in Greater Dallas? All of us want to see that happen. Wouldn’t we be braver and more effective together?
For more info or to get involved visit www.unitethechurch.org.

SALVATION
“And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:19-20
“For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His.” Romans 6:5
 Praise God for His gift of salvation in Christ and His gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who is the source of our unity in Christ.
 Pray that God will create greater unity in the Church across the Metroplex so that unbelievers will see our unity and be drawn to Christ.
 Pray that believers will join together in praying for the lost within our city.
 Continue to pray for the salvation of people within your sphere of influence.

DISCIPLESHIP
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
1 Corinthians 1:10
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
 Pray that the Lord will provide opportunities for churches throughout the Metroplex to work together across denominational lines.
 Pray for congregations to have a spirit of unity and oneness with their brothers and sisters that manifests itself in members working together to glorify God and expand Christ's Kingdom.
 Pray that the generations within the Church will unite and stand on the core doctrines of the faith and not let non-core issues cause division.
 Pray that the Church will be a visual testimony of the unity of the Trinity, displayed through our humility, gentleness, patience and love for each other.

COMMUNITY
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6
“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
 Pray that unity within the Church will allow us to display authentic community in a culture that is dominated by superficial relationships, loneliness and isolation.
 Pray that wounds and divisions because of racial injustices will begin to heal as believers unite to lead the way for restoration.
 Pray that the Church will embrace people from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds within our communities displaying the love of Christ and His design for community.

TRANSFORMATION
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make My joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambi-tion or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:1-4
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8
 Pray that every sector of society will look to the Church as a partner and join the Church in its mission of transforming the city by reaching the young, poor and marginalized.
 Pray that God will show us how the workplace/industry/system has been impacted by the fall and how we can work alongside Him to transform it to be more in line with His intended purpose.
 Pray that God will continue to bring unity and wholeness into our city systems.