Tuesday, December 3, 2013

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.

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