The Arabian Peninsula Partnership
The Gospel for every person and a church for every people in the Arabian Peninsula amongst indigenous peoples
9 April, 2010
Special prayer for hostages.
The 6 Europeans who were taken in June of last year are still missing. There is no news of where they are or if they are still alive. Occasionally reports about them have surfaced, building hope but leading nowhere. Let us to pray specifically for them, that they may know the Savior they serve in a special way, and their testimony will speak to their captors of our Lord Jesus who gave himself for all people. We continue pray they will be released.
Pray for the children – Mark 10:14-16How very much Jesus loves little children. He said, "These children are at the very centre of life in the kingdom. Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them. As we pray for Lydia, Anna and Simon (the 3 children taken hostage), let's imagine them being gathered up in His arms. Pray that the simplicity of their faith may speak to the hearts of their captors.
Pray in the Spirit – Luke 18:34Jesus explained many things about what was to happen to him, but the disciples didn't understand. There is so much we don't understand about what is happening in this country. Romans 8:26 says, "We don't know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express". Ask the Holy Spirit to pray through us because He intercedes for the saints in line with God's will.
'in the presence of my enemies' – Ps. 23:5Jesus sat at table, and ate with the one who later betrayed him. Judas was a friend, but also an enemy. Jesus knew this but continued to sit and eat with him. Could we do the same? Remember our friends and others who are held hostage that they may feast on God's goodness, even as they sit at table in the presence of their enemies.
Servants of the King – Mark 10:45"The Son of Man came to serve, not to be served – and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage." Our friends are being held as physical hostages, but how many hundreds of thousands of people are spiritual hostages? Ask that all will be freed.
The Suffering Servant – Is. 53:4-5"It was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed." (NLT) As we consider the suffering of Jesus, which led up to the joy of Easter, pray that His gift of life will be received by the lost. Pray for His suffering servants, as the Spirit leads.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus – Heb. 12:2-3"who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Pray that in the midst of all these hostages are going through, their eyes will remain fixed on our Lord & Savior, Jesus.