Praying for the Nations

Daniel did a great job on May 22nd in his sermon titled, "A Heart for God Among the Nations." He discussed what it meant to be a "world Christian". This is a believer with a heart for the gospel to go into all the nations. One of the ways that we can cultivate that type of heart for the nations is through prayer.

Jesus told us to pray that his kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven. It should be our heart's desire for that to take place throughout the world. As we pray for that kingdom mandate we cultivate in our hearts a zeal for reaching the world with the gospel as well as practically get involved with its mission. We should not underestimate the great call and responsibility to pray for others in nations throughout the world.

Here are some suggestions/ideas to get started:

• Pray daily for at least one nation. This can be done in a spontaneous or organized way. Be sensitive to any country the Holy Spirit may put on your heart as he brings it to mind.
• Be aware of the current news of what's going on across the globe. Let it educate you as to what and how to pray.
• Utilize the many prayer apps for mission groups such as Voice of the Martyrs, Open Doors and Samaritan's Purse.
• Operation World offers guides for praying for each nation.
• Remember to pray for the three mission groups our church is helping to financially support: Misy Schlax with Aqua Viva, Ben and Ruth Tangeman with TransWorld Radio and Acts 29 Latin America based in Guatemala.
• Be motivated by the fact that on the "day of days" we will be worshipping the Lamb around the throne of God surrounded by those from every tribe, tongue and nation including some that you have prayed for!

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
Psalm 2:8

On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth.
Isaiah 62:6-7

Amen!

Mike