Global day of Prayer 2015 Day 8 21 May

DAY 8 : 21 MAY 2015 THE GOOD SHEPHERD

  

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.  John 10:14-16

SEEK HIS FACE AND HONOUR HIM:

As the One who is ready to forgive; gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness; who forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases.

PRAY:

• For the Church in Namibia to listen and respond to the voice of the Shepherd, and to willingly follow Him wherever He leads, be it by green pastures and peaceful streams, or through the valley of the shadow of death.

 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Mt 11:28

• For the Church to be completely surrendered unto the Good Shepherd, trusting that all things will work together for the good for those who trust Him. 
• For the world to encounter the tenderness and immense compassion of the Shepherd, who longs to gather those scattered and lost into His arms, and carry them close to His heart.  
• For children, orphans, broken men and women, the homeless, elderly, sick, and those abandoned to experience His care and provision.

 PRAISE:

The LORD replied, My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.  Ex 33:14

Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. 1Ki 8:56

 Read and meditate on Revelation 16 and 17

Drawing: The Good Shepherd

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AGAINST VIOLENCE (More Prayer Requests)

For the background of this National Day of Prayer against Violence - please see the previous post.

Why pray?

Gender-based violence is prevalent in Namibia. It is estimated that one third of women have experienced physical or sexual abuse at the hands of an intimate partner. Furthermore, every year, more than 1100 cases of rape/attempted rape are reported to the Namibian Police, with one third of these cases occurring in children under the age of 18. ‘Hidden’ issues such as witchcraft are also prevalent in Namibia, although information on these issues is often difficult to obtain. Source:Legal Assistance Centre LAC - (The LAC's main objective is to protect the human rights of all Namibians.)

Violence against women and girls takes many forms and is widespread throughout the globe...

... It includes rape, domestic violence, harassment at work, abuse in school, female genital mutilation and sexual violence in armed conflicts... I urge governments and partners around the world to harness the energy, ideas and leadership of young people to help us to end this pandemic of violence. One in every three women and girls is expected to face violence in some form in their lifetime (United Nations). It is a staggering statistic but, more than that, it is heart-breaking: it breaks the heart of our God who created and loves each and every one of us, whether male or female.

He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free. Psalm 146:7

Prayer requests: Will you join us in prayers for our Nation and against this evil amongst us? 

• Trust God to bring about transformation in Namibia and a stop to Gender-base
• Trust God for a change of heart resulting into holy conduct.
• Government, churches, fathers and men to stand up and take a stand against this evil in society.
• Women to be able to identify dangerous relationships and situations and run from it.
• Protection of vulnerable women and girls from ongoing cycles of violence and trauma.
• Families to form a circle of protection around their loved ones.
• Strength to all those who work to protect others from violence.
• Police and other protection services to be effective in their role to protect and apprehend.
• Good governance so that perpetrators can be brought to justice.
• The implementation of legislation enacted to protect survivors of Gender-based violence.
• Safe spaces for survivors of sexual violence to take refuge.
• Trauma counseling and treatment for HIV, desperately needed by survivors of sexual violence - to be available and accessible.
• Comfort for families and those who have lost loved ones and struggle with that loss.
• Churches to minister healing in body, mind or spirit to afflicted members.
• God to comfort and protect those in pain and show believers how they can assist them in their need.
• God to heal women and girls of the pain and suffering caused by sexual violence.

http://www.washingboroughmethodistchurch.co.uk/ 

NAMIBIA ON TRACK

Despite many challenges the country still faces, Pres. Hifikepunye Pohamba said in the State of the Nation address, he is proud because Namibia is on the right path and is an example of democracy, peace, stability and good governance on the African continent.

He called on Namibians to maintain unity, peace and stability, to be tolerant and have mutual respect and pursue national reconciliation. He also asked the people to contribute to ongoing nation-building efforts, holding on to the ethics of hard work, honesty, transparency and patriotic devotion.

"Our country will not by anyone else developed and built not just by ourselves," the president said. "Let us embrace each other, whatever our status in society, racial or ethnic origin, religion or gender. Let us strive for the noble ideals for which so many of our brave fellow Namibians have sacrificed their lives. Let us devote ourselves anew to our common dream and vision of Namibia as prosperous nation with sufficient opportunities for our children and our youth, so that they can realize their full potential," Pres . Pohamba said.

Source: Visit http://www.republikein.com.na/videonuus/president-addresses-the-nation.106016.php for a short video of the address. Photo: www.ohrongo-cement.com

Let us share this dream for Namibia and pray for God’s wisdom and power to let His Kingdom come in and through Namibia. Pray that our leaders will trust God and work with Him to make Namibia a better place for all and a blessing to Africa.

PRAYER POINTS FOR NAMIBIA

Namibia: Pray for God’s blessing over Namibia and her people (Jer 29:7). Pray that God’s Kingdom will come and His will be done in Namibia.
Christians in Namibia: Pray for an increase in fervency of our love for Jesus Christ our Savior, God our Father and the Holy Spirit our Helper. (Eph 2:4-5)
Leaders: Pray for all leaders in Namibia according to 1 Tim 2:1-2. Specifically pray for president, cabinet and members of parliament, and leaders of the regions.
Church: Pray for all Christian Churches in Namibia. Pray for growth (spiritually and in numbers), finances and protection from deception. (Eph 6:18)
Unity: Pray for unity in purpose amongst the Christian Churches in Namibia to address physical, mental & emotional, social and spiritual needs of the people of Namibia. Specifically pray Jesus’ prayer in John 17:20-26 as well as Eph 3:14 – 4:16.
Lost: Pray for those that do not know Jesus Christ as their Saviour in Namibia. Pray for the preparation and gathering of the harvest. Pray for those working in gathering the harvest. (1 Tim 2:3-6)
Thank You Lord: Let us thank the Lord for His Hand on our country and its people!

I CAN PRAYER BECAUSE

I can pray for Namibia and our nation because I believe and confess that:

• The Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is sovereign, rules from heaven and is in control over Namibia! Psa 47:8; Jer 10:7
• God sees and responds to everything that happens in Namibia! Psa 33:13-15; Gen 16:13
• God has a plan and a purpose for Namibia! Is 14:26
• God answers the prayers of those who cry out to Him. Isa 41:17; Isa 58:9-10; Matt 7:7
• God will bring salvation to the unsaved in Namibia! Ps 42:11; Ps 79:9
• God wants the wicked and the violent to repent and turn to Him! Ezek 18:23
• Justice will come to Namibia! Luk 18:7
• God's mercy will triumph over judgment for the healing and restoration of our nation! Jas 2:13; 2 Chron 7:14

Spend some time with the Lord and His Word. Make this your confession.

Namibians - Celebrate your freedom!

On 21 March 2009 Namibians celebrated 19 years of independence! Freedom often comes at a high price. We, as children of the Living God are reminded by this day that we are also free, and that our freedom was also bought at a high price. Let's celebrate our freedom! Please spend time with the Lord, as you read and meditate about the following prayer by Mary Fairchild:

Dear Lord, There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are free to praise you. For this I am very thankful.

On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that my freedom was purchases with a very high price. My freedom cost others their very lives.

Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty meet their needs and watch over their families.

Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else's life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ.

Amen

Source: http://christianity.about.com/od/4thofjulyprayersverse/qt/prayers4ofjuly.htm

Kingdom Prayer for Namibians

I have found this Kingdom prayer on the internet. It says what I want to say. The author suggests that we pray this prayer every day for 21 days.

Why don't you make this prayer part of you quiet time, as you intercede for Namibia and enjoy this fiery Namibian sunset from the past week-end. Please share how God used this prayer in your life (pray4namibia@gmail.com):

My God,

You have placed me in your Kingdom and today I gladly acknowledge you as my King. Take every area of my life and use it in Your Kingdom to bring glory to Your name. Lord, I believe your Word instructs me that I am to operate with Your authority and power as I live out my life in the Kingdom.

Your Word is clear. I am to walk in supernatural authority and power as did Jesus. However Lord, I ask you to increase my faith as my head knowledge far surpasses my life style, and my fear of man limits my involvement in Kingdom activity.

I really want to live in Kingdom power- but I have problems believing that I can do so. Increase my faith until doubt is extinguished! Holy Spirit fill me! Holy Spirit empower me! Holy Spirit anoint me to live a Kingdom lifestyle.

As best as I know myself, I tell You today that there isn't any gift that You have for me that I don't want. If You want to use me in a way that I'm not used to, I yield myself to that. There is nothing that I will not do by your direction. There is no place I will not go by your direction. It is my heart's desire to want to choose to follow the Holy Spirit's promptings.

I declare today, on the basis of Your Word, that I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God sent to be involved in the message, the signs and the deeds of Christ's Kingdom in Namibia and to the ends of the earth.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

Prayer authored by Dale Schlafer

Visit regions in prayer

The Republic of Namibia is a vast, sparsely populated country situated along the south Atlantic coast of Africa between 17 and 29 degrees south of the Equator. With its surface area of 824 268 square kilometres, Namibia is the 31 st largest country in the world.

It stretches for about 1 300 km from south to north and varies from 480 to 930 km in width from west to east. Namibia, previously known as South West Africa, is bordered by South Africa in the south, Angola and Zambia in the north and Botswana and Zimbabwe in the east. The oldest desert in the world, the Namib Desert stretches along the whole west coast of the country, while the Kalahari Desert runs along its south-eastern border with Botswana. The country is demarcated into 13 regions, namely the Caprivi, Kavango, Kunene, Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana and Oshikoto regions in the north, the Omaheke in the east. Otjozondjupa, Erongo and Khomas Regions in the central and western areas and the Hardap and Karas regions in the south.

REGION / CAPITAL / POPULATION

1. Caprivi / Katima Mulilo / 80 000
2. Kavango / Rundu / 203 000
3. Kunene / Outjo / 69 000
4. Omusati / Uutapi / 229 000
5. Ohangwena / Oshikango / 228 000
6. Oshana / Oshakati / 162 000
7. Oshikoto / Tsumeb / 69 000
8. Omaheke / Gobabis / 69 000
9. Otjozondjupa / Okahandja / 136 000
10. Erongo / Swakopmund /108 000
11. Khomas / Windhoek / 251 000
12. Hardap / Mariental / 69 000
13. Karas / Keetmanshoop 70 000

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_Namibia. Population (Gov Census 2001) rounded to next 000

Please visit the regions in prayer. Prayer for -

• Enough rains to see the veld through the hot / dry months to the next rain season.
• All families to have enough food to celebrate the coming of Christ.
• Parents to spend quality time with children during the school breaks.
• Periods of rest, recreation and strengthening of all workers.
• Old and young to spend time in the Word and in prayer and to re-focus as they prepare for 2009.

The National Flag of Namibia

Namibia has a stunning flag! The National Flag is a symbol of our struggle for national unity. It symbolises peace, unity and a common loyalty to Namibia. The National Flag represents the nation in every aspect.

• The sun symbolises life and energy. The colour gold represents warmth and the colour of our plains and the Namib Desert.

• Blue symbolises the Namibian sky, the Atlantic Ocean, our marine resources and the importance of rain and water.

• Red represents the Namibian people, their heroism and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity for all.

• White refers to peace and unity.

• Green refers to Namibia’s vegetation and agricultural resources.

As you look at the flag, pray for Namibia, for unity and that all it's people will share in the different areas that the flag symbolizes.