Prayer Prompts - 08/25/2023
MBC Leadership Team
Hi MBC Prayer Warriors,
This seemed like the perfect week to pray for the persecuted church in China. Begin by praying Hebrews 13:1-19 for yourself and your family - then for your Maranatha Family and Missionaries. Continue by watching the Prayercast video about China and praying for your persecuted brothers and sisters living there (especially Jason & Ashley and their gathering). You will also find two videos by Nik Ripken about the persecuted church that will be very moving. (At the very bottom of the prayer prompts, there are additional videos about persecution and surveillance in China.) Don't forget to pray for those who have heard the Gospel and for those on the Special Needs list. Finish up with a prayer from The Valley of Vision, Joy, that reflects what Ashely said regarding the prayers being lifted up for them.
Pray the Word of God:
Hebrews 13:1-19
1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Pray for your Maranatha Family:
(you can find many of their pictures in the directory app)
- Craig & Deanna Coffman (Eva, Sean) / Duane & Sue Covert / Henry Covert
- CJ Crawford (Kamanie) / Chad & Bambi Dailey (Jonathan, Sydney, Benjamin, Nicolas) / Steve & Harmony Danielsen (Michael, David, Caleb)
- Ron & Tiffany Davitt (Olivia, Ethan, Owen, Wyatt, Bethany) / Donna Ditrick / Robert & Melanie Eggleton (Nick, Chris, Sarah, Caroline)
- Linda Eisenhart / Jason & Stacy Everetts (Mary, Thomas) / Jordan and Victoria Ferguson (Connor, Caleb)
- David & Alexandra Fisher / Matt & Kara Fledderjohann (Micah, Jonah) / Joel & Marcia Flora
- Lisa Friesland / Ben & Rachel Fuller (Alivia, Kaci, Hadassah, Elijah) / Kyle & Alisha Funtik
Pray for your Missionaries:
(find 16 suggestions to pray here - you can find their pictures and additional info in the staff section of the directory app)
- Faith (https://telegra.ph/Faiths-Index-02-09)
- Alex & Pam Konya (https://telegra.ph/Alex--Pam-Konya-Index-02-09)
Pray for the Persecuted Church
China
What does persecution look like in China?
Tightening restrictions and increasing surveillance are putting Christians in China under intensifying pressure, as the Communist Party seeks to limits all threats to its power. Surveillance in China is among the most oppressive and sophisticated in the world, and Christian leaders are particularly vulnerable to persecution, including imprisonment or, in a small number of cases, abduction.
New restrictions on internet and social media – together with the 2018 regulations on religion, which continue to be revised – are putting severe limitations on Christian freedom. Many churches are being monitored and closed, no matter whether they are independent or belong to the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. It remains illegal for under-18s to attend church. The old idea that churches will only be perceived as being a threat if they become too large, too political or invite foreign guests is now an unreliable guideline.
Neighbors may report any Christian activities to the authorities or the village head, who would take action to stop believers.
Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
Converts from a Muslim or Buddhist background face the most severe persecution in China, with opposition coming from families and communities as well as the authorities. However, all Christians and churches face surveillance.
What has changed this year?
Due to increasing surveillance and restrictions, many house churches ceased meeting in larger groups and have split up to meet in smaller groups. Others used to meet online, but this has become more difficult as Chinese authorities pay closer attention to online activities. A number of Christians have been arrested and sentenced, often charged with illegal business operations, fraud, acting against the state's security, or the vaguely worded 'stirring up trouble'.
How to Pray for the Persecuted Church from the Bible
- Pray that persecuted Christians would know the hope God gives (Ephesians 1:18).
- Pray that Christians facing persecution would rely on God, and not themselves (2 Corinthians 1:7-9).
- Pray that persecuted Christians would fearlessly tell others about Jesus (Ephesians 6:20).
- Pray that their witness would inspire those who plan to harm them (Acts 16:25, Luke 6:27-31).
- Pray that they would experience God’s peace, despite their weakness and current circumstances (2 Corinthians 12:9).
- Pray that God would protect them, according to His will (Matthew 26:39).
- Pray that God would ultimately rescue them out of dangerous circumstances (Psalm 91:15).
- Pray that persecuted Christians would feel deeply connected to Jesus in their suffering (John 15:19-20).
- Pray that they would be completely faithful and surrendered to God’s will (Revelation 2:10-11).
- Pray that they would have wisdom and discernment for how to approach every situation (Matthew 10:16-18).
- Pray that as they share in Christ’s sufferings, they would be able to rejoice in the hope God offers them (1 Peter 4:12-14).
How to Pray for Practical Needs
- Pray that persecuted Christians would have access to a Bible.
- Pray for access to food and shelter.
- Pray that God would give persecuted Christians the right words to say.
- Pray that they would have opportunities to gather and that God would supply their needs for a community.
- Pray for God to be an advocate for women who are socially vulnerable or have lost the custody of their children because of their faith.
- Pray for courage for those that remain in their homeland.
- Pray for comfort and hope for those that have been separated from each other.
- Pray for those imprisoned.
Pray for Salvation:
(You can find Biblical suggestions on what to pray for unbelievers by clicking here)
- Clark Kidder / Mark from Europe / Luke
- Jill Morris (Jehovah’s Witness in Hilliard) / Nasir from Budget Car Rental /Justin Combs
- Kenton Ohio Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses / Willie Burke / Zach Crump
Pray for Special Needs:
Joe - property manager at Dove's complex. Is being treated for a brain tumor that has returned after prior surgery a few years ago. He is a believer. Pray for God's gracious healing hand and wisdom for the doctors.
Dove - God's guidance in helping her find the best place to live and peace for the transition.
Beau W - Unless God heals Beau, he will have to undergo a bone marrow transplant in October, after he (currently) completes his third phase of chemotherapy. To be honest, this is crushing news to us. We're obviously not hopeless but the procedure is grueling for Beau as well as our family and poses many dangerous health risks. We are still grieving the news and just taking it a day at a time. We wish we could individually thank every person that has prayed, served, and tangibly supported us throughout our journey. It is hard sometimes to specify what we need in the moment help is offered, but we will do our best to make known to you our needs when we do realize them. Thank you for all your love and support! Our ultimate hope and trust is in our God and we pray our faith in him and love for him grows as we endure this fiery trial.
Alexandra F- is recovering from open heart surgery. Pray for continued strength, healing, and grace for the journey.
Becky R - Praise the Lord for the healing that has taken place. Please continue to pray for complete healing in her knee and shoulder.
Shelly K - Please continue to be in prayer for Shelly (and her family) as she is recovery from her stroke. Pray that God would work out the details with some insurance challenges they are facing. Pray that she will continue to heal, be strengthened, and have everything she needs.
Chris - Karla B's son has received confirmation that his cancer seems to be in remission. Thank you for your prayers and praise God for His faithful care. Continue to pray that this will lead Chris and his girlfriend to faith in Jesus.
Karla B - she continues to deal with multiple health issues. Please pray that God would strengthen her, ease the pain, and heal her.
Prayer from The Valley of Vision
Ashley's quote:
Joy
Please consider purchasing The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett. You can do so at this link.