40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 12

Focus: The Hope that Perseveres
By Ken Payne, Anastasis

Scripture Reference:

‘Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance , character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given to us' (Romans 5:3-5)

Devotional:

Disappointment is a part of life. We can become disappointed with ourselves, with others and even with God. God will never disappoint us and the hope we have in Jesus Christ is a certain and definite future with God beyond this life in heaven. Women and men of faith, as recorded in Hebrews 11, persevered with faith and died before seeing the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to them. So, in this life, we also will need to persevere with faith through our
disappointments with self and with others, through personal failures, or when old temptations we thought we had conquered revive with us.

We will sometimes have to begin again . . . begin again with God, returning to him with repentance and trust in Jesus, receiving once more the love, forgiveness and grace of our heavenly Father. Then we must move forward and perhaps begin again with that person, that relationship, that situation or that ministry.

Alexander Whyte would often use these words: “The perseverance of the saints is made up of ever new beginnings.” I also like these words from a poem by A.A.Procter:
“No star is ever lost we once have seen:
We always may be what we might have been.”

By the grace of God we can begin again and again and again, and, when our hearts desire is to truly follow Jesus, each new beginning moves us forward in growth and maturity, and we grow more like Jesus. “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.” (Psalm 42:10).

Prayer Points:
· Praise and thank God for his grace and steadfast love towards us.

· Seek once again the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ . . . forgiveness when “I have assessed the faults of others as worse than my own without due thought to my own privileges and without knowledge of their hard way.”

· Bring disappointments to the throne of grace.

· Pray for those who struggle with persecution and suffering every day of their lives in Christ; that God will sustain them and that they will be renewed in perseverance and hope.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 11

Focus: Change
By Sharon Walls, Africa Mercy

Scripture Reference:
For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to me, and I will hear and heed you. Then you will seek Me, inquire for, & require Me (as a vital necessity) and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord… (Jeremiah 29:11-14a.)

She (the Proverbs 31 woman) smiles at the future. (Proverbs 31:25).

Devotional:

As I contemplate the massive changes around me and before me, and before hundreds of us in Mercy Ships right now, I am reminded that the Lord seems pretty keen on change – in fact, He’s committed to change – changing us from ‘glory to glory’.

With so many unknowns for the immediate future, and some things that are known change from one day to the next, the Lord again impresses to me that He alone is unchanging and consistent – my Rock. It must be Him that we cling to for security with trust that He does in fact have wonderful plans . . . yes, for us corporately, but for you and me personally. He is dreaming dreams for each of us, and we are on the edge of seeing those come to pass.

The uncertainty between now and then is in fact opportunity – fertile ground of trust in Him, plowed by trial and watered by the Word, to see seeds of faith grow into His promises; or the rocky ground of unbelief producing fear of what the future does or doesn’t hold. The choice of soil appears to be mine!

Jesus urges us to seek Him as a vital necessity because He wants us to wholeheartedly find Him – already waiting in the future, for us to step into all He has for us – more of Him to pour out for others!

Reflect in faith and trust on the promises the Lord has made for Mercy Ships, for my location, and for me personally . . . and smile at the future!

Prayer Points:
* Pray for the Lord to identify personal points of fear or unbelief about the immediate future.
* Pray for a heart receptive to change.
* Pray for renewed preoccupation with Jesus to bring into correct focus the changes around me.
* Pray for God’s direction in this season of change in Mercy Ships as a whole.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 10

Focus: Why Do We Pray?
By Doris Rypke, Mercy Ships Germany

Scripture Reference:
“Pray, then, in this way: Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”. Matthew 6:9-10.


Devotional:
For many years I prayed without really knowing why. I thought that God knows everything anyway and since He is Almighty everything that happens is His will Of course this did not create a great desire in me to pray Then during a teaching on spiritual warfare (Eph. 6: 10-18) the speaker said “If everything that happens is God´s will then what does verse 11 stand for?” Eph. 6:11 tells us to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil.

A little later God reminded me of the Lord’s Prayer and confirmed the teaching I had received. Why did Jesus tell us to pray “may Your will be done” if everything that happens is God’s will? If we are to pray for His will to be done, then we are acknowledging that not everything that happens is God´s will. God created us in His own image which means we have a will of our own.

Therefore if we want His will to be done we have to pray and not give up until His will happens. We also need to listen so that we know what His will is. One indication that something is not God’s will is if that thing is not good and perfect, as James 1:17 tells us.


I am still bothered about unanswered prayers that seemed to be in agreement with God´s will. There might be a reason; for example sin or a lack of faith, but this is not always the case! We will not always see or know why some prayers are not answered. Not everything is God´s will, but in the end He is almighty and nothing is impossible for Him (just have a look at Job). God has shown me (and given me peace) that there are many things we don’t understand and that it is okay. We don’t need to understand everything, but trust God and His word.

Prayer Points:

* Pray that God will send more people of influence and resources who can continue financing the completion of the African Mercy.

* Pray for wisdom about the right timing in the events of our lives.

* Pray that the people who get in contact with Mercy Ships (worldwide) will not only learn
about Mercy Ships, but also that there is a God who loves them and wants to have a
relationship with them.


* Pray for faith to believe for the impossible.

* Pray that everything we do will glorify God and bring people to Him.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 9

Focus: Your Kingdom Come - In My Life
By Anne L. Barker, IOC

Scripture Reference:

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised (Job 1:21b).

Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? (Job 2:10b).

Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4).

Devotional:

I once heard a preacher say that if you’re not going through a Job experience at the moment, then most likely you have recently done so or you soon will! Steve Saint maintains that suffering is God’s covert strategy for our growth towards maturity. However, none of us enjoy the hard times and difficult tests that often come our way.

God does not promise to protect and shield us from suffering and disaster. But He does promise that He will always be right there with us, in the good times and in the bad. Turn to Him, recognize Him and invite Him to share in your joys and your trials; He makes all the difference with His eternal perspective, faithfulness, enduring love and compassion for us.
Share your joys and trials with the Lord.

Without the battle there is no victory;
Without suffering there is no maturity;
Without dying there is no rising to eternal life.

Prayer Points:

* Pray for God’s eternal perspective as we walk through good times and troubled times.
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

* Pray for opportunities to share God’s comfort, love and compassion with those who do not recognize Him.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 8

Focus: Jesus Calms the Storm
By: Warrie Blackburn, Anastasis

Scripture Reference:

“On that day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took Him, just as He was. And other boats were with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. And they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who is this, that even wind and sea obey Him?” (Mark 4:35).

Devotional:
As I read this scripture, I imagine what it would have been like for the disciples in this situation… It had been a long day. Luke 8 says that they were in danger – out in a sinking boat on a dark, stormy night, without electricity or a radio to call for help, at a loss for what to do. The situation was scary.

And Jesus is asleep – on a cushion! The disciples had to wake him. I wonder why Jesus didn’t wake up on His own, but rather waited to be called for help.

Rather than identifying with the sleeping Jesus, I can so relate to the disciples’ sentiment: “Don’t you care that….?”

One would think that the disciples “would have known better” and called on Jesus in their time of need. One would think we would do the same. But I sometimes don’t. Where is my faith? Why don’t I recognize in the midst of the storm that Jesus is in my boat?

With a few brief words, Jesus calms the storm. He can do the same for me! Do I have the faith to believe Him to do it?

The account in Matthew 8 says that the disciples “marveled” at Jesus. How often do I “marvel” at His power and wisdom? How much more often do I try to “save the ship” with my feeble efforts before asking Him to intervene? Why do I battle the storm myself before I ask for help?

I know the storms of life will come. Teach me to be prepared – to call on you when they arise! May my first response be one of faith! Help me trust you! Help me exercise the authority over storms you have given to me. Bring peace into my heart today, no matter what circumstances I find myself facing. Peace! Be still!

Prayer Points:

* Ask the Lord to forgive us for battling the storms of life in our own strength & power rather than calling on Him for help. Forgive us for being afraid when the storms of life rock the boat.

* Pray that we would call on Jesus in our storm, and stand alongside others in their storm.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 7

Focus: Waiting
By Sue Duby, IOC

Scripture Reference:

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord (Ps. 27:18).

Devotional:

I’ve never been a star at waiting. Red stoplights interrupt my momentum. Delayed deliveries frustrate my progress. Cancelled itineraries confuse my plans. Latecomers to meetings shake up my schedule. Basically, waiting causes me to lose my control.

For any one of us, taking a “freeze frame” of this moment, we could each list a myriad of waiting situations in our jobs and personal lives . . . waiting for:

* a supporter to come through with a promised donation
* a company to send an instrument pack for the Africa Mercy
* the computers to come back on line
* a shipyard to confirm dates
* a longing to be fulfilled that only God knows about
* a child in college to call home with news

For most of my life, I’ve viewed waiting as an obstacle, a barrier, an intrusion . . . all set against me. In wrestling with lots of waiting the past two years, I’m beginning to see the many commands to wait as an INVITATION. It’s as if God is saying, “Please, won’t you come aside with me for a moment or two, pause, reflect, listen and refresh your trust that I am in control and I have your best in mind. Rest.” He is asking us to wait WITH him, not alone. If we skip the waiting, we miss the blessing of relationship with Him . . . of reminding ourselves that it’s not about MY control, it’s resting in HIS control . . . and anticipating with Him what’s ahead.

May your waiting in all areas of your life be rich and blessed!

Prayer Points:

* Pray that we would receive Your invitation to wait.

* Pray that we would be refreshed as we wait.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 6

Focus: Whatever You Do for the Least of These
By Coralie Payne, Anastasis

Scripture Reference:

Who despises the day of small things? (Zephaniah 4:10).

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and the angels with him, He will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. Then the king will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. (Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we?” The king will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:31; 34-37a, 40).

Devotional:

Do you ever feel that what you do is of little importance? Are you often comparing your gifts to those of others? Coming to work on the Anastasis has underlined again for me how valuable everybody in this large team is. Perhaps it is more obvious here than in a less confined environment!

There are times for some of us though, when our work, perhaps more routine and mundane, can seem of less worth in helping God’s kingdom to come. Our work may or may not produce dramatic results, transform someone’s life, teach or train another thereby enabling that person to move to new achievements.

The prophet Zephaniah pops this little question in his rather difficult prophecies, “Who despises the day of small things”? Our Lord often emphasized how important it is to be faithful in small things; for example with stories about faithful servants, about wise bridesmaids, and the passage quoted above from Matthew’s gospel.

Brother Lawrence, a monk in the middle ages, had a sign by the sink in the monastery, “Divine service held here three times daily”. I believe Mrs. Ruth Graham had a similar sign. So may we all be encouraged during these days of prayer and fasting; that in everything we do, it can bring glory to God, and all our work and worship done according to his will, is hastening the coming of his kingdom on the earth.

Prayer Points:

* Thank God for your gifts and the work you do for Him.

* Pray that the anointing He gives for our work will bring glory only to Him.

* Pray for those you know who feel less significant; ask God for guidance in how to encourage them.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 5

Focus: Highway of Holiness
By: Pamela B. Borgert, Africa Mercy

Scripture Reference: Say to those with anxious heart, “Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; the recompense of God will come. But He will save you.” Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will shout for joy, for waters will break forth in the wilderness and streams in the Arabah. The scorched land will become a pool and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, its resting place, grass becomes reeds and rushes. A highway will be there, a roadway, and it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, but it will be for him who walks that way, and fools will not wander on it. No lion will be there, nor will any vicious beast go up on it; these will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads, they will find gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isaiah 35:4-10).

Devotional: The Highway of Holiness . . . what does that truly mean to you? Are you walking the straight and narrow? Are you drawing close to God so that He will draw close to you? Are you filling the empty spots deep within yourself with the love of the Lord or with something worldly? The enemy would just love to find a little crack we have neglected to give to the Lord. We must allow the Lord to fill us full of His Spirit, affording forgiveness where we would not be able to forgive . . . love when we have nothing left to give . . . hope when all seems lost and peace in the midst of chaos. . . . extra patience and understanding that comes from deep within, not from us. . . . thanksgiving and joy in all circumstances . . . along with kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in all circumstances. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).

We must abide in Christ for all this fruit to be ours. Then our lights can shine for Jesus like the brightest star in the darkest night, so that we are able to go into all the world to preach, teach, and make disciples in the name of Jesus by the power of His Holy Spirit. We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus! I hope and pray that this encourages you today to abide in Him, to walk justly and humbly with your God by the power of His Holy Spirit. May the body of Christ of Mercy Ships grow stronger and stronger each day!

Prayer Points:

· Pray that we abide in Him through prayer, Bible study, accountability, church participation, fellowship, and obedience.

· Pray that the Lord will bless us and keep us and fill us to overflowing with our helper, the mighty and powerful Spirit of the Living God.

· Pray that He will work in us and through us in a mighty way. Today let's pray Colossians 1: 9-10 for one another . . . to grow in knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that we will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 4

Focus: Let Others Serve You
By Ray Broadbent, IOC


Scripture Reference:

“If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble (Ecclesiastes 4:10).”

Devotional:

It’s easy to remember that we are supposed to serve others;
It’s harder to let others serve you.
God wants to show you his love through his people;
Don’t be afraid to ask them to help!


Prayer Points:

· Pray that as we serve others, we would see that they are also serving the Lord

· Pray that when we are in need, the Lord will send someone to meet the need or walk beside us.
· Pray that when our needs are met, we would know that it was ultimately met through Christ.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 3

Focus: Faith in the Word
By: Winnie Dray, Africa Mercy

Scripture Reference:
But what does it say? “The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” – that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” (Romans 10:8, 17-18, NASB).

Devotional: There are a number of Greek words that are translated ‘word’ in the New Testament. We often hear about the ‘logos’ which is defined as ‘the expression of thought.’ A second word is ‘rhema’ which is defined as ‘that which is spoken, what is uttered in speech or writing.’ Rhema is the Greek word used in the Romans passages above.

The Greek word rhema is also translated in other ways such as in Luke 2, “When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing (saying/rhema) that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us” “And when they saw it, they made known what had been told (rhema) them concerning this Child,.” “But Mary was keeping within herself all these things (sayings/rhema), weighing and pondering them in her heart.”

A study of rhema in the New Testament shows us there is usually a personal message for an individual or group implied by the use of the word. My desire to understand the theme of this time of fasting and prayer - "Your Kingdom come . . . Your will be done," prompted the awareness that the primary way to know God’s will is in His Word. We need to fill ourselves with His Word, both the logos and the rhema as they are what the Holy Spirit uses most often to show us the will of the Father.

We also need to understand the author. From the first five words in Genesis, “In the beginning God created..,” the opportunity to know Him as creator for who He is and what He desires to do in and through us, is essential to learn His will and see His Kingdom grow. During the time of prayer and fasting, we are encouraged to include a component of meditation on His Word and ask the Lord if there is a rhema for yourself, your place in Mercy Ships and for the ministry to the poor and needy. We pray we can continue to be part of fulfilling the rhema - “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” This is one way His Kingdom will come.

Prayer Points:
* Pray for new revelation of who He is, as the author of our faith.

* Pray for a deeper understanding of the role He has led you to fulfill.

* Pray for special ways to share the rhema of God with the poor and needy where you are right now.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 2

Focus: Living Sacrifice
By John Hensman, IOC

Scripture Reference:
As Christians, we're called to give ourselves to God as a living sacrifice. The Apostle Paul helps us understand this truth in his letter to the believers in Rome:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2).”

Devotional:
Some might ask -- Why would God be interested in my body? Our bodies are overweight, wrinkled, blotchy, achy, impulsive, unattractive, awkward, hard-of-hearing, and certainly getting older minute by minute as we read through this devotional. What kind of sacrifice is that…especially when the Old Testament demanded a flawless sheep? For most of us, we certainly don't measure up through our eyes. Scripture can’t be analyzed by looking into Webster’s Dictionary or even our bathroom mirror; if we do so, we will only formulate a wrong definition. God looks at the heart of His servant to define what characterizes a living sacrifice; but that heart attitude must embody the whole person, not just a specific part. Being a living sacrifice can be difficult and unpleasant at times; when it comes right down to it, the primary problem with most living sacrifices is, we tend to want to crawl off the altar during tough times.

It has taken Mercy Ships some 28+ years to get to this very special point in time. Since 1978, we have commissioned and retired a number of ships. Certainly our attitude has been one of placing others first and expecting nothing in return; thus He has allowed us continually to be a living sacrifice. As we look to the commissioning dedication and the first outreach of the Africa Mercy, we all need to consider our daily task in light of being that living sacrifice. We certainly have a great history; a track record that has been built on a strong foundation of sacrifice. Sacrifices of the past only serve to strengthen us, but we must continue to focus on why we are here and what a true living sacrifice represents. It is not about us…it is all about Him! Remember, service, commitment and self-sacrifice come in many different forms; i.e. please, thank you, and even better words are acceptable sacrifices to the One who looks at the heart, not the definition.

So, when you get frustrated, believing you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, consider what God has offered you; the opportunity to be a living sacrifice.

Prayer Points:

* Pray that as tensions increase and tasks multiply, we view each task as a team effort; this type of sacrifice will allow us to keep rowing forward.

* Pray that we never forget why we are here and what it represents to those who have no hope.

* Pray that as crew step off the Anastasis, as we did with the Caribbean Mercy, we take with us God’s love; knowing that He will accept our past sacrifices to help develop those of tomorrow.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 1

Focus: Africa
By Deyon Stephens, Co-Founder of Mercy Ships


Scripture Reference: “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a Temple at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people? May the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up!” (2 Chronicles 36:11).

Devotional: How strange it must have sounded to the exiles in Babylon to hear Cyrus make this proclamation! Was it not Babylon, which Cyrus now ruled, which had seventy years earlier killed most of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, razed it to the ground, and carried the few survivors off to exile?

So began the return of the Jews to Judah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.

Today Bono, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Geldorf are using the megaphones of their influence to proclaim the necessity of justice and mercy for Africa. How strange it must sound to some to hear such proclamation from those who gained their influence through music, business and finances!

Still the spotlight of the western world is beginning to focus on Africa.

Africa needs all of us: The Church, businesses, governments, organizations, and individuals.

Mercy Ships was called to Africa more than 15 years ago. Others, too, have heard the command to rebuild Africa, some many years before us. Soon we will be joined by more workers. May God grant that Africa experience justice and mercy like never before.

Prayer Points:

• Pray that many will hear and respond to the proclamation on behalf of Africa.

• Pray for wise strategies for effective work, accountability, and measurement.

• Pray that Mercy Ships will be a clear demonstration of Jesus, in word and deed, to Africa and to those who come to help.

• Pray that God will move like never before in Africa, transforming people as well as their surroundings.