Prayer Points - August 2016

WE ARE NOT QUITTING! - We are calling out for a sovereign move of the Holy Spirit

I lift my eyes to the mountains-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 

Psalm 121:1-4

Fran and I are in Vernon B.C. enjoying some R&R this summer and have appreciated a few speaking engagements. There has been much prayer for the Okanagan valley and yet I felt challenged to prayer-walk 20 km up to Silver Star Mountain village. It's a bit grueling to say the least as I had already walked this mountain four times during my thirteen years of pastoring here. Could this 60-year-old body make it again?? I invited a friend, Gord Nicholson to join me, and up the mountain we went and as we walked, we were praying to God:

"We're not quitting God! We're seeking your perspectives for our personal lives; we are asking that our lives will line up with your perfect will; we are calling out for a sovereign move of the Holy Spirit over this valley and over our nation that would bring an awakening to prayer upon the Church of Canada."  (Rob) A few days later Fran joined me along with Gord and his wife Val, and we all climbed to the summit of Silver Star mountain, prayer-climbing up the Paradise Trail. Yes it was at times challenging, but it was really worth it. The views were fantastic and we were able to see in every direction. I was reminded of the fact that when we're at the bottom of whatever mountain we are facing we can only see from a limited perspective. But in the same way that Jesus said to the Apostle John on Patmos, Come up here and I will show you what must take place (Rev. 4:1b), our perspective changes from the top and the climb is worth the effort. That climb may be simply the battle to get aside to pray; or a circumstance you are facing; or a personal challenge you may have. Whatever we are facing, God invites us to look up and climb His mountain and meet with the Him. How especially important this is when we are facing a world that is rapidly changing in its' values and practices leaving our heads spinning.

Olympics 2016 - Jesus medal is our salvation

 In the shadow of another mountain, the world gathers to celebrate and even venerate the physical achievements of man. Enthusiastically we applaud the giftedness of those who have sacrificed much to physically and mentally train to reach their Olympic goal. These athletes don't want to be last or at the bottom! If visitors and competitors alike look up, they will see the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer that overlooks Rio de Janeiro. The nations are gathered in Brazil and I am reminded of Psalm 2 that all the nations of the earth are Jesus' inheritance. His goal and his sacrifice was not for a temporary medal, but his medal is our salvation Pray for favour for the massive prayer and outreach force that has gathered in Brazil to proclaim the gospel. Pray for testimonies of the Christian athletes and supporting staff to be powerfully evident throughout the games.

Pray for the chaplains who are in direct contact with the athletes. Ask God to place a perimeter of protection over Brazil against any threats of terrorism.

CASSIE AND MOLLY'S LAW BILL C-225 - What can we do? In February 2016, MP Cathay Wagantall (Yorkton-Melville) introduced Bill C-225 in Parliament. (Currently Canadian law offers no recognition to the preborn child of a woman who wants to have the child). This proposed legislation would create a law that would apply when a crime committed against a pregnant woman results in the injury or death of their preborn child. Almost 70% of Canadians indicated their support for a law making the harm or death of a preborn child a separate crime. It is also encouraging that this bill has received endorsements from significant organizations.

Pray that Canadians will write a letter to their MP respectfully asking for examination of the polling results and to vote in favour of this bill. Pray that this bill will gain traction this summer as Canadians contact their MP.

Pray that MPs will take the time to read the poll results and be convicted to stand for a law to protect vulnerable women and children.