Prayers for the youth and marriages ~ 30 Apr 2009

Prayers for the youth and marriages ~ 30 Apr 2009 Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Father we wait patiently for You to move. We pray that our children would not make any rash decisions in life because of circumstances. Because of divorce, broken marriages, hurting and non-existing parents many children are faced with huge obstacles to climb. The question of why God? Why did you have to give me these parents? I wish I was never born! Father, You hear every heart. You know every bleeding heart. We pray right now that You would comfort every child. Even the hardened heart. Lord Jesus, we pray right now that we would be able to make bold steps forward because of our prayers. We pray that generations of youths would be transformed because we chose today to pray for them, to bless them, and value them. In Jesus name we pray, amen. � 2009 Lee Shaun Tzen

Right now in the name of Jesus we pray that the words, failed marriage would not be in our dictionary. We pray that we would recognise the consequences and tough life ahead when we give up on our marriage. Marriage has been made by God. A bond that cannot be broken. We break it now, we will be left with scares till the end. We cannot live the past. We cannot be angry. It is time to forgive, heal, resolve, and move on. We cannot move on if we cannot forgive. We cannot move on if we cannot heal. We cannot move on if we cannot resolve. The people that are most affect, hurt, and destroyed are not the couple, but the children. Today, open our eyes Father. Today, open our hearts that we may see and feel what You feel. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

Words of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 28 Apr 2009

Words of Encouragement for Every New Day ~ 28 Apr 2009

My whole bag of stuff – If one part suffers, all suffer

The purpose of this series is to be encouraged and to be aware that everyone comes with a whole bag of stuff. Good stuff, bad stuff, but most of all God has made us unique and for a reason. Today, if you feel small, weak, a failure, unwanted, not valuable, and a reject in this world. I PRAY THAT YOU WOULD THINK TWICE AFTER READING THIS.

1 Corinthians 12:21-26 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. BUT GOD HAS COMBINED THE MEMBERS OF THE BODY AND HAS GIVEN GREATER HONOUR TO THE PARTS THAT LACKED IT, SO THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO DIVISION IN THE BODY, BUT THAT ITS PARTS SHOULD HAVE EQUAL CONCERN FOR EACH OTHER. IF ONE PART SUFFERS, EVERY PART SUFFERS WITH IT; IF ONE PART IS HONOURED, EVERY PART REJOICES WITH IT.

We are the body of Christ. If one man suffers, all suffer. Yes, the world is unfair. Yes, there will be rich people and there will be poor people. If we are over concentrating on one part, we are missing the point! God has made each part different. God has combined the different members, He has given greater honour to the parts that lack it, and there should be no division in the body. We must have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.

Imagine what this world would look like if the poor were praying for the rich. Praying that God will use them, bless them with even more, so that they can use their wealth for God’s glory. Imagine what this world would look like if the rich were praying for the poor.

Romans 15:1-6 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbour for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that though endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. MAY THE GOD WHO GIVES ENDURANCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT GIVE YOU A SPIRIT OF UNITY AMONG YOURSELVES AS YOU FOLLOW CHRIST JESUS, SO THAT WITH ONE HEART AND MOUTH YOU MAY GLORIFY THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

#2 – Unity (If one suffers, all suffer) God’s encouragement to us all today is to be united. Again we all come with a whole bag of stuff; different colours, different languages, different gifts, and we are all filled with good stuff and bad stuff.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

God says in Romans 15:1, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failing of the weak and not to please ourselves.” I hope that we would imprint this key point in our hearts today. Are we strong enough to bear the failings of the weak? Or are we after pleasure in life?

Today, let us pray for those that are weak and for those that are strong. Let us pray for those that are hurting and those who are rejoicing. Let us pray for those that are struggling to forgive and those who have repented. It is time we unite and not divide. Let us pray for unity and not division. God says in Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Do we have hope? Do we believe the impossible? Do we have hope in ourselves? If one suffers…ALL SUFFER!

© 2009 Lee Shaun Tzen. www.everynation.org.sg
archive: www.shauntzen.blogspot.com

Praying for Uruguay and for the poor ~ 28 Apr 2009

Praying for Uruguay and for the poor ~ 28 Apr 2009 Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Uruguay Population: 3.5m (0-14 yrs 22.4%, 15-64 yrs 64.3%, 65 and older 13.3%) Ethnic groups: white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%, Amerindian (practically nonexistent) Death rate: 9.12 deaths/1,000 Literacy rate: 98% Education expenditure: 2.9% of GDP Economic and political situation: Uruguay's economy is characterized by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated work force, and high levels of social spending. After averaging growth of 5% annually during 1996-98, in 1999-2002 the economy declined, due to economic problems of its large neighbors, Argentina and Brazil. In 2001-02 Argentine citizens made massive withdrawals of dollars deposited in Uruguayan banks after bank deposits in Argentina were frozen, which led to a plunge in the Uruguayan peso, a banking crisis, and a sharp economic contraction. Real GDP fell in four years by nearly 20%, with 2002 the worst year. The unemployment rate rose, inflation surged, and the burden of external debt doubled. Financial assistance from the IMF helped stem the damage. Uruguay restructured its external debt in 2003 without asking creditors to accept a reduction on the principal. Economic growth for Uruguay resumed, and averaged 8% annually during the period 2004-08. GDP: US$42.5b Unemployment rate: 7.6% Source: CIA, The World Factbook. Prayer: Father, we pray for the nation of Uruguay right now. Thank you Father for the plans that You have for this nation. Plans to prosper and not to harm. Father, it is easy just to pray for provisions and that You would continue to bless this nation. However, sometimes we tend to forget the meaning of fearing the Lord. Today, we pray that Your children of Uruguay would walk with the fear of the Lord which is authentic and real. Father, we pray that this nation would be united with one vision, purpose, and calling. Lord, we pray that You would be the center of this nation right now. Father, we pray Your people would not take You for granted. We pray that this nation would be united today. We pray for strong family values, strong moral values, and strong faith. We pray that generations of righteous people would be raised today. In Jesus name we pray, amen. � 2009 Lee Shaun Tzen

O Lord, we pray for the poor right now. We pray that they would be able to take their eyes off their current circumstance and begin to focus their eyes and attention on You. Father, we pray right now that You would speak to them. Reveal to them things that have never been seen or heard today. Father, we pray that there would be a strong sense of peace between the rich and poor. Today, we hold fast to your Word O Lord. We pray that the poor would not despise the rich, and the rich would not exploit the poor. Instead we pray that we would focus our prayers so that we can pray for each other and bring unity instead of division. As divided as this world maybe, it is evident and clear that the enemy wants to pull us and separate us. Father, we are well aware of the works of the enemy. And He is well aware of the work of Your sons and daughters. There is a difference though. The battle and victory has already been won. Today, we pray that we would not allow room in our hearts to allow us to entertain defeat. Equip us today. Challenge us today Father to stand for righteousness. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

Praying For United Kingdom and for the poor ~ 26 Apr 2009

Praying For United Kingdom and for the poor ~ 26 Apr 2009 1 Chronicles 16:10 Glory is His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

United Kingdom Population: 61.1m (0-14 yrs 16.7%, 15-64 yrs 67.1%, 65 yrs and older 16.2%) Death rate: 10.1deaths/1,000 Ethnic groups: white (of which English 83.6%, Scottish 8.6%, Welsh 4.9%, Northern Irish 2.9%) 92.1%, black 2%, Indian 1.8%, Pakistani 1.3%, mixed 1.2%, other 1.6% (2001 census) Education expenditure: 5.6% of GDP Economic and political concerns: A leading trading power and financial center. Is one of the quintet of trillion dollar economies of Western Europe. Over the past two decades, the government has greatly reduced public ownership and contained the growth of social welfare programs. Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient. Producing about 60% of food needs with less than 2% of the labor force. The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil resources, but its oil and natural gas reserves are declining. The UK became a net importer of energy in 2005; energy industries now contribute about 4% to GDP. Services, particularly banking, insurance, and business services, account by far for the largest proportion of GDP while industry continues to decline in importance. GDP: US$2.2t Unemployment rate: 5.5% Source: CIA, The World Factbook. Prayer: Lord we pray right now for the nation of the United Kingdom. We thank you for this nation and its purpose. You have a plan and purpose that is worth fighting for, and we pray right now that Your sons and daughters would desire to be used by You. Father, we pray that You would guide this nation through the current economic situation. We pray that Your children would begin to remember its roots and foundations built on Your solid Word. Today, we pray that a generation of righteous people would be used to influence and make an impact in this world. Lord, we pray that Your people would not take for granted all that You have done and given. Today, we pray that healing and restoration could take place. In Jesus name we pray, amen. � 2009 Lee Shaun Tzen

Lord, we pray for the poor right now. We thank You for their lives. Thank you for Your glory and purpose. We pray right now that You would shine and reign upon the earth. Father, we pray that Your healing hand of glory would shine. We thank You for the death and price that You paid on the cross. We are reminded today of the great sacrifice. Father, we pray right now that we would be able to understand the meaning of sacrifice. We pray that we would not take your death for granted. Instead, we pray that we would be living examples to people of what it means to be a son and daughter of Christ. Today, we pray that the poor will be used by You Lord to teach, to humble, and to open the eyes of those that take you for granted. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

Praying For United Arab Emirates and for the poor ~ 25 Apr 2009

Praying For United Arab Emirates and for the poor ~ 25 Apr 2009 1 Chronicles 16:10 Glory is His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

United Arab Emirates Population: 4.8m (0-14 yrs 20.4%, 14-64 yrs 78.7%, 65 and older 0.9%) Ethnic groups: Emirati 19%, ther Arab and Iranian 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% Death rate: 2.13 deaths/1,000 Literacy rate: 77.9% Education expenditures: 1.3% of GDP Economic and political concerns: The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Successful efforts at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP based on oil and gas output to 25%. Since the discovery of oil in the UAE more than 30 years ago, UAE has transformed from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. The UAE government has increased expenditures on job creation and infrastructure expansion. In April 2004, the UAE signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with Washington and in November 2004 agreed to undertake negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement with the US. The country's Free Trade Zones offer 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes. This has helped to attract foreign investors. Higher oil revenue, strong liquidity, housing shortages, and cheap credit in 2005-07 led to a surge in asset prices (shares and real estate) and consumer inflation. The global financial crisis and the resulting tight international credit market and falling oil prices have already begun to deflate asset prices and will result in slower economic growth for 2009. GDP: US$184.6b Unemployment rate: 2.4% Source: CIA, The World Factbook. Prayer: Father we pray that the UAE and its people would not grow dependent on oil alone. We pray that Your people would continue to search for You. We pray that they would find significance and meaning in life through You O Lord. Despite the nations tremendous progress, the nation still faces a long term battle. Father, we pray that the rich and wealthy would not throw their wealth away through foolish things in life. On the other hand, we pray that they would be able to use their financial blessings to bless, to provide and make change. We pray for the large expatriate workforce in the UAS. We pray for unity, peace, and we pray that these people would continue to find meaning and value working in the UAE. We pray that Your people would be able to treat expatriates with respect and dignity. We thank you for all the strategic plans You have for this nation. In Jesus name we pray, amen. � 2009 Lee Shaun Tzen

Lord, we pray for the poor right now. We thank You for their lives. Thank you that You are in control and not us. We pray right now that You would shine, reign, and rule upon us all. Father, we pray that Your healing touch would set free the bondage and oppression of the poor. We thank You for the death and price that You paid on the cross. We are reminded today of the greatest sacrifice of all. Father, we pray right now that we would be able to understand the meaning of sacrifice. We pray that we would not take your death for granted. Instead, we pray that we would be living examples to people of what it means to be a son and daughter of Christ. Today, we pray that the poor will be used by You Lord to teach, to humble, and to open the eyes of those that take you for granted. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

Prayers for the youth and marriages ~ 24 Apr 2009

Prayers for the youth and marriages ~ 24 Apr 2009 Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

We pray for every child that has been born into this world with parents who have been through divorce, going through difficulties, fighting, yelling, abuse, and who have parents that are non-active. Today, we pray that our prayers would bring a breath of fresh air to our children. Today, we pray that our youth would recognise the importance in placing You above all Lord. We pray that our children would recognise the importance in forgiveness, in reconciliation, in restoration, and to know that their value and worth is in You. We pray for those that are struggling and suffering internally right now. Lord, help them to recognise the value and worth in going through these trials. Your plans and purposes remain. Lord, You are going to use these children and we pray that You would protect their hearts so that they will not carry on the curses from their parents. In Jesus name we pray, amen. � 2009 Lee Shaun Tzen

We pray right now that every marriage would be solid and planted in the Word of God. We pray that every couple would recognise the importance in remove the little parasites that destroy and harm marriages. Father, we pray today that husbands would rise up to the plate. Help us to take our marriage seriously. Help us to restore love. Help us to ignite the fire and passion daily. Help us not to forget. Jesus we are nothing without You. But with You all things are possible. We pray right now that You would guide our hearts and mouths. Protect our marriage Father. We pray that wives would continue to hold firmly to their marriage. We pray that they would not give up. Your role, your significance, your value are all so important to your husband. Lord, we thank You for the challenges. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

Prayers for the youth and marriages ~ 22 Apr 2009

Prayers for the youth and marriages ~ 22 Apr 2009 Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Father today we pray for all the babies that have lost their parents through disasters and illnesses. Father, we pray that You would protect these children. Allow them to know and recognise that You are still in control and Your promises for their lives remain. Father, we pray that these children would rise to the challenge, obstacles, trials, and suffering. We pray right now that the enemy would not have any control over our children. In Jesus name. We pray right now that you would use these children to make a huge impact in this world. Without a doubt, You O Lord are going to use these children to make a great and lasting impact for the Kingdom of God. Today we shout your praise, we thank you, we pray that you would bring healing, protect these youths, and may they come to know you as their Lord and Saviour. In Jesus name we pray, amen. Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. � 2009 Lee Shaun Tzen

Father, we pray for marriages today, especially parents who have lost children. Today, we pray that you would build and strengthen marriages that will be grounded and rooted in You. We pray that you would touch the hearts of all your sons and daughters who are currently walking in a difficult marriage. We pray for perseverance, strength, courage, and faith. Teach us not to give up so quickly. Teach us how to bless and not curse. Teach us Father, humble us today. You O Lord are in control. You have a purpose and reason for life and death. For those that may never have children, today we pray that our marriage our lives will not be based on this. But be based on the Lord. In Jesus name we pray, amen. Malachi 2:16 I hate divorce, says the Lord God of Israel.

Praying for Tuvalu and for the poor ~ 22 Apr 2009

Praying for Tuvalu and for the poor ~ 22 Apr 2009 Hebrews 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hatred wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

Tuvalu Population: 12,373 (0-14 yrs 29.2%, 15-64 yrs 65.6%, 65 and over 5.2%) Ethnic Groups: Polynesian 96%, Micronesian 4% Death rate: 6.98 deaths/1,000 Literacy rate: N/A Economic and political situation: Tuvalu is densely populated, scattered group of nine coral atolls with poor soil. The Country does not have known mineral resources and few exports. It is almost entirely dependent on imported food and fuel. Farming and fishing are the primary economic activities. Fewer than 1,000 people visit Tuvalu. Employment is scarce and public sector workers make up the majority of the employed. Substantial income is received annually from the Tuvalu Trust Fund which is an international trust fund established in 1987 by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Japan and South Korea also support this trust fund. Through wise investments and conservative expenditures, the fund has grown from US$17m to an estimated value of US$77m in 2006. GDP: US$14.9m Source: CIA, The World Factbook. Prayer: Father, we pray for the nation of Tuvalu. Thank you for its existence, for its purpose, for Your plans, and purpose. Lord Jesus, we pray right now that You would use this tiny nation to influence, to challenge, and to restore man nations that have been morally corrupted. Father, we pray right now that righteous sons and daughters would be raised up. We pray for strong foundations right now to be implemented. We pray that You would raise godly leaders that will recognize the value and importance in building this nation on strong Biblical principles. Today, we pray that You would bring comfort and contentment to Your people. We pray that proper education facilities would be established. We pray that proper medical treatment would also be established. Father, You are in control. In Jesus name we pray, amen. � 2009 Lee Shaun Tzen

Father, the world is filled with so many problems, issues, and suffering but today, we pray that the Lord would pour His unfailing love on us all. Father, as we pray right now for the poor, guide them and heal them. Though many may die at the hands of illnesses, but we pray that they would find true meaning in life that can only come from the Lord. Father, we specifically pray for the poor, the sick, starving, and those with HIV/AIDS. Father, in these desperate times and situations it is easy to give up and not care about God. Today, we pray that we would be able to hunger and thirst for the poor. Though we may be blessed and have everything we could want, but the power of prayer connects us with You O Lord. Father, lift our prayers so that the earth may shake and weak foundations broken so that the Word of the Lord may be the foundation of every nation and every heart that beats. It is Your love and Your name that is exalted over the earth. We pray right now that You would cover us with Your power and glory. In Jesus name we pray, amen.