Praying for Swaziland and for the poor – 6 Apr 2009

Praying for Swaziland and for the poor – 6 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.

Swaziland Population: 1.1m (0-14 yrs 39.4%, 15-64 years 56.9%, 65 years and older 3.7%) Literacy rate: 81.6% Health risk: High, bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, malaria, schistosomiasis. Death rate: 30.7 deaths/1,000 population (estimates are high due to the excess mortality of AIDS) HIV/AIDS: 26.1% adult prevalence rate; 190k people living with HIV/AIDS Geography: Landlocked and almost completely surrounded by South Africa Natural resources: asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone and talc. Economic situation: 70% of the population relies on agriculture as a source of income. Swaziland is dependent on South Africa, exporting 60% of its exports to them. 40% unemployment rate. Overgazing, soil depletion, drought, and floods persist as long term problems for this nation. Nearly two-fifths of the adult population is infected by HIV/AIDS. GDP: US$5.7b Source: CIA, The World Factbook. Prayer: We thank You Lord for this nation. We pray that we would continue to stand with this nation in prayer, believing only for the best. We stand with this nation and its people in prayer. We declare the will of God to be done today, in Jesus name. Father, we declare Your promises. We pray that Your blessings will be poured upon this nation and its people. We pray that Your righteous children would stand in boldness and courage. We pray that they would not fear the work of the enemy, because the battle has already been won and fought. Victory is ours because of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray that Your healing hand would be upon this nation, against HIV/AIDS. We pray that moral values, abstinence, and the Word of the Lord would be established today in this nation. We pray for strong Biblical foundations to be established today. In the name of Jesus we pray right now that the Lord’s glory would reign upon this nation. Finally, we pray that Swaziland’s relationship with South Africa would continue to grow and blossom. We pray against conflict, prejudice, instead we pray that the nation of South Africa would be blessed in return for blessing Swaziland. We pray that generations to come will be blessed because of this awesome relationship. In Jesus name we pray, amen. © 2009 Lee Shaun Tzen

We pray for the poor right now. We pray for great faith to be established. We pray that we would not grow weary and tired from praying for this nation. Lord, it is a daily struggle at times to be faithful in our prayers towards the poor. It is easy to get caught up in our daily lives and allow circumstances in life to pull us away from praying faithfully and diligently for the poor and needy. Lord Jesus, we pray that You would speak to us right now. Reveal to us Your might work and plans. Help us not to get distracted from the bigger plans that You have. We pray that our destinies would be inline with Your plans O Lord. We pray right now that You would examine our hearts. Humble us, teach us, and open our hearts so that we can make a greater impact for the poor. We pray that a greater sense of responsibility and ownership would be poured on us today. Lord, we break the spirit of laziness and lack of care towards the poor. Today, we take ownership. Today, we pray that You would entrust us with the purpose of making a difference in this lifetime for the poor. Lord, build out faith and love today. Challenge us Father. We thank You right now for all that will take place. In Jesus name we pray, amen.