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.