Prayer Fuel for the Christian Intercessor

Hello prayer friends!

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Blessings,
Prayer Fuel

Key Scripture: Psalm 107:8-9 (New International Version)

8 “Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, 9 for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” 

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Food costs in Ghana

Tidbit of Information: Rising food costs have driven basic necessities beyond the reach of the average Ghanian.  Locally produced food like yam, plantain, cassava and vegetables have become very expensive, costing more than double this year what they used to cost last year.  A fifty kilogram bag of rice, which was thirty-five Ghana cedis last year, is now seventy-five Ghana cedis. (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You care about the needs of the hungry and that You fill them with good things.  I thank You that through the generosity of Compassion sponsors that they have been able to send additional funds to support countries like Ghana that have been impacted by the Global Food Crisis.  I pray that You would continue to use this ministry to be a source of aid from those who love Your name, as messengers and ambassadors of Your unfailing love.

I pray that You would help the Compassion staff as they seek to implement long-term strategies to deal with the rising food costs around the world and that You would specifically intervene on behalf of the nation of Ghana and cause the prices to fall so that families can afford the basic necessities.  I pray that the people of Ghana would turn to You in the hour of need and that the families who are suffering from the food shortages would know Your love and provision in this time, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: Proverbs 31:8-9 (New International Version)

8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”  

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Compassion Advocates

Tidbit of Information: More than 500 Advocates across the country work tirelessly to raise awareness of child poverty and the work of Compassion.  Advocates are linked to a local group headed by an Area Coordinator.  These teams support each other through practical advice, prayer support and friendship.  The Children’s Advocacy Network provides an increasing number of new sponsorships and is vital to the growth of Compassion. (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I thank You for the hundreds of Compassion Advocates across Canada, the United States and the globe who have chosen to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.  I pray that You would continue to move upon their hearts and pour Your love and compassion for the destitute, poor and needy into them, giving them the grace and strength speak up for justice on behalf of the children of the world.  May their passion and dedication inspire and encourage others to also advocate for children and convince them of the incredible honor it is to sponsor a child.

I also pray that You would raise up new Area Coordinators for Compassion who can lead and inspire new Advocates, providing them with the resources and ideas they need to be effective.  I pray that many Advocates would be encouraged and equipped as they take part in the Advocate Training Conferences and exposure tours this year and that You would create many opportunities for them to share the work of Compassion with their churches and areas of influence.  May their voice on behalf of the voiceless be loud and strong and impact many hearts, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: Romans 8:11 (New International Version)

11 “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” 

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Disease in Uganda

Tidbit of Information: For only a small amount of money, a child can be protected from a number of deadly diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus and polio.  However, availability of the required vaccines remains low and the cost still prevents many parents from ensuring their children are immunised. (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You love and care about each and every child in Uganda and their needs.  Today, I pray for their health and that for those who call upon Your name, that You would cause Your Spirit to bring resurrection life to their bodies.  That as they have Your living Spirit dwelling inside of them, that He would cause health and vitality to surge through them and that their bodies would prosper even as their souls prosper.  I ask for divine health and healing for these children, that they would be protected from the diseases that ravage their nation and that they would know Your power as Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord our Healer.

Father, I also pray that You would anoint those who work in the areas of science and medicine and that You would work through these avenues to bring aid and protection to these children.  For those who are able to provide and distribute the vaccines that these children require, I ask that You would help provide them with the supplies and facilities they need.  I pray that the government would realize that children are their future and the utmost importance of caring and protecting the next generation.  I also pray for Compassion as they seek to provide medical care to the children in the communities they serve and that You would provide for them in every way, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 (New International Version)

6 “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” 

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Child Advocacy in Ecuador

Tidbit of Information: Last year, Compassion Ecuador organized a national child advocacy conference to promote children’s rights and child advocacy, and ensure that issues affecting children were a high priority for the government, churches, religious organizations, and communities.  Around 150 people participated in the conference. (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I lift up the children in Ecuador to You today and ask that for those children who feel as though they are walking in darkness or living in the valley of the shadow of death, that You would cause Your light to shine upon them and that You would reveal to them that You are near.  For You said that even in the valley of the shadow of death that we do not need to be afraid, for You are with us. 

I ask that You would cause Your favor to be poured out upon Compassion Ecuador as they seek to reach these children for Christ and that they would be seen as a leading authority on children’s issues in their nation.  I pray that You would open up doors for their message and that that they would have many opportunities to advocate for the children and discuss their needs and strategies for helping them.  I also ask that as the various organizations in Ecuador collaborate and meet to discuss these issues, that You would cause a spirit of unity to be among them and that they would rally together for the sake of these children and establishing more initiatives to aid and protect these precious lives, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 (New International Version)

27 “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.” 

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Church Relations

Tidbit of Information: Compassion’s Church and Ministry Relations team continues to form partnerships with churches in North America that are seeking to reach out to those in need and see God’s love in action.  As they do this, the result is change within their own congregations.  Churches can sponsor a number of children in one regions, support a Child Survival Program or support a Leadership Development Program student. (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I thank You for the incredible gift and honor that You have given us by allowing us to partner with You in accomplishing Your purposes on the earth!  What an amazing privilege that You would give the church the opportunity to be Your hands and feet, extending Your love, grace, healing, and blessings to those in need.  Father, I thank You for pouring out Your Holy Spirit upon Your church with spiritual gifts and for impacting our hearts with compassion for the oppressed, the poor, the widow, the orphan and the destitute.  I pray that we would rise up and take our place as the ambassadors of Christ and use the gifts and the resources that You have blessed us with to greatly impact and bless the earth!  I pray that You would give Compassion’s ministry great favor as they seek to build relationships with churches and ministries across North America who will eagerly partner with them in freeing children from poverty in Jesus’ name!  I pray that these churches will see the opportunity they have as a portion of Your body, to work together and bring their gifts together, to make a difference in the lives of these children and their families.  May they also understand and experience the great joy and blessing that they themselves will receive as they give.  May the reap generously and they sow generously into Your Kingdom and may Your justice and Your cause be advanced in the earth, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:15 (New International Version)

15 “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Tanzania

Tidbit of Information: School drop out among secondary school students is still high in the Manyara region of Tanzania, despite efforts to show local communities the importance of education.  The situation is even worse for the nomadic pastoralists who often discourage their children from joining school. Some students live 50 to 70 kilometres from their school, a situation that compels them to drop out.  Pregnancy or early marriage is a common reason for girls dropping out of school.  (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I pray that You would cause Compassion to be like the fragrant aroma of Jesus Christ in Tanzania and that You would give them favor as they seek to be Your hands and feet – Your ambassadors to those who are poor, oppressed, and perishing.  Father, I pray that You would help Compassion to establish more projects that can reach the children of nomadic tribes and to teach parents the importance of education, as well as the long term benefits it will bring to the family.  As they seek to help provide opportunities for a better future for these children, I pray that You would soften the hearts of the people in Tanzania to accept Compassion’s efforts to extend the love of Jesus and that many children would be able to enroll in school and have the opportunity to hear the gospel of Your Son’s sacrifice for them.  I also lift up to You these precious young girls who are often take advantage of or caused to marry at a young age and I ask that You would reveal Yourself to them and show them the love of the heavenly Father who cares for them.  I pray that girls would be given equal opportunities to pursue an education and that You would protect them from those who would seek to exploit them, in Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: Psalm 109:28 (New International Version)

28 “They may curse, but You will bless; when they attack they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice.”

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Persecution

Tidbit of Information: The death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on the first Easter are the source of hope and peace in our lives, and our reconciliation with God.  Yet, many Christians are not able to openly celebrate their faith.  According to the World Evangelical Alliance, over 200 million Christians in at least 60 countries are denied fundamental human rights solely because of their faith.  (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I thank You for those of us in countries where we have the freedom of religion and the freedom to worship You publicly and openly.  Yet, for the many Christians who must gather in secret or suffer persecution for their faith, I ask that You would come to them and bless them, though their enemies curse them.  I pray that when they are attacked, that they would be so filled with strength and joy by Your Holy Spirit, that they would be able to rejoice in the midst of trial and testing.  I pray that as they celebrate Easter this weekend, that You would impact them again with the greatness and depth of Your love for them and that would receive fresh revelation that neither “trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword…will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”.  Would You remind them again of the beauty and power of Christ’s sacrifice for them and cause it to strengthen their hearts to persevere and share in Your sufferings.  May they experience the joy that the disciples described as they rejoiced in the honor of sharing in the sufferings of Jesus.  I also pray that for the countries where Compassion works, that You would give them divine opportunities and open doors to preach the gospel and share the message of Jesus’ incredible gift of forgiveness and salvation to the lost.  Would You also empower the believers with boldness and faith to be a witness and to share the truth of Jesus’ love in their communities, in Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca
Voice of the Martyrs – http://www.persecution.com/

Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NKJV)

“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.”

General Prayer Focus: Personal

Specific Prayer Focus: Salvation of lost family members and friends

Prayer: Father, I lift up those who are close to my heart. Family and friends who do not yet know You. Lord I ask in Your mercy, would you break in and and shine the light of Your face upon them. I ask that You would tenderize their hearts towards Your Son. Would You cause a cry of repentance that leads to salvation to rise up in their hearts. Jesus, would You break through the darkness that has blinded their eyes and bring freedom to the captive. Would they see You as You truly are. Father I ask on behalf of my family would they be among, the “many sons” You will bring to glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Key Scripture: Isaiah 58:7 (New International Version)

⁷ “Is [true fasting] not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Ethiopia

Tidbit of Information: Over 50 million Ethiopians live in areas prone to malaria.  Ethiopians have many words for this disease: Woba, meaning “serious disease;” Shekele, describing a ”painful disease;” and even Golfa, or “kills,” if the person does not get treatment quickly.  Compassion is working to reduce malaria through training on malaria prevention, which was given to over 55,000 households.  In addition, almost 30,000 nets were distributed in 45 Compassion projects.  (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I lift up these precious people in Ethiopia, whom You love and I ask that You would intervene on their behalf.  I pray for Compassion as they seek to provide malaria nets to protect the children and families they are supporting and I ask that You would move upon the hearts of many to give of their finances to help fund this vital project.  Father, would You cause Your church to enter into true fasting that cares about the needs of our fellow man and to concern ourselves with the affairs of the poor and the needy.  I also ask that You would empower Your church with the Holy Spirit to walk in miracles and signs and wonders, that we could be Your hands in this weary world and bring supernatural healing to the sick.  I pray for those who are even now, suffering under the pain and burden of malaria and I ask for You to break in with Your mighty power to heal by the name of Your servant, Jesus!  And in the natural, practical realm, I also ask that You would grant favor to Compassion’s ministry as they seek to educate families on malaria and that they would be receptive to the teaching.  And in the governmental arena, I pray that You would impress the leaders of this nation with Your compassion for those who are suffering and give them unction to act on their behalf, as well as give them strategies on how they can help, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: Psalm 36:7-9 (New International Version)

⁷ How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. ⁸ They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. ⁹ For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: World Day of Water

Tidbit of Information: Water is our world’s most precious resource, but many people still do not have access to safe drinking water in developing countries.  Compassion works in partnership with Healing Waters ministries to provide communities in Central America with clean water.  (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I thank You for this partnership between Compassion and Healing Waters and I ask that You would bless it and cause it to be fruitful in showing Your love to the poor by providing communities with greater access to clean drinking water.  Lord, I pray that You would prosper their efforts and bring much provision into this ministry, as well as wisdom from heaven to increase in their effectiveness.  Father, would You also raise up more ministries and give divine strategies to the specialists in this field, that they would have greater insight into how to find, purify, and distribute clean water to those who need it.  God, would You also help Compassion project workers as they seek to educated the students about simple sanitation methods, such as boiling water, which could help prevent the spread of diseases. 

Father, I also ask that as these people receive a clean, fresh drink of water, that they would also hear about the living water that comes from You.  I pray that Compassion and Healing Waters would be able to tell them of the message of the fountain of life that flows from Your throne and into our hearts by the power of Your Holy Spirit and which brings a joy and satisfaction unlike anything else in this world!  Lord, would You give them drink from Your river of delights and shower upon them water of Your mercy and love, in Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca
Healing Waters International – http://www.healingwatersintl.org/

Key Scripture: Mark 10:43 (New International Version)

10 “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Guatemala

Tidbit of Information: Compassion Guatemala currently has 85 Leadership Development Program (LDP) students.  These graduates of the Child Development Program have shown exceptional leadership and academic skills and are studying in their chosen field.  So far, 30 students have graduated.  (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I praise and thank You for these children who are now becoming young adults and who have been good stewards of the gifts and opportunities You have given them and are putting them to good use!  I pray that as they seek to further their education and rise up as leaders in their nation, that You will strengthen them and equip them with everything they need to excel.  Father, I pray that as You did for Daniel and his friends (Daniel 1:17), that You would give these students knowledge and understanding in all kinds of literature and learning, as well as understanding of spiritual things, the Scripture, dreams & visions, and knowledge of the wisdom of heaven.  Lord, I ask that as they pursue their goals and dreams for their futures, that You would also put in them the dreams, plans and purposes that are in Your heart for them and that You would raise them up to be godly leaders in their nation who will lead with wisdom and righteousness.  May they be leaders like Your Son Jesus, who lead with humility and through servanthood, love and compassion.  Father, would You supply their every need and move upon the hearts of men & women across the world who can partner with You by supporting these students through sponsorship, in Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: 2 Chronicles 15:15 (New International Version)

15 ”They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them.  So the Lord gave them rest on every side.” 

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Philippines

Tidbit of Information: Many families in the Filipino capital Manila are forced to share a simple home.  The homes are too small for families to live in together, so they take turns occupying the house.  As many as three families might take turns to occupy the dwellings for eight hours at a time.  (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I lift up these families in Manila, Philippines and I ask that You would be found by them.  Lord, thought there is trouble on every side, I pray that they would seek You eagerly and that You would give them rest on every side in exchange for their trouble.  Father, even the sparrow has a home and receives provision from Your hand, so I ask that You would reach out Your hand to these families and give them everything they need.  Lord, would You help them not to worry about where they will live, but instead trust You completely, knowing that all these things will be taken care of as they but seek You first. 

For the Compassion projects, I pray that You would equip them with the means to reach the children who live this way and that they would be able to help provide them with a consistent and stable foundation.  Though these children may not have a reliable home, I pray that they would be able to go to school, receive a solid meal, and learn about the love of Jesus through Compassion’s ministry, and that this would strengthen them and their families.  Father, I ask that You would draw these families to Yourself and that they would find a spiritual home in a local church where they could experience Your unchanging love and grace.  Also, for the government in the Philippines, I pray that You would give them the ability to rule wisely and with compassion and that You would give them strategies to renew hope, stability, and security for the poor in their country, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: Psalm 12:5 (New International Version)

5 “‘Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,’ says the Lord. ‘I will protect them from those who malign them.’” 

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Haiti

Tidbit of Information: Up to 500,000 Haitian children are unable to attend school because of financial constraints.  Rectifying this situation would require a massive investment in current public schools, new school construction and materials.  Many parents struggling to make ends meet would rather send their children to work than to school.  (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You love the children in Haiti and that You care about their every need.  I thank You that You hear the cries of the weak and the needy and that You will arise on their behalf.  So I ask You today that for those children who are enrolled in Compassion programs, that You would strengthen their parents with faith and hope, that they would not be fearful about possible lost wages for having their children in school, but that they would support them in pursuing an education.  I pray that You would increase favor for the projects within the communities in Haiti, that the parents would see Compassion as a positive and valuable option for their children, to give them hope for their future and an opportunity to learn about Your Son, Jesus.  Father, I ask that You would also grant strategies to both Compassion and to the Haitian government for ways to overcome this problem, that they would be able to find solutions to enable children to go to school and to not have to work to support their families.  Lord, would You provide for the poor in Haiti and empower them by Your Holy Spirit to trust You for their every need, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: Joel 2:15-17 (New International Version)

15 Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly. 16 Gather the people, notify the congregation. Assemble the elders; gather the children and the infants at the breast… 17 Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, “Spare, O Lord, your people…” 

General Prayer Focus: Ending of abortion

Specific Prayer Focus: 40 Days for Life

Tidbit of Information: 40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God’s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion in America.  The mission of the campaign is to bring together the body of Christ in a spirit of unity during a focused 40 day campaign of prayer, fasting, and peaceful activism, with the purpose of repentance, to seek God’s favor to turn hearts and minds from a culture of death to a culture of life, thus bringing an end to abortion in America.  More than 130 communities in the United States, Canada, Australia and Northern Ireland are hosting 40 Days for Life events from February 25 to April 5 (also in conjunction with Lent).

Prayer: Father, I lift up all those who are participating in the 40 Days for Life campaign and I ask that You would strengthen them during this time of prayer and fasting and action on behalf of the unborn.  I thank You for these who have heard Your trumpet call to gather together in fasting and intercession to cry out for mercy.  Lord, I pray that as a result of these prayers that are even now ascending before Your throne, that You would cause a turning in the hearts of the people across the earth, that they would turn from death and turn to You, choosing life for their children.  Lord, though judgment is required for injustice and the shedding of innocent blood, I pray that You would spare us and pour out grace and mercy instead.  By Your Holy Spirit, would You convict hearts and draw them to Yourself.  I pray that as people stand vigil outside abortion clinics, that their peaceful stand for life would impact and change the minds of those considering an abortion, as well as those working in the clinics.  I pray that Your church would accurately and clearly demonstrate Your heart of love for women and their babies and that they would speak and minister with tenderness and compassion.  I also ask that for those babies who are spared from abortion but still need a home, that You would cause a movement of adoption to rise up in Your church, that we would say that we will take and embrace these babies.  I pray for healing and restoration for those who have had an abortion or been involved in abortion, that their hearts would be transformed by Your love and forgiveness.  Would these next 40 days tear down the wicked principalities of darkness in heavenly places, causing a shifting in the spiritual atmosphere so that the light of Your glory could break through upon our communities, cities and nations.  Jesus, we plead Your blood over our sins and the sins of our nations.  God, end abortion and send revival!  Amen.

Links:  40 Days for Life
40 Day Prayer Guide/Devotionals for Life

Key Scripture: Jeremiah 33:6 (New International Version)

6 “Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” 

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Brazil

Tidbit of Information: At the end of 2008 a dengue fever epidemic impacted several Brazilian cities, especially Rio de Janeiro.  In 2008, there were 121,586 confirmed cases of infected people in the state and 67,566 in the Rio’s capital.  Intense periods of rain are common between December and March and the floods caused by such downpours accelerate the spread of the disease.  (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer: Father, I lift up the nation of Brazil to You and I ask that You would bring health and healing to it.  Lord, would You protect the staff and children in the Compassion projects and their families and keep them from catching this disease.  Father, I ask that You would help the government to plan and have strategies for both preventing this kind of outbreak and for responding to the crisis - whether it be through dealing with the mosquitoes who spread the disease or aiding the organizations who are working to produce a vaccine, or some other means that only You know.  Yet even better than looking to man to solve this problem, I pray that the people of Brazil would look to You and seek Your face in their time of need and pray to You to bring supernatural healing.  I ask that You would cause their hearts to be drawn to You and that You would answer their cries and stretch forth Your hand to heal them, through the mighty name of Your Son Jesus.  Amen.

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: Proverbs 3:5 (New International Version)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. 

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Mexico

Tidbit of Information: Nearly 10 percent of Mexico’s 106 million people live on less than U.S. $1 a day.  Children make up more than half of the country’s population.  Because of extreme poverty, about 3.5 million Mexican children ages 12 to 17 are in the workforce, many of whom migrate from rural areas to cities – with or without their parents – to work.  They must contend with family instability, lack of care and nurturing, and being alone.  (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer:  Father, I lift up these children living in poverty in Mexico and I ask that in their great need, that they would somehow find You and learn to trust in You for everything.  As these children seek to find means to provide for themselves, I pray that they would not feel like they have to lean upon their own strength or understanding, but that they would know that they can lean upon You for help, wisdom, courage, strength, and guidance.  Lord, I pray that these children would not have to sacrifice their childhood and their education in order to work, but that You would provide options for them to remain with their families and loved ones and to stay in school so that they can get better jobs.  Lord, I ask that You would protect those who are already in the workforce and they would not become prey to those who would seek to exploit them or take advantage of them.  Lord, I pray that You would protect them from being trafficked and from being lured into the sex trade to try and make money.  Father, I ask that You would reveal Yourself to them, that they would know they are not alone and that You are with them and that You love them.  I ask that You would strengthen and equip Compassion in Mexico to be able to reach these children and help them and that You would pour out Your blessing and favor upon Compassion’s relationships with the government and the church within Mexico, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: Psalm 10:15, 17-18 (New International Version)

15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out…17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, 18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more. 

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Dominican Republic

Tidbit of Information: Social, political and economic problems have accentuated poverty in the continent and fuelled the gang culture.  Latin America’s murder rate is twice the world average.  An estimated 10.5 million tons of illegal drugs pass through the region every year.  (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer:  Father, I ask You to set Your eyes upon the most wicked, hardened criminal in the nation of the Dominican Republic and convict his heart of sin and save his soul.  Let this spark a dismantling of organized crime in this country.  In Your zeal for justice, would You protect and defend the humble and destroy the works of darkness.  Would You cause the Dominican Republic to become a beacon of light to the nations of the earth for the glory of Your Son, Jesus.  In between now and that day, would You raise up laborers for the harvest from among the Compassion projects and other Christian ministries.  Would they not only be saved, but would they be partners in Your work.  I pray that they would be transformed from ones who are rescued into those who rescue others from oppression and darkness.  Would You do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed that the man of the earth would oppress no more, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca

Key Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (New King James Version)

1 Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.

General Prayer Focus: The Ending of Human Trafficking in Canada

Specific Prayer Focus: MP Joy Smith and bill C-268

Tidbit of of information: Human Trafficking is the third largest criminal industry in the world, after drugs and weapons. It is the modern day slave trade. Victims of trafficking are usually abducted when they are between 12 and 25 years of age – their identity is erased and they are sold to an “owner” who uses them to generate a profit, either through the sex trade or through slave labour.

Currently in Canada the average sentence for trafficking a person under 18 is two years. Conversely, the average sentence for the same crime in America is 20 years, and they have an imposed minimum sentence of 10 years for trafficking a minor.

Joy Smith has introduced a bill, C-268, that would create a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 5 years for anyone convicted of trafficking a minor. It was introduced into the House of Commons on January 29, 2009, and is awaiting second reading. This is an awesome first step in protecting children from human trafficking in Canada!

Prayer: Father, I lift up Canada before you. I lift up our government and I ask that You would give them wisdom and revelation concerning the issue of human trafficking. I thank You for Members of Parliament like Joy Smith, who are willing to take a stand against human trafficking. Lord, I ask would You bless her, would she truly know You and Your heart for the oppressed. Father I ask would bill C-268 have a favorable second hearing, would this be a first step of our nation aligning with Your will concerning this issue. Father, would this truly be a first step towards protecting children in our nation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Links:
http://www.4mycanada.ca

Key Scripture: Psalm 23:1, 5 (New International Version)

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want…5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

General Prayer Focus: Compassion International

Specific Prayer Focus: Bangladesh

Tidbit of Information: In Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, thousands of street children don’t have any shelter.  Most of these are beggars.  Some collect refuse that can be recycled for a living.  The global rise in food prices is affecting these extremely vulnerable children more than any other people group, leaving them with no other options to earn money or collect food.  (Source: Compassion Prayer Diary Feb. 2009 - May 2009)

Prayer:  Father, I pray for these precious children in Bangladesh who are in desperate need of sustenance, care, love, provision, and shelter.  Lord, I ask that You would be their Great Shepherd and that they would not be lacking anything, but that their cups would overflow and they would feast on the abundance of Your table.  Father, would You feed them from Your hand and provide for their every need.  I ask that You would help Compassion as they try to find and implement ways to help these children and that You would provide the sponsors necessary for them to receive food, education, love, and the gospel.  For the governments and institutions who are battling with the global food crisis, would You give them divine strategies, wisdom and blueprints for effectively bringing aid to those in need.  Would You help those trying to help the poor to not grow discouraged, but infuse them with hope and energy to be Your hands and to give of their time, effort and money to help those less fortunate than themselves.  Would You raise up a cry of intercession across the earth in Your church to call out to You for justice for the oppressed and needy.  I ask that You would also give hope to these children who have so little and who don’t know where to turn.  God, would You protect them, surround them with Your angels, cover them with Your wings, whisper Your words of love to their hearts, and draw them near to Yourself.  I ask that You would prepare a table for them, though they feel they are in the very shadow of death, may they feel Your presence and receive Your abundant blessings, that they would want for nothing, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Links:
Compassion International – http://www.compassion.ca