CompassionNet's Today's Prayer

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Prayer requests on the website are updated every Monday-Friday at 9:30 a.m., EST October 22, 2013 "I called to the LORD in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.” (Psalm 18:6) WORLD LEADER - “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt of Denmark (northwestern Europe). PEOPLE OF THE SWAN AREA, EAST ASIA - “A few weeks back, I went with some good friends up to the temple again--not to join in, but to pray for the people there. I am always reminded--tearfully, heart-wrenchingly reminded--that lostness abounds in this world. Everything about that place serves as a vivid reminder of how much work is yet to be done: the pool thick with the blood of chickens sacrificed to wooden carvings, the rows of red candles flickering in the breeze, the smoke rising from sacrificial furnaces, the deafening explosions of firecrackers, and the incessant drone of prayers chanted to idols that can’t hear or speak. It’s a heartbreaking reality that is made so clear at the temple. As we looked on, we asked the Lord to confound the evil that was so prevalent and to open the eyes of the people to the truth! We see so many people around us every day who need to hear--many of whom are ready to hear. We need for His people to ask Him if this little part of His harvest field--the cities in the SWAN area--is where He wants them to be involved. If it is, ask Him how! If He says pray, then pray earnestly! If He says give, do it; give generously! If he says come, don’t hesitate; get up and come! Time flies--live intentionally for Him and His glory!” SWAHILI-SPEAKING ARABS OF EAST AFRICA (swah-HEE-lee) - The Swahili-speaking Arabs of East Africa have always been “a suspicious bunch”--going to great lengths to keep secrets and avoid being the object of gossip. One moonlight-shopping trip exemplifies how much distrust has permeated the fabric of their lives: “As my neighbor and I prepared to go out, the older children begged to come along. They were pacified when they were deceived into believing that we were going to get ice cream for them. Elderly parents agreed to our late-night plans only after being falsely told that I didn’t know the way and needed my neighbor to escort me. Several shops along the way were off limits to us for fear that the shopkeeper might think we were spying on her business and reporting back to her competitors.” It is in such a context that they learn that no one can really be trusted. The stronghold of distrust keeps the Swahili-speaking Arab believers from coming together, robbing them of much-needed fellowship and community. “Oh, Father, please open their eyes to truth and use it to set them free! May Your transforming power cause them to be trusted among their families and to be known as Truth-bearers.” For additional prayer requests, click here: Today’s Prayer (If you have difficulty with this link, please go to www.imb.org and click on the “Pray” tab, and then click on the “Today’s Prayer” link in the left-hand column.)

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