BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD
We need to be still at all times to know that God is God.(Ps 46: 10) We could fear that a godless culture is infiltrating our Australian society and keeping us from being still and targeting our children with unhelpful challenges about their sexuality. We are aware that even key leaders are being persecuted for daring talk about good things. When there is a growing intolerance towards people of faith let us remember that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and its waters roar and foam(Ps 46:1-3). Let us also not fear we may sometimes offend people who live in a prevailing anti God culture. Christ is a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.(1 Pet 2:8) We could take courage by responding boldly and graciously before it’s too late and not be silent or keep our faith private while only sticking to gospel-related issues.
There are more words from Psalm 46 which could touch our spirits. “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. ”The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Ps 46) Whatever we might expect to be the result for any election, including the upcoming Victorian elections, let’s remember “with God all things are possible”. (Mt 19;26) The wind (of the Spirit) blows wherever it pleases. We hear its sound but cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going”. (Jn3:8 )
Let us pray:
* For the Lord’s name to be exalted in Victoria both in the lead up to the election and in the election as well as in the rest of Australia.
* That we will all develop more discernment and trust in the Lord to appreciate His plans for the restoration and salvation of our nation.
* That in repentance and rest will be our salvation, in quietness and trust will be our strength, and that we will have all of this.(Is 30:15)
PRAYING FOR THE VICTORIAN ELECTIONS
It has been noted that the Victorian Parliament is often the door through which much of the permissive legislation that eventually finds its way across Australian, enters. With the Victorian elections approaching it is important that we cover those elections in persistent prayer so we are asking Prayer Watch members to remember Victoria in your prayers over the coming weeks until election day.
Please pray:
* giving thanks to the Lord for all who are standing for election. Pray that candidates who would walk in truth, integrity and righteousness will be elected in the upcoming election. Intercede that in the election process and outcome the Lord’s will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven.
* that policies implemented within the Victorian education system will be designed to meet the needs of children and teachers and not to attract political mileage or satisfy ideological pursuits. Pray for a return to the teaching of Christian values within the education system replacing the secular humanist worldview that has dominated in recent years. Pray for policies that support Christian Chaplaincy in both secular and Christian schools.
* that all candidates standing for election will come to know the fear of the LORD. Pray that those elected will walk in wisdom throughout the period of the next Parliament. Pray for their families and their staffers. Pray that those elected would be energized and invigorated by the desire to serve the people of Victoria and not their own ideological interests.
PRIME MINISTER URGED TO SHIELD RELIGIOUS BELIEFS IN LEGISLATION
Religious leaders are urging Anthony Albanese to reverse his opposition to a “statements of belief” clause in religious discrimination legislation. This clause would offer explicit protection for people of faith from being sacked by their employer for voicing their beliefs. Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli, Anglican Bishop of South Sydney Michael Stead, Australian National Imams Council spokesman Bilal Rauf and Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim warned that the Andrew Thorburn saga was just one example of a growing intolerance towards people of faith.
The “statements of belief” clause was in the Morrison Government’s religious discrimination bill, which failed to pass the parliament. As well as asking for the clause to be reinstated, the faith leaders are also pushing for federal anti-discrimination legislation to effectively override state laws, including Victoria’s directive that religious schools can only consider the faith of an applicant if it is directly relevant for the role.
Please pray:
“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.” Galations 6:9
* Let’s be thankful that our God knows us all and loves us all in spite of our failings and inspires us to keep going!! Pray that those fighting for righteousness and justice will be strengthened in the battle and not give in.
* for Anthony Albanese, for courage and strength to listen to and act on the requests from the faith leaders, understanding that this is in Australia’s best interests.
* for all Christian leaders, that they too will find the love and courage and resolve from God, to speak out and stand against the tide of ‘wokeness”.
PRAYING FOR ISSUES IN THE NEWS
* University students caught paying others to do their work are at record levels. Serious cheating at two of our biggest universities was found at record levels last year, with students paying to have assignments done for them. Please pray that all cheating in our universities will be exposed and that strategies to overcome future cheating will be successful.
* Hackers appear to be releasing stolen personal information from Medibank customers. This has significant repercussions for those individuals impacted by this hacking with fraud and attempted fraud expecting to become widespread as a result of the use of stolen information. Please pray for a limitation to the impact this situation will have on individuals and pray for the location and arrest of those responsible for the hacking even though they are thought to be in an overseas country.
PRAYING FOR OTHERS
This week let us pray for Jordon. Sharing the gospel can have believers beaten, arrested, and even killed. Pray that they will share the Good News of Jesus, no matter the cost.
Source: Australian Prayer Network
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