Today we pray for…

Retreat attendees: Julia and Jenny

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:5).

Lord, we yearn for these women to remain deeply in You, your Word, and in intercession; may they experience intimacy in Your presence.  The areas many are working in are arid, physically and spiritually.  Our desire is that they grow in every fruit of the Spirit regardless of their situations due to You being their root. If they are feeling worn down, burned-out, cynical, and hardened, Spirit would You revive them and their faith.  May their time at the retreat be the start of this renewal. Gently soften their hearts, and release any anger, resentment, or fears they may have. We ask for an outpouring of Your Spirit, resulting in praise and thankfulness!

Like its neighbors, Iran and Afghanistan, Pakistan faces overwhelming challenges. With a weak civilian government, autocratic military rule, Islamic extremists, a decades-long conflict with India, and dealing with Afghanistan, the country is faced with a bleak hope for the future. Yet there are estimates of two and a half million Protestants in this Muslim country of 150 million. Cross-cultural workers are still active in this desperate country in spite of the pressure of ministering under Islamic rule. Many are involved in medical care or job training, focusing on the poor. Pray for the perseverance of Christian workers in the face of persecution and intimidation. National believers have been politically marginalized with little protection from discrimination or abuse. You, Lord, are their only hope! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

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