Topic: First Day of the Retreat
Today we pray for Attendees: Breann, Leslie, Janne, and Karen
Who can separate these women from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? NO, in ALL these things, make them MORE than conquerors through him who loves them. Convince them ANEW that neither death nor life, angels nor demons, the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate them from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus their Lord. Romans 8:35–39 (paraphrased)
On this first day of the retreat, Father God, we ask that the attendees arrive without delay, and are able to be “fully present” without worrying of what they’ve left behind, or what awaits them post-retreat. We pray they quickly feel like they are at “home” where they can “let down” and be real, and taken care of – a place of rest from expectation, performance, decision making, and caring for others. Let a Spirit of peace and prayer permeate every encounter. Bless them with friendship, and significant conversations as they process life. At the same time, we invite You, Holy Spirit, to connect with each lady intimately. We commit to their times in small groups, and pray that it be a time they look forward to and can share deeply.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
©2017 Thrive
Regional Prayer Focus Nation: Bosnia
Challenges for Prayer
The tragedy of 1992-1995 was only the latest in a long cycle of violence plaguing this region. Irreconcilable animosity has burdened Bosnia with two separate mini-states and a presidency rotating among the three main factions, an inefficient and expensive situation that drains up to 50% of the GDP. Few of the displaced have resettled in their original homes, preferring to huddle together along sectarian lines. Although buildings and roads are being restored, deep communal wounds remain. Appropriate justice for war criminals still at large and fair solutions for all must be obtained. True reconciliation and unity will occur only by a powerful intervention from the Great Reconciler.
The post-war socio-economic situation is troubled, and recovery is slow. A poor country even before the strife, Bosnia still struggles with poverty. Only organized crime syndicates do well for themselves; these groups must be shut down if Bosnia hopes to join the EU with all the accompanying financial rewards. Young people in particular are pessimistic – more than 60% want to leave the country; the brain and youth drains further sap Bosnia’s potential. Pray for economic transformation, and for a new generation of Bosnians to lead their nation into a bright future rather than flee a sinking ship.
Excerpts taken from Operation World