Week of Prayer and Fasting January 2012

Themes for the Prayer and Fasting week (8-15 January)

As we fast and remember that although we know Jesus’ presence not everyone does, that the kingdom is not yet fully here - let us pray:

Church planting

One of the most effective ways of reaching people for Jesus is to plant new churches. 2012 will see the Vineyard here sending out two groups of people to plant new Vineyards: Nik and Maggie Gee and their group are going to Harrogate and later in the year Alex and Karen Griffin are going to Sheffield.

Nik and Maggie need to find affordable housing, school for the children and employment for Nik. This will be an exciting but very demanding time for them. Pray for the Lord’s generous provision as they step out in faith in many ways. We will be praying for them on Sunday the 22 January - and taking an offering for them too.

Alex and Karen also need to make these changes whilst gathering a new group at a distance. We will be praying for them, and taking an offering, on Sunday 15 July.

Nationally, many people are hearing the inklings of a call to church planting, others are in training, still others, like the Gees and Griffins, are on the threshold of setting off. Let us ask the Lord to raise up people who are willing to take this enormous step, for them to be well trained and equipped and for their new churches to be blessed with salvation stories and healthy growth.

Finally, rejoicing as we are whilst sending out our friends, it will be a sacrifice for us. Pray that as we give away like this the Lord will replenish our community, our leadership and our finances.

Children and Young People

The steady growth in our children and young people’s ministry, along with Hannah's maternity leave, is giving rise to a re-think about how we support and resource Vineyard Kids and T4:12. We should pray for:

the many unchurched young people who come to FNP

the visitors to Belly Buttons

the imminent start of the Children’s Contact Centre

the children of church families – what we do on Sundays and in their small groups

There is huge potential for sharing the gospel and encouraging our children so let us also seek God for wisdom to appoint leaders/staff who can develop, support and oversee these areas of ministry.

People under financial pressures

Some people have lost jobs and promotions, others are under threat of redundancy. Many running their own businesses are struggling to keep their heads above water. Bosses and employers are forced to make hard decisions about their staff and business. There are people in debt. We are not experiencing much in the way of shalom – peace, prosperity and wholeness.

Let us seek His presence in the lives of those who are finding life financially difficult. For provision and miraculous intervention, for circumstances to be changed and for opportunities to emerge. Also for a growth in faith and reliance on God for all that we need, both now and in the future

Many need wisdom and guidance as they make decisions about business and the economy. Business leaders and owners, politicians, civil servants and council leaders. May they hear the voice of the One who is the best economist and businessman

Resources, time and fruitfulness for Gwen Procter and her team at the Debt Advice Centre. Pray too for Christians Against Poverty as an organisation doing a wonderful work across the country (and indeed internationally)

Healing the sick

When we worship the Holy Spirit comes. When He comes he brings evidence of the kingdom and part of that is seeing the sick get healed. Let us pray for an outpouring of God's power and grace to heal the sick through the ministry of the church and its people.

People won to Jesus

We are hugely privileged to experience the presence of Jesus in our lives and in our community of faith. But there are many nearby who don’t know Him. Our friends, neighbours, co-workers and those we come in contact with every day.

Let us plead with God for their souls, that they may turn to Him, give their lives to Him and be filled with His Spirit

Let us pray for many to come forward for baptism – to declare their faith in public

And for the people of the Vineyard to be confident in sharing their faith and praying for their friends and family

David Flowers, 02/01/2012