Praying for the City

1. Praying for the City  Jeremiah 29:7 “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

2. We’ll be praying for …  The Outcasts  The Church  The Servers  The Powerful

3. Luke 15 (NIV ) 1Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him (Jesus). 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” [“By this time a lot of men and woman of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. (The Message)”]

4. Luke 15 (NIV ) 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?  5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

5. Meditation on the Word  Who does the following characters represent? a) Tax Collectors b) Sinners c) Pharisees and the Teachers of the law  How do they react to Jesus?  Why does Jesus then choose to tell this particular parable? • How would we now pray for the“The Outcasts, The Church, The Servers, The Powerful?”

6. Video-Clip: A Thousand QuestionsDownload: A Thousand Questions - Ministry Videos http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=JMB90CNU

7. Video-Clip: A Thousand Questions • What does this clip say about God? • What does it say about people in need? • What was the journalist's reaction?  What is the answer to a broken world?

8. A story of Hope • What can we learnabout the women in this story?  What is effective in reaching thiswomen? • What is effective in the discipleship process with this women?

9. Prayer Time • The Outcasts • Trauma and rejection and the influence of it on their lives (choices, lifestyle) • Addictions (drugs, alcohol, immorality, etc.) • Basic Needs (homes, food, jobs) • Sense of identity is lacking (their sense of worth, belonging and achievement) • False prophets and teachings • De-sensitized to evangelism/gospel

10. Prayer Time • The Church • Understanding lacking of being stewards of God’s economy • Mindset shift needs to take place : how do we use God’s stuff? • Clear understanding of the mission of the Church • Internally focused vs externally focused • Give beliefs action • Every believer to take up calling to make a difference where s/he lives and work – way of life

11. Prayer Time • The Servers • Not to become frustrated and tired • Limited resources to do the work • Really be spirit filled to bear fruits of Spirit • The protection of their families and relationships • Healthy support systems for staff • To stay focused, vision and calling can get lost in onslaught of extreme need • Protection of evil and demons (physical, emotional, spiritual)

12. Prayer Time • The Powerful • Against violence and corruption • Christians in key positions where decisions are taken • Men of peace in leadership (not necessarily Christians) that will look after the city • Partnerships between state, business and church