Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ,
The apostle Paul wrote in Colossians “Devote yourself to prayer” (4:2) This verse challenged me at the beginning of the year, and I am committed to making pray a more constant practice. I must, however, confess that like Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane, I find it easier to sleep “then watch and pray.” (Matthew 26:40, 41) Prayer is hard work. It seems much easier for us to handle things ourselves. Prayer requires faith and discipline and energy. We often lack all three. When we need to pray the most, we usually feel like praying the least. Yet not to pray is to be wise in our own eyes and it is to not trust the Lord.
Proverbs 3:5-8 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
The words “devote” or “continue steadfastly” bring to mind the picture of a warrior whose feet are planted solidly, ready to face the enemy. His face is set in one direction and he cannot be dissuaded. In the fourth chapter of Colossians Paul gives a good example, “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.” (Colossians 4:12)
“To devote yourself to prayer” does not mean that all you do is pray all day long, but it does mean that one’s devotion to prayer affects everything in one’s life. Think of a husband devoted to his wife or vice versa. The idea is that one dedicates himself or herself to the other. To devote oneself involves giving of ones’ time and resources, and ourself. How does your prayer life compare to these descriptions? Would you say you are devoted to prayer? If not, then to what are you devoting your time?
This month our attention is on the topic of prayer. On Sunday we will meet for corporate prayer at 10 am followed by the worship service 10:30. I trust that you will join us for worship, prayer, and instruction from the Word of God. Where we will look deeper into the life of Christ in the series “A Prayer Life Like Jesus.”
Your friend and pastor,
Bruce.
Days of Prayer
IBCZ February 2023
Week 2
Theme: Return To Me
(Malachi 3:7) “Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.”
WEEK 2: RETURN TO GOD’S WORK IN ME
Sunday, February 13th: Church Service – Hebrews 10:25 Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
- Devotion to Christ and His body, meeting together faithfully thereby encouraging one another.
- Missions: International Baptist Convention (IBC) reaching expats and nationals in 25 countries.
Monday, February 14th: Freedom from Bondage – Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
- Pray for the people in Turkey and Syria who have lost their homes and family members.
- Elderly in our church and in your family, especially those who are fail and suffering ailment.
Tuesday, February 15th: Healing from Disease – Psalm 103:3 “Who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.
- Those who are ill and recovering after surgery.
- IBCZ Elders who are meeting tonight that God would guide and strengthen them.
Wednesday, February 16th: Vision for My Life – Habakkuk 2:2-3 And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.
- That our church would be witness to the community.
- Missions: Pastor Milad and the Lebanon Refugee School and Hada’s battle with cancer.
Thursday, February 17th: Blessing over Trouble – Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
- Our church family to look to God more in prayer.
- Those whose who are without work or job security.
Friday, February 18th: Victory over the Enemy – 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Those who are struggling to overcome issues and addictions.
- The spiritual growth in the members of our church.
Saturday, February 19th: Miracles for the Impossible – Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
- Families and married couples to have a strong relationship in Christ.
- Open Door Foundation in Romania. Healing for Monica who has cancer.
WEEK 3: RETURN TO OUR MISSION TOGETHER
Sunday, February 20th: Church Service – Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
- Worship leader, music team and the preacher. For God’s people to encounter God today.