PRAYER LIST 35
(Long-Term)
DO/TS
July 1996
Copyright August 1996, The Family, Zurich, Switzerland
"The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; and He shall thrust out the enemy from before thee" (Deuteronomy 33:12,27).
For All (OCs and under with guidance)
Dear Family,
God bless you! Following is an updated long-term prayer list, containing the major and more general prayer requests. This replaces the previous long-term list, PL 25.
The long-term prayer list is important and we hope you will reserve a part of your prayer times for these requests. Since the more general prayer requests are listed here, such as new housing, easy pregnancies, better outreach, etc., they are not included on the short-term prayer lists. However, it is still important that we bring these things before the Lord, as they are requests that many Homes and people will benefit from--including you and your Home! Thank you Jesus!
So please keep sending those prayers Heavenward! "He wants us to show concern and pray about it, and be specific about it. If you really believe, every prayer is heard and answered. But if you don't pray it is not done!" (ML #302:3).
MAMA AND WS LEADERSHIP
1. For Mama's and Peter's strength and wisdom. The Lord's continued anointing as Mama and Peter shoulder the responsibility of leading the Family and passing on the Lord's Words.
2. For Gary, and Mama and Peter's other teamworkers, that they will be a great blessing to Mama and Peter, and for the Lord's wisdom and guidance as they help care for the Family.
3. Mama's health: Against the Enemy's attacks on her through sickness and afflictions; for resistance to colds and headaches, which she is susceptible to. Against excessive and prolonged menstrual periods. For her eyes and overall strength.
4. Peter's health: Protection from head and neck aches, heart pains, high blood pressure and other attacks of the Enemy.
5. The security of Mama and her Home. For their continued protection and safekeeping, as well as that of all our WS units and CRO offices.
6. For the spiritual and physical health of Mama's staff.
PARENTS, TEACHERS AND CHILDREN
7. For the strength, good health and protection of our pregnant mothers; that our mommies will receive the good care they need and take care of their diet and health. Against any attacks of the Enemy or serious problems during pregnancy or childbirth; for faith and trust in the event of any complications. For the Lord to supply friendly, favorable doctors, clinics and midwives for their deliveries, and good pre- and post-natal care. That all related paperwork will go smoothly.
8. Single parents: That our Homes will provide them with the help they need in the care and training of their children. That the Lord will raise up "real fathers/mothers" who will team up with them and love and raise their children as their own.
9. Our children's education:
* That our children will continue to be well-shepherded and cared for both spiritually and physically by loving parents and shepherds.
* For our children to receive consistent scholastic, practical and discipleship training.
* For good scheduling and planning so we can provide all our children with sufficient Word time, witnessing, scholastics and vocational training. That any weak areas in scholastics will be strengthened through extra tutoring or supplemental workbooks and study material.
* For funding for the many educational needs in each Home. For sufficient computers, good educational computer programs, workbooks, tutorials and reference books.
* That those teaching and caring for the children will be happy and fulfilled, and have the vision and anointing for their special calling. For divine inspiration, energy, and lots of love and faith.
* That all of the adults in our Homes can be involved and have a vision for our children's training and care in some way.
* For a good disciplinary balance and united disciplinary standard in each of our Homes. That the parents and those caring for the children will be loving and consistent in their discipline, employing the right methods that will inspire the children to do right.
10. Teens and JETTs: Good spiritual growth, walk with the Lord, and practical/academic training. Love, patience and wisdom for both their shepherds and their parents.
11. That our children and young people will get the quality Word and prayer time they need. That they will go to the Word and prayer for solutions to their problems and in turn be able to point their younger brothers and sisters to the Word.
12. For our young people who have left the Family: That the Lord will be with them and provide for them; that we can continue to show them the Lord's and our love, and that they will use the good training they've received in the Family to continue witnessing and being a sample of the Lord's Love to those they come in contact with. That those the Lord has called to His full-time service will heed His voice and return. For easy adjustment and good spiritual progress for those who are returning, and that we can give them the love, care and help they need.
13. That any children with bad habits will be able to overcome them easily. For love, patience and perseverance in helping them over these hurdles.
HEALTH
(Note: Included in this section are requests for certain general ailments that are not usually covered with the individual requests in the regular Prayer Lists.)
14. Our Family's overall health and safety.
15. Spiritual strength and closeness to the Lord during sickness. For faith and trust, especially during long-term afflictions. That those who are sick will learn any lessons the Lord may want to show them through their afflictions, and that they will come through "better gold"; that those around them will have love, understanding and compassion.
16. Protection against childhood diseases and seasonal sicknesses (such as flu) in our Homes. Prevention of childhood diseases spreading in towns where our Homes are located, which would put our children at risk. If and when childhood diseases occur, that the children will be well cared for, get good rest and nutrition, and recover quickly.
17. Our handicapped children--the deaf, blind, lame, autistic, etc.: That they will receive the special care and training they need. For great love, patience, wisdom and understanding for those caring for them.
18. Protection of our Family members' health, especially the children, in cities where the air is dangerously polluted.
19. That the Lord will spare our members from contracting serious or life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer, meningitis, hepatitis, typhoid, etc., many of which are common on poor fields.
20. Grace for those who struggle with stuttering or other speech impediments; that they will learn to speak clearly and well.
21. Against any negative effects of menopause on our women, which can sometimes result in uncomfortable symptoms. That they will receive help, encouragement and understanding from other Home members.
22. Relief for all those who suffer from strong menstrual cramps.
23. Against eye problems (resulting in headaches, reading difficulties, burning sensations, discomfort, etc.) in children and adults, which hinder their vital Word intake and spiritual feeding.
24. Increased stamina for those who are often physically weak and tired. That everyone can find time to get sufficient rest.
25. Those who have trouble sleeping.
26. Those afflicted with herpes.
27. For those trying to lose or gain weight, that they will improve their health and get-out habits; for their encouragement as they make progress, persevere and gain victories.
28. For everyone to have regular, vigorous and safe get-outs.
29. Clean, pure water supplies for our Homes; water purification systems, if necessary. Protection from waterborne diseases.
PUBS AND TOOLS
30. Our WS pubs units and the many projects and services they provide. For inspiration and anointing for those working in WS.
31. The health of those in WS, particularly their eyes.
32. For the production of GP books. That all the business details involved in publishing these books can fall speedily into place. That these books and all our GP materials will bear positive, long-lasting fruit in the hearts and lives of the recipients.
33. Family Care and their production of materials for our children.
34. Video and audio ministry Homes: For inspiration in their work and anointed results. For all the productions in the works, that speedy progress will be made and the Lord will bless all their efforts.
35. Against equipment breakdowns in any of our audio or video studios, NPCs, local language pubs centers or WS units.
36. NPC, PPC and Service Center production, fruitfulness and workers. Security of mailings. Equipment upgrades as needed.
37. Translators' anointing as they work on the Words and GP distribution tools. Continued wisdom, inspiration, health, safety and security. For more translators where needed. That we will be able to get as many of our GP materials as possible into the languages of those we are ministering to.
38. Local language video and music projects: Inspired translations and anointed performing; good technical skills and equipment.
OUTREACH, FOLLOW-UP AND NEW DISCIPLES
39. That each of our Homes will be able to establish solid, fruitful and long-lasting ministries, such as "consider the poor" ministries, well-organized follow-up ministries, youth outreach, etc. For the faith and patience to stick to the outreach ministries to which they feel called or which the Lord has opened up for them.
40. More witnessing teams: That we will witness and pour out as much as we possibly can, reaching the needy with the Gospel, winning them to the Lord, and filling their hearts with God's Love.
41. For open doors to get out our tools in larger quantities via sponsorships, direct marketing, etc.
42. For better and more consistent follow-up of the sheep the Lord leads us to.
43. Pioneer road trips to countries or cities without Family Homes. Guidance, supply, protection, new friends and contacts, and strengthening of present friends.
44. To be able to learn local languages for more effective witnessing.
45. Our catacombers and potential disciples: That they will be challenged in their place of service, continue to grow and be grounded in the Word.
46. New disciples and their care; wisdom in ministering to their parents and relatives.
47. Our children and young people's witnessing ministry, specifically:
* That our young people will be excited and inspired about witnessing, with an increased love for the lost. That our adults will set a good example in this area.
* For good training in personal witnessing by seasoned adult witnesses.
* Against the Enemy's attacks on them in whatever form, trying to defeat them in their most important job for the Lord.
* That our young people will be well-grounded in the Word and know how to use the Word to boldly and wisely answer questions while witnessing. That they will be well-prepared for the battles and spiritual attacks they will face.
* That our teens will be well-shepherded while out witnessing. For good communication with their shepherds about any doubts, questions or battles that arise in the course of their outreach.
* Against a desire to be "conformed to this world." That the attraction to those who do not have similar goals in life will not be a pull on our teens.
* That the Lord will bless their witnessing, provide them with exciting witnessing ministries, reward them with thrilling experiences, and encourage them by causing them to bring forth fruit--saved souls, changed lives and new disciples!
48. "Consider the poor" ministries: Continued fruitful open doors and miraculous supply of needed goods. That our Homes can continue to witness and win favor in needy institutions.
49. For prison and juvenile delinquent ministries to bear lasting fruit; protection while in the prisons; support to be able to continue our outreach to these institutions; good follow-up of those ministered to so far.
50. Seminars: That the lives of those attending will be truly changed, and kings and supporters won. For the Lord's anointing on the teams as well as new ideas and methods in giving seminars.
51. All our friends, contacts and supporters: Good spiritual growth; the Lord's blessings on their lives, health and businesses, and His solutions to any health, family, financial, legal, or other problems they face. That they will receive and be strengthened by the Word, and through it draw closer to the Lord and the Family. That they will be inspired to continue supporting the Family.
52. Mail ministries, particularly large operations such as the EE/Russian mail ministries: Safe delivery of the mailings, the Lord's financial supply, good printing contacts, wisdom in knowing how and what to feed the recipients, and lasting fruit in their lives.
53. For fruitfulness in our cooperation with other Christian groups and NRMs. Wisdom and discernment in knowing what projects to work with them on, and how actively to get involved. For our teens' ministry to church youth groups, setting an example, teaching and inspiring them to witness, etc.
54. Muslim ministries: Fruitfulness, wisdom and protection. For favorable contacts with open-minded Muslim leaders. That we will be able to be samples to these people of the Lord's Love. For the production of specialized tools for this ministry.
55. For ministries in restrictive countries: Wisdom, protection, provision, open doors and fruitful witnessing; that the Family can reach as many people as possible with the message while these doors remain open.
56. Singing teams: Good openings and bookings; anointed performances; fruitful witness and follow-up; supply of sound systems, musical equipment and costumes where necessary.
SHEPHERDING
57. For more of the Lord's Love in our lives, in our Homes, in our outreach, and in all that we do. That we can each be a true fulfillment of "by this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if you have love one for another" (Jn.13:35).
58. That each of us can have a close relationship with the Lord, taking time to love and praise Him, spending time with Him in prayer, receiving His Words, strength and direction.
59. Prayerful decision-making. That each of us will learn to exercise our faith and prayer muscles as we seek the Lord and His Word for His answers and direction for our lives and our Homes. That we will fully realize the responsibility of our decisions, and make those decisions very prayerfully. For the faith and perseverance to follow through with what the Lord shows us and not give up when the going gets rough.
60. Unity in our Homes. Good communication between all Home members. Love, grace, patience and understanding as Home members counsel together and make united decisions on Home goals, regulations, finances, etc.
61. Vision and challenge in our Homes, to rise above daily circumstances and problems, and strive to change things for the better. For the faith to launch out and pioneer.
62. Faith, patience, endurance and trust in the midst of trial. That our tribulations will result in greater dependence on the Lord, and that as we draw closer to Him, He will give us the strength to come through to victory.
63. Sufficient Word time for all our adults and young people.
64. Inspired, alive and stimulating devotions time for the spiritual feeding of our Family members.
65. The encouragement of all Family members. Against doubt and discouragement.
66. Victories over NWOs and besetting sins, such as bitterness, discouragement, selfishness, negative thinking, comparing, self-righteousness, jealousy and critical attitudes, etc. That we can "press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God" (Phil.3:13-14), and be better samples and witnesses for Him!
67. Against spiritual attacks of the Enemy such as bad mental pictures, nightmares, sudden attacks of serious doubt and despair, sodomite temptations, etc. That we will "put on the whole armor of God, and having done all, to stand" (Eph.6:11,13).
68. Against fear of persecution. For faith in the Word and the Lord's powerful promises of protection and safekeeping.
69. CROs: For the Lord's strength, love, anointing and dependence on Him. That their Home visitation will be a blessing, and they will give wise, Word-based counsel; wisdom, strength and anointing for their office teams in handling the increased workload since the implementation of the Charter.
70. For the VS teams: that they will be a help and blessing to the Homes they visit. For the wisdom, discernment and love needed for their important job.
71. Home teamworks: Inspired, united, loving, prayerful, Word-based shepherding of the Homes. For smooth transition during teamwork changes. For those among our young adults who now have teamwork responsibilities.
72. For the Lord to raise up more national disciples into positions of leadership where needed.
73. New couples, particularly our YA couples: Good communication, love, patience and understanding. That they will be good parents, make good teams for the Lord's work, and be able to get help from experienced couples when needed.
HOME AFFAIRS
74. That each member and Home will be faithful to live by the guidelines of the Love Charter, while at the same time operating according to their own faith and initiative within the parameters of the Charter, in close communication with the Lord and others.
75. That we can all receive and absorb the New Wine the Lord continues to pour out; that we will open our hearts and create a vacuum to allow it to be the blessing in our lives that the Lord wants it to be and, as we follow and obey it, we will draw closer to Him and each other and do a better job of reaching the lost with His Love!
76. That each one of us will continue to pray for and exercise the Lord's gift of Love for each other. That we will do our best to make our Homes loving, caring and heavenly environments.
77. Good communication and loving cooperation between Homes in the same city or area, be they DO or TS. That city councils will run smoothly and result in great unity between Homes. Against the Enemy's attempts to sow disunity and selfishness.
78. For good communication and fellowship between TS and DO Family members. That DO and TS Homes will be able to work together on outreach projects and other activities, and serve the Lord together in unity as brothers and sisters of one Family.
79. Personnel changes: For prayerfulness and the Lord's leading in any decisions to change Homes or fields. The Lord's supply of needed travel/landing funds, visas and other legal paperwork, etc.
80. For our large families to find fruitful fields of service and ministries, whether in their home countries or in far-flung fields. That they will be able to get the help they need, either from other families or singles.
81. Pioneer teams and new Homes: The Lord's supply of all their needs; open doors to establish fruitful ministries; good relations with neighbors and local authorities; fruitful witnessing, follow-up and provisioning.
82. That every Home will have or find housing that meets the needs of their personnel and situation, with easy access to fruitful witnessing spots or ministries. For free or very low rents, or kings who will sponsor our rents. Sufficient accommodations to avoid overcrowding.
83. Landlords: That our present landlords will be drawn closer to the Lord and the Family, and grow more supportive and friendly.
84. Good relations with neighbors: That opportunities will arise to minister to them and win their favor, and that we'll be good samples.
85. Good phone lines and communications for our Homes, especially in Third World countries where service is poor and repairs are difficult.
86. Protection of our members and properties from any damage due to disasters such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, etc.
87. That the Lord will make a way for Family members who are conscientious objectors to be exempt from compulsory military service.
88. Political stability in countries where we have Homes, particularly those presently suffering from civil unrest or unstable governments. That we'll be able to continue our ministry to the spiritually hungry in these countries as long as possible. Protection from urban violence or terrorist attacks.
89. For good relations with non-Family relatives, as much as possible. That we can win them by our sample and by refuting the lies of our enemies with the Word and love. Fruitful visits to relatives.
90. The safety of our drivers and vehicles: That the Lord will supply good quality, economical vehicles where needed, and provide for their upkeep. For safe, prayerful and attentive driving and protection from other drivers on the roads. For our young people who are learning to drive and getting licenses. Against accidents and any legal problems resulting from ones that may occur.
91. Pending legal situations, passports, visas, etc. That the Lord will perform the miracles needed to resolve any difficult or complicated situations. For long-term visa opportunities on needy mission fields. Against new laws that would hinder our stay in fruitful fields.
92. Against attacks of the Enemy such as accidents, equipment breakdowns, lost documents, etc. For attentiveness, prayerfulness and carefulness, to make it impossible for accidents to happen.
93. Protection from theft, break-ins, random violence, or any sort of criminal attacks on our Homes or members.
94. That we'll all be wise and diligent in our handling of phone communications, papers, computers and files, etc.
SUPPLY
95. Home finances: Sufficient and stable finances, so that each Home can operate smoothly and major on witnessing without having to be overly worried about raising funds. For supply so that every Home will be able to build up a one-month cash buffer. That we will keep our priorities straight and be obedient to the Lord and His Word, so that He can pour on the material blessings.
96. That the Lord will lead our Homes to pioneer new ways to raise funds while witnessing and getting out the Word.
97. For more kings and supporters, better follow-up, more faith for finances, and more boldness in asking for help.
98. The release of pending inheritances or large financial gifts.
99. The Lord's supply of funds for medical emergencies such as cesarean deliveries, tubal pregnancies, accidents, unexpected operations, etc., or that the physicians and clinics involved will donate or discount their services.
100. Provisioning: That our contacts will be richly blessed for their giving and continued help, and that we will be faithful to spiritually feed and minister to them. For new contacts and abundant supply.
101. That the Lord will provide our Homes with good computers that will be suitable for office, education and the upcoming electronic pubs library.
102. Supplies and funds for home improvements where necessary, so that our Homes will be beautiful, clean, comfortable abodes for our Family, as well as good samples to outsiders.
103. WS finances: The Lord's miraculous supply, so that WS will be able to finance important pubs projects and needy field missionaries and ministries.
MEDIA TEAMS/PERSECUTION
104. Our media teams and those dealing with the media, public or government officials. For wisdom, anointing and good teamwork. That they will be loving, wise and Christ-like in their interaction with the public, media, church people, academics, etc.
105. Boldness and wisdom in speech when we stand up for our convictions in facing accusations that are leveled at us. For conviction; against the temptation to water down or compromise our fundamental beliefs.
106. Persecuted Christians worldwide: For strength and grace for their suffering. That they will stand strong in the Lord and continue to be witnesses for Him.
107. Against any religious or governmental persecution of the Family. For the Lord to continue to open the doors to present our work and witness to top government and religious officials. That government agencies will treat us with the same objectivity as they would other citizens or foreign residents, so our missionaries will be able to go about their job of preaching the Gospel for as long as possible.
108. For favorable media coverage, and objective reporters: That He will touch hearts and draw people to Himself, and that His sheep will hear His voice and follow.
109. Wisdom and discernment in our contact with like-minded groups. That we can win friends and supporters, and for the Lord's clear leading in any joint efforts to fight against anti-religious forces.
110. Our lawyers' wisdom, anointing, inspiration and strength. For a good understanding of our beliefs and practices, and the conviction and faith to stick with us through anything. For the salvation of any who are not already saved, and that our Family members will be faithful to feed and minister to them. For their spiritual growth and the Lord to bless them and their loved ones with good health, happiness and prosperity.
111. Influential friends and good lawyers for each country worldwide.
112. Spiritual protection for our contacts, friends and supporters: That they'll stand strong and not be swayed by anti-Family propaganda, but hold fast to the truth and the sample they've seen in us.
113. Our academic friends' support, wisdom and conviction. That those ministering to them will have great love and wisdom. That they can continue to draw close to us and obtain a deeper understanding of the Family, the Lord and the Word.
114. For favorable books to be published about the Family by academics who have studied us and have a fair and unbiased attitude towards us. For the Lord's anointing on the authors, and that the books will be an accurate portrayal of our beliefs and lifestyle. For the books to be widely published and read.
115. That the Lord will confound, expose and defeat our enemies' activities and attempts to hinder or altogether stop our work worldwide.
116. That any backslidden ex-members who are trying to cause problems for their former mates or children, or the Family in general, will have a change of heart; or if they choose to persist, that the Lord will prevent them from harming our work.
117. For our ministry of reconciliation with discontented ex-members and detractors. That those that have contact with them will have great love, wisdom, discernment, patience, and be a sample of humility.
118. For advance information of our enemies plans, so that we can be better prepared for their attacks and can expose their evil devices to the world.
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Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family