2023 December Prayer Corps

This messianic prophecy from the Spirit of God through Isaiah occurred almost 750 years before the birth of Jesus. God was assuring the people of Israel – and all peoples everywhere – that He does not abandon us, is always present and active, and is working through human history to bring the ultimate remedy to mankind’s broken condition.
         
Matthew’s Gospel reveals: And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [‘Savior’] for He will save His people from their sins (Mt 1:21). Jesus fulfilled all of this by His death on the Cross that atoned (covered, paid) for our sins. Jesus, God the Son, took on human form, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, revealed the heart and will of Father God – and came to us first as our Savior.

The actions of Jesus and His role as humanity’s Savior was only the beginning of God’s eternal plans through Him. Jesus Himself tells us to not be afraid, because He has gone before us after His death and resurrection to prepare a place for us (Jn 14:2).

Then Jesus continues this wonderful promise with another that seems even greater! And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am you may be also (Jn 14:3). He is coming back for us – thank you, Jesus!

Jesus first came as a Savior bearing the Cross, wearing a crown of thorns. But He is coming again as our Sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords, bearing the Word of God and wearing a crown of glory, honor and eternal life (Heb 2:9; Rev 19:11-16). What began in a stable more than 2,000 years ago shall culminate in our Lord’s return!

With current events in the Middle East, many are asking this same question as did the first disciples of Jesus (Mt 24:3). Though no one knows the day or the hour (Mt 24:36), what we can say with surety is that with each day that passes, we are ever closer to that great and awesome Day of The Lord’s return!

Perhaps a better question for Christ-followers to ask is, “What should we be about as we anticipate the return of Christ?”

Jesus told His disciples, Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near (Lk 21:28). While it is good to be informed, it is tempting to focus too much on current news and events – when we are called to so much more!

The phrases “look up” and “lift your head” are really not about gazing longingly into the sky (Acts 1:9-11). Instead, they indicate something far more profound for us:

1. Fix your gaze and your hope fully on Christ, rather than your circumstances or anything else, for the simple yet powerful reason that it is only in Jesus that we can have true hope (Rom 12:12; Tt 2:13).
2. Live a life that truly honors the Lord and obeys His full Word, knowing that in this world we are His living representatives of both Him and His Kingdom (2Cor 5:20; 1Jn 3:3).
3. Ask the Lord to allow you to see humanity through His eyes, to lift up our eyes and look at the fields for they are already ripe for harvest (Jn 4:34-36); and always being ready to share with everyone the reason for our faith, hope and joy in Christ (1Pet 3:15,16).

The Word of God also tells us how to live successfully in these days with both hope and strength. We are to pray without ceasing (1Th 5:17) and be [continually] filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18).

1. ISRAEL AND SURROUNDING NATIONS

So many people, both Jews and Arabs, have been deeply traumatized by the recent atrocities in this region. During such times, the need for an answer to life’s uncertainties and tragedies is laid bare. Please pray for people to be open and receptive to the Gospel. Pray for “laborers” to be bold to share Jesus with anyone, regardless of their background, Jewish or Muslim. Pray that hearts would be turned to the only real solution in the Middle East – the Prince of Peace, Jesus.

Also pray for:

• The safe return of all hostages.
• The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Jews, Arabs, Palestinians and Lebanese alike, to bring many to faith in Christ.
• The binding and pulling down of demonic principalities which are driving hatred and violence (Eph 6:12).
• The international community of nations to have the moral courage to steadfastly condemn terrorism and ethnic cleansing, wherever it is practiced (i.e., China, Iran, Pakistan, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, etc).

2. SUDAN
 
War continues between two military factions that are fighting to achieve dominance and control of valuable natural resources. The Sudanese people are of little to no concern for either side. More than 7 million people are displaced and in rugged refugee camps, where disease is rampant and essentials for life (food, clean water, medicine) are critically low.

There are, thankfully, Christians and church-planters delivering some relief aid and preaching the Gospel to these desperate families. But the needs are so great, it is hard to even know how to pray.  

Please pray:

• As you are led by the Holy Spirit for this great area of need.
• For a cessation of violence between the two factions.
• That there would be global assistance to help desperately needed supplies reach the refugee camps.
• For the Gospel to continue to be spread among the refugee camps, and even to those involved in the violent struggles.

3. WORLD MAP

• The team trip to India in November was wonderful, and so very fruitful! We enjoyed powerful times with the leaders, and foundational plans were put in place for advancing future projects and ministry. Thank you so much for your prayers!
• There are a number of key Shepherd’s Staff orders and shipments in progress. Please pray in particular for the hindrances to be removed for one large shipment. Also, pray for all the shipments, that there would be safe arrivals and an open way through customs and to those who will distribute The Shepherd’s Staffs.
• In 2024, there are a growing number of exciting opportunities for World MAP to reach large groups of pastors. We, of course, want to only go where the Lord directs and in His perfect timing. So we would appreciate your prayers for us as we plan the calendar, that we would have clear direction, provision for every event, and for the teams God would put together. 

Be assured that with every day that passes, Jesus is coming sooner! Rest your hope and faith fully upon Him and this unchangeable promise He gave to us.

In this blessed season of celebrating the birth of Jesus our Savior and Lord, let your heart also rise in worship and praise to our Savior and King Who is coming again for us!      

Looking unto Him with you,
Dr. Frank and Wendy Parrish, World MAP