PRAYER GUIDE FOR TSUNAMI RELIEF EFFORTS
In addition to contributions and relief efforts pouring into the region of the December 26 Earthquake/Tsunami, we must also pray. There are several prayer perspectives related to this issue and its location. Texas Baptists and other followers of Jesus are already praying. This guide is given with the prayer that it will further assist us to pray the purpose of God for the people involved in this relief effort and for the people in this region of the globe. May God bless you as you continue to care, share, and pray.
I. PRAYING WITH COMPASSION – These are prayers related to the acts of kindness being performed by many throughout the world. Christ-followers seek to do these in the name of Jesus. Positive efforts to alleviate tragedy and human suffering (whether done by Christ-followers or others) demonstrate deep compassion for those who have suffered such a great loss and are in need of the assistance of the global community.
A. Indigenous Christians (Baptist Groups and Others)
1. Ask the Father to give these indigenous Christ-followers favor in the eyes of the governmental authorities (Psalm 90:17).
2. Pray they will have favor with their neighbors and in their communities and be able to build new and positive relationships (Psalm 90:17)
3. Pray their example of love and dedication will motivate other Christ-followers and open opportunities to share the uniqueness of Jesus with others (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1)
B. Relief Workers and Relief Organizations (NGO’s) – 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
1. Express gratitude for the outpouring of aid from the global community.
2. Pray for the physical protection of the relief workers – travel, patience, and protection from disease, accident, and stress in their own lives.
3. Pray for those responsible for the logistics and distribution of aid – ask God for wisdom and provision.
4. Ask God to give wisdom to donors that they may not be deceived but would make their donations to reputable agencies who will use the donations appropriately.
C. Surviving Victims of the Tsunami
1. Ask God to heal physical wounds and strengthen their immunity to disease.
2. Pray that families will be able to locate missing relatives and that survivors will quickly be found.
3. Pray that hope will be birthed in the hearts of people in the region and that it will replace fear.
4. Pray for the orphaned children. Ask God to expose and quickly judge those who would traffic in and exploit children for ungodly and unethical purposes.
5. Pray the people will not fear and will receive God’s provision for them through people from the nations.
D. The Region
1. Pray that aftershocks will settle.
2. Pray that the shifting of the ocean floor will serve, rather than hinder, positive purposes.
3. Pray for a speedy re-building of the positive infrastructures of these nations.
4. Pray that this tragedy will result in the greater good for this region of the world and the purposes of God for this region.
II. PRAYING WITH SPIRITUAL INSIGHT: THE PURPOSES OF GOD
WHY? When faced with unexplainable situations, we are prone to ask the question, “Why?” And very often it is unanswerable. An episode in the life of Jesus (John 9:1-4, KJV) instructs us. To the question “Who did sin, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither hath this man sinned nor his parents.” Jesus then says, “But that the works of God should be made manifest in him, I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
God desires that his purpose be manifest in the lives of the peoples of the nations. He calls His people to His purpose and our prayer life should reflect strategic praying of the purpose and promises of God.
It is suggested that you get a map of the region (most major news agencies have such a map on their web site on the pages covering the Tsunami); your Bible; and a notepad or journal. If possible, gain access to “Operation World” by Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk. This book is an excellent resource listing all the nations of the world, their demographics, and prayer needs related to each nation.
Read the Scripture portions listed and meditate upon the prayer point. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your praying. Journal your prayers by writing them in your notepad and/or journal. Write impressions you have from the Holy Spirit. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer time using the prompts of the Scriptures and prayer points listed below.
THE REGION:
This region is a part of and located in that portion of the globe known as the 10/40 Window. In this total window, 62 nations contain over half the world’s population. Most have little or no access to the name of Jesus and are defined by missiologists as “unreached people groups”. 10/40 Connections defines a people group as “a grouping of people who see themselves belonging to one another because of a shared language, religion, ethnicity, residence, class or customs.” An unreached people group (UPG) is defined as “people groups with few or no followers of Jesus or a church. These groups have little means of freedom (and sometimes no freedom) to hear of Jesus in a way they can understand.
· Pray for a spiritual awakening among believers (here and there) resulting in a receptive heart-realization that every believer is sent by God to live and proclaim His Kingdom in their world.
· Pray for laborers to be sent into specific global harvest fields.
· Pray for the Christian witness already in this region. Pray that none be caught in a trap of the Enemy that would result in the betrayal of their testimony to those who are not followers of Jesus. Pray the Holy Spirit would enable them to have the right words and the right actions to minister in the name of Jesus – 2 Corinthians 4:2.
Written by Ted Elmore, Missional Church Center (Prayer/Spiritual Development), 333 N. Washington, Dallas, TX 75246 1-800-288-PRAY
Copyright, Baptist General Convention of Texas, 2005
-30-