New Prayer Focus: Victims of Tropical Strom Irene

For the next couple of days, the prayer focus will be for the victims of Tropical Storm Irene.


Although Irene didn't cause near the damage of Katrina, it did take 35 lives and they fear there could be more. Among the fatalities was an 89-year-old woman from Connecticut. A falling tree limb pulled power lines down on her home and started a fire. She did not escape it. Also, a 46-year-old man who tried to canoe down a flooded street. The canoe capsized and his body was discovered later.

The storm is estimated to have caused up to $7-billion worth of damage. Many homes and businesses were destroyed. President Obama declared that FEMA would come to the aid of the storms victims. Let's pray that this happens quickly and smoothly.
Also, that in this time of chaos, confusion and helplessness, people would find peace, joy and comfort in Father!

Love,
Lauren

Day 3 of intercession for the S. Sudanese orphans

Today's prayer focus is that the Lord would begin to restore their innocence and joy! Many have had to look not only after themselves, but also for their younger siblings.They were robbed of their childhood, having to deal with situations WAY beyond their years. As a result, many of their hearts have become calloused.They take on the role of "Mom or Dad" and forget what it feels like to be a "Son or Daughter."
They never got to experience all of the wonderful things that come with being a child who is looked after and cared for.

So, In the name of Jesus, I ask that all the years of innocence that were stolen would be restored. That every precious one would encounter You, Abba Daddy and begin to feel Your love and nearness. Soften their calloused hearts so they might experience the pure, childlike, carefree JOY that comes being YOUR son and YOUR daughter.

In Jesus' name,
Amen!


Love,
Lauren

Prayers of Justice: Weekly focus- Orphans of South Sudan

The prayer focus for the next 7 days is going to be for South Sudan. I woke up this morning not really feeling a specific direction for this first "7 days of intercession/fasting focus". It wasn't until staff prayer this morning, that something clicked. We were discussing/praying about an opportunity that we have to go love the orphans in South Sudan.

There are MANY injustices that take place in South Sudan, but this weeks' focus will be the beautiful, children who have lost their parents prematurely. The civil war between North and South Sudan increased the number of orphans, as well as the Aids virus.

For the next 7 days, please join me in intercession/fasting(sporadic,optional) for this injustice.
Everyday, I will be posting up scripture, prayers and specific focuses to pray into.


"External religious worship (religion as it is expressed in outward acts) that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world."James 1:27


Love,
Lauren

Prayers of Justice: Weekly focus

Hello Friends,

I had a nudge from Holy Spirit to start a "Prayers of Justice: Weekly focus." I will be choosing an area of injustice (ex: abortion,human trafficking) or a specific act of injustice(heard/seen on news or online.) Amongst prayer/intercession, I will also be including some fasting. This will go on for 7 days and then I will move on to another focus.

This is where you come in! If you are aware of a specific act of injustice or have an overall area that is on your heart, please feel free to let me know. It could very well be the focus for the following week.

I will be posting an area of injustice that will be for the first 7 days. I would LOVE for as many people as possible to join me in intercession and fasting for justice. If you are interested in doing so, please let me know!

"The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." (James 5:16b)

Love,
Lauren

Revelation of God's passion for Justice.

Many accuse God of being indifferent towards the various injustices that are going on in the world today. (Sadly, some of these are proclaimed believers) Saying that "He turns a deaf ear towards the cries of the oppressed and a blind eye to those in captivity." They ask "What does He think about all of the injustices that are in the world today?" I feel, in order to attain the answer to His feelings towards injustice, we must have revelation of His feelings towards Justice.

As believers, when studying a certain subject, it is important that we know how God feels about it. His opinion should ALWAYS sway ours and we should share His feelings towards a matter. When I was first digging deep into this subject, I wanted to know how He truly felt. We all know that He is a just God. We hear it/pray it all the time in prayer meetings. But, I wanted more than just head knowledge. I wanted revelation behind the rhetoric. I wanted revelation of His heart concerning this.

So, I simply asked Him- " God, How do you feel about Justice?"

I was reading one of Mike Bickle's teachings titled "Do Justly" and one particular thing He said stuck with me. "Justice is so important to God, that He established His throne upon it." (Psalm 89:14a) "Righteousness and Justice are the foundation of Your throne...."

As I read those words, I had an AHA! moment.
The King of Kings who is seated on a throne in Heaven right now, could have chosen ANYTHING to be the foundation of this throne. He could have chosen joy, love, peace--- BUT He chose Justice! This alone shows God's heart towards Justice--but I still wanted more insight.

" Father, reveal to me Your passion for Justice", I said to Him one night and He spoke. " Justice is so close to my heart that I sent my only Son, Jesus, to take on the injustices of the world. If He did not come and die on that cross, you would not have freedom and there would be no Justice."

As I heard these words and even now as I recall them, I began to weep. These beautiful words and that beautiful act, revealed His heart; His passion. He gave His only Son not only for forgiveness of sin, but that we may live a life of freedom and Justice.

Now, in reading only these few examples of His passion for Justice,does He sound like a God who would be indifferent towards injustice? Would it have really made sense for Him to give His Jesus to ensure that we may have Justice, only to turn a deaf ear when we cry out for it?

I challenge you, ask Daddy for personal revelation of His heart towards this; Though, this challenge does come with a warning and a price. The more insight you have of His heart towards Justice, you will also learn that it is in His heart to use US to execute it in the earth. As stated earlier, "His opinion should always sway ours and we should always share His feelings towards a matter."

If He is this passionate concerning this subject, how should we as His followers feel? What is our part in making sure that Justice is executed in the earth?

This, I will touch on in the next blog to come. Stay tuned....

Love,
Lauren