Friday Before THE Friday

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”  Hebrews 4:15

“’O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her!  How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings and you were unwilling.  Behold, your house is being left to you desolate!  For I say to you, from now on you shall not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’’”  Matthew 23:37-39

It all starts when you’re a little kid and you’re looking forward to a date, like Christmas or your birthday.  Sometimes it is a good thing you’re looking forward to, like going to grandma’s or to the ice cream store; and sometimes it’s a hard thing, like your first day at school or waiting till Daddy comes home to discipline you. 

You probably use this statement, most frequently when you’re in a car, bus, plane, etc., and you just want the journey to be over.  “Are we there yet?”, you ask.  “Is this trip over?” 

I was just thinking this morning of how Jesus must have felt as He walked along, teaching and reviewing life-changing lessons with His followers. 

Was He thinking, “Are we there yet?”  “Can I just rest now, Father?”  But there was still one more LONG week to go.  He was, after all, fully human and fully divine. 

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST: 

• ·        Families grieving for the loss of their loved ones from the plane crash of the Germanwng plane that killed 150 people.
• ·        Those in Vanuatu - the cyclone was described as apocalyptic; cyclones are skipping across the top end of Australia right now.
• ·        Growing tensions in the Middle East, especially right now in Yemen.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING-

• ·        Adrian - have had no update on Adrian since he was having his day-long treatment in the hospital.  Will try to follow up today.  He thanks everyone for praying for him so faithfully over time.
• ·        Paul N-S -has had one of the TV series ideas he has written (while he waits for a new role ) accepted and he will receive some funds.  Great news!  Thank you for praying.  He has not had work since 2012.
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• NEW PRAYER REQUESTS  

• ·        My brother, Tim with COPD (cardio-obstructive pulmonary artery disease), that he has patience and wisdom to manage his health and the limitations to his breathing.  He has had three upper respiratory infections in the past months and did not get his flu shot this year.
• ·        Shan - Needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry.
• ·        Helen Birdsall - remains in hospital recovering.  Please pray for her and her husband.
• ·        Otto - home from hospital recovering from upper respiratory infection
• ·        Maureen - recovering from surgery on her shoulder.
• ·        Emily has left.  Please pray for her time to rest and consider her options and her hopes to return to Australia.
• ·        Rachael asks:  Please pray for Chris, who is on the wait list for a heart transplant - that if it is God's will for him to get one that the surgery is successful and that he fully recovers.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds, that he and his family will have the energy and good health to feed the flock he has been entrusted with.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

·        David R as he manages his macular degeneration and a host of other health challenges. 

·        Audley's and Beverly's (stroke) situation and his return to the ministry. 

·        Nancy  has plateaued in her efforts for full recovery from a life-threatening head injury.  Pray she and  Fred will be at peace and take some time to just be grateful and stop striving for more from her. 

·        BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop. 

·        Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care with dwindling funds and few friends to help.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB RELATED CHALLENGES

·        Hans - needs wisdom and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a reasonable job.

·        Elina - no word yet on results of her graduate program interview.  She says she is very grateful for your prayers. 

·        Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

·        Deepak - that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

·        Elaine and Jim started a new ministry in Hong Kong and have some great news for those with a gift and heart for prayer:  An online church with a Prayer Room.  It is open 27/7 and there is an army or prayers waiting to serve in prayer.  Go here to learn more:  https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYERS

·        Wezley an 18-year old who has lost her direction and way, that she will find the Lord in her life.

·        Phil (the man who has let Adrian stay in his home):  for understanding, patience, empathy, compassion and gentleness.

·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell - ministers of grace and salvation in Australia.

·        Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of challenges. 

·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom. 

·        Isaias & Judith (in Philippines) were called to train other Christian lay leaders and they work tirelessly in challenging conditions.  Please keep them in your prayers as they plan the future of the ministry.  Perhaps you would like to learn more about his work there:  Ambassadors for Christ --look for Isaias Catorce.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  

·        For Christ-centred, Bible-based revival in the USA.   

·        For the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (The WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people in these countries!  God is mysterious!) 

·        The Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

·        That the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

·        Jen, needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life. 

·        Linda and Ian.  Rob and his daughter.  Reg.  Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Thanksgiving for their practical support over the years.