Thank you for being a prayer partner supporting the 2004 Kenya Mission team! Prayer is a vital part of any mission trip. It provides a connectional link between those on mission and Lakewood UMC who support them. The apostle Paul prayed to uphold others and make them instruments of God's love to others. We need your prayer!
By becoming a prayer partner, you agree:
1. The foundation of the Christian life is prayer. It under girds, supports,
sustains, enlightens, and guides. Indeed, the mention of prayer at the top of
the United Methodist vows of membership makes clear our denomination understands
the fundamental nature of this discipline. To pray is to be in a relationship,
to communicate with God, to listen for God's direction, and to receive God's
presence as part of a continual dialogue between the Creator and creation.
2. In the context of mission, prayer is also an integral part of the dynamic relationship between the mission team, the supporting congregation, local (destination) mission partners, and God. The act of praying for one another creates community. Whether geographically close or far apart, individuals are woven together with each other and with God in a common tapestry. Prayer transforms individuals, communities, and entire nations. In times of both great struggle and great joy, prayer strengthens and under girds all who practice it.
Therefore, I
_________________________________________
will pray a minimum of twenty minutes each day for
_________________________________________
who is my prayer partner on the Kenya Mission team and for the team itself, and for the people of Maua, Kenya.
HOW do prayer partners pray?
The A-C-T-S acrostic that follows is a simple, practical prayer procedure to a meaningful time of prayer with God.
1. Adoration
God is One to be praised. "Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise
to God." Heb. 13:15
"Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise
You. Thus I will bless You while I live; " Ps. 63:3,4
"All Your works shall praise You. O Lord, and Your saints shall bless You."
Ps.145:10
Praise God for His goodness, mercy, kindness, glory, holiness, knowledge, wisdom, and love.
2. Confession
"If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear" Ps. 66:18
"If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" 1 John 1:9
Ask God to reveal to you any sin that may be in your heart. Confess the sins one by one and thank Him for cleansing you so that you can approach boldly His throne in prayer.
3. Thanksgiving
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition
with thanksgiving present your requests to God." Phil. 4:6
"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
for you." 1 Thess. 5:18
Thank God for material blessings (food, home, shoes), physical blessings (health, spouse, children), spiritual blessings (salvation, cleansing, etc.), and answered prayer.
4. Supplication
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful
to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints - and
for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to
make know the mystery of the Gospel." Eph.6:18-19
Pray specifically for your prayer partner and the rest of the mission team. Pray that God's peace surround this team and sustain it through any difficulties. Pray for those whose lives are touched by this mission trip to Kenya that they may know the love of Christ.