One day this week, I was asking God to show me what to write in these prayer points, as I usually do, I saw a picture of David in the Old Testament going out to face Goliath. He was such a tiny little chap with no armour on him. All he had was a little sling and a few stones. He looked so small and so vulnerable as he faced this massive 9-foot-tall giant called Goliath who was covered from head to foot in armour. Goliath’s sword was massive and his voice boomed across the valley. When he saw David, he laughed and mocked him.
I thought to myself, “What great faith David had to face this giant!” At that moment God spoke and said, “It wasn’t that he had great faith so much but more the picture David had in his mind of me.” David’s picture of his God was huge – his God was much bigger than the giant he was facing. This giant was huge, over 9 foot tall, but his God was so much bigger and so much stronger. David knew that his God had saved him before when he faced a bear and a lion and so he knew God could easily defeat this giant. What giant are you facing right now? Is it the giant of fear? Worry? Anxiety?
Ill health? Lack of money? Whatever it is – how do you see it? Is it huge in your mind? Is it bigger than your God? Are you seeing God as he truly is – the God of all hope – the God who saves – the God who heals – the God of miracles? Is he bigger in your mind than the problem you have? Jesus told us in this life you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world. Are you believing the truth of the word of God or are you listening to the lies of the enemy who loves to sow fear and worry into us all? If we want to overcome the enemy, first of all we must get the right picture in our minds of who our God really is and the only way to do that is to know him and welcome his presence into your life. And secondly, believe him and his word rather than what the enemy says. Remember Jesus is the truth and the enemy only speaks his native language – lies! Let’s remember who our God is as we pray today!
PRAYER POINTS FOR FRIDAY 12th March 2021
- The statistics continue to fall although there are a number of places where the cases are a little higher. It’s been amazing to watch the statistics come right down. Cases, hospital admissions and deaths are all falling steeply. We have much to thank God for. The vaccine programme is working well and we now have well over 23 million people vaccinated against this disease. More and more people are being vaccinated every day. They are on track for every adult to be offered a vaccination before the end of July. Let’s praise God for all he has been doing and for the encouragement and hope we have that helps us to keep going during this lockdown. We now have the schools back and some of the shops will begin to open up in April. I’m sure many of us will be pleased that the hairdressers will be opening up soon. Do continue to pray for those who have the virus right now –pray that they will recover swiftly. Pray too for those who have lost a loved one to this virus; pray the comfort of the Holy Spirit upon them all.
- Let’s pray for our Prime Minister, for all MP’s whatever party they belong to and for all who give them advice and wisdom. Pray that the government will administer the right decisions for our nation. Pray that the budget they have just delivered would be the right decisions for our nation. Pray for unity between each political party. Pray for our Royal Family – especially Prince Philip who is still ill in hospital. Pray for healing for him. Pray for the Queen as she is without her husband at Windsor Castle. Pray for the media storm over the interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Pray that the media will not fuel the storm but will report it accurately. Also there have been so many negative and destructive words spoken about the Royal Family, The Duke and Duchess, our Prime Minister and our MP’s. It’s sad to realise that some of these comments come from those who know and love the Lord Jesus. Let’s think before we speak – our words can damage people but also people are looking at our response and tearing someone down is not a good thing to do – so let’s pray, speak and spread encouragement, blessing and hope in today’s world.
- Let’s keep praying for the NHS staff and also for carers everywhere. These wonderful people give of themselves so much – so let’s pray for good physical health, strength and good mental health too. There is a lot of negativity about them only getting a 1% pay rise in the budget – let’s pray that they will still feel enriched by their calling. Pray that God will provide all they need. Pray for those who are still in hospital. Remember that although the numbers are coming down, there are many more in hospital than normal for this time of year. Pray that these numbers will continue to come down and that those suffering from COVID-19 will recover soon. Praise God that each person in care can see one relative in person now.
- We continue to pray for those who struggle with their mental health. Let’s pray for so many who have struggled with lockdown and who have felt deep darkness through this time. Life in all its fullness only comes through knowing and loving Jesus. Do pray that people will find Jesus – the one who identifies with all we go through in life. He understands our pain and our sorrows and we can trust him to carry them for us. Let’s spread love, joy and peace by loving those around us and serving Jesus in any way we can.
- Please do cover the young people going back to school this week. Pray for those who have already returned in Scotland and Wales. Pray for safety for all and that they will enjoy returning to their schools. Pray that teachers would feel safe and protected too. Pray that the students whether in schools, colleges and universities will not only be protected, but also will find that they are enjoying learning once more.
- Let’s continue to pray for our economy – we have a long journey to go, but please do pray that our God guides and guards each business and that our journey into provision will be a good one. Let’s pray that it will not take as long as they are thinking it will to get the economy back on track. Pray especially for those in hospitality, sport and the performing arts. It has been a long hard struggle for these areas of business. Pray that people who have lost their jobs will find suitable jobs very soon. Particularly pray that people will not lose hope.
- Of course, we cannot forget the spiritual climate of our nation and indeed our world. This is so important. Let’s pray for a tidal wave of God’s Spirit to bring revival and a deep awareness of who our God is. Do continue to pray that many will come to know the Lord in these days and that they will find immense peace and joy. Pray for a deeper move of God’s Spirit across our land in these days!
Do you need prayer? What a joy it has been to pray for those who have asked for prayer in recent months. We are seeing many answers to our prayers. Remember if you or others need prayer do drop us an email and we will pray. Don’t forget our prayer line if you or others need prayer – prayer@ngm.org.uk
We have been told in the Bible 365 times ‘Do Not fear’ – one instruction for each day of the year! As well as this Jesus, himself, told us not to worry. Fear is a killer – it kills our faith and our hope. The definition of the word worry means to choke or to strangle – and that is exactly what worry does – it strangles us and chokes the life out of us. Both fear and worry are designed to kill us. Jesus came into this world to bring life and bring life in all its fullness. So, let’s decide here and now to live. Let’s not worry, let’s not fret, let’s not fear but instead let’s live despite any giant we face. Let’s trust in our huge BIG God no matter what we face in life. He is able, he is faithful and he can do it.
With loads of love and encouragement to you all – NANCY GOUDIE
For those who are reading these prayer points for the first time: do read below:
Setting the scene
On 20th March I called for a National Day of Prayer, not only for the UK, but also for others who live further afield. A few days after it was over two friends contacted me and asked if I would do a National Prayer Day every Friday, and asked if I would continue to give some pointers each week for prayer. After prayer, I took up the challenge of doing just that. Thank you for joining us. To read previous prayer points and encouragements – go to www.nancygoudie.com/blog/
Helpful instructions/suggestions:
- Set your phone, your watch, your alarm clock or whatever to remind you to pray throughout the day. I would suggest praying every hour for a few minutes or for as long as you wish, but make a time that is suitable for yourself.
- Maybe pray for one of the above pointers every hour – or take one for each day of the week.
- Every time you wash your hands, which should be often – then pray a ‘Heal Our Nation’ prayer – sing or speak the lyrics of ‘Heal our Nation’ and ask God to pour out his Spirit on this land. ‘Heal our Nation, Heal our Nation, Heal our Nation, pour out your Spirit on this land.’ Sing or speak that twice. And finish with the first line from the verse ‘Lord we long for you to move in power’ – and ask God to move in the UK but also move in our world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoZwje7Ogkg
- Keep reading Psalm 91, Psalm 121 and Psalm 46 to encourage yourself and your family with the truth of the word of God. Perhaps try meditating on Psalm 62:5-6 – Find rest, O my Soul in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will not be shaken.
- Use the UK Blessing – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUtll3mNj5U Play it in your home – make this as a wonderful blessing on you and your family, your children and their children. When you go a walk pray it over your neighbourhood. The song was written in Elevation church, USA. You can watch here and discover how the song came together in the presence of the Lord – no wonder this song is being used at this time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp6aygmvzM4&feature=emb_re
