HILLSIDE METHODIST CHURCH PRAYER DIARY JANUARY 2020

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35.
Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Joshua 21:45.
[The Bible verses in italics are from NIV.]

As we start 2020 the world is filled with uncertainty. Political crises are occurring in country after country. There are wars and threats of wars. Climate change is already having effects on the weather patterns and natural disasters are increasing. In Zimbabwe the spiraling prices, the increasing unemployment and the frightening poverty means that the majority of people are looking ahead with fear and despair rather than hope. But one thing we can rely on is that the promises of God will never fail. So as we start 2020 we can be filled with certainty and hope. This month we will look at some of the promises of God and allow them to lead us into prayer.

January 1st 2020 (Wednesday) “For I know the plans I have for you….plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11 As we enter 2020 may we rest in God’s promise that He has good plans for us.

January 2nd (Thursday) “The Lord Almighty has sworn, ‘Surely as I have planned so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand’”. Isaiah 14:24.
God’s plans cannot be thwarted. Pray that His plans for Zimbabwe & you will be evident this year.

January 3rd (Friday) “He will call on me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble” Psalm 91:15. Pray for anyone, yourself included, who is facing great difficulty and uncertainty at the start of 2020. Pray for them to know God is with them.

January 4th (Saturday) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” John 14:27 Many people’s hearts are troubled and they are anxious about the future. Pray for anxious people you know that they may experience God’s peace

January 5th (Sunday) “Not one word has failed of all the good promises he made” 1 Kings 8:56
Let us thank God today that He is faithful and that as we look over history and over our own lives we can see His promises fulfilled again and again.

January 6th (Monday) “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit” John 15:5
Pray today for the pastors of the church, particularly Rev Phiri, who will be overseeing the Hillside Circuit. May their ministry bear much fruit.

January 7th (Tuesday) “Then you will know.. that I am the Lord your God…… never again will my people be shamed. Joel 2:27. Pray for all Christians in Zimbabwe that they will be willing to stand up for what is right and just.

January 8th (Wednesday) “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” Matthew 18:20. It is Leaders’ meeting tonight. Pray that they may know God’s presence, leading and guiding them in all discussions & decisions.

January 9th (Thursday) “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 Have you been praying with no results. God sometimes asks us to wait and trust He will answer.

January 10th (Friday) “’But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17
Pray today for anyone you know who is in need of healing. Pray for the health services in Zimbabwe.

January 11th (Saturday) “So do not fear for I am with you,…I will strengthen you and help you.” Isaiah 41:10 Pray for Local Preachers who have a seminar today. May God strengthen and help them as they work for him.

January 12th (Sunday) “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:20 Thank God today that we can be assured of his presence with us always, no matter what the circumstances or what we are going through.

January 13th (Monday) “I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. Ezekiel 37:26 Covenant prayers will be held in the evenings from today until 24th. Attend if you can. Pray for the meetings.

January 14th (Tuesday) “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” Psalm 32:8. Schools start today. Pray that the promise given in today’s verse will be fulfilled in students and teachers.

January 15th (Wednesday) “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my father in heaven. Matthew 18:10 Pray for all those children who did not start school yesterday.

January 16th (Thursday) “Indeed the very hairs of your head are numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” Luke 12:7 Pray for beggars, the unemployed, the street kids. May they know God values them.

January 17th (Friday) “Come unto me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28 Pray for grandmothers who are looking after their grandchildren. Pray that they may know God is with them in their task.

January 18th (Saturday) “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find” Matthew 7:7. God tells us to ask for the things we wants. He calls us to pray to Him. Prayer meetings are held on Saturday morning. Could you attend?

January 19th (Sunday) “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my words and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned” John 5:24 Thank God that we have eternal live. Thank Jesus for the price he paid for it.

January 20th (Monday) “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” John 11:25. Pray for those who are grieving the death of loved ones, particularly those who experienced a bereavement last year.

January 21st (Tuesday) ”Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things that you do not know” Jeremiah 33:3 Pray for all Bible study groups that God will show them wonderful new things this year.

January 22nd (Wednesday) “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken” Isaiah 54:10 Pray for all those who were victims of Cyclone Idai and other natural disasters.

January 23rd (Thursday) “Because God has said, “Never will I leave you: never will I forsake you’” Hebrews 13:5 Pray for those who are feeling lonely or forsaken, that they may feel God’s presence with them. Could you visit or help?

January 24th (Friday) “If anyone loves me he will obey my teaching. My father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him” John 14:23. As the Stewards for 2020 seek to do God’s will, may they know that he is with them.

January 25th (Saturday) “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” John 8:12 Pray for Circuit Quarterly Meeting today. May God’s light guide their discussions & decisions.

January 26th (Sunday) “This is the covenant I will make……….I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.” Jeremiah 31:33. Today is Covenant Sunday. Pray that God’s law may be written in our minds and hearts.

January 27th (Monday) “As God has said,…..“I will be their God and they will be my people’” 2 Corinthians 6:16 Pray for Christians worldwide that they will truly recognise their God and be the people of God – holy and separate. A light for all.

January 28th (Tuesday) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled” Matthew 5:6. Pray for those who are working for justice, especially in Zimbabwe. Pray for God’s protection and blessing.

January 29th (Wednesday) “But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth” John 16:13. There is so much corruption in Zimbabwe that we do not know who to trust. Pray that the Spirit of truth may sweep through this nation.

January 30th (Thursday) “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 Pray for all those who are being persecuted for doing what is right. May they feel God with them.

January 31st (Friday) “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart. I have overcome the world” John 16:33. As we come to the end of this month, let us rejoice that God knows our troubles and He is able to deal with each one of them.

“Your promises have been thoroughly tested and your servant loves them” Psalm 119:140 God is faithful to his promises. Always. We can rely on that. “Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil?” Numbers 23:19.

HILLSIDE METHODIST CHURCH PRAYER DIARY FEBRUARY 2020

Pray for the ‘prayer warriors’, yourself included, who uphold the church in the presence of God. Ask God for strength, patience and courage to pray.
Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy. Philippians 1 v3-4
[Quotations from the Bible are from the Contemporary English Version and are shown in italics.]

Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God’s throne! So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won’t get discouraged and give up. Hebrews 12 v1-3
You have now come to Mount Zion and to the heavenly Jerusalem. This is the city of the living God, where thousands and thousands of angels have come to celebrate. Here you will find all of God’s dearest children, whose names are written in heaven. And you will find God himself, who judges everyone. Here also are the spirits of those good people who have been made perfect. And Jesus is here! Hebrews 12 v22-24 (part).

February 1st (Saturday) “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” Matthew 17 v5. Let us ask God to make us open to what Jesus is saying to us. Pray that together we will be eager to obey what he has taught us.

February 2nd (Sunday) Pray for absent family members of those who meet in our service today. But Jesus … said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how good he has been to you.” Mark 5 v19(part).

February 3rd (Monday) Pray for all of us with family scattered all over the world. First, I thank God in the name of Jesus Christ for all of you. I do this because people everywhere in the world are talking about your faith. Romans 1 v8.

February 4th (Tuesday) The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, … (they) were certain that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4 v13(part). Pray that our lives will show that we have been with Jesus.

February 5th (Wednesday) Pray for Rev. Bekithemba Phiri and his wife and children as they work with us in this church, circuit and district of the Methodist Church. But I am not ashamed! I know the one I have faith in, … 2 Timothy 1 v12 (part).

February 6th (Thursday) If you are an employer, pray today for your employee(s). If you are an employee, pray for your employer and/or supervisor. Anyone too lazy to cook will starve, but a hard worker is a valuable treasure. Proverbs 12 v27.

February 7th (Friday) Pray today for our church stewards, new and old, that they may find strength, patience and perseverance to serve. But if you keep on being faithful right to the end, you will be saved. Matthew 24 v13.

February 8th (Saturday) Pray, giving God thanks, for the members of our uniformed organisations. Then you will live a life that honours the Lord, and you will always please him by doing good deeds. You will come to know God even better. Colossians 1 v10.

February 9th (Sunday) On the first day of the week we met to break bread together. Acts 20 v7(part). Thank God for the fellowship shared with the saints of God here at Hillside Methodist and throughout the Church militant and triumphant.

February 10th (Monday) Pray today for our new circuit minister Rev. Nobuhle Sibanda, who is also our Youth Pastor. As he travelled from place to place, he encouraged the followers with many messages. Acts 20 v2 (part).

February 11th (Tuesday) Let’s pray for Rev. Margaret James, our supernumerary minister. Pray also for our Bishop, Rev. Matthew Ncube and his team. Servants are fortunate if their master comes and finds them doing their job. Matthew 24 v46.

February 12th (Wednesday) Pray for all our Circuit Lay Preachers as they prepare. Finally, our friends, please pray for us. This will help the message about the Lord to spread quickly, and others will respect it, just as you do. 2 Thessalonians 3 v1.

February 13th (Thursday) Pray for each member of your Fellowship Group. My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn’t living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5 v14.

February 14th (Friday) Thank God for our Worship Team who prepare our songs each Friday. Pray also for all who help to prepare for our Sunday services. Sing a new song to the LORD! He has worked miracles, Psalm 98 v1 (part).

February 15th (Saturday) We are all parts of the body of Christ. Are you an active, healthy part or are you a paralysed limb or broken bone? Pray that we will all learn to play our part in encouraging each other in faith. Let’s read Romans 12 v4-8.

February 16th (Sunday) Youth Week. Pray especially for our youth, whose membership is such a blessing to us. “Don’t say you’re too young,” the LORD answered. “If I tell you to go and speak to someone, then go! Jeremiah 1 v7.

February 17th (Monday) Pray for the success of all the Youth Week activities this week. Those of us of other age groups are also welcome to participate and support. Keep your Creator in mind while you are young! Ecclesiastes 12 v1 (part).

February 18th (Tuesday) Pray that our youth will realise that God has been preparing them “for such a time as this”. Read Esther 4 v12-14 and 5 v1-8. What can we do to encourage relevance among the youths in our church today? (Youth Week Day 3.)

February 19th (Wednesday) Let’s pray today for all who are teachers of children, youth and adults within our church. But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard to tell the good news and to do your job well. 2 Timothy 4: 5.

February 20th (Thursday) Pray for our future leaders. Don’t let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity. 1 Timothy 4 v12.

February 21st (Friday) Public Holiday. Pray for the youth of Zimbabwe, many feeling both helpless and hopeless. Give thanks to God for their great potential and ask God to show the way. Don’t give up and be helpless in times of trouble. Proverbs 24 v10.

February 22nd (Saturday) Run from temptations that capture young people. Always do the right thing. Be faithful, loving, and easy to get along with. Worship with people whose hearts are pure. 2 Timothy 2 v22. May God hold our youths in his hand.

February 23rd (Sunday) Let’s thank God for all who have encouraged us in our life of faith over the years. Teachers, leaders, preachers, parents and whatever others. Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! Hebrews 12 v1 (part).

February 24th (Monday) Pray for the work of our Methodist Schools at Thekwane, Matjinge and elsewhere in the connexion. Pray for all their staff and students. Be patient when you are being corrected! Hebrews 12 v7 (part).

February 25th (Tuesday) Let’s remember those times when God’s Holy Spirit has worked miracles in our lives and pray for a renewal of our love for Jesus. In those days I will give my Spirit to my servants, … and they will prophesy. Acts 2 v18 (part).

February 26th (Wednesday) Lent begins. A time of year when we can remove all distractions and focus on our devotion to Jesus. Keep your mind on Jesus Christ! He was … raised from death, just as my good news says. 2 Timothy 2 v8 (part).

February 27th (Thursday) Let’s prayerfully consider what old habits we can drop and what new habits we can pick up so that we can be more devoted to Jesus. “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! Could he be the Messiah?” John 4 v29.

February 28th (Friday) Pray for all who are suffering from the effects of drought. How can we help? God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. 2 Corinthians 9 v8.

February 29th (Saturday) “What exactly does God want us to do?” the people asked. Jesus answered, “God wants you to have faith in the one he sent.” John 6 v28-29. Let’s end the month praying and doing what God wants us to do.

The Hillside Methodist Church Prayer Diary can also be emailed to you (if you just ask).