Hillside Methodist Church
PRAYER DIARY FEBRUARY 2021
John 14: 26: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”
“Fill me Holy Spirit, fill me,
More than fullness I would know: I am smallest of Thy vessels,
Yet, I much can overflow”
Let this be our prayer for February.
February 1st – Monday. All churches especially the Methodist churches in Zimbabwe to be Spirit filled and be sensitive to the needs of those who are in distress be it spiritual or physical etc. Matthew 3:11 “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”
February 2nd – Tuesday. That our Hillside congregation earnestly and deeply desire a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit and to be assured of His presence in our lives. John 14: 16 “and I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever”.
February 3rd – Wednesday. That God offers power that can change a tired church into a vital, growing body, power that can revitalise Christendom and now being bombarded by the pandemic even more so. John 14: 17 “that is the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.”- Notice of On-note Preachers Tutorial Class 1-Old Testament Virtual : 7-8.30 pm (Tutor-Revd. B. Phiri)
February 4th – Thursday. Christians at work in the world are the only real spiritual light in the midst of great spiritual darkness and pray for that thought to be a reality in our church. John 14: 12. “Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do, because I go to the Father. Notice of Circuit Staff meeting – Garden Park Virtual: 12p.m. – 7p.m.
February 5th – Friday. The Bishop, ministers and lay preachers of Hillside Circuit, to live and speak with the power of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4: 12 -13 “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God,”
February 6th – Saturday. That the Holy Spirit will lift the veil Satan puts over our minds, and to illuminate them so that we can understand the study of the Word of God referring to our Bible Study groups(when they resume) and home study. Romans 12: 2 “and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”
February 7th – Sunday. This is/was our usual day for Hillside Methodist Church and many other churches to meet for worship and to hear the Lords message. Trust we are able to do so via other means but spiritually meld with fellow members in praise and worship. Isaiah 40: 8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever”
February 8th – Monday. The Holy Spirit indwells every Christian not only Spiritually but physically as well and that should make us more careful what we eat, drink, look at, attend, read, say and much more. 1 Corinthians 6: 19 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?”
February 9th – Tuesday. For Bulawayo City Council, the mayor, councillors and all residents the wisdom, honesty and perseverance to restore the pride we had in our city. Job 34: 21 “For His eyes are upon the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps.”
February 10th – Wednesday. Whether in church or over the internet we know the Holy Spirit inspires the music team with appropriate hymns and songs and we praise the Lord. Psalm 5: 11 “But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may Thou shelter them that those who love Thy name may exult in Thee.” Notice of Circuit Executive meeting/induction – B.G./Virtual: 5p.m./7.p.m.
February 11th – Thursday. For all involved in education especially teachers from Hillside Methodist Church and due to restrictions alternative ways put in place that will bring the desired results. Proverbs 4: 13 “Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.”
February 12 – Friday. Families who have been bereaved recently, we pray for comfort and the assurance that the Holy Spirit is with them through this dark valley and will lead them into the light again. Be strong. Romans 8: 38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, not principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height or depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
February 13 – Saturday. We give thanks that the Saturday prayer group continues via WhatsApp and the needs of many brought before the Lord. Matthew 21: 22 “And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive” Notice of Leaders Seminar and Training: Stewards, Treasurers, Secretaries, Class Leaders, Organizational Leaders etc. B.G./Virtual 10a.m. to 12 p.m.
February 14 – Sunday. Once again we are either in church or at home listening, but we trust the Holy Spirit to take control and give us understanding and obedience to the message given by His servant . Romans 10: 13-14 “Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it written. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things”.
February 15th – Monday. We rejoice and give thanks for the rain that the country has been blessed with and confirm this is answered prayer by Hillside Methodist Church and other congregations. Ongoing prayer for the relief of the pandemic and the consequences. Rain for crop production but a country where God is boldly proclaimed through His Spirit filled church. Acts 4: 31 “And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered was shaken and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness”
February 16th – Tuesday. For Rev. B Phiri, Superintendent of the Hillside Circuit as he diligently executes his many tasks, at times under very difficult circumstances but knowing and depending on the Holy Spirit for guidance. 1 Thessalonians 5: 12 “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labour among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction”
February 17th – Ash Wednesday. The reading of Scripture itself enables the Holy Spirit to enlighten us and to do His work in us. While we read the Word, its message saturates our hearts, whether we are conscious of what is happening or not. The Word with all its mysterious power touches our lives and gives us its power. ( Quote from Billy Graham’s book’ The Holy Spirit’) Isaiah 40: 8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stand forever.” Notice of Ash Wednesday – -Virtual: E-Conference: 7p.m.
February 18th Thursday . At this time of extreme stress, we pray for all involved in the administration and running of Hillside Methodist Church. For the careful planning and allocating of funds as once again many have no income and unable to contribute. Yet the Lord is pleased and multiplies whatever is given. Mark 12: 43 -44 “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on”.
February 19 – Friday. For those who will receive a small contribution of food today and trust that will ease their situation. We thank the donors and distributors to Hillside Methodist Church and many other feeding outlets in Bulawayo. Proverbs 22:9 “He who is generous will be blessed for he gives some of his food to the poor.”
20th February – Saturday. Next month is the World Day of Prayer, the service arranged by the ladies from Vanuatu. A combined service at Hillside Methodist Church is planned but at the moment is seems unlikely and will be delivered by WhatsApp. Reach out to them in prayer please. John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Notice of Circuit MCU Bible School-BG/Virtual: 10a.m. – 7p.m.
21st February – Sunday. Let this be a day of praise either at your home or church if that’s possible. Not in church? Surprise the person or persons who usually sit near you in church with a call or WhatsApp them. Satan would love nothing better than to see the church fall/ drift apart so stay in touch. Love, the fruit of the Spirit. Matthew 22: 39 “The second is like it. You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
22nd February – Monday. Pray for Rev. N. Sibanda as the Youth Pastor for wisdom, understanding, discernment in performing a very difficult task, especially at this time when the future seems so uncertain. It’s evident she knows her help comes from the Holy Spirit and we rejoice in that. James 3: 17 “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated”
23rd February – Tuesday. The Women’s Association, like many other organisations have been unable to reach those we usually support. It’s with deep sadness we say farewell to Liz Hunt and Mary Zwana who left us to be with Christ. Our continued support for Vivien and family on their devastating loss of a son, husband and father. We pray the Lord will continue to comfort the families. Galatians 6: 10 – “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”
24th February – Wednesday. The Manyano ladies likewise had to curb many of their activities but reach out to support when and where the need arises. Romans 15: 1-2 “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves, Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, to his edification”
25th February – Thursday. The world needs to be touched by Christians who are Spirit-filled, Spirit-led and Spirit-empowered. Are we that kind of Christian? (From Billy Graham) Romans 13: 11-12 “ It is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.”
26th February – Friday. For all those who are ill, especially those who have Covid-19 and either at home or hospital. We pray for their complete recovery. We thank the medical staff for giving of their best under very trying circumstances with everything in short or no supply. God is in control and we trust this pandemic too will come to pass. Psalm 121:7-8 “The Lord will protect you from all evil, He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.” Notice 26-27 District February Committees: Bulawayo Central 5p.m.
27th February – Saturday. If possible spend time where you can admire Our Father’s creation and commune with Him. In spite of everything there still is so much to thank Him for so take time to meditate on those blessings. Psalm 84:11 “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
28th February – Sunday. We pray for renewal brought by the Holy Spirit and when He comes in all His power upon the Church there will be clear evidences of the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit and build each other up by these gifts, giving a new measure of love and care for each other. No longer will the world say that the Church is powerless and silent. (Quote from Billy Graham). Pray earnestly for this. 21st -28th February – Youth Week. All Societies.
The Hillside Methodist Church Prayer Diary can also be emailed to you (just ask and we can add you to the list of recipients). There was usually a print edition, which would be distributed at the door of the church on the last Sunday before the beginning of the month and we will probably resume this when circumstances change.
The Prayer Diary has changed its format:
it is no longer constrained by the space available on a sheet of A4 paper, because we are not making a printed edition for the foreseeable future.
