40 Days of Prayer

“Whenever God determines to do a great work, he first sets His people to pray.” – C. H. Spurgeon

The journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step. In as much as I’m not sure what is the best way to proceed in that long journey, God has led me to do intense prayer for 40 days as our first step. I believe we can’t go wrong with this act of faith, and I’m just deeply desperate for His presence, power and guidance.

I gave them a prayer devotional and a prayer calendar, and asked the church to commit for 60 minutes a day for 40 days to go through the materials. Correspondingly, I will give a series of 6 sermons regarding how prayer can change our lives. After 40 days, I really expect that God will assure us of His abiding Presence by doing great and mighty deeds in our midst. I told the church that if the Spirit will not accompany us, then all that happen will be mere tickles and not miracles. We are heeding God's call to make a difference on our knees.

“When we work, we work; but when we pray, God works!”

Bumper message from God

Sometimes a lot of if-onlys can be frustrating.

I was driving my car one night on my way home from our ministry in Nova. I kept on thinking about the mess that a family was in because of a father not doing his job to provide for the family (their electricity was cut because of unpaid bills). I was feeling so helpless, I want to do something for the family and for others in similar plight, but I don't have the resources nor the right contacts. I don't have the power to change their minds from their vices. How I wish I have it my hands to do something significant for them right away. So much to do, so little capacity.

As I was driving, there was this truck in front of me, and on its back there was this banner that seemed to be shouting at me - "TAKE IT EASY!"

It was God. He was telling me not to take problems that should be His. He was telling me to relax because He knows what He is doing and He is in full control. If I don't have what it takes to alleviate the plight of the poor at this point in time, that is part of His ballgame. And I should trust Him and take it easy.

Suddenly, peace and faith flooded my soul, and I felt very light. It was the comforting presence of the Spirit. My limitations have found a resting place. "I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, MKJV)

Give Me 5! (for July 2006)

I hope it’s not a bother, but could you kindly spare at least 5 minutes right now in earnest prayer about the following:

1. Please pray that the prayer warriors of PCF Nova will persevere during this 40 Days of Prayer.

2. Praise God – our comfort room has a door instead of the usual curtain! Now it’s truly a comfortable room.

3. Our next big project is a place for the junior church and a parsonage where my family and I can stay from Friday through Sunday. We’re preparing a low-cost 50-sqm structure and we’re building it bit by bit as the money comes. Praise God somebody gave a significant amount that is enough to start the cement flooring. Praise God also for a volunteer (one of my core leaders) who oversees the construction. Please pray for additional resources to finish the structure.

4. Please pray for me and my family during the 20-km trip between our house in Manila and the ministry place in Novaliches. We travel three times a week.