Monday 6th September was our usual day of prayer and fasting for the salvation of young people and for more harvest workers to be raised up for the harvest. However, this month I want to encourage us to add to those prayers as there is so much turmoil in the world at the moment. With the continuing impact of Covid-19 and the recent events in Afghanistan, I want to encourage us to reflect on this Psalm:

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2
So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3
Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude
4
A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
5
God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
6
The nations are in chaos,
and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
and the earth melts!
7
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
8
Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
9
He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
11
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.

1. Read through it slowly, two or three times out loud. Listen with the ‘ear’ of your heart. What word or phrase stands out to you?

2. Reflect on the word or phrase, repeating it over and over, allowing it to settle deeply in your heart – be attentive to what the Lord is speaking to your heart.

3. Respond to the Lord as you continue to repeat and savour the word or phrase. A prayer of praise or petition may arise. Offer that prayer to the Lord.

4. Rest in God. Sit still in the presence of God. Is there a thought or feeling you have at the end of the experience? Journal what God impressed upon you.

Once you have done this, spend time interceding for the nations:

Pray for young people who have been particularly impacted by COVID-19, that they may know the love and presence of the Lord.

Pray for the YFC programs and people reaching out to young people at this time, for sensitivity to the Lord’s Spirit in reaching these young people.

Pray for Afghanistan, for our miracle working God to impact the hearts and minds of both the Taliban and those who are suffering under the new rule.

Pray for the church in Afghanistan to stand boldly and to indeed ‘be still and know that He is God’.

Pray that many will come to salvation at this time.

Pray for those who are grieving both in Afghanistan and abroad, because of the terrorist attack.

Pray for ISIS-K, for divine encounters with the one true living God, JESUS!

Pray for the upcoming MORE conference, that many from YFC around the world will come together and be inspired and encouraged in their ministry. Pray for the team putting it together (especially Mike McCarthy and Martin Ainsworth) and for all the technology to work well.

Pray in whatever way the Lord leads you to, especially in regards to the lost youth in your own nation.

Blessings,

Lyndal Walker
International Prayer Director

P.S. As I alluded to last month, we are having a month of 24-7 prayer in October. The information for this is available at http://yfci.org/epray/pray_news/yfci-24-7-prayer-event/.