Pray for the Whole World

Many followers of Jesus in our particular congregation have accepted the challenge to pray for the whole world in 2012. We are encouraged to pick a particular global region each week and focus our prayers of what God is doing and what the needs are in that area. We seek to gain the heart of God for the entire world.

I recommend that praying people simply start with a particular continent, aiming at specific regions in that continent. Do a "Google" search or use some kind of search engine to find out about the nations and peoples of that area. What is life like for them? What has been their story? Where are their successes; what do they celebrate? Where is there pain and need in their midst. What does God want us to know about that area, and how does God want us to participate in what God is doing in that area?

For example, take a look at the west African coast. One of the nations there is Mozambique. Mozambique, whose capital is Maputo, has a long and rich history. For much of the nation's history it was a colonial territory controlled by Portugal. Mozambique gained independence in 1975. However, the nation was plunged into a fierce and bloody civil war from 1977-1992, fueled largely by the politics of nations surrounding Mozambique. Over 1.5 million Mozambique residents fled to neighboring areas during that time. Most of those who have survived have returned. In the years since the civil war, much of the region has been ravaged by floods and famine from time to time. Many of the people of Mozambique are desperately poor and hounded by diseases often brought on by limited access to safe drinking water. Still, the followers of Jesus in this nation are strong and growing.

Begin today to work through a global map, praying for the whole world through 2012. I'll see you around the next bend in the river.