Jesus' Prayer - Concluding The CPI-Shine Campaign For CHOGM
29th October 2011
CHOGM: British Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meetings, held in Perth, Western Australia in November 2011.The Commonwealth consists of 54 countries with a combined population of 2,100,000,000. Queen Elizabeth II is our head.
CPI: Commonwealth Prayer Initiative, set up specially for CHOGM in Perth. It was estimated that more than 600,000 people around the world prayed as part of CPI!
IN THE DARK OF NIGHT
At about four o'clock on the last Saturday of the CPI Shine meetings I awoke already praying and already fully immersed in Jesus' presence. It was still dark night, but light was all around me (John 1:4).
MY PRAYER
"Jesus, we are so thankful for this flood of grace for us all (Colossians 1:17); for CHOGM, for the leaders of the 54 Commonwealth countries, for the 2.1 billion people, for our Governments, local, state, federal and vice-regal. Thank you for the police and security forces, for the support people, for the volunteers and for the media. Thank you too for the protesters who remained peaceful, yet were free to express their views.
But even more Jesus, as your praying people, we thank you for the way you have led us over these many months. You brought each of us into CPI (John 10:27), and led our prayer so that it was directly in line with your plans (Psalm 9:1).
We rejoice to see you doing what you have had us pray for. We see that we participate in your work in the world. At the same time we grow in unity, and our unity encompasses all our diversity (Ephesians 4:3). We delight in knowing that this is all precious to you (2 Timothy 1:14). Nothing you do is wasted (Mark 14:4).
Every autumn, countless leaves turn yellow and red and fall to the ground; but not one is for nothing. The spring comes and brings new life (Titus 3:4-5). Suddenly, the whole forest bursts forth, vibrant and green, sustained on what fell in the autumn (Isaiah 61:11).
So with our prayers. Jesus you called thousands, and hundreds of thousands (Deuteronomy 1:15) to pray for our leaders and the CHOGM meetings and for the people. Already you have prophetically shown (Revelation 19:10) your hand in many, many ways (Jeremiah 33:3). By faith we know that we will see new life in every one of the 54 Commonwealth countries, in their leaders and in their 2.1 billion citizens. Abundant life (John 10:10) bursting forth (John 14:12).
Did all of us together pray 2.1 billion prayers? Did we pray for every Commonwealth person? By faith I believe we did; every one covered (Luke 4:40).
Thank you Jesus. We know this is not an end, now is just a pause in our walk and our work with you.
I pray that you continue to bless our new found Christian friendships and lead us all to be ever more united in you Jesus, for your Church and for the whole world (1 John 2:2).
We wait eagerly (Hebrews 9:28). In your Name, Jesus, we pray (Colossians 3:17).
Amen".
GOD'S VISIBLE HAND DURING CHOGM
(Just some of the things I, a simple intercessor, have seen):
• Hecklers began a noisy protest as preparations were made for the unveiling of the "Tree of Life" sculpture. The authorities were alerted and quieted the disturbance before our ceremony began. The hecklers' plans came to nothing - had they began their loud protest during the unveiling it would have been very disruptive.
• 144 years and one day previously, the then Governor of W.A. had unveiled the foundation stone for the Wesley Church where the "Tree of Life" now stands. The Tree was never meant to be there in the heart of the city, but rather in a park outside the CBD. The "birth" of the sculpture was a rocky road, for its very existence and for its home. Finally a wonderful central site was offered and the crafts-people went to work. Then, at the last minute, the Premier of WA (our political leader) had to say that, sadly, he could not unveil the monument. However our Governor (our Queen Elizabeth's representative) was happy, together with his wife and six-year-old daughter, to step in. The historical and spiritual significance of the two Governors and the 144 years was not known until later. Demonstrably our Government, at the highest level, is standing behind the prayers of our children, for the future of our country and the whole world.
• A leading Commonwealth delegation (and others too) threatened to return home and abandon CHOGM over issues of human rights. Newspaper headlines trumpeted "CHOGM Talks Derailed". Overnight prayer immediately availed to help quash this potential for harm, by morning the media were able to report that the talks were "back on the rails".
• Very different groups from many parts of the city-wide Church filled all the 24x7 CPI prayer time-slots at Wesley Church, right at the very centre of our CBD. When it appeared that some night-watch times would not be covered, more than enough people quickly came forward to complete the 24x7 wall of prayer.
• Chris, a Christian friend and brother, was a CHOGM volunteer. His overwhelming observation was that the volunteers saw peace, calm and co-operation during the event, "beyond anything in their experience"; a total contrast to the many threats of insurrection, violence and disruptive protest which had been aired beforehand.
• During the River Prayer Cruise a banner blew overboard into the water. It was considered lost; our ship was too big to turn and try to find it. The Water Police saw the banner fall, sped to the place, retrieved it, and gently came alongside our ship to return it. The banners were a significant part of our Shine prayer and they all have names; this banner's name is "Revival". So the strong arm of our Government rescued "Revival" from the waters, and returned it to the Church.
• At no time did any protest get out of hand or become loud, disruptive or violent.
• Throughout the CHOGM "city lock down" there was a widely recognised peace and gentleness among all the Police and other security personnel and the media.
• The weather was glorious.
• The final Shine meetings at Wesley Church did not have speakers assigned. Then for the "Men of Power" session Jesus sent Graham Power (Power!), founder of the Global Day of Prayer, truly a man whose power comes from obedience and commitment. For the closing meeting, "Women as Agents of Change", He sent Yodi (Dr. Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija) of the Transformational Development Agency; she is a vibrant, praying woman who is agent for extremely effective change at national and international levels! Grace, blessing and rich prayer flowed ..
Praise you Lord Jesus. Thank you Father.
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https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2011/11/cherish-kingdom-advances.html
Amen.
