Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Feb 01: Europe
Europe
World
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 22,978,500 sq km74% is in the Russian Federation. This is 17% of the earth’s surface.
Population: 732,758,546 Annual Growth: 0.10%
Urbanites: 73%
Peoples
Religion
Largest Religion: Christian| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 522,017,165 | 71.34 | 0.0 |
| Evangelicals | 18,342,106 | 2.5 | 1.1 |
Answer to Prayer
Positive and encouraging developments in the Church:Evangelicals are growing in strength, confidence and a sense of identity in most countries. This is demonstrated by the increase in an evangelical presence in mainline churches, which are otherwise declining, in the stability of conservative denominations and in the arrival of dynamic new evangelical and charismatic fellowships and networks onto the Church scene. All of this is modest compared to great gains in Asia and Africa but is light in an otherwise bleak European religious landscape.
The impact of evangelical and charismatic movements within the mainline confessions. The Church of England is significantly touched by renewal, by evangelical activism and especially by discipleship courses - the Alpha Course and Fresh Expressions being two of the most notable of these. Charismatic movements within Catholicism also touch many lives in Europe and beyond.
The emergence of patterns of church, worship, mission and social action which reflect spiritual authenticity, holism, social engagement, postmodernity and multiculturalism. These are especially strong among, but not limited to, young people.
The proliferation of new prayer movements such as 24/7 Prayer, the Global Day of Prayer, March for Jesus, boiler rooms, sustained prayer for the Muslim world during Ramadan as well as many national and local initiatives. Together, these mobilize unprecedented numbers of believers into corporate prayer.
The emergence of pan-European ministry, such as the European Evangelical Alliance (including initiatives like Mission-Net with its large European conferences), Hope for Europe, and Pro-Christ.
A growing ecumenism of the faithful that accepts theological and ecclesiological differences and recognizes the need for spiritual unity and cooperation in the face of increasing marginalization. Believers join across confessional, national and ethnic boundaries to maximize social, political and civic impact on the world’s most secular continent.
The positive impact of immigrant believers in European countries. Their presence and growth has offered new spiritual passion and confidence in the gospel that many flagging European churches need. They have also demonstrated that Christianity is a global and dynamic force, and not a relic of a bygone era.
For an additional 5 Answers to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Europe.Don't sweat the small stuff
1 Peter 5:1-11 (Complete Jewish Bible)
1Therefore, I urge the congregation leaders among you, as a fellow-leader and witness to the Messiah's sufferings, as well as a sharer in the glory to be revealed:2shepherd the flock of God that is in your care, exercising oversight not out of constraint, but willingly, as God wants; and not out of a desire for dishonest gain, but with enthusiasm;3also not as machers domineering over those in your care, but as people who become examples to the flock.4Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive glory as your unfading crown.5Likewise, you who are less experienced, submit to leaders. Further, all of you should clothe yourselves in humility toward one another, because God opposes the arrogant, but to the humble he gives grace.6Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the right time he may lift you up.7Throw all your anxieties upon him, because he cares about you.8Stay sober, stay alert! Your enemy, the Adversary, stalks about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.9Stand against him, firm in your trust, knowing that your brothers throughout the world are going through the same kinds of suffering.10You will have to suffer only a little while; after that, God, who is full of grace, the one who called you to his eternal glory in union with the Messiah, will himself restore, establish and strengthen you and make you firm.11To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:1-11 (The Message)
1I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory.2Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously.[3Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.4When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly.5And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for - God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people.6So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time.7Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.8Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.9Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.10The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ - eternal and glorious plans they are! - will have you put together and on your feet for good.11He gets the last word; yes, he does.
Revelation 18 (with text - press on more info.)
Revelation 18 (New International Version, ©2010)
Revelation 18
Lament Over Fallen Babylon
1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. 2 With a mighty voice he shouted:
"'Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!'[a] She has become a dwelling for demons
and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
3 For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries.
The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries."
Warning to Escape Babylon's Judgment
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
"'Come out of her, my people,'[b] so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues;
5 for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.
6 Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done. Pour her a double portion from her own cup.
7 Give her as much torment and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself.
In her heart she boasts, 'I sit enthroned as queen.
I am not a widow;[c] I will never mourn.'
8 Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine.
She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.
Threefold Woe Over Babylon's Fall
9 "When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. 10 Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry:
"'Woe! Woe to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon!
In one hour your doom has come!'
11 "The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore— 12 cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; 13 cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves.
14 "They will say, 'The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.' 15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn 16 and cry out: "'Woe! Woe to you, great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!
17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!' "Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. 18 When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?' 19 They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: "'Woe! Woe to you, great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth!
In one hour she has been brought to ruin!'
20 "Rejoice over her, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets!
For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you."
The Finality of Babylon's Doom
21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said:
"With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again.
22 The music of harpists and musicians, pipers and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again.
No worker of any trade will ever be found in you again.
The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you again.
23 The light of a lamp will never shine in you again.
The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again.
Your merchants were the world's important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.
24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of God's holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth."
Psalm 148 (with text - press on more info.)
Psalm 148 (New International Version)
Psalm 148
1 Praise the LORD. [a] Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.
6 He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and maidens, old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 He has raised up for his people a horn, [b] the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)