Thursday, February 23, 2012

Psalm 20 (New International Version)

Psalm 20

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.

3 May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. Selah

4 May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

5 We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.

6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

9 O LORD, save the king! Answer [a] us when we call!

Feb 23: Australia, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Australia, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

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Australia

Commonwealth of Australia

Pacific

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Geography

Area: 7,682,300 sq km
This island continent is the world’s driest, but better watered in the east, southeast and southwest coastal regions, where most live in highly concentrated urban areas. There are three permanently inhabited dependent territories: Norfolk Island (35 sq km; 2,037 pop), Christmas Is. (135 sq km; 1,408 pop), Cocos Is. (14 sq km; 591 pop).
Population: 21,507,384 Annual Growth: 1.07%
Capital: Canberra
Urbanites: 89.1%
HDI Rank: 2 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 143 (8% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: English. 20% of the population use English as a second language Languages: 207 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	14,947,632	69.50	0.5
Evangelicals	3,106,949	14.4	1.1

Answer to Prayer

The political leaders of Australia, from recent prime ministers down to many parliamentarians and cabinet members, are profoundly influenced by their belief in Christianity. Increasing secularization is taking a firmer grip on society generally, although a relatively strong Christian representation in politics remains a positive influence in protecting the long-established, biblically based values that shaped law and public life over many generations in Australia. A Christian ethic also aided in issuing a formal apology for the mistreatment of aboriginals.
For an additional Answer to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

Challenge for Prayer

The Church in Australia faces a mighty challenge – to remain relevant. While over two-thirds of Australians identify themselves in some way as Christian, only 10% regularly attend church, and increasing numbers have negative attitudes toward the Church’s perceived intolerance and authoritarianism. Secularism is not so much the dominant ideology as is an individualized, New Age, pick-and-choose spirituality with no accountability. Almost all mainline churches face stagnation or decline, and growth even among evangelicals has slowed. Pray for reformation and revival of the Church, and for this to impact every sphere of society.
For an additional 8 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.