Thursday, July 4, 2013

AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for India - The Seven Union Territories

Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Home > Jul 04: India, The Seven Union Territories

Jul 04: India, The Seven Union Territories

India, The Seven Union Territories

India

Republic of India

Asia

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 3,166,000 sq km
A further 121,000 sq km of Kashmir, a contested area, is administered by Pakistan and China. Geographically and politically, India dominates South Asia and the Indian Ocean. There are 28 Union States and 7 Union Territories.
Population: 1,214,464,312    Annual Growth: 1.44%
Capital: Delhi
Urbanites: 30.1%
HDI Rank: 134 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 2,533 (88% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Constitutionally there are 22 official languages. The official language is Hindi (spoken by 40% of the population). English is a subsidiary official language    Languages: 456 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Hinduism
Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
Christians71,011,0005.843.7
Evangelicals26,290,2832.23.9
Hinduism902,711,32374.33 
Prayercast

Challenge for Prayer

India has more unreached individuals than any other nation. Christians in India are very unequally spread – the south and northeast have a much higher proportion of Christians than the more populated north and west. Thirteen states in North India are less than 1% Christian. Pray that the Church worldwide might rise to this task. Pray for:
a) The North India Ganges plains, with their teeming millions, in the Hindi-speaking heartland. The states through which the Ganges flows (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal) combine to account for 382 million people. None of these states is more than 1% Christian, according to census data. There is, however, more church growth than ever in the north, from megachurches of 7,000 to networks of tens of thousands of house churches. A vision exists for 1 million churches planted in the north in the next 10 years.
b) The great cities, with rapid growth and a mix of great wealth and abject poverty. Chennai, Mumbai and even Hyderabad with significant Christian populations exist in contrast to Kolkata, Delhi, Varanasi, Lucknow and others where Christian witness is very small. Increasing urbanization sees millions drawn from rural areas into urban areas annually, often with little by way of resources and connections. As a result, India’s slum-dwelling population now exceeds 70 million.
     For an additional 14 Challenges for 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 India.

The Seven Union Territories

India

See Prayer Information

Challenge for Prayer

Lakshadweep is made up of twelve coral atolls and 36 islands in the Arabian Sea. Its 32 sq kms are home to over 73,217 people. Over 98% of the population are devotedly Muslim; the rest are Hindu and Christian immigrants from the mainland. No long-term ministry to these Malayali-speaking Muslims has ever been permitted or openly attempted.
     For an additional Challenge for 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 The Seven Union Territories.
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Isaiah 21 (New International Version)





Isaiah 21

A Prophecy Against Babylon

1 An oracle concerning the Desert by the Sea: Like whirlwinds sweeping through the southland, an invader comes from the desert, from a land of terror.
2 A dire vision has been shown to me: The traitor betrays, the looter takes loot. Elam, attack! Media, lay siege! I will bring to an end all the groaning she caused.

3 At this my body is racked with pain, pangs seize me, like those of a woman in labor; I am staggered by what I hear, I am bewildered by what I see.

4 My heart falters, fear makes me tremble; the twilight I longed for has become a horror to me.

5 They set the tables, they spread the rugs, they eat, they drink! Get up, you officers, oil the shields!

6 This is what the Lord says to me: "Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.

7 When he sees chariots with teams of horses, riders on donkeys or riders on camels, let him be alert, fully alert."

8 And the lookout [a] shouted, "Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; every night I stay at my post.

9 Look, here comes a man in a chariot with a team of horses. And he gives back the answer: 'Babylon has fallen, has fallen! All the images of its gods lie shattered on the ground!' "

10 O my people, crushed on the threshing floor, I tell you what I have heard from the LORD Almighty, from the God of Israel.

A Prophecy Against Edom

11 An oracle concerning Dumah [b] : Someone calls to me from Seir, "Watchman, what is left of the night? Watchman, what is left of the night?"
12 The watchman replies, "Morning is coming, but also the night. If you would ask, then ask; and come back yet again."

A Prophecy Against Arabia

13 An oracle concerning Arabia: You caravans of Dedanites, who camp in the thickets of Arabia,
14 bring water for the thirsty; you who live in Tema, bring food for the fugitives.

15 They flee from the sword, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow and from the heat of battle.

16 This is what the Lord says to me: "Within one year, as a servant bound by contract would count it, all the pomp of Kedar will come to an end. 17 The survivors of the bowmen, the warriors of Kedar, will be few." The LORD, the God of Israel, has spoken.
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Proverbs 4 (New International Version)





Proverbs 4

Wisdom Is Supreme

1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

3 When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,

4 he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.

6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, [a] get understanding.

8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

9 She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."

10 Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.

11 I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.

15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.

16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.

17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

20 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.

21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;

22 for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.

23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

24 Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.

26 Make level [b] paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.

27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
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Psalm 37 (New International Version)





Psalm 37

Of David.

1 [a] Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

9 For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.

11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;

13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.

15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

16 Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;

17 for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

18 The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.

19 In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20 But the wicked will perish: The LORD's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish—vanish like smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;

22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.

23 If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;

24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.

27 Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.

28 For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

29 the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.

32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives;

33 but the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,

36 but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future [b] for the man of peace.

38 But all sinners will be destroyed; the future [c] of the wicked will be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

40 The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
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    Wednesday, July 3, 2013

    AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for India - Uttarakhand, West Bengal

    Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
    Home > Jul 03: India, Uttarakhand, West Bengal

    Jul 03: India, Uttarakhand, West Bengal

    India, Uttarakhand, West Bengal

    India

    Republic of India

    Asia

    See Prayer Information

    Geography

    Area: 3,166,000 sq km
    A further 121,000 sq km of Kashmir, a contested area, is administered by Pakistan and China. Geographically and politically, India dominates South Asia and the Indian Ocean. There are 28 Union States and 7 Union Territories.
    Population: 1,214,464,312    Annual Growth: 1.44%
    Capital: Delhi
    Urbanites: 30.1%
    HDI Rank: 134 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

    Peoples

    Peoples: 2,533 (88% unreached) All peoples
    Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

    Official language: Constitutionally there are 22 official languages. The official language is Hindi (spoken by 40% of the population). English is a subsidiary official language    Languages: 456 All languages

    Religion

    Largest Religion: Hinduism
    Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
    Christians71,011,0005.843.7
    Evangelicals26,290,2832.23.9
    Hinduism902,711,32374.33 
    Prayercast

    Challenge for Prayer

    Ministry among the Dalits is one of the defining issues for the 21st Century Church, despite being a very complex one. The centuries-long oppression of these peoples is being made right, and Christians are at the forefront of such efforts. While the opportunity remains to reach up to 300 million with the gospel through compassionate ministry, Dalit issues extend beyond evangelism into human rights, development, education, economic empowerment and community transformation. Specific points for prayer:
    a) The Church, which is itself comprised mostly of people from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, has a rare opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ unhindered by caste, race, language and economic status. Initial enthusiasm for this cause could easily wane if it is treated as opportunistic capitalization rather than as biblical compassion and justice. For the gospel to be seen as valid, Dalits must be treated as equals in the Church.
    b) Dalits are a highly diverse grouping of many races, languages and all major religions, and they have sociological and economic hierarchies even among themselves. Any ministry to Dalits must take into account the unique status and context of each group.
    c) The Dalit Freedom Network, the primary advocate for this challenge in India, addresses issues related to Dalit rights and freedoms.
         For an additional 14 Challenges for 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 India.

    Uttarakhand

    India

    See Prayer Information

    Challenge for Prayer

    Many barriers stand between the people of Uttarakhand and the flourishing of the gospel. Pray that the Lord of hosts might break down the following barriers between the people of this state and Himself:
    a) Religion and culture. Hindus are 85% of the population. Uttarakhand is home to some of Hinduism’s most holy pilgrimage sites – Haridwar (host of the Kumbh Mela), Badrinath, Kedarnath and others attract millions of pilgrims each year. A holy Sikh shrine also attracts many visitors. The people of Uttarakhand claim to be guardians of the gods’ land and are therefore very resistant to the gospel. Pray that both the native peoples and the pilgrims who come seeking release from the cycle of suffering will find it in Jesus.
    b) Spiritual forces. This region is known for mixing animism with Hinduism, especially in Gahrwal. Occult practices and magic abound among these people, with their ardent belief in the power of spirits.
    c) Caste. Uttarakhand’s population is largely upper caste, dominated by Rajput (70%) and Brahmin (20%). Christians who minister here must be fluent in Hindi and local languages and able to present the gospel in enlightened, more intellectual ways; methods used to reach oppressed Dalits and tribals will probably accomplish very little.
         For an additional 3 Challenges for 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 Uttarakhand.

    West Bengal

    India

    See Prayer Information

    Challenge for Prayer

    Christians are less than 1% of the population, numbering 610,000 based on census figures. Nominalism remains a problem in many churches. Of Christians, 90% come from poor and marginalized communities. But hope is growing:
    a) Prayer has yielded an increased response with significant key conversions and a new vision in some denominations to plant congregations where there are none.
    b) The number of denominations and agencies at work is approaching 200. Some have grown very rapidly. National Fellowship, a mission that started in 1989, now has over 700 workers and volunteers. A rising number of these agencies focus on unreached areas and peoples in West Bengal.
    c) Praise God for a new colloquial Bengali Bible translation and for the growth of Christian radio in the region.
         For an additional 3 Challenges for 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 West Bengal.
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    Isaiah 20 (New International Version)





    Isaiah 20

    A Prophecy Against Egypt and Cush

    1 In the year that the supreme commander, sent by Sargon king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and attacked and captured it- 2 at that time the LORD spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said to him, "Take off the sackcloth from your body and the sandals from your feet." And he did so, going around stripped and barefoot.
    3 Then the LORD said, "Just as my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush, [a] 4 so the king of Assyria will lead away stripped and barefoot the Egyptian captives and Cushite exiles, young and old, with buttocks bared—to Egypt's shame. 5 Those who trusted in Cush and boasted in Egypt will be afraid and put to shame. 6 In that day the people who live on this coast will say, 'See what has happened to those we relied on, those we fled to for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?' "
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    Proverbs 3 (New International Version)



    Proverbs 3 (New International Version)

    Proverbs 3

    Further Benefits of Wisdom

    1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
    2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

    3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

    4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

    5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

    6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. [a]

    7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

    8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

    9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;

    10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

    11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke,

    12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father [b] the son he delights in.

    13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,

    14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.

    15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

    16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

    17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.

    18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

    19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;

    20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

    21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;

    22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.

    23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble;

    24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

    25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

    26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

    27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.

    28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"— when you now have it with you.

    29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.

    30 Do not accuse a man for no reason— when he has done you no harm.

    31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,

    32 for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.

    33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

    34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

    35 The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.
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    Psalm 36 (New International Version)




    Psalm 36

    For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD.

    1 An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: [a] There is no fear of God before his eyes.
    2 For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.

    3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good.

    4 Even on his bed he plots evil; he commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject what is wrong.

    5 Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.

    6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.

    7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find [b] refuge in the shadow of your wings.

    8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.

    9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

    10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.

    11 May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

    12 See how the evildoers lie fallen— thrown down, not able to rise!
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    Tuesday, July 2, 2013

    AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for India -Tripura, Uttar Pradesh

    Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
    Home > Jul 02: India, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh

    Jul 02: India, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh

    India, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh

    India

    Republic of India

    Asia

    See Prayer Information

    Geography

    Area: 3,166,000 sq km
    A further 121,000 sq km of Kashmir, a contested area, is administered by Pakistan and China. Geographically and politically, India dominates South Asia and the Indian Ocean. There are 28 Union States and 7 Union Territories.
    Population: 1,214,464,312    Annual Growth: 1.44%
    Capital: Delhi
    Urbanites: 30.1%
    HDI Rank: 134 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

    Peoples

    Peoples: 2,533 (88% unreached) All peoples
    Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

    Official language: Constitutionally there are 22 official languages. The official language is Hindi (spoken by 40% of the population). English is a subsidiary official language    Languages: 456 All languages

    Religion

    Largest Religion: Hinduism
    Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
    Christians71,011,0005.843.7
    Evangelicals26,290,2832.23.9
    Hinduism902,711,32374.33 
    Prayercast

    Challenge for Prayer

    The growth of Indian cross-cultural outreach agencies – in number, size and maturity – is remarkable and has occurred despite increasingly intense opposition in many cases. In 1973, there were 420 missionaries. In 2009, India Missions Association (IMA) alone represented over 235 organizations and 40,000 missionaries. Encouraging progress has also been made in upgrading training, improving the quality of ministry, planning strategically, setting goals, initializing research and partnering with others. Pray for:
    a) Indian mission-agency networking structures. These play a key role in furthering cooperation, setting goals and facilitating fellowship. IMA is the main one, along with National Prayer and Church Transformation Initiative, UP Network, BORN, CONS and others.
    b) An increase in effective research. Numerous agencies research India’s harvest fields and harvest force. The OMID database, IMA and several associated members gathered data on each state, city, language, people group and even Pincode zone of India. Never before has there been such clarity about the unfinished task! Pray for ongoing research initiatives, which need to move from quantitative data to missiological strategy. Pray also for the effectiveness of the research in helping churches to visualize and fulfil the Great Commission.
    c) The Asian Theological Association-India and the Indian Institute of Missiology, which accredit, facilitate and network mission-training schools. There are over 150 such schools; almost all started since 1980. IET started 27 of these.
    d) The mission agencies themselves, for their leadership to be strategic, for provision of pastoral care and support to their workers, for fruitfulness in ministry and for spiritual unity. Newer, emerging missions are approaching the size and impact of older, established agencies.
    e) Indian missionaries serving in other lands number over 500. Living costs for them are much higher and support is difficult to raise, given the immense need within India itself. Pray for provision of all of their needs. Reverse mission is becoming more common – such as Mizo Christians sending missionaries to the Welsh, who evangelized them in the 19th Century.
    f) OM graduates. OM's impact through implanting a missions vision is vast. The Association of OM Graduates links together 40,000 full-time Christian workers. Many of these lead some of the most effective agencies in India today.
    g) A widening of ministry to other needy sections of the population. Hitherto, half the cross-cultural missionaries worked among tribal groups, and many of the rest among the downtrodden, marginalized or needy sections of the population. Few today work among the urban middle class and the higher castes. This needs to change, but most workers feel inadequately prepared for such challenges.
    h) Better and closer relationships between local churches and mission agencies. Many mission agencies are supported by multi-congregational, informal prayer networks. Because greater accountability is needed between field workers and sending churches, mobilizing churches for more involvement is an increasing need. Publications by IMA and Mission Educational Books help churches gain mission awareness.
    i) Expatriates serving in India now number only 1,000. Visas are increasingly difficult to arrange; student, business and medical visas are the best way forward, when done with authentic engagement in those disciplines. Some specialized roles could be filled by expatriates, for example in support of existing Indian ministries pioneering in sections of the population not easily reached by indigenous workers. International advocates are needed to adopt people groups and areas and to raise prayer support.
         For an additional 14 Challenges for 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 India.

    Tripura

    India

    See Prayer Information

    Challenge for Prayer

    Christians have been persecuted by animists and by extremist Hindu groups. Of late, there have been attacks as well as false propaganda against the Church, accusing it of collusion with rebel groups. Pray that Christians might walk blamelessly in a region of strife and resentment and continue to express and demonstrate the love and grace of Christ, even to their accusers and persecutors.
         For an additional 3 Challenges for 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 Tripura.

    Uttar Pradesh

    India

    See Prayer Information

    Challenge for Prayer

    The scale of human need and suffering is immense. Cities are crowded and polluted. Rural areas have no amenities, little infrastructure or power, and a severe shortage of health care facilities. Water-borne diseases are widespread. The large majority of the world’s polio cases occur in Uttar Pradesh. The majority of children are undernourished. In the political arena, poor governance, corruption and short-term mentalities combine to stunt progress. Pray that the gospel might be made manifest in easing suffering and righting wrongs.
         For an additional 4 Challenges for 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 Uttar Pradesh.
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    Isaiah 19 (New International Version)




    Isaiah 19

    A Prophecy About Egypt

    1 An oracle concerning Egypt: See, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt within them.
    2 "I will stir up Egyptian against Egyptian— brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom.

    3 The Egyptians will lose heart, and I will bring their plans to nothing; they will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead, the mediums and the spiritists.

    4 I will hand the Egyptians over to the power of a cruel master, and a fierce king will rule over them," declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.

    5 The waters of the river will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and dry.

    6 The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will dwindle and dry up. The reeds and rushes will wither,

    7 also the plants along the Nile, at the mouth of the river. Every sown field along the Nile will become parched, will blow away and be no more.

    8 The fishermen will groan and lament, all who cast hooks into the Nile; those who throw nets on the water will pine away.

    9 Those who work with combed flax will despair, the weavers of fine linen will lose hope.

    10 The workers in cloth will be dejected, and all the wage earners will be sick at heart.

    11 The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, "I am one of the wise men, a disciple of the ancient kings"?

    12 Where are your wise men now? Let them show you and make known what the LORD Almighty has planned against Egypt.

    13 The officials of Zoan have become fools, the leaders of Memphis [a] are deceived; the cornerstones of her peoples have led Egypt astray.

    14 The LORD has poured into them a spirit of dizziness; they make Egypt stagger in all that she does, as a drunkard staggers around in his vomit.

    15 There is nothing Egypt can do— head or tail, palm branch or reed.

    16 In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will shudder with fear at the uplifted hand that the LORD Almighty raises against them. 17 And the land of Judah will bring terror to the Egyptians; everyone to whom Judah is mentioned will be terrified, because of what the LORD Almighty is planning against them.

    18 In that day five cities in Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD Almighty. One of them will be called the City of Destruction. [b]

    19 In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the LORD at its border. 20 It will be a sign and witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them. 21 So the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and keep them. 22 The LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them.

    23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. 24 In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. 25 The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance."
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    Proverbs 2 (New International Version



    )

    Proverbs 2

    Moral Benefits of Wisdom

    1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
    2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,

    3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,

    4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,

    5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

    6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

    7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

    8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

    9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.

    10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

    11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

    12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,

    13 who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways,

    14 who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,

    15 whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.

    16 It will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words,

    17 who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. [a]

    18 For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead.

    19 None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.

    20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous.

    21 For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;

    22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
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      Psalm 35 (New International Version)



      Psalm 35 (New International Version)

      Psalm 35

      Of David.

      1 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.
      2 Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid.

      3 Brandish spear and javelin [a] against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation."

      4 May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay.

      5 May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away;

      6 may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.

      7 Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me,

      8 may ruin overtake them by surprise— may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.

      9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation.

      10 My whole being will exclaim, "Who is like you, O LORD ? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them."

      11 Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about.

      12 They repay me evil for good and leave my soul forlorn.

      13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,

      14 I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.

      15 But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee; attackers gathered against me when I was unaware. They slandered me without ceasing.

      16 Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked [b] ; they gnashed their teeth at me.

      17 O Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my life from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.

      18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.

      19 Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause; let not those who hate me without reason maliciously wink the eye.

      20 They do not speak peaceably, but devise false accusations against those who live quietly in the land.

      21 They gape at me and say, "Aha! Aha! With our own eyes we have seen it."

      22 O LORD, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from me, O Lord.

      23 Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord.

      24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, O LORD my God; do not let them gloat over me.

      25 Do not let them think, "Aha, just what we wanted!" or say, "We have swallowed him up."

      26 May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace.

      27 May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, "The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant."

      28 My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.
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      Monday, July 1, 2013

      AFWIS Joins Operation World in Prayer for India - Sikkim, Tamil Nadu

      Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
      Home > Jul 01: India, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu

      Jul 01: India, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu

      India, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu

      India

      Republic of India

      Asia

      See Prayer Information

      Geography

      Area: 3,166,000 sq km
      A further 121,000 sq km of Kashmir, a contested area, is administered by Pakistan and China. Geographically and politically, India dominates South Asia and the Indian Ocean. There are 28 Union States and 7 Union Territories.
      Population: 1,214,464,312    Annual Growth: 1.44%
      Capital: Delhi
      Urbanites: 30.1%
      HDI Rank: 134 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

      Peoples

      Peoples: 2,533 (88% unreached) All peoples
      Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

      Official language: Constitutionally there are 22 official languages. The official language is Hindi (spoken by 40% of the population). English is a subsidiary official language    Languages: 456 All languages

      Religion

      Largest Religion: Hinduism
      Religion               Pop %Ann Gr
      Christians71,011,0005.843.7
      Evangelicals26,290,2832.23.9
      Hinduism902,711,32374.33 
      Prayercast

      Challenge for Prayer

      Training Christian workers is an important need that is immediately urgent and essential in the long term. The life and health of the Church depend on the proper development of pastors, teachers, evangelists and missionaries. In churches, poor discipling and lack of teaching and modelling of biblical life and leadership are problems. India’s strong philosophical tradition and religious, cultural and ethnic diversity make adequate training crucial, but most workers are sent out with very little specific preparation for their ministry context. There are over 100,000 full-time workers in India; about half are pastoring local churches. There is, on average, one trained pastor for every six congregations. Pray for:
      a) Degree-level seminaries, which now number over 100; praise God for the multiplication of these! There are three accrediting agencies – Senate of Serampore College, Asia Theological Association and Indian Institute of Missiology. Many of these seminaries are theologically evangelical. The number of seminary graduates opting for missionary service, however, is decreasing. Pray for an increasing stream of well-trained, spiritually passionate workers with a burden for effective ministry in their nation.
      b) Bible schools number over 1,000 and are doubling in number every 10 years. Evangelical institutions are full. Bible schools are moving from merely teaching theology to giving practical skills for ministry, particularly for church planting.
      c) Training centres for indigenous workers play a significant role. Set up largely for church planters, these number over 100 (FMPB, IEM, OM, ICRM, GEMS, Missions India, Seva Bharat, Operation Agape, others). GFA has set up 55 such centres, with 7,000 currently receiving training.
      d) New, creative ways for multiplying leaders must be developed. The need is greater than what residential institutions can produce, and 90% of pastors lack access to adequate theological training. Also, residential institutions must move beyond a Western maintenance model that has minimal impact on the non-Christian majority. Thankfully, there is a growing stream of non-formal education that is looking at how to address this challenge.
      e) Training Christians – those outside of the traditional roles of pastor, evangelist and missionary – to be effective witnesses and ministers is essential. The Indian Church must learn to have a greater impact in the workplace, especially in the newer areas of IT, business and such.
      f) The house/cell church movement is rapidly spreading in many parts of the country, with estimates of up to 100,000 such gatherings. These movements are proving culturally appropriate, affordable, biblically authentic and very effective.
      g) The South Asia Bible Commentary will be a boon to potentially hundreds of thousands of pastors, lay leaders and students.
           For an additional 14 Challenges for 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 India.

      Sikkim

      India

      See Prayer Information

      Challenge for Prayer

      The Church in Sikkim consists mostly of Lepcha people, first reached in the 19th Century. It is growing rapidly, from 7,000 people in 1981 to 53,000 in 2002, and significantly more in 2010. Evangelical Presbyterians are the main denomination, but the Church of North India, Pentecostals, Baptists and Independent groups also minister. Praise God for dozens of new congregations established annually in what was traditionally a Buddhist stronghold – and for the inclusion of former Buddhist monks and religious leaders among the numbers of those saved.
           For an additional 3 Challenges for 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 Sikkim.

      Tamil Nadu

      India

      See Prayer Information

      Challenge for Prayer

      Christians continue to grow, and at rates greater than official statistics would imply. Pentecostal and charismatic groups are increasing especially rapidly. Chennai in particular enjoys a significant Christian presence. The large majority of this outreach and growth occurs among Dalit and tribal peoples. Pray for:
      a) Tamil Nadu’s brilliant legacy of establishing Christian ministries and sending missionaries. Many Christian organizations throughout India have been founded by Tamils. Pray that mission vision and outreach may continue to be important parts of Tamil Nadu Christianity.
      b) Christian training and leadership. Tamil Nadu has many training opportunities available, from Bible schools to less formal systems, including short-term courses. Pray for the effective training of pastors, lay leaders and missionaries.
      c) The complications of money.
           i Sponsorship and assistance from outside sources can affect decision making, values and motivation. “Successful” ministries will see greater income for both ministry and minister. Pray that those in Kingdom service might not be swayed by such influences.
           ii The reservation system gives greater chances of education, employment and social benefits to Dalits and tribals who remain in – or reconvert back to – Hinduism. Choosing to follow Christ therefore has serious implications for Dalits, especially if Christians fail to provide assistance and opportunities for these generally impoverished people.
           For an additional 3 Challenges for 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 Tamil Nadu.
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      Isaiah 19 (New International Version)





      Isaiah 19

      A Prophecy About Egypt

      1 An oracle concerning Egypt: See, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him, and the hearts of the Egyptians melt within them.
      2 "I will stir up Egyptian against Egyptian— brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom.

      3 The Egyptians will lose heart, and I will bring their plans to nothing; they will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead, the mediums and the spiritists.

      4 I will hand the Egyptians over to the power of a cruel master, and a fierce king will rule over them," declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.

      5 The waters of the river will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and dry.

      6 The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will dwindle and dry up. The reeds and rushes will wither,

      7 also the plants along the Nile, at the mouth of the river. Every sown field along the Nile will become parched, will blow away and be no more.

      8 The fishermen will groan and lament, all who cast hooks into the Nile; those who throw nets on the water will pine away.

      9 Those who work with combed flax will despair, the weavers of fine linen will lose hope.

      10 The workers in cloth will be dejected, and all the wage earners will be sick at heart.

      11 The officials of Zoan are nothing but fools; the wise counselors of Pharaoh give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, "I am one of the wise men, a disciple of the ancient kings"?

      12 Where are your wise men now? Let them show you and make known what the LORD Almighty has planned against Egypt.

      13 The officials of Zoan have become fools, the leaders of Memphis [a] are deceived; the cornerstones of her peoples have led Egypt astray.

      14 The LORD has poured into them a spirit of dizziness; they make Egypt stagger in all that she does, as a drunkard staggers around in his vomit.

      15 There is nothing Egypt can do— head or tail, palm branch or reed.

      16 In that day the Egyptians will be like women. They will shudder with fear at the uplifted hand that the LORD Almighty raises against them. 17 And the land of Judah will bring terror to the Egyptians; everyone to whom Judah is mentioned will be terrified, because of what the LORD Almighty is planning against them.

      18 In that day five cities in Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD Almighty. One of them will be called the City of Destruction. [b]

      19 In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the LORD at its border. 20 It will be a sign and witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them. 21 So the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and keep them. 22 The LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them.

      23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. 24 In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. 25 The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance."
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      Psalm 34 (New International Version)



      Psalm 34 (New International Version)

      Psalm 34

      Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left.

      1 [a] I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
      2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

      3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

      4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

      5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

      6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

      7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

      8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

      9 Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.

      10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

      11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

      12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,

      13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.

      14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

      15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;

      16 the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

      17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

      18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

      19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;

      20 he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

      21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

      22 The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
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      Sunday, June 30, 2013

      Isaiah 18 (New International Version)





      Isaiah 18

      A Prophecy Against Cush

      1 Woe to the land of whirring wings [a] along the rivers of Cush, [b]
      2 which sends envoys by sea in papyrus boats over the water. Go, swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned, to a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers.

      3 All you people of the world, you who live on the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you will see it, and when a trumpet sounds, you will hear it.

      4 This is what the LORD says to me: "I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place, like shimmering heat in the sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest."

      5 For, before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape, he will cut off the shoots with pruning knives, and cut down and take away the spreading branches.

      6 They will all be left to the mountain birds of prey and to the wild animals; the birds will feed on them all summer, the wild animals all winter.

      7 At that time gifts will be brought to the LORD Almighty from a people tall and smooth-skinned, from a people feared far and wide, an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers— the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the LORD Almighty.
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      Proverbs 30 (New International Version)





      Proverbs 30

      Sayings of Agur

      1 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an oracle [a] : This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal: [b]
      2 "I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding.

      3 I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

      4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!

      5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

      6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

      7 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:

      8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

      9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

      10 "Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.

      11 "There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers;

      12 those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth;

      13 those whose eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful;

      14 those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from among mankind.

      15 "The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!':

      16 the grave, [c] the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, 'Enough!'

      17 "The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.

      18 "There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand:

      19 the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.

      20 "This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, 'I've done nothing wrong.'

      21 "Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:

      22 a servant who becomes king, a fool who is full of food,

      23 an unloved woman who is married, and a maidservant who displaces her mistress.

      24 "Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:

      25 Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;

      26 coneys [d] are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;

      27 locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks;

      28 a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings' palaces.

      29 "There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing:

      30 a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing;

      31 a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army around him. [e]

      32 "If you have played the fool and exalted yourself, or if you have planned evil, clap your hand over your mouth!

      33 For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife."
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      Psalm 33 (New International Version)





      Psalm 33

      1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

      2 Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

      3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

      4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

      5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

      6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

      7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars [a] ; he puts the deep into storehouses.

      8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.

      9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

      10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

      11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

      12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

      13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;

      14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-

      15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

      16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.

      17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.

      18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

      19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

      20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

      21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

      22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
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