A Journey Through The Alliance Vision Prayer | Week 3

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Week 3

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Intercessor Guide

O God, with all our hearts, we long for you. Come, transform us to be Christ-centred, Spirit-empowered, Mission-focused people, multiplying disciples everywhere.

Day 1

Bible Readings:

2 Corinthians 3:3–18; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 3:20–21

Reflection Questions:

• How is praying “come transform us” similar to the Lord’s Prayer, “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”?
• In what ways has your relationship with Jesus changed your life?
• When you pray for yourself and your church, how do you exhibit faith, hope, and imagination?

Prayer Prompts:

• That we would be grateful for all that Jesus has done in our lives and churches.
• That our gratitude for the past transformation we’ve experienced would fuel the desire for ongoing growth into the image of Jesus.
• That we would pursue the metamorphosis that Jesus has in store for us, even that which can only come through loss, hardship, challenge, and sorrow.
• That the lives of God’s people would be a clear demonstration and witness of the love, power, and grace of God to the Urak Lawoi.

Listening Prayer:

• Jesus, what MORE do you have in mind for me, my church, and The Alliance Canada?

Urak Lawoi:

Urak Lawoi (pronounced: oo-rak lah-woi) means “Sea People,” Their way of life is genuinely linked to the ocean. Since migrating to Thailand from Malaysia by boat many generations ago, the Urak Lawoi communities have sustained themselves fishing. The men weave nets, build traps, and dive for fish, while the women collect shellfish in low tide. They are a family-oriented people concerned with preserving their traditional way of life amidst the threat of decreased fish populations (loss of traditional jobs) and increased globalization. Because of this, they hold tightly to their religion, a mixture of animism, ancestor worship, and Buddhism. They are open to the Gospel, but few decide to submit to Christ based on the customs of family and culture.

There are no known Urak Lawoi outside Southern Thailand.

Pray with us:

Our Loving Lord, would you bless these people with messengers of the Gospel who will live lovingly among them and share their lives, becoming part of their community. Immanuel, God with us, live through your ambassadors in meaningful and powerful ways as they come alongside the Urak Lawoi. Let the song of the Lord arise from an ever-increasing community of faith. Bless them with a new song on their lips, with praise to their God. Amen.

Day 2

Bible Readings:

Romans 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 2:6–16

Reflection Questions:

• What patterns of the world are most tempting for you to conform to?
• In what ways does Christ change your perspective on these worldly patterns?
• What might it look like for you to be transformed by renewing your mind so that you become Christ-centred in your thinking?

Prayer Prompts:

• That we would be transformed by the hope of what God has prepared for those who love him, and that he would reveal this hope to us by his Spirit.
• That all our thinking would be aligned with Christ.
• That the patterns of the world would no longer entice us, but instead, we would be captivated by the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
• That the Spirit would reveal to South Asian Diaspora the riches of Christ so that they would turn to him.

Listening Prayer:

• Jesus, what is one way that my mind still needs to be renewed and transformed so that it aligns with yours?

South Asian Diaspora:

Highly collectivistic and communal, over 5 million South Asians work as labourers in the Arabian Gulf: Indians, Pakistanis, Nepalis, Bangladeshis, and Sri Lankans. The majority work and live in extremely demanding conditions while remitting up to 80% of their poverty-level earnings to their loved ones back home. Yet, they are hospitable and generous with guests, exemplifying a spirit of resilience.  There are many Christian fellowships among Indians, with over 10% believers. However, less than 1% of the other countries represented are believers, with very few Christian fellowships. The Muslim host culture is not receptive to the Gospel to the point of rejection and hostility.

Around 2 million South Asians live in Canada.

Pray with us:

Father, we bless South Asians in the Arabian Gulf. We ask that they are treated justly and fairly in their workplaces. Satisfy them with your rest. Give them a deep understanding of your great love for them. We ask you to bless them with dreams and visions to show that you are a good Father.

We bless them with open hearts to the flood of your mighty love. We pray Muslims would have open eyes to see Jesus as the ultimate expression of your great love for them.

May they come to understand that you deeply care for and desire them. Come Lord Jesus and soothe their wounded souls. Let love’s grip dissolve their reserve, woo them, and draw them into your goodness. Amen.

Day 3

Bible Readings:

Genesis 28:10–22; 33:1–11; 35:1–3; 49:1–10

Reflection Questions:

• As you reflect on the transformation of Jacob, from one who stole the blessing to one who blessed his sons and the nations, what strikes you?
• What has been your journey of transformation? What chapters do you still long for God to write?
• Are there any broken relationships that you need God to transform? What is your role?
• How do you still need to be transformed so that you can pass on a blessing to your family and the world?

Prayer Prompts:

• That we would all have transformational encounters with God like Jacob.
• That God would transform our perspective so that we can see his face where we would least expect it.
• That God would go before us into our broken relationships to make reconciliation possible.
• That God would take the Tuareg on a journey of transformation into the likeness of Christ.

Listening Prayer:

• Jesus, what is the next step you have for me in my transformation journey?

Tuareg:

Founded under Queen Tin Hinan, the Tuaregs are traditionally monogamous, semi-nomadic herders and warriors. Tuaregs are called the “blue people” of the desert due to their indigo-coloured clothing, which stains their skin. They are also known as the “veiled ones,” since men wear turbans. Tuaregs have their traditional script called Tifinagh, and different regions have their traditional crosses, used as a charm for protection against evil.

In Niger, their population is 2.6 million, though there are possibly only a dozen Tuaregs in Canada. Islam is the main religion, and there are only a handful of scattered local fellowships among the Tuaregs. New believers face being ostracized from all family members, including forced divorce if married. Audio and oral Bible teachings play a vital role among the largely illiterate Tuaregs.

Pray with us:

Father, we praise you for the vibrant culture you have given Tuaregs. As seeds are sown through audio and oral Bible teachings, we bless them with open hearts to receive your Gospel. Thank you for calling the Tuaregs to be free. We bless them with Holy Spirit’s presence. Bless them with complete freedom in Christ. We bless Tuareg believers with humble unity and a deeper life in Christ.

May Tuareg Christians be a witness to those around them that many would know of your love. Amen

Day 4

Bible Readings:

Genesis 37:12–20; 41:1–16, 33–40; 45:1–11

Reflection Questions:

• As you reflect on the transformation of Joseph, what strikes you?
• Are there points of similarity between your journey of transformation and Joseph’s journey?
• What are the dreams you are still waiting for God to fulfill? Can you see ways that God is transforming you in the process of waiting?

Prayer Prompts:

• That God would redeem the suffering in our lives to bring about the fulfillment of his dreams for us.
• That God’s transforming work in us would have a transforming impact that brings blessing to the world.
• That our hearts would be transformed so thoroughly that we could forgive those who have hurt us deeply.
• That God would transform the suffering of the Uyghur into a great harvest of salvation.

Listening Prayer:

• Jesus, how are you currently at work transforming me to prepare me for the fulfillment of your purposes?
• How can I partner with you in this transformation?

Uyghur:

Most Uyghurs, about 12 million, live in Northwest China. A small number live in the Central Asian republics with a combined 300,000. Of these populations, 0.01% are Christians. It is hard to know the extent of Christianity due to present persecution. Local fellowships are scattered and have gone underground. Most of the population is disinterested, resistant, and opposed to the Gospel as they struggle to hold on to their culture and religion.

The Uyghur are a Turkic people group who are hospitable and love music and dance. Their community celebrations are always lively! These joys have been limited by the increasing restrictions on their religious and cultural practices.

Canada is home to 2,000 Uyghurs.

Pray with us:

Almighty God, thank you for designing and creating the Uyghurs to express your glory. Would you bless them with courage and tenacity to sustain them through present trials? We pray that the advance of the Gospel will not be impeded. May they call out to Yahweh during the current persecution. In their terror, would you meet them as the Eternal God of love? Bless them with justice, with opportunities to hear the Gospel, and scheduled encounters with Jesus during this time of suffering.  May our Christian brothers and sisters remain firm in their faith and share your hope with these struggling people. Hear the cries of your creation and bless them with peace. Amen.

Day 5

Bible Readings:

2 Samuel 24:1–25; Psalm 51:1–6; Matthew 3:8

Reflection Questions:

• How might God want to redeem your sins to transform you more into someone after his heart?
• Does the way you deal with your sin demonstrate deep repentance? Does your repentance cost you something, or is it just words?
• What fruit do you observe of the transformation in your life in how you respond after you have sinned? Do you quickly sense the conviction of the Spirit?

Prayer Prompts:

• That our consciences would be sensitive to the conviction of the Spirit when we have sinned.
• That we would be willing to assume the consequences of our sin and not try to hide or defer blame to others.
• That our desire to be in the right relationship with God and one another would compel us to make restitution for the wrongs we have committed.
• That God would soften the hearts of the Chinese Diaspora in Mexico to make them receptive to his invitation to be forgiven.

Listening Prayer:

• Jesus, is there any hidden sin that you want to expose as part of your ongoing transformation in my heart?

Chinese Diaspora in Mexico:

The Han Chinese are the world’s largest ethnic group, and although the majority live in mainland China, significant populations are reported in 62 countries worldwide. Less than 2% of the Chinese diaspora in Mexico are Christian.

Thankfully there is some receptivity to the Gospel. The Joshua Project reports that there are about 1,268,000 Chinese that call Canada home, and about 8% of them are evangelical Christians. Most Chinese are either atheist or Buddhist.

Pray with us:

Jesus, we thank you that when you were on earth, you journeyed through all the towns and villages, teaching, proclaiming the good news, and healing people. Would you send your Spirit to every village, town, and city the Chinese call home and draw them onto the narrow path towards you.

We bless the Chinese to come to know you as saviour. We pray for the blessing of surrender for those on the journey towards you. Lord, bless them by sending workers to proclaim the good news to the Chinese wherever they live. Amen.

Day 6

Bible Readings:

John 17:20–26; 1 Cor. 1:10–17; John 13:35

Reflection Questions:

• What would it look like for you to join in the prayer of Jesus for unity among believers? How is this prayer an expression of God’s love?
• How will our ongoing transformation into Christ-centred people lead us into greater humility and enable us to live in unity with others?
• How will our love for one another reveal Jesus to all?

Prayer Prompts:

• That the Body of Christ would be brought to complete unity to let the world know that the Father has sent Jesus because of his love for them.
• That the love of God would transform us to be so Christ-centred that we can love others no matter what.
• That each people group we’ve prayed for this week (Urak Lawoi, South Asian Diaspora, Tuareg, Uyghur, Chinese Diaspora in Mexico) would see the love of God in his people in such a way that they could trust in his love for them.

Listening Prayer:

• Jesus, how are you inviting me to join in your prayer for unity among your people?
• How can I be part of the answer to your prayer?