NECF Monthly Prayer Bulletin - February 2012
'I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made … for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity.' (1Tim 2:1-2)
1. Yang Di-Pertuan Agong
Kedah Sultan Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah ibni Sultan Badlishah became the 14th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. This is his second time assuming the position of Yang di-Pertuan Agong., the only king to have done so. At age 84, he is also the oldest Sultan to be crowned king. As Yang di-Pertuan Agong, he is the Supreme Head of the Federation. Let us pray that the Lord would continue to give His Majesty good health and wisdom to rule the Federation fairly and justly.
2. Federal & State Governments
Malaysia has a Federal and thirteen State Governments. The Federal Government's purview includes trade, commerce and industry, foreign affairs, defence, internal security, law and order, physical development (communication and transport), and human development (education, health and medicine) while the State Governments cover lands and mines, Muslim affairs and customs, Native laws and customs, agriculture and forestry, local government and public services, burial grounds, markets and fairs, and licensing of entertainment outlets. The concurrent list covers social welfare, scholarships, town and country planning, drainage and irrigation, housing, culture and sports, public health and water services. Let us pray that both states and federal governments would continue to serve the public with all integrity and accountability in the fear of God. Let us pray that they would succeed to grow the economy and provide greater job opportunities. Let us pray that they would do all they can to eradicate corruption and poverty.
3. Orang Asli
The Orang Asli (OA) are the indigenous minority peoples of Peninsular Malaysia. The name is a Malay term which means "original peoples" or "first peoples". They are divided into 18 sub-ethnic groups generally classified for official purposes under Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay. In September 2011, the Alor Gajah Municipal Council ordered the Machap Umboo OA Settlement Chapel to be demolished. They alleged that the building was illegal. The OA Church decided to challenge the order and the Malacca High Court gave a stay on the demolition order until their case is heard on 23 Feb 2012. Grouses of injustice are also being heard in Kelantan where 13 Temiar Orang Asli staged a peaceful demonstration against increasing encroachment and logging of their land while a group of OA in Johor complained to Suhakam about the Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli (JAKOA) for secretly signing away their land to developers, neglecting their welfare and practicing religious persecution. Pray for the Lord to intervene in the coming court case in Malacca. Pray that OA religious and land rights will be recognised and upheld.
4. Marriage Week International 2012
'What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.' (Mark 10:9)
Sunday, 12 February 2012 has been designated as the day for the global church to collectively celebrate and encourage marriage. It is a campaign under the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) and Marriage Week International. Together with Focus on the Family Malaysia (FOFM), NECF has invited churches to participate in Marriage Week 2012. Churches are encouraged to consider holding a simple ceremony for interested married couples to renew their vows as part of, or after, the Sunday worship service on February 12. FOFM has also developed a fourweek sermon outline on marriage that can be used prior to that Sunday. In addition, a 52-week (one year) Special Edition Couple's Devotional booklet is now available at RM10 per copy from FOFM. Strong, godly marriages and families are the very foundation of a society. Let us pray that churches would respond to this campaign positively. Let us pray that marriages will be strengthen and empowered.
5. NECF Malaysia
National Prayer Consultation
The Prayer Commission will be hosting a National Prayer Consultation from the 21-22 February at Peacehaven Campsite, Genting with the National City & Pastors Fellowship Coordinators to brief and strategize in response to the current situation faced by the church and nation. The Prayer Commission recognizes that the church is living in the defining moment of the nation and prayer is very much needed. Let us pray that God will guide and direct all our City & Pastors Fellowship Coordinators. Let us pray that the church will rise in pray. Let us pray that God will bless this nation.
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