2013 Week 36

Psalm 118:5-9; Psalm 118:28-29 (New International Version)

5 When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;
    he brought me into a spacious place.
6 The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?
7 The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
    I look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in humans.
9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in princes.

28 You are my God, and I will praise you;
    you are my God, and I will exalt you.
29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

                                 Psalm 118:5-9, 28-29

1.  Pray that we will indeed find refuge in Him through all the circumstances of life that He allows us to go through.  Praise Him for his goodness to us and his enduring love.  He is indeed our strength and our song and has become our salvation (v. 14).

2.  Please continue to pray for the building project as we are still facing many challenges.  Main areas of concern are still the financial needs, construction completion, leasing, and preparation of occupancy by NYCBC.  Please refer to the iPray building project newsletter for more updated info and prayer items.  Pray for the CSC fund-raising Music Night with Hong Kong celebrity vocalist, Agnes Chiang on September 23.  Continue to uphold in prayer the Construction Project Team as they deal with various issues that rise up on a constant basis.  Pray for wisdom and strength on how to deal with the various situations and for reliance upon Him at all times.  May His name be glorified as we seek to use this building for the furtherance of His kingdom.

3.  Pray for the 2014 Ministry group nomination process as brothers and sisters are being approached to serve in different capacities.  Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send in more labourers.  Pray for availability to use the gifts that He has entrusted to us to serve in the various areas of ministry.  Pray for faith and boldness to step in even when we feel weak or not fully equipped.  Praise the Lord for the many who are offering their service very often in " unofficial capacities".  The Lord who sees what is done in secret will be their reward.

4.  Pray for the ESC Adult School class taught by Paul Zung on Discipling our Emotions.  How do we wisely train our emotions so that we act and react like Christ?  Can one live faithfully while suffering from anxiety and depression?  Pray that as we hear each other's struggles, we will be encouraged to help each other in this area of discipleship which is often overlooked.

5.  Please continue to pray for our Pastoral staff, deacons and core leaders as they plan ahead for the fall programs and prepare for the challenges ahead as we step in a new building.  Pray for casting of a clear vision and deep reliance upon His Spirit to lead us on to the next phase of ministries.  Pray for renewed zeal and commitment to make His Gospel known and seize upon various opportunities around us for ministry.

6.  Pray for our missionaries as they too seek to respond to the Great Commission and make disciples of all nations.  Pray that they will continue to build redemptive relationships and minister to those around them both physically and spiritually.  Pray for an outpouring of God's spirit to bring repentance and open people's eyes to the simple truth of the Gospel.  Pray that the seed sown will find good soil and that people will be drawn closer to Christ and find salvation in Him.

7.  Pray for brothers and sisters enrolled in BSF this fall for the study of the book of Matthew.  Pray for God to reveal Himself to them in His Son and His Word.  Pray for diligence to make time everyday for Him and obedience to respond to the clear teaching concerning the principles of His kingdom and the future.  As Christ is being presented as King of all nations, may they choose to acknowledge Him as King of their life in all things and to confess this allegiance openly before others.

8. Pray for those in need of His comfort and grace right now amidst the difficult circumstances that they might be facing.  Pray for strength to stand firm.  He who invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him has promised us His rest.  Help us Lord to take your yoke and learn from you.