Pray Without Ceasing

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Prayer is a command from God to believers. Please see Luke Chapter 18 verses 1 to 8, 2 verses 36 to 38 and 1^st Thessalonians Chapter 5 verse 18, and Ephesians Chapter 6 verse 18. It is also a platform for making our requests to God.

The content of prayers is very important to God. I am sure that explains why Jesus Christ gave the Church a prayer template in Matthew Chapter 6 verses 5 to 15, Luke Chapter 11 verses 1 to 4 so that believers are not misguided when praying especially so when they are praying against people who hurt them, offended them and made them angry. Nowhere in the Bible did Jesus say that believers should pray against their enemies; asking them to die, be destroyed, or their properties destroyed. Also, the prayer template does not give room for self righteousness as in the case of the two men – the Pharisee and the tax collector who Jesus Christ described in Luke Chapter 18 verses 9 to 14. Jesus Christ commended the tax collector who humbly asked God for mercy.

Why Pray

God answers prayer. The Bible is replete with instances of the people of God praying to God and God in turn responding positively to their prayers. Additionally, God said so in His word. Please see Matthew Chapter 7 verse 7, Luke Chapter 18 verses 1 to 8, and Jeremiah Chapter 33 verse 3. The early Church prayed without ceasing in spite of the fact that the Apostle Peter was already on death row. God intervened and Peter was miraculously released from prison by an angel of God. Please read Acts Chapter 12 for details. Prophet Elijah prayed for the son of the widow of Zarephath and the young man came back to life. Please read 1^st Kings Chapter 17 verses 17 to 24. He also prayed for rain after a long period of drought in Israel. God honored his prayer and there was a heavy downpour. Please read 1^st Kings Chapter 18. The prophet Elisha prayed and the dead son of the woman of Shunem was brought back to life. Please read 2^nd Kings Chapter 4 verses 15 to 37.

The Sacrifice of Praise for Healing the Nations 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Continually offer the sacrifice of praise even as the Israelites offered sacrifices daily. As priests unto God, this is a major daily sacrifice. Aaron and his sons were consecrated as priests to minister unto God – Exodus Chapters 28 verse 41, 29 verse 44, 40 verses 13 to 15, Leviticus Chapter 7 verses 35. Jesus Christ made us kings and priests to God – Revelation Chapter 5 verses 10, 1^st Peter Chapter 2 verses 5, 9.

Give Praise to the Lord so that the earth will yield her increase – there is a connection between praise and increase – Psalm 67, Isaiah Chapter 63 verse 7.

Father, please have mercy on the nations of the world and all of us; and forgive the nations of the world the sin of not acknowledging You as God and consequently not giving You the praise that is due Your Holy name. We acknowledge our sin and are truly sorry, Lord. We ask for mercy, forgiveness and cleansing by the blood of Jesus Christ in Jesus mighty name.

Father, thank You for forgiving and cleansing the nations of the world of sin. We ask for the grace and wisdom to always praise You, Lord so that our lives and lands will yield increase and abundance to the glory of Your Holy name, Lord in Jesus mighty name. Please see Psalm 85 verse 2.

Healing the Nations Through Forgiveness 3

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

The Prodigal Son and His Father – Luke Chapter 15 verses 11 to 32

The prodigal son is an interesting case study of some mothers do have them! Generally, sons and daughters and whoever inherits after the demise of their parents or benefactors. But the prodigal son chose to have his inheritance even when his father was still alive. He went to his father and requested for his inheritance. His father obliged him and not quite long he lost everything to riotous living and began to live in penury. Close to eating pods - what he served to pigs as their meal, he did a rethink. He had lived wrongly and had wronged his father. He did a u-turn and returned home. Fortunately for him, his father lovingly accepted him back. The relationship between father and son was restored through repentance, forgiveness and acceptance.

Realization and acknowledgement of sin, repentance, forgiveness and acceptance culminate in the healing process and restoration of relationships. Relationships are very central to God. That explains why the Bible gives a number of instances of relationships that went awry and how God intervened and the relationships were restored. Beginning with Adam and Eve, through Sarah and Hagar, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, the prodigal son and his father, John Mark  and the Apostle Paul, the Apostles Paul and Peter, God and us, the people of Israel, David. Manasseh.

To ensure the restoration of relationships, God gave believers principles for managing relationships. They are in the Bible. Forgiveness is one of them and very key – we are to forgive as many times as people hurt us, sin against us; we are also to ask forgiveness of other people when we offend them; we are to acknowledge our sins and repent of them, we are to tolerate one another in love, speak up and rebuke one another in love rather than bottle up and live in anger, resentment, bitterness and unforgiveness. We are to share information that transforms rather than gossip and we are to pray for one another rather than project ill will. That way, we will have wholesome individuals, communities and nations.

Healing the Nations Through Forgiveness 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Joseph and His Brothers – Genesis Chapters 37, 39, 40, 41 and 42

There was a rift in the nation of Israel. Joseph and his brothers were estranged because the older brothers of Joseph envied Joseph. Why? Joseph carelessly shared his dreams of global leadership with them. Secondly, their father loved Joseph more and what began as envy progressed to hatred – they did not speak peaceably with him.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on which side of the divide you are in, Joseph played into their hands when in obedience to his father’s instructions went out to look for his brothers in the field. They took advantage of this opportunity to kill Joseph. But for Reuben’s intervention, Joseph would have been killed. He was sold into slavery and for about fifteen years, Joseph lost contact with his biological family. He served as a servant and later overseer in Potiphar’s house before he was thrown into prison on account of the carefully orchestrated lies of Potiphar’s wife. It was her word against his. Eventually, God orchestrated events that brought Joseph before Pharaoh and Joseph became a leader in Egypt. Dreams fulfilled but family and nation rift was still there. And because God usually restores all things, including healing nations through healing the skewed up relationships in the nations, He orchestrated events that brought them together.

His brothers came to buy grain in Egypt in Egypt. Joseph recognized them but they did not recognize Joseph. The healing process had begun. Joseph could have chosen to be vindictive, throw them in prison for life, refuse them grain and send them away empty handed to die of hunger and starvation, kill them on trumped up charges. He did not tow any of these paths rather he tested them and when he saw that they were repentant, the Bible records that Joseph turned away from them and wept (Genesis Chapter 42 verses 21 to 26). He also filled their sacks with grain, returned their money and gave them provisions for the journey. Joseph was not the only one being healed. His brothers were also being healed. Deep conviction of sin for the way they treated Joseph had come upon them. They regretted their actions. So there was acknowledgment of sins and repentance on the part of his brothers and forgiveness on the part of Joseph who did not hold any grudges against them. Yet, he tested them again. He deliberately put his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack and sent his steward after them. The brothers almost died when the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. They opted to serve as slaves in Benjamin’s place and when Joseph insisted that the rest of them could return to Canaan, Judah offered to serve as a slave to Joseph just so Benjamin could be free to return to his father. At that point, Joseph realized that his brothers were changed men and he made himself known to them. Were they afraid? Definitely! But Joseph told them they were serving the purpose of God when they sold him to Egypt for indeed God was the One who sent him to Egypt in order to preserve their own lives as the famine was also severe in Canaan. He advised them not to blame each other. He then wept over them, kissed them and gave them gifts.

Healing the Nations Through Forgiveness 1

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

To err is human while to forgive is divine. The healing of the nations is usually preceded by the acknowledgment of sin, repentance and forgiveness after which healing and restoration begins. 2^nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 14.

The Bible is replete with teachings, instructions and commandments to forgive people who hurt one another. They include Ephesians Chapter 4 verse 32, Matthew Chapter 18 verses 21 to 35, Colossians Chapter 3 verses 12 to 23, and Luke Chapter 17 verses 3 to 4.

Jesus Christ and Peter

Peter denied Jesus Christ three times yet Jesus did not renege on His promise to Peter. Please see Matthew Chapter 16 verses 15 to 19, John Chapter 21 verses 15 to 22, Acts Chapter 2 verses 14, 4 verse 8. Jesus Christ knew that Peter would deny Him yet He prayed for Peter ahead of the temptation and denial (Luke Chapter 22 verses 31 to 34, 54 to 62). The devil wanted to make nonsense of Peter’s faith but God intervened through intercession for Peter. He also forgave Peter and never mentioned the incident after the resurrection. Rather, He commissioned Peter to take care of the early Church.

Significantly, Peter led the early Church. It is also significant to note that Peter repented – he wept bitterly after the rooster crowed.

Esau and Jacob

These are twin brothers that should have been extremely close to one another yet at different points, wrong relational attitudes and actions caused a rift of hatred that made Esau want to kill his twin brother. Fortunately, Jacob fled early enough from Esau’s anger, hatred and sword. Their relationship at that point in time had degenerated to that of enemies – Esau was angry that Jacob cunningly stole his birth right and proceeded from there to steal the blessings their father Isaac wanted to give to Esau.

The relationship between Isaac and Rebekah coupled with the way they related to the children contributed to the degeneration that took place in their relationship. Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game while Rebekah loved Jacob. That was enough to create discord and schism among the brothers. Please see Genesis Chapters 25 verses 27 to 34 and 27 verses 1 to 45. For many years, the brothers were separated from each other. Jacob had married wives, had children just as Esau had done long before Jacob thought of getting married. However, the situation in Laban’s home and country was no longer conducive for Jacob and his family. He decided to return home. But he had to take care of the relationship between him and his twin brother Esau. He sent emissaries to Esau and became afraid when they returned and told him that Esau was coming out with four hundred men to meet him. At that point in time, Jacob asked God for intervention. Please see Genesis Chapter 32 verses 1 to 13. God honored the prayer of Jacob and by the time the brothers met, Jacob was shocked as his brother Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck and kissed him. For the first time in many years, they were brothers again and they wept, tears of joy at the reunion and the fact that God spared their lives and kept Esau from killing Jacob in the moment of uncontrolled anger – Genesis Chapter 33 verses 1 to 20.

God healed and restored their relationship. Esau accepted gifts from Jacob and even offered security for Jacob and the children.

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The Place of Fasting and Prayer in the Healing of the Nations 2

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

King Hezekiah also fasted when Sennecherib threatened the destruction of Jerusalem (Isaiah Chapters 36 verses 21 to 22, 37 verses 1 to 21). God responded to the cries of His people for deliverance and dealt hard blows to Sennecherib and his army (Isaiah Chapter 37 verses 35 to 38).

King Jehoshaphat also proclaimed a national fast to ask help from God when Moab, Ammon and the inhabitants of Mount Seir allied themselves against Judah. As usual and this is quite instructive, God always responds to the cries of His people to Him. God responded and instructed the Judeans to march to the battle front but not with spears and swords or bows but with instruments of praise to offer quality praise to God. As they praised God, the three enemy nations turned against each other; first Moab and Ammon against Mount Seir and thereafter Moab and Ammon against each other. The Bible records that not one of them escaped and when they were done slaughtering each other, the Judeans took three days in carting off the loot the enemy nations left behind (2^nd Chronicles Chapter 20).

Ezra the teaching priest proclaimed two different fasts and prayers. The first was to seek divine direction, favor and protection as they journeyed from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and Jerusalem (Ezra Chapter 8 verses 21 to 23). God answered their prayers. The second fast and prayer was in repentance for violation of the commandments of God concerning marriage to the people God instructed Israel not to intermarry with. Particularly dreadful was the fact that the leadership, especially some of the Levites were the worst offenders. Immediately Ezra commenced fasting and praying for repentance (Ezra Chapters 9 and 10). The men guilty of this trespass repented and the nation was forgiven, healed and restored.

The Place of Fasting and Prayer in the Healing of the Nations 1

 Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

Fasting and prayer are major components of healing the nations. Fasting and prayer should always be accompanied with genuine repentance.

The prophet Jonah was asked by God to deliver a judgmental prophecy of God’s intended destruction of Nineveh on account of their wickedness. Initially, Jonah disobeyed God but as Jonah obeyed God and proclaimed the message, the people of Nineveh were convicted of sin, turned to God in repentance through fasting and prayers for forgiveness of sins. The Bible   records that God pitied them and relented. It is significant to note that it was not the mere act of fasting that made God pardon them. It was the state of their hearts – they turned from their evil ways. Additionally, they humbled themselves through the fast. That explains why the Bible instructs believers not to rend their garments but their hearts and return to the Lord. This was exactly what the people of Nineveh did. Please see Joel Chapters 2 verses 12 to 13, 1 verse 14 as well as Jonah Chapter 3 verses 5 to 10.

It is also instructive to note that this was what Daniel did. Daniel accompanied his intercession for the restoration of Israel with prayer and fasting. Please see Daniel Chapter 9 verses 1 to 3. Nehemiah also fasted and prayed when he learnt about what had befallen Jerusalem – the distressing state of the survivors coupled with the broken down walls and burnt gates (Nehemiah Chapter 1 verses 1 to 4). The Old Testament prophet Samuel also led the people of Israel fasting and prayer as they returned to the Lord after practicing idolatry. Please see 1^st Samuel Chapter 7 verses 1 to 17. Quite instructive is the fact that as they fasted and prayed, the Philistines attacked them but God gave them overwhelming victory.

Rend Your Hearts

Written by Uyoyou Christiana Charles-Iyoha

There are several dimensions to healing the nations but none is as potent as the acknowledgement of sins, repentance and  complete turning away from sin by the leadership and the led (individual, family, community, national). When a people, beginning with the leadership, those in authority, alongside the led acknowledge their sins, repent of the sins, turn away from the sin and return to God, God usually shows mercy, forgives their sins, brings healing and restoration to the land. Please see 2nd Chronicles Chapter 7 verse 14, Joel Chapter 2 verses 12 to 28, 1st John Chapters 1 verses 7 to 10 and 5 verses 14 to 15.

There are examples in the Bible of people and nations who acknowledged their sins, repented of the sins and turned away from the sins to God who were forgiven, restored and healed. Not only were the people forgiven, restored and healed, the lands were also healed and restored. 

Israel under Ahab experienced three and a half years of drought and consequently famine ravaged the land. but after national repentance and restoration of the altar of God led by Prophet Elijah, the land experienced heavy downpour on the same day. forgiveness, healing and restoration was instant. 

The nation of Nineveh also experienced instant forgiveness, healing and restoration after everyone from the leadership to the led repented before God in fasting and prayer. Please see Jonah Chapter 3. 

Healing the Nations Campfire 2016

OIPN

Olives International Prayer Network

                Healing the Nations Camp Fire 2016!

Healing the Nations Camp Fire 2016!!

Healing the Nations Camp Fire 2016!!!

Theme: I am the Lord Who heals you (Exodus Chapter 15 verse 26)

Ministering: The Holy Spirit

Date: 25 to 26 November 2016

Venue: http://olivescitychurch.churchonline.org/ and the numerous prayer cells in homes, Churches and ministries across the globe.

Connect with us on http://olivescitychurch.churchonline.org/ to intercede for the healing of the nations with special emphasis on the countries in the 10/40 Window. (Psalm 2 verse 8). You can also send your prayer requests concerning any nation, ethnic group or community and families or family to olivesfamily@yahoo.com, or place them on the prayer request box on http://olivescitychurch.churchonline.org/

An annual event, Healing the Nations Camp Fire is a two day event comprising a one day campfire for prophesying healing in and to the nations of the world using the prophetic word of God by God’s army who are committed to the healing of the nations. We speak healing to the nations by the Spirit of God and the power of God in the mighty name of Jesus Christ (Ezekiel Chapter 37).

A global intercessory campfire, members comprising individuals, prayer cells, prayer ministries, Churches and Church organizations, pray and prophesy God’s healing for the peoples and nations of the world.

Day Two is on digital missions; an evolving field in missions which presents platforms and opportunities for new forms of missions and missionaries.

Come and experience the outpouring of His grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, favor, blessings, deliverance and healing in Jesus mighty name. God bless you as you come. Shalom.

Coordinators

Olives International Prayer Network (OIPN).

Olives City Church

Tel: +234-8056837178

Email: olivesfamily@yahoo.com

Blog: healingthenationscampfire.blogspot.com

URL: http://olivescitychurch.churchonline.org/