Sarah Whittleston
Prayer Theme: Alignment
We believe that a key word for us in 2019 is ‘Alignment’. What would it look like to align our heart with God’s? What needs to change so our churches align with God’s plans and purpose in this season? How can we, as a movement, align with one another?
As I’ve been praying, God gave me a picture of groups coming together, on a battlefield, to fight against a common enemy. In ancient warfare these groups would carry a banner high, representing who they were (identity) and who they were with (mission).
On these banners were often mottos and images to represent who they were. They carried them to signify whose side they were on and to protect against friendly fire. They each brought something different but needed to the fight.
As we apply this to our lives, we consider the following:
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We are all in a spiritual battle, together, fighting with spiritual weapons against a common enemy.
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God’s banner over us is His love and delight for us. Our identity is found in Christ.
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We must protect against friendly fire and isolation; choosing instead to encourage and strengthen one another.
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Each of us has a part to play in bringing about God’s Kingdom purpose here on the earth.
May we tune in to what the Spirit is saying and walk in step with Him into all He has for, with and through us in 2019.
Sarah Whittleston
Sarah Whittleston directs the ministry of LIFT UP. She is committed to seeing people released into all God has for them. She loves to go on adventures and is passionate about seeing God's Kingdom being more and more a reality here on earth.
Chris Cartwright shares about 2019 being a year of renewal, recommitment & realignment
Inspiration
On 9 January, Elim Leaders came together across 5 locations to pray and fast for the day. Watch Elim's General Superintendent Chris Cartwright and Sarah Whittleston, LiftUp Leader give some inspiration to pray in the following videos.
Why not download the simple prayer guide for personal or group use too?
Elim Story: Leaders Prayer Day
Wednesday 9 January was a significant day for us as Elim. Leaders from across the movement came together in 5 locations to pray and fast. At each location, there was a tangible sense of the presence of God with impassioned prayer and intercession.
Ian Anderson, Elim Pastor, Neath commented “I didn’t know how much I needed that day until I got there. It was so encouraging to pray with and for my fellow leaders. I appreciated the opportunity to pray for Elim with other leaders.”
Luke Seymour, Beacon Church, Cardiff “It’s not a coincidence that after prayer in the week, several churches are sharing of heightened manifestations of God’s providence and presence in Sunday Services”
Resource
January and Brexit are key areas for intercession for our nation at the beginning of 2019. June Freudenberg, one of our LiftUp Team and part of Prayer for Parliament has put together a useful guide to help you pray.
Click here for more info and to download the Prayer for Brexit Guide
Elim Highlight
We are called to pray for our leaders and so this month we are asking you to pray for Elim’s National Leadership Team. They have the responsibility to steward and shepherd the movement. Ask the Spirit who he wants you to pray for and what he wants you to pray. Here are some ideas to get you started…
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Grant the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1) to the NLT as they seek you in prayer for direction.
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May they overflow in hope (Romans 15) to those they encounter.
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Protection and provision for them, their spouses and family.
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Personal refreshing and renewal for the year ahead.
Click on this link for more information about the NLT… elim.org.uk/leaders
Guest Highlight
Each month we want to highlight other prayer organisations and friends who are doing great things in encouraging and resourcing prayer. Hopefully, they will provide inspiration to your times of prayer.
This month we introduce you to World Prayer Centre.
They help to facilitate payer across the UK and across the world. Part of their call is to equip, intercede and inform. Please check them out worldprayer.org.uk
Keep informed
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