Andrew is Executive Director of ‘MotiVate’ – the NZ office of ‘Missionary Ventures’ – a global missions organisation committed to empowering national Christian leaders around the world and mobilising the church in missions. For tonight’s session (the last for 2024) Andrew will share some reflections around the four themes of Advent and encourage us to pray for those in New Zealand and beyond who may struggle to embrace the Christmas celebrations.
PRAYER POINTS
ADVENT HOPE
With rising levels of fear, anxiety and depression across all ages – whether through relational breakdown, mental health issues, financial crisis or other factors – we pray for confidence in our eternal hope and assurance about those things we do not see or understand (from Hebrews 11:1)
ADVENT PEACE
With so much of the world in chaos – whether through political upheaval, conflict, or natural disaster – we pray for the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (from Philippians 4:6-7) ADVENT JOY Our Christian brothers and sisters in many countries are facing levels of persecution and martyrdom, and the Jewish people are once again experiencing the alarming rise of anti-Semitism. We pray that we may all consider it pure joy, whenever we face trials of many kinds (from James 1:2)
ADVENT LOVE
As the true meaning of love has become increasingly twisted, and communication with families and friend becomes more impersonal, distant and virtual, we lose sight of the vital importance of loving relationships. We pray that we will return to loving the Lord our God with all our heart, and to loving our neighbours as ourselves (from Matthew 22:37-39)
Pray that churches across New Zealand, as well as overseas, will fully embrace this wonderful opportunity that we still have to share the gospel of Jesus Christ – the Light of the World!