In April, I wrote a post highlighting the China-focused prayer resources of Operation World. Here’s what I wrote:
Of particular interest to us, of course, is the section on China. In this section, you will find specific prayer points for each day, in addition to statistics, maps, and other resources you can use in groups or at your church.
In this month’s prayer-focused post, I want to share a Lausanne Podcast video interview with Jason Mandryk, the editor of Operation World. In this conversation, Mandryk reflects on intercession in an era of rapid change globally, as well as the importance of data in helping us pray with insight. He also reminds us we should not view prayer merely as an obligation, but as a joyous act of worship.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
- If our ministry’s success were dependent on our organizational systems or how much money we throw at a problem, then we would be failing all the time.
- Success is based on the power of God at work in the nations. That means that no matter how new we are, how poor we are, how illiterate we are, how alone we are, we have access to the power that actually brings about change.
- One of the reasons why data research is essential for mission and for intercession is that there is a great ignorance of the fact that our world is primarily spiritual. Data helps to demonstrate that there is still a great spiritual need around the world.
- Intercession can also be a dangerous thing if you enjoy a comfortable life, because God may call you to be part of the solution.
I pray that God will use this podcast interview and the resources mentioned as an encouragement and a call to mobilize prayer.