40 Days of Prayer - Day 39

Day 39 – Good Friday

‘But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.’ – Isaiah 53:5‘

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.’ – Isaiah 53:5 The Crucifixion is the most scandalous event in history, as the world tried to stop Jesus from proclaiming the good news, setting the captives free, bringing sight to the blind, and giving liberty to the oppressed. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice and for showing us what it means to give of ourselves wholeheartedly to the people around us. Pray that Safta and other vulnerable children, Care Workers, Primary Caregivers across Africa, churches and volunteers with Hands at Work in Africa and the world recognise the weight of what it means for Jesus to die for us.

40 Days of Prayer - Day 38

Day 38 – Maundy Thursday

‘For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.’ – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

‘Abba Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’ Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane with His disciples when He prayed these words in agony. He knew the weight of what these words of obedience would mean as He sacrificed His life for the sins and brokenness of the world. Today, contemplate on the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice.

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40 Days of Prayer - Day 37

Day 37

‘…Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard. It was an expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the sweet smell of the perfume. “…. Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “The perfume was meant for the day I am buried. You will always have the poor among you. But you won’t always have me.”’ – John 12:3, 7-8

When Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume, she honoured Him by giving Him the item in her life that was likely the most valuable thing that she would ever own. To those watching, this beautiful act of love would have been astonishing. To sacrificially give of your most expensive perfume, valued at about a year’s wages, would be incomprehensible. How will you respond to those around you with a sacrificial heart? Are you willing to give up something that costs you dearly?

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40 Days of Prayer - Day 36

Day 36

‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.’ – Luke 15:3-7

When Jesus told the parable of the lost sheep, He said that the shepherd left the ninety-nine to go and look for his lost sheep. This is exactly what Jesus did and continues to do for us. Pray that we will become like the good shepherd. Pray that we will follow the heart of God to the lost and the destitute, sharing the good news of Jesus with them. Ask God to open your eyes and ears to the needs of the people around you.

40 Days of Prayer - Day 35

Day 35 – Holy Monday

‘He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So, He opened not His mouth.’ – Isaiah 53:7

Around the world, Holy Week is celebrated in anticipation of Christ’s death and resurrection. It is a week of mourning the death of our Saviour but also a time of great joy, as we wait in expectation of His resurrection. Throughout this week, ask God to help you go deeper in understanding the weight of Jesus’ sacrifice.

40 Days of Prayer - Palm Sunday

PALM SUNDAY – On Sundays we pause to anticipate the coming of Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

‘The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!"’ – John 12:12-13