When we watch the news, our hearts break for a world in need. But Christians are not powerless to help: we can pray. In fact, that's exactly what God tells us to do: "petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving [should] be made for all people" (1 Timothy 2 v 1-2). If we're serious about reaching our local community and the wider world with the gospel, the first thing we'll do is pray.
Trouble is, most of us don't know where to start. How do we pray meaningfully for people who we don't know and will probably never meet? Deep down, the issues seem too big, too emotionally disconnected, and we're not sure our prayers will really make a difference.
That's where this little book is designed to help. It will equip you to pray powerful prayers for the world around you—prayers that really change things, because they're based on God's word.
Each spread takes a passage of Scripture and suggests 5 things to pray for a local, national, or international issue. Because when we pray in line with God's priorities as found in his word, our prayers are powerful and effective (James 5 v 16)—and that's a truly thrilling prospect.
Use this book to:
• Guide your prayers during your personal quiet times
• Equip church members to pray meaningfully for your local community and nation
• Help you prepare expressive public intercessions for church
• Fuel your church prayer meeting
• Help you know how to pray in the wake of major world events
Use this book in any number of ways: work through it as part of your daily quiet time, or pick it up whenever a situation arises that is in particular need of prayer.
This title is available in braille, large print or on DAISY audio CD by contacting Torch Trust's Client Services team on 01858 438260.
Sinclair B. Ferguson
Teaching Fellow of Ligonier Ministries; former Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina
From Jesus' disciples to Martin Luther's barber and beyond, "teach us to pray" has been a frequently heard heart-cry. But the truth is we can only really learn to pray by praying. Here 5 Things to Pray for your World will help you. It takes an old idea, tested and tried throughout the ages – a prayer list – and turns it into a thought-provoking, vision-expanding, prayer-stimulating tool. It is small enough to fit into your pocket, but big enough to change your life. Simple, but brilliant.
Adrian Reynolds
Head of National Ministries, FIEC UK
I loved Rachel's first two books and this third does not disappoint. Praying Scripture is liberating and exhilarating. Rachel's new book helps us to do that carefully, wisely and in a biblically focused way, without being constraining. The prayers I pray as a result are still very much my own. I will be using this superb resource both in my own devotions and in church life.
