a short weblog on life, the universe and everything

21st May - from 40 DAYS blog

From 'The Vision' by Pete Greig (24-7prayer):

'They
pray
as
if
it
all
depends
on
God

- and they live as if it all depends on them.'

Read it and listen to it here

20th May - from 40 DAYS blog

South Asia 'breakthrough' prayer areas from Dave, Jo and others:

1. Some crucial discussions are taking place and decisions will be made over the coming weeks. The outcome will significantly affect our future direction here. Please pray for grace, wisdom and guidance for all involved. Please pray especially for God's provision of visas for several staff members whose visas expire in the next few months.

2. At our family development programme in a slum community, pray we can resolve the water, drainage and electricity problems which require the landlady's co-operation. Pray for us to develop appropriate training for the 6 local women who will become health educators amongst 200 families. Praise God for the 50 girls attending literacy classes. Pray they will develop the potential God has given them. Pray also for unity and good relationships in this new project team.

19th May - from 40 DAYS blog

More prayer room photos, this time from London. As with most prayer rooms, *you really have to be there* to get the full flavour... but nevertheless, may they inspire you as you pray for Oasis today.

18th May - from 40 DAYS blog

Can anyone beat this for a view from a prayer room? It was taken in one of Mumbai's most deprived areas - its Red Light District. Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner, but I just find this pic very evocative (and provocative). In case you missed it before, the full story is here.

17th May - from 40 DAYS blog

Sorry for the 2 day silence: it was my birthday over the weekend, after which I got on a plane to Africa!

I've arrived in Tanzania and am staying with my brother for a couple of days before heading to Mozambique. Out of my bedroom window, and over the road, a painted red sign advertises the 'God bless us! cafe'. (Sadly, I can't upload a photo.)

Even though the style is foreign to me, the spirit is familiar: faith and work, intimacy and involvement, going hand-in-hand. God in the everyday.

It strikes me that that is exactly what 40 DAYS is about for you, for me, for all of us. It's about us discovering what happens when our work and our worship collide in God, becoming so totally intertwined that they are in complete rhythm, harmony and unity.

14th May - from 40 DAYS blog

I don't know if it's self-indulgent to link to an article about 40 DAYS on the 24-7prayer website, but isn't it great to know that this event is just one small part of what God is doing around the globe right now? There are 40 prayer rooms running in 11 countries according to the 'now praying' section.

13th May - from 40 DAYS blog

I don't normally describe my email inbox as 'exciting', but I DO like emails like these:

From South Asia: We're excited about the fact our country is able to participate in a global movement of concentrated prayer and are dreaming about how we can facilitate more 24-7 prayer here in the future! ... You will have seen from Dave's entry on "Share your story" that we have seen breakthrough in our major are of concern already.

From net2work in India: The 40 days around the world prayer in Mumbai was fantastic in that all the 4 prayer rooms prayed for N2W global issues along with the local and International prayer needs. ... we, as N2W community, would continue to persist in prayer every last Friday of the month.

From 24-7prayer in the UK: If you haven’t heard – WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? In September we’re launching a nine month training course called 24-7Transit. It’s all about equipping people to minister effectively in the real world, exploring prayer, mission and justice as part of one of the Boiler Room Communities. Interested? www.24-7prayer.com/training

12th May

OAS!S UK 'breakthrough' prayer needs:

1. Finance: In common with many other UK charities we have seen our income reduce over recent months and have had to take difficult decisions about the future of some of our projects. Please pray that we would see this situation turned around; that we would find new sources of funding and people wanting to join with us in our Mission.

2. Operation Exodus: We have been working through a review of Oasis UK for the past 9 months or so and now have broad agreement from our trustees about the way forward. However, there is a lot more still to be done as we work through the practical implications and make plans for the new-shape Oasis UK. We want to do this as best we can and put structures in place that will serve us well for the next few years, anticipating further growth and changes ahead. Real wisdom needed!

11th May

'Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.'
- William Carey

'...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith...'
- Hebrews 10:22

Yet another confession from Jon

Okay, for the next 30 days I'm *cheating* slightly... I'm gonna post the stuff from my 40 DAY DIARY here as well as there.

Alternatively, you can track everything - and go on your own virtual global prayer tour in the process - via this link: 40 DAYS AROUND THE WORLD.

Enjoy!