United We Pray

United Community Church.

March 2011

Monthly Prayer Guide

Thank You for Praying!

During this past month as we have United in Prayer we have seen the Lord answer many of our prayers. To name a few some of our monthly gatherings such

as the men’s and ladies breakfasts were very enriching and transformational times for those in attendance.

The special weekends with guests Howard Norrish and Bill Drake were beyond

what we could have expected them to be in greatness. What a privilege it was to see God at work in such tangible ways during these times.

Did you see an answer to prayer in your life or at UCC this past month? Please let

us know so we can praise God together for His faithfulness. contact@ucclife.fi

What follows are the prayer requests for March. Thank you for uniting together with us in prayer!

About This Guide This prayer guide has been written to help those attending UCC to better pray together for our church throughout the month.

3 Constant Prayer Requests In addition to the daily prayers in this guide below, please pray for the following prayer requests daily.

1. Espoo Location - UCC Espoo is growing and in need of a new venue in the Leppavaara region that can facilitate this growth and serve as a launching pad to better serve our community. Pray that God would open the door to the place He has prepared.

2. Sunday Services - Inspiration for the preacher – For pastor Shaun or the guest preacher to be inspired in his preparation for preaching and that he would be faithful in his exposition and illustration of the text. - Preparation for those serving – Each week tens of volunteers serve at our 3 Sunday services to help create an environment where people can meet Jesus and worship Him as Lord. Pray for them as they prepare and serve UCC each week. - Newcomers to feel welcome and cared for – Each week we have visitors at all of our services and it is our desire that they feel welcomed and safe in their visit. It is also our desire that they can determine next steps to getting connected to UCC and be served spiritually no matter what that means. - God’s presence – On Sunday we do not simply want to “do church” , rather we want to meet with Christ and invite Him to be the Lord of our lives and be changed by Him. Pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit to be among us as we gather weekly.

3. Growth - Inward growth – that UCC would become more like Christ and His Word would be active in our lives. - Outward growth – That UCC would bold to share the Gospel and reach out to friends and neighbors by inviting them to church. - Corporate growth – That UCC would model the kind of community found in the New Testament.

Suggestions For Praying Together

1. Pray With A Friend Informally - At UCC we want prayer to not just be a program but a lifestyle. This is why we encourage you to pray not only with us in formal gatherings but together in groups informally. This might happen by you calling a friend and praying over the phone a few times each week for the requests in this guide. Or, by getting together with a friend each week and praying. Perhaps, it may happen completely spontaneously while hanging around with other Christians. Just pray! The leaders are always excited to hear stories of how this type of prayer is happening in UCC so feel free to share with them.

2. Pray on Your Own - We encourage you to use this guide to help you in praying for UCC daily on your own. These requests were written to keep you informed of key things happening at UCC during the month as well as key needs at UCC for your prayers. Print this guide out or save it to your computer desktop and use it to pray for your church. 3. Pray and Fast - Fasting is an important spiritual discipline which aids us in effective prayer. At UCC we encourage you to explore fasting as way to develop your prayer life. If you questions about fasting such as its purpose or how to do it contact a UCC leader. 4. Prayer Box -Another way share prayer requests with our church leadership, you may also place prayer requests in the box on the Welcome Table by the back door of the gym. These requests will be taken and prayed for at our weekly staff meetings.

Day 1 – March 7 2011

Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141: 2

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for the UCC staff and their families (Shaun, Daniel, Dirk-Jan, and Lari). Pray God will give them wisdom and strength as they serve UCC and protect them from the enemy’s attacks. Pray for pastor Shaun in recovering from Sunday and preparing for the week. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 2 – March 8 2011

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with

thanksgiving. Colossians 4: 2

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for the needs of UCC attendees. Pray for especially for the sick, those seeking jobs, and those with marital / family struggles. Consider calling or visiting someone you know that may be struggling to pray for them personally. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 3 – March 9 2011

Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55: 6(NKJV)

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer pray for the UCC men’s and ladies ministries including the weekly Wednesday morning men’s Bible study, mother child club on Monday afternoon, and the monthly men’s and ladies breakfasts. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well

Day 4 – March 10 2011

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives,

and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8(NKJV)

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for the UCC small groups. Pray for genuine community and spiritual growth to take place within these groups. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 5 – March 11 2011

Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141: 2

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for the UCC Sunday School ministry. Pray for the current teachers to be refreshed and energized to minister to our kids. Pray for new volunteers and teachers to be called by God to participate in this ministry. Pray for the kids to be open to the Gospel. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 6 – March 12 2011

Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to

God]. James 5: 13

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for the Ladies Only brunch taking place from 10:00-13:00. Pray that UCC ladies and guests would grow in fellowship together and in knowledge of the the Word of God. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 7 – March 13 2011

The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15: 29(NKJV)

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for Sunday services at

UCC. Pray for Pastor Shaun who will preach, for the music, children and youth teams. Pray that UCC is receptive to the Word of God preached and responsive in worship. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 8 – March 14 2011

Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer offered in this place. 2 Chronicles 7: 15

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for the UCC staff and their families (Shaun, Daniel, Dirk-Jan, and Lari). Pray God will give them wisdom and strength as they serve UCC and protect them from the enemy’s attacks. Pray for pastor Shaun as he recovers from Sunday. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

PRAYER QUOTE

“Pray often; for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan”

- John Bunyan

Day 10 – March 15 2011

I desire therefore that in every place men should pray, without anger or quarreling or resentment or doubt [in their minds],

lifting up holy hands. 1 Timothy 2: 8

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for a UCC brother who is in the middle of a challenging custody battle for his daughter. This brother asks us to pray for God’s will to be done and that the outcome would be what is best for his child . Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 11 – March 16 2011

For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to

you, and you will [get it]. Mark 11: 24

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer pray for the students at UCC. Pray for the students from abroad to adjust well to Finland and feel at home here. Pray for all students to be a light in their schools for Jesus. Pray for the ability to study well and have right priorities during their studies. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well

Day 12 – March 17 2011

He will regard the plea of the destitute and will not despise their prayer. Psalm 102: 17

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for the UCC teenagers. Pray that UCC teens would continue to grow in the knowledge of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Pray for teens to invite their non-Christian friends to church. Pray also for the UCC youth team to lead the youth well. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 13 – March 18 2011

But the end and culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded and self-restrained and alert therefore for

[the practice of] prayer. 1 Peter 4: 7

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for volunteers at UCC. Many give their time and talent to the service of Christ at UCC. We pray that the Lord would bless them for their service and use it to make Him known. Pray volunteers feel encouraged and refreshed. If you know someone who serves at UCC call them and tell the what a great job they are doing. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 14 – March 19 2011

Evening and morning and at noon will I utter my complaint and moan and sigh, and He will hear my voice. Psalm 55: 17

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for UCC team leaders. At UCC there are many who are leading (as volunteers) teams that make our Sunday services and ministry environments happen. Pray God gives them wisdom and strength. Consider calling one of these leaders to pray for them and encourage them. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 15 – March 20 2011

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with

thanksgiving. Colossians 4: 2

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for Sunday services at UCC. Pray UCC site leaders Dan and Lari who will preach at their sites, for the music teams, and children and youth teams . Pray that UCC is receptive to the Word of God preached and responsive in worship. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 16 – March 21 2011

Blessed be God, Who has not rejected my prayer nor removed His mercy and loving-kindness from being [as it always is]

with me. Psalm 66: 20

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for the first UCC council / elders meeting taking place at 18:30. Pray for wisdom for our elders as they seek to serve UCC. Remember the prayer meeting at the UCC office from 17-18 at the UCC office. Pray also for Pastor Shaun as he recovers from Sunday. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 17 – March 22 2011

But the end and culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded and self-restrained and alert therefore for

[the practice of] prayer. 1 Peter 4: 7

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for the development of UCC’s vision. Pray God leads Pastor Shaun and the staff in developing ministry plans that bring honor and bring glory to Christ. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 18 – March 23 2011

Evening and morning and at noon will I utter my complaint and moan and sigh, and He will hear my voice. Psalm 55: 17

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for the students at Aalto university (Helsinki University of Technology). Pray for UCC to be a light on this campus. Pray for nothing less than a revival on this campus and for many to come to know Christ. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 19 – March 24 2011

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with

thanksgiving. Colossians 4: 2

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for Metropolia and Laurea universities of Applied Sciences. Pray for UCC students who study there to be lights on campus and lead their friends to Jesus. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 20 – March 25 2011

Blessed be God, Who has not rejected my prayer nor removed His mercy and loving-kindness from being [as it always is]

with me. Psalm 66: 20

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for the first UCC council / elders . Pray for wisdom for our elders as they seek to serve UCC. Please pray for the monthly council / elders meeting taking place at the end of March. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 21 – March 26 2011

But the end and culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded and self-restrained and alert therefore for

[the practice of] prayer. 1 Peter 4: 7

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray the UCC students at Helsinki based universities an schools such as the Uni. of Helsinki, Sibelius Academy, Laurea, Metropolia, and more. Pray these students would be lights on their campuses and lead their friends to Jesus. Pray for revival on university campuses. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 22 – March 27 2011

Evening and morning and at noon will I utter my complaint and moan and sigh, and He will hear my voice. Psalm 55: 17

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for Sunday services at

UCC. Pray for Pastor Shaun who will preach, for the music, children and youth teams. Pray that UCC is receptive to the Word of God preached and responsive in worship. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 23 – March 28 2011

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with

thanksgiving. Colossians 4: 2

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for the UCC staff and their families (Shaun, Daniel, Dirk-Jan, and Lari). Pray God will give them wisdom and strength as they serve UCC and protect them from the enemy’s attacks. Pray for pastor Shaun as he recovers from Sunday. Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 24 – March 29 2011

Blessed be God, Who has not rejected my prayer nor removed His mercy and loving-kindness from being [as it always is]

with me. Psalm 66: 20

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for our missionaries the Rogers family in Thailand. Please pray for their ministry, health, protection, and relationship with Jesus. Please find their contacts on our webpage and contact them for encouragement! Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 25 – March 30 2011

But the end and culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded and self-restrained and alert therefore for

[the practice of] prayer. 1 Peter 4: 7

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for our missionaries the Badgers family in Australia. Please pray for their ministry, health, protection, and relationship with Jesus. Please find their contacts on our webpage and contact them for encouragement! Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Day 26 – March 31 2011

Evening and morning and at noon will I utter my complaint and moan and sigh, and He will hear my voice. Psalm 55: 17

_______________________ Today as we unite in prayer we will pray for our missionaries Sinttu in Spain. Please pray for her ministry, health, protection, and relationship with Jesus. Please find their contacts on our webpage and contact them for encouragement! . Remember to pray for the 3 constant prayers at the front of this guide as well.

Thank You for Praying

Hebrews 10:19-25 “19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he

opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw

near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope

without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not

neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day

drawing near.”