40 Day Prayer Journal 2012 by Covenant EFC

day prayer journal

2012

holy spirit,

“... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our 1 JULY–9 AUGUST bodies washed with pure water.”

fall afresh on me!

COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

HEBREWs 10:22

15 July

Missions Week begins

1 July

40-Day Prayer Journey begins Missions Week ends

22 July

40-Day Prayer Journey ends

Dawn Prayer: 30 Jul–2 Aug, 6.00am-7.30am BPJ Main Sanctuary

Day with Jesus 9.00am–6.00pm 1. Aloha Changi 2. BB/GB Campsite

3 August

Mandarin-Dialect Prayer to be held concurrently

9 August

30 July–3 August

40-Day Prayer Journey 1 July – 9 August 2012

contents Foreword

Trumpet Call

Using the 40-Day Prayer Journal The Discipline Of Fasting A Guide to Fasting

A Guide to Having Solitude with God Day with Jesus

Song - Holy Spirit Fire

How To Be Filled with The Holy Spirit

Song - Jesus Be The Centre Announcements & Feedback

112 113

110

Search Me, O God

Appendix: Missions Week Schedule

Week 1, 1–7 July

Cleanse Me, O God Week 2, 8–14 July

Send Me, O God Week 3, 15–21 July

Mould Me, O God Week 4, 22–28 July

Fill Me, O God Week 5, 29 July–4 August

Use Me, O God Week 6, 5–9 August {1}

18 34 50 66 82 98

foreword >> The theme for this year’s 40-Day Prayer Journal is “Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me!” journey of believing God for revival, crying out to Him for it, and living a life of full surrender to Him is essentially the work of the Holy Spirit. The Word of God exhorts us to “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18). The Holy Spirit is constantly at work to revive individual hearts and renew His people in love and service. The Spirit delights for us to experience and enjoy the fragrance, freshness and fullness of spiritual revival. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” (Acts 2:1–2) The sovereign work of the Spirit is often likened to the wind. There is a suddenness, surprise and sovereignty about the wind of God’s Spirit. G. Campell Morgan said,“We cannot organize revival, but we can set our sails to catch the wind from heaven when God chooses to blow upon His people once again.” There are three things we can pray for, believing that God will blow upon us: 1. Oneness of mind—“they were all with one accord in one place.” This phrase “they were all with one accord” occurs eleven times in the New Testament and on ten occasions in the Book of Acts. When God’s people come together in unity and prayer, heaven opens and the wind of revival blows upon His church.

“The Spirit delights for us to experience and enjoy the fragrance, freshness and fullness of spiritual revival.”

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2. Openness of heart A self-examination was carried out in the Upper Room. The disciples recalled the sad and tragic story of Judas and prayed for a successor to Judas (Acts 1:24–25).

God will never send revival blessing while there is sin unconfessed, while hearts are closed to the blaze of His glory and to His light that reveals evil. The Spirit comes to cleanse and purify our hearts, expose every deception, heal every disease, and dispel every discouragement and despair.

3. Obedience of the will Obedience is always a prerequisite to the filling of the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:32 says that the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey Him. Charles Finney says that “A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God.” May we experience a deep repentance and a clean break with sin. Are you longing for revival? Are you longing for the Holy Spirit to fall afresh on you? Are you longing for the wind of the Spirit to blow upon the Church of Jesus Christ? Get your sails ready with oneness of mind, openness of heart and obedience of will. May the words of this great hymn be your simple but sincere prayer: Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me; Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mould me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, move among us all; Make us one in heart and mind, make us one in love: Humble, caring, selfless, sharing. Spirit of the living God, fill our lives with love.

Reverend Tan Kay Kiong Senior Pastor BPJ Centre

Reverend Tony Yeo Senior Pastor WDL Centre

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trumpet call >>

Joel 2:28-29

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.â&#x20AC;?

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using the 40-day prayer journal >>

decide GOD to draw near to

Prepare Your Heart: • Tell the Lord you desire to meet Him. • Ask Him to cleanse you from all sin and unrighteousness. • Believe that He has forgiven you in Christ Jesus and thank Him. • Bring before Him your open and contrite heart. • Enter into His presence with expectancy. Meditate Before Prayer Session: • Hebrews 4:16 • Hebrews 11:6 • James 4:8 • Psalm 51:17 • Jeremiah 17:9 • Matthew 11:28–30

Going Through The Personal Prayer: During the 40-Day Prayer Journey, read each day’s Scripture passage and reflect on God’s Word and the prompters for the day. Transact with the LORD on what He is speaking to you. Act According To God’s Word: • Claim God’s promises. • Obey God’s commands. • Repent from sins. • Give thanks for God’s blessings. • Pray for God’s purposes to be done. Delight in being with the LORD. He is waiting for YOU! He delights in being with you! Enjoy your time with Him! Worship and adore Him in prayer! End your time with the LORD in prayer. Seal your transaction with the LORD with a Personal Prayer for the day. {6}

Going Through The Watchman Prayer: Next, using the WATCHMAN PRAYER as a guide, pray for God’s people in Covenant EFC, for Singapore and for Missions. • Note the prayer focus for the day. • Pause and ask the LORD if there is another Scripture, burden or blessing He would like you to pray about. • Follow His Spirit’s leading. God’s Word will authenticate the promptings you receive. Give thanks for His presence and guidance in your prayer journey. Continue to linger in His presence and joy as you go about the day’s routine. The prayer journey will culminate with four days of Dawn Prayer from 30 July–2 August and Day with Jesus on 3 August. In that week, seek the Lord and pray together with other believers, especially those in your District.

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End your time with the LORD in prayer. Seal your transaction with the LORD with a Personal Prayer for the day.”

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the discipline of fasting >> (Adapted from “The Discipline of Fasting”, Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster)

WHY FAST? The very first statement Jesus made about fasting dealt with the question of motive. (Matthew 6:16–18) Fasting must forever centre on God. It must be God-initiated and God-ordained. Like the prophetess Anna, we need to be “worshipping with fasting.” (Luke 2:37) Physical benefits, success in prayer, the enduing with power, spiritual insights—these must never replace God as the centre of our fasting. John Wesley sums it up well when he declares, “First, let it [fasting] be done unto the Lord with our eye singly fixed on Him. Let our intention herein be this, and this alone, to glorify our Father which is in heaven…” Once the primary purpose of fasting is firmly fixed in our hearts, we are at liberty to understand that there are also secondary purposes in fasting. • Fasting reveals the things that control us. We cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fasting these things surface. If pride controls us, it will be revealed almost immediately. David writes, “I humbled my soul with fasting.” (Psalm 69:10) Anger, bitterness, jealousy, strife, fear—if within us—will surface during fasting. At first, we will rationalise that our anger is due to our hunger; then we will realise that we are angry because the spirit of anger is within us. We can rejoice in this knowledge because we know that healing is available through the power of Christ. • Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Food does not sustain us; God sustains us. In Christ, “All things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17) Therefore, in experiences of fasting, we are not so much abstaining from food as we are feasting on the word of God. Fasting is feasting! When the disciples brought lunch to Jesus, assuming that he would be starving, he declared, “I have food to eat of which you do not know...My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:32, 34)

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• Fasting helps us keep our balance in life. Often, we allow nonessentials to take precedence in our lives too easily. Often, we crave things we do not need, until we are enslaved by them. Our human cravings and desires are like rivers that tend to overflow their banks; fasting helps keep them in their proper channels. Paul says, “I pommel my body and subdue it.” (1 Corinthians 9:27) This is not excessive asceticism. It is discipline and discipline brings freedom. Many have written on the many other values of fasting such as increased effectiveness in intercessory prayer, guidance in decisions, increased concentration and so on. In fasting, the most important thing to monitor is the inner attitude of the heart. Outwardly, you will be performing the regular duties of your day, but inwardly you will be in prayer and adoration, song, and worship. In a new way, cause every task of the day to be a sacred ministry to the Lord. With fasting, as in all matters, we can expect God to reward those who diligently seek Him!

“ john wesley {9}

First, let it [fasting] be done unto the Lord with our eye singly fixed on Him. Let our intention herein be this, and this alone, to glorify our Father which is in heaven…”

a guide to fasting >> (Adapted from LoveSingapore’s 40-Day Prayer Guide 2008)

How To Fast You are free to fast however the Spirit leads you. Some options are: • Total Fast: Abstain from solid foods for an extended part of the day. Take only water. You may fast from sunrise to sundown or from breakfast to afternoon tea. • One-Meal Fast: Sacrifice one full meal a day. • Beverage Fast: Abstain from solid foods for 24 hours. Take only water and liquid foods, such as milk, Milo or other health beverages. • Daniel Fast: Abstain from meats and other favourite delicacies. Take only small portions of fresh vegetables, fruit and juices. You may practise this as a 40-day routine. Or as Daniel 1:12 suggests, make this a 10-day fast. • Esther Fast: Abstain from solid foods for 24 hours for 3 days (Esther 4:16). How To Enjoy Fasting • Set aside time each day to seek God in prayer and fasting. It may be half an hour, an hour, or more. • Adopt an attitude of prayer as you go about your daily duties at home, at work or at school. Apply what you learnt in tangible actions. • Scale down your normal activities. Avoid vigorous exercise such as rock-climbing, cycling or jogging. • Be alert! Besides fasting from food, fast from things that distract you, such as television, the Internet, computer games; or things that destroy, such as coarse jesting or careless words. • Break your fast gradually and wisely. For health reasons, you should consume small portions as you break fast, avoiding chilli or acidic foods as much as possible.

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How To Involve Others Fasting together as a group is easier than doing it alone. Some options: • Family: Agree to fast and pray as a family. Decide on the type of fast your family members are comfortable with. Use this 40-Day Prayer Journal for your family devotion. • Covenant or Discipleship Groups: As a group, commit yourselves to a specific type of fast. Throughout this 40-Day Prayer Journey, yearn for personal transformation, church transformation and national transformation. Ask God to use your small group to be His mouthpiece and His outstretched hands here in Singapore and the nations. • Friends: In this city of mobile phones, keep a daily prayer appointment with a friend by phone. Send SMS reminders to pray or to share daily insights over the 40-Day Prayer Journey. At the agreed time, connect to pray! • Suggestion: From your fasting, donate the money you saved to the needy.

“ isaiah 58:6-7 { 11 }

Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break isaiah 58:6–7 every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry And bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”

What solitude is • Keeping company with God. • Being ALONE with God. • Being ONE with God. • Communing with God. • A GIFT … a JOY… a PRIVILEGE! Why? Imagine … the Almighty, Sovereign, Holy, Loving and Gracious God being with each of us, fellowshipping with us, delighting in us, alone. The Son of God obeyed the Father to suffer and die on the cross for all humanity that we might enjoy communion with God. What solitude is not 1 • NOT firstly a place but a state of mind and heart. • NOT being a company of one. • NOT being lonely and isolated. • NOT merely refraining from speech but actively listening. Why is solitude important? • Solitude helps us to nurture our relationship with God. • Solitude helps us to abide in Christ. • Solitude develops our hunger for God’s presence.

“

How do we have solitude? Internal factors: Our Heart • Submit to God To be contrite and vulnerable before God. To be real without pretense (Psalm 51:17). • Surrender to God To give in to God. To die to self in our will, wants and ways (Luke 9:23). • Desire God To know God. To hunger for intimacy with Him (Psalm 27:4). • Desire to be transformed To be like Jesus in character, deeds and life. To seek and set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1–3).

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In that quietness, God longs to draw you into intimacy with Him.”

External factors: Our Action • Step 1: A Place Find a comfortable place where you can be still and alone with God. Do bring with you everything you need so that you will not need to get up from the place. • Step 2: A Quietness It takes discipline and practice to cultivate quietness. Being still is an intentional and deliberate attempt to silence the noisy workshops of our hearts. Leave your cares and worries and come before the presence of God. If there are distracting sounds, put those sounds behind you and let them dissolve into the background. If it gets too loud and distracting, do find another spot. • Step 3: An Honest Reckoning There will be “floating thoughts” that come into our silences (especially the things you need to do). Do write them on a piece of paper and attend to them at a later time. Tell yourself that all these can wait. Still your heart before God and seek His face. In that quietness, God longs to draw you into intimacy with Him. • Step 4: A Praise Start by praising God. God deserves the highest worship and adoration. Use a Praise and Worship song book and spend at least half an hour worshipping and adoring God for who He is and for what He has done. • Step 5: A Reflection Identify your thoughts and emotions. Those thoughts and emotions may arise from the time of praise and worship or from the beauty of creation around you. They may also be evoked in the course of the reading of the Bible, an article, a book, or from a situation in your life. Ask yourself why you are thinking and feeling this way. Reflect and ask God how He views those thoughts and feelings. Listening is key during solitude. Listening to self and, more importantly, listening to God. • Step 6: A Meditation Meditate on the Word of God. God speaks to you primarily through His Word. As the Lord leads you to read a Scripture passage, read it slowly, ask what each word or phrase means in the context, and read it several times over. Observe repetitions, key words, who God is, what God has done or promised to do, and what God expects us to be and to do.

1 Celebration

of Discipline, by Richard J. Foster, (Harper & Row: San Francisco, 1987), p. 84.

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• Step 7: A Prayer Pray for yourself in the light of God’s revelation to you regarding your heart, thought, emotions and lifestyle. Pray that you will choose God, His way and His will. Pray for others who are in similar situations, or as the Lord leads you. • Step 8: A Journal Pen down in your journal brief notes on your communion with the Lord. Record God’s word to you, whether a promise, an encouraging word, a rebuke, or an assurance of forgiveness, etc. All such words are precious! Record God’s faithfulness and lovingkindness to you for your remembrance and thanksgiving!

Note: Steps 5, 6, 7 and 8 are NOT rigidly chronological. In fact, they are very fluid. You will find that these four steps interweave with one another seamlessly as you commune with the Lord and He with you. Critical factor: Our Faith • Believe God will show up, listen to and commune with you! • Lay hold of God’s Word, truth and promises that He will! (Hebrews 4:16; 11:6; James 4:8; 1 John 5:14–15; John 10:3–4) Solitude is NOT an option if we desire to endure for the long haul and finish the race. It is one of the disciplines of the inner life. And our inner life must be fed. In fact, Jesus set us the example Himself. What more for us, His disciples! (See Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:42; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Matthew 14:13; Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Mark 6:31; Matthew 26:36–46.) We will do well to guard against deception, distractions, disobedience, self-will, self-love and self-sufficiency as we spend time in solitude with the Lord. Some benefits of solitude We find fulfillment! • Fulfillment of our being human in God. • Fulfillment in our obedience to God. • Fulfillment of our heart’s yearnings for God.

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This is because through solitude: • We grow in intimacy with God. • Intimacy with God IS the blessing! We receive favour and blessings! Within self • Greater sensitivity to God. • Greater spiritual well-being. • Greater victory over personal strongholds. • Greater burden to pray. Toward others • Increased sensitivity toward others. • Increased compassion for others. • Increased attentiveness and responsiveness to the needs of others. • Increased prayer for others. We become fruitful for Jesus! (John 15:5) • Bear the character and life of Jesus. • Be witnesses for Jesus. • Bring others to Jesus.

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Solitude is NOT an option if we desire to endure for the long haul and finish the race. It is one of the disciplines of the inner life.”

Recommended readings • Celebration of Discipline: The Discipline of Solitude, by Richard Foster • Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home, by Richard Foster • Sacred Rhythms, by Ruth Haley Barton { 15 }

Venue 1

day with

Jesus

ALOHA CHANGI

SEALAND RD

NETHERAVON RD

Date Friday, 3 August 2012 Time 9 am to 6 pm Venue 1 Aloha Changi 30, Netheravon Road Singapore 508 521 Venue 2 BB/GB Campsite 1200, Sembawang Road Singapore 758 526

BIGGIN HILL RD

HA LTO N RD LOYANG AVE

Venue 2

SEA CP

make a date with the Lover of your soul! See you there!

SEMBAWANG PARK

E AV wang

wang semba

semba wang rd

CA NB ER RA LIN K

BB/GB CAMPSITE

Registration is required for catering and transport. More details will be provided at a later date.

semba * Map is simplified and not drawn to scale

This is because it will be a time of drawing near and being with the One who loves you and delights in youâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;just as you are. And our perfect Father in Heaven promises that He will draw near to anyone who makes time to draw near to Him (James 4:8). By having personal solitude with the Lord together as a Covenant family, we hope to give encouragement or assistance to participants who might need it. There will be resource materials to guide you and your District Mentors will be there to help you grow in faith, adventure and intimacy with our Lord Jesus. * See page 12-15 for notes on solitude. { 16 }

holy spirit fire >>

2012 theme song by terence ho

Verse 1 Holy Spirit come and have Your way in me Fill me with Your passion and cause my life to be Daily living for You, a life of purity Following my Jesus and walk in victory Chorus Holy Spirit fire, purify Your child To live a live of worship, set my heart on fire Have Your way in me, fulfill Your destiny This is my desire Lord be glorified in me Verse 2 Never looking back I run to win the race Trials and tribulation try to test my faith But I keep my eyes on Jesus And the task that lies ahead For He is all that matters After all thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done and said Verse 3 When my life is over, one thing will remain What Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done for Jesus will never fade away So let me be found faithful, tested, tried and true A life of pleasing service, bringing glory unto You Alternative Chorus Holy Spirit fire, purify us now To live a live of worship, set our hearts on fire Cause Your church to be, a people of destiny This is our desire for all eternity

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week

1-7 july

search me,

o god!

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

> Psalm 139:23-24

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Search Me, O God!

sunday, 1 july WEEK 1, DAY 1

PERSONAL PRAYER IDOLATRY Read Exodus 20:1-6; Jeremiah 2:13 Worship requires focus; our focus is evident in what we build our lives upon and whom we serve. When we forsake the Eternal and Almighty God to build what is transient and impotent, we are enslaved to the biggest lie of all—that we can depend on the gods of our own making and choosing. Reflect • If you asked those who are close to you what the core affections in your life are, how would they answer? • Is Christ the only one in your worship? Pray • Thank God that He alone is more than worthy of your worship. • Tell the Lord that with all that you are, have and know, you will worship Him alone. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church: Mission Statement

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For transforming us with His love and power.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That leaders will live as disciples and disciplers (2 Timothy 2:2). 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That The Next Generation (TNG) will own their mandate and win their generation for Christ. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That pre-believers will come to the Lord through the Spirit’s conviction and the testimony of His disciples. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will be willing to let God work His redemptive agenda in and through me.

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written prayer by Quek Ai Lay Heavenly Father, fill us with Your Spirit that we may see as You see and do what You say. We desire for Your Word to teach and transform us so that we may live the truth as redeemed people. Grant to us Your own heart of compassion that we may see and minister Your truth to a world lost and in need of You. Pour forth Your enabling that we may be and make disciples after Your own heart.

week one >> NOTES

Prayer is not eloquence, but earnestness; Not the definition of helplessness, but the feeling of it; Not figures of speech, but earnestness of soul. * Hannah More *

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Search Me, O God!

monday, 2 july WEEK 1, DAY 2

PERSONAL PRAYER Indifference Read Luke 10:27 Owing nothing yet withholding nothing, God died for us who can offer nothing for our salvation; this is Love. The Holy and Almighty One lavished His undeserving grace on us—condemned and unworthy sinners! What an awesome God we worship! Reflect • Have you given yourself freely and fully to Christ? For example, have you surrendered ALL of your desires, emotions, thoughts and strengths as an expression of your love towards Him? • Have you emptied yourself to love Him? • How has God’s love transformed you and moulded your relationships? Pray • Lay all hindrances to an unadulterated love for God at the feet of Jesus. • Ask the Spirit to lead you to love others as Christ loves them. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Truth 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks That Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That leaders will commit to live lives of truth and authenticity. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That Covenanters will grow up in every way into Him who is the Head, that is Christ. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That they will stand firm and allow the Spirit of truth to guide them into all truth. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That God will sanctify me with His truth.

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written prayer by Pauline Chia Lord, we pray for Covenanters to know Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truth. May Your truth revive us, through the renewal of our minds. Unveil our eyes, anoint our ears and renew our hearts. Unlock our wills and awaken our spirits, O Lord. May we apply Your inerrant Word to free us from our deceptions, bondages, addictions, false spirituality and ourselves, that You may heal us spiritually, psychologically, physically and emotionally! (John 8:31-32)

week one >> NOTES

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Search Me, O God!

tuesday, 3 july WEEK 1, DAY 3

PERSONAL PRAYER Intimidation Read 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:4,18; James 4:7 Fears are real but God reveals that He is the Almighty Sovereign Lord! Moreover, He promises that in Christ, we can overcome our fears through His love, Spirit and precious promises. When we put our faith in Him and His Word, we experience the Lord doing His work in our innermost being. Fears disappear, faith in Him deepens and a holy boldness emerges. Reflect • Is your life characterized by fears or faith in the Lord? • What drives you—the world’s expectations or God’s steadfast love? Pray • Make a resolute stand against the fears in your life. • Believe God will deliver you. • Praise Him for delivering you! WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Community

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For the small group communities in Covenant.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That leaders will have faith, courage and boldness to lead and guide. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That CG members will be spiritually mature and enjoy healthy relationships with one another. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That Covenanters who are not in CGs will join one. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will commit myself to a CG and contribute to it.

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written prayer by Elder Dr Louis Tan Father, we thank You for establishing many CGs in Covenant and for the leaders that You have placed at the district, zone and CG levels to shepherd and lead these groups. We pray that as Covenanters, we will commit ourselves to a small group community to encourage and spur us on in our discipleship journey. We ask that every CG will become a vibrant growing community that may be multiplied to win and disciple the lost (Acts 2:43-47; Hebrews 10:23-25).

week one >> NOTES

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Search Me, O God!

wednesday, 4 july WEEK 1, DAY 4

PERSONAL PRAYER PRIDE Read Proverbs 16:18 Pride anchors rebellion in our hearts as it always keeps disobedience an option; God sees the unbowed hearts behind bowing knees. Pride blinds us from seeing our needful dependence on Him and even denies there is a problem. Pride wants to contain God rather than be consumed by Him; but this causes us to lose our lives rather than save them. Behold the Almighty One and worship Him for who He is, not what we want Him to be. Reflect • Are some areas in your life out of bounds to God? • Do you live independently and come to the Lord only in crisis? Pray • Be awed in His presence for He alone deserves all glory. • Acknowledge that His ways are always higher than ours. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Stewardship

4 5

Thumb: Give thanks For the privilege and honour of being stewards. 1

Index finger: Pray for leaders That the Church Board will exercise wisdom and make godly decisions regarding the resources God has given. 2

Middle finger: Pray for significant people That Covenanters will lay their all before God at His disposal. 3

Ring finger: Pray for those in need That mercy and grace will be showered upon the needy. 4

Little finger: Pray for self That I will embrace Jesus’ freeing me from pride, selfish ambition, insecurities and fear masked by the grip of money and possessions. 5

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written prayer by Vincent Quek Lord, help us to regard all our time, talents, abilities, possessions, wealth and health as not ours to own and hoard. May these be Yours to use and may we be responsible stewards who will use them as blessings to those whom You choose to bless. Render us fully willing to use these in every way to please You in our actions, thoughts and attitudes for Your glory and honour.

week one >> NOTES

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Search Me, O God!

thursday, 5 july WEEK 1, DAY 5

PERSONAL PRAYER ANGER Read Galatians 5:19-26; Ephesians 4:26-32 Anger often thinks it is righteous when it is in fact proud. Righteous anger bears the mark of God’s holiness and love, spurring us to life; whereas prideful anger partners the enemy in condemnation and destruction, leading to death. When our lives are examined, may others find the marks of Christ’s forgiveness, humility and love. Reflect • Is your life a model of grace, tender-heartedness and edification for all? • Do you use anger to get your way? Pray • Always gratefully remember how you, an object of wrath, have been forgiven by His grace. • Reconcile with at least one person whom you have alienated in your anger, asking for forgiveness. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Balance 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks That Jesus, God Incarnate, is full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That leaders will prioritize the essentials and fundamentals in their discipleship. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That fathers will lead families to prioritize family devotions. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For families who struggle to keep a “balanced” life. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will radically follow Jesus! (Matthew 4:19)

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written prayer by Elder-Designate Dr Ben Mow Lord Jesus, forgive us for living unbalanced livesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;lives skewed towards concern for our own cares, comfort and convenience (Matthew 13:22). Instead, Lord, continue to reveal Your awesome majesty and capture our hearts with Your holiness and passion, for we think rather little of what You are like, what You expect of us, and what You seek in us. Lord, be the centre of our lives, we pray.

week one >> NOTES

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Search Me, O God!

friday, 6 july WEEK 1, DAY 6

PERSONAL PRAYER Infirmities Read 1 Corinthians 11:27-32; 1 Peter 4:12-14,19 & 5:8-11 When infirmities hit us, the knee-jerk response is to pray for deliverance. Yet, God’s Word tells us that there are various reasons for infirmities. Hence, seeking the Lord for His insight with regards to the cause will lead us to the appropriate response. If we have sinned, then confession and repentance are required by the Holy One. But if we are sharing in Christ’s sufferings, we are exhorted to rejoice, entrusting our souls to our faithful Creator. Reflect • Do you suspect or know that you are compromising His ways? • How have you been embracing the infirmities and suffering in your life? Pray • Trust God and give thanks in all circumstances. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Core Value: Brokenness

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks That God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways than our ways (Isaiah 55:8).

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That leaders may see brokenness as a gift from God. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That Covenanters will embrace brokenness in our lives. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That Covenanters yet to experience brokenness will receive a breakthrough (Psalm 51:17). 5 Little finger: Pray for self Lord, search me and break me as You please.

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written prayer by Elder Sebastian Quek Father God, You have shown us what is good and what You require of us. Your desire is for us to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with You (Micah 6:8). We are in tremendous need of a Saviour, and we therefore relinquish control of our lives to You. Help us to walk in brokenness that produces true humility.

week one >> NOTES

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Search Me, O God!

saturday, 7 july WEEK 1, DAY 7

PERSONAL PRAYER Immorality Read Galatians 5:19-26; Matthew 5:27-32 The world is baffled by why God is so hung up on sin, as if He’s picking on some trivial speck on a shelf. After all, the world reasons, isn’t the whole world doing it? God sees nothing trivial in sin. In fact, He saw no way to rescue us from sin’s clutches except to die as an atonement for us and start living within us. Let us see sin as God sees, and hate it as He does. Reflect • Do you rationalize and justify some of your sins? • Why is God able to hate sin and judge sinners? Pray • Determine to crucify all your fleshly desires in Christ. • Let Christ reign and live in you (Galatians 2:20). WATCHMAN PRAYER Church: Covenant as One Church Thumb: Give thanks That we continue to experience the fullness of God’s grace, growth and godliness. 1

4 5

Index finger: Pray for leaders That leaders will have depth and substance, and be lovers of God and His Word. 2

Middle finger: Pray for significant people That Covenanters will engage significantly in body life through community and service. 3

Ring finger: Pray for those in need That these will find strength in God, their ever present help. 4

Little finger: Pray for self That I will walk daily with Jesus in Word and prayer. 5

{ 32 }

written prayer by Ps Tan Kay Kiong Lord God, Covenant is at a very exciting phase of her history. Truly, You are the sole enabler of all things. Only You can bring about authentic discipleship and intentional disciple-making at every level and people group in our local church. We realize that unless we are gracefounded, growth-focused and godliness-filled, our destiny in You will be compromised. Help us, Lord, for without You, we MUST fail.

week one >> NOTES

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{ 34 }

week

8-14 july

cleanse me,

o god!

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!

> Psalm 32:1-2

{ 35 }

Cleanse Me, O God!

sunday, 8 july WEEK 2, DAY 8

PERSONAL PRAYER Our Heart Read 1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:18-20 God looks at our hearts. Period. We can delude others about our true standing before the Holy and Sovereign One by covering up our tracks or keeping quiet. We can even delude ourselves through rationalization or denial. Yet God, in His redemptive grace, calls us to allow His Truth and Spirit to search deep within us that we may be cleansed afresh and follow wholly after the LORD. Reflect • How is your heart today? Pray • Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. • Confess and repent before God. Receive His forgiveness and consecration. • Commit to be wholeheartedly devoted to God (1 Kings 8:22-61). WATCHMAN PRAYER Church: Covenant Leadership (Board, SPO, Staff and Lay Leaders) 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks That God has bestowed His sovereign calling upon every leader at Covenant.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That leaders will NEVER take God for granted, nor let disobedience rob them of supernatural strength, sight, credibility and usefulness. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That leaders’ families will experience revival this year and allow the Holy Spirit to fill their lives and direct their paths (Hebrews 13:18). 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That leaders in need will be willing to “launch out into the deep” (Luke 5:4). 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will pray regularly for my leaders to be servant leaders.

{ 36 }

written prayer by Ps Tony Yeo Lord God, 2012 has marked a momentous leadership succession and transition in Covenant. Leaders from our two centres were also commissioned and consecrated, and a new church board of elders and deacons dedicated. You ordained to gift the church with qualified spiritual leadership so that the whole body of Christ might be built up and experience unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God, and reach spiritual maturity after the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). Help us, Lord, to dream big and to rise up (Ezra 10:4) as we press on towards VISION 2028.

week two >> NOTES

Revival: the inrush of the Spirit into the body that threatens to become a corpse. * d.m. panton *

{ 37 }

Cleanse Me, O God!

monday, 9 july WEEK 2, DAY 9

PERSONAL PRAYER Our Thoughts Read Philippians 4:8 Have you ever stopped to reflect on what you think about every day? Whether we are aware of it or not, our thoughts affect our feelings, moods and behaviour. The mind is the battlefield of the Christian. A sinful lifestyle, confusion, anxiety and doubts perpetuate themselves because we have allowed our minds to think unholy, ungodly and unhealthy thoughts. Reflect • Take an honest inventory of your thought life based on Philippians 4:8. • What kinds of thoughts dominate your everyday living? Pray • Commit to renew your mind daily with the truth of God (Romans 12:2). • Ask the Holy Spirit to reign in your thought life. • Take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5-6). WATCHMAN PRAYER Church: The ACK Centre 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks That He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant (Deuteronomy 7:9).

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That Board and Committee members will have God-guided wisdom and discernment (James 3:17-18). 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That Covenanters will catch and believe in the God-given vision and purpose of the ACK Centre. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That all in Covenant will have a renewed passion to serve in oneness upon the completion of the ACK Centre (Philippians 2:2). 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will cheerfully give of myself to the Lord (2 Corinthians 9:7).

{ 38 }

written prayer by Gracia Chew Lord, we recognize Your hand in leading and guiding the purchase of the ACK Centre. We are excited about the next phase of Your calling to fulfill our mission of returning the Church to its disciple-making roots. With the ACK Centre, You have created many new opportunities to equip and train TNG, interns and leaders to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Certain Kindâ&#x20AC;?. May You find us faithful and pleasing as we commit ourselves to be diligent stewards of the people, provisions and possibilities that You have entrusted to us.

week two >> NOTES

{ 39 }

Cleanse Me, O God!

tuesday, 10 july WEEK 2, DAY 10

PERSONAL PRAYER Our Words Read Matthew 12:33-37; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6 The tongue is a small part of our body yet it is very powerful. With the tongue, we praise God and lead the lost to Christ. But with the same tongue, we gossip, slander, criticize, tell lies to ruin someone’s reputation or break a person’s heart (James 3:56,9-10). Because the tongue has tremendous power to give life or to destroy, we need God’s cleansing, as well as yieldedness to the Holy Spirit’s control, of the source of our speech—our hearts. Reflect • How does your speech glorify God and build others up? Pray • Commit Ephesians 4:29 to memory. • Ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse your speech by filling you with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). WATCHMAN PRAYER Church: IDMC and Global Discipleship Congress (GDC) Vision 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For global leaders who support this disciple-making movement.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That Ps Edmund, Ps Ann, John Chambers and GDC 2013 leadership team will experience revival. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That global leaders will grow in authentic discipleship and multiply. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That leaders from impoverished nations can attend GDC 2013. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will seek God to deepen my insight and embrace Covenant’s global mission.

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written prayer by John Chambers Lord, the Church worldwide is shallow and stagnant, and Your calling upon us to be a catalyst, â&#x20AC;&#x153;returning the Church to its disciple-making rootsâ&#x20AC;?, far exceeds our human capacity. Turn our eyes to You and redeem Your Church! Through Your power, give Pastor Edmund Chan and the Global Alliance team the faith, courage, resources and wisdom to fulfill Your calling. Bless GDC 2013 with 10,000 attendees who will catch the vision and ignite the passion for a global disciple-making movement!

week two >> NOTES

{ 41 }

Cleanse Me, O God!

wednesday, 11 july WEEK 2, DAY 11

PERSONAL PRAYER Our Attitudes Read Psalm 51:17 God is not looking for independent, willful and religiously pious worshippers. He seeks those whose hearts are broken, contrite and surrendered so that He can cleanse and redeem them. Such persons are emptied of pride and self-will as they fear the Lord and are indebted to Him for His grace. From this brokenness, these ones love and honour God and others, thus delighting the Lord. Reflect • Do your attitudes flow from pride or brokenness? • Do your attitudes mirror the character and values of the world, yourself or the Lord? Pray • Ask for a broken and contrite heart. • Ask God to cleanse and consecrate your attitude for His glory. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Pillar: Worship 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For God alone is worthy to be worshipped.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That church leaders will live their lives as worship unto God (Romans 12:1) 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That worship teams will lead in corporate worship out of their personal worship of God. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That Covenanters will relinquish their heart’s throne to God as worship. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will be a true worshipper of God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).

{ 42 }

written prayer by Quek Ai Lay Lord, teach us the true posture of worship: to bow down before You, for You alone are God. In our worship we submit our wills so that Your will be done; we surrender our lives so that You can live in and through us; we obey so as to do the Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good pleasure. Fill us with Your Spirit that we may worship in the truth of who You are: God eternal, almighty, perfect and glorious.

week two >> NOTES

{ 43 }

Cleanse Me, O God!

thursday, 12 july WEEK 2, DAY 12

PERSONAL PRAYER Our Actions Read James 4:17 We often associate sin with doing wrong or causing hurt or harm to others. It is a sin to speak ill of a friend; it is also a sin to avoid your friend when he needs your help or friendship. Knowing God’s will without taking the corresponding action to fulfill it—this is sin in God’s eyes. God desires our obedience. Let us guard against giving excuses, rationalizing and procrastinating to do what is right. Reflect • Are you substituting good intentions for obedience? • Identify the cause of your lack of or delayed obedience. Would you choose to obey joyfully and immediately? Pray • Ask for active obedience in doing what God has called you to do. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Pillar: Prayer 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For the gift of prayer from God to us!

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That leaders will influence and ignite in others prayer as a lifestyle. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That Covenanters will grow in tenacity, capacity, scope and depth of prayer. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That Covenanters will have a breakthrough in prayer. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will pray all kinds of prayer for all people, on all occasions with all perseverance (Ephesians 6:18).

{ 44 }

written prayer by Kristen Chua Lord, we thank You for awakening us to pray like never before. Covenant would not exist if our founders had not prayed. And we would not be able to go on if we stopped praying. Apart from You, we are truly nothing. We confess we do not desire You enough. Lord, would You water our thirsty souls and fill our parched land. May our prayers shake the heavens and the earth! Let Your kingdom come, Your will be done! May You grant that we may see Your works.

week two >> NOTES

{ 45 }

Cleanse Me, O God!

friday, 13 july WEEK 2, DAY 13

PERSONAL PRAYER Our Emotions Read Galatians 5:19-26 Strong and uncontrolled feelings often trigger sinful actions which bring about devastation in a disciple’s relationship with God, his personal life and the lives of others. A moment of passion leads to sexual misconduct; a treasured friendship is broken over a silly disagreement; a fit of anger causes the loss of a job. Healthy feelings are essential to holy living and we must submit our emotions to the control of the Holy Spirit. Reflect • Does any emotion control you? Pray • Confess and repent of any sin in Galatians 5:19-26. • Ask God for someone that you can be accountable to as you cultivate the fruit of the Holy Spirit. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Pillar: Equipping

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For the Word of God and the God of the Word.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That Ps William, Ps Ivan, Dr Ho Chiao Ek and Tommy Lim will experience personal revival, be faithful to God’s Word and be passionate in equipping God’s people for life and ministry. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That God will raise staff and lay teachers to co-labour with the Equipping team. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That Covenanters will have daily and healthy feeding on God’s Word. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will make time to grow in God’s Word daily.

{ 46 }

written prayer by Ps Ivan Ho and Jenny Han Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which instructs us in the way we should go and the manner we should live. You light up our path when there is darkness and we cannot see. You strengthen us for battle against temptations and sin, evil and injustice. Your way is perfect, and Your Word is true. You are a strong refuge for all those who take refuge in You. You are our rock and our salvation. We praise You with all our hearts (2 Samuel 22:29-37).

week two >> NOTES

{ 47 }

Cleanse Me, O God!

saturday, 14 july WEEK 2, DAY 14

PERSONAL PRAYER Our Sight Read Matthew 6:19-24; 1 John 2:15-17 What do your eyes seek out and focus on most of the time? What brings pleasure to your eyes? O, be careful little eyes what you see! For whatever our eyes seek after reveals our heart’s most cherished desires. Reflect • How have your sight and your heart’s desires been transformed since the day Jesus saved you? • How badly do you want to see God and the things that matter to Him in your daily life? Pray • Ask God to cleanse your eyes and purify your heart. • Ask God to change your heart so that you will earnestly yearn to see and treasure what is of eternal worth. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Pillar: Local Outreach 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For the growing momentum in our harvest events.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That leaders will serve and dream the future together in unity and resonance. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For protection and unity for the loved ones of those actively involved in outreach. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That pre-believers will encounter God in their lives. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will lead a PDA lifestyle.

{ 48 }

written prayer by Ps Edmund Wong Lord, we pray that You will visit the earth and cause it to overflow. Crown the year with Your bounty; and may Your wagon tracks overflow with abundance. Let the pastures of the wilderness overflowâ&#x20AC;Ś that we may shout for joy and sing together (Psalm 65:9-12).

week two >> NOTES

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week

15-21 july

send me,

o god!

So Jesus said to them again, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.â&#x20AC;?

> John 20:21

{ 51 }

Send Me, O God!

sunday, 15 july WEEK 3, DAY 15

PERSONAL PRAYER SEE what Jesus saw! Read John 4:34-38 Jesus saw His purpose in life was to accomplish the will of God. Jesus saw the people around Him not merely as potential children of God, but people with ready hearts to believe and receive Him as Saviour and Lord. Lastly, Jesus saw you and me as reapers of His Harvest. What do you see? Reflect • What is your purpose in life—is God at the centre of it all? • If your life does not revolve around God, identify what or whom it revolves around. Pray • Confess and repent as the Holy Spirit convicts you. • Ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to see the people around you and yourself as Jesus sees. WATCHMAN PRAYER Missions: “In Sync with Missions”

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For God’s clear mandate for Covenant’s missions.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For Elder Tan Lian Seng (Missions Director) to continue to live and lead in the power of the Holy Spirit. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That the Missions Governing Board and Missions Staff will continue to live and serve in the power of the Holy Spirit. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For God’s breakthrough for potential missionary candidates facing challenges to be sent to the field. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will be “In Sync” with Covenant’s missions.

{ 52 }

written prayer by Goh Eng Kwang Lord, we thank You for the clear mandate that You have given to Covenant to send out 500 missionaries to plant 1,000 disciple-making church plants by 2020. We pray that every Covenanter, of any age and ability, will play their part in praying, giving or going. May the entire church be involved in sending out well-trained, well-equipped and well-supported missionaries. Help us to be “In Sync” with Your heartbeat and with what our church is doing for missions.

week three >> NOTES

God’s cause is committed to men; God commits Himself to men. Praying men are the vice-regents of God; they do His work and carry out His plans. * e.m. bounds *

{ 53 }

Send Me, O God!

monday, 16 july WEEK 3, DAY 16

PERSONAL PRAYER FEEL what Jesus felt! Read Matthew 9:35-38 Jesus fulfilled God’s will wherever He went, as He taught, shared the Gospel and healed the sick. Jesus also showed us by His example that we must do God’s will with compassion. Our service to the Lord and others is the outflow of a heart of worship and love (Luke 10:27). Reflect • Have you been God’s harvest worker wherever you are? Eg. During overseas business trips and holidays, or in Singapore—at home, at work, or in the neighbourhood? • Have you been witnessing for Jesus with His compassion? Pray • Ask God to mould you to serve with compassion like Jesus, your Lord and Saviour. • Beseech the Lord of the Harvest to send out workers into His Harvest. WATCHMAN PRAYER Missions: Home Missions

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For the opportunity to bless the 1.31 million non-resident foreigners in Singapore for Christ!

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For faith, courage and the Spirit’s empowerment for Dr Ho Chiao Ek (Home Missions IC). 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For God to raise lay leaders for the China, Filipino and Indonesian Fellowships. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For God’s protection and deliverance for internationals marginalized or ill-treated by their employers. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will engage in PDA opportunities to reach the internationals in Singapore.

{ 54 }

written prayer by Goh Eng Kwang Lord, we thank You for bringing the nations to Singapore. We thank You for the 1.31 million non-resident foreigners in Singapore, especially those who would not have opportunities to hear the gospel in their home countries. Lord, give us a heart to reach out to internationals with the love of Jesus. Help us to honour them for leaving their homes to serve our nation. Help us to obey Your teaching to treat â&#x20AC;&#x153;aliensâ&#x20AC;? with justice and compassion (Leviticus 19:33-34).

week three >> NOTES

{ 55 }

Send Me, O God!

tuesday, 17 july WEEK 3, DAY 17

PERSONAL PRAYER DO what Jesus did! Read Luke 19:1-10 Jesus was single-minded in seeking and saving those who live apart from God. He disregarded the disapproval of the crowd as He invited Himself to Zaccheus’ home. Jesus loves sinners and transforms us into His own likeness—in character and in deed. Reflect • Have you been single-minded in seeking and saving the lost? • Have you grumbled and become offended when you are sidestepped while sinners are shown kindness? • How have you been transformed into Christ’s likeness since the day Jesus met you? Pray • Ask the Lord to forgive you in areas He has convicted you of. • Ask the Lord for a heart that willingly and joyfully seeks and saves the lost. WATCHMAN PRAYER Missions: Urban Missions

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For the strategy in Urban Missions as 47% of the world’s population is in 400 megacities.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For faith, courage and the Spirit’s empowerment for Dr Benjamin Mow (Urban Missions IC). 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For swift adjustment for PSB and Ps Glen (Regional Coordinators) who have relocated to strategic cities. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For God’s provision and protection for the urban poor, including migrant workers and their children. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will be salt and light wherever my work takes me.

{ 56 }

written prayer by Goh Eng Kwang Lord, we thank You for the global trend of urbanization. Thank You that Covenant is working with churches and strategic partners in gateway cities towards planting disciplemaking church plants. Guide our regional coordinators to connect with new partners in the countries where we desire to make inroads this year. Thank You for partners with a passion to start international schools to educate and reach the local TNGs. Grant the educators in our midst the passion for serving in such schools.

week three >> NOTES

{ 57 }

Send Me, O God!

wednesday, 18 july WEEK 3, DAY 18

PERSONAL PRAYER PRAY what Jesus prayed! Read Matthew 6:9-14 The prayer Jesus taught us revolves around God the Father—His will, His values, His ways, His holiness, His Kingdom, His power and His glory. Would you pray likewise, to the Father’s delight? Reflect • What focus have your prayers had of late? • Can God the Father count on you to pray prayers that please and glorify Him, and advance His Kingdom? Pray • Confess and repent before God over aspects of your prayer life that are not aligned to His will. • Commit to the Lord to pray prayers that delight His heart. WATCHMAN PRAYER Missions: Business as Missions (BAM)

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For Covenanters who are involved in BAM.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For faith, courage and the Spirit’s empowerment for John Chin (BAM IC). 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For discernment of God’s leading regarding identifying potential partners to start BAM. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For God’s provision for the less-educated and poorly-paid employees. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will seek to see work and missions in a holistic way as God does.

{ 58 }

written prayer by Goh Eng Kwang Lord, we thank You for the many Covenanters who are involved in business. Help us to see work and missions in a holistic way. Help us to remove any and all misconceptions of the divide between the secular and sacred. Help us to be authentic disciples in our businesses and our workplaces. Help us to be good testimonies to our colleagues, business associates, vendors and employees. May those who work closest to us be attracted to Christ in us.

week three >> NOTES

{ 59 }

Send Me, O God!

thursday, 19 july WEEK 3, DAY 19

PERSONAL PRAYER BEAR with others as Jesus did! Read Romans 15:1-7; John 17:21 In life, interpersonal relationships and God’s Kingdom work, there will be conflicts. God has instructed us to bear with and please one another for the building up of the other—so that we will have the same mind in Christ. When we have mutual love and acceptance of one another, God is greatly glorified and the world may believe that Jesus has been sent by God. Reflect • How tenacious have you been in building and protecting the unity of God’s people? • Have you made God’s glory your foremost goal in your life? Pray • Tell God you choose to love others—Covenanters from other CGs, in MandarinDialect ministries, and Christians from other denominations and nations. WATCHMAN PRAYER Missions: E-Missions

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For the many inroads already made in E-missions in the world scene.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For faith, courage and the Spirit’s empowerment for Ms Ada Chan (E-Missions IC). 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For God to raise Covenanters to be in the team piloting a project for E-missions. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For solace in God for those lost in the faceless world of the internet. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will learn to use the internet for God’s glory and Kingdom purposes.

{ 60 }

written prayer by Goh Eng Kwang Lord, we thank You for the advances in technology and social media that make communication so convenient. Help us redeem the internet for Your Kingdom purposes. Help us harness the potential of Covenanters who are technically savvy in these areas. Help us to create platforms where we can share the gospel with seekers and disciple believers over the internet, in creative and sensitive ways. Help us to identify suitable incubator projects where we can begin to make practical inroads in E-missions.

week three >> NOTES

{ 61 }

Send Me, O God!

friday, 20 july WEEK 3, DAY 20

PERSONAL PRAYER MULTIPLY as Jesus mandates! Read 2 Timothy 2:2; Matthew 28:18-20 Many run to Jesus for His blessings and, in the same breath, run away from His burden for the lost. While we become disciples of a certain kind, we would do well to also reproduce after our kind. As we arise to our call as His ministers of reconciliation and disciple-making in the world, we can trust in Christ’s providence and blessings— that those whom we disciple will in turn win others to Christ and disciple them. Reflect • Are you winning the lost for Christ? • Are you discipling others who are discipling yet others? Pray • Pray that God’s compassion for people will be fanned into flame within us. • Pray for a willing and faithful heart, leaving excuses at His feet. WATCHMAN PRAYER Missions: The Next Generation (TNG)

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For vibrant TNG ministries in Covenant.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For faith, courage and the Spirit’s empowerment for Ps Matthew (TNG Missions IC). 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For God to raise TNG leaders in Covenant and our partner churches. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That TNG who have yet to find meaning and purpose in life will find them in Jesus. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will have a heart to disciple and mentor the TNG.

{ 62 }

written prayer by Goh Eng Kwang Lord, we thank You for the vibrant TNG ministries in Covenant. We pray that You will provide more labourers to take on leadership roles, so that these ministries can grow. Give our TNGs a passion for missions. Fill them with zeal to win their world for Christ. Let them not drift along with their peers into the things of the world. Give us strategic partners who have a passion to reach the TNG in their own cities and countries.

week three >> NOTES

{ 63 }

Send Me, O God!

saturday, 21 july WEEK 3, DAY 21

PERSONAL PRAYER GO where Jesus directs! Read Mark 16:14-20; Acts 1:8 Jesus wasn’t interested in geographical conquests; all of heaven and earth is His anyway. Jesus came as Immanuel, God with us. For God saw no better way to bring Himself to us, and reconcile us to Himself, than through Christ being with us. Likewise, Jesus sees no better way to bring Himself to the nations, reconciling them to God, than through us being with them, as witnesses of His wondrous Love. Reflect • Do you seek or shun mission opportunities? • How far is your “care-reach”? Pray • Thank Jesus that you may be His witness. • Ask the Lord for mission opportunities. • Pray that you will be obedient and controlled by Christ’s Love. WATCHMAN PRAYER Missions: Missions Prayer

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For sustaining the weekly Sunday missions prayer since it started last year.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For faith, courage and the Spirit’s empowerment for Dr Ong Sea Hing (Missions Prayer IC). 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For deepened Spirit-led prayers bestowed upon those who have been coming faithfully. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For God’s strength for missionaries going through challenges and tough times in the field. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will catch the passion for prayer from godly role models.

{ 64 }

written prayer by Goh Eng Kwang Lord, we thank You that Your desire is for none to perish, but for all to come to eternal life. Yet, You also desire for Your children to come before You in desperate, persistent and passionate prayer for lost souls. Give us the humility to realize that without You, we are nothing. When we work, we work, but when we pray, You work. Help us to take practical steps to be engaged regularly and consistently in prayers for the lost.

week three >> NOTES

{ 65 }

{ 66 }

week

22-28 july

Mould me,

o god!

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

> Romans 12:2

{ 67 }

Mould Me, O God!

sunday, 22 july WEEK 4, DAY 22

PERSONAL PRAYER Our Will and Our Rights Read Luke 9:23 Is there a difference between being committed and being surrendered to Christ? Both are serious and sincere decisions. However, when we are committed, we still seek to keep control over our lives; whereas when we are surrendered, we relinquish our control to Christ. Surrender launches our faith into action. Reflect • Are there areas in your life where Christ has called you to deny yourself? • In your life, is there something that you have committed to the Lord but not surrendered to Him? Pray • Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Follow through with an act that you have surrendered to Christ in faith. WATCHMAN PRAYER Missions: Beyond Mission Trips

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For lives that were transformed because of short-term mission trips.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For wisdom and strength for our field hosts and Ms Tay Ai Li (Mission Trips Coordinator). 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For God’s leadership anointing for missions interns and mentees as trip leaders. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For open hearts in those who have yet to hear a clear and complete sharing of the gospel. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will catch the heartbeat of God for the nations through short-term missions trips.

{ 68 }

written prayer by Goh Eng Kwang Lord, we thank You for the many lives that are transformed because of mission trips. Beyond mission trips, we earnestly desire our lives to bear more fruit for the glory of Your name. Show us how we can be more involved in Your Kingdom purposes. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see what You are doing during in these last days. Grant us the child-like faith to obey what You are saying to us.

week four >> NOTES

One great hindrance to personal revival is not obvious wrong but unsurrendered rights. Worry, greed and selfish anger are all signs of rights never given over to God. (The Revival Study Bible, pg. 1432)

{ 69 }

Mould Me, O God!

monday, 23 july WEEK 4, DAY 23

PERSONAL PRAYER Our Significant Relationships Read Luke 9:57-62 An undivided heart keeps a disciple focused singularly on Christ, the Bread of life. If our relationship with Christ is not top priority, then any relationship ahead of Him is idolatry. No reason can ever justify diluting our allegiance to Christ, for He is either Lord of all or not Lord at all. Reflect • Are there relationships that are pulling you away from Christ? • Is Christ the anchor of your decisions in life? Pray • Tell God that you will keep your eyes firmly on Jesus and follow Him, with no turning back. • Subject all your earthly relationships under His Lordship. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Pillar: Small Group Infrastructure

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For CGs and for depositing God’s DNA into each group.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That leaders will lead with integrity of heart and shepherd their flock with skillful hands (Psalm 78:72). 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That God will raise priests who will do everything that is on His heart (1 Samuel 2:35a). 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For God’s presence and help for those who are experiencing a difficult season (Isaiah 54:10, Psalm 27:1). 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will ask God to search my heart (Psalm 139:23-24).

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written prayer by Adelene Wee Father, You created us for community. Help us live with each other and to love our brothers and sisters in authentic, accountable communities. Use us to encourage each other on the journey, share the load, push the boundaries, fight the darkness, cheer our successes and pull us up when we fall. Help us learn to love each other truly so that others may know that Jesus alone is Lord! Use our CGs to transform us into the likeness of Your Son.

week four >> NOTES

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Mould Me, O God!

tuesday, 24 july WEEK 4, DAY 24

PERSONAL PRAYER An Easy and Comfortable Life Read Luke 9:57-62 Discipleship in Christ is neither about feeling ready nor feeling good. Spiritual zeal often masks our preference to follow Christ on our terms rather than His. To guard against romanticizing our faith, let us remember that it is Christ, not comfort, whom we follow. Reflect • Are you bargaining with Christ over some issues rather than following Him unreservedly? • Is there something uncomfortable, or even painful, which the Spirit has been prompting you to do but you have resisted doing? Pray • Pray for courage to prevail over comfort in following Christ. • As Christ leads you to act, pray that you will trust Him wholeheartedly for the outcome. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Specialized: TNG Sunbeam

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks That children have a special place in the Kingdom of God.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For Ps Matthew, Sunbeam staff and volunteers: that God will renew their youth like the eagle’s. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For the children in our area of influence to know Christ and grow in Him. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For unsaved children and children from needy families to be saved. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will be a role model for the next generation.

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written prayer by Betty Lee Father, Your heart is for “all children to come to You” (Mark 10:14). We pray for our children to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour; that they may own this faith and walk in obedience. Help us to be their role models and to “train them up in the way they should go, so that even when they are old, they will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

week four >> NOTES

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Mould Me, O God!

wednesday, 25 july WEEK 4, DAY 25

PERSONAL PRAYER Our Possessions and Money Read Matthew 6:19-24 Truly blessed is one who holds out his possessions to Christ with open palms; for he serves a Master who frees him from being possessed by earthly treasures. His heart rests as he trusts and rejoices as he gives, because Christ orders his priorities. The world has barely a pull on him for Christ’s love and grace are ever before him, propelling all his investments. Reflect • Are you struggling between giving and withholding? • What do heavenly treasures mean to you? Pray • Thank God for His sufficiency in meeting your needs. • Pray that you will put on love and align your heart to His, that you may see as He sees. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Specialized: TNG Voices and WEB 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For committed WEB Spiders and Voices mentors and facilitators.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For godly and willing leaders to arise within WEB and Voices. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For parents to release their teens to attend WEB/Voices. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For befriending of the marginalized youths for Jesus. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will have compassion for teens.

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written prayer by Chia Chioh Yong Abba Father, we bring the parents of Covenant teens before You. Help the parents to release and encourage their teens to participate actively in the life of the church. Parenting a teen in Your way is beyond their human abilities, so enable them, Lord. May You also grant our teens hearts that desire to obey You. Shine Your light upon any secret or unseen rebellion that is taking root in their hearts, so that it can be identified and destroyed.

week four >> NOTES

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Mould Me, O God!

thursday, 26 july WEEK 4, DAY 26

PERSONAL PRAYER Our Self Sufficiency Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Ezekiel 37:1-11 Despair is found not in the gloom of circumstances but in the void of self-reliance. Troubles unveil our hidden spiritual pride. When we abandon this pride and cling instead to Christ’s unmerited grace for us, our hearts are unmistakably roused and the sinews of our beings mysteriously strengthened for what lies ahead. Thus we know that God has empowered us and His grace is more than enough. Reflect • Is your sense of identity and significance built on Christ alone? • Does your life reflect total dependence and desperation for God? Pray • Pray that you will grow in dependency on God in every aspect of your life. • Pray that you will remain in Him (John 15:5). WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Specialized: New Life Community Services (NLCS) 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For favour with the community and for dedicated leaders.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For New Life’s Board and Management to have clear vision and efficacious execution. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That our partners (schools and grassroots leaders) will have passion, wisdom, integrity and unity of purpose in leading the community. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For our beneficiaries (children, youths and parents) to master life’s transitions and feel God’s love demonstrated. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will support NLCS as a regular prayer warrior, volunteer and/or donor.

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written prayer by Diana Ooi and Victor Yeo Father, Your heart breaks for all the brokenness in our world today, and You call Your people, the Church of Jesus Christ, to be the healing balm that our society so desperately needs. Grant us wise and passionate champions to show us how to love the broken-hearted as Jesus did, and stir up Your compassion in our spirits to share ourselves and our resources, that Your love will be demonstrated to the poor, and that Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name may be exalted.

week four >> NOTES

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Mould Me, O God!

friday, 27 july WEEK 4, DAY 27

PERSONAL PRAYER The Sovereignty of God Read Jeremiah 18:1-12 If we do not perceive God (the Potter) as holy, sovereign, just and merciful, all the “kneading” on us (clay) seems painfully purposeless. But though His sovereignty is absolute, He will not fail to respond in love, with His grace and truth, to the state of our hearts. God calls us to give in to Him. He is exclusively sovereign and totally trustworthy. Reflect • Do you struggle with or embrace God’s sovereignty over your life? • Consider God’s sovereign plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Pray • Thank the Lord for kneading you to be like Christ. • Entrust your whole being and all of life into the Lord’s hands. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Specialized: Mandarin Service

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For faithfulness and growth in Him!

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For John Wang and Chris Pang (Mandarin Ministry and Operations staff), CGLs, teachers and ministers to be courageous in sharing the Word and for visionary leaders to be raised. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For Mandarin-speaking Covenanters to have a lifestyle of prayer and boldness to witness for Christ. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For pre-believers to know Christ and for believers to be His salt and light. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will pray regularly for Covenant’s Mandarin congregation.

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written prayer by John Wang and Rachel Koh Father, it is in You that our joy is complete! You have called us to share the gospel with the lost and for everyone to have a deeper relationship with You Lord through personal devotions and service. We dream that we not only reach out to the local community, but also send our missionaries to China. May You bless the Mandarin congregation that they may be of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in love, intent on one purpose (Philippians 2:2).

week four >> NOTES

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Mould Me, O God!

saturday, 28 july WEEK 4, DAY 28

PERSONAL PRAYER The Glory of God Read Philippians 1:21, 27-30 As children of God saved by His great grace and love, we are blessedly indebted to live, suffer and die for Christ and His glory. As His Body, we are moreover called to glorify the Lord by standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel. Reflect • How have you impacted those around you for Jesus? • As Christ increases and you decrease (John 3:30), how can you be a greater blessing to those around you? Pray • Pray that all that you are, all that you say and do, and all that you are going through will glorify Christ. • Pray that you will be one in spirit and mind with Covenant EFC as you live out and share the Gospel. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Specialized: Cantonese Service

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks That Jesus is our King! (Revelation 4:11)

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For all leaders to be in good health and to serve with vibrancy, joy and unity. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For Ps Patrick and Portia to lead with wisdom and discernment. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For the congregation to have good health physically and spiritually and find restedness in the Lord. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will pray regularly for Covenant’s Cantonese congregation.

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written prayer by Portia Chan Lord God, we pray for Your joy, strength and unity upon all who serve You. Father, we need Your mercy as we pray for new leaders who will serve You faithfully. Grant us wisdom and grace to organize events, so that the hearts of pre-believers will open and be drawn to You. May Your name be glorified at all times and let revival be upon every heart, from the youngest to the oldest.

week four >> NOTES

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{ 82 }

week

29 july-4 august

fill me,

o god!

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.

> Ephesians 5:18

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Fill Me, O God!

sunday, 29 july WEEK 5, DAY 29

PERSONAL PRAYER The Gift of the Holy Spirit Read Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:15-17 The Holy Spirit lives in us! What an awesome and gracious gift of God! Not only is God always with us through His Spirit, the Holy Spirit also bears witness that we are God’s children. Hence, we no longer need to fear again for we are perfectly loved by our Father! (1 John 4:18) Reflect • As a child of the Almighty God who lavishes His love on you, how do you see yourself and the situations in life that you go through? Pray • Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit! • Commit all your anxieties and fears to Him. • Pray for a deeper grasp of the Father heart of God. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Specialized: Hokkien Service

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For like-minded pastors, passionate for the Hokkien community.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That Ps Gilbert, Ps Jerry and Bee Leng, as well as key leaders will abide by God’s clear leading in Singapore and abroad. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That Hokkien-speaking pre-believers, especially the elderly in BPJ and WDL, will respond to our evangelistic efforts. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That the congregation will experience God’s protection, healing and rest (Matthew 11:28) and be fruitful for God’s Kingdom. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will pray regularly for Covenant’s Hokkien congregation.

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written prayer by Ps Jerry Goh Lord, renew, refresh and bring revival in the Hokkien congregation this year, that they will be a people called by Your name, walking humbly before You and having the insatiable desire to seek Your face, until they find You. Help them, and give them the strength and resolve to turn from their wicked ways, repent from their wrongdoings and align their will with Yours. Hear their prayers and help them to be faithful and fruitful (2 Chronicles 7:14).

week five >> NOTES

To bring fire on earth He came; kindled in some hearts it is, but O that ALL might catch the blaze, and ALL partake the glorious bliss. The baptism of the heaven-descended Dove, my heart the altar, and Thy love the flame. * george croly *

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Fill Me, O God!

monday, 30 july WEEK 5, DAY 30

PERSONAL PRAYER The Dwelling Place of the Holy Spirit Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 We have been bought with a great price—the blood of Jesus. Hence, we now belong to God—physically and spiritually—and we are one in the Triune God! (John 17:21-23). Therefore, we cannot live however we please as our body is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. We are to regard sexual sin outside the context of marriage as a violation of this holy intimacy. Instead, we are to honour God with our bodies. Reflect • How are you living your life in light of the fact that your body is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit? Pray • Confess and repent as the Spirit convicts. God graciously forgives and redeems. He will not despise a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Specialized: Men-in-Covenant

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks That God is working in the men towards a flourishing finish (Philippians 1:3-6).

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For leaders to be steadfast and abounding in God’s work (1 Corinthians 15:58). 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For men to be godly (1 Timothy 4:8) and authentic disciples of Christ. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That men will experience God’s presence in times of trouble (Psalm 91:14-16). 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will pray regularly for brothers-in-Christ that they will be their brothers’ keepers for two are better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

{ 86 }

written prayer by Adrian Chan and Chue Chee Wei Father God, please bless our Covenant brothers to become Christ-mastered men with depth in grace, growth and godliness. May they seek Your wisdom from Your Word and Your Spirit, to fulfill Your will in Your ways to the praise of Your glory. Please strengthen each brother to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with You (Micah 6:8). May their lives be honed for Your glory as they sharpen one another in a blessed brotherhood (Proverbs 27:17).

week five >> NOTES

{ 87 }

Fill Me, O God!

tuesday, 31 july WEEK 5, DAY 31

PERSONAL PRAYER Worship—enabled by the Spirit Read Romans 12:1-2; Luke 10:27 Due to God’s saving grace, we are to give ourselves entirely to God—our whole being—as our service to Him. This very act is our worship of Him and can only be born of the Spirit. Reflect • How have you been worshipping the Lord every day, especially on your Sabbath Day? • Have you given to God your very being, all your desires, passions, mind, strength and will? Pray • Choose to give yourself entirely to God every day, in your sleeping, eating, working and leisure, as an offering of worship. • Ask the Holy Spirit to empower as you desire to please God. WATCHMAN PRAYER Church Specialized: Women-in-Covenant 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For meeting the needs of women in Covenant.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For Ps Valerie and key leaders to have wisdom in leadership and direction. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That women, like Mary, will learn to sit at Jesus’ feet and wait on Him. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That pre-believing women will encounter God through outreach opportunities. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will pray regularly that every woman will fulfill her God-given destiny.

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written prayer by Ps Valerie Chan and Dr Stacey Tay Father, in their manifold roles in the community, we pray that each woman will receive deep refreshing from the Lord; that through the life-giving waters of the Holy Spirit, they will experience both abundance and joy in their lives. As they anchor in their positions as mothers, daughters, wives and sisters, we pray that they will be builders and restorers of relationships in the families (Isaiah 58:11-12).

week five >> NOTES

{ 89 }

Fill Me, O God!

wednesday, 1 august WEEK 5, DAY 32

PERSONAL PRAYER Vessels for the Holy Spirit Read 2 Timothy 2:20-26 God calls us, His children, to be vessels for honour, set apart and prepared for every good work. Moreover, He calls us to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our relating to others as we serve Him (Galatians 5:22-23). Reflect • How do you fare in being patient when wronged and gentle when correcting another who opposes you? • Are you willing to run from situations that stimulate indulgence, lusts and contentions? • Will you choose to run after righteousness, faith, love and peace? Pray • Ask the Holy Spirit to tutor and empower you to live a Spirit-filled life marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. WATCHMAN PRAYER National Gate A: Arts and Entertainment

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For creativity, that we can draw, dance, compose and sing.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That Christian producers, directors and composers will produce material which makes an impact on Christian and secular audiences. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That Christian artists, writers and filmmakers will point people to Christ. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That Christian arts and entertainment will reach all people. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will avoid media that corrupts me and choose material that edifies.

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written prayer by Ps Matthew Lo Lord, we thank You that You have gifted us with the ability to create and relate. Thank You that we can create songs, stories, poems, pictures. Thank You for these connect to our emotions, situations and thoughts. We pray for Christians to flood the Singapore arts and entertainment scene with holy and righteous art! We pray against art that is immoral, antiChristian and pulls us from the presence of God. Let holy and righteous creativity arise.

week five >> NOTES

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Fill Me, O God!

thursday, 2 august WEEK 5, DAY 33

PERSONAL PRAYER Life in the Holy Spirit Read Romans 8:1-14; Galatians 2:20 & 5:16-24 The new life we have in Jesus Christ is life in the Spirit! As we belong to Jesus, we set our minds according to the Holy Spirit. We know we are God’s children when we choose to keep on putting to death, by the Holy Spirit and His power, what the unbelieving world thinks, values and pursues as important, and choose to obey God instead. Reflect • Do you believe the truth in today’s reading? • Do those who know you well witness the Spirit’s filling and leading in your daily living? Pray • Confess and repent of any unbelief and disobedience. • Choose today to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit. WATCHMAN PRAYER National Gate B: Business, Science and Technology 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For the strong financial and business network and for the many technologies incubated.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders That leaders will be good influences toward kingdom values and purposes. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That Christians working in these industries will be living testimonies for Jesus. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That pre-believers in these industries will be saved in Jesus. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will choose to engage in God-honouring business transactions, scientific and technological research and products.

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written prayer by Roland Lim and Rosalind Tan Jesus, we declare You are Lord over all business, science and technology. Jesus, You are the role model for all businessmen, scientists, researchers, technicians and engineers. We pray that Your valuesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;truth, purity and integrityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;will reign and permeate in each of these arenas. We thank You for these gifts. However, keep us from being enslaved by them. Instead, cause all business, scientific and technological ventures to draw people to You, O Sovereign Creator God.

week five >> NOTES

{ 93 }

Fill Me, O God!

friday, 3 august WEEK 5, DAY 34

PERSONAL PRAYER Fill me, Holy Spirit! Read Joel 2:28-29; Luke 11:9-13; Ephesians 5:18 God knows we need His Spirit to take on His divine character and nature. He has promised to give His Spirit to all who believe in His Son and ask for the Holy Spirit. God even commands us to “be filled with the Spirit” on a regular basis (Ephesians 5:18)! Reflect • Is there anything stopping you from asking for the infilling of the Holy Spirit today? • Meditate on this truth for a few minutes, “…how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Pray • Ask for and receive the Holy Spirit, God’s loving gift to you. • Thank Him! WATCHMAN PRAYER National Gate C: Communication and Media 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks Thank God that He is a communicating God!

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For the fear of the LORD to fall upon media leaders. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For TNG to be protected from the negative influence of the media. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For God to break cyber addictions (eg. pornography, gaming etc). 5 Little finger: Pray for self For my eyes to see and ears to hear God speaking to me.

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written prayer by Ps Dr Chua Chung Kai Father, we bring before You the world of the media. Not all of it is bad but much of it feeds our flesh and drives our inner compulsions towards independence and indulgence. Rain down Your wave of holiness and righteousness upon those engaged in this arena because they shape and disciple our hearts. Transform the media for Your glory! You are a speaking God. Tune our hearts to hear and open our eyes to see YOU!

week five >> NOTES

{ 95 }

Fill Me, O God!

saturday, 4 august WEEK 5, DAY 35

PERSONAL PRAYER Joy in the Spirit Read John 7:37-39 When Jesus reconciled us to God through His death and resurrection, He restored the intimacy that human beings originally enjoyed with God! This intimacy with the Lord is the ultimate joy and fulfillment in life. This joy that the Lord bestows on us truly flows like “rivers of living water”—boundlessly bubbling up from our innermost being—regardless of the circumstances! This joy, which glows quietly but steadily with an awe of the Lord, is the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Through it, the Holy Spirit Himself will draw many to salvation in Christ (Acts 2:42-47). Reflect • Do you seek this promise of God? Pray • Ask the Spirit to bring this promise into reality in your life. WATCHMAN PRAYER National Gate D: Disadvantaged and Marginalized 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and Christian social services.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For Major-General (NS) Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister of MCYS, for wisdom and compassion. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For Covenanters to serve and care for the disadvantaged and marginalized. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For spiritual and emotional healing and practical help for the poor, orphans, abandoned, aged, migrant workers, prisoners and those with special needs. 5 Little finger: Pray for self Seek repentance for neglecting and marginalizing these precious ones.

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written prayer by Hannah Liu Lord, forgive us for our self-centred natures, that in our daily living we have neglected and marginalized people around us that need help. Grant us Your compassion to see them as You see them, and the desire to be a blessing to these people You love dearly. O Lord, in Your mercy and steadfast love, You have heard the cries of these people, and we pray that You will bring about healing, renewed joy and inner peace in their circumstances and state.

week five >> NOTES

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week

5-9 august

use me,

o god!

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

> 2 Timothy 2:21

{ 99 }

Use Me, O God!

sunday, 5 august WEEK 6, DAY 36

PERSONAL PRAYER Serving My Family Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a Charity begins at home. Have we been serving our family? If we have been serving them, diligently and even sacrificially, do we do it out of love for them? God’s Word is clear—if we do not have love, all else that we do profits us nothing. Reflect • Find out your “Love Quotient” by replacing the word “love” with your name in today’s Scripture text. How do you fare? • Is it possible that how well we love Jesus determines how well we love and serve our family? Pray • Tell God that you choose to love because He first loved you (1 John 4:19). • Thank God for His love! WATCHMAN PRAYER National Gate E: Education and School

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks Give thanks to Jesus, who is our Master Teacher.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For Mr Heng Swee Keat (Minister of Education), policymakers and planners to reflect God’s values as they shape and plan the curriculum. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For Christian principals and teachers to renew their calling to influence students and colleagues for Jesus. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For pre-believing students to know Jesus, and believing students to be His gracious ambassadors. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will be a lifelong learner, using knowledge acquired to reach others for Jesus.

{ 100 }

written prayer by Tina Chua Father, we acknowledge that You are the source of all wisdom (James 1:5). We pray that our local education system will teach wisdom and true values, not just knowledge. Help our schools inculcate values that reflect who You are. Guide the men and women who lead our education system to instill righteousness and godliness in TNG. Protect our students from fear of failure, guide them to discover Your love for them and grow them to be godly men and women in society.

week six >> NOTES

O Lord, baptize our hearts into a sense of the needs and conditions of all. * george fox *

{ 101 }

Use Me, O God!

monday, 6 august WEEK 6, DAY 37

PERSONAL PRAYER Serving My Neighbours Read Luke 10:25-37 When God puts another person’s need before us, it is an opportunity to bless another and learn of Him. The priest and Levite, who supposedly worshiped the Lord, avoided their severely wounded fellow Jew. Yet it was the Samaritan who “saw him”, “felt compassion” and “took care of him” without counting the cost, discomfort, inconvenience and cultural divide. Reflect • Jesus affirms that the Samaritan was the one who served and loved his neighbour and tells us, “Go and do the same.” Would you? • To whom is God leading you to be a neighbour? Pray • Tell God that you believe He will empower you to serve your neighbour in love through His Spirit. WATCHMAN PRAYER National Gate F: Family and Home

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks That families know that coming to Jesus like children is good! (Luke 9:48)

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For parents to be servant leaders and doers of the Word (Luke 22:27). 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people For fathers to ensure a balanced lifestyle in their families and that things of God have priority (Luke 12:31). 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For families in need to praise God regardless, as He is God (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will pray regularly for strong marriages and godly family bonding (Ephesians 5:22-33, 6:1-4).

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written prayer by Jeremy Koh Lord, the family is under tremendous strain and attack. We have been misled by the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teachings, torn apart by the demands of life and confused by the many voices of society. Thank You for reminding us of the urgency of returning to You daily, that we may become servant-doers of Your Word. Have mercy on us and teach us, so our families can have the right compass to make You our foundation, not just a priority (Luke 6:20-49).

week six >> NOTES

{ 103 }

Use Me, O God!

tuesday, 7 august WEEK 6, DAY 38

PERSONAL PRAYER Serving My Colleagues Read Colossians 3:12-17; Matthew 5:13-16 Our work place is yet another fertile ground for us to serve as witnesses for Jesus. When we are filled and led by the Holy Spirit, He will bear His fruit in and through us. Hence, we will relate to our colleagues, even challenging and unreasonable ones “with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, forgiving each other”. In the midst of this, our colleagues will see our good works and glorify the Lord. This is our loving service to them. Reflect • Jesus is the Servant King. Would you be willing to serve as He did (Philippians 2:4-8)? Pray • Thank God that He has equipped you to serve (2 Peter 1:4). WATCHMAN PRAYER National Gate G: Government and Leaders 4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For clean and competent government and people in authority.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For leaders to be determined seekers of the welfare of the people they serve and nation at large. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That future government leaders will be upright, compassionate, discerning and courageous. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need For God’s chosen leaders who are upright in heart to rise to positions of authority (Proverbs 29:2). 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will seek forgiveness when I dishonour, am critical or judgmental towards my government.

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written prayer by Lim Keng Yeow Lord, we bring before You people in government and in authority. Give them hearts to seek the well-being of those they serve. When they make decisions or formulate policy, let the welfare of the people they serve and nation at large weigh upon their hearts, so that they will not be distracted by political or personal agendas. Cause them to act with ethical uprightness, judicious discernment, deep compassion and moral courage. Let each make a positive difference for the nation and its people.

week six >> NOTES

{ 105 }

Use Me, O God!

wednesday, 8 august WEEK 6, DAY 39

PERSONAL PRAYER Serving in My Lord’s Kingdom Read Ephesians 4:1-16 God has made each one unique, gifted differently. We are called into the Body of Christ to exercise the spiritual gifts that Jesus has given us, by His grace and resurrection power. When each one does what God has designed us for, we are empowered as One Body, fully activated for God’s glory! Reflect • Have you considered how you may exercise your spiritual gifts? Are you serving the Body by faith? • Are you willing to serve wherever God leads you? Pray • Thank God that you have gifts by faith in Christ Jesus. • Pray for His empowerment and boldness to serve humbly and faithfully, to fulfill your calling in the Body! WATCHMAN PRAYER Global: The Bride of Christ

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks To Jesus, our Bridegroom, who makes us His Bride.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders For leaders to show the heart of Jesus, generously honouring and respecting all other parts of His Body. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people That all local churches in the world will be one as Jesus is one with the Father (John 17:26; Ephesians 4:6). 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need That we, His Bride, will not forget the mercy and compassion that our Bridegroom has shown us. 5 Little finger: Pray for self That I will always guard and protect the unity and purity of the Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7).

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written prayer by Diane Gorsuch Jesus, our glorious Bridegroom, we exalt You and we praise You. We receive the cleansing and unifying effect of Your blood and Your Word. We cover ourselves with Your robe of righteousness, and open our hearts to all parts of Your body. We proclaim our love for You and look forward to being united eternally in Your love (Revelation 19:6-9).

week six >> NOTES

{ 107 }

Use Me, O God!

thursday, 9 august WEEK 6, DAY 40

PERSONAL PRAYER Serving My Country Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Matthew 5:13-16; Micah 6:8 In His Sovereignty, God birthed Singapore and appointed us to live in Singapore. Out of His grace, God has redeemed us, richly blessed us and given us a great destiny—individually, as His Church and as a nation. Reflect • What are the needs of Singapore? • How have I been serving Singapore? (1 Corinthians 13:1-8a) • What does God require of me as His child in serving my country? Pray • Confess and repent as the Holy Spirit convicts you. • Commit to pray regularly for Singapore, be a witness for Jesus and serve the poor, needy, marginalized and prisoners. WATCHMAN PRAYER National: National Day!

4 5

1 Thumb: Give thanks For our flag, national anthem and pledge.

2 Index finger: Pray for leaders Give thanks for our leaders and give due honour to them. 3 Middle finger: Pray for significant people Give thanks for many unsung heroes, who are behind the scenes labouring faithfully. 4 Ring finger: Pray for those in need Bless those in need as they are precious to the Lord and are dearly loved. 5 Little finger: Pray for self Give thanks for my citizenship, homeland and life in Singapore.

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written prayer by Jasceylyn Cheah Lord, we have come this far as a nation because of Your great love. We give thanks to You, for You are good. With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, You have loved us. From the rising to the setting sun, You fill us with Your loving kindness. And by Your grace we will carry on, for Your love endures forever (Psalm 136).

week six >> NOTES

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how to be filled with the Holy Spirit >> (Adapted from “How to be filled with the Holy Spirit”, A W Tozer)

How are we to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Before we deal with the question of how to be filled with the Holy Spirit, there are some matters which first have to be settled. Before you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you must… Be sure that you can be filled. Satan has opposed the doctrine of the Spirit-filled life as bitterly as any other doctrine there is. The Church has tragically neglected this great liberating truth—that there is now for the child of God a full and completely satisfying anointing with the Holy Spirit. So you have to be sure that it is for you. You must be sure that it is God’s will for you; that is, that it is part of the total plan included and embraced within the work of Christ in redemption! You must be satisfied that it is not abnormal. If it appears unusual, this is only because our spiritual lives are so wretchedly far down from where they should be. You must be satisfied again, that there is nothing strange or queer about the Holy Spirit. There is nothing eerie, nothing contrary to the normal operations of the human heart about the Holy Ghost. He is only the essence of Jesus imparted to believers. You read the four gospels and see for yourself how wonderfully calm, pure, sane, simple, sweet, natural and lovable Jesus was! Even philosophers who don’t believe in His deity have to admit the lovableness of His character. You must be sure of all these above to the point of conviction. That is, you must be convinced to a point where you won’t try to persuade God. Unless you have arrived at this place in your listening and thinking and meditating and praying, where you know that the Spiritfilled life is for you, unless you are convinced that in the blood of Jesus when He died on the cross there was included, as a purchase of that blood, your right to a full, Spirit-filled life—unless you are convinced that this isn’t an added, extra, deluxe something that you have to go to God and beg for, I recommend this to you: I recommend that you don’t do anything about it yet except to meditate upon the Scriptures bearing on this truth. Go to the Word of God and to those parts of it which deal with the Holy Spirit and meditate upon them. Once again, before you can be filled with the Spirit, you must desire to be filled. Are you sure that you want to be possessed by a spirit other than your own? Are you certain that you desire to hand the keys of your soul over to the Holy Spirit? Are you sure that you want your personality to be taken over by one who will expect obedience to the written and living Word? Are you sure, brother? You want His help, yes; you want a lot of His { 110 }

benefits, yes; but are you willing to go with Him in His opposition to the easygoing ways of the world? Or can’t you get along the way you are? You have been doing fairly well. You pray, you read your Bible, you give to missions, you have prayer at home and you are glad about all these. Can’t you get along just like that? But perhaps in your heart, you feel that you just can’t go on as you are, that the level of spirituality to which you know yourself called is way beyond you. If you feel that there are levels of spirituality, mystic deeps and heights of spiritual communion, purity and power that you have never known, that there is fruit which you know you should have and have not—I would say, “Come on,” because God has something for you! There is a spiritual loneliness, an inner place where God brings the seeker. There is a darkness of mind, an emptiness of heart, but it is preliminary to the daybreak. O God, bring us, somehow to the daybreak! Here is how to receive the Holy Spirit. Firstly, present your body to Him (Romans 12:1–2). God can’t fill what He can’t have. Are you ready to present your body with all its functions and all that it contains—your mind, your personality, your spirit, your love, your ambitions, your all? Now the second thing is to ask (Luke 11:9–11). The gift of the Holy Spirit is all for us, and if the Lord wanted to do it, He could give it without our asking, but He chooses to have us ask. “Ask of me, and I will give thee” is always God’s order; so why not ask? Acts 5:32 tells us the third thing to do. God gives his Holy Spirit to them that obey Him. Are you ready to obey and do what you are asked to do? To live by the Scriptures as you understand them? The next thing is, have faith (Galatians 3:2). We receive the Holy Spirit by faith as we receive the Lord in salvation by faith. The Spirit comes as a gift of God to us in power. He possesses the full body and mind and life and heart, taking the whole personality over, gently but directly and bluntly and make it His, that we may become a habitation of God through the Spirit. Our comforter, the Holy Spirit has come to the earth. He is here and ready, when we present our vessel, to fill our vessel if we will ask and believe. Will you be filled with the Holy Spirit?

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There is a spiritual loneliness, an inner place where God brings the seeker.”

Jesus be the centre >>

Jesus be the centre of my life Jesus be the centre of my life From beginning to the end It will always be, it’s always been You Jesus Jesus Nothing else matters Nothing in this world will do Jesus You’re the centre Everything revolves around You Jesus You At the centre of it all From my heart to the heavens Jesus be the centre It’s all about You Yes it’s all about You Jesus be the centre of Your church Jesus be the centre of Your church And every knee will bow And every tongue shall confess You Jesus

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announcements & feedback >>

Share with us how God has spoken into your life in this 40-day journey. For all testimonies and feedback regarding the 40-day Prayer Journey, please email 40dayprayer@cefc.org.sg

Continue in a lifestyle of prayer and join us at our next Prayer and Praise! 31 August 2012, Friday 7.30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9.30pm Woodlands, Main Sanctuary

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missions week 2012 >> 15–22 JULY

Objectives of Missions Week 1. Mobilising Covenanters of all ages to be involved in Covenant missions at home and abroad • Praying • Giving • Going • Caring 2. Equipping of Covenanters in contemporary cross-cultural missions issues Missions Week Schedule 15 and 22 July: Missions Sundays Speaker: Dr David M Howard (former International Director of World Evangelical Fellowship) 17-19 July: Missions Talks Tuesday–Thursday, 7.30–9.30pm @ Bartley Christian Centre • 17 July & 18 July on ‘In SYNC with God’s heart for Missions’ by Dr David M Howard • 19 July on Business As Missions: Work As Transformation by Elder Tun Cheng from Geylang EFC 21 July: Missions Family Nite (Bilingual) Saturday, 7–9.30pm@ WDL Centre, Main Sanctuary (with supper fellowship) Speakers: Regional Coordinators—PSB, Ps Glen Westwood and Andy Lew.

Returning the Church to its disciple-making roots through authentic discipleship and intentional disciplemaking so as to reproduce disciples of â&#x20AC;&#x153;a certain kindâ&#x20AC;? and to multiply them to win the world for Christ.

Covenant Evangelical Free Church

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