40 Days of Prayer by hillsonglondon

LEADING UP TO

HEART FOR THE HOUSE WEEKEND 12 &13 OCTOBER

GOD IS BUILDING A HOME. HE’S USING US ALL – IRRESPECTIVE OF HOW WE GOT HERE – IN WHAT HE IS BUILDING. HE USED THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS FOR THE FOUNDATION. NOW HE’S USING YOU, FITTING YOU IN BRICK BY BRICK, STONE BY STONE, WITH CHRIST JESUS AS THE CORNERSTONE THAT HOLDS ALL THE PARTS TOGETHER. WE SEE IT TAKING SHAPE DAY AFTER DAY – A HOLY TEMPLE BUILT BY GOD, ALL OF US BUILT INTO IT, A TEMPLE IN WHICH GOD IS QUITE AT HOME. EPHESIANS 2:19-22 (MSG)

DAYS OF

PRAYER

1ST SEPTEMBER – 10TH OCTOBER

There is great power in prayer. There is also something powerful that happens when God’s people decide to all do something together as one. Over the next 40 days, as we countdown to our Heart for the House weekend, we will be praying for the key areas that make up ‘who we are’ as a church. As we all seek God and commit to praying for our House, we believe that your heart will be enlarged and that our church will move forward. Through our collective prayer, we are believing that many more lives will be impacted and transformed through the message of Jesus Christ.

WEEK 1

OUR CHURCH WE ARE CALLED TO BE UNITED WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER IN HEART AND IN PURPOSE, THROUGH THE POWER OF LIFECHANGING RELATIONSHIPS

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1 DAY 1 — OUR CHURCH

The mission of our church is to reach and influence the world by building a large, Christ-centred, bible-based church, changing mindsets and empowering people to lead and impact in every sphere of life. We believe God is using every one of us to build a home - a place where you can find a sense of belonging and purpose, and a place where people from your day-to-day world can come to find Jesus. As we begin our 40 Days of Prayer, let’s believe that as we go on this journey together, lives will be transformed and changed and that Jesus’ name will be glorified across our city.

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

Pray for multitudes to find heaven’s welcome home, and to find their place within our church. As we reach and influence those in our world, let’s pray for people to experience a personal encounter with Jesus.

I WILL PUT TOGETHER MY CHURCH, A CHURCH SO EXPANSIVE WITH ENERGY THAT NOT EVEN THE GATES OF HELL WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP IT OUT. MATTHEW 16:18 (MSG)

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2 DAY 2 — KIDS AND FAMILIES

Families are an integral part of who we are as a church, they are a thriving community who meet on Sundays and during the week. We believe in empowering parents to raise up their little champions in the ways of God. The Hillsong Kids team love making our weekend services amazing for our families, with programmes designed to help engage and encourage this generation of world changers.

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? The fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Psalm 127:3-5 (MSG)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 3 DAY 3 — YOUTH

Our desire is for every young person to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus. Our youth meet every Friday night across London for regional events, parties, and Connect Groups. The goal is to create a fun environment where our young people can develop healthy relationships that encourage them to fulfil their potential. Our heart is to build a youth community who are ‘young and free’ and passionate about living for a cause that is bigger than themselves.

DON’T LET ANYONE LOOK DOWN ON YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE YOUNG, BUT SET AN EXAMPLE IN SPEECH, IN CONDUCT, IN LOVE, IN FAITH AND IN PURITY. 1 TIMOTHY 4:12 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4 DAY 4 — STUDENTS

Attending University can be an exciting, but sometimes challenging time, when it comes to a person’s relationship with Jesus. Studying in London is about more than a degree, it’s a life experience. We have student-led Connect Groups in a growing number of universities and colleges in and around London. Our goal is to support students through their studies, so that they will not only be encouraged in their faith, but they will be fired up to share the gospel with their friends and peers.

Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding”. PROVERBS 4:4 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5 DAY 5 — HILLSONG MEN

Hillsong Men exist to help the men in our church become mature in their walk with Christ, spurring them on to impact their workplaces, sports clubs, families, and help meet the needs of their local communities. Our desire is that they will discover who they are in Christ, with a strong Biblical foundation to build strength in their identity, character, and integrity.

AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO ONE MAN SHARPENS ANOTHER. PROVERBS 27:17 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6 DAY 6 — SISTERHOOD

If you are a woman in our church then you are a part of Sisterhood. Sisterhood is a company of everyday women who desire to make the world a better place. We want to inspire women that their contribution can, and will, make a difference. “If one woman can change her world, then only heaven truly knows what ONE COMPANY of women can achieve.” Bobbie Houston.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” PROVERBS 31:28 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7 DAY 7 — PLAYING MY PART

From the young to the old, let’s pray together for the different departments within our church. Let’s believe and pray for every person to find their place within our church and to develop a deep and personal relationship with Jesus. How am I involved in the life of our church? What can I do to make a difference to those around me?

JUST AS A BODY, THOUGH ONE, HAS MANY PARTS, BUT ALL ITS MANY PARTS FORM ONE BODY, SO IT IS WITH CHRIST. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

WEEK 2

CONTRIBUTION WE ARE BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8 DAY 8 — FINANCIALLY CONTRIBUTE

We believe in living generous lives where we all take responsibility for financially contributing to building God’s house. If everyone takes care of the principle of tithes and offerings, it provides resource to create a healthy community and organisation. It also unlocks the blessing connected to giving in your own life. Let’s determine to be a church who are generous in contributing to God’s House, and towards the people in our world.

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

Pray for people’s hearts to be stirred to play their part in building God’s house

The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller PROVERBS 11:24 (MSG)

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9 DAY 9 — TITHES AND OFFERINGS

We believe in the biblical principle of tithing. In Malachi, the Bible talks about bringing the first 10% (tithe) of your income into the storehouse (church). If you do, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in!”. Let’s believe for God to provide for us as a church, as we obey His Word in bringing our tithes.

Pray for people’s hearts to be stirred to play their part in building God’s house

“BRING THE WHOLE TITHE INTO THE STOREHOUSE, THAT THERE MAY BE FOOD IN MY HOUSE. TEST ME IN THIS,” SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY, “AND SEE IF I WILL NOT THROW OPEN THE FLOODGATES OF HEAVEN AND POUR OUT SO MUCH BLESSING THAT THERE WILL NOT BE ROOM ENOUGH TO STORE IT.” MALACHI 3:10 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10 DAY 10 — HILLSONG FOUNDATION

The Hillsong Foundation are a group of people within our church who give over and above their regular tithes and offerings to finance the vision of the church. Through the Hillsong Foundation we are believing to build the financial capacity to house all that God is doing, including funding and fitting out a purposebuilt facility for both midweek activities and weekend services in South East London.

Pray for people’s hearts to be stirred to play their part in building God’s house

NOW HE WHO SUPPLIES SEED TO THE SOWER AND BREAD FOR FOOD WILL ALSO SUPPLY AND INCREASE YOUR STORE OF SEED AND WILL ENLARGE THE HARVEST OF YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. YOU WILL BE ENRICHED IN EVERY WAY SO THAT YOU CAN BE GENEROUS ON EVERY OCCASION, AND THROUGH US YOUR GENEROSITY WILL RESULT IN THANKSGIVING TO GOD. 2 CORINTHIANS 9:10-11 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 11 DAY 11 — VENUES FOR WEEKEND SERVICES

As we grow as a church, we are praying and believing for new buildings and venues so that the Kingdom of God can advance forward to reach and influence more of our city. Let’s believe for provision as we continue to make room to welcome more people into the House of God.

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

Pray for people’s hearts to be stirred to play their part in building God’s house

CONSIDER NOW, FOR THE LORD HAS CHOSEN YOU TO BUILD A HOUSE AS THE SANCTUARY. BE STRONG AND DO THE WORK. 1 CHRONICLES 28:10 (NIV)

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12 DAY 12 — MIDWEEK VENUES AND FACILITIES

In addition to more Sunday buildings, there is also a need for more midweek venues and facilities where we can meet together to connect and build our church community. From Engage, to Teaching Nights, and to Youth, let’s pray for doors to open so that we can continue to reach more people in our city.

Pray for people’s hearts to be stirred to play their part in building God’s house

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together,as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another… Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13 DAY 13 — THE PRODUCTION HUB

The Production Hub is a place where our technical and production team plan, prepare and store everything that is required for our weekend church services. Ensuring we have the right equipment, and the correct storage capabilities in the Production Hub is an essential part of delivering our live broadcasts that link our services to our campuses in the UK and Europe. Let’s believe for continued growth and expansion in this area.

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

Pray for people’s hearts to be stirred to play their part in building God’s house

AND MY GOD WILL MEET ALL YOUR NEEDS ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GLORY IN CHRIST JESUS. PHILIPPIANS 4:19 (NIV)

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14 DAY 14 — PLAYING MY PART

We are living in exciting times, and as we grow and move forward, let’s pray for new doors to open, and greater opportunities to unfold as we put stakes in the ground and continue to make a difference in our city. How can I contribute to help building the House? How can I play my part in seeing our church move forward?

Pray for people’s hearts to be stirred to play their part in building God’s house

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

Week WEEK33

GLOBAL SOCIAL JUSTICE SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE, SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO IT. IT MIGHT AS WELL BE ME.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15 DAY 15 — GLOBAL SOCIAL JUSTICE

As a church, we are committed to helping those in need through global social justice projects and initiatives. We can’t do everything but we can all do something. Together we can help thousands to escape the cycle of poverty, injustice and marginalisation. Imagine if each one of us did one thing and sustained it to help someone else break out of the cycle of poverty. Imagine if enough other people also made the decision to do the same thing. Why do we help? Because we can.

Pray for an army of people to stand up, take responsibility and make a difference, so that many will be released from marginalisation, poverty, and injustice. As we all ‘do something’, pray for God to move and for lives to be changed and transformed.

LEARN TO DO RIGHT; SEEK JUSTICE. DEFEND THE OPPRESSED. TAKE UP THE CAUSE OF THE FATHERLESS; PLEAD THE CASE OF THE WIDOW. ISAIAH 1:17 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 16 DAY 16 — VISION RESCUE

Vision Rescue began when founder Biju Thampy decided to do something about a need he saw among children living on the streets of Mumbai. The work of Vision Rescue helps change thousands of lives by providing education, food, and healthcare services. As a church, we wholeheartedly support the work of Vision Rescue and believe that through our partnership with them, we can make a difference.

Pray for an army of people to stand up, take responsibility and make a difference, so that many will be released from marginalisation, poverty and injustice. As we all ‘do something’, pray for God to move and for lives to be changed and transformed.

BUT JESUS CALLED THE CHILDREN TO HIM AND SAID, “LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME, AND DO NOT HINDER THEM, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD BELONGS TO SUCH AS THESE.” LUKE 18:16 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17 DAY 17 — COMPASSION

Compassion is an organisation committed to the spiritual, economic, social and physical development of children living in extreme poverty. Through child sponsorship, monthly donations, prayer and letter writing, sponsors invest in the lives of these children. We are committed to supporting Compassion and have had a long-standing partnership with them through child sponsorship in Western Uganda. As there is a real need for safe and clean water in this area, we are working with Compassion and the local church to help set up water projects to provide clean water sources. These initiatives are life-saving for the Compassion children and the wider community, impacting thousands of lives and ensuring a positive future for many.

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

WHEN JESUS LANDED AND SAW A LARGE CROWD, HE HAD COMPASSION ON THEM AND HEALED THEIR SICK. MATTHEW 14:14 (NIV)

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18 DAY 18 — WATOTO AND HILLSONG Africa Foundation

Watoto rescues orphaned babies and vulnerable children and women in Uganda, by providing medical and physical care, education, support and discipleship. Out of our Cape Town Church, The Hillsong Africa Foundation was born to restore hope and dignity to the destitute, and promote mercy, justice and restoration. Let’s pray for both of these initiatives, and believe that lives will continue to be transformed.

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

TRULY I TELL YOU, WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME. MATTHEW 25:40 (NIV)

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 19 DAY 19 — THE A21 CAMPAIGN

With an estimated 27 million people enslaved across the globe, there are more slaves in the world today than at any other point in human history. Out of a decision by ordinary people to take a stand and make a difference, The A21 Campaign exists to abolish human trafficking and eliminate injustice in the 21st century. From October 6th-16th, The A21 Campaign is holding a FREEDOM CHALLENGE where a team of brave and determined cyclists will ride from Sofia, Bulgaria, to London, UK. The purpose of this ride is to raise both awareness and funds for The A21 Campaign shelters and victim assistance programs. For more information, check out www.thea21campaign.org/cycle

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS ON ME…HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM FREEDOM FOR THE PRISONERS AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT FOR THE BLIND, TO SET THE OPPRESSED FREE. LUKE 4:18 (NIV)

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20 DAY 20 — SYRIA

The horrific violence of the civil war in Syria has resulted in over 1.8 million people being displaced from their homes – half of them are children. As violence and unrest spreads, thousands upon thousands more children continue to pour over the border each day. We are committed to playing our part in bringing change to this situation. Let’s pray together that change will come to this nation and for peace and justice to reign.

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED CHILDREN OF GOD. MATTHEW 5:9 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21 DAY 21 — PLAYING MY PART

We believe that it is our responsibility to stand up and determine to make a difference in the world. Whether through sponsoring a child, or praying for the injustices in our world, it is both our individual and collective responsibility to help those who are in need. Something needs to be done. Someone should do something about it. It might as well be me. Why? Because we can! What can I do to make a difference? How can I help change the life of someone else?

LET ME TELL YOU WHY YOU ARE HERE. YOU’RE HERE TO BE SALT-SEASONING THAT BRINGS OUT THE GOD-FLAVORS OF THIS EARTH. IF YOU LOSE YOUR SALTINESS, HOW WILL PEOPLE TASTE GODLINESS? MATTHEW 5:13 (MSG)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

WEEK 4

WEEKEND SERVICES OUR HEART IS THAT EVERY ASPECT OF OUR WEEKEND SERVICES POINTS PEOPLE TO JESUS.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22 DAY 22 — WEEKEND SERVICES

We believe that church is about God and people. We are passionate about the House of God, and our heart is that every individual experiences a personal encounter with Jesus. With a genuine and friendly WELCOME HOME, we believe that church should be a place where you can confidently invite your friends, family and colleagues. With campuses in Central and South East London, Surrey, and Kent, our services are a place where we can gather to encourage one another, serve together, worship together and invite the people from our day-to-day world.

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

Pray for multitudes to experience a deep and personal encounter with God in a transforming and life-changing way.

FOR THE SAKE OF THE HOUSE OF OUR GOD, GOD, I’LL DO MY VERY BEST FOR YOU. PSALM 122:9 (MSG)

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23 DAY 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; WORSHIP TEAM

The Worship team are a community of like-minded musicians and singers who love leading our church in worship. They are passionate about bringing excellence to the platform and seeing people encounter God through our weekend services.

Pray for multitudes to experience a deep and personal encounter with God in a transforming and life-changing way.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. PSALM 95:6 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24 DAY 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; PERFORMING ARTS TEAM

Our Performing Arts team love to find creative and innovative ways present the gospel. From dancers to choreographers, rappers, singers, actors and musicians, all our teams work together to produce fresh and creative expressions of the message of Jesus Christ.

Pray for multitudes to experience a deep and personal encounter with God in a transforming and life-changing way.

PRAISE THE LORD! GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD, FOR HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER! PSALM 106:1 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25 DAY 25 — PRODUCTION TEAM Through film, TV, sound, and lighting, our production team work to create an attractive and welcoming atmosphere, bringing creativity, character, and colour to each of our services and events. Let’s pray for new ideas and renewed creativity as we take our media and production to a whole new level.

Pray for multitudes to experience a deep and personal encounter with God in a transforming and life-changing way.

LET EACH CARPENTER WHO COMES ON THE JOB TAKE CARE TO BUILD ON THE FOUNDATION! REMEMBER, THERE IS ONLY ONE FOUNDATION, THE ONE ALREADY LAID: JESUS CHRIST. 1 CORINTHIANS 3:10 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26 DAY 26 — VOLUNTEERS FOR WEEKEND SERVICES Our teams are made up of faithful volunteers who contribute and serve to help build the House each week. We see the whole day as ‘the message’, not just the 30-minutes of preaching on a Sunday. From hosts to production, sound, lighting, worship, and a plethora of other teams, these volunteers work together and help make our weekend services run smoothly. Let’s pray that as people walk into church and encounter Jesus, they’ll experience a personal and true WELCOME HOME.

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

Pray for multitudes to experience a deep and personal encounter with God in a transforming and life-changing way.

WHATEVER YOU DO, WORK AT IT WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AS WORKING FOR THE LORD, NOT FOR HUMAN MASTERS. COLOSSIANS 3:23 (NIV)

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27 DAY 27 — BUMP IN/PACK DOWN

The Bump team are the unseen heroes – they are the first to arrive at church and other midweek events, and often the last to leave. Working behind the scenes to transport, unload and install everything needed for our services and events, this team is integral to making our church services happen every weekend.

Pray for multitudes to experience a deep and personal encounter with God in a transforming and life-changing way.

WHOEVER WANTS TO BE GREAT MUST BECOME A SERVANT. WHOEVER WANTS TO BE FIRST AMONG YOU MUST BE YOUR SLAVE. THAT IS WHAT THE SON OF MAN HAS DONE: HE CAME TO SERVE, NOT BE SERVED. MATTHEW 20:24 (MSG)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28 DAY 28 — PLAYING MY PART

We can all play our part in building the House, and in helping make church happen each week. In Ephesians, it tells us that Jesus came to serve, and it is with an army of faithful volunteers that that we are able to continually move up to the next level. Pastor Brian Houston always says, “The church will never be built on the gifts and talents of a few, but on the sacrifice of many”. What can I do personally to help contribute, care, and serve? What responsibility can I take to help build our church?

Pray for multitudes to experience a deep and personal encounter with God in a transforming and life-changing way.

YOU ARE NO LONGER FOREIGNERS AND STRANGERS, BUT FELLOW CITIZENS WITH GOD’S PEOPLE AND ALSO MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD, BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, WITH CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF AS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE. EPHESIANS 2:19-20 (NIV)

HEART FOR THE HOUSE

WEEK 5

PERSONAL SOCIAL JUSTICE PERSONAL SOCIAL JUSTICE IS ABOUT MAKING A DECISION TO LOCATE YOURSELF IN THE NEED OF ANOTHER

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29 DAY 29 — PERSONAL SOCIAL JUSTICE

As a church, we are responsible to help people not only globally, but also those within our local community. Personal Social Justice is when you decide to personally get involved in the need of another. There is so much need in our city, but if we all do something, we can make a long-lasting difference, and impact the lives of those around us.