INTERCESSORS  FOR  CYPRUS

Intercessors for Cyprus.  Prayer Update.  May 2023   No. 115

IFC website:  www.intercessorsforcyprus.org   IFC Email: iforcy@outlook.com

 

CONTENTS: 

Giving thanks; Editorial: Isaiah 62 Global Solemn Assembly May 7-28. The Church: 1. Specific churches & ministries: Cyprus Prayer Chain; Kataklysmos outreach; Larnaca area ministries report; Daniel Generation (v); Cyprus Evangelical Alliance.

2. End Time ministries; 3. Porn in the Church. Reconciliation north & south; Revival & transformation, ITI. 

The Government and those in authority: This month: LGBTQ; Peace process; The North; Health.

National issues: (see list); Moral & social; Cities & municipalities; Caring & compassion; International; IFC Daily Readings & information.   

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ....... .... ....

May Prayer Issues.       Is.62v6-7: ‘I have set intercessors on your walls who shall cry out to God for the fulfilment of his promises.’

 

^  GIVING THANKS:  1 Thessalonians 5:18. ‘In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’

The season of Pentecost is near. The Holy Spirit’s power is the same as 2000 years ago when He raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8v11). Give thanks to God for the Holy Spirit, who empowers and enables us in His grace to do great things for His glory and for the extension of the kingdom. Give thanks for His presence amongst us. Ask for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit upon your life and upon the Church in Cyprus.   

 

EDITORIAL: Isaiah 62 Global Solemn Assembly May 7th-28th 2023.

Sensing the leading of the LORD, Mike Bickle of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, and a number of prayer ministries around the world have called for 21days of fasting and 24-hour prayer for ISRAEL, this spring from May 7-28. It seems that the LORD is raising a unique international call to pray for Israel at this very critical time in history. Currently, there is the threat and danger of extermination of Israel by nuclear weapons from Iran, heightened internal and external terrorism by Iran’s proxies and others, and a severe division in the nation of Israel over reforms. (Psalm 83 and Psalm 2 are relevant). However, Israel’s destiny and that of Jerusalem is the key issue, because the destiny of the church, of salvation and of the Lord’s return is pivotal on Jerusalem and God’s promises concerning it. (See later). Those calling this season of prayer & fasting are naming it the Isaiah 62 fast. They were hoping to mobilise 100,000 committed believers around the world to join them, but already over 1 million people are committed to joining in this season of targeted prayer. It also seems to have struck a resonant chord in the hearts of believers across the globe, with 20 million from Asia and Africa joining in, who are seeing what a critical time it appears to be for Israel. IFC shall certainly be involved in this and we hope many prayer groups, houses of prayer, churches and ministries in Cyprus as well. If you sense the Lord prompting you to participate in this prayer initiative, you can find more information at: https://isaiah62fast.com Also video: ‘Mike Bickle Talks with IHOP KC Leaders about the Isaiah 62 Global Fast’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QspG582g9ZA  (NB. Cyprus time is 8 hours ahead of IHOP KC so 6pm KC time is 2am next morning Cyprus time).    

      

Biblical justification: God has gradually revealed and knitted together a biblical framework for such a season of prayer for Jerusalem & Israel. 1) Malachi 3v16 speaks of those who ‘feared the Lord talked with each other’ (in this case globally) ‘and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honoured his name.’ 2) Isaiah 62v6-7 speaks of God posting watchmen (Strongs & others: ‘noterim’ or ‘nasarim’ i.e., Christians) on the walls of Jerusalem: ‘they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.’ (Also see biblical article, ‘Why Israel?’; the video ‘Ways to involve your church’; 60 min video for your church; ‘HUB’ ministry resources; all on above website).  

 

Why Jerusalem? Isaiah 62v1 speaks of, ‘For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.’ Zechariah 8v2-3 tells us that: ‘The Lord Almighty says: “I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.” This is what the Lord says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.” In Psalm 122v6, God speaks of praying for the peace of Jerusalem. We understand that that peace with God is inherent in the revelation of the Gospel to the Jews and us all, in recognising Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah of Israel and Saviour of the world. Acts 3v19-21 speaks of the need of repentance by the Jews and others, ‘that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.’ Jerusalem’s salvation is linked to the outreach of the Gospel. Christ will come when Jerusalem’s leaders repent of rejecting Him. Jesus told the representative group of leaders in Jerusalem who were rejecting Him (Matthew 23v37-39) that, “your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’’ It has been a 2000-year desolation during which the gentile nations have been coming to the Lord. God’s intention now is that the Jews will be saved (see Romans 11 especially v25-29) and that Jew and gentile together become the ‘one new man’ of Ephesians 2v11-22, saved and redeemed to be the Bride of Christ. We gentile believers have the responsibility of provoking the Jews to jealousy by our love for their Messiah, and of heralding in the return of the Lord. Zechariah 14v16 reveals to us that on Jesus’ return, ‘the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.’

 

Destiny & purpose: Romans 11v15 says, ’For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?’ God is going to bring life to the dead to both Israel and the nations through His plan for Israel and the church. A worldwide revival harvest, life to the world! Psalm 102v13-18 speaks of God arising and having ‘compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favour to her; the appointed time has come. For her stones are dear to your servants; her very dust moves them to pity. The nations will fear the name of the Lord, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory. For the Lord will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.’ We, a global church, are that ‘future generation’, called to pray in God’s promises and purposes for these end days. The ‘appointed time has come’ (c.f. Esther 4v12-15). The nations will finally revere the Lord and He will appear in His glory. He will respond to our prayers. What a glorious destiny and purpose for you and I to be a part of!  

 

Practicalities: The 22,000 staff of the IHOP global prayer movement and 100,000+ committed intercessors and millions of others worldwide will focus on Jerusalem on May 28th with the target of catalysing 100 million to receive the revelation concerning Israel and Jerusalem and for God to move worldwide in our day.

For the period of May 7th-28th, for revival and salvation, IHOP is looking for a serious commitment of 6-12 hours a day for 80% of each week with intercessors, leaders, pastors cancelling engagements during their times of prayer, etc., each day and even taking holiday from work in that time. Otherwise a commitment of one hour a day with 2-3 intercessors participating for the whole 21 days, or a lesser approach – do something at least!   

There will be 7 special gatherings during that season, four Sunday mornings and three Friday nights. TV, other media and Zoom will be operational. Other streams of intercessors will be mobilised. Over 1 million believers are already signed up for some kind of commitment during those 21 days in terms of prayer and fasting in various ways of your choice. No doubt worship, praise and thanksgiving, reading scripture, prayer, breaking of bread and fellowship will form part of each daily period of this solemn Isaiah 62 assembly. What does God want from you? https://isaiah62fast.com

   Join IHOP KC in the Global Prayer Room or tune in to the webstream. Three Friday nights in May at 6pm (May 12, 19, 26) (from 2am next day Cyprus time), the ‘Encounter God Service’ will be focused on contending for God’s prophetic purposes for Israel and equipping our spiritual family to partner with God’s prophetic purposes in Israel in this hour. We will share prophetic words, events, and messaging along with updates and more. Worship will begin at 6pm (Kansas City time). Hubs for direction in prayer can also be resourced. https://www.ihopkc.org/isaiah62-kc-hub/ and a 21 day devotional, etc from the website. (NB. Cyprus time is 8 hours ahead of KC HOP). Alternatively, House Of Prayer Kiti, Cyprus, is linking up with ‘The Summit Jerusalem’ by Zoom on the same timeline. HOP Kiti can send you more information on linking with them and through Zoom (contact Heike: livingstonescyprus@proton.me

 

 

^ THE CHURCH:   Matthew 16:18. ‘I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.’

If you were preparing this prayer section on the Church, what would you want to write for prayer? Now pray into that.

Here are specific requests for prayer or news of what God is doing in the lives of His people in Cyprus.

1. Specific Churches and Ministries: Revelation 1v11: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches…”

a) Monthly Cyprus Prayer Chain: The pastors of Nicosia initiated this idea. The first Monday of each month is normally a day of prayer for Cyprus. Half hourly time slots are from 6am-9pm, 30 minutes each. Everyone is invited to pray in a slot which suits them that day for the half hour individually or with another/others. Suggested topics for prayer are: 1. Revival to the Church and emphasis on Evangelism. (Let there be a true outpouring of the Holy Spirit on and in the Church this Pentecost, further enabling outreach, conversions and discipleship). 2. A just and righteous solution to the Cyprus problem. 3. Elections in Greece and Turkey – The Lord to put the ones He wants. 4. Each Local Church can add one or two more topics that it would like its members to include in their prayers. Individual participants - allow the Lord to lead you as He wills. Will YOU pray? (1 Cor 15v58). 

 

b) KATAKLYSMOS Outreach: This fair takes place from 26th May to 7th June using a tent (amongst many other tents) at the Finikoudes Beach area of Larnaca. Teams with up to 15 artists in two-hour-shifts for 102 hours, from various local, national and international groups will serve in the tent and beyond to reach out to not-yet-believers passing by. Prophetic art pictures are painted not so much of people but of what the Spirit is saying to each person. This will be a major project for which we will need prayer support. At the moment we need artists and helpers to commit to working with us and we need about 1,200 Euros of costs to come in so that we can rent the compulsory tent from the municipality and pay for some artists’ materials.

Please pray for Joern and the teams and helpers to be used of the Lord to touch and challenge people’s lives towards salvation. (Acts 1v5)

 

c) Larnaca area ministries gathering (report): Our quarterly worship & prayer evening in April included extended worship led by BURN 24/7 team Chris & Rosalie, and was beautiful and unto the Lord. A pregnant silence followed as the Lord made His presence felt. We prayed for Jesus to move in our lives and upon the church in Cyprus. We heard briefly from Kadosh Art ministry about their ‘Forgiveness exhibition’ and outreach at the end of April in Larnaca, and from Daniel Generation ministry about their planned ‘Port to Port’ sponsored walk for young people and others in the Autumn for ongoing support to the children of Turkey & Syria. As a group we laid hands on, prayed over and ministered to these two speakers, which included an element of the prophetic. Fellowship and interaction over a drink and food was a lovely way to close the evening - thanks to Carlos & Mhel. The next gathering should be on the first Monday of July….7-8.30pm. More details in due course. Pray the Lord’s presence is powerful amongst His people. (Acts 1v8).  

 

d) Daniel Generation (v): ‘ Following this series on Daniel Generation, we are seeking for ‘Key representatives’ to play a role in helping to support Daniel Generation through prayer and fundraising. Key representatives will be invited to join with us in: online ‘live’ quarterly prayer; annual visits to Cyprus to ‘taste and see’ the programs we are running; regular fundraising initiatives to be part of.  Email danielgenerationcyprus@gmail.com for more information and how to become one of our key representatives. We would love to work together.’ Pray for increase. (Gen 1v22a; 2 Corinthians 5v20a).

 

e) Cyprus Evangelical Alliance:  Pray for CEA churches, gathering for another assembly in May. There are significant developments towards prayer for Cyprus through the CEA – to be shared in due course.  Praise God for how He is moving in His Church in Cyprus. (Matt 16v18b; 2 Thess 1v11).  

 

2. End time ministries: In Old Testament times, the prophet Elijah was a man of his time and yet beyond his time. In the New Testament, John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1v17) preparing the way for Jesus and His ministry. Perhaps in like manner the spirit and power of Elijah will be present to prepare the way for Jesus’ second coming? (Joel 2 is worth reading). Will there be an arising of prophets and end time ministries in the church, to the nations, in Israel (maybe the 2 witnesses – Rev’n 11v1-12) before His return? Pray that our young people will witness the power of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit to enable them to rise up in these days to serve the Lord effectively. Pray for God to break out in the Orthodox Church.

 

3. Porn in the Church: The Lord desires to clean up His church. One area badly needing cleansing is the area of pornography, with copious research revealing that this is a real issue in churches and in believers’ lives. Three reasons why churches remain silent about pornography are: taboo about the whole subject, individuals fearing judgment by the church, and lack of knowledge by all of the prevalence of the practice and the possibilities for being set free. IFC ran a ‘Conquer’ course recently for men in our local churches. This first course was not too well attended though people did communicate their need of being set free in this area. However, the course went well and we combined it with several opportunities for prayer, and ministry by the Holy Spirit, in addition to the course. If you know you need to be set free from this addiction that the enemy often uses to paralyse your walk with God, then contact David at iforcy@outlook.com who will give course details. Pray for the attendees both past and future to be able to walk in freedom. (Galatians 5v1).

 

Reconciliation N & S: Key elements of a reconciliation process: Confession and practical forgiveness – the Church leading the way and God revealing the need to forgive to the nation. Then healing of the nation, and removal of Turkey’s influence including Islam. (Luke 11v4; 2 Chronicles 7v14).

Be aware that the numbers and influence of Muslims in the south is increasing. Their strategy is to infiltrate and dominate. Pray into this, that God would initiate His deliverance for the Republic in this matter, and for Muslims bound by false religion to discover Jesus by the revelation of the Holy Spirit and through the lives and testimony of believers. May a divinely inspired ‘peace process’ bring the peace of the Gospel to people’s lives.

 

Revival & Transformation: The Lord is moving in His church and in the nations. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to this. When did you last hear anyone preach or teach on empowerment by the Spirit? Pray that churches preach and Christians read, study & apply Luke 3:16; Acts 8:14-17; Acts 19:1-6; Luke 11:9-13; Acts 1v8; Acts 8:16; Acts 19v6; Luke 4v1; Acts 6v3 & 5; 2 Cor. 3v17.

 

ITI: (Confidential). God is slowly moving things forward, and consolidating ground gained. Special events both in Israel and Cyprus are unfolding and the Lord is linking international, national and local ministries, and churches in Cyprus and individuals together to be better prepared for the future.  Pray that His provision for the practical preparations be released at the proper time. (Ecclesiastes 8v6). Thank You, Lord!  

 

 

^ THE GOVERNMENT & THOSE IN AUTHORITY:  1 Timothy 2v1-4:  1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

RoCy: Pray for godly wisdom for our President Nikos Christodoulides and wife Philippa, for Cabinet Ministers, House President, the Secretary to the Cabinet & Government Spokesman. Pray for our government & opposition parties, and also for our new Archbishop Georgios. Pray for the current president, secretary & treasurer of the Evangelical Alliance of Churches in Cyprus, Yiannos, Chrysso & Kostas & members of their Board, Pray also for key leaders in the North, including underground church leaders, President of the North, Government Ministers, and even President Erdogan of Turkey - may he be restrained. Pray also for salvation for our nation’s leadership and local government leaders. 

 

^ This month: Sexual orientation: In May 2022, Greece banned LGBTQ conversion therapy for minors, a practice aimed at suppressing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. According to my source, in Cyprus, March 2023, preparations are being made to introduce this conversion therapy to children as young as seven years old in schools. Young people may be able to have a sex change without parental consent. This could be an attempt by Europe to hoist this on to our government. A petition is being signed by concerned citizens. Christians amongst others are beginning to take a stand and give signatures to oppose this. Meanwhile ‘Queer Collective Cy’ planned a protest march in Nicosia (29.4.23) demanding their ‘rights and a whole raft of sexual agendas for schools, health clinics, GeSY and parliamentary Bills. This is a serious onslaught! Pray that the government recognises the strength of opposition to these developments in Cyprus and follows Greece in banning this - that God in His mercy delivers us and our children. (Neh 5v5 (EU); 1 Chron 16v35; Deut 29v29).

 

^ Peace Process: The new president said, “we have a concrete approach on how to break the deadlock and for the resumption of negotiations on the Cyprus problem, through a leading role for the EU.” However, after almost two decades of the Annan plan referendum on the Cyprus problem, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar said that the Greek Cypriot side was rewarded for rejecting the plan, while the Turkish Cypriots have been punished. Pray that our president and the Turkish Cypriot leader and others discover God’s way for peace in Cyprus. (Ephesians 2v14a; 2 Chronicles 7v13-14).   

 

^ The North: The Turkish Lira has depreciated by 26-34 percent against foreign currency in the space of one year. The poor are getting poorer and accuse the government of bad administration. The official opening ceremony for the new terminal building and runway at Ercan Airport has been postponed once again. The north has been steadily increasing its demand for electricity from the Republic over the past three years, as the power needs of the north are not being met by its authority or the private company operating there. The demand in electricity from the Republic of Cyprus has almost doubled over the last three years. The north needs help. Pray for God’s plans and help for the north to come to fruition. (Joel 2v25-26).

NB. Further information for prayer for North Cyprus may be found at https://lgcnews.com/ 

 

^ Health: Covid-19: The World Health Organisation has tailored its COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for a new phase of the pandemic, suggesting that healthy children and adolescents may not necessarily need a shot but older, high-risk groups should get a booster between 6 to 12 months after their last vaccine. However, WHO is seeking sweeping new powers for the future. Pray this is thwarted. (Psalm 33v10-11).  

A&E staff: Authorities are trying to find staff for A&E departments at the state hospitals around the island, according to the health ministry and the state health services (Okypy). There has been a heavy inflow of patients at the departments. Births: Cyprus’ Caesarean section rate was 58.9% in 2021, outnumbering normal deliveries, according to data from the Ministry of Health’s monitoring unit. Moreover, the data shows that Cyprus has a very high rate of premature births, with one in 10 babies born prematurely. Pray for a return to promoting natural birth. (Exodus 1v19).

 

 

^ NATIONAL ISSUES:   Psalm 33:12. ‘Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.’

Give thanks & pray: That the Republic of Cyprus has not been taken by Turkey. That God will keep us free to serve His purposes.HE reigns! (Ps.97v1).  

Retail: Great to hear answers to prayer concerning the government helping people by reducing and standardising the cost of 23 key food items. 

Also, in February, the monthly seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 1.6% in Cyprus and 8.3% annually, the highest increase among EU states, according to Eurostat. Give thanks for God’s mercy on the poor and the struggling. Pray for continued retail growth. (Nehemiah 9v31).   

Foreclosures: Citizens gathered outside the Parliament building in Nicosia to protest against planned foreclosures of main residences. The protest was called by the EnErgo movement. The protesters handed in a memorandum with their demands, which included halting foreclosures of main residences, reviewing the minimum wage and taking measures against high rent prices and the cost-of-living crisis, as well as “taking those who took advantage of the ‘golden passports’ programme to justice.” Government representatives met with the protesters assuring them their views and concerns would be heard. It seems they have been heard. Amen. Pray that those in authority listen to the people. (1 Samuel 24v15).    

Housing: The government has unveiled an ambitious programme to help thousands of people living in dilapidated refugee housing estates, with an estimated total price tag of €130 million. The scheme will provide grants to people currently living in condemnable buildings and who choose to relocate to newly-constructed buildings, or alternatively subsidies for those choosing to opt out and instead rent in the private sector. Amen. Pray this programme comes to fruition. (Ezekiel 17v8).

Water: Cyprus’ water reserves are dangerously low, as the island’s dams are currently recording one of the worst inflows for a decade despite recent storms. Since the rainy season began, water inflow stands at 40% of the past decade’s average. Pray for more rain. (Deuteronomy 11v17; 28v12).

Roads: 43% of motorcyclist drivers who died in traffic accidents in Cyprus did not wear a helmet. Pray for law & common sense. (Deut 32v28).

Sports: Fans will be subjected to random alcohol and drug tests on entry to sports venues, while police have the power to call off games if deemed extremely high risk under new measures to curb violence. The government decision comes after hooligans smashed Nicosia’s Eleftheria indoor stadium and torched the nearby offices of the Cyprus Public transport Company during and after a basketball Final Four Cup game recently. Pray that the underlying causes of social hooliganism be addressed, through both practical and spiritual means. Lord, save our nation! (Psalm 80v7).  

Please note that further information for prayer may be found daily at http://www.newsincyprus.com/category/2/cyprus-weekly

 

 

^ MORAL & SOCIAL ISSUES:  Deut 10v4: The Lord wrote on these tablets what he had written before, the Ten Commandments he had proclaimed.

Central Prisons: An investigation last year, carried out by four independent investigators into alleged widespread mobile phone and drug use in the prisons, yielded conclusions which led the attorney-general’s office to say conditions at the facility were “uncontrolled, an extremely dangerous situation”. Pray for wisdom for those in authority to tackle this effectively and for hope in the gospel for prisoners. (Romans 13v1; Prov 29v18).

LGBTQ: Look at the government section under ‘This Month’ and pray accordingly for this social and spiritual need. (Leviticus 18v22 & v24-28).

 

 

^ CITIES & MUNICIPALITIES:  PRAY for your city: Jeremiah 29v7: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Psalm 55:11.’Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.’  Also:  Isaiah 1v26, Prov 11v10-11; Is 62v6-7; Ps 122v6-9. Consider these verses and pray for your city. Town, village, municipality as led by the Lord. Why don’t you prayer-walk part of your city/locality, allowing Holy Spirit to lead you in prayer? If you meet people, share your faith as opportunity arises.

Larnaca: The “Larnaka Land of Tomorrow” landmark (400,000 square metres) development project aspires to become one of Cyprus’ most attractive spots for tourism, business and residential living. The Petrolina Group is driving the project and the investment will be reaping benefits for generations to come. The plan envisions the development and transformation of Larnaca’s coast into an attractive destination. Pray blessing. (Num 6v24).

Limassol: Russian and Ukrainian firms fleeing wartime conditions, and Israeli investors buying up real estate have driven prices up and local residents out. Pray for policy to be better balanced towards Cypriots & Cypriot businesses. (See Leviticus 24v22 – no bias either way).

Paphos: Clashes between unaccompanied minors at a Paphos accommodation centre have concerned the city’s mayor, who claimed that due to the state’s absence the situation could quickly unravel and explode out of control. He stated that unless the state acts and takes the necessary measures to place these people in suitable accommodation, then we will witness uncontrollable incidents.” Residents are furious and there is a risk of them taking the law into their own hands, though the mayor has spoken with them and told them to avoid any confrontation with the unaccompanied minors. He said that a “significant amount of those there are not underage minors”, repeating claims of prostitution occurring, and that the state has abandoned them there. Pray for EU financial aid to Cyprus over this, and a rapid, effective building programme & staff & training. (Colossians 3v21; Nehem 9v31).

Famagusta: A man was jailed for two years for assisting third-country nationals with illegally entering the country, when a small boat with 21 people – 13 men, two women and six children – was spotted by the authorities off the coast of Famagusta. This is not the first time. Meanwhile, the Larnaca-Famagusta Criminal Court handed a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence to a couple of farmers after finding them guilty of trafficking seven people for labour exploitation. Pray for these traffickers to be apprehended and for a closure of these loopholes. (Revelation 3v7).   

 

 

^ CARING AND COMPASSION:  (by the Church and others):   Matthew 5v7: ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.’

1. Refugees, asylum seekers & migrant workers...,aliens & strangers: Exodus 22v21: "Do not ill-treat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens.”

Remember the ‘All4Aid’ (Oasis) Refugee Project:  Weekly Food Distribution; Weekly Clothing Distribution; English Club (Mondays 10-11am); Art Club – Women’s Support Group (Thursdays 10-11am); Men’ Emotional Support Group (Wednesdays 2-3.30pm for 4 more weeks); Women’s Emotional Support Group ( Wednesdays 2-3.30pm for 4 more weeks). Please pray for these activities to be a blessing to our participants and for them to feel cared for. (Matthew 5v7). Another refugee ministry group named ‘Love, Light and Hope’ is based in Pyla. Also, there is a refugee ministry in Oroklini. Pray they make a difference to refugees in their area. (1 Thessalonians 1v3).  

 

2. The poor and needy, widows and orphans, foreigners, unemployed, exploited, etc: Proverbs 31v8-9: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

What can YOU do to help someone poor or needy in your area / circle of acquaintances? Pray and take action on their behalf. (Acts 7v22; Jam 2v17).   

 

 

^ INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: Mark 11v17: "Is it not written:  'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?’ “(Also, Revelation 14v6.)

Ongoing: Pray against the use of nuclear, chemical & biological weaponry and for Gospel declaration - in the Middle East (Matt 16v19).

Russia / Ukraine: The Russian war against Ukraine is in its second year. The number of those killed and injured on both sides of the conflict is horrendous and continues to increase. This war has inflicted massive damage to homes, businesses and the infrastructure across Ukraine. Both the Ukrainian and Russian militaries have suffered huge losses of personnel and equipment and I doubt if the true cost of this war, in lives and financially, will ever be known. An ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin says that the world is probably on the verge of a new world war and the risks of a nuclear confrontation are rising. Pray that in His mercy, the Lord would overrule the plans of man. (Psalm 22v28; Psalm 33v10-11).

Nuclear Iran: The Iranian foreign minister went to Russia to meet Vladmir Putin about the failed Iran nuclear deal of 2015. Iran continues to say that it wants support for a return to the Iran deal, even as it enriches uranium above 80 percent and stockpiles the enriched uranium in defiance of international agreements. The nations are blinded to the danger. Pray for blinded eyes to be opened. (Isaiah 29v18; John 12v40; 2 John v7). 

Israel: The number of deaths and injuries from terror attacks in Israel and in other volatile parts of the world also continues to increase. Iran is dangerously close to being able to produce nuclear weapons, provoking Israel to take some kind of direct military action to prevent that from happening. Israel and the Middle East are facing the very real prospect of a very serious conflict in our region. Most likely other nations will be drawn into this conflict if it becomes a reality, and it will affect most of the world. Pray the Lord allows only what is in His purposes and restrains the rest. (Rev 17v17).

Cyprus-Israel ties: Israel has many investments in Cyprus, in land and in business. Israeli researchers have also succeeded in significantly increasing the ability of seaweed to produce healthy natural materials, aiding medical and other fields of use. Pray these are mutually beneficial. (Heb 13v16).

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen met with his Greek and Cypriot counterparts in Nicosia for trilateral discussions on international and regional developments including Russia’s war on Ukraine and the growing threat of Iran’s terror activity on European soil. Amen. (Isaiah 45v20-22).   

Turkey: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has officially set parliamentary and presidential elections for May 14th. Pray him out! (Ezek 34v10).   

The persecuted Church: Women who leave their religion to become Christians are usually strongly persecuted – even to death. Women in general in the Open Doors ‘World Watch’ publications suffer by fear, neglect and lack of opportunity. Pray for God to help these women. (Mk 14v3; Lk 8v44). 

 

 

^  DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS for MAY 2023:

EITHER See IFC’s ANNUAL BIBLE READING PLAN (read Bible in a year) at: https://www.intercessorsforcyprus.org/daily-bible-reading-plan

OR get the ‘BIBLE IN ONE YEAR’ (Commentary by Nicky Gumbel of Alpha International & read by David Suchet). Download the mobile app at https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/bible-in-one-year/id504133402 or on Google Play Store: ‘Bible in One Year app’, OR find other bible-in-a-year sources and start reading your bible every day from both the Old Testament and the new Testament. God will reward you. (2 Timothy 3v16).  

 

 

^ IFC PRAYER &  INFORMATION:  email:  iforcy@outlook.com    website:  www.intercessorsforcyprus.org

NB. Some read the IFC monthly Prayer Update as a newspaper to get an overview of what is happening currently in Cyprus. Out of this their prayers are born. We hold weekly IFC prayers in Larnaca including prayer for Cyprus’ government, churches, ministries & for refugees. Others weekly e.g. Prayer for Israel. Details: Email iforcy@outlook.com   Use this update in your home group, prayer group, church prayers, and devotionals. Use it topically or work through it over the month. Use it topically or work through it over the month. Tip: Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to an entry He wants you to pray into. Focus on that (also in your group) until you sense completion.

 NOTE: If you know of others who you think may wish to use this update and subscribe, please let IFC have their names and email and we will send a personal invite.                                                                                                                                                      Bless you all. Yassas,  αντίο  and shalom.   The IFC team

 

In 2013, IFC (intercessors for Cyprus) was given leave to develop its ministry under the authority of the Evangelical Alliance, Cyprus. We have IFC prayers for Cyprus at our home on Saturday mornings 9-11am using the IFC monthly Cyprus Prayer Update, the news and being led of the Spirit. On Wednesday mornings we have Prayer for Israel.  If you would like to join us - as a visitor or more permanently- then email (above). IFC News sources and links for Intercessors. First, from the Bible and from Holy Spirit! Then from intercessors, churches and ministries. Also, the Internet, particularly ‘In Cyprus News’, News, from TV, radio & newspapers, local government, local people & shopkeepers, etc.

 

We suggest you print out the update for use this month. The words are close-typed for economy of printing. Use the Bible and its promises alongside this update.

Why not read the Bible through every year on a daily basis? Please go to our website: www.intercessorsforcyprus.org page: ‘Daily Bible Reading Plan’

Intercessors for Cyprus.  Prayer Update.  March 2023   No. 113.

IFC website:  www.intercessorsforcyprus.org   IFC Email: iforcy@outlook.com

 

CONTENTS: 

Giving thanks; Editorial: Why God judges nations (pt 2); The Church: Specific churches & ministries: Cyprus Prayer Chain;

Youth for Christ Cyprus; Daniel Generation (iii); Room of Hope; A New Church; HoP ‘Closer’ Internment programme.

The Pillar; It’s Time; Prayer of Commitment. Reconciliation north & south; Revival & transformation, ITI. 

The Government (and those in authority): This month: Election result; Earthquake response; Peace Process; The North; Health & Healing.   

National issues: (see list); Moral & social; Cities & municipalities; Caring & compassion; International. IFC information.   

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ....... .... ....

March Prayer Issues. Isaiah 62v6-7a: I have set intercessors on your walls who shall cry out to God for the fulfilment of his promises.’

 

^  GIVING THANKS:  1 Thessalonians 5:18. ‘In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’

This month we encourage people to consider what they can thank God for concerning Cyprus, and to give thanks themselves. (Psalm 100v4).

We also give thanks: we believe God has given us a new President and government according to His plans and purposes for Cyprus. (Ps.33v10-11).   

 

EDITORIAL: WHY GOD JUDGES NATIONS (Part 2) - [Part 1 was the Editorial of the IFC February edition].

One of the most relevant verses relating to the current 'two-states, land for peace' political process (that much of the world wants to force Israel to accept) is a clear warning by God that He will judge any and all nations that divide His land.  Joel 3v1-2 ‘For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem [Jews living in the nations are described by God as living in captivity or exile], I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat ["YHWH has judged"], and will plead with [judge; pronounce sentence on] them there for My people and for My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and divided [and/or plundered] My land.’

We have even seen Israel herself judged for dividing God's land - in giving up Gaza and ceding areas to the Palestinian Authority for peace. Israel's judgment: terrorism and missiles.

Zechariah 2:8 ‘…he who touches you touches the apple [pupil] of His eye.’  Consider the fact that we see the world through the pupil of our eye. God views the world through His chosen filter - His chosen people (the Jews) and His land (Israel). ‘Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling to all the peoples all around, when they shall come against Judah and Jerusalem. And in that day I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all peoples. All who lift it shall be cut to pieces, and all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it… And it shall be in that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. Zechariah 12:2-3, 9

Yet there is hope! In the midst of God's current judgments, the hope of your nation is you - standing in the gap, pleading for His mercy and confessing the sin for which your nation is being judged. In your nation, is there that root sin of resisting God's promised restoration of His people to His land for His Name's sake? After all, for Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) to return and set-up God's Kingdom on earth, a saved Israel is prophesied to welcome Him back to a Jerusalem no longer under gentile rule (Matt. 23:37-39). This is why God is so zealous to see Israel's restoration come to pass. It is also a result of a 2,000-year-old prayer from The Body of Christ to the Father: ‘May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’

Let’s summarise: The primary judgment of God towards nations and individuals (other than rejecting His Son and salvation) is their attitude towards His chosen people – the Jews, and the nation of Israel. The church is placed to intercede for the nation in which it resides. If the church in a nation also rejects God’s purposes for Israel, then both the nation and the church which is resident in that nation is under judgment. Recognition, revelation and repentance are required. Pray for your own nation and the church within it, for revelation of this truth.

Some other useful verses: Numbers 23:19-20 Joshua 23:3 Psalms 79:6-7 Isaiah 41:10-14 Isaiah 47:6 (Isaiah 47:6) Isaiah 49:24-26 Jeremiah 2:3 Jeremiah 30:11-17 Isaiah 47:6 Jeremiah 50:6-7 Jeremiah 50:8, 10-11 Jeremiah 50:14-15 Jeremiah 51:24 Jeremiah 51:35-37 Jeremiah 51:49 Obad. 1:10-16), Ezek. 25:25-26, Ezekiel 29:6-7.Zechariah 1:14b-15 Isaiah 17:12-14; 43:14;47:1-6; 54:14-17; 60:12; Jeremiah 10:24-25; Joel 3:19; Zephaniah 2:8-10; Matthew 23v37-39; Romans ch 11; Ephesians ch 2).

 

 

^ THE CHURCH:   Matthew 16:18. ‘I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.’

Here are specific requests for prayer or news of what God is doing in the lives of His people in Cyprus.

1. Specific Churches and Ministries: Revelation 1v11: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches…”

a) MONTHLY CYPRUS PRAYER CHAIN. The pastors of Nicosia initiated this idea. The first Monday of each month is normally a day of prayer for Cyprus. Half hourly time slots are from 6am-9pm, 30 minutes each. Everyone is invited to pray in a slot which suits them that day for the half hour. Suggested topics for prayer are: 1. A just and righteous solution to the Cyprus problem. 2. Protection during the pandemic and for God to put an end to it. 3. Revival to the Church and emphasis on Evangelism.  4. The Turkish & Syrian earthquake, for effective Christian and other response.

5. Each local church to add one or two more topics that would like its members to include. Individual participants in the prayer chain….allow the Lord to lead you into other prayer as He wills. Will YOU pray? (1 Cor 15v58).  NB. Larnaca quarterly ministries event has had to be postponed until May.

 

b) Youth for Christ Cyprus: The bank account has been frozen…true for many organisations in Cyprus. Pray for ways to meet the needs financially – including wages – and restoration of bank accounts. Pray that YFC Cyprus (& YWAM) minister life and the gospel to young people. (Matt 19v21).

 

c) Daniel Generation (iii): (Series).  Joanna: works with ‘New Haven’, a new organisation in Cyprus set up specifically to help restore women who have been trafficked, and also to train them as leaders to lead others out of the trafficking scene. The vision to begin with is to worship with those who have suffered and make space for the Lord to heal hearts directly through his presence. Then, through KAT (Kingdom Art Therapy), we want to help show the women at New Haven how Father God sees them: bringing the ‘identity of heaven’ to those from whom it had been stolen.

We hope in time to train other Christian young people from the local churches, both native and international, to minister to those in New Haven, refugee camps, poorer districts, young offender prisons and school children from abusive backgrounds using KAT. Pray for this vision to emerge.  (Hab 2:2).

 

d) Room of Hope: Pray for Roni & Rebecca, based in Nicosia, as they build their team to minister to trafficked and other women in need. (Ps. 62v5).

 

e) A new church: ‘Grace Church’ has launched in Larnaca. No doubt there are other new church groups & ministries on the island. Pray for such churches and groups to be led of the Holy Spirit, to reach the unsaved, to disciple believers and to bear fruit for His glory. (Matt 16v18; Rom 8v14).

 

f) ‘Closer’ Internment Programme:  We would like to invite you to join us for our internship programme 'Closer' from 2 October - 3 November 2023 at Living Stones House of Prayer in Kiti. James 4:8 says, 'Come close to God and He will come close to you.' God loves us more than we will ever fully comprehend. God desires a close, personal relationship with each one of His children. The internship 'Closer' is a 5 week programme that provides the opportunity for the participants to draw closer to God and spend time in His presence, to encounter His heart and His love for us. Learn more about worship, prayer and intimacy with God. Every year God meets the participants in very personal ways. This is what a former intern said about 'Closer': 'I came away with a new experience of the Father's love, a new intimacy with Jesus and a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirits' working in my life. It was a time of profound encounters, deep healing, and a sense that the Lord was replacing the lies I had believed, with His truth.' - Rachel, UK. If you would like to find out more or would like to apply for the programme, please contact us at livingstones@kittim.org   (2 Samuel 18v25).

 

2. The Pillar: This pillar is in a home, covered with wax, and with the names and descriptions of God mounted in black on white wax: Pray through.  

GOD. Creator. The Ancient of Days. The Holy One. A consuming fire. Light of the world. Word of God. Wonderful Counsellor. Horn of salvation. Desire of all nations. A banner to the people. The Potter. I AM. Father. Abba. Elohim. El Shaddai - all sufficient. El Roi - God who sees. The habitation of justice. Jesus – Yeshua. Messiah. Adonai. Lord. Alpha & Omega. Lion of Judah. Immanuel. Shepherd. Lamb of God. Saviour. Advocate. My fortress. My refuge. My redeemer. My deliverer. My hiding place. The Spirit of God. Ruach Ha Kodesh. GOD. (Exodus 3v14). 

 

3. It’s Time: Time to get back up and overcome the weariness, anxiety, backsliding. (Proverbs 24v16). It’s time to be bold again against the devil’s schemes. (Proverbs 28v1). It’s time to shine in the growing darkness. (Isaiah 60v1-3). Yielding to Him, and so to be light in the world. (Matt 5v14-16).

It’s time to become a house of prayer, a person of prayer, a people of prayer. (Matthew 21v13). You are the temple of God. We are the temple of God. Prayer was the heartbeat of the early church. We are to designed to have a lifestyle of prayer as did Jesus. It’s time to awaken the ‘Lazarus churches’.

(John 11v11). They have been sleeping but God is waking them up and wants you involved in the process. Is anything too hard for God? Refuse to be silent and shrink back in fear. It’s time to come into agreement with God, seeing yourself as He sees you and rise up to destiny. (John 16v33).      

 

4. Prayer of commitment: Father, I want to begin my prayers with praise and thanksgiving. There were times I felt I wouldn’t make it, but thank You, Lord, I’m still here. I could do nothing apart from You. Thank You for Your tender mercies that were there from the moment I woke up in the morning until the instant I fell asleep at night. Thank You that in the midst of my hurting, Your consolation brought me hope. When I was afraid, You stilled my heart. When I was lonely, You were with me. You are everything I have ever needed, and You are everything I ever will need. Thank You, Lord. You are so good to me and my family. You extend Your mercy and grace to humankind, giving every one of us the chance to repent and to accept Your invitation to sonship. You are worthy of all my praises. You are worthy of it all. I magnify and glorify Your holy name. I love You, Lord!

What I’ve been through, I lay it all down. I will not carry anything into the future that I’m not meant to carry. I release any offense or unforgiveness that I’m harbouring against anyone in my biological family or my family in Christ. I will not carry this grudge or burden any longer. Take this pain that I’ve been holding onto in secret. The rejection, the exclusion, the hurtful way I was made to feel by some of the people I love — I release this pain to You, Lord. Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Thank You, Lord, that You promise to restore the wasted years and everything the locusts have eaten. I cling to your word with hope and expectancy because You are faithful to keep that word and to do exactly what You’ve said. I will abide in You, as You abide with me. Help me to be all in, Lord. No holding back, no more being double-minded. I do this for the harvest’s sake and for the glory and honour of Your name. Lord, I pray that 2023 would be the year Your Church rises up in full and holy abandon. Let us, Your Church, go back to living and moving and having our being in You, and in You alone. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

 

Reconciliation N & S: A very good summary of the historical and current situation of the Cyprus problem i.e. a divided nation is found on YouTube. The title is: ‘The Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier. Cyprus Dispute Explained.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHlHnCwFp5c  (15 min). God encourages His Church to stand together, confess wrong attitudes, forgive one another and embrace in practical ways. Also to intercede for the nation’s healing. Key elements of a reconciliation process: Confession and practical forgiveness – the Church leading the way, healing of the nation, and removal of Turkey’s influence including Islam. (Luke 11v4; 2 Chronicles 7v14). Continue to pray into this and for a national day of prayer.

 

Revival & Transformation: The Ashbury University in Kentucky, USA is experiencing an on-going move of revival. This renews our confidence to ask God to move on Cyprus, both the church and nation. The Lord alone is orchestrating the all day / all night gatherings at the university. His presence is tangible. His holiness awesome. One Cyprus ministry leader was asking the Lord concerning revival in Cyprus. The Lord seemed to be saying that ‘fresh winds’ are blowing in Cyprus, but that ‘serious prayer’ is required towards a move of God over here. Great to witness the ‘BURN’ 8 hours of worship & prayer in Larnaca recently…a step in the right direction. Pray for fresh winds and serious prayer for revival in Cyprus. (Psalm 85v4-9).    

 

ITI: The right personnel and strategies are required as the work steps up. The boat ministry and the storage ministry both need to progress. Ask God to bring in the people of His choice to serve this Cyprus-wide undercover ministry, including younger men and women with the vision. (Prov 29v18).   

 

 

^ THE GOVERNMENT & THOSE IN AUTHORITY:  1 Timothy 2v1-4:  1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

RoCy: Pray for godly wisdom for our President Nikos Christodoulides and wife Philippa, for Cabinet Ministers, House President, the Secretary to the Cabinet & Government Spokesman. Pray for our government & opposition parties, and also for our new Archbishop Georgios. Pray for the current president, secretary & treasurer of the Evangelical Alliance of Churches in Cyprus, Yiannos, Chrysso & Kostas & their Board, Pray also for key leaders in the North, including underground church leaders, President of the North, Government Ministers, and even President Erdogan of Turkey…..may he be restrained. Pray also for salvation for our nation’s leadership and local government leaders. 

 

^ This month: Election result: Nikos Christodoulides, our new president of the Republic of Cyprus, is an independent and a moderate. He is hopefully a better fit than the other contender - who leaned towards Russia and Communism. I am told Christodoulides has had some Christian influence in his life. He is likely to lead a continuation of a fiscal discipline and reform progress in Cyprus. He is including technocrats amongst his ministers and advisors….fresh winds indeed.   However, reunification talks may be potentially hindered by the stricter line of smaller parties that supported the new president to his election. The new president also leans towards the European Union and may wish to more fully co-operate with the EU in implementing their directives more speedily. Bearing in mind the arising of ‘Babylon’ and anti-God tendencies amongst the nations, our laws will be dictated by the EU and may become more anti-God in nature. The real battle in the nations, initiated by Satan, is about the authority of God. The plumbline is the word of God. Pray for Nikos Christodoulides, that he negotiates this minefield, and that the government, new ministers and advisors will be effective in their roles. Pray also for government, parliament and opposition leaders & parties to seek to honour the ways of God for the good of this nation. (Prov 8v16).        

 

^ Earthquake response: After the massive earthquake hit Turkey and Syria last month, killing more than 43,000, Cyprus offered search and rescue help to Turkey, and was able to send shipments of medicines & provisions by air to Syria. As there are no more survivors in the earthquake zones, international aid agencies and churches & ministries have stepped up efforts to help millions of homeless people, many sleeping in tents, mosques, schools or cars. Continue to pray for the efforts of the many agencies and governments involved in the restoration process, for those bereaved or injured, for people to find God amidst shattered lives, and for Christian relief agencies to shine in the darkness. (Psalm 125v1). 

^ Peace Process: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for talks to aim for "two separate states" in Cyprus, during a controversial visit to the north of the divided island which Turkey has occupied for nearly five decades. The Turkish leader made it clear he believed the reunification plan now belonged to the past. The president of the north, Ersin Tatar, is also in favour of a two-state solution. Tensions have also heightened in the Mediterranean Sea over the presence of Turkish drones at an airbase in Northern Cyprus. The Cypriot government says the deployment of drones is a means for Turkey to pursue an "expansionist agenda" in a region that potentially holds significant natural gas reserves. Only the Lord can heal this divided island….as with Israel and the humanistic two state proposed solution there. Pray for His plan and solution for Cyprus to unfold. (Ps. 127v1).

 

^ The North: Great to hear of the way people swelled the ranks of a regular gathering in the north for prayer and that churches & ministries from the north have been helping in Turkey.  Pray that God continues to increase the place of prayer in the north (& south) in order to prepare the way for His purposes there. Turkish refugees are coming over to the north of Cyprus. Pray they find refuge and help in their trauma. They are concerned about their status in the north as refugees, and what help can be received from the authorities. Pray too for the RoC government to handle the increasing numbers entering the south illegally. (Ex 22v9).

 

NB. Further information for prayer for North Cyprus may be found at https://lgcnews.com/ 

 

^ Health & healing:  Remember those diagnosed with a serious health condition, disability or increasingly, a mental health issue. Pray they are able to access effective treatment and care. Remember the elderly and the very young. Health problems are growing because of poverty, lack of exercise, unhealthy eating, excess alcohol, misuse of drugs, etc. Also because of lack of purpose and direction without God. The church is here to share the Gospel and demonstrate the Kingdom of God by bringing support, healing and salvation into lives, and to demonstrate ongoing health in our lives.  Pray for God’s love and healing & health to manifest through the health system and through the church & community. (Matthew 4v23).    

 

 

^ NATIONAL ISSUES:   Psalm 33:12. ‘Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.’

Give thanks & pray: That the Republic of Cyprus has not been taken by Turkey. That God will keep us free to serve His purposes.HE reigns! (Ps.97v1).

LENT: Pray that the Lenten season bears fruit amongst the people of Cyprus - as many do pray and seek God. Pray that they find Him. (Amos 5v4).

Marriage: Valentine’s Day reminded us of love - not just the sentimental ‘in love’ feeling, but the strong bonding love which can be demonstrated by a marriage and family. There are major benefits of marriage in society. Pray for marriages to be strengthened in Cyprus especially in times of adversity, for engaged couples to attend marriage preparation courses, and children & teens to be guided rightly. Remember those affected by marriage breakdown due to poverty, poor health, separation, adultery, etc. Pray for healing and help for them. (1 Corinthians 13v4-7).

Gender issues: Some young people are struggling with sexual or gender identity. Pray their minds be guarded from confusion and cultural pressures that can result in physical or emotional harm. Pray they receive correct counsel and that Christians are involved in their lives for good. (Prov 4v11).

Children & young people: Give thanks for the opportunities for young people to develop in the villages, towns and cities of Cyprus. Pray for the schools in your area to be places where children and young people can flourish and grow. We are linked to an American Academy. Remember those who are struggling with academic, mental, home or social issues to find a way through their difficulties and anxieties. (Proverbs 22v6; Luke 18v16).

Babies: Thank You Lord for every baby with the gift of life born into our nation. May Your tender love be reflected by parents and their families and by other carers. Impart Your wisdom and strength to face the demands, responsibilities – and tiredness – of caring for these precious ones. (Luke 18v15a).

Tourism: Tourist arrivals in Cyprus reached 90,549 in January 2023 compared to 43,944 in January 2022, an increase of 106%. Amen.

Cybercrime: The joint participation of parents and their children aged 11-16 years old, who sat perhaps for the first time at the same table, was productive and meaningful at the important workshop entitled “Together we learn and fight cybercrime 2023,” which took place at the University of Nicosia in February. Amen. Pray this whole issue of Cybercrime is better understood and policed. (Deut 29v29; Job 20v26).

Construction: The Price Index for construction materials increased by 12.25% compared to the same month of the previous year. Pray for stabilisation of prices, for industry stability for construction firms and workers, for plenty of work and greater safety & prosperity in construction. (Luke 14v30).  

National debt: Cyprus’ central government debt dropped to €23 billion in 2022 recording a year-on-year reduction of 3.9%. Amen!

Please note that further information for prayer may be found daily at http://www.newsincyprus.com/category/2/cyprus-weekly

 

 

^ MORAL & SOCIAL ISSUES:  Deut 10v4: The Lord wrote on these tablets what he had written before, the Ten Commandments he had proclaimed.

Discrimination: Prejudice is a negative attitude that is not based on facts. Discrimination is acting on that negative attitude. Be challenged over racism, colour, ethnic minorities. May those different from ourselves be well received and helped towards jobs and homes. Thank You Lord for the rich diversity of humanity. Forgive our negative attitudes towards those different from ourselves and discriminatory actions that alienate. Change us. (Rev 5v9-10).     

Ukrainians in Cyprus: The IFC team visited a hotel in Ayia Napa where Ukrainian refugee women and their children are being hosted by the Friendship Circle Cyprus charity. Local groups are being generous in providing them with toys and clothes as well. The women long to have their husbands - who are fighting in Ukraine - restored to them. Pray for hope and a future for these women, their husbands and children. Donations to cover longer term needs and accommodation etc., can be made by emailing office@friendshipcircle.eu   (Prov 24v14; Jer 31v17).     

 

^ CITIES & MUNICIPALITIES:  PRAY for your city: Jeremiah 29v7: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Psalm 55:11.’Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.’  Ask God to expose and deal with the Mafia and other dark elements in Cyprus. (Habbakuk 2v12).  Intercede for the police and for the mayor and the council members of your municipality. Pray also for your city, town, village, municipality as led by the Lord. Maybe you could prayer-walk part of your city/locality, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you in prayer & blesing. If you meet people, share your faith as opportunity arises. (Deut 28v3).

 

 

^ CARING AND COMPASSION:  (by the Church and others):   Matthew 5v7: ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.’

1. Refugees, asylum seekers & migrant workers...,aliens & strangers: Exodus 22v21: "Do not ill-treat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens.”

Remember the ‘All4Aid’ (Oasis) Refugee Project……THEY NEED EVERYTHING! Due to the earthquake affecting Turkey and Syria, the stocks of clothing for adults an children, food and blankets are nearly empty. Just as Jesus met physical needs and then spoke about spiritual truth, so All4Aid strives to meet physical and spiritual needs of all who enter its doors. Pray for All4Aid to be resourced and to be a resource at this critical time. (Matt 25v35). Another refugee ministry group named ‘Love, Light and Hope’ is based in Pyla. Also a refugee project in Oroklini. Pray they make a difference to refugees in their area. (1 Thessalonians 1v3).  

 

2. The poor and needy, widows and orphans, foreigners, unemployed, exploited, etc: Proverbs 31v8-9: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

God has a heart for the widow and the orphan. Pray for those in Cyprus including Ukrainian women and children. Remember the unemployed. Think about those who are exploited and pray accordingly. As always remember the aliens and strangers in our midst, for hope and a future. (Prov 23v18).  

Give thanks for all those involved in caring for others in need, whether it be carers of family members, home carers, nurses & doctors & other hospital staff, or charities and welfare groups. Pray for them as they serve others. Remember in prayer also the Mercy Centre in Nicosia, the Limassol group, and the ‘Charis’ project in Paphos. Also Cyprus Samaritans, Friendship Circle, and other local & national organisations.

 

 

^ INTERNATIONAL ISSUES: Mark 11v17: "Is it not written:  'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?’ “(Also Revelation 14v6.)

Ongoing: Pray against the use of nuclear, chemical & biological weaponry and for Gospel declaration in the Middle East (Matt 16v19).

International: The war in Ukraine is a cataclysmic event in both economic and political terms. It signals the return of great power politics; it marks the weaponisation of the economy for geopolitical ends; and it highlights the continuing fragmentation of the international system. Come Lord Jesus!

Turkey & Syria: 50,000 dead, 23 million impacted, hundreds of thousands left homeless in a harsh winter, hospitals overrun. Jesus is the only answer to their cries. Over the past several years, many foreign Christians have been expelled from Turkey. Most of the Gospel remnant left is local Turkish believers. In a Muslim-majority nation, they only make up 0.5% of the population.  Continue to pray and give /act towards the healing and restoration in progress after this horrendous natural disaster. Pray for the bereaved & grieving, for healing for the injured, and for restoration physically, emotionally and particularly in spirit…towards God & salvation. (2 Corinthians 1v3-4). NB. The element of God ‘handing over’ nations because of sin has at least to be considered (Romans 1v24). The nations of the world are rejecting God and choosing sin. God says he will shake the nations as a result - even shaking the earth that many will turn to Him. [Further study: Matt 24v6-8; Isaiah 54:10 (NKJV); 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Luke 13:2-5; Isaiah 24:4-6; Isaiah 24:18-20; Hebrews 12:26-29].

Ukraine: Pray for the two million children who have left Ukraine because of the war – pray it ends soon. Pray or their safety, especially if separated from their families and vulnerable to exploitation abuse and human trafficking. Pray Christians are led by God to help them and guide them. (Is 54v13).

Iran: (Biblical Elam). The world must understand that these are the last moments by which to stop Tehran from producing nuclear weapons, now that the International Atomic Energy Agency detected Iranian uranium enrichment at 84% rather than 60%. Israel will be attacked unless it intervenes. A journalist who recently visited Iran has reported that Iran has also been “mapping” Jewish communities outside Israel to be hit by assassination squads that would be activated if Israel attacks its nuclear facilities. Pray God deals with the Iranian leadership and this threat. (Jer 49v35).  

Israel: A prophetic word (Intercessors for Israel). Believing that I am restoring Israel in these days is no longer an option for My Body. Either My Body will support that which I am doing with ‘all My heart and all of My soul’ (Jeremiah 32v41) or they will find themselves moving further and further away from Me by various deceptive wind of doctrines. “Time is short. Today if you hear My voice, harden not your hearts, but stand with Me and bear witness to the truth of My watching over My word to perform it in this day.” (Jeremiah 1v12). Pray the church in Israel, Cyprus and around the world hear & heed what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches regarding Israel, and that God reveals His word concerning this key matter to those willing.      

Kenya: is enduring a serious drought after Covid 19, a locust infestation and failed harvests. Pray for mercy upon Kenya, for rain and renewed harvest, for the hungry to be satisfied, and any root or cause to be recognised and dealt with (2 Chronicles 7v13-14). We speak the Lord’s favour over Kenya.

The persecuted Church: (Open Doors World Watch List 2023, The countries with the highest levels of persecution against Christians are: North Korea, Somalia, Libya, Yemen, Eritrea, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Sudan & India. Choose a nation and pray about this. (Rev 2v10 & 21v4).  

Bless you all. Yassas,  αντίο  and shalom.   The IFC team

NOTE: If you know of others who you think may wish to use this update and subscribe, please let IFC have their names and email and we will send a personal invite. Shalom.

 

^ IFC PRAYER &  INFORMATION:  email:  iforcy@outlook.com    website:  www.intercessorsforcyprus.org

In 2013, IFC (intercessors for Cyprus) was given leave to develop its ministry under the authority of the Evangelical Alliance, Cyprus. We have IFC prayers for Cyprus at our home on Saturday mornings 9-11am using the IFC monthly Cyprus Prayer Update, the news and being led of the Spirit. On Wednesday mornings we have Prayer for Israel.  If you would like to join us - as a visitor or more permanently- then email (above). IFC News sources and links for Intercessors. First, from the Bible and from Holy Spirit! Then from intercessors, churches and ministries. Also, the Internet, particularly ‘In Cyprus News’,  News,from TV, radio & newspapers, local government, local people & shopkeepers, etc.  

 

^  DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS for MARCH 2023: EITHER See IFC’s ANNUAL BIBLE READING PLAN (read Bible in a year) at: https://www.intercessorsforcyprus.org/daily-bible-reading-plan  OR get the ‘BIBLE IN ONE YEAR’ (Commentary by Nicky Gumbel of Alpha International & read by David Suchet). Download the mobile app at:  https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/bible-in-one-year/id504133402 or on Google Play Store: ‘Bible in One Year app’, or other bible-in-a-year sources.

 

NB. Some read the IFC monthly Prayer Update as a newspaper to get an overview of what is happening currently in Cyprus. Out of this their prayers are born. Amen.

We hold weekly IFC prayers in Larnaca including prayer for Cyprus’ government, churches, ministries & for refugees. Others weekly e.g. Prayer for Israel. Details: Email iforcy@outlook.com   Use this update in your home group, prayer group, church prayers, and devotionals. Use it topically or work through it over the month. Use it topically or work through it over the month. Tip: Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to an entry He wants you to pray into. Focus on that (also in your group) until you sense completion.