According to scripture

Christian prayer works, so what should Christians be turning their devotional time to in 2012? The world is as unsettled, as much in the grip of demonic forces, as it has ever been, but if we focus our thoughts and prayers and back up prayer with action, Christians can make a difference.

Christian values

Nothing has contributed more to the civilized world we know today than Christian values. Jesus´ Sermon on the Mount is still quoted as the single most important statement of social responsibility and political parties of every hue can unite around it. Growing trends towards agnosticism and atheism threaten the undermining of these values in the future. Pray for Christian values to visit the hearts of even the most hardened atheist.

The Family

Yes, divorce rates are increasing, but the real threats to family values are the drop in church attendance and relaxed social attitudes towards promiscuity. There is a fine line between social freedom and excessive permissiveness. Pray for our populations to help them stay on the right side of that line. The family should be a stable social unit which provides security and comfort to its members. The concept of dysfunction is spreading. The main causes are lack of faith, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual freedom. Pray for self-control.

Alienated youth

Linked to the problem of broken families is the idea that many youngsters feel alienated in today´s society. They have all the benefits of modern technology yet often lack direction, opportunity and motivation. According to scripture, discipline must be allied to faith and love for effective upbringing. Pray for our children.

The Economic Crisis

We have grown accustomed to improving economic conditions every year. This will now change. Our economies are facing a period of decline. Pray for those who find themselves on the wrong side of harsh economic policy.

Good government

In view of the crisis we need good government more than ever. Good government means government that cares as well as directs. Let us pray for responsible management of our states and for the continued support of those least well off in society.

Good Health

Despite modern medical advances, the state of our health generally is constantly at risk. Increasingly our young people are in danger from alcohol and sexually transmitted diseases. As we approach middle age we run the risk of heart and blood disorders caused by poor diet and stress. These are lifestyle problems caused by weak faith. In addition there are doubts as to the safety of new technology such as microwave devices and mobile phones. Pray for a healthy lifestyle.

Wealth with Social responsibility

Let us pray for the generosity of those who have more money than they need. We live in an age when a young footballer can earn a million pounds a month, while young children die of simple treatable diseases in other parts of the world. Pray for fairness, more giving, and the consciences of those who can do more to help.

Peace

Despite living through a time of relative peace, there are still many ongoing military conflicts around the world, giving rise to many thousands of fatalities annually. Pray for those who suffer in Afghanistan, in Somalia, in Central and South America, in Arab revolutions, in drug wars, and all the other areas of conflict.

Faith with enlightenment

Finally, pray for spiritual strength, which comes not from religious bigotry but from Jesus-led understanding and enlightenment. Preach the spirit of fairness and tolerance and love, and have a happy 2012.

Milton Johanides is a retired businessman, church elder, writer and artist. He has been featured on BBC TVs Songs of Praise, owned numerous art galleries and once ran an award winning picture framing business in Scotland. The views expressed in these articles are his own. email: miltonjohanides@yahoo.co.uk
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