Looking to heaven
Paul Hobson, editor of The Baptist Times, reflects on BMS World Mission's 2012 Day of Prayer – in the UK and beyond.
From Didcot to D R Congo, Tirana to Thailand and the Holy Land to Haiti, staff, partners and supporters united in prayer for BMS World Mission this week.
The organisation’s annual Day of Prayer, now in its fifth year, took place on Monday (13 February) and was based around John 17: 1 (‘When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven’).
Staff at the Didcot headquarters followed an hourly programme grouped by each region where BMS works. There were also quiet rooms and a creative space.
Partners and mission personnel around the world joined in the day, often praying at the corresponding times their own regions were being prayed for.
It was at times quiet, at times creative; full of thankfulness for how God is working through the organisation across the world; and petition for causes and whole regions.
Above all, however, it was a day to focus on God, said BMS general director Rev David Kerrigan (pictured below).
"Our Day of Prayer is about deliberately setting aside those things that are still vital and important, and orientating ourselves towards God," he explained.
"In our key verse this year we read of Jesus that, 'he looked towards heaven'.
"That is what our Day of Prayer is about. It’s not about praying more, or more people praying. It’s about us as God's people saying, 'We look towards heaven' as the underpinning of our life and work.'"
There were a wide range of concerns, both individual and more corporate: for a kidney condition in Nepal; for the recruitment of experienced ministers and theological teachers for parts of Asia, such as Bangladesh, where the gospel is growing.
There were also many opportunities to give thanks for how God has moved. It was noted several times how discernment over China had been a focus in a previous Day of Prayer: BMS now has its first long-term workers in that country since 1952.
The Baptist Union of Great Britain was represented, with mission adviser Rev Kathryn Morgan leading the UK slot between 12 and 1pm.
More than 100 churches were expected to participate, either on the day or through house groups and Sunday services.
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Clarence Mendis, general manager of BMS partner Farms Lanka, conducted a devotional praising God for his commitment in Sri Lanka (BMS has now operated there for 150 years) and prayed for the work of BMS and other partners. He revealed the impact of taking part.
"While joining with other prayer groups in the world in this prayer time, we felt that our spiritual life also has been strengthened and awakened," he said.
"We thank God for the BMS World Mission and for all the great support they have given towards the ministry of Farms Lanka for the last many years and the Christian witness around the globe.
"Please be assured of our continued prayers for you all and your endeavours."
Paul Hobson is editor of The Baptist Times Online. This article first appeared there – sign up now to receive their weekly round-up directly to your inbox.
15/02/2012
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