{"id":42795,"date":"2024-10-10T14:23:39","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T13:23:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/?post_type=conexion&p=42795"},"modified":"2025-05-21T09:20:31","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T08:20:31","slug":"zealous-for-global-prayer","status":"publish","type":"conexion","link":"https:\/\/ifesworld.org\/en\/blog\/zealous-for-global-prayer\/","title":{"rendered":"Zealous for Global Prayer\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Global prayer \u2013 is it just the latest faith trend, a new ministry gimmick?  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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It\u2019s true that various international initiatives have become increasingly popular in recent years, such as Thy Kingdom Come<\/a>, The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church<\/a><\/strong>, and our own IFES World Student Day<\/a>.<\/strong> But it\u2019s nothing new. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The vision for global prayer has been around for centuries. Old Testament prophets spoke of it (Isaiah 56:6-7), Jesus got visibly emotional about it (Mark 11:15-17), and the apostles tasted it (Acts 2:5-21).  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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In this blog, we\u2019ll glimpse Jesus\u2019s zeal for global prayer. We\u2019ll explore how IFES World Student Day<\/a><\/strong> is one event that\u2019s mobilising worldwide intercession.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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And we\u2019ll see how that\u2019s part of a wider commitment and invitation to pray together for God\u2019s work in the world\u2019s universities \u2013 locally, nationally, and globally.<\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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JESUS IS ZEALOUS ABOUT GLOBAL PRAYER<\/strong> <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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To say that Jesus cared about global prayer is an understatement. He was zealous for it. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Do you remember that day \u2013 one of the few occasions in the Gospels when Jesus gets angry? He was so riled by the trade in the temple courts that he overturned the merchants\u2019 tables and benches (Matthew 21:12). He cleared them out, even driving out their business assets with a whip (John 2:15)! <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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It prompted his disciples to recall words from Psalm 69: \u201cZeal for your house will consume me.\u201d  (John 2:17). And the way Jesus explained his zeal is probably familiar: \u201cIt is written,\u201d he said to them, \u201c\u2018My house will be a house of prayer\u2019; but you have made it \u2018a den of robbers.\u2019\u201d<\/em> (Luke 19:46). <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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But Mark wants to make sure his readers realise the full implications of the scripture reference: <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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As he taught them, he said, \u201cIs it not written: \u2018My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations\u2019? But you have made it \u2018a den of robbers.\u2019 <\/strong><\/em>(Mark 11:15-16).    <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Jesus wasn\u2019t only upset that worship had been turned into a money-making enterprise. He was troubled that their religious activities were thwarting God\u2019s intention for all nations to pray, side by side (see also Numbers 15:14-16). <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Indeed, it was this kind of international worship that Jesus\u2019 sacrificial death would secure (Revelation 7:9-10). No wonder he was zealous for it. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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48 HOURS OF GLOBAL PRAYER: WORLD STUDENT DAY<\/strong> <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n
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This is surely one reason why IFES World Student Day<\/strong><\/a> feels so exciting, holy, and significant \u2013 it is an earthly reflection of the great multitude in heaven \u201cfrom every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.\u201d (Revelation 7:9). <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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As a global fellowship comprising over 160 national movements (and working in another 20 countries and territories)<\/a>, IFES is uniquely placed to connect students across the globe and mobilize prayer with and for them. For 48 hours each year, World Student Day provides a focal point to do that.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Every October, students, IFES global and national staff, supporters, ministries, and churches are invited to pray for the needs of students and their witness on campus.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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But, praying for \u201cthe world\u201d can be daunting. So, in the weeks before, IFES students and staff submit concrete requests which are turned into Prayer Cards (published online<\/a>).  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Last year<\/a>, as the sun rose over the oceans of the South Pacific, we prayed with Micah in PSFC Fiji<\/a> for first-year students to get involved in their group at Derrick. As it passed over Indonesia\u2019s myriad islands, we prayed that Taria and her friends would have wisdom as they share the gospel with their Muslim friends. As it shed light over India\u2019s millions, we prayed with Eyiekhrote for young students struggling with addictions such as tobacco and pornography. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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As it peeked over Africa\u2019s mountains and flooded its plains, we prayed with Natnael for students in Ethiopia<\/a> who were facing conflict and persecution, and we interceded with Koula that college authorities in Cote d\u2019Ivoire would allow Christian activities on campus. As it warmed the Caribbean waters, we prayed with Samantha in ISCCF St Vincent and the Grenadines<\/a> for healing and help for students coming from broken homes. As it energised the Amazon rainforest, we prayed for Marisol in AGEUP Peru<\/a>, serving students facing anxiety, depression, and stress. And, as it finally lit up America\u2019s West Coast, we prayed with Abi in InterVarsity\/USA<\/a> that \u201cChristian students find time to slow down amid busy schedules so they can share God\u2019s overflowing love with others\u201d. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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This wave of global prayer involved over 25,000 people across more than 160 countries \u2013 a wide array of nations, tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before God\u2019s throne.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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On 18 October 2024<\/strong> this mobilisation of global prayer will return. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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This year\u2019s theme for World Student Day is \u201csanctuary\u201d \u2013 flowing from Psalm 46<\/strong>. It\u2019s a recognition of today\u2019s acute need for refuge and peace around the world.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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