Prayer Request 4/27 - 5/3

Tuesday
Qinhai Province recently suffered greatly from casualties in a massive earthquake, centered mainly in the area where Tibetan minorities live. It is not only remote, poor, and lacking in educational facilities but most of the residents speak only Tibetan and their police had to serve as interpreters for the rescuers. Many regions in China, particularly those where ethnic minorities reside, are still undeveloped and lag far behind in economic development. We take this time to remember the work of the gospel among the estimated five and a half million Tibetans, for deliverance from spiritual darkness, unhealthy dietary habits, and a high rate of smoking.
Wednesday
The vast majority of the victims of the Qinghai earthquake are followers of Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism). They believe the body and soul are still together for three days after death and there must be chanting immediately in order to guide the spirit in the afterlife or else the soul is forever lost. This was the reason families were anxious to dig up the bodies of those who died. Tibetans are an unique minority with distinctive history, religion and international exposure. They are not in Tibet only but are spread over Qinhai and Sichuan. Few of them have heard the good news of Jesus. We pray that more will be wiling to serve and show them the love of Jesus in His death and resurrection for all of us.
Thursday
Sky Burial (jhator) is the Tibetan way of burial which is conducted at dawn. The full jhator procedure is elaborate and expensive. Those who cannot afford it simply place their deceased relatives on a high rock where the body decomposes or is eaten by birds and animals. This practice was once forbidden by the government but in 1980 they again allowed it. The work of evangelism among the Chinese ethnic minorities is difficult and often quite restricted because officials worry about the potential ethnic tensions. Let us pray for the spiritual health of the small numbers of believers among the minorities, whether they are among the Tibetans or Muslims.
Friday
Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism) practices "sky burial" for the dead, but the Chinese officials say it is impractical to perform "sky burial" for more than 2000 earthquake victims and that they must be cremated instead. They claim cremation is a honor reserved for nobility and respected monks, which is not against the religious custom. Once a person has accepted Jesus, he/she will still live in a community which has strong traditions and rituals. We remember all Chinese believers who have unbelieving parents because parents expect or demand their children to burn incense for them after their death. We pray that believers will be good sons and daughters to their parents while they are still alive.
Saturday
The labor shortage in China is expected to worsen and the future for cheap labor is clouded as the birth rate declines and the people become better educated. Farmers are becoming more prosperous and their children are more upwardly mobile, thus less willing to work at low-paying jobs. Let us pray for all of the young people who are being trained as church workers. Some of them are no longer willing to work in the churches because they know the pay will be very low and also they will lack support from the churches themselves as well as their own families. We pray that more believers will be advocates and care more about their pastors, especially the rural churches.
Sunday
Chinese professors often hire people to write their research papers. This practice is very prevalent and includes ghostwriting, with plagiarism or falsification of academic performance. This rampant problem can be traced back to the 80's and early 90's when research in science was weak in China and there was little accountability provided. The practice of preaching a downloaded sermon is also common among Chinese churches because preachers lack time and effort to study the Bible for themselves. Many pastors are spiritually dry because they have to preach several times a week. Let us pray that many more pulpits will deliver fresh thoughts and a personal application of God's Word.
Monday
Medical liquor is a hugely lucrative market in China because those who sell it claim that it has health benefits and people often buy it as an expensive gift. However, there is no official definition or regulation for such goods so any alcohol products that have Chinese herbs added may be counted as medicinal liquor and eighty percent of medicinal liquor is not even tested. Many are attracted to churches that preach messages that promise, "God will make you rich and heal you of all your illnesses". This is especially appealing to the poor. We know God wants to bless us but it is not only material blessing we seek. We pray that churches in China will preach sound doctrine and that believers will be aware of false teachings.

星期二
青海玉樹發生強烈大地震，造成居民生命財產嚴重損失。災區是藏族自治區，地處偏遠救援不易，當中超過百分之九十三人口是藏人，生活貧困、缺乏教育、並且不通漢語。四十名藏族民警，因能操漢語，在搶救中成了獨特的主要翻譯溝通角色。中國有許多地區，尤其少數民族自治區，經濟發展遠遠落後。讓我們以禱告記念在五百多萬藏人當中的各項事工，求主帶領他們脫離屬靈的黑暗，不健康的飲食習慣和極高的吸煙率。
星期三
青海大地震死難者大多篤信藏傳佛教（喇嘛教），相信人死後三天內，身體和靈魂還在一起，三天之後就會分離，故此人死後要馬上誦經超度，進行天葬。這正是地震死難者家屬急著挖出親友屍體的最大原因。藏族是一個具有鮮明民族特色和獨特宗教‑ 0340;民族，國際聞名。藏人不僅生活在西藏，也遍佈青海和四川省一帶，可惜極少藏人聽過主耶穌的好消息。我們為藏人禱告，求主差派更多願意服事他們的工人，將主的愛和祂為我們死而復活的信息與他們分享。
星期四
天葬是藏族長久以來獨特的殯儀形式，八成以上的藏人至今仍然恪守。完整天葬程序複雜且昂貴，一般貧窮的藏人只能簡單地將死者遺體放在高岩上給禿鷹或野獸吞噬。政府曾一度禁止，但一九八零年後又再獲批准。在中國少數民族中傳福音，限制很多，相當不易。官方擔心他們改信他教，會帶來種族關係緊張。讓我們為少數民族信徒有美好靈命禱告，他們原可能是藏傳佛教(喇嘛教)或回教成員，求主加添他們力量。
星期五
青海玉樹遇難者超過二千人，政府官員表示無法按藏傳統為死者進行天葬，只能火葬。他們主張火葬並非違背宗教傳統，反而是尊崇死者為尊貴人士和宗教活佛的意思。一個人雖接受主耶穌的救恩，獲得屬天的生命，但生活在社群中也一樣要面對世俗的傳統和儀式。華人信徒未信的父母常期望或要求子女為他們過世後燒香拜拜，求主幫助信徒在父母健在時盡心行孝，並能持守信仰。
星期六
中國短缺工人的問題將更嚴峻。未來中國是否仍是「廉價勞工之國」令人質疑。隨著一胎化、新一代教育程度提高；農民工經濟情況好轉和社會階級向上移動，其第二代不想做工資低又辛苦，也看不到未來的基層工作。讓我們為正受裝備的年輕傳道人­禱告，教會服事收入偏低，又缺乏家人及會眾的支持，常令他們猶疑卻步，尤其在農村教會。求主賜下信靠的心，也提醒信徒更多關注神的事工和牧者。
星期日
在中國學術界，教授請人捉刀發表文章、代寫論文、剽竊或偽造研究結果，已見怪不怪。問題上溯至八、九十年代初，當時科學研究能力十分薄弱，缺乏公信度。在教會圈，也有不少傳道人講章是從網上下載抄襲所得。他們每周馬不停蹄講道，身心疲乏，無力去採擷神話語的亮光。求主復興中國教會的講壇，透過牧者帶出活潑純淨的真道，更注重在生活中實際操練，活出神的旨意。
星期一
藥用保健酒在中國有很大市場，由於自稱有保健作用，人們喜歡當作上乘禮物送客。至於保健酒的定義與管制，國家尚未正式規管。任何酒品加入中草藥即為保健酒，其中八成未經認證。不少教會傳講「神要使你富有，會醫治所有疾病」，也吸引了許許多人，尤其是窮人。我們知道神要祝福我們，但絕非僅止於滿足我們所追求的物質富裕。讓我們為中國教會能宣揚整全的教義，信徒有智慧辨別教義的真偽來禱告。

Prayer Request 4/20 - 4/26

Tuesday
Population experts say there are always fewer babies born in the Year of the Tiger than in other years. Chinese folk traditions believe that babies born that year (Tiger Babies) can put a jinx on others and they cannot be flower girls at a wedding or visit pregnant women or other babies. They are considered unlucky people and this way of thinking brings many babies in the Year of the Dragon rather than the Year of the Tiger. Older folks often will warn the young couples abut such superstition and folklore. Having a unbelieving parent who believes in superstition can present much tension for a believer. Let us pray for believers who have unbelieving parents, especially as they work with them in matters relating to raising their children.
Wednesday
The incidence of unmarried couples living together off campus is very prevalent in the colleges of China today. Many social services provide free contraceptives off campus to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the numbers of abortions among college students continues to be high. Let us pray for all the young Christians who face sexual temptation or are living together. May the Holy Spirit convict them and give them strength to keep themselves pure. We remember, too, all those who are involved in campus ministries who are able to provide Biblical guidance to new and young believers.
Thursday
China is said to have 1.8 million male homosexuals. Gay bars or "Comrade bars" are found in all of the big cities and they are often very popular and well-known. Despite the seeming overall increase of a gay population, Chinese society still has a very strong resentment of and discrimination toward gay people. Churches often shy away from discussing sexuality or simply condemn homosexuals. Let us pray for solid Biblical teaching on sinfulness balanced with the compassion of Jesus Who was willing to be a friend to sinners. May the Lord give us wisdom and willingness to show Christian love in this corrupted world.
Friday
"Sewage oil" is the waste cooking oil collected by unethical merchants from waste bins or sewers and then processed and sold very cheaply to small restaurants as cooking oil. although it is unethical and unhealthy, it is rather common in many parts of China. In a society where "people will do anything for money" and "money talks", these frequent reports of incidences of impure food and adulteration unnerve people daily. We pray that believers will stay true to their identity as citizens of heaven and that their words and deeds will convey their faith to others.
Saturday
Chinese cooking uses a lot of oil but people are getting frightened by the news of "sewage oil" (that which has been thrown away by restaurants and recycled and sold as fresh cooking oil). A health official estimates that the average Chinese will eat this kind of oil once in every ten meals. Purity, transparency, and truthfulness are not necessarily traditional Chinese values since "face" is very important. Often Chinese believers equate genuineness and transparency with spiritual weaknesses. Let us remind ourselves that all of us fall short of the glory of God, that we are all sinners before Him, and need His grace.
Sunday
How much profit is involved in the unethical recycling of "sewage oil"? An average person can recycle four barrels of oil, sell it at half the price of new cooking oil, and make 10,000 RMB a month which is the average salary of a professional. There are plenty of people who are willing to go into the lucrative business of turning garbage into oil. Although many people in China have the motto "To be rich is to be unethical" it is also easy to become jealous of how others are doing that. Even believers are easily influenced by such thoughts. We pray the Holy Spirit will remind us of our identity as God's children and we will continually seek His kingdom and His will first.
Monday
During the Cultural Revolution millions of young people were accused of being in one of the "Five Black Categories" (from the families of: landlords, rich farmers, counter-revolutionaries, the bad element, or right-wingers). They were forbidden to join the Communist Party, join the army, get a job or get education. Great injustices were done to them and millions of them lost their only opportunity in life to better themselves. Although the past is gone, many still live in regret of what happened years ago. Let us pray especially for those believers who suffered great injustice, persecution, and even the loss of their loved one during this time. May the Lord free them with the spirit of forgiveness and the knowledge that God can use wrongs to bring good to those who love Him.

星期二
中國人口學者指出，「虎寶寶少、龍寶寶多」現象在華人社會很明顯，最近兩個虎年的出生人數都低於一般水準。民間習俗認為生肖屬虎者容易沖煞，不能當花童、探訪孕婦和嬰兒，下葬、撿骨也要迴避。年長的父母總是會以迷信和民間傳說來「警告」年輕夫婦。我們特別為有孩子，而自己的父母輩還沒未信主的年輕信徒來禱告，他們與不信的父母間總會有許多的張力，尤其在涉及孩子的教養方式時，求主賜智慧與信心，作美的好見證為主培育敬虔蒙福的後裔。
星期三
中國的大學校園中，未婚同居是股潮流。一些社會團體只好治標性地免費提供服務，偷偷將避孕工具箱掛到校院外牆上，以避後患。但數據顯示女大學生的墮胎率卻仍居高不下。我們要為年輕基督徒代禱，在性誘惑和同居風潮襲擊下。願聖靈賜予他們力量面對，選擇堅守純潔、健康的交友界限。也幫助校園同工，能有智慧以聖經作為明燈，指導年輕信徒行在蒙神喜悅的正路上。
星期四
中國男同性戀的人數約有1,800萬。各大城市都有所謂的「同志酒吧」，有的聲名遠播，座無虛席。雖然看起來「同志」數量仍在增長中，但在中國的大環境裏，對同性戀族群還存有相當強的敵對和歧視情緒。教會常迴避討論性問題或只簡單地譴責同性戀者。我們爲信徒有紮實的聖經教導禱告，求神讓我們不單明白罪性，亦效法主耶穌願意與罪人成爲朋友的愛。求主也給我們智慧和樂意的心在這墮落的世界彰顯基督的愛。
星期五
「地溝油」就是從城市溝渠或垃圾桶收集的廢油。一些不法商販，撈取後私自加工再以低價售給小餐廳，搖身變成餐桌上的「食用油」，對人們身心健康造成極大傷害。中國每天有關食品不純和摻假的報導不絕於耳，人心惶惶。在這個世風日下，一切「向錢看」，「有錢能使鬼推磨」的社會，求主幫助我們忠於自己天國國民的身份，一言一行都能在人前見證我們的信仰。
星期六
中國人煮菜用不少油。「地溝油」事件愈演愈烈，廣大市民談「油」色變。「你一定也吃過地溝油。」據政府健康官員估計，按照比例，一個人在 外吃十頓飯，就有一頓可能吃進地溝油。中國人講究面子，在現實生活裡不一定視誠實，透明與真實為明哲。一般中國信徒，也擔心別人知悉真實透明的自己，等同承認靈性軟弱，淪為非議對象。讓我們常提醒自己，人人都虧缺神的榮耀，都是神未臻完美的作品，都需要對罪敏感，真心悔改，接受祂赦罪的救恩，天天成長。
星期日
從事「地溝油」生意究竟能掏多少錢？一個人平均每天能掏四桶，回收提煉後，就算只按食用油價格的一半出售，每月也能賺1萬多元，相當於高級白領的收入，難怪吸引很多人熱衷「化油成金」。「不道德就能賺錢」，當別人不道德致富，人們很容易既妒且羨，即使信徒也會有類似反應。讓我們祈求聖靈時刻提醒我們作神聖潔兒女的尊貴身份，先尋求祂的國度並祂公義良善的旨意，神會信實地供應我們永不朽壞的平安和豐盛的福樂，直到永遠。
星期一
文革期間，地，富，反，壞，右「黑五類」的子女（即地主，富農，反革命分子，壞分子，右派分子）在團入黨，畢業分配，招工，參軍，提幹，接受教育等方面都受歧視，失去創造更好的人生的機會。雖說事過境遷，逝者已矣，但許許多多的人，仍為當年的遭遇懊惱著。我們特別禱告記念在那段時期中，遭遇不平、迫害、甚至痛失至親的信徒們。求主幫助他們從怨恨和苦痛中被釋放出來，經歷寬恕的自由，體會神也能用錯事，壞事，使愛祂的人得真益處。

Prayer Request 4/13 - 4/19

Tuesday
Tina Leung, a controversial actress in Hong Kong in the 1960's, has died, Although she attended a Christian high school, she gave birth to a girl out of wedlock, became a spy for Communist China and became a successful business woman. She wrote a book about how she became a friend with her only child who had received a sex-change operation. It is never easy to be a single mother and it is even harder in China. There are also those parents whose child is confused about his/her sexual identity. Let us pray for wisdom, patience, and the unconditional love of God for those parents who are believers. May the Lord comfort and strengthen them.
Wednesday
Chinese officials repeatedly called it a "miracle"， as many miners were rescued from the flooded coal mine after being trapped for nine days. Although the safety of Chinese mines has improved dramatically, some two thousand miners perished last year. "This is probably one of the most amazing rescues in the history of mining anywhere," said a safety expert. In a humanistic society, one can only use the term "miracle" without any reference to God. The nation could only wish for a good outcome, instead of praying for divine intervention. As believers, we pray for eternal salvation of Jesus Christ to millions who will be forever lost in spiritual darkness.
Thursday
The traditional Chinese view is that men and women should not be single. Chinese homosexuals feel this same pressure to marry to appease their parents. There is an estimated twenty million gay men in China who are "forced" to marry heterosexual women and make their wives the victims of this social expectation. Let us pray for the homosexuals to come to know the salvation of Jesus Christ as well as others. We pray, too, for every Christian who feels he has to "get married" in order to meet the demands of his parents.
Friday
Recently the term "ant people" has been used to describe low-income college graduates who live together as a group. They are small but resilient like ants, and determined to stay and live in the large cities. Many people suggest that they should go back to the smaller towns they came from rather than trying to fit into big city life. We pray for those young people who came from rural Christian families but are studying or working in cities. Many of them no longer attend church. May the Lord answer their prayers and help them to return to Christ.
Saturday
More than half of the "ant people" come from villages and twenty percent of them come from county-level cities. They are the typical "poor second generation" who have neither the connections nor the means to live in a big city since their parents earn less than 50,000 yuan a year and borrowed money to put them through college. Many young people from poor families are under enormous pressure to be successful and help their parents financially when they complete their education. We remember those young believers who struggle with parental expectations to be successful but are hanging on with faith that God has a great purpose in their lives.
Sunday
Recently some media are reporting the difference between "Shanghai style poverty" (an outsider making a monthly income of 5,000 RMB in Shanghai who must pay rent, daily expenses, and send money back to poor relatives back in the village). and "Beijing style affluence" (someone born in Beijing making only 1000 RMB monthly but who lives with parents and enjoys a carefree life style.) Let us pray for all believers who are working away from home in the big cities, for their physical and spiritual well-being. It is discouraging to be working hard but still know that one cannot catch up with the ever-rising cost of living in the big city. We pray that we all will have a heart of thanksgiving and faith in God that He will take care of us.
Monday
The earthquake of Sichuan in 2008 marked a milestone for China's churches in terms of relief involvement and donation efforts. Churches in the coastal provinces, particularly Wenzhou, have shown their compassion and opened their pockets generously, helping the needy churches and also victims in general. We are blessed to see more Chinese believers willing to give and not merely receive. When pastors preach on the topics of offering, tithing, or money, it is usually considered "not spiritual." Let us pray that believers can really have faith in God, trust their church leadership, practice Christian generosity, and most importantly be thankful to their rich and gracious Lord.

星期二
有「奇女子」之稱的香港六、七十年代影星狄娜最近病逝。狄娜畢業於教會中學，年輕時拍攝風月電影，其後結婚、閙緋聞、離婚、破產、為共產黨收集情報、開展航天事業等，是個出色的商界女強人，一生充滿傳奇，。她在自傳《從母到友》中剖析，如何解決和接受女兒變性事實，母「子」倆的感情並沒因而變淡。單身母親原不易為，尤其身處華人社會，更是困難。若子女對自己性別困惑，更需面對極大的壓力。求神賜智慧、耐心和無條件的愛給信徒家長，親自安慰和加添力量。
星期三
官員表示對最近中國的煤礦事故表示，被困礦工堅持了八天八夜，礦難救援與決策工作創造了奇蹟。雖然近年煤礦安全已大幅改善，但去年仍有兩千多礦工因礦難喪生。在人本主義的社會裡，不容易將「奇蹟」看為「神蹟」，百姓只會期望「人定勝天」，努力奮鬥必能有美好成果，而不是來自上帝的幫助和拯救。讓我們為億萬同胞禱告，願他們早日認識耶穌基督的救恩，得著真正的拯救，不在黑暗中失喪。
星期四
「男大當婚，女大當嫁」是中國人千百年來的傳統觀念，同性戀者也不能自免於外。據估計，中國有二千萬的同性戀者在家長及社會的壓力下與異性結婚，除了傷害同性戀者本身外，還有他們的配偶。讓我們特別為同性戀者能認識主耶穌基督來代禱。也有不少肢體在家人催婚的壓力下仍持守等候神的旨意，讓我們在禱告中記念他們，在面對父母的壓力時，求主賜下信心，堅信神為祂的兒女，有最美好的安排。
星期五
近來「蟻族」一詞在大陸大熱，指的是「大學畢業生低收入聚居群體」，他們如螞蟻般弱小，但卻堅強，收入不高，卻受過高等教育，渴望融入大城市。許多人建議大學畢業生不要留在大城市當「蟻族」，應該去二三線城市或是自己的家鄉工作。我們為那些來自農村基督教家庭，留在城市學習或工作的年輕人禱告，其中許多人已不再參加教會。願主垂聽他們的祈求，也幫助他們重投主的懷抱。
星期六
「蟻族」中半數以上來自農村，20%來自縣級市，是典型的「貧二代」，很多家庭年收入不超過五萬元。他們在大城市裡既無根基又無人脈，甚至很多家庭為了供子女上大學全家勒緊褲腰帶，不惜舉債。貧困家庭的年輕人承受巨大壓力，渴望畢業後能事業有成以幫補家計。讓我們為那些不願辜負父母厚望而努力奮鬥，卻對信仰逐漸冷卻的年輕人代禱，願他們能認真尋求神在他們身上那永存美善的旨意。
星期日
媒體報導「上海式貧困」與「北京式富裕」的「相對論」：一個月入五千（人民幣）的上海外來者可能因租房、日常開銷、照顧在農村的家人等導至生活拮据；而一個月入只有一千多元的「北京土著」卻可能因有房子、有父母「罩著」、受良好教育等而生活得相當悠哉。讓我們為離鄉背井在城裡工作的基督徒的身心靈禱告，他們辛苦工作，卻永遠趕不上不斷上升的生活水準，也無法在大城市定居。讓我們禱告弟兄姊妹能存感恩的心，相信父神定必眷顧我們。
星期一
08年四川地震後的賑災，是中國家庭教會參與社會關懷及付出愛心的一個轉捩點。當中國的經濟發展起飛時，特別是沿海地區，教會信徒在金錢奉獻及資源付出方面也大有長進，尤以溫州教會最為顯著。我們有更多的信徒願意給而不僅是受而感恩。當牧師在講道提及奉獻及什一奉獻或金錢有關話題時，常被認為是「不屬靈」。讓我們禱告弟兄姊妹們能對神有信心，信任自己教會的領袖，操練聖經上對金錢的教導，更重要的是幫助信徒常懷感恩的心向厚賜一切豐富的主謝恩。

Prayer Request 4/6 - 4/12

Tuesday

Traditionally Tomb-sweeping Day is an important day on the Chinese calendar. Since 2008 it has become a national holiday and a mandatory day off of work. During the Cultural Revolution worship of ancestors was forbidden but such a deep-rooted Chinese practice could not be changed and is now back in full swing. It is always difficult for Chinese believers to explain why they do not worship their ancestors or participate in the ritual which honors their beloved deceased family members. We pray for courage and wisdom for them as they share their views and even share Jesus with their families.
Wednesday
As the opening of the Shanghai World Exposition get close police have taken extra precautions by requiring people to register the purchase of any knives, even kitchen knives. Every package carried on the subways and all cars entering the Shanghai metropolitan area will be inspected. Historically some churches and their meetings would face limitations as the police implement tightened security. We pray for all the churches in Shanghai as they take in huge numbers of visitors and tourists. May this be a time of revival for all of the believers in Shanghai, a time of renewal of their commitment to Jesus and faithfulness to His cross.
Thursday
Although the safety record of Chinese coal mines has improved dramatically in the past decade, in 2009 the government reported that 2631 deaths occurred in mines. The major reason is that safety measures are often overlooked due to the high demand for coal and a lack of proper training of the miners. Many church workers are trained every year, but once they graduate they must serve with little spiritual or physical support. Many quickly burn out or struggle with interpersonal relationships. Let us pray specifically for those who are feeling overworked, lonely, or abandoned. May the Lord draw them close to Him and renew their strength.
Friday
The lyrics of a hot rock band in Shanghai ridiculing the outrageous cost of living there go like this, "Shanghai is such an expensive place to live, the most expensive in China. Shanghai people don't welcome outsiders, not even their own do they welcome. People with money are the only ones they like...Shangai does not welcome you." Everyone is concerned about the rising cost of living. We pray for peace and joy for all believers knowing that God will provide for every one of us. We remember in prayer those who are unemployed or are hurting because they live on a fixed income, especially those who are retired.
Saturday
The younger generation of Chinese laborers has become picky about choosing a job and they will not settle for work that pays low wages or is without prospect of promotion. In the Pearl River Delta, the so-called "factory of China", this is one of the reasons employers have difficulty finding people to work in their factories. Unfortunately, for the same reason, we also see fewer people willing to go into ministry in the churches. They say the pay is low and they are unable to support a family. We pray that Chinese churches will come to realize how to honor and value those who serve the Lord, and that they will not ask church workers to "live by faith" and offer them little financial support.
Sunday
There are many Chinese athletes who have become citizens of other nations and in international sports competitions end up defeating the Chinese players, particularly in table tennis. Chinese are generally ambivalent about these athletes and often label them as "traitors". Yet many Chinese envy those who are able to go abroad and obtain foreign citizenship. There are many Chinese who are involved in church work who hold foreign citizenship, too. They have the advantage of knowing two languages and also enjoy better financial support than pastors who have not been abroad. Let us pray especially for them, their ministries, their families, and above all that they will be humble and faithful as they serve along with their local Chinese co-workers.
Monday
The media has a powerful influence on society as a whole. People pay a lot of attention to their private lives and their marriages. In Hong Kong and Taiwan there are some prominent Chinese celebrities who openly profess their faith in Jesus. We praise God that whenever they do, the name of God is glorified. They are literally God's missionaries to the entertainment circle. We also pray that all believers will have victory over sexual temptation, drug usage, and marital infidelity.

星期二
清明節(祭祖掃墓)是中國人很重要的大節日。自2008年起，政府更將清明節定為法定假期，祭祖這曾在文革時期被嚴禁的根深蒂固傳統習俗，又回復全盛原貌。華人基督徒對祭祖的認定及不參與祭拜，向來很難使家人諒解。求主賜信徒智慧和勇氣，跟家人解釋清楚自己遵行聖經教導隨時盡孝，也緬懷先人卻不跟從世俗崇拜亡靈，更能與他們討論生命真正的終局，介紹主耶穌賜永生的好消息。
星期三
上海世博會正蓄勢待發，公安部對安全維護已到草木皆兵的地步。最新措施是民眾買菜刀、水果刀也需登記身分證，這是繼宣佈民眾搭乘地鐵「逢包必檢」、外地車輛進入上海「逢車必檢」後的另一個措施。當維安加強時，教會聚會活動將會受限。我們特別為上海的教會禱告，在世博期間不受太大影響。也求主藉著接待外國訪客和遊客的機會，大大復興上海信徒，重申向主的委身，忠於祂的十字架的心志。
星期四
近年中國煤礦業的工安情況雖已有改善，但2009年仍有2,631人在事故中罹難。肇因於煤礦業為滿足龐大用煤需求，罔顧措施安全及員工培訓所致。中國教會每年培訓許多同工，結業後在教會事奉。不少人往往受挫於事工，或缺乏良好人際關係，以至流失很快。我們特別為那些疲憊、孤單、欲退去的牧者祈求，願主親自吸引、更新他們，使冷卻的心，下垂的手、發酸的腿，靠主重新得力再次挺立起來。
星期五
熱門流行曲《上海不歡迎你》，反映上海誇張的物價和房價，極盡諷刺之能事。「從衣食住行到吃喝嫖賭都是全中國最貴，上海不歡迎外地人，也不歡迎上海人，上海只歡迎一種人就是有鈔票的人。上海不歡迎你，除非來買東西…」物價高漲是每個老百姓都關切的，我們為信徒有平安、喜樂祈求，堅信神必照祂榮耀的豐富，在基督耶穌裏，使我們一切所需用的都充足。也特別為收入微薄、失業或已退休的肢體得著供應禱告。
星期六
中國年輕一代開始挑剔工作，不少年輕人「不想幹廣告中提供的工作，覺得工資太低，而且沒有發展前途 。」這是珠三角地區—中國最大的製造業基地—老板們抱怨勞動力嚴重短缺的部分原因。願意踏入宣教或全職傳道的人也越來越少，多數認為當傳道人收入太低，難以養家糊口。我們禱告中國教會能夠及時懂得尊敬和珍惜主的僕人，不再老要他們「憑信心過生活」而吝於付給傳道人合理的生活費。
星期日
中國有不少運動員，尤其是桌球選手，選擇入籍他國代表其他國家出賽。不少人蔑視這些運動員，尤其在國際賽中擊敗中國隊的為「漢奸」。另方面也有很多人對這些球員有機會出國既羨且慕。在中國參與教會事工人員當中，有不少持外國籍，相對於本地同工，他們無論語言、經濟都佔優勢。讓我們為他們的事工，家庭和服侍禱告，願祂們能以謙卑和忠實的心志服侍主，並能與本地同工一起配搭同工
星期一

大眾傳播媒體對社會的影響深遠廣大，影視明星的私生活常是老百姓閒話家常 的材料。在香港和台灣，有一些名藝人公開自己是基督徒的身份。我們為這些願意公開自己信仰的肢體感謝主，願他們能見證榮耀的神在他們身上的作為，更能在一般人較難接觸到的娛樂圈領人歸主。讓我們求神保守這群藝人弟兄姊妹能倚靠神勝過各樣性的誘惑，遠離毒品，並在婚姻忠貞上有美好的見證。