Prayer Request 5/24 - 5/30

Tuesday
China has been urbanizing since 2000. Urbanization has not only influenced Chinese society greatly but has also promoted the development of urban churches in China. May the Lord help the urban churches to adapt to the changing times and to manifest His power and grace. We pray that all churches will have a great influence on morality in Chinese society.
Wednesday
The urbanization of China is changing the demographic of churches in China. Rural churches are losing members because the young people seek work in cities. Churches and ministries decline because many are left with only elderly people and the "left behind" children. As urban churches grow and mature, we pray that rural churches will not just become weak and hopeless. We too pray for revival of rural churches, may the Lord strengthen and give courage to those who serve in churches in small towns and villages.
Thursday
Urban pastors in China agree that city churches there face four key challenges. One is the current mobile and floating nature of the population of China which leads to short and unpredictable church membership and attendance so training for discipleship of believers and for co-workers is difficult. May the Lord give the leadership in the churches wisdom in finding ways to follow up each of their sheep as well as a strategy to train their co-workers intentionally and effectively.
Friday
Many urban pastors in China admit their leadership skill is their biggest weakness. They know how to preach, take care of the needs of the smaller congregation, but they feel inadequate to plan, organize and lead the church to grow. Not everyone is gifted to be a leader and secular leadership skills cannot be blindly used in the church. We pray for the gift of leadership for pastors in China, that they will seek a vision from God Himself, and be a humble servant like Jesus was, not lording it over the sheep but be willing to serve them.
Saturday
Another big issue urban churches in China face is that of courtship and dating for the single people, especially the sisters. Historically there are more girls than fellows in churches so many single sisters have to struggle with the decision of marrying a non-believer or staying single. Churches should to be sensitive to the needs and pressures all young ladies face. We pray that there will be an innovative way to bring these Christian singles together and the church leaders will know how to minister to them.
Sunday
A hugely important issue for urban churches in China is their minimal participation in society and in their neighborhoods. Many churches are simply invisible and make no impact on their community. A majority of the churches are unregistered house churches that struggle with the decision to register with the government. We pray about their legal status and their desire to participate more in their communities and even in mission efforts.
Monday
Urbanization of China has lead to great prosperity. However, there is a tremendous and increasing spiritual hunger and thirst as a result of people moving into cities. We pray that churches will realize their need and mobilize at this time, that they will seize the opportunity to meet the need of the spiritual vacuum among so many Chinese and that Christians will increase their efforts to share the gospel with people all around them.


星期二
中國自2000年起開始都市化，這不但影響中國社會，也推動了城市教會的發展。我們為城市教會的興起感恩，這是中國教會的新契機。求主幫助教會適應這個時代的新趨勢，彰顯神的能力和恩典。但願教會能在中國社會道德改進上有重大的影響力。
星期三
都市化也改變了中國教會的結構，農村教會年輕一代大量進城打工，造成教會只剩下老弱婦孺，事工荒涼。我們為城市教會繼續成長、成熟感恩和祈求，更要為農村教會的復興迫切禱告，不叫他們因此冷淡失去信心。求主加添能力，信心給所有在小城鎮及農村教會服事的同工。
星期四
在城市的牧師多都會同意城市教會正面對幾個重要挑戰。首先，人口有極大的流動性，因而會友停留時間短暫，不固定參與聚會和跟進很困難，而同工栽培也是個挑戰。教會要如何關懷多有流動的群羊？我們懇求大牧者賜下智慧。又求主給教會領袖們可行后的方案和步驟、有效地培訓同工。
星期五
都市教會牧者大多自認能勝任講道和照顧人數不太多的教會，但沒有能力計劃和組織，及如何幫助教會在質與量上的成長。並非每個人都有領導的恩賜，世俗的領導學也不能盲目用在帶領教會上。我們禱告傳道人有僕人的心志，能追求從神來的啟示和異象，不轄制羊群，願意效法主耶穌為羊捨命。
星期六
城市教會的另一重要挑戰是年輕單身基督徒尋找對象的問題。教會女多男少，許多姐妹要在與不信者結合或守單身中掙扎。教會要關注年輕女姊妹心靈的需要和壓力，幫助她們建立主內的情誼，成為屬靈路上的同路人。我們禱告：眾教會能在相關事工上有所突破，幫助單身信徒們活得更精彩，為主使用。
星期日
城市教會所面對的另一嚴肅問題是，與社區脫節。大多數教會在他們的社區中是隱形的又毫無影響力。 很多家庭教會沒有向政府註冊，或仍在討論中。教會是否有合法的身份是能否積極參與社區事工的前提。求主成全教會願意廣傳福音，在社區中彰顯基督徒身份的心願。
星期一
中國城市化帶來了物質豐裕，但同時城市人的心靈飢渴與孤單也是事實。我們為都市化帶來的「獨特機會」感謝神，求主興起教會抓住時機，來幫助許許多多屬靈饑渴的人心。基督徒要善用這個機會，將福音帶給叩門尋求的人。