Prayer Request 12/27 - 1/2

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. We praise God for the rise of urban churches which is a new beginning for Christianity 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 moral 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 church leadership 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
自2000年起中國開始都市化，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，這是中國教會的新機。求主幫助教會能跟上這個時代，在都市化的過程見證神的能力和恩典。願教會能在日趨敗壞的社會道德上能做光做鹽。
星期三
都市化改變了中國教會的結構，年輕一代大量進城打工，造成農村教會只剩下老弱婦孺，事工荒涼。我們為城市教會繼續成長，越更成熟感恩的同時，更為農村教會的復興迫切禱告，求主叫他們不致冷淡灰心。求主加添能力與信心給在農村教會服事的同工。
星期四
城巿教會的牧者都會同意，教會正面對幾個重要挑戰，其一是中國人口有極大的流動性，不但會友停留時間短暫，參與聚會和跟進都很困難，而栽培同工也有一定難度。教會如何持續關懷不斷更換的群羊？我們禱告耶穌這大牧者賜下智慧給教會領袖們有方案和步驟，能有效地培訓同工。
星期五
許多城市教會都有牧者領導力不足的問題，有些牧者自認能講道和照顧人數不太多的教會，但教會增長到某種程度後沒有能力計劃和組織，又不曉得如何幫助教會在質與量上成長。誠然不是每個人都有領導的恩賜，世俗的領導學也不該抄襲用在教會。教會既是主的身體，求主幫助眾人照著各體的功用彼此相助，叫身體漸漸增長。我們又為牧者禱告，追求從神來的啟示和異象，不是轄制羊群，而是如同主耶穌願意為羊捨命。
星期六
城市教會有一個重要挑戰，就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的結合或是續續單身中掙扎。教會要關心年輕女信徒心靈的需要和壓力，幫助她們建立主裡的情誼，成為屬靈路上的同路人。我們為眾教會能在事工上有突破，以致能幫助單身的信徒活得精彩，更能沒有掛慮把自己獻上為主使用。
星期日
城市教會所面對的另一個問題：與社區脫節；大多數教會在他們的社區中是隱形又毫無影響力。很多家庭教會沒有向政府註冊，或仍然在討論中。教會是否有合法的身份是參與社區事工的前提。求主成全教會願意廣傳福音、在社區中表明基督徒的身份的心願。
星期一
城市化帶來物質豐裕是不可否認的，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，按著主的帶領抓住時機，幫助許許多多屬靈饑渴的人民得著靈裡的飽足，叫許多在迷茫中的人尋見主的榮光。