Regiments of Seabirds

The Virtual Prayer Room

Knowing via Facebook that our church in Coleraine was having a day of prayer this Good Friday, we signed up for an hour each in the early morning, knowing that it would not be possible for us to actually be there in the prayer room in 1st Coleraine Presbyterian. My own “prayer room” ended up being a magnificent cathedral - overhead a vaulted ceiling of blues and greys and scurrying clouds - underfoot a sandy cove and the before me the roaring foaming Atlantic, and regiments of seabirds, hundreds of them, all standing in their ranks on the beach facing out to the wind. And, instead of a stained glass window, I had for vision a sudden glimpse of a near perfect rainbow through the skiffs of rain that soaked me - a myriad glistening drops each one perfectly reflecting a spectrum of radiant light - God you are amazing!

And so to the prayers, gathered up in time and space before the throne of God together with the prayers of whoever it was happened to be in the Prayer Room in Coleraine at that particular time of the morning

• First of all - wonder at the wisdom and mystery of God that would turn the gruesome spectacle of the cross into the most amazing triumph of good over evil
• Secondly - confession that HIS disfigurement, of which Isaiah spoke - "his form was marred beyond human likeness" (Isa 52:14) - was brought about because of MY sin and shame.
• Thirdly - in thinking about our community here and our church there, that as we each express the life of Jesus within us, the rejection which He suffered and that is ours also, we would reveal the inner attractiveness of His spirit.
• Fourthly - that God would awaken people both here and there to spiritual realities, empowering them and enabling them by His spirit to walk as Jesus did.
• Fifthly - that the leadership in 1st Coleraine, Peter Fleming, the elders, leaders of youth, of Alpha etc and the leadership of our Church plant here in Parque das Nações, Lisbon, would equally experience God's grace and power as you, Lord, continue to grow Your church.

Prayer Walk (Revised Edition)

With the recent visit of a group of friends from Bangor who came as a Prayer team to pray with and for us here in the Park of the Nations, we decided to update a Prayer Walk round the Park which we had devised about two years ago. In updating it, it was especially encouraging to notice that in three specific areas God has moved in answer to prayer.

• Church has moved out from our apartment and is now using the Auditorium of the Vasco da Gama School.
• We now have a positive ongoing relationship with the school administration and teachers, and a more public profile.
• At least one parent from our "Lusitos" kids' activity has moved closer into a personal relationship with Jesus as a result of what we do.

Here, let me see, If I can reproduce an summary of the Prayer Walk within the confines of this blog, but if you want we can email you a copy.

1. Praceta “Terreiro dos Corvos”

We begin the walk here, where every Saturday morning, weather permitting, we hold “Lusitos”, just next to the Kids Klub. This is a childrens activity with crafts and colouring for 3-8 year olds and their parents. Surrounded on three sides by apartment blocks and with 3 coffee shops, there’s always a buzz about this large open space. Pray for the light of the Gospel to shine, for good long term relationships with parents, and for opportunities to share with them what Jesus can do for them.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him 2 Cor 2:14

2. Riverside Walk.

Cut across from here to the riverside from here and you will have a clear view of the bridge, and up to the left, sports fields, tennis courts and a skateboard park

Please pray here for our impact as a community into all the leisure and sports activities for which this area is famous. Pray for creative ways of engaging with teenagers and young people. Turn right and follow the path of the river downstream

He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness, and transferred into the kingdom of His son Col 1:13

3. Torre Vasco da Gama – You will now be heading in the direction of this tall Tower with the Portuguese flag on top, and the still-to-be-completed five star hotel at its base. The path takes you past some of the most desirable residences in the Lisbon metropolitan area. Ask God to help you identify and pray against the spiritual strongholds in Parque das Nações that keep people from recognising and worshipping our Father God. For example

• Stronghold - materialism and affluence

• Stronghold - superstition and interest in the occult

• Stronghold - pride and self-sufficiency

• Stronghold - pessimism and negativity

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds 2 Cor 10:4

4. Campus de Justica

Leaving the river and the Tower behind, a short distance brings you to a busy roundabout, overshadowed by several skyscraper office blocks whihc house Lisbon's law courts, magistrates and tribunals, (recently been relocated here from the city centre). Take time to pray for the country, for the political leadership at this time of crisi and for the justice system, that God's righteousness would be upheld

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land “ Chron 7:14

5. Escola Vasco da Gama - Walking back along the tree lined avenue, turn first right to walk by the school, which will be on your left, where we now hold church every Sunday evening.

Please pray

for God’s presence to be with us each Sunday evening

• for the growth of our community, and people finding Jesus here
• for our relationship with the school authorities
• for our public witness to Christ in this place
• for continual provision for the financial needs of the church