Thursday 12 January 2012

'Prayer - just do it!'

I wonder if you made any new year's resolutions this year? There has been a lot of talk about 2012 being an important year. There will be the Olympics in London, Euro 2012 and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee  . . . it will also be the year I turn 50 :-) . . . that is, if the world continues in its present form, because according to some 2012 will be the year the world is going to end! (The end of the Long Mayan calendar apparently . . .)

Now most of us won't worry too much about the Mayan calendar, but Jesus did nonetheless warn us to always to be ready for his return, because nobody knows the day or time.

So I venture to suggest that the best resolution we could make is to pray more than ever before, because God has chosen, at least in part, to meet the needs of his people through the prayers of his children. That's you and me. And perhaps the time is short!



 
We first produced our 'Prayer - just do it!' booklets to help young people to pray; they are often zealous and enthusiastic, putting some of us oldies to shame. However, many adults have found the booklets helpful too. It's easy to run out of words if you're not sure exactly what to pray for!

Talking about prayer doesn't get it done, but with these booklets, anyone can just do it! And prayer changes lives - well, the prayers themselves don't, but God does, through our prayers. That's a breathtaking privilege and an awesome responsibility.

Each of our four eight-page 'Prayer - just do it!' booklets:
  • Has a short introduction giving suggestions on how to pray
  • Gives prayer pointers rather than actual prayers, to allow freedom of expression
  • Helps develop good habits for a lifetime of prayer
  • Is equally suitable for private or group prayers
  • Fosters concern for brothers and sisters in difficult situations
  • Includes scripture references for each prayer pointer
  • Has 30 prayer pointers - one for each day of the month-ish!


So why pray for these topics?

Praying for Persecuted Christians
Millions of our brothers and sisters worldwide suffer persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. As well as our help, they desperately need our prayers.

Praying for Church Leaders
In his letters, Paul often urges the believers to pray for him. Church leaders today need our prayers no less, not just our local ministers but those in the public eye.

Praying for Missionaries
Missionaries who have left their home in order to share the gospel have particular difficulties to overcome along with the joys of service. As well as our encouragement, they need our prayers.

Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem
The Bible urges us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. One day Jesus will return and restore all things with a new heaven and a new earth, but for now the battle rages for supremacy in the City of the Great King.


If you are looking for help for yourself, your youth club, family, prayer group or for prayers to use in all-age family services, our booklets can help you! Not only does the Lord graciously answer those prayers we pray in line with His will, but also bring the pray-er closer to God. Who could you buy a set of booklets for?
    'Prayer - just do it!' booklets are usually only available from our website http://dernierpublishing.com/prayer.php
    from 90p per individual booklet, but we would like to make a New Year's Offer to our supporters - each booklet, just 50p each, however many you wish to buy, POST FREE (UK only, sorry: email us for shipping overseas). Just email us on info at dernierpublishing.com (replace at with @ of course, we've done that to confuse spammers!) with your order and we will send you however many booklets you require of each title with an invoice for your purchase. And if you are not completely satisfied, you are free to return the whole package to us for a full refund. Offer expires end of February 2012.

     "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of." - Alfred Lord Tennyson

    Our heavenly Father is pleased to answer our requests - he is just waiting for us to ask. If we are obedient, we really can make a difference, an eternal difference, to thousands, maybe millions of people.

    Here's what one lady wrote to us recently:
    "After receiving the prayer booklets from you to use with children in Sunday school, I have reordered another set for my personal use! They are fantastic - the best no nonsense prayer material I've ever seen and they have got me straight into prayer! Most materials just talk about praying. Thank you, you have really blessed me and enthused my prayer time! God bless your work."

    Order today:info at dernierpublishing.com - 50p per eight-page booklet.

    Still not sure? Here are some more reviews:

    'The ‘Prayer - just do it’ series is a wonderful resource of prayer pointers for those who understand and appreciate the value of prayer. Whether young or old, experienced or just learning, in groups or alone, these little booklets provide practical help and suggestions for prayer.
    Praying for topics like ‘Missionaries’, ‘Persecuted Christians’, and Jerusalem can sometimes seem a little overwhelming; we may simply not know how or where to begin! That is where these little booklets come into their own.
    I commend this ‘Prayer - just do it’ series to you; may they give you the encouragement and help you need to get started, and to grow and become effective in the gracious gift of prayer.' - Rev. Sherwin Chase

    Recommendation of 'Praying for Church Leaders'
    "This booklet in the "Prayer - just do it! Series is attractively produced in an easy to read format. It contains a comprehensive coverage of prayers for Christian leaders including leaders' personal, spiritual and family life, and their training, teaching, preaching and pastoral care. There are prayers for those under pressure, those facing persecution and those seeking spiritual refreshment and renewal; also for those, who, in the ministry, have to exercise godly discipline over church members. The emphasis is on intercession, but there are opportunities for thanksgiving as well in the 30 prayer pointers. Some may wish to use the booklet on a daily basis, others when meeting in a group to pray for their church. It is a booklet which could prove very helpful, both to church leaders and to those who pray for them."
    Rev Malcolm Millard

    Recommendation of 'Praying for Persecuted Christians'
    "Praying with feeling for people you've never met can be difficult, especially if you know very little about their individual circumstances. But if your heart is touched to remember and pray for your persecuted brothers and sisters as Hebrews 13:3 exhorts, this slim booklet can be incredibly helpful. It presents 30 prayer prompts for persecuted Christians that are practical and very much to the point. Each refers to two or three scriptures which remind us that much of the New Testament was written to Christians who faced hardship and persecution.
    And as we pray, we begin to realize that prayer is not about fulfilling a commandment so much as 'spending time before the Throne of Grace' which results not just in us presenting our petitions to God, but more importantly, in us developing a higher view of God, who touches our hearts and transforms our lives."
    Paul Jones, Supporter Relations Manager, Release International

    Recommendation of 'Praying for Missionaries' "This little booklet is a wonderful tool for directing our prayers in a way that is so relevant to today's missionaries. Praying for one of the 30 prayer pointers each day, it is possible to cover all the prayer needs of our missionaries each month. It is also so uplifting to read the scriptures listed with each prayer pointer, reminding us of God's words and promises for each situation. I would heartily recommend Praying For Missionaries to all who desire to support missionaries through prayer." - Glenn Tainio - UK Director, ReachAcross

     Recommendation of 'Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem'
    "Although in handy and simple format, here is a wonderful opportunity for 'newcomers' (and the experienced) to learn how (and why) to pray for the 'City of the Great King.' While so easy to follow, the hidden blessing will be that which comes as a result of continuing in prayer!
    As one prays with a listening heart, the Holy Spirit will gradually add and lead in prayer. Here is something the Lord Himself has been seeking from His followers: guidance for the individual - but of equal help to those who may be gathered together.
    There is no actual restriction to numerical order. The LORD may inspire you to remain focused for a while on the same item. On the other hand - you will learn as you proceed. You will find matters for prayer that you may be able to share with others. Make notes on anything that you want to remember.
    It is God Himself who inspired and pronounced the important Word which commands and promises:
    'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. They shall prosper that love thee!' (Psalm 122:6)" - Ken Burnett - Founder of 'Prayer For Israel'

    Thank you for reading this far! I do hope we will be able to help you. Any queries, do not hesitate to ask!info at dernierpublishing.com (@ and no gaps!)