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Focus

Shift the Nation: 24/7 Prayer 12–22 May 2023

Intention

To rest in the full confidence that Jesus Christ is unstoppable.

Scripture

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell [Hades] shall not prevail against it.”

– Matthew 16:18

Reflection

I stood on the rocky hillside, in Israel, amidst the ruins of the once-impressive Temple of Pan in the northern district of Caesarea Philippi. The place where Jesus stood and asked his disciples,

“‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’” (Matt 16:13–15)

This place is a ten-hour walk from Jesus’ Capernaum base, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus came here for a confrontation and to make a declaration.

“Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’  And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’” (Matt 16:16–18)

People living at that time knew that this district was known to be the gate of Hades. The gateway between earth and the underworld. People were terrified of it and the demonic worship that was glorified there.

Jesus deliberately chose that place to ask the crucial question every person needs to answer: Who do you say Jesus is?

Likewise, every person needs to hear that Jesus Christ is unstoppable. The gates of Hades have not prevailed, overcome, or denied Jesus ransoming people to God, from every tribe and nation on the earth (Rev 5:9). The gates of Hades have not stopped the Father from liberating people from the kingdom of darkness and transferring them into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Col 1:13).

Jesus is building His Church everywhere on the earth and there is no human or demon who can stop Him.

Video

Prayer

Our Father, the same Spirit that resurrected Jesus lives in me. I thank you that you are unstoppable. You have been building your Church across the world for millennia, and no human or demon has been or will be able to stop you.

Fill me today Holy Spirit with fresh hope from this reality. Lead me to someone today who is curious and motivated to know more about Jesus and give me words of wisdom that will speak straight to their heart. Help me honour you today. Amen.

Author Bio

Wayne Hollett and his wife Julie have been the founding Lead Pastors of New Life Church, Fremantle, Western Australia since 1997. They have two sons, two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. Since their marriage in 1984 they have served God together. Wayne relates broadly across the whole Church with a passion to develop Christ-like leaders and multiply disciple-makers.

Prayer Points and Purpose for GO 2023 in May

1. To worship Jesus and give extravagant praise to God. Heb 12:28–29
2. Pray that the Lamb who was slain might receive the reward for His suffering. Rev 5:6–14
3. Pray for revival for Australia and for millions to find Christ. Isa 64:1–2
4. Pray for revival for Israel and millions to find Christ. Rom 10:1
5. Pray for five friends to find Christ and share the gospel with those five in May. Matt 28:18–20

We invite you to support this prayer campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for Family, Faith, Freedom, Life, and the Good News of God’s love through Jesus Christ His Son.

Join us for our nightly Zoom prayer call:

DATES: Every night for the month of May

TIME: 8pm AEST

ZOOM URL LINK: https://zoom.us/j/776881184

ZOOM MEETING ID: 776881184

ZOOM TUTORIAL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFhAEoCF7jg

May Daily Devotionals: https://dailydeclaration.org.au/tag/go-2023-prayer

Daily devotions are brought to you by the Canberra Declaration.