Pray for Bosnia
Week of June 4-10, 2012
There was an early
Bosnian Church that had an indigenous form of Christianity not only
distinguishable from Catholicism and Orthodoxy but also enjoying protection of
rulers and noblemen powerful enough to offer a kind of safe heaven to those
deemed heretical by the Papacy. They had a tendency to meet in homes or in the open
air. Therefore very few ancient buildings of worship have been found. The
members are believed to have been very charitable and un-materialistic. Each
church or community was not subject to a pope or a metropolitan but
independent.
Bosnia Herzegovina was also influenced by Bogomilism
during medieval times. The Bogomils were also non-aligned with the Catholics
and Orthodox churches. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogomilism
Either way, going back to the 10th, 11th and 12th
centuries the Bosnian church was independent. One report I read mentioned the
Church of Bosnia as being the first protestant movement and very evangelistic. Bosnia
is now divided into three camps that are nationalistic in nature; Catholic
Croats, Orthodox Serbs and the Muslim Bosniaks. These three groups are trying
to govern the country from three points of view. (See Note at end.)
1. To
hear that there were evangelical roots in Bosnia Herzegovina is very
encouraging. Lord, we ask for restoration of the roots of Bosnian faith.
2. Let
us also pray for a government (rulers and noblemen) that will respect and
protect the beliefs of all faiths.
3. Let
us pray that Bosnia Herzegovina will develop into a stable country. Lord, we
know it has a long way to go but You are able to bring blessings. Let us pray
for stability in government, commerce, unity among ethnic groups and churches
grounded in the truth.
4. Of
all the Balkan countries, Bosnia seems to be the hardest to raise up new
evangelical works. Let us pray that the walls holding back the Spirit would
fall.
5. Let
us pray for help to come to the Bosnian Christians. Lord, we ask that the
spiritual needs of Bosnia would be put on the hearts of mission agencies and
churches around the world. This is just a deep burden of my heart, that the
Lord would send help.
6. The
Bosnian War during the 90s has left deep scars on the country. People are hurt
and all they want to do is leave. Let us lift up the hurting of Bosnia.
7. Let
us pray for those that are leaving the country, may their paths lead to
Christian communities.
8. Lord,
we are confident You have a plan. Lord, seek out those that can be trusted with
Your plan and move them into position to work Your plan.
9. Let
us remember the youth of Bosnia Herzegovina. May they be rescued from the
demons that are working to rob them of hope.
Note:
(editor) I am a nondenominational type Christian. I am thankful that
denominations have kept the name of Jesus before the people for centuries but I
am not necessarily aligned with any one of them. I am looking for Christians
that have a passion for Jesus; Those that love the Lord even during the good
times. Many use religion like a medication to sooth present uncomfortable
situations. To me it is all about a daily relationship with the Father, Son and
Holy Spirit. The greatest need in the Balkan countries is for Christians to communicate
the peace, joy and above all the love that He gives us. People need to know
that a confession or a once a week church service does not necessarily bring
that joy. It comes through a complete surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Most
people in the Balkans have given up on the confessional, taking the Eucharist
and/or being baptized into a church.
These things are good and can help us focus but having a daily
relationship with Jesus is where the abundant life is lived. We are called to
love others as Jesus has loved us.
Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed
1 comment:
I found your blog while researching faith in Bosnia. I will soon be joining a missions agency in this small nation. Thank you for your prayers, and know that God is moving in Bosnia.
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