Pray for Slovenia

Week of Feb. 23 - March 1, 2015

< Be sure and include in your prayers the European Initiative needs in the left column.

The above scene is from the Passion Play in Škofja Loka, Slovenia that is performed every six years. This scene portrays Jesus being beat and spat upon by the Roman soldiers. To see the a video about this play go to  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvmYjnz3IOI

The original text of the Škofja Loka Passion Play by Friar Romuald (preserved at the Capuchin Monastery Archives and Library, Škofja Loka) dates from 1721, making it the oldest Slovene dramatic text in existence. Fragments of the play were reconstructed in 1936 and 1965, but efforts by the Museum Society of Škofja Loka to reassemble the complete text did not begin in earnest until 1997, when the mayor of Škofja Loka suggested a new staging of the play. Various organizational groups were formed and joined by experts on costume design, language, acting, vocal and instrumental music, overall image creation, cuisine, organization and promotion. Group leaders recruited actors in individual villages, rehearsals were organized and the play was performed in 1999 and again in 2000. On each occasion 1,200 participants (640 local amateur actors, 80 horsemen, etc.) presented the Passion in four locations in Škofja Loka, to over 30,000 spectators. The latest Passion was performed in 2009 (800 actors, 80 horsemen, 24,000 spectators) and will be re-staged again only in March and April 2015. The next event is scheduled for 2021.

More interesting facts about the city of Skofia Loka; Established over a thousand years ago and the story of Prince Abraham who was saved by his African servant and therefore the servants picture is depicted on the city coat of arms. http://www.skofjaloka.info/index.php?lang=en&meni=pm&page=zgmesta

Prayer Points:
1)    There is a time when it is necessary to look back in the past to find actions of faithfulness that can encourage our present hope. Thank You, Lord, for Friar Romuald and his act of writing down in the Slovene language the week of Your Passion.
2)    As this play has been a touch point for remembering the pain and suffering Jesus went through, let us remember that He did it for the Slovenian people and their nation. May they also see the glorious day Jesus arose from the grave.
3)    During the last week of March and the first week of April when this dramatic play is once again performed, let us pray for a true redemption to touch many that come to the event.
4)    Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to soften hearts, open minds and activate the spirit man of every one who attends. Lord, draw many that need to be introduced or need to remember how you gave Your life for us all.
5)    Lord, we pray for Your remnant of believers in this small city. May they be encouraged in their faith and find a new joy in serving You, Lord Jesus.

In addition, we will pray for some specific needs:
6)    Slovene Bible Society, New Translation - The Bible Society wants every Slovene to come into contact with the Bible and its message. Pray for the project to translate the New Testament into colloquial, modern Slovene, the “Life with Jesus” translation. Pray it would bring God’s word closer to people, since often traditional biblical phrases seem foreign to them.
7)    Corruption - In past years we have seen the destructive power of corruption in key Slovene businesses and even charities. Pray political and business leaders, as well as average people, would obey the laws, pay taxes, and live honorably with integrity.
8)    Pray for the Churches of Slovenia - Pray for God’s blessing on the churches of Slovenia. Pray that the name of Jesus would be lifted up today, that many more people would hear the Gospel and come to the truth, to reconciliation and forgiveness, that many more would be healed, freed, saved.
9)    Drug Addicts - There are several ministries and many churches in Slovenia working with addicts. Pray for wisdom for believers in how to help and encourage them. Pray for newly converted addicts to be boldly on fire for God, and to grow in their faith.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Slovenia

Week of Aug. 18-24, 2014

In the News: Slovenia Celebrates the Assumption of Mary

Catholics all over the world are celebrating the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary today. (Aug. 15th)

In Slovenia, masses have been held all over the country. Most people are expected in Mary's pilgrimage sites.

The Assumption of Mary, or Veliki Šmaren as it is called in Slovenia, commemorates the death of Jesus Christ's mother Mary, who has a special place in Christianity. This holiday has been celebrated on Aug 15 since 5th century. Pope Pius XII dogmatically defined this dogma in 1950.

In Slovenia, the worshipping of Mary has become very popular. More than 400 churches and chapels as well as, numerous path signs, are dedicated to her.

Does Mary, mother of Jesus receive greater worship than Jesus? Here in Croatia where we live, Mary was highly honored on August 15th. It was a holiday, with most stores and government offices closed. I spent some time witnessing on the streets of Zagreb and I found the main cathedral packed, with even President Ivo Josipovic in attendance. In the catholic cathedrals, statues and pictures of Mary are either elevated equal with Jesus or located in a highly decorated enclave. According to catholic belief, Catholics should pray to Mary because she has a special position in heaven.

Prayer Points:
1)    With Slovenia being a predominantly Catholic nation let us pray that the misguided Mary worship be refocused on the One who should be worshiped, and He is Jesus.
2)    Let us pray that Slovenes would come to know Jesus, may their eyes are opened to the reality that Jesus is the One who can answer their prayers.
Concerning the Evangelical churches:
3)    Our hearts are burdened for the churches in Slovenia. Let us pray that the Lord visit them with His overwhelming love.
4)    Pray that the Christians would not only honor the Lord but honor one another. My they give themselves to each other so the churches may be strengthened.
5)    Let us pray for a special visitation from the Holy Spirit in the churches, that He may root out sin in the churches and bring forth holiness.
6)    Let there be joy in God’s house. Pray that Slovene Christians would be secure in their salvation and excited about their daily walk in His kingdom. Lord, release a real sense of purpose and a knowing that they are chosen by God for such a time as this.
7)    Pray for the pastors and their families. May they be protected from principalities and powers that would want to hinder their work.
8)    Lord, we ask for a release of wisdom upon the pastors that will result in strategies to win the lost in Slovenia.
9)    Let us give thanks for the many children that were touched through the summer youth camps. May the good news they heard in the camps be forever sealed in their hearts.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Slovenia

Week of Jan. 3-9, 2014

It has been a long time since I have driven through Slovenia but I still remember the rolling hills, the thick forest and the tall peeks in the distance. Then there are all the pictures of haystacks in the open fields and mountain streams that flow through astonishing beautiful valleys. Looking at this beauty you can’t help but realize how great our Creator God is.

Romans 1: 20-22 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.

Do Slovenes look at the beauty around them and give God His due honor?

Operation World reports a serious apathy among Slovenes. http://www.operationworld.org/country/slvn/owtext.html
A long history of Catholic tradition is under threat. The three main Christian groups (Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran) are lacking in spiritual vitality. They are rapidly declining into irrelevance while agnosticism, New Age and different forms of Eastern religious beliefs are increasing, as is general spiritual apathy, even among those who notionally believe in God.

1)    One of the most visible attributes of God is His creation. We can worship Him in a greater measure when we appreciate the wisdom displayed in what He spoke into existence.  May the Slovene people look to the hills and see His greatness.
2)    Pray for an awakening in the mainline churches which will draw the many nominal Christians into personal faith in Christ.
3)    Evangelical churches are few, underfunded and in disunity. Let us pray first for unity among the Christians in Slovenia. It is time to put away personal ambitions and seek to honor every Christian’s contribution. Let us pray these verses over Slovenia: John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
Operation World also reports: Of the few dozen fellowships, almost none are self-funding; most pastors rely on secular employment or external financial support, and there is little teaching in churches on stewardship and giving.

4)    Let us pray that Slovene Christians will bring not only the tithe, but offerings over and above the tithe, to the church and give with hearts of joy.
5)    Let us pray for evangelist church planters. Lord, raise up Christians that have a passion for the lost and will do what it takes to touch individuals and communities.
6)    Slovenes need to take serious their responsibility to support their pastors and give toward evangelizing the country. Let us believe that churches will expand and not withdraw.
7)    Let us pray for Slovene Christians to get a firm understanding of their rightful inheritance. Because they are children of God they should walk proudly into the marketplace as over-comers.
8)    We pray that boldness, assurance and steadfastness would rise up in the Christians; not letting the enemy steal their joy.
9)    Pray for financial blessings for the Slovene Christians. The Father desires to release creativity through us. He desires for us to study His ways and use His wisdom in the market-place. Lord, we ask that You would give Your people creative ideas, inventions and business concepts so they may have honor and success. Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Slovenia

Week of Aug. 12-18, 2013

A pastor from Croatia, Mario Ducic, was preaching at a church near Dallas, Texas so Zuzanna and I went to hear him. He spoke on Luke 8:5-15, Jesus’ teaching on “The Sower”. As I reflected on his message I thought of Slovenia and how the sower needs to go forth sowing the Gospel seeds. It is heart breaking to hear of those seeds that did not fall on good ground and did not survive. Take time to read the passage in Luke and pray accordingly for Slovenia.

1)    Lord, we ask for a time of sowing in Slovenia.
2)    Let us pray according to verse 8 where Jesus cried out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” It was important to the Lord that his disciples understand this parable of the sower. Let us, as intercessors, pray for the present churches in Slovenia to hear the Lord’s challenge to go forth and sow.
3)    Notice that the sower did not necessarily look for a certain plot of ground to sow his seeds but rather sowed everywhere. Let us pray for many evangelist to be raised up to share the gospel with every person in Slovenia regardless of their position or status. Not just in the church buildings but in the marketplace and in every institution.
4)    Slovenes are hardworking people and they have prospered but they also have a greater percentage of suicides. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope. Let us pray for hope to arise all over Slovenia.
5)    Slovene hearts are hard like rock. They rely upon a false hope in science and their humanistic abilities. Come Lord and break up these rocks that rob them of the ability to grow in hope.
6)    As the seeds are planted, let us pray for the Slovenian Evangelical Churches to be safe places for these newly redeemed to find fresh water for their souls. May there be trained ministers that can walk young Christians through emotional healing.
7)    Let us pray for anointed teachers to present the Gospel in purity and truth. Thank You, Lord, that Your Word cleanses us and shows us how to walk righteous before You.

 Amos 9:13 NKJV
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD, “When the plowman shall overtake the reaper, And the treader of grapes him who sows seed; The mountains shall drip with sweet wine, And all the hills shall flow with it.

8)    Lord, we pray for “plowmen” and “treaders” that will go quickly into the harvest field. Lord, we know this happens when the Holy Spirit blows across the land. Holy Spirit blow upon Slovenia.
9)    May the Slovene people ascend the mountain of the Lord and find His sweet wine. May they be so full of the sweetness of the Lord that they will spill out over the hills and into the valleys.
10)    Lord, may Your gentle love and non-judgmental compassion flow through those that sow in Slovenia.  Lord, help the Slovene Christians to break through their fears and find the joy of sharing their faith.
11)    Lord, we rebuke that lying spirit of suicide that inhabits Slovenia. Come Lord, and set the people free.


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Pray for Slovenia

Week of April 22-28, 2013

After Cyprus, Slovenia will be the next euro zone country to succumb to a bailout

Markets are betting that Slovenia will be the next euro zone country to succumb to a bailout. In contrast to Cyprus, Slovenia's banking system is not large - around 1.4 times as big as the economy - and there are negligible foreign depositors. But the Slovenian banks, most of them state-owned, are crippled with bad loans, which reached 14.4 percent of their loan books last year. Like Cyprus, Slovenia does not have the money to recapitalize them, Reuters notes. http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=172863

1)    First of all let us rebuke that news headline. In our prayers for Slovenia let us replace “will be” with “will not be”.
2)    Let us pray for wise men and women to arise with wisdom from on high.  Lord, bring forth those who know the times and know how to work out the least painful way to avoid economic short-fall.
The following prayer directives are mainly directed toward the Christians in Slovenia.


Deuteronomy 27: 11-13 And Moses commanded the people on the same day, saying,  “These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you have crossed over the Jordan: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin;  and these shall stand on Mount Ebal to curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.(NKJV)


Moses gave Israel a prophetic act to preform when they would come into the land. In Deuteronomy Moses had laid out the law and he was about to explain the Blessings and the Curses. The tribes were to be divided with one group stationing themselves on Mt. Gerizim to speak the blessings of God and the other group to stand on Mt. Ebal to speak the curses of God. These two mountains faced each other. These were not necessarily declarations or proclamations but rather reminders to the people of how God would judge them in the land.

3)    Let us ask the Lord to speak these blessings and curses in the ears and the hearts of the Slovene people. We do not ask for legalism but rather clear guidelines to righteousness.
4)    May the God anointed pastors and teachers in Slovenia clearly proclaim the whole counsel of God so the Christians may know how to walk in righteousness.
5)    Slovenia is a mountainous area; May the mountains sing out the ways of the Lord. May Slovenia be saved from the wrath to come, May the earth proclaim His glory.

Isaiah 55:12 “For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (NKJV)

There is a dear brother named Todd that sends out a prayer calendar each month with guidelines on how to pray for Slovenia. His prayer calendar for April 22 – 30, 2013 ask us to pray for children. May we join in praying for the following concerns regarding the Slovenian children of Christians and you may pray these for all children:

6)    Pray for Assurance of Salvation (Jn. 3:16, 10:28-29; 1 Jn. 5:13)
7)    Pray for Spiritual Blessing (Eph. 1:3-14, 3:17-19, 5:8-10)
8)    Pray for Repentance (Ps. 32:1-2, 1 Jn. 1:5-9)
9)    Pray for Sanctification (2 Co. 3:18, James 1:2-4, Heb. 12:5-11)
10)    Pray for Hope and Rest (Jer.29:11 Matt. 11:28-30; Rom. 15:13 Phil. 4:6-7)
11)    Pray for Comfort (Matt.5:4; Jn. 14:16-18)
12)    Pray for Friendships (Eccl. 4:9-12; Prov. 27:5-6; 1 Cor. 15:33)
13)    Pray for Effective Parents (Prov.20:7; Eph.6:4)
14)    Pray for Godly Heritage (Ps. 127:35, 128:1-4; 1 Cor. 7:32-35)
15)    Pray for Protection (Jam. 5:14-16; Jn. 17:15; 2 Thes. 3:3; 1 Cor. 10:13)

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Slovenia

Week of Oct. 15-21, 2012

Slovenia Minister: Reforms Last Shot to Avoid Bailout

Slovenia's budget, pension and labor reforms are the country's last shot to exit the grips of Europe's sovereign-debt crisis on its own, but should suffice, Finance Minister Janez Šušteršič said. 

"I guess this our last shot if we want to solve the problems by our own means," Mr. Šušteršič said in an interview. 

The new government, set up in February, is "working hard and fast" and hopes to get major overhauls of the labor and pension rules done by year-end to accompany an aggressive deficit-cutting budget, he said.


Proverbs 22:7
The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.

1)      This is so encouraging to see a Balkan country that is trying to work out their financial problems themselves. Let us pray that government and financial ministers would be given wisdom.

2)      Lord, help Slovenes as they have to cut back and sacrifice in order for financial correction to take place.

3)      Slovenia is in no way a lending nation, but let us pray for a miraculous transformation. Lord, raise up managers that can be guides to prosperity.  

2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

4)      Let us pray for a healthy fear of God in the churches in Slovenia. As the scripture says, may Slovenian Christians realize the great rewards and promises they have from God and turn from all filthiness and be holy before the Lord.  Lord, you set before us life and death, may we choose life and life abundant. John 10:10b  “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

5)      Being cleansed of all filthiness and being perfected in holiness we tend to shine or as Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:14-16) Lord, may the Slovenian Church be a light of hope.

6)      Pray for Slovenian Christians based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, “Love is, patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

7)      Pray for God’s blessing on the Christians of Slovenia. May they be led by the Holy Spirit to share the love of Jesus everywhere they go.

8)      In 2006 Slovenia legalized “civil unions” for homosexuals. Let us pray for the homosexuals in Slovenia, may there be Christians led to go share the love of God with them.

9)      Pray that men in evangelical churches would better understand their importance and role in the family, the church and in society. Pray that men would become more connected to one another through prayer and support the weaker brothers among them.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you Prayed.

Pray for Slovenia

Week of July 30 - Aug. 5, 2012

Tromostovje –is three bridges that cross the Ljubljanica River, which connects the historical, medieval part of the capital with its new, modern counterpart. Bridges make passage over difficult waters possible.

1)    Thinking of the Tromostovje (Three Bridges) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, let us pray for safe passage of the Gospel through Slovenia. Three bridges, like the Father, Son and Holy Spirit moving through the land to bring blessings. Three bridges that can transfer the sacrifices of former Christians into a blessing for the present generation.

2)    Lord, let bridges be built in the spirit that will connect Christians that have a passion for the Gospel. Let us pray for unity among churches and ministries in Slovenia.

3)    Let us pray that walls and barriers between churches would be broken down. Let there be reconciliation and forgiveness between pastors and ministers. May the Church in Slovenia speak with one voice, in the language of Love.

4)    There are many towns and villages in Slovenia that do not have an evangelical church. Lord we ask for church planters to be raised up. Lord, show the Slovenian churches how to multiply not divide.

5)    Pray for the Lord to raise up individuals and families to go into the forsaken villages and share Jesus with people there. Lord, we want to see Your Word cover the land. 

Matthew 5:14,16 NIV “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

 

Here at Praying for the Balkans, Project we believe in the “Seven Mountains of Influence”: family, business, media, religion, education, arts/entertainment and government, which the Lord is revealing to the Church. He is asking us to go into these spheres and be the light.

6)    Pray for the financial health of Slovenia. Banks in Slovenia are suffering from miss-managed loans and companies filing for bankruptcy. (Reported in Bloomberg BusinessWeek)

7)    There has been a dynamic drop in exports from Slovenia and this hurts the gross national product. Pray for the business sector that it would be influenced by Christian principles. Lord, make it possible for Christians to go into business and bring in problem solving concepts.

8)    In praying for the Church’s influence in business, may those saints anointed for this mission know their commission comes from the Lord. Make them an example of His Kingdom in the marketplace.

Please leave a Comment or Reaction so we will know you prayed.