Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus.
Since its start in May 2016, just three and a half years ago, God has grown Thy Kingdom Come from a dream of possibility into a movement. In 2019 Christians from 172 countries took part in praying ‘Come Holy Spirit’, so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ.
During the 11 days of Thy Kingdom Come, it is hoped that everyone who takes part will:
· Deepen their own relationship with Jesus Christ
· Pray for 5 friends or family to come to faith in Jesus
· Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit that we would be effective in our witness
After the very first Ascension Day the disciples gathered with Mary, constantly devoting themselves to prayer while they waited for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Like them, our reliance on the gift of the Holy Spirit is total – on our own we can do nothing.
Through the centuries Christians have gathered at that time to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit. ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ picks up this tradition. Over the past three and a half years more and more worshipping communities have dedicated the days between Ascension and Pentecost to pray ‘Come Holy Spirit’.
“In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities." Archbishop Justin Welby
We've extended the time the virtual prayer space is available, and we'd also encourage you to commit to a slot in the online prayer room booking facility. This isn't about trying to fill every prayer ‘slot’, or demonstrating how long we can pray for, but it is about committing ourselves to pray, encouraging each other to pray, acting as a witness as God’s church. You may be praying anyway and so not see the need to sign up to this but you would really encourage others by being part of this prayer watch.
The link to the online booking facility is
https://www.24-7prayer.com/emailredirect/f52c3cbf371351206c419e50ce29c802/
Spend time. Take it slowly and rest in the presence of God. Be secure in His love for you and His love for our world.
called by jesus
Called
Think about how Jesus called you to follow him. Then read the account of the disciples' calling or watch the video.
1. Read Matthew 4:18-22
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
2. Consider the courage of the disciples. What must it have taken them to follow Jesus immediately?
Draw a footprint on a piece of paper and ask God to give you the courage to follow him. Listen to God's response. Write your thoughts onto the footprint.
3. Choose five people to pray for during Thy Kingdom Come, praying that they will also choose to follow Jesus. Use an ink pad or paint to make 5 thumb prints onto paper and draw on toes. Pray that each of your five people will hear God's call to follow him.
Worship Jesus
1. Read Matthew 11:2-6. Focus on this verse:
The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Matthew 11:2-6
1. Spend some time reflecting on who Jesus is and the miracles he performed during his time on earth. Think about the prayers he has answered.
2. Make a paper chain, writing on each segment a time when Jesus has answered your prayers or performed a miracle.
3. Write your 'Pray for 5' names onto strips of paper and weave them into your paper chain, praying that they will experience Jesus' power.
Jesus is Christ
1. Read Matthew 16:13-20
It took the disciples some time, but they recognised who Jesus was: the messiah.
2. Spend time considering who Jesus is.
If someone asked you, "Who is Jesus?" how would you reply? You may like to watch the That's My King video to inspire you.
3. Pray for your 5. Pray that they will ask who Jesus is and they will find that he is their saviour.
Confession and Repentance
1. Read John 21: 16-19.
Even though Peter had denied Jesus three times, Jesus forgave him and asked him to lead his church.
Spend time confessing your sins to God and accepting his forgiveness. You may find the following prayer of confession useful:
Awesome and compassionate God,
You have loved us with unfailing, self-giving mercy,
but we have not loved you.
You constantly call us, but we do not listen.
You ask us to love, but we walk away from neighbors in need,
wrapped in our own concerns.
We condone evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed.
God of grace, as you come to us in mercy,
we repent in spirit and in truth,
admit our sin, and gratefully receive your forgiveness
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.
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Offer
We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that the extraordinary overflow of power will be seen as God’s, not ours.
2 Corinthians 4:7.
Find a mirror and sit in front of it. The best thing we have to offer is ourselves, and in doing so we imitate Christ. We are enough because we are created in Christ.
You may find it useful to speak the words of 2 Corinthians 4:7 over yourself. You may also like to spend this time speaking to God about how you have treated and viewed your own body. Consider 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and ask Jesus to speak to you about your body.
Consider your time and your talents, and consider what you offer to Jesus.
Pray for each of your 5 friends, and ask that you will be able to offer them support in some way.
pray for 5
Reach Out
“Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Matthew 22: 39
Text each of your 5 friends and tell them you are praying for them. Ask if they have anything specific that you can pray for.
Spend time praying for each person.
Help
Read the story of Peter healing the lame beggar in Acts 3:1-10.
Remind yourself that Jesus still has the power to heal, to restore and to proved supernaturally today.
Pray for each of your 5 friends, that they would know Jesus' help.
Then text each of your five friends, asking if there is anything you can do to help them today.
Adore
1. Cut out five paper hearts. On each paper heart, write the name of each of your five people.
2. Pray that they will come to know God's love and that they will come to love Him too.
Empowerment of the holy spirit
Celebrate
You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call. Acts 2: 37-38
1. Find a picture of each of your five friends.
2.Spend a few minutes praying for each friend. Pray that they would know the Holy Spirit.
3.Listen to what the Holy Spirit reveals to you. Praise God for this revelation.
Silence
Either go for a walk or sit near an open window or in a garden.
Spend time in silence, simply listening to the world around you. Listen for the birdsong or the hum of insects. Listen for the sounds of the breeze in the trees or the patter of raindrops. Thank God for his creation.
Listen for the sounds of people: traffic, people talking or footsteps. Thank God for his people and the love he has for us. Thank God for each of your five friends and pray for them.
Listen to the sound of your own breathing and your heart rate. Become aware of your own body, where you are carrying tension and where you feel relaxed. Thank God for you: your gifts, talents and passions, your body and your voice.
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you in this time of silence.
Thy Kingdom Come
Light a candle and pray the Lord's Prayer.
If you can, plant 5 seeds into 5 pots, representing each of your five friends.
Commit to inviting them to Alpha or an online church service in the next few weeks.
