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NIGERIA: PRAYING INTO AUGUST 13 – 19 (THE 33RD WEEK OF THE YEAR AND THE 46TH WEEK OF NIGERIA’S YEAR).

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***A. PROLOGUE*In Matthew 24:43 Jesus said, “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into”. Knowing “the hour the thief would come” is critical to watching. Every purpose under heaven has its time; and every time has its purpose. Understanding the time gives us advantage over situations and frees us from becoming victims of the enemy’s surprise.

THE 33RD WEEK OF THE YEAR

This is the fifth week in the fifth seven weeks of the year. This is a week of breaking new grounds. The fifth day of creation was the beginning of motion, voice sound, sensory perception, and blessings. This week is the beginning of the New Testament side of the fifth seven weeks of the year. It’s is a new beginning. It’s a Book of Micah week in the year.

B. PRAYER POINTS

What is the divine agenda for the 33rd week and how can we pray? The Bible reveals six things about the 33rd:

1. The 33rd season is a time when people meet face to face with the reality they have been hiding from or running from. In Genesis 33, Jacob came face to face with his brother, Esau, but there was no trouble because God was with him. Manasseh became King in Second Chronicles 33. Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933. The first time the Atomic Bomb was used was the season of the 33rd President of the United States. Terrorists bombed the twin towers of the World Trade Center at the beginning of the 33rd seven years of the United States. The year 1933 was a season of deadly fiery visitations. In the 33rd year of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babangida was compelled to step down and handed over to an Interim National Government that lasted only 84 days. He had hoped to transit from being military Head of State into a Civilian President. Dreaded Sani Abacha overthrew the Interim National Government and became Head of State.

PRAYER: This week, pray that the righteous be delivered from their fears; and that the wicked will run into their fears. This week, let fire-power be released from heaven against the wicked and wickedness.

2. The 33rd season is a time to break up camp and move on to the next level and place. Exodus 33:1-3 says, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give it.’ In Numbers 33, Israel’s journey from Egypt to Jordan is summarized – according to starting and stopping points. Three words implying motion (move, departed, went) is used 42 times in this chapter. The word ‘camped’ is also used 42 times in Numbers 33 (NKJV). The death of Aaron at 123 years, on Mount Hur, is recorded in this chapter. His son Eleazar took over from him. This week, the Lord is prompting you to move from camping. This is a no-stopping week. The Lord wants you to move and move and move.

PRAYER: Pray this week that there be a progressive shift for God’s people in the nations. Pray for a positive shift from camping in your life, family, ministry, etc.

3. The 33rd is a season of blessing, redemption, and restoration. In Deuteronomy 33, Moses blessed the children of Israel before his death. In Job 33, Elihu spoke of ransom, redemption, and of a mediator. You do not need any of those three unless there is trouble. They are needed in the 33rd season. In Jeremiah 33, God promised to cause the captivity of Judah to return and to restore Jerusalem.

PRAYER: Pray and prophesy blessings over the nation and your people this week. Bless the local government areas, counties, cities, and regions. Decree recovery and restoration over the nation.

4. The 33rd is a season of judgment. Second Chronicles 33 is about the evil reign of Manasseh. Although he repented, God decreed captivity against Judah because of the sins of Manasseh. He ruled the longest in Judah but his death is recorded in this chapter. His son and successor, Amon, also ruled and died in this chapter. This chapter ends with the emergence of Josiah – the reformer-grandson of Manasseh. Isaiah 33 is about the judgment coming to Zion and to the Plunderer that had not been plundered. This is a season of plundering the plunderer. The book of Micah is the 33rd book of the Bible and it contains woes and judgments.

PRAYER: This week, pray that the Lord will bring down the wicked in the nation. Pray that He will raise replacements who will reverse the works of the wicked in the land. Pray against fire disasters and destructions from explosions in the cities of the nation.

5. The 33rd season is a time to rejoice in the Lord and praise His name. Psalm 33 is a call to rejoice in the Lord and praise Him (1-3) for His powerful word (4-12) and for His sovereign and saving power (13-22). This a week of joy. As we rejoice before the Lord, He will keep pain and sorrow far from us. The presence of the Lord matters greatly in the 33rd season. Moses could not move without God’s presence in Exodus 33.

PRAYER: Pray that this 33rd week will be a week of rejoicing (and not sorrowing) in the land. We have wept enough. This week, let joy overtake mourning in the nation.

6. The 33rd is a watchman season. In Ezekiel 33, the prophet is a appointed a watchman to warn the people of impending disaster. News of the fall of Jerusalem came to Ezekiel in this chapter. Ezekiel 33 is about the certainty of the judgment. The 33rd season is a time when watchmen and gatekeepers must be alert and active.

PRAYER: This week, pray for grace to stand on the watch with your spiritual senses on alert. Pray also that watchmen in the nation will be alert and not slumber. Pray also that the watchmen declare, promptly, what they see.

C. SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK

Psalm 33:18-19: “Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine”.God is watching over His people – especially this week.

THE 46TH WEEK OF NIGERIA’S YEAR

What is the divine agenda for the 46th week?

The 46th book and 46th chapters of the Bible reveal two major things about the 46th day, week, or year:1. It is a season to pursue and fight for UNITY and TOGETHERNESS In Genesis 46, Jacob and his family moved from Canaan to Egypt to reunite with Joseph. Jacob’s family came together and everyone’s name was mentioned. Psalm 46 is a WE, OUR, and US psalm ( not a ME, MY, and I psalm). It is the psalm of a united people. The 46th book of the Bible, First Corinthians, is about unity in diversity. It is about uniting with God (as His house and field) and also with God’s people (as members of one Body of Christ). The 46th season is a time to work towards unity and against division. Be careful with controversies in this season. The United Nations came into existence in 1946, the 46th year of the 20th century. In the 46th year of Nigeria (1st October 2005 – First October, 2006) the government suffered greatly from disunity. The National Assembly fought the presidency; and even within the presidency, the President and the Vice President had contentions. The President lost his wife in this season. America’s 46th President is battling division in the country. This 46th week is a time to bring before God the issue of disunity in Nigeria.

2. The second thing about the 46th season is that it is a season to lean on God as strength. God reassured Jacob in Genesis 46. The presence of God is paramount in the 46th season. Psalm 46, Isaiah 46, Jeremiah 46, and the 46th book of the Bible all bear witness to this.

3. The 46th is a season of manifestations of the supernatural operation of God. The 46th book of the Bible says a lot about the manifestations of the Spirits. The Voice of Healing Revival Movement arose in 1946 – the 46th year of the 20th century.

B. PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray that God will heal our nation from and political and racial divisions.

2. Pray that God will heal the Body of Christ in Nigeria from division due to doctrinal persuasions, leadership preferences and ethnic prejudice.

3. Ask the Lord to restore unity in homes and families – between spouses, siblings, and between parents and children. The 13th chapter of the 46th book of the Bible shows that 46th is a week of love and unity.

4. Pray that God will scatter those who gather together against His purposes in the nation. Pray disunity, divisions, strife, and confusion into the camp of the enemy.

5. Pray that the Lord will show His presence among His people in this week. This is a week of “manifestations of the Spirit” per the 46th book of the Bible. Let the Lord fight for His people in Nigeria – by His presence – in this 46th week of our year. Let the Lord fight for us against those who trust in idols and in their own strength.

6. Israel divided when the fourth king, Rehoboam came to power. Buhari is the fourth president in the fourth republic. Pray against, and cast out, the insensitive spirit of Rehoboam sitting over the government and stirring division in the land.

C. PROMISE

Isaiah 46:3-4: “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, And all the remnant of the house of Israel, Who have been upheld by Me from birth, Who have been carried from the womb: [4] Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you”.

Have a happy 33rd week of the year and a greatly blessed 46th week of Nigeria’s year.

PRAYING INTO THE 33RD WEEK OF THE YEAR (AUGUST 13 – 19)

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A. PROLOGUE
In Matthew 24:43 Jesus said, “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into”. Knowing “the hour the thief would come” is critical to watching. Every purpose under heaven has its time; and every time has its purpose. Understanding the time gives us advantage over situations and frees us from becoming victims of the enemy’s surprise.

THE 33RD WEEK OF THE YEAR

This is the fifth week in the fifth seven weeks of the year. This is a week of breaking new grounds. The fifth day of creation was the beginning of motion, voice sound, sensory perception, and blessings. This week is the beginning of the New Testament side of the fifth seven weeks of the year. It’s is a new beginning. It’s a Book of Micah week in the year.

B. PRAYER POINTS

What is the divine agenda for the 33rd week and how can we pray? The Bible reveals six things about the 33rd:

  1. The 33rd season is a time when people meet face to face with the reality they have been hiding from or running from. In Genesis 33, Jacob came face to face with his brother, Esau, but there was no trouble because God was with him. Manasseh became King in Second Chronicles 33. Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933. The first time the Atomic Bomb was used was the season of the 33rd President of the United States. Terrorists bombed the twin towers of the World Trade Center at the beginning of the 33rd seven years of the United States. The year 1933 was a season of deadly fiery visitations. In the 33rd year of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babangida was compelled to step down and handed over to an Interim National Government that lasted only 84 days. He had hoped to transit from being military Head of State into a Civilian President. Dreaded Sani Abacha overthrew the Interim National Government and became Head of State.

PRAYER: This week, pray that the righteous be delivered from their fears; and that the wicked will run into their fears. This week, let fire-power be released from heaven against the wicked and wickedness.

  1. The 33rd season is a time to break up camp and move on to the next level and place. Exodus 33:1-3 says, “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give it.’ In Numbers 33, Israel’s journey from Egypt to Jordan is summarized – according to starting and stopping points. Three words implying motion (move, departed, went) is used 42 times in this chapter. The word ‘camped’ is also used 42 times in Numbers 33 (NKJV). The death of Aaron at 123 years, on Mount Hur, is recorded in this chapter. His son Eleazar took over from him. This week, the Lord is prompting you to move from camping. This is a no-stopping week. The Lord wants you to move and move and move.

PRAYER: Pray this week that there be a progressive shift for God’s people in the nations. Pray for a positive shift from camping in your life, family, ministry, etc.

  1. The 33rd is a season of blessing, redemption, and restoration. In Deuteronomy 33, Moses blessed the children of Israel before his death. In Job 33, Elihu spoke of ransom, redemption, and of a mediator. You do not need any of those three unless there is trouble. They are needed in the 33rd season. In Jeremiah 33, God promised to cause the captivity of Judah to return and to restore Jerusalem.

PRAYER: Pray and prophesy blessings over the nation and your people this week. Bless the local government areas, counties, cities, and regions. Decree recovery and restoration over the nation.

  1. The 33rd is a season of judgment. Second Chronicles 33 is about the evil reign of Manasseh. Although he repented, God decreed captivity against Judah because of the sins of Manasseh. He ruled the longest in Judah but his death is recorded in this chapter. His son and successor, Amon, also ruled and died in this chapter. This chapter ends with the emergence of Josiah – the reformer-grandson of Manasseh. Isaiah 33 is about the judgment coming to Zion and to the Plunderer that had not been plundered. This is a season of plundering the plunderer. The book of Micah is the 33rd book of the Bible and it contains woes and judgments.

PRAYER: This week, pray that the Lord will bring down the wicked in the nation. Pray that He will raise replacements who will reverse the works of the wicked in the land. Pray against fire disasters and destructions from explosions in the cities of the nation.

  1. The 33rd season is a time to rejoice in the Lord and praise His name. Psalm 33 is a call to rejoice in the Lord and praise Him (1-3) for His powerful word (4-12) and for His sovereign and saving power (13-22). This a week of joy. As we rejoice before the Lord, He will keep pain and sorrow far from us. The presence of the Lord matters greatly in the 33rd season. Moses could not move without God’s presence in Exodus 33.

PRAYER: Pray that this 33rd week will be a week of rejoicing (and not sorrowing) in the land. We have wept enough. This week, let joy overtake mourning in the nation.

  1. The 33rd is a watchman season. In Ezekiel 33, the prophet is a appointed a watchman to warn the people of impending disaster. News of the fall of Jerusalem came to Ezekiel in this chapter. Ezekiel 33 is about the certainty of the judgment. The 33rd season is a time when watchmen and gatekeepers must be alert and active.

PRAYER: This week, pray for grace to stand on the watch with your spiritual senses on alert. Pray also that watchmen in the nation will be alert and not slumber. Pray also that the watchmen declare, promptly, what they see.

C. SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK

Psalm 33:18-19:
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy, To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.

God is watching over His people – especially this week.

Happy 33rd week of the year! Learn more about the 33rd week or season

NIGERIA: PRAYING INTO AUGUST 6 – 12 (THE 32ND WEEK OF THE YEAR AND THE 45TH WEEK OF NIGERIA’S YEAR)

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The German invasion of Poland that led to the Second World War happened in the season of the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Rwanda genocide of 1994 occured within the 32nd seven years of the United States when Bill Clinton was President. In the 32nd year of Nigeria (26 September 1992) a Nigerian Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules (Serial Number 911) crashed three minutes after take-off from Lagos, because of multiple engine failure. Over 160 military officers perished in that crash, including 8 foreign nationals. The rise of banditry in Nigeria is happening in the 32nd seven years of the Sokoto Caliphate (from February 4, 1804). Not a new thing. Sennacherib threatened to invade Judah in the 32nd chapter of Second Chronicles. This 32nd week of the year, darkness and death will not invade your family and territory. Gate-keepers arise! Learn other ways to pray into the 32nd week of the year.

B. BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE 32ND WEEK

The Bible reveals four things about the 32nd season that watchmen and gatekeepers must take to heart.

1. The 32nd season is a season to watch against deceiving pressures and pleasures. People are prone to mistakes and errors in this season. The wise may do foolish things in this season. Aaron made the golden calf in Exodus 32. Moses was overcome by his emotions for what Aaron did and broke the two tablets of the Law he received on the mountain. Two and half tribes of Israel wanted to settle before the Jordan in Numbers 32. Jonah ran from God in the 32nd book of the Bible. The strong may be deceived by their strength in the 32nd season. Sennacherib the king of Assyria made a futile effort to invade Judah in Second Chronicles 32. His army suffered a huge loss of troops and his life ended in the middle of the siege. This is a week to bind spirits of deception and being overtaken by mental darkness. Pray against making wrong decisions in this 32nd week. Pray for wisdom and sensitivity of heart.

2. The 32nd season is a season of desperate cry to God for intervention and change. Jacob prayed for change in Genesis 32. He told the Angel of God that wrestled with him, “I will never leave you unless you bless me”. God changed his name from Jacob to Israel. Moses interceded before to forgive Israel in Exodus 32. Hezekiah prayed to God for intervention against the Assyrian siege in Second Chronicles 32. Jonah prayed from the belly of a fish in the 32nd book of the Bible. The people of Nineveh prayed and fasted before God against unending judgment in the 32nd book of the Bible. God heard them all. This is a week of stretched-out prayers before God. The Second World War broke out in the season of the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Rwanda genocide of 1994 happened within the 32nd seven years of the United States – when Bill Clinton was President. This is a week to pray against the operations of the spirit of death in the nations. This is a week to pray against unjust invasion of families, communities, cities, and nations.

3. The 32nd season is a time of special guidance from God in which we must follow by faith. Psalm 32:8-9 is an assurance of guidance from God: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. [9] Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding, Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you”. In Jeremiah 32, God guided Jeremiah to buy his uncle’s land by faith. Jeremiah obeyed. God guided Jonah to go to Nineveh in the 32nd book of the Bible but Jonah took another path in disobedience. This is a week to believe God concerning seeming impossible situations. In Jeremiah 32:27, God says, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” In verses 42-44, God also said, “For thus says the LORD: ‘Just as I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will bring on them all the good that I have promised them. [43] And fields will be bought in this land of which you say, “It is desolate, without man or beast; it has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans.” [44] Men will buy fields for money, sign deeds and seal them, and take witnesses, in the land of Benjamin, in the places around Jerusalem, in the cities of Judah, in the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the South; for I will cause their captives to return,’ says the LORD.”

4. The 32nd season is a time of judgment. That is the reason Psalm 32 opens with “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. [2] Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit” (Psalm 32:1-2). Heaven was ready to pour out judgment on Nineveh in the 32nd book of the Bible but God stayed the hand of judgment when the people repented and fasted before Him. When sin is forgiven, judgment passes over. This is a week to pray that God’s warning will be released and heeded wherever it is needed this week – to stay the hand of judgment. We should pray that those who ought to speak out will not be silent this week and that those who ought to hear will hear.

THE 45TH WEEK OF NIGERIA’S YEAR

The Bible reveals three things about the 45th season that are applicable to the 45th week of Nigeria’s year:

1. It is a season of the revelation of truth. In Genesis 45, Joseph revealed the truth his brothers had covered up and exposed their lies. The 45th book of the Bible (Romans) is the beginning of Pauline revelations in the New Testament. This is a week to pray that liars and deceivers are exposed in Nigeria.

2. The 45th season is a season of the revelation of righteousness against sin and wickedness. The 45th book of the Bible says the righteousness and wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness of man. Psalm 45:7 says “You love righteousness and hate wickedness”. This is a week to pray that the Righteous God will react against wickedness in Nigeria.

3. The 45th season is a season of rebuilding. In Isaiah 45, God appointed Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem. This is a week to prayer that God will raise leaders with Cyrus’s type of mandate and anointing to rebuild Nigeria.

C. PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WEEK

1. In the 32nd chapter of Exodus, Aaron was deceived to make a Golden Calf to replace the God of Israel. Israel was plagued for that. In the 32nd book of the Bible, Jonah ran from God’s call and ran into trouble. Pray against against rebellion and wrong decisions that could throw you, your family, ministry, church, business, organization, or nation, into trouble this week. Bind the spirits of error setting traps in different places for God’s people this week.

2. In the 32nd book of the Bible, God commanded the fish to vomit Jonah after he had repented and prayed. Pray this week that the fish that has swallowed some rebellious messengers of God and nations will vomit them. Pray for freedom from abductors and hijackers of the destinies of nations.

3. In Genesis 32, Jacob encountered God and was changed before meeting his brother Esau. He prayed for a change of story. God answered him. God also answered Hezekiah in Second Chronicles 32. In the same spirit of Genesis 32 and Second Chronicles 32, let us cry earnestly to God for a change of story in the nations. Pray that God will deliver nations from strong adversaries and forces as He delivered Hezekiah from Sennacherib and disease.

4. Pray that darkness and death will not invade or overtake families, communities, cities and nations this week.
DR

5. This 45th week is a week of revelations. As in Genesis 45, where Joseph Joseph introduced himself to his brothers and revealed the uncomfortable truth, let us stand at this gate of time and pray that lies be exposed and hidden truth be revealed in this country. Let hypocrites who are making us cry in Nigeria be exposed.

6. This 45th week is a time to exalt righteousness and overthrow wickedness in Nigeria’s current year.  Pray this week that the righteousness of God will rise against wickedness and the wicked in Nigeria.

7. The 45th book of the Bible says all have sinned and there is none righteous (Romans 3:10-23). Pray this week that the righteousness which comes through faith will speak for us in Nigeria.

8. In Isaiah 45, God spoke about raising Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem. Nigeria needs rebuilding. Let’s ask the Lord to raise in Nigeria a company with the anointing of Cyrus for the work of rebuilding Nigeria.

D. SCRIPTURES FOR THE WERK

Psalm 32:7-8: You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah [8] I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

Jeremiah 32:27: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?

Isaiah 45:22-23
“Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. [23] I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath.

Have a happy 32nd week of the year.and a greatly blessed 45th week of Nigeria’s year.

PRAYING INTO THE 32ND WEEK OF THE YEAR (AUGUST 6-12)

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A. PREAMBLE

The German invasion of Poland that led to the Second World War happened in the season of the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Rwanda genocide of 1994 occured within the 32nd seven years of the United States when Bill Clinton was President. . In the 32nd year of Nigeria (26 September 1992) a Nigerian Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules (Serial Number 911) crashed three minutes after take-off from Lagos, because of multiple engine failure. Over 160 military officers perished in the crash, including 8 foreign nationals. The rise of banditry in Nigeria is happening in the 32nd seven years of the Sokoto Caliphate (from February 4, 1804). Not a new thing. Sennacherib threatened to invade Judah in the 32nd chapter of Second Chronicles. This 32nd week of the year, darkness and death will not invade your family and territory. Gate-keepers arise! Learn other ways to pray into the 32nd week of the year.

B. BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE 32ND WEEK

The Bible reveals four things about the 32nd season that Intercessors and gatekeepers must take to heart.

1. The 32nd season is a season to watch against deceiving pressures and pleasures. People are prone to mistakes and errors in this season. The wise may do foolish things in this season. Aaron made the golden calf in Exodus 32. Moses was overcome by his emotions for what Aaron did and broke the two tablets of the Law he received on the mountain. Two and half tribes of Israel wanted to settle before the Jordan in Numbers 32. Jonah ran from God in the 32nd book of the Bible. The strong may be deceived by their strength in the 32nd season. Sennacherib the king of Assyria made a futile effort to invade Judah in Second Chronicles 32. His army suffered a huge loss of troops and his life ended in the middle of the siege. This is a week to bind spirits of deception and being overtaken by mental darkness. Pray against making wrong decisions in this 32nd week. Pray for wisdom and sensitivity of heart.

2. The 32nd season is a season of desperate cry to God for intervention and change. Jacob prayed for change in Genesis 32. He told the Angel of God that wrestled with him, “I will never leave you unless you bless me”. God changed his name from Jacob to Israel. Moses interceded before to forgive Israel in Exodus 32. Hezekiah prayed to God for intervention against the Assyrian siege in Second Chronicles 32. Jonah prayed from the belly of a fish in the 32nd book of the Bible. The people of Nineveh prayed and fasted before God against unending judgment in the 32nd book of the Bible. God heard them all. This is a week of stretched-out prayers before God. The Second World War broke out in the season of the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Rwanda genocide of 1994 happened within the 32nd seven years of the United States – when Bill Clinton was President. This is a week to pray against the operations of the spirit of death in the nations. This is a week to pray against unjust invasion of families, communities, cities, and nations.

3. The 32nd season is a time of special guidance from God in which we must follow by faith. Psalm 32:8-9 is an assurance of guidance from God: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. [9] Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding, Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you”. In Jeremiah 32, God guided Jeremiah to buy his uncle’s land by faith. Jeremiah obeyed. God guided Jonah to go to Nineveh in the 32nd book of the Bible but Jonah took another path in disobedience. This is a week to believe God concerning seeming impossible situations. In Jeremiah 32:27, God says, “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” In verses 42-44, God also said, “For thus says the LORD: ‘Just as I have brought all this great calamity on this people, so I will bring on them all the good that I have promised them. [43] And fields will be bought in this land of which you say, “It is desolate, without man or beast; it has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans.” [44] Men will buy fields for money, sign deeds and seal them, and take witnesses, in the land of Benjamin, in the places around Jerusalem, in the cities of Judah, in the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the South; for I will cause their captives to return,’ says the LORD.”

4. The 32nd season is a time of judgment. That is the reason Psalm 32 opens with “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. [2] Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit” (Psalm 32:1-2). Heaven was ready to pour out judgment on Nineveh in the 32nd book of the Bible but God stayed the hand of judgment when the people repented and fasted before Him. When sin is forgiven, judgment passes over. This is a week to pray that God’s warning will be released and heeded wherever it is needed this week – to stay the hand of judgment. We should pray that those who ought to speak out will not be silent this week and that those who ought to hear will hear.

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE WEEK

1. In the 32nd chapter of Exodus, Aaron was deceived to make a Golden Calf to replace the God of Israel. Israel was plagued for that. In the 32nd book of the Bible, Jonah ran from God’s call and ran into trouble. Pray against against rebellion and wrong decisions that could throw you, your family, ministry, church, business, organization, or nation, into trouble this week. Bind the spirits of error setting traps in different places for God’s people this week.

2. In the 32nd book of the Bible, God commanded the fish to vomit Jonah after he had repented and prayed. Pray this week that the fish that has swallowed some rebellious messengers of God and nations will vomit them. Pray for freedom from abductors and hijackers of the destinies of nations.

3. In Genesis 32, Jacob encountered God and was changed before meeting his brother Esau. He prayed for a change of story. God answered him. God also answered Hezekiah in Second Chronicles 32. In the same spirit of Genesis 32 and Second Chronicles 32, let us cry earnestly to God for a change of story in the nations. Pray that God will deliver nations from strong adversaries and forces as He delivered Hezekiah from Sennacherib and disease.

4. Pray that darkness and death will not invade or overtake families, communities, cities and nations this week.

C. SCRIPTURES FOR THE WERK

Psalm 32:7-8: You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah [8] I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

Jeremiah 32:27: “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?

Have a happy and a greatly blessed 32nd week of the year.

NIGERIA: PRAYING INTO JULY 30 – AUGUST 5 (THE 31ST WEEK OF THE YEAR AND THE 44TH WEEK OF NIGERIA’S YEAR)

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A. THE 31ST WEEK OF THE YEAR

The 31st season is a time to make or declare an end of one thing and the beginning of another thing. It is Heaven’s season of channge. So, it is a time for watchmen, gatekeepers, and intercessors to draw the line, shut the door to the old narrative and open the gates to the new. It is time to overthrow evil and block any agenda seeking an end of the godly. This is a gate of time for progressive change. So be it this week in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE 31ST WEEK OF THE YEAR

1. In Genesis 31, Jacob fled the house of Laban by the word of the Lord and ended his twenty-year sojourn with his uncle. It was the end of one phase of life and the beginning of another phase for Jacob.

2. At the end of receiving the pattern for the Tabernacle, in Exodus 31, God appointed Bezaleel and Aholiab to undertake the construction of the Tabernacle as revealed to Moses. The Written Word also began in Exodus 31, with the two tablets of the law “written with the Finger of God”. In the 31st season, new people and new things move in.

3. In Numbers 31, God commanded Moses to fight against the Midianites and overthrow them. They did and also killed Balaam there.

4. In Deuteronomy 31, Joshua became the new leader of Israel. Moses gave his farewell speech to Israel in that chapter.

5. In First Samuel 31, Saul and his three sons died in the battle field. That made way for David to become the new king of Israel.

6. In Second Chronicles 31, Hezekiah carried out sweeping religious reforms that overthrew idol worship in Judah. It was a positive new season in the history of Judah.

7. In Job 31, the servant of God gave his last long speech. Job 31 ends with “The words of Job are ended”. In the 31st season, certain things end and give way.

8. In Psalms 31, the psalmist prays for deliverance and against coming to an end. He also prays for the end of the wicked.

9. Proverbs, the book of divine wisdom, ends at Chapter 31; and the 31st chapter ends at verse 31. In Proverbs 31, the male teacher stopped and the female teacher took over.

10. Isaiah 31 is a pronouncement of judgment against those who rebel against God.

11. Jeremiah 31 is the promise of return, comfort and the end of sorrow and weeping in Judah. It is in this chapter also (Jeremiah 31:31-34) that God spoke of ending the Old Covenant and introducing the New Covenant.

12. In Ezekiel 31, the prophet spoke of the overthrow and humiliation of Egypt.

13. Obadiah is the 31st book of the Bible and reveals that the 31st season is for deliverance and possessing possessions. The word ‘possess’ (or possession) is used 8 times in this 21-verse book. Deliverance is the end of the ‘old chapter’. ‘Possessing possessions’ is the beginning of a new season.

THE WITNESS FROM OUR CALENDAR

The months of the year (in the Gregorian calendar) bears witness that the 31st season is an endpoint. The 7 longest months month of the year end on the 31st day.. Each year ends on the 31st day (of December).

WITNESSES FROM HISTORY

Ancient and modern history also bear witnesTs that the 31st is an endpoint. In 2022, the 9th of Av (a day of mourning and fasting, yearly, for atrocities committed against Jews in history – especially the destruction of the first and second temples) is August 5 – the last day of the 31st week of the year.

In the United States, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ written in 1814 was adopted as the National Anthem in 1931 (March 3).

In Africa, three countries gained independence in the 31st week of 1960: Benin (August 1), Niger (August 3), Burkina Faso (August 5). In Nigeria, the military administration of Yakubu Gowon began in the 31st week of 1966 following the end of Aguiyi-Ironsi-led government. Nine years later, in 1975, the short-lived regime of Murtala Mohammed made a headstart in the 31st week. Twelve of Nigeria’s 36 states began in her 31st year (1991) either by creation or change of name. The same year (1991), Nigeria’s Capital moved effectively from Lagos to Abuja.

The crushing Russia – Ukraine War of 2022 began in the 31st year of the collapse of the Soviet Union.

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE 31ST WEEK OF THE YEAR

1. Pray that this 31st week of the year is a time of deliverance and possessing possessions in the nations. Pray that this a week of moving into freedom and peace for many people.

2. Pray that saviors will arise to from every quarter in the nations and judge ‘the house of Esau’ in the nations and that the Lord may possess His possession on earth. This week, declare Obadiah 1:21 – “. . Saviors shall come to Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the LORD’s”.

3. Pray that this 31st week of the year will be the end of the old narrative of wickedness, oppression and exploitation. Pray it is the beginning of a positive new story in the nations.

4. Pray against destructions and the wasting of lives in the nations this week.

5. This is the 31st year of the Villa in Abuja. Pray for a positive change before December 12.


B. THE 44TH WEEK OF NIGERIA’S YEAR

The 44th book and 44th chapters of the Bible indicate that the 44th week is a season to demonstrate that ultimate power belongs to God. In the 44th book of the Bible, God sent the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to the Church to enable her fulfill her mandate of taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. In this book of Acts also, aggrieved Jewish authorities used every tool at their disposal to fight the Church of Jesus Christ seeking to stop the spread of the gospel. The church submitted to God rather than submitting to the dictates of the human authorities. There were reactions from the authorities (false accusation, physical abuse, imprisonment, and killings) but God always proved Himself greater than the authorities and their schemes. He granted mysterious escapes and deliverances to His persecuted people. God demonstrated that human prisons and security guards are like toys before Him. Through prayer and manifestations of the power of God, the Church remained unstoppable; and even wore out the human authorities. The Lord clothed His Church with power at the beginning of the 44th book of the Bible because the 44th season is for ‘clash of powers’ and ‘show of force’.

As the Early Church was unstoppable in the 44th book of the Bible, that is how God’s peoole in Nigeria should be unstoppable in this 44th week of Nigeria’s year. The 44th week is also a 44th-chapters-of-the-Bible week. In Genesis 44, Benjamin was arrested by the Egyptian authorities for an offense he did not commit. Joseph commanded his servants to hide his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack. As Benjamin and his older brothers journeyed back home, Egyptians went after them, stooped them, searched them, and arrested Benjamin for ‘stealing’ Joseph’s cup. They brought the travelers back to the city. Joseph knew they did no wrong but had his reasons for doing what he did; but his brothers did not know what was going on. He used his power and authority on them. This is a week when those who have done good and those who have done no wrong can be accused, arrested, and called to judgment. This is a week of traps and snares. In this 44th week, the upright may seem to be in big trouble but God will turn things around to favor them.In Psalm 44, God’s people, remembering the ancient works of God, called on God to step into their case with help. This is a week of desperate cry to Heaven for intervention. The enemy is out to stop or frustrate the divine agenda in Nigeria. He must be stopped with prayer-force.In Isaiah 44, God is the Redeemer of Israel – His people whom He formed and chose. In this chapter, God mocked idols and those who worship them; and promised to restore Judah.

The 44th season is a season of power-clashes. It is when the power of God is revealed. God demonstrates He is final authority in the 44th season if He has people crying out to Him. Jeremiah 44 is God’s counsel against unbelievers who heard His Word from Jeremiah but rejected it and went to Egypt. Jeremiah 44:28 says, “and all the remnant of Judah, who have gone to the land of Egypt to dwell there, shall know whose words will stand, Mine or theirs”. God is the Ruler and Lawgiver in the 44th season. In Ezekiel 44, God gave the new rules for the Temple. In this chapter, the Lord is absolute authority. The gate He passed through is to be shut and no one is to pass through it; because the Lord passed through it. The Lord also gave commands concerning the Prince, the Levites, and Priests. They are all subject to God’s commands. This week, receive strength to pray; and expect intervention in your in Nigeria. God will send needed help as He did in the 44th book of the Bible. Mysterious interventions are on the way. Someone is praying for you!

Happy 44th week!!!

PRAYER POINTS

1. Give thanks to God for leading us through the 43rd week of Nigeria’s current year; for the mercies we received; for the deliverances He granted us; for the troubles He spared or saved us from.

2. Pray for the supernatural opening of prisons for those held unjustly by cruel forces – as in the book of Acts. Pray for the release of those held for ransom by human abductors. Remember Leah Sharibu. Remember the students abducted from schools in Kaduna. Pray that the Lord will send His angels and earthquakes against the camp of abductors. Pray also for the safety and preservation of the abducted.

3. Pray for unwavering commitment of those holding on to the realization of Nigeria’s prophet’ic mandate and destiny in various ways. Pray for a fresh empowerment of the Holy Spirit in and among them.

4. Pray that God will knock down the wicked in Nigeria this week – as He knocked down Saul of Tarsus, Herod, Bar-Jesus, and Felix, in the book of Acts. Let the plans and efforts of sorcerer’s and wicked people in Nigeria backfire and come to nothing in this week.

5. Pray that this will be a week of healing, deliverances, and material supplies in families across the country – as in the book of Acts. Let this be a week of supernatural help and intervention in Nigeria.

6. Pray that the word of God and the name of God will be magnified in Nigeria this 44th week. Let those who trust in idols or in their own strength be put to shame this week in Nigeria.

7. Pray that prayers will go up without ceasing in Nigeria this week; and that the remnant will not be distracted from prayer and the ministry of the word. Prayer worked wonders in the 44th book of the Bible and will work for Nigeria this 44th week Pray for missionaries laboring in different fields in Nigeria in this Book of Acts week. We must take the innermost and uttermost parts of Nigeria. Pray also for yourself to experience an awakening from the Holy Spirit this week.

8. In 2022, the 31st week is the beginning of a new Islamic year 1444 (the 44th year of her 15th century). Pray that the Holy Spirit will move in the Islamic world in this new year as in the 44th book of the Bible (Acts).

C. THE PROMISE

Isaiah 44:24-26: “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, And He who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself; [25] Who frustrates the signs of the babblers, And drives diviners mad; Who turns wise men backward, And makes their knowledge foolishness; [26] Who confirms the word of His servant, And performs the counsel of His messengers; Who says to Jerusalem, ‘You shall be inhabited,’ To the cities of Judah, ‘You shall be built,’ And I will raise up her waste places”.

PROCLAMATION FOR THE WEEK

Psalm 44:5: “Through You we will push down our enemies; Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us”.

PRAYING INTO THE 31ST WEEK OF THE YEAR (JULY 30 – AUGUST 5)

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The 31st season is a time to make or declare an end of one thing and the beginning of another thing. It is Heaven’s time of change. So, it is a time for watchmen, gatekeepers, and intercessors to draw the line, shut the door to the old narrative and open the gates to the new. It is time to overthrow evil and block any agenda to make an end of the godly. This is a gate of time for progressive change. So be it in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

BIBLICAL PATTERNS FOR THE 31ST WEEK OF THE YEAR

In Genesis 31, Jacob fled the house of Laban by the word of the Lord and ended his twenty-year sojourn with his uncle. It was the end of one phase of life and the beginning of another phase for Jacob.

At the end of receiving the pattern for the Tabernacle, in Exodus 31, God appointed Bezaleel and Aholiab to undertake the construction of the Tabernacle as revealed to Moses. The Written Word also began in Exodus 31, with the two tablets of the law “written with the Finger of God”. In the 31st season, new people and new things move in. In Numbers 31, God commanded Moses to fight against the Midianites and overthrow them. They did and also killed Balaam there.

In Deuteronomy 31, Joshua became the new leader of Israel. Moses gave his farewell speech to Israel in that chapter.

In First Samuel 31, Saul and his three sons died in the battle field. That made way for David to become the new king of Israel.

In Second Chronicles 31, Hezekiah carried out sweeping religious reforms that overthrew idol worship in Judah. It was a positive new season in the history of Judah.

In Job 31, the servant of God gave his last long speech. Job 31 ends with “The words of Job are ended”. In the 31st season, certain things end and give way.

In Psalms 31, the psalmist prays for deliverance and against coming to an end. He also prays for the end of the wicked.

Proverbs, the book of divine wisdom, ends at Chapter 31; and the 31st chapter ends at verse 31. In Proverbs 31, the male teacher stopped and the female teacher took over.

Isaiah 31 is a pronouncement of judgment against those who rebel against God.

Jeremiah 31 is the promise of return, comfort, and the end of sorrow and weeping in Judah. It is in this chapter also (Jeremiah 31:31-34) that God spoke of ending the Old Covenant and introducing the New Covenant.

In Ezekiel 31, the prophet spoke of the overthrow and humiliation of Egypt.

Obadiah is the 31st book of the Bible and reveals that the 31st season is for deliverance and possessing possessions. The word ‘possess’ (or possession) is used 8 times in this 21-verse book. Deliverance is the end of the ‘old chapter’. ‘Possessing possessions’ is the beginning of a new season.

THE WITNESS OF OUR CALENDAR

The months of the year (in the Gregorian calendar) bear witness that the 31st season is an endpoint. The 7 longest months month of the year end on the 31st day.. Each year ends on the 31st day (of December).

THE WITNESS OF HISTORY

Ancient and modern history also bear witness that the 31st is an endpoint. In 2022, the 9th of Av (a day of mourning and fasting, yearly, for atrocities committed against Jews in history – especially the destruction of the first and second temples) is August 5 – the last day of the 31st week of the year.In the United States, The Spangled Banner was adopted as the National Anthem in 1931 (March 3). In Africa, three countries gained independence on the 31st week of 1960: Benin (August 1), Niger (August 3), Burkina Faso (August 5). In Nigeria, the military administration of Yakubu Gowon began in the 31st week of 1966 and the first week of the short-lived administration of Murtala Mohammed was the 31st week of 1975. Twelve of Nigeria’s 36 states began in her 31st year (1991) either by creation or change of name. The same year (1991), Nigeria’s Capital moved effectively from Lagos to Abuja The Russia – Ukraine War that started February 24, 2022 began in the 31st year of the Collapse of the Soviet Union.

PRAYER POINTS FOR THE 31ST WEEK OF THE YEAR

1. Pray that this 31st week of the year is a time of deliverance and possessing possessions in the nations. Pray that this a week of moving into freedom and independence for many people.

2. Pray that saviors will arise to from every quarter in the nations and judge ‘the house of Esau’ in the nations; that the Lord may possess His possession on earth. This week, declare Obadiah 1:21 – “. . Saviors shall come to Mount Zion To judge the mountains of Esau, And the kingdom shall be the LORD’s”.

3. Pray that this 31st week of the year will be the end of the old narrative of wickedness, oppression and exploitation, and the beginning of a positive new story in the nations.

4. Pray against destructions and the wasting of lives in the nations this week.

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK

Isaiah 31:4-5: “For thus the LORD has spoken to me: “As a lion roars, And a young lion over his prey (When a multitude of shepherds is summoned against him, He will not be afraid of their voice Nor be disturbed by their noise), So the LORD of hosts will come down To fight for Mount Zion and for its hill. [5] Like birds flying about, So will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; Passing over, He will preserve it.”

Happy 31st week of the year.

WATCHING OVER AFRICA AND PRAYING FOR AFRICAN COUNTRIES PER THEIR SEASONS

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INTRODUCTION 

Why do things happen when they do? Why do nations and regions go through certain experiences in the times they occur? The simple answer from the Bible is that things happen in their season – when they had been scheduled or programmed to happen. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven” (NKJV). We cannot separate experiences from seasons. The reason for snow is the winter season. The reason for rain is the rainy season. 

The key to understanding and interpreting what a nation or region is going through is to first understand the significance of the dated and numbered seasons she is going through. There is a time and a season for EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN – whether the purpose is divine or demonic. Things do not just happen. Purposes under heaven (whether sponsored by heaven or hell) follow a spiritual calendar. Although we can always ask what we desire for a nation, and also for the supply of needs in the nation, Zechariah 10:1 teaches us to ask the Lord for rain in the time of the latter rain. This means our prayers must align with time. We need understanding of the timing of purposes to pray accurately for the supply of needs. We must ask for things in their time. 

The Bible teaches that evil agenda and programs prosper because men do not know the timing of evil programs. Ecclesiastes 9:12 says,

“For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, Like birds caught in a snare, So the sons of men are snared in an evil time, When it falls suddenly upon them. Matthew 24:43 says, “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into”. We do not mind pleasant surprises but everyone detests evil surprises. We all have problems with bad things happening in our nation or region when we did not expect them. The good news is that the Bible helps us to know what to pray for concerning a nation by guiding us to understand the significance of the numbered and dated seasons of nations. 

In this article, I want to share something the Lord has been teaching me about watching and praying over the seasons of nations; and I hope it blesses you. The understanding I want to share with you will help all who watch over nations and labor in intercession. I stand in awe each time as I see events in nations falling in line and agreeing with patterns already revealed in the Bible. It strengthens my faith in Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path”. The principles and patterns in the Bible give sufficient light for each season and for each step. The thoughts I want to share here will work for any region or nation. Although I am focusing on Africa in this article, it will also work for Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Antarctica, and Oceania.

There are three critical dated and numbered seasons we need to watch in nations. The first is the current 49-year season of the nation. Is the nation going through her first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh…tenth 49 years? The Bible can help us understand the direction of any 49-year season in any nation. The second critical prophetic season is the current seven-year season of the nation. Is the nation going through her first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or twentieth or fortieth 7 years?  There is an agenda for every seven-year season a nation goes through. The Bible helps us to understand both the agenda of Heaven and the agenda of hell for the seven-year seasons of nations. The third critical prophetic season in any nation is the current year of the nation. Is the nation in her 10th , 30th, 50th or 150, or 200th year? All these would help us to understand what is happening in a nation, what is coming to the nation, and what we need to speak, and program, into the future of the nation or region. 

Jesus taught us to pray that God’s will be done on earth (in our nation and region) as it is in heaven. Since we have never been to heaven physically, to see what is happening there, how are we going to know the will of God “as it is in heaven”? It’s simple: by the revelation of the Word and Spirit of God! The Word of God reveals the will of God for each season and region “as it is in heaven”. Let me illustrate with Nigeria, my country.

  1. PRAY  OVER THE 49-YEAR SEASON OF A NATION

Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960. She completed her first 49 years on October 1, 2009. She is currently going through her second 49 years; which will end October 1, 2058. A nation in her second 49 years is like it is living in Exodus, the second book of the Bible. That nation would be dealing with issues of oppression and freedom. This may be expressed through civil war. As at 2020, there are 40 African countries going through their second 49 years. People in most of those countries are seeking to be liberated from oppressive leadership and systems in their countries. Perhaps, this would help us to understand and appreciate the situation in Africa . Much of Africa (40 countries as of August 2020) is experiencing the second-49-years-book-of-Exodus-season – dealing with issues of oppression and freedom and establishing principles on which the nation must be founded. Coups, revolutions, and war, may occur in this season because of the desperation for change. South Africa, the leader in this group, became independent December 11, 1931; began her second 49 years December 11, 1980, and will complete it December 11, 2029. Apartheid ended in South Africa in her second 49 years. We need to pray down and pray out the ‘Pharaohs’ and evil monopolies in these nations. We need to pray for the deliverance of those nations from tyrannical leaders and from their ethnic and religious supremacists.

Egypt became independent February 22,1922; began her second 49-year journey February 1971, and completed it February 22, 2020. She has begun her journey into the third 49 years of hearing new voices, seeing faces, and embracing new platforms. This is the season to reveal and manifest the hidden and obscure. Egypt has moved into a game-changing 49 year season. The Bible reveals that the story changes in the third point. The third chapter of any book of the Bible is a major turning point. The third 49 years is a book of Leviticus season. It is a season to ensure the hindering waters over Egypt is rolled away; so that the earth of Egypt can connect to the heaven over Egypt. Watchmen and intercessors must labor on this heavenly agenda concerning Egypt.

Liberia gained independence July 26, 1847 and has been in her fourth 49 years since July 1994; and therefore experiencing the fourth book of the Bible, Numbers. You remember that Israel had a hard time in the book of Numbers (with wars, plagues, scarcity, and bad manners); and many Israelites who came out of Egypt in the book of Exodus perished in the book of Numbers. Liberia had her first Civil war 1989 – 1996. This war claimed about 250, 000 lives. Three years after her first civil war, another 52-month civil war broke out 1999 – 2003 and claimed between 150, 000 – 300, 000 lives. In 2014 – 2016, the outbreak of Ebola virus took its leading toll on the nation. The season is not all about pain. Like in the case of Deborah in the fourth chapter of the book of Judges, Liberia produced the first female head of state on the African continent, Ellen Johnson, who led the nation for 12 years (2006-2018). She handed over to the 25th president. Pray for Liberia and her 25th President, George Weah, who is also leading the nation through her 25th seven years. Liberia’s fourth 49 years will end July 2043. Pray that darkness will not overtake Liberia in her fourth 49 years; and that her 25th seven years will not end with lamentations.

With the exception of Ethiopia, the remaining 13 African countries (Namibia, Zimbabwe, Somaliland, Eritrea, Mozambique, Djibouti, Seychelles, Cape Verde, Comoros, South Sudan, Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea-Bissau, and Angola) are in their first 49 years. This is a book of Genesis of unstable experimental leadership. In this season, the nation is just trying her hands on nation-building as well as struggling with her identity. Coups and counter-coups are common in this season. Nations in this group need patience, transparency, and mutual understanding between the groups forming the nation. 

In praying over the 49-year seasons of nations, invoke the will of God from the book and chapters of the Bible that correspond to the number of the 49-year season. Pray Genesis and first chapters of the Bible over nations in their first 49 years. Pray Exodus and second chapters of the Bible over countries going through their second 49 years. Pray Leviticus and the third chapters of the Bible over nations in their third 49 years. Pray the book of Numbers and the fourth chapters of the Bible over nations going through their fourth 49 years.

2. PRAY OVER THE SEVEN-YEAR SEASON OF A NATION

The second way watchmen and intercessors can  pray over nations is to cover the seven-year seasons of nations. Our God is the God of sevens – seven days, seven years, seven spirits, seven trumpets, seven seasons, seven churches, seven bowls, seventy times seven, and so on. Every seven year season of a nation is a unique prophetic week. A 49-year season is simply seven 7-year seasons. Pray for each seven-year season with the book and chapters of the Bible that correspond to the number of the seven year season. The first African country to gain independence, Liberia, is in her 25th seven years (July 26, 2015 – July 26, 2022). She is in a book of Lamentations season. Her presidency is also in a book of Lamentations season. George Weah is the 25th President of Liberia. Stand on the 25th book and chapters of the Bible and pray that Liberia’s 25th seven years would not be a season of lamentations and regrets. Invoke spiritual sensitivity and divine wisdom over Liberia and any nation going through the 25th seven years. Egypt is now in her 15th seven years; and the 15th book and chapters of the Bible are applicable. The 17 countries that gained independence in 1960 (including Nigeria) are in their ninth seven years. That is a book of First Samuel season. It is also a 9th chapters of the Bible season. It is a season of critical constitutional and leadership changes. Without divine intervention, killings are common in this season. The ninth seven years of a nation is a season to reverse the ‘irreversible’ and recover what’s lost in the nation. Apartheid ended in South Africa in the ninth seven years of her nationhood. The ninth book and chapters of the Bible bear witness to this. As spiritual watchmen over Africa, we should invoke the ninth book and chapters of the Bible over African countries going through their ninth seven years. The youngest African nation, South Sudan, is in her second seven years. She gained independence from Sudan in 2011. She is going through a seven-year book-of-Exodus season. Pray over South Sudan’s second seven year season using the second book and second chapters of the Bible

3. PRAY OVER THE CURRENT YEAR OF A NATION

The first day of a nation is her day of her independence. God told Israel that the Passover would be the beginning of her months. So, new year of a nation begins the day following her independence anniversary. Nigeria marks her independence each year on October 1. Her 60th anniversary comes up October 1, 2020. The day after is the beginning of her 61st year.  Watchmen over Nigeria would be declaring and invoking the the 61st book and chapters of the nation. Praying ahead of, and over, the current year is a great way to take spiritual control of every 12 months of that country. Every year comes with its own ups and downs; good and bad. Watchmen must not wait for things to happen before they wake up. We ought to look into the word of God and invoke what the Holy Spirit reveals through patterns in the Word; concerning the current or new year of a nation – even before the year arrives. 

How can I pray for, or over, the current year of a country that is in her 200th year? Which book and chapters of the Bible will I use? To answer the questions, I will use Liberia as example. Liberia gained independence July 26, 1847. She marked her 173rd independence anniversary July 26, 2020. She is now in her 174th year ending July 26, 2021. The question to ask is: where can we locate Liberia’s 174th year in her current 25th seven-year season? Year 174 is the sixth year in Liberia’s 25th seven years. That means Liberia would be having a sixth season experience in her 174th year. The sixth book and chapters of the Bible; and even the sixth day of creation narrative, are key to understanding, and praying for, a nation in her 174th year. They reveal that the sixth is a season of conflict and economic hardship. That is the reason there is a reference to food in many sixth chapters of the Bible (Genesis 6 and even the sixth day of creation, Joshua 6, Judges 6, Second Kings 6,. Matthew 6, Mark 6, Luke 6, John 6, Acts 6, First Timothy 6, Revelation 6). So, if the current year of a country does not have a book or chapter of the Bible matching it directly, locate the year within the current seven-year season and apply the corresponding creation narrative, with corresponding book and chapters of the Bible, to the year. Find out if the year is the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh year in the current seven-year season of the nation; and apply the corresponding book of the Bible and chapters of the Bible.

PRAYING FOR ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia is the one African country without a colonial history. She was not colonized by the British, the Portuguese, or the French. Italy annexed Ethiopia in 1936; the emperor went to exile in Britain; but returned to power in 1941 after sacking the Italians with the help of South African, British, and Ethiopian forces. Ethiopian monarchy lasted 704 years from 1270 to 1974 when the 225th and last emperor Haile Selessa was dethroned by pro-communist revolutionaries in 1974 – his 44th year. The communist government, backed by the Soviet Union, ended in 1991. The Ethiopia we know in the 21st century began in 1991; under the People’s Democratic Revolutionary Front. You can reckon the age of a country from the time of a major constitutional change. Imperialist Ethiopia ended in 1974. Communist Ethiopia ended May 28, 1991. Ethiopia celebrates her national day on May 28 to commemorate the Derg Downfall. May 28, 2020 was the 29th anniversary of the liberated Ethiopia. The new Ethiopia is currently in her 30th year (the second year in her fifth seven years). Pray the 30th book and chapters of the Bible over her current year. Pray the fifth book and fifth chapters of the Bible over her current seven year season.

AFRICA AND ‘THE 60TH YEAR’

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1960 was a special year in Africa and for Africans. 

In the 60th year of the 20th century, Africa experienced the 60th chapter of the book of Isaiah:

“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. [2] For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. [3] The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. [4] “Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side. [5] Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you” (Isaiah 60:1-5 NKJV)

Seventeen of the present 56 countries in Africa became independent in 1960. The 17 countries are Cameroon (January 1); Senegal (April 4); Togo (April 27); Madagascar (June 26); Congo Democratic Republic (June 30): Republic of the Congo (June 30), Somalia (July 1); Benin (August 1); Niger (August 3):  Burkina Faso (August 5): Ivory Coast (August 7): Chad (August 11): Central African Republic (August 13): Gabon (August 17): Mali (September 22): Nigeria (October 1): and Mauritania (November 28): 

Before 1960, Africa had only 9 independent countries:

Ethiopia (not colonized); Liberia (1847); Egypt (1922(; South Africa (1931); Sudan (1956); Tunisia (1956); Morocco (1956); Ghana (1957); and Guinea (1958). By the end of 1960, Africa had 26 independent countries. August 1960 was Africa’s best month of the year. Seven countries became independent in the 8th month of 1960: Benin, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Chad, Central African Republic, and Gabon.

It seemed that Africa’s unspoken prayer in that year was Psalm 60: 

Psalm 60:1-12  says, “O God, You have cast us off; You have broken us down; You have been displeased; Oh, restore us again! [2] You have made the earth tremble; You have broken it; Heal its breaches, for it is shaking. [3] You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us drink the wine of confusion. [4] You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah [5] That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and hear me…. [11] Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless. [12] Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies” (NKJV).

Year 2020 marks the 60th independence anniversary of the 17 African countries that attained nationhood in 1960. What does the 60th year look like for them? What is the experience of Africa in the 60th anniversary of her year of joy? Did Isaiah 60 play out again? I think it did. The year 2020 is a year Africa must do well to remember for three reasons.

1. It marked the 400th year of the arrival of African slaves in Jamestown. As it was for Israel in the land of Egypt, this 400th year is the ‘year of return’ for Africans scattered all over the world.

 2. Deep darkness covered the earth and its people through the COVID-19 pandemic; and it was expected to hit Africa very hard; but the glory of the Lord rose over Africa for a covering as it did in 1960. As at August 6, 2020, there were 1,011,872 confirmed cases, 693,620 recoveries, 22,114 deaths, and 296,138 active cases     – in the entire continent. This is far below the cases in North America, South America, Europe, or Asia.

3. The world gave attention to Africa following the death of George Floyd. Nations revisited the issues of savery and racism. The West recalled her sins against Africa. Repentance and recompense followed.

Isaiah 60:14-16 says, “Also the sons of those who afflicted you Shall come bowing to you, And all those who despised you shall fall prostrate at the soles of your feet; And they shall call you The City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. [15] “Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, So that no one went through you, I will make you an eternal excellence, A joy of many generations. [16] You shall drink the milk of the Gentiles, And milk the breast of kings; You shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob” (NKJV).

2020 is Africa’s year of awakening! Let us keep praying and declaring Psalms 60 and Isaiah 60 over Africa till the end of 2020.

AFRICA AND 2021

As Africa marks the 60th anniversary of her happiest year of liberation from foreign powers, it is important to look up and ahead. What will 2021 be like? The year 2021 is the end of the third seven years of the 21st century. I believe that God’s agenda for this had been to RESET platforms in and among nations, and in the church. The Lord is resetting systems on the seven mountains of society. He is dismantling dysfunctional veils and coverings to expose the hidden in and among continents, nations, institutions, organizations, businesses, communities, families, and even individuals. He is bringing down and taking off old platforms to replace them with emerging new ones. As on the third day of creation, the Lord is gathering the ‘hindering waters’ together in one place. He is calling the dry ground of this world to appear and bring forth vegetation (life and sustenance). The Lord is calling Africa (the hidden dry ground beneath the sea of the Western and Eastern world) to appear and take her place among the continents of the world. The Lord has ordained the emergence of Africa for this season but we need to pray and act. Psalm 61 would help us to pray for Africa as we also step forward in our seasons 

Psalm 61:1-8 says, “Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. [2] From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. [3] For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. [4] I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah [5] For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. [6] You will prolong the king’s life, His years as many generations. [7] He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him! [8] So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows.

Psalm 61 is a pattern for praying Africa’s 61st year – from 1960. The Psalm reveals three things about the coming year in Africa: 

1. It is a season of lifting up voices and crying out to God against overwhelming burdens.

“Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. [2] From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. [3] For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. 

2. It is a season of vows

[4] I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah [5] For You, O God, have heard my vows… [8] So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows.

3. It is a season of celebrating answers to prayers and declaring God’s Word.

[5] For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. [6] You will prolong the king’s life, His years as many generations. [7] He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him! 

PRAYING INTO THE WEEK OF JULY 23-29 (THE 30TH WEEK OF THE YEAR AND THE 43RD WEEK OF NIGERIA’S YEAR)

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Every week of the year is a gate of time for different heavenly purposes. The kingdom of darkness also seeks access to this gate of time with her evil agenda. Watchmen and Gate-keepers should therefore watch over gates of time diligently. The 30th week of the year is the second week in the 5th seven weeks of the year. It is also the second week of ‘Bein ha-Metzarim’ (‘The Three Weeks’ of the ‘Straits of Tammuz’ in 2022 – ” a period of mourning commemorating the destruction of first and second Jewish temples”.

What does the Bible reveal concerning the 30th?

  1. The 30th is a season of making or finding a way where there is no way through wisdom. Proverbs 30:18-19, 24-28 shows that wisdom will find a way where there is no way. It says, “There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Yes, four which I do not understand: [19] The way of an eagle in the air, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the midst of the sea, And the way of a man with a virgin. [24] There are four things which are little on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise: [25] The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer; [26] The rock badgers are a feeble folk, Yet they make their homes in the crags; [27] The locusts have no king, Yet they all advance in ranks; [28] The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, And it is in kings’ palaces”.
  2. The 30th is a season of making or finding a way where there is no way through desperate search for answers. It is a time to contend for desires. In Genesis 30, there was crisis in Jacob’s family. Rachael wanted a child desperately. She gave her maid, Bilhah, to her husband and she gave birth to Dan and Naphtali. Leah also gave her maid, Zilpah, to Jacob; and she gave birth to Gad and Asher. Leah eventually gave birth to her last two sons – Issachar and Zebulun. She also gave birth to her only daughter, Dinah. At last, Rachael gave birth to Joseph. Jacob had seven sons and one daughter in this chapter. Jacob also made a deal with Laban that made him wealthy; after he had thought of leaving his father in-law with his family. In Genesis 30, Jacob’s family went from desperation to celebration.
  3. The 30th week is a season of battling barriers with God’s power; not a season of striving with men in fleshly pride. The 30th season is a time of struggles and battles to find a way where there is no way. It is a time of finding answers by engaging the wisdom and power of God. The enemy wants the 30th week to be a week of dysfunctional contentions and disasters. God wants it to be a week of overcoming barriers. 

In Genesis 30, God opened the womb of Rachel and she gave birth to Joseph. The contentions did not open her womb but seeking God did. Jacob also found a way to prosper under Laban without contention. Thanks to dialogue. In First Samuel 30, David’s men contended with him over the raid of their Ziklagl camp and the abduction of their families. David sought God and found a way to recover all the enemy took from them. India sought independence from Britain in 1930 through non-violent civil disobedience. They averted disasters. Negotiations began. It is not a season to seek independence from God. It is a time to agree with God. The 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge signed, into law, the Native American Citizenship Act – thus granting citizenship rights to native Americans born within the United States territory. In the opening months of the 30th seven years of United States, under President Jimmy Carter administration, Egypt and Israel signed the Camp David Accord in 1978. The 1983 Beirut bombing that cost America the lives of 241 officers was reaction to America’s role in Lebanese Civil War. The 1983 invasion of Grenada cost America so much too. The misguided Gideon Orka coup to overthrow Ibrahim Babangida government on April 22 was a disaster. It happened in the 30th year of Nigeria. The coup plotters were executed July 27, 1990; the 30th week of the year that was also Nigeria’s 30th year.

The 30th season does not support contentions and revolutions. It is a season of accords and treaties. It is a season to make peace with God. In the fifth chapter of the 30th book of the Bible, Prophet Amos said, “Seek the LORD and live, Lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph, And devour it, With no one to quench it in Bethel” (Amos 5:6)

  1. The 30th week is a season of going from pain to joy. Psalms 30 reveals that the 30th season is a turnaround season when morning takes the place of night, when joy takes the place of weeping, when dancing takes the place of mourning, and gladness takes the place of sackcloth. In First Samuel 30, Amalekites raided David’s camp at Ziklag and abducted the families of David and his men. They wept until they had no more strength to weep. David sought God and received grace to recover all. He went from pain to joy.
  2. The 30th season is a season of recovery from losses. Second Chronicles 30 is about Hezekiah’s landmark celebration of the Passover. There had been nothing like that sinckzcmqQQAe the days of Solomon. The 30th season is a season of recovery and restoration. Jeremiah 30 is the promise of the restoration of Judah. Jeremiah 30:18-22 says, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will bring back the captivity of Jacob’s tents, And have mercy on his dwelling places; The city shall be built upon its own mound, And the palace shall remain according to its own plan. [19] Then out of them shall proceed thanksgiving And the voice of those who make merry; I will multiply them, and they shall not diminish; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. [20] Their children also shall be as before, And their congregation shall be established before Me; And I will punish all who oppress them. [21] Their nobles shall be from among them, And their governor shall come from their midst; Then I will cause him to draw near, And he shall approach Me; For who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?’ says the LORD. [22] ‘You shall be My people, And I will be your God.’” Jeremiah 30 shows that the 30th season is a season of restoration.
  3. The 30th season is a time of judgment. The book of Amos is the 30th book of the Bible; and in that book, the prophet declares the judgment of God against nations for their transgressions. Deuteronomy 30 is about curses following rebellion against God and blessings following repentance and obedience. It about choosing between death and life or blessing and cursing. The 30th week is for making decision to stay up or down; to go up or come down. Isaiah 30 is the hopelessness of rebellion against God; as in Israel trusting in Egypt against the counsel of God. It is also about the graciousness of God promising restoration to Zion, and about the judgment of Assyria. In the 30th season, the pain of those who trust in God is turned to joy. Ezekiel 30 is the word of the Lord against Egypt and Ethiopia in the days of the captivity.

This week may begin with frustration and discomfort, but the Lord will make, and show, a way where there is no way; and the week will end with joy. This week, stay glued to God. Turn away from things that are offensive to Him. Cry out to Him for a way where there is no way. Then, follow His leading. Follow peace with all men.

PRAYER POINTS

  1. Give thanks to God for taking us through the 29th week of the year.
  2. Pray against envy and strife in nations, organizations, the churches, and families – as was seen in Jacob’s family in Genesis 30 or with David and his men in First Samuel 30.
  3. Pray that this week is marked by holy desperation that will yield positive results in the church and in the nations. Let this be a week of breakthroughs; a week of finding a way where there is no way – as it happened for Rachel in the birth of Joseph; and as Jacob found the way and deal to wealth in Genesis 30.
  4. Pray that our world will experience mercy rather judgments in this week; and that we shall not be visited with the woes of the book of Amos (the 30th book of the Bible). Pray for an outpour of the spirit of repentance in nations.
  5. Pray that our families, homes, businesses and churches are shielded from abductions and fire disasters in this 30th week. Pray against the kind of mishap that came against David and his men in First Samuel 30. Pray that this is not a week of tears of sorrow in families, churches, businesses and nations.
  6. Pray that this is a week of recovery from losses as David and His men recovered all in First Samuel 30. Let this week be that morning when weeping ceases and joy begins as in Psalm 30.
  7. Pray that this will be a week of revival in the lives of individuals, families, churches, businesses and nations as Hezekiah led Judah to a revival of the Passover in Second Chronicles 30.
  8. This 30th week, pray for the release of the wisdom and force that will make a way where there is none (as in Proverbs 30) and move us from desperation to celebration. Let this be a week when joy overtakes weeping; and mourning turns into dancing.

FURTHER PRAYERS

“”O Lord, keep us, this week, from blaming the wrong people for our problems as Rachel blamed Leah and Jacob. Deliver us from looking for help and answers in the wrong places as Rachel sought the answer to her barrenness in her maid. Keep us from celebrating half-measures as full answers; and from seeing fruits of compromise as fulfillment of the promise. May we never see Dan and Naphthali that came from Bilhah as the ALL, or the Joseph, that should come from Rachel. Deliver us, this week, from the kind of strife and unnecessary contention that existed between Rachel and Leah in Genesis 30. Guide us to pursue cooperation instead of competition. Give us wisdom and patience for growth and triumph as you gave to Jacob to multiply his livestock..

SCRIPTURES FOR THE WEEK

Isaiah 43:1-2: “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. [2] When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you”.

Jeremiah 30:18-22: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will bring back the captivity of Jacob’s tents, And have mercy on his dwelling places; The city shall be built upon its own mound, And the palace shall remain according to its own plan. [19] Then out of them shall proceed thanksgiving And the voice of those who make merry; I will multiply them, and they shall not diminish; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. [20] Their children also shall be as before, And their congregation shall be established before Me; And I will punish all who oppress them. [21] Their nobles shall be from among them, And their governor shall come from their midst; Then I will cause him to draw near, And he shall approach Me; For who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?’ says the LORD. [22] ‘You shall be My people, And I will be your God.’”

THE 43RD WEEK IN NIGERIA’S YEAR

This 43rd week is the beginning of the seventh seven weeks of the current year. So, we are not just entering the 43rd week; we are also entering the 7th week of weeks in Nigeria’s current year.

What does the Bible show concerning a 7th season? The creation narrative of the seventh day in Genesis 2 reveals that the seventh season is a blessed season of rest from struggles. However, the seventh book and 7th chapters of the Bible indicate that an unmanned seventh season tends to be a season of disasters and unrest. The world of Noah’s day was destroyed by flood in Genesis 7. Israel had no peace in the seventh book of the Bible, i.e. Judges, unless when a Judge led to them defeat their enemies. The first plague against Egypt began Exodus 7. Israel lost a battle in Joshua 7 because of Achan, whose family all perished there with him. A widow was going to bury her only son in Luke 7. Stephen was stoned to death in Acts 7. Thee was tribulation in Revelation 7. Within the first 30 years of our independence, *the seventh seven weeks periods of Nigeria were remarkable for abrupt leadership changes.

This week is associated with military coups in Nigeria.

  1. July 29, 1966: the July counter-coup in which northern military officers seized power from Aguiyi Ironsi in revenge for the January 1966 coup.
  2. July 30, 1975: Yakubu Gowon administration was overthrown by Murtala Mohammed

July 27, 1990: Gideon Orka and company were executed by firing squad for attempted coup.

So, the seventh 7 weeks cycle is not a season to take lightly. Intervention and results come in this season. Remember Jericho walls collapsed when encircled 7 days and 7 times on the 7th day; Naaman after 7 dips in the Jordan, the four lepers had breakthrough in Second Kings 7, Mordecai in Esther 7, and Jesus’ healings on the Sabbath.

Continuing our focus on the 43rd week, what light do we have from the Bible concerning this week-season?

  1. The 43rd week is about the materialization of the spiritual into physical reality. In the 43rd book of the Bible ie John, God became man (the Word became flesh) and lived among men. Jesus became the Tabernacle of God in the midst of men. This is a week of materialization of the invisible and intangible .
  2. The 43rd week is about seeing and believing. In the 43rd book of the Bible, Jesus said, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe”. When Thomas heard that Jesus had risen from the dead he said, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” He saw and believed. In John 10, Jesus said, “If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe me”. This week is for doubters who want to see before they believe to see.
  3. The 43rd week is for intervention in families, homes, and marriages. The 43rd week is a family-week. The first miracle in the 43rd book of the Bible happened at a wedding ceremony; and various healing miracles touched families (the Nobleman’s son, the helpless man at the Pool of Bethesda, Lazarus and his sisters, the blind man and his parents). In the 43rd book, Jesus was also preoccupied with the Father and His status as the Son. The Son could not do a thing without the Father and the Father also handed over all things to the Son. This is a week to work together as family. You see the same thing in the first 43rd chapter of the Bible. In Genesis 43 Jacob gave his sons the backing they needed to go to Egypt and buy food. He sent the son of his right hand, Benjamin, to go with them, by which they found favor in Egypt. In same chapter, Jacob’s 12 sons sat and ate together in the house of their brother. They had not experienced such togetherness in many years. Genesis 43 is about ‘father’, ‘mother’, ‘brother’, ‘house’, and ‘home’. It’s about family. May the Lord help families in Nigeria to rejoice and not sorrow this week.
  4. The 43rd season is about making claims and proving your claims. The 43rd week is a week of verification, validation and vindication; not a week of words and stories. The 43rd book of the Bible, John, has no record of the story of the birth of Jesus or of the voice speaking from heaven that He is the son of God. Jesus performed miraculous signs that proved He is the Son of God so that men can believe Him. He said, “If I do not do the works…don’t believe”. Jesus proved His Sonship by the works He did. The 43rd book is about telling who you are by what you do. This is a week to declare your identity by your works. It is a week of confirming words – God’s word, your words, and the words of others.
  5. The 43rd season is a season of signs and wonders. There are 14 signs and proofs in the 43rd book of the Bible. Even what might be termed the ultimate miracle of Jesus, the resurrection of a man dead and buried for 4 days, is recorded in only the 43rd book of the Bible. Jesus did them to demonstrate that He is the Son of God. We live in a country where people on one side are disputing that Jesus is the Son of God. It is a season to shut the mouths of doubters. It is a season to shift people from doubting to believing. We shall win the Nathaniels and Samaritans of Nigeria this week.

Week 43 is a 43rd chapters of the Bible week. In Genesis 43, Joseph’s brothers took their kid brother, Benjamin, to Egypt to confirm to Joseph that they were not spies but sons of one man. Psalm 43 opens with “Vindicate me, O God, And plead my cause against an ungodly nation; To be vindicated is to proven right. In Isaiah 43, God proves He is Supreme and Superior. He said His people are His witnesses. God said, “You are my witnesses that I am God”. Witnesses confirm and validate claims. In Jeremiah 43, those who heard the word from Jeremiah did not believe he heard God. Unbelief is a great sin in the 43rd season. Losers n the 43rd season are ‘the unbelievers’. Ezekiel 43 is the Prophet’s vision of the temple, the dwelling place of God. The 43rd season is the season of the temple. It is the season of the manifestation of the temple of God. In the 43rd book of the Bible, Jesus is the temple of God. The Lord will draw attention to His house in Nigeria and His children who are living temples.

PRAYER-POINTS

  1. Give thanks to God for leading us through the 42nd week; for peace, protection, and for interventions.
  2. Pray that in this 43rd week of Nigeria’s year, there will be materialization of spiritual realities in Nigeria, just as the word became flesh in the 43rd book of the Bible. Let this be a week of seeing and touching longstanding prophecies and promises we have been hearing about in Nigeria.
  3. Pray that God will visit marriages, homes, and families in Nigeria including yours, as He reunited a long-divided family in Genesis 43 and as He impacted various families in the 43rd book of the Bible.
  4. Pray that hopeless cases in families and in Nigeria be reversed, like the reversal of the burial of the only son of the widow of Nain and resurrection of Lazarus after 4 days in the grave. This is a week of love to families in this country.
  5. Pray that this will be a week of convincing proofs to those who have lost faith concerning Nigeria’s destiny; to those who do not know God or His Son, Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to grant signs of His presence in Nigeria because this is a week of signs in our country.
  6. Pray for the vindication of the just and oppressed, the persecuted, the marginalized, and the voiceless in Nigeria (Psalm 43:1-2).
  7. Pray that the Light will shine forth and triumph over darkness in Nigeria this week. Jesus is revealed as the Light of the World in the 43rd book of the Bible and He is shining through believers in Nigeria. Pray that agents of darkness in Nigeria will suffer great defeat this week with light sweeping away darkness as Jesus Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, arises over Nigeria with healing in His wings.
  8. Pray that faith will be revived in Nigeria this week. Those who sought to hear the word of God in Jeremiah 43 did not believe what the prophet told them. The disciples of Jesus doubted His resurrection at first. Pray that believers in Nigeria will not become un-believing this week. The 43rd book of the Bible is about BELIEVING; and God is looking out for BELIEVERS in this 43rd week.
  9. Pray that this will be a week of receiving positive new things that wipe old memories of negative experiences in Nigeria. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. [19] Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert”.

Happy 30th week of the year! Happy 43rd week of Nigeria’s year.

PRAYING INTO THE 30TH WEEK OF THE YEAR (JULY 23-29)

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Every week of the year is a gate of time for different heavenly purposes. The kingdom of darkness also seeks access to this gate of time with her evil agenda. Watchmen and Gate-keepers should therefore watch over gates of time diligently. The 30th week of the year is the second week in the 5th seven weeks of the year. It is also the second week of ‘Bein ha-Metzarim’ (‘The Three Weeks’ of the ‘Straits of Tammuz’ in 2022 – ” a period of mourning commemorating the destruction of first and second Jewish temples”.

What does the Bible reveal concerning the 30th?

1. The 30th is a season of making or finding a way where there is no way through wisdom. Proverbs 30:18-19, 24-28 shows that wisdom will find a way where there is no way. It says, “There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Yes, four which I do not understand: [19] The way of an eagle in the air, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the midst of the sea, And the way of a man with a virgin. [24] There are four things which are little on the earth, But they are exceedingly wise: [25] The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their food in the summer; [26] The rock badgers are a feeble folk, Yet they make their homes in the crags; [27] The locusts have no king, Yet they all advance in ranks; [28] The spider skillfully grasps with its hands, And it is in kings’ palaces”.

2. The 30th is a season of making or finding a way where there is no way through desperate search for answers. It is a time to contend for desires. In Genesis 30, there was crisis in Jacob’s family. Rachael wanted a child desperately. She gave her maid, Bilhah, to her husband and she gave birth to Dan and Naphtali. Leah also gave her maid, Zilpah, to Jacob; and she gave birth to Gad and Asher. Leah eventually gave birth to her last two sons – Issachar and Zebulun. She also gave birth to her only daughter, Dinah. At last, Rachael gave birth to Joseph. Jacob had seven sons and one daughter in this chapter. Jacob also made a deal with Laban that made him wealthy; after he had thought of leaving his father in-law with his family. In Genesis 30, Jacob’s family went from desperation to celebration.

3. The 30th week is a season of battling barriers with God’s power; not a season of striving with men in fleshly pride. The 30th season is a time of struggles and battles to find a way where there is no way. It is a time of finding answers by engaging the wisdom and power of God. The enemy wants the 30th week to be a week of dysfunctional contentions and disasters. God wants it to be a week of overcoming barriers. 

In Genesis 30, God opened the womb of Rachel and she gave birth to Joseph. The contentions did not open her womb but seeking God did. Jacob also found a way to prosper under Laban without contention. Thanks to dialogue. In First Samuel 30, David’s men contended with him over the raid of their Ziklagl camp and the abduction of their families. David sought God and found a way to recover all the enemy took from them. India sought independence from Britain in 1930 through non-violent civil disobedience. They averted disasters. Negotiations began. It is not a season to seek independence from God. It is a time to agree with God. The 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge signed, into law, the Native American Citizenship Act – thus granting citizenship rights to native Americans born within the United States territory. In the opening months of the 30th seven years of United States, under President Jimmy Carter administration, Egypt and Israel signed the Camp David Accord in 1978. The 1983 Beirut bombing that cost America the lives of 241 officers was reaction to America’s role in Lebanese Civil War. The 1983 invasion of Grenada cost America so much too. The misguided Gideon Orka coup to overthrow Ibrahim Babangida government on April 22 was a disaster. It happened in the 30th year of Nigeria. The coup plotters were executed July 27, 1990; the 30th week of the year that was also Nigeria’s 30th year.

The 30th season does not support contentions and revolutions. It is a season of accords and treaties. It is a season to make peace with God. In the fifth chapter of the 30th book of the Bible, Prophet Amos said, “Seek the LORD and live, Lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph, And devour it, With no one to quench it in Bethel” (Amos 5:6)

4. The 30th week is a season of going from pain to joy. Psalms 30 reveals that the 30th season is a turnaround season when morning takes the place of night, when joy takes the place of weeping, when dancing takes the place of mourning, and gladness takes the place of sackcloth. In First Samuel 30, Amalekites raided David’s camp at Ziklag and abducted the families of David and his men. They wept until they had no more strength to weep. David sought God and received grace to recover all. He went from pain to joy.

5. The 30th season is a season of recovery from losses. Second Chronicles 30 is about Hezekiah’s landmark celebration of the Passover. There had been nothing like that sinckzcmqQQAe the days of Solomon. The 30th season is a season of recovery and restoration. Jeremiah 30 is the promise of the restoration of Judah. Jeremiah 30:18-22 says, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will bring back the captivity of Jacob’s tents, And have mercy on his dwelling places; The city shall be built upon its own mound, And the palace shall remain according to its own plan. [19] Then out of them shall proceed thanksgiving And the voice of those who make merry; I will multiply them, and they shall not diminish; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. [20] Their children also shall be as before, And their congregation shall be established before Me; And I will punish all who oppress them. [21] Their nobles shall be from among them, And their governor shall come from their midst; Then I will cause him to draw near, And he shall approach Me; For who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?’ says the LORD. [22] ‘You shall be My people, And I will be your God.’” Jeremiah 30 shows that the 30th season is a season of restoration. 

6. The 30th season is a time of judgment. The book of Amos is the 30th book of the Bible; and in that book, the prophet declares the judgment of God against nations for their transgressions. Deuteronomy 30 is about curses following rebellion against God and blessings following repentance and obedience. It about choosing between death and life or blessing and cursing. The 30th week is for making decision to stay up or down; to go up or come down. Isaiah 30 is the hopelessness of rebellion against God; as in Israel trusting in Egypt against the counsel of God. It is also about the graciousness of God promising restoration to Zion, and about the judgment of Assyria. In the 30th season, the pain of those who trust in God is turned to joy. Ezekiel 30 is the word of the Lord against Egypt and Ethiopia in the days of the captivity.

This week may begin with frustration and discomfort, but the Lord will make, and show, a way where there is no way; and the week will end with joy. This week, stay glued to God. Turn away from things that are offensive to Him. Cry out to Him for a way where there is no way. Then, follow His leading. Follow peace with all men.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Give thanks to God for taking us through the 29th week of the year.

2. Pray against envy and strife in nations, organizations, the churches, and families – as was seen in Jacob’s family in Genesis 30 or with David and his men in First Samuel 30.

3. Pray that this week is marked by holy desperation that will yield positive results in the church and in the nations. Let this be a week of breakthroughs; a week of finding a way where there is no way – as it happened for Rachel in the birth of Joseph; and as Jacob found the way and deal to wealth in Genesis 30.

4. Pray that our world will experience mercy rather judgments in this week; and that we shall not be visited with the woes of the book of Amos (the 30th book of the Bible). Pray for an outpour of the spirit of repentance in nations.

5. Pray that our families, homes, businesses and churches are shielded from abductions and fire disasters in this 30th week. Pray against the kind of mishap that came against David and his men in First Samuel 30. Pray that this is not a week of tears of sorrow in families, churches, businesses and nations.

6. Pray that this is a week of recovery from losses as David and His men recovered all in First Samuel 30. Let this week be that morning when weeping ceases and joy begins as in Psalm 30.

7. Pray that this will be a week of revival in the lives of individuals, families, churches, businesses and nations as Hezekiah led Judah to a revival of the Passover in Second Chronicles 30.

8. This 30th week, pray for the release of the wisdom and force that will make a way where there is none (as in Proverbs 30) and move us from desperation to celebration. Let this be a week when joy overtakes weeping; and mourning turns into dancing.

MORE PRAYERS

“”O Lord, keep us, this week, from blaming the wrong people for our problems as Rachel blamed Leah and Jacob. Deliver us from looking for help and answers in the wrong places as Rachel sought the answer to her barrenness in her maid. Keep us from celebrating half-measures as full answers; and from seeing fruits of compromise as fulfillment of the promise. May we never see Dan and Naphthali that came from Bilhah as the ALL, or the Joseph, that should come from Rachel. Deliver us, this week, from the kind of strife and unnecessary contention that existed between Rachel and Leah in Genesis 30. Guide us to pursue cooperation instead of competition. Give us wisdom and patience for growth and triumph as you gave to Jacob to multiply his livestock..

SCRIPTURE FOR THE WEEK

Jeremiah 30:18-22: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, I will bring back the captivity of Jacob’s tents, And have mercy on his dwelling places; The city shall be built upon its own mound, And the palace shall remain according to its own plan. [19] Then out of them shall proceed thanksgiving And the voice of those who make merry; I will multiply them, and they shall not diminish; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. [20] Their children also shall be as before, And their congregation shall be established before Me; And I will punish all who oppress them. [21] Their nobles shall be from among them, And their governor shall come from their midst; Then I will cause him to draw near, And he shall approach Me; For who is this who pledged his heart to approach Me?’ says the LORD. [22] ‘You shall be My people, And I will be your God.’”

Happy 30th week of the year!