DAY 165
Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic
A series of daily reflections for people of faith
by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor
Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland
pastorrobert@paxpres.org
Week Twenty-four Wednesday 26 August 2020
Malta
World Prayer Focus
The country of Malta consists of three islands clustered in the central Mediterranean Sea with a population of 515,000. While the Roman Catholic Church is the official state religion, freedom of religion is guaranteed. Malta has the highest church attendance in all of Europe with most attending church every Sunday, the Catholic church heavily influenced by their use of the Jesus film, the Alpha course, and by the charismatic renewal. All Protestant groups together make up less than 10% of the population. Malta was the first nation to become Christian when the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked there on his way to Rome, recorded in Acts 27 and 28. “Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness.” Acts 28:1-2. Paul stayed there for three months, sharing the gospel and leading people to Christ.
Prayer Focus
+ Pray: “Catholic charismatic groups are widespread and have had a significant impact; many wonderful believers have emerged as a result…. Pray for a deeper and wider move of the Holy Spirit through the more than 65 groups. Pray for wisdom for the leaders…”
+ Pray: That the Holy Spirit will continue to use the Alpha Course and the Jesus film in the Catholic church to bring believers closer to Christ in a personal, life-changing way.
+ Pray: “The older, English-speaking mainline denominations have long catered to the needs of the expatriate community. There is much nominalism and little effective outreach…”
+ Pray for the effectiveness of 24/7 Christian radio and an increase in Christian literature.
Jesus’ Prayer Request each Wednesday:
“’The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest,
therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Jesus - Matthew 9:37-38.
For the full country profile and prayer needs for Malta go to operationworld.org.
Reflective question: Will you pray daily for the renewing work of the Holy Spirit in the churches in Malta?
Reflective Scripture: Read Acts 27:1-28:11
Reflective hymn:
“Jesus Saves!” – Priscilla Owens (1829-1907)
Waft it on the rolling tide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!”
Tell to sinners far and wide: Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Sing, ye islands of the sea! Echo back ye ocean caves!
Earth shall keep her jubilee. Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
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