MARCH 2008

Note From Our Executive Director:

Greetings Canada’s Kneeling Army,

Jesus is calling all of us to cast our nets into the depth and fish in the deep water of our faith. 2008 is a strategic year and Almighty God, El Shaddai, is calling us to deepen our faith through greater obedience to the word.

Friends, let us take a brief look at Luke 8:22-25, letting it illuminate the critical truths of deep water obedience. Verse 22 starts by informing us of the sober reality of serving and living – “Now it happened…”   For so many of us, this is the point where anxiety, fear and doubt come crashing in. We ask, “Why me?” and “How long?” Intercessors, we have all been there before. I have been there before. So it is with great love and compassion that I encourage you to go deep and ask, “Why NOT me?” remembering always that there is no one better than Almighty God to show Himself strong on behalf of those who love Him.

The second thing Jesus says in this verse is, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.”  You know what happens next in verse 23. Jesus falls asleep, a storm arises, and the next thing we know is the disciples, seasoned fishermen, are going crazy! You may ask, “Should an ordinary storm cause all this panic?” Well, the answer is “yes” and “no”! If we pay close attention to verse 24, we quickly realize that the two things that are happening to the disciples in deep water also happen to us:        1) They (we) are operating in two confusions.         2) They (we) are believing the wrong voices.

Jesus has already given an order that brings us to this point. He is in the boat; in other words, He will not let anything happen to them. Why? They have an appointment on the other side. Secondly, the deceiver is whispering reports of death; “Master we are perishing.” Friends, what’s really going on here? Well, if we listen to the right voices, we make the right choices. I know it can be fearful when we go into deep uncharted waters, which are the case with new chapters in life, where the waves get high and the current is quick. But know that when we go into deep uncharted waters, Jesus is right there with us to guide us to the place where He has already been. If we are going to build confidence fishing in the deep water of our faith, we must discover the principle and process of confession.

In closing, let me leave you with a quick lesson in Greek. The Greek word for “profession” is the same as the Greek word for “confession” – homologeo.  A profession is what we do for an income and, as believers and more specifically as intercessors, confession is what we do to cause what is in heaven to come onto the earth. Therefore, Kneeling Army, our profession is confession! Jesus Christ is the high priest of our confession. He is the Word of God, and He is the God of the word. In order to learn to trust in His word, we must learn to trust in Him (deep water). To learn to trust Him, we must get to know Him more. We must get to know Him more, that we may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering.  Jesus is calling all of us to cast our nets into the depth and fish in the deep water of our faith.

Intercessors, you will notice that I ended this letter the way I started it. Whether in Greek, English, Latin or French, fishing is what we are called to do in ’08. Therefore, the sooner you and I wade into the depth of this season, understanding our profession and confession, the sooner we will receive increased strength to see in the natural the spiritual transformation of our families, our communities, and our nation, that Almighty God has called us to birth forth. People of God, be encouraged and know that our Saviour loves you and sees you and hears you!

Deep Water Fishing,

Brian Warren

Executive Director, CIP

FROM THE TRENCH

Dear Friends,

I can’t believe how quickly winter is flying by – but I can’t say I’m disappointed! I really do look forward to spring breezes and flowers blooming here in Ontario!

As I have moved back into the place of discipline in this season, God has been impressing on my heart even stronger the importance of intercession on behalf of those he has called me to minister to. But he has also been reminding me that prayer is not just talking to Him, but it is LISTENING to Him and to what His Spirit is saying about each person and situation that He brings to mind. As we move out into our mission field and seek to bring in the harvest, there will be many people that God brings across our path. I don’t know about you, but sometimes the issues that the people around me are dealing with seem so big, and I struggle to know what words of wisdom to offer them or how to give practical steps and solutions to bring them out and help them gain victory. I battle with the fear of failure; that somehow I will offer the wrong words or advice, or will overlook something that I should have said to them that would have helped them. Pastoring and discipling others is a great responsibility, and I don’t want to mess it up or cause someone to stumble or stray! But this is where God is revealing to me that if we talk to HIM about others before we talk to OTHERS about Him, we will have the understanding and therefore the vocabulary to speak to them where they are at, and we will know the right tools to offer them. This is why listening to God in prayer and through His word is so vital. Jesus speaks over and over again throughout the gospels saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” He also instructs us clearly to ask “according to His will” so that He will hear us (1 John 5:14). How can we know His will unless He tells us? And how can we hear Him tell us if we don’t take time to read His word and to wait on His Spirit to speak?

This is also where our faith grows. Fear (ie: the fear of failure) fights against our faith, but as we choose to believe His word that assures us He does speak to us (John 10:27), we begin to hear and see more clearly God’s heart for others, and as he gives us understanding on who they are and insight into what they are dealing with, the challenge doesn’t seem so difficult and we feel prepared when the opportunities arise to minister to them. This is why Paul teaches us to “be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2), and to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). If we are listening to and hearing the voice of God and praying according to what we hear, then when it comes time to speak, we’ll be so well versed and confident in what we’ve heard from Almighty God that there will be no place for fear! And when the fear dissipates, we will discover a great compassion in our hearts towards the lives whom God loves and desires to use us to touch!

Dear friends, in this season in the trench God is challenging us to press in to live an even deeper life of obedience, abiding in Him, and walking in the Spirit so that we can hear His voice. Throughout this month, I want to encourage us to make a conscious choice to stop and listen for Him to speak, believing that He desires to and that He will. Let’s ask Him to help us hear and be sure of His voice and His truth so that we will be ready in season and out of season, and then look for and welcome every opportunity He brings to minister His love and light to others. Let’s cry out for the fear of failure to be broken and for a greater knowledge that our confidence is found in Him and not in our own abilities (Proverbs 3:5-6). He is truly sharpening us as His precision instruments to be used for His glory and the honor of His name!

“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”   (1 Peter 4:11)

Taking Time to Listen,

Karen Schmidsrauter

News Director, CIP

PRAISE REPORTS

 - Praise God for the powerful things that He accomplished through the team from Grenada as they ministered in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut last month. He worked in hearts, one person at a time, and there was a brokenness amongst the people and a strong anointing in the community. Give glory to God for making the presence of His Holy Spirit known, and for stirring His Church in the region to rise up, including the young people. Rejoice and praise the Lord for salvations, for the lives of men, women, children and youth who were ministered to and transformed, and for the prayer time they had for their community. Please pray for continued transformation within this region and for a great fruitfulness to result from this time.

- Thank the Lord for continuing to take care of the important details in preparation for the release of Acts News Network’s film documentary, and for continuing to provide for their ministry in unexpected ways.

- Give thanks to God for the Epicenter Moncton Outreach for youth that took place on February 7 & 8. Praise God for the mighty work He accomplished in the lives of the 540 young people who gathered in St. John and the over 600 who gathered in Moncton.

- Agree with the National House of Prayer (NHOP) in Ottawa as they praise God for the donation of lighting fixtures for their Covenant Room, for some valuable radio coverage they received locally for their ministry in January, and for a successful, safe and fruitful trip to the Ukraine for their team, who gave valuable and foundational teaching to leaders looking to start a National House of Prayer in their own country. Praise God also for some key events that they hosted recently, which included a Military Christian Fellowship Prayer Vigil, an Ambassadors Luncheon, a Pastors Prayer Breakfast and a Quebec City School of Intercession.

PRAYER-DRIVEN EVANGELISM

- Please intercede over the next few months for Christian youth in Moncton, NB who will be trained to reach out to their friends in preparation for the epicenter climax event called “Ignition” taking place in June. Pray that they will have boldness and wisdom to share the gospel with those in their sphere of influence. Agree with organizers that the venue will be filled to capacity at the event, and intercede that lives will be changed and transformed. Pray that the evangelistic message shared will be preached not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinth. 2:4). Cry out to the Lord to release His Spirit of adoption and draw many to receive salvation and commit their lives to Him. Intercede for lasting fruit to result.

- Pray for the Pre-Conference Get Together on March 8 in Ancaster, ON being hosted in preparation for an Equip & Refresh Alpha Conference there in June. Pray for local believers as they gather to hear about plans for the Ancaster Conference, as well as stories of how God is impacting churches, neighbourhoods and cities through the Alpha course. Pray that this get together will inspire interest in the conference and stir the hearts of those whom God may be calling to start Alpha Courses.

- Continue to intercede for the city of Stratford, ON. Pray for open doors with the City Council and opportunities to pray in city hall, for the Stratford House of Prayer as they seek to grow and adapt to serve God's purposes more effectively, for the Lenten Lunches that most city churches participate in, for better outreach/ministry to the poor, hurt, ill, and lonely, and for Youth for Christ and youth ministry in the city. Intercede also that God's people in this community will be salt and light, and that this Easter many will “come alive” in Christ.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Prince Edward Island:

- Intercede for salvation for children throughout PEI. Pray that God will release His Spirit of adoption by whom they can cry out, "Abba, Father" and become His children. Pray that they will make lasting commitments to serve Him, and will be discipled and raised up to become great Christian leaders and carriers and couriers of the gospel, for the glory of God.

Nova Scotia:

- Pray for the “Jesus to the Nations” MissionFest in Halifax taking place from March 28 to 30. Pray that lives will be touched and transformed, and many will be sent out to the harvest fields.

New Brunswick:

- Please pray for preparations for the Renovare Conference coming up in Moncton on April 11 & 12. Pray for the committee that has been working, praying and planning for this event, that their efforts will produce much fruit. Agree with them for 800 registrants from the region, and that this conference will make a long lasting impact on the Church. Pray that the speakers will be renewed, empowered and protected. Intercede for a fresh renewal of enthusiasm and excitement about the event, and that people will be encouraged and led to attend. Cry out for the Holy Spirit to be poured out all across Atlantic Canada, and for an awakening of hunger for Jesus Christ.

Newfoundland & Labrador:

- Intercede for unity within the Body throughout Newfoundland & Labrador. Pray that believers will recognize and love one another as brothers and sisters, and work together. Pray that God will bring each one into the role He has designed them for as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until they all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Pray that they will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Pray that instead, speaking the truth in love, they will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Quebec:

- Please intercede for a genuine hunger for God to be birthed in the hearts of the people of this province. Cry out for victory over false gods, religion, and spiritual pride.

Nunavut:

- Pray for continued resolution to the recent problem in Rankin Inlet where three out of four of the community's diesel electricity generators were shut down and the power was on for only one hour each afternoon. Please pray that the repairs will be lasting, and that the health of the people of this community will be protected.

- Continue to cry out for the community of Cambridge Bay, that the move of God that has been happening there will continue even now after the visiting team is gone. Intercede for ongoing discipleship for those who have made new commitments or re-commitments to the Lord. Pray that those whom the Lord has touched will rise up in the role of disciples with courage and perseverance. Pray also for the work that was done in the hearts of people in Fort McMurray, Hay River and Behchoko, that there will be lasting fruit from these new beginnings. Pray for continued good health amongst each of the team members from Grenada as they have returned home.

Northwest Territories:

- Pray for the family of a deceased member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Hay River. Intercede for comfort for those left behind, and pray that his memory and his service to the country will be honored. Pray that God will use this opportunity to draw many to a saving knowledge of Him.

Yukon Territory:

- Pray that believers in the Yukon will be faithful to God’s word and will produce much fruit in keeping with repentance (Luke 3:8).

Manitoba:

- Please continue to intercede for the Pastors/Intercessors monthly prayer meeting in Winnipeg, taking place this month on March 4. Praise God that this prayer meeting has been going on for a number of years. Pray that the Lord will bring increased fervency to pastors and intercessors alike, that the flame of prayer will continue to burn bright in Manitoba, and that God’s Holy Spirit will ignite more hearts to cry out for souls to be brought into the Kingdom.

- Pray for the Pure Power National Men’s Conference on March 7 – 8 in Winnipeg. Ask the Holy Spirit to draw many men out to this gathering, including those who are caught in addictions, the unsaved, and those who desire to receive power to overcome in their lives. Pray for the speakers, that they will arrive safely in Winnipeg and that they will be strengthened for the task God has called them to for this time. Cry out that all who are involved (organizers, worship teams, intercessors, and participants) will be energized, and that the Lord will be glorified as He comes in power on this gathering of men. Intercede that they will go back to their homes and communities with new courage, wisdom and drive to overcome.

- Agree with believers throughout the province that the Resurrection Life of the Lord Jesus Christ will revitalize and empower the people of Manitoba this Easter (March 28 – 30).

Saskatchewan:

- Lift up the Saskatoon Healing Rooms, which opened in August 2007. Please agree with the leadership and ministry team that the Lord will move even more mightily in a greater number of lives to bring healing, restoration and salvation. Pray also for humility and unity in the Body of Christ in Saskatoon, that they will see Christ's kingdom come in their hearts so that they may be vessels of His glory to shine in a dark world.

Alberta:

- Continue to pray and intercede for Central Eastern Alberta (Hardisty, Amisk, Hughenden, Czar, Wainwright, Provost and the surrounding area), where there was once a great spiritual awakening in the 40's and 50's. Continue to cry out for a re-digging of these wells. Praise God for a new hunger rising up in believers, especially in the 30 – 40 age group. Pray that any hindrances will be exposed and torn down, and that nothing will be able to keep God's Holy Spirit from moving. Praise God that in some of these communities the Church is starting to grow again. Pray that this will continue, and will spread to the other regions where some churches are closing their doors. Pray for a great awakening among these believers and within the Body in these communities. Pray that many will repent of hurt, offense and resentment, and that these strongholds will be broken, causing many prodigals to return to the Father. Cry out with local believers that the Holy Spirit will direct them in how to pray and intercede for their region and prepare them for what Almighty God plans to do. Also, pray against any schemes of the enemy such as strife and division, that they will be exposed and dealt with by the word and power of God.

- Please pray for the Promise Keepers’ Game Day '08 Conference in Edmonton on March 14 – 15. Agree that the vision will be cast to fulfill the purposes of God in Alberta between the generations. Pray especially for fathers to be impacted and transformed through this conference, and pray also for refreshing, refocusing and blessings over all the men who attend, from every generation.

- Pray for the “Generations” Conference being held in Red Deer from April 9 to 12. Agree that the vision of this event will be fulfilled – to raise up the generations to enter into a new era where they receive fresh direction from the Holy Spirit in order to advance the Church into the destiny He designed for it, according to John 17. Pray that the results of this conference will be carried back to the churches where participants are from, and that transformation will come to all of Alberta as they appropriate what God has imparted.

- Intercede for “The CRY Edmonton” on March 15. Stand in agreement with facilitators as they believe God to release His resurrection power and launch a generation of champions who will live to see His original intent for Canada established: that He would have dominion from sea to sea (Ps. 72:8). Pray for a true spirit of humility and surrender among all those who gather for this event, that Almighty God will accept their cries for a revolution of morality and purity to break out in Canada, for life to prevail, for the ending of abortion, drug addiction, perversion and suicide that has been taking out the youth of our nation, for the glory and love of God to be poured out and impact even the high places of influence, for the Church in Canada to rise into all she is called to be, and for a great harvest from coast to coast to coast. Pray that this event will be fruitful and effective in God’s eyes, and bring the utmost honor and glory to Him.

British Columbia:

- Please pray for the “Ignite Our Culture - 2008 Western Conference” on March 28 & 29 in Langley. Agree that those who attend will receive God’s wisdom, insight and perspective in the area of new media and free speech in Canada. Pray for a productive time of discussion that will be facilitated and led by the Holy Spirit and bring about a greater understanding of His heart and will in regards to this issue.

Ontario:

- Continue to lift up Canada In Prayer’s Mosaic services, being held this month on March 2, 16 & 30. Praise God for a mighty outpouring of His Spirit and a greater release of the prophetic at our last gathering! Please continue to cry out for breakthrough and believe for a revival to begin in our hearts and in our midst that will spread throughout the region and across the nation, paving the way for the glory of God to be seen from coast to coast to coast.

- Please continue to agree with Acts News Network in Toronto, for their Prophetic Destiny of Canada documentary. Pray that the film will air on television in the Arctic and the rest of Canada in God's perfect timing. Also ask the Lord to work out His housing arrangement for their new administrator. Continue to ask the Lord for more technically skilled workers, and for continued financial provision and divine protection.

- Pray for the National House of Prayer (NHOP) based in Ottawa. Intercede for all of their staff and leadership, for protection and good health. Stand in agreement with them also as they seek wisdom to know how to pray for the current unsettled government. Pray for continued financial support for the ministry, and agree with them as they aim to significantly reduce their mortgage this year. Pray for the charitable incorporation process they have begun, which could take 6 months, as well as for a speedy approval for their renovations permit so they can continue renovations on their building. Intercede for the Nazarite Program as young leaders who feel called to set aside a season of their lives to prayer and prayer leadership arrive this month for a 3-6 month term. Pray for continued bookings for visiting prayer teams, as well as for a special opportunity on March 10 – 14 where individuals and/or couples who are not able to join their local team will have the chance to come and join a "make-up" team from all across the country. Pray for the “NHOP for Newcomers” day on March 12, where locals from the Ottawa area can come for some teaching, lunch, and a session in Parliament.

- Pray for MissionFest Toronto being held on March 6 – 8. Agree with coordinators that the vision for local, national and international missions will be built up and that many from throughout the region will attend and will hear and answer Almighty God’s call to be His witnesses here and to the ends of the Earth (Acts 1:8). Pray that all details will be put in place and for everything to run smoothly. Pray for all involved, from coordinators and leadership to volunteers, ministry team, speakers and presenters, and every participant. Pray also for the various plenary sessions and seminars, as well as the Pastors & Workplace Leaders Conference on March 7.

- Intercede for a church in Mississauga, that God will fill the leadership with His Spirit and give them bent knees, broken hearts, and wet eyes as they come before the King of Kings in humility and submission. Pray they will walk in the Spirit at all times. Pray for the worship team, choir and musicians, that God will draw gifted men, women, boys and girls with character and anointing to worship and usher in the very presence of God in a spirit of excellence, holiness, faithfulness and unity. Pray that they will be filled with His word, and that they will declare war on the enemy and be led by the Spirit as they lead the congregation into the holy of holies. Pray that they will walk in boldness and confidence, yet humility and obedience to hear and appropriate what they hear the Spirit saying. Intercede for the entire Body as well, that they will continue to persevere in the Spirit until the fullness of God‘s plan is birthed in each life. Continue to cry out for an outpouring and an overflow of God’s Spirit, and for revival to spring forth in Mississauga and spill over into the surrounding towns and cities.

- Please pray for the next Toronto City Hall Pastors and Leaders Prayer meeting on March 12. Pray that those who attend will humble themselves and seek the face of God, and that the Holy Spirit will move powerfully in their midst and guide them in how He desires them to pray. Pray that He will hear their cries and strengthen their faith to believe He is answering.

CANADA:

- Pray that the Church in Canada will be strong, and that God will raise up more prayer warriors and labourers (Matt. 9:37-38) to consistently and fervently intercede for spiritual transformation and the harvest to be brought in across our nation.

- Please pray for the National Prayer Leaders Gathering on March 11 – 12, where a number of prayer leaders from across Canada will come together in Mississauga, ON as an act of unity. Stand in agreement with them as they humbly seek the Lord and wait to hear from Him on how they can focus their prayers to see the success of the many evangelistic efforts that are happening across the country. Agree with coordinators that the existing prayer movements in Canada will be strengthened, and that Almighty God will grant insight into working together to see the lost won to Christ “from sea to sea”.

- Continue to intercede for our Prime Minister of Canada as he makes decisions that will affect the spiritual atmosphere and well-being of our country. Pray that the Lord will give him wisdom, and will guide and direct Him by His Holy Spirit. Give praise to God that “the king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Prov. 21:1)