Foreword
God longs to be involved in our lives and in the lives of the organizations we serve.
JAARS is no exception. Over the years, we have had Intercessors whose primary assignment was that of a prayer focus for the Administrative team. Our first Intercessor, Barb Speck, was joined by Dan and Marilou Weaver, Carol Peterson, Ada Trimble and Laura Lothers. They met on a monthly basis first with the Senior Leadership Team, then with the Vice Presidents, listening to needs and concerns, praying on the spot and continuing to remember these requests throughout the month. Their prayer assignment included on site praying for conferences and individuals. God heard and we saw some amazing answers that included aircraft donated for use overseas, God's wisdom for difficult decisions as well as personal blessings on staff and their families and much more.
Their vision statement says it well: Recognizing our dependence on God and realizing that He delights to hear and answer our prayers, JAARS prayer ministry provides opportunity for a group of assigned intercessors to make a difference in the outcome of JAARS partnerships in Bible translation, locally and worldwide.
The Intercessors have changed the spiritual landscape at JAARS with their prayers. In fact, it is because of intercessory prayers that we as an organization continue to be viable today.
The most powerful resource we all have besides Jesus Himself as the Chief Intercessor, is God's Word. On behalf of the Intercessors, Laura Lothers has compiled Prayers of Promise, Scripture adapted and used by the Intercessors and now available to you. Be blessed!
James S. Akovenko
President, JAARS, Inc.
Acknowledgements
I want to thank Carol Peterson, Barb Speck, and Dan and Marilou Weaver, Intercessors at JAARS, who have prayed these promises with me and taught me so much about prayer. Their lives reflect their prayers.
One thing each of us has learned during our time serving with the JAARS Intercessor Team is the importance of using God's Word in prayer. He upholds the universe by His Word. It is strong enough to sustain our prayers and fill them with the truth of who God is and what He wants to do in our lives. The truth of His promises is our armor and our shield (Psalm 91:4). We can say, along with Joshua, we know with all our heart and soul that not one of God’s good promises has failed (Joshua 23:14).
These are some of the prayers that we have prayed for the leaders here at JAARS. May you also be encouraged to continue praying the promises of God’s word in your work together and in your personal life. These prayers are based on Scripture promises that we have prayed together in private devotions and in group prayer. The references are included so that you can see these promises in context. The prayers which are direct quotes from Scriptures have the translations indicated. Paraphrases based on a single translation have the source indicated.
As you are praying, ask the Holy Spirit to highlight a promise for you. May He guide you to a promise in the Word that is specific for your situation. Remember that Jesus is always interceding for you (Hebrews 7:25).
We are honored by the opportunities you have given us to come alongside you in prayer and see God at work. It has been our privilege to pray for you.
Laura Lothers, 2008
Preface
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.