Azmera EGYPT Haven Retreat 2023 | Prayer Calendar (November 1-7)
Once again - Hello!
Things are a bit of a whirlwind with such a short amount of time between the Greece and Egypt Haven Retreats, and we are so thankful for your prayer partnership and support as things march on. Our Egypt Haven Retreat is this week, and we would be so grateful if you would continue to pray with us for each woman attending, as well as for the women who have come to serve; we are excited to see the ways in which God will move and work this week. Again, there are a lot of women we get to pray for! So please feel free to pray for the names that jump out at you, and pray as the Holy Spirit leads. My prayer for you this week is that you will hear the voice of the Lord speaking to you in specific ways as you enter His presence to pray for our sisters in Egypt this week, that as He speaks you will allow yourself the time and space to be still and listen, to know that you are loved and longed for. ~suzanna
Wednesday, November 1
Pray for the Egypt Connection Crew as they continue to get to know one another as they spend time preparing for the Haven Retreat. Pray for a spirit of unity and humility among this group of women that will be unique and holy for this time and place. Ask that they would come together as a team and be of one mind, heart, spirit, and purpose. Pray that they would have fun together and their time would be equal parts deep and holy but also filled with laughter and joy.
Pray for Christina as she transitions from leading the Greece Haven Retreat to leading the Egypt Haven Retreat with not much space for rest in between. Ask that God would refocus her heart, mind, and body on the tasks and ministries at hand and that she would make time for rest and renewal for herself. Pray that she would not be afraid to ask for help, and when help and rest are offered that she will not be afraid to accept it.
Pray for Judy as she coordinates this retreat, much of it on the spur of the moment as some things changed quickly and she graciously stepped in to lead. Ask for focus, clear communication, joy, and a heart that is open to what the Lord has for her during her time away from home. Pray that she would encounter Jesus and be reminded of how beautiful she is and how much He delights in her.
Pray for J as she is involved with a new English outreach program, that she would be encouraged in unexpected ways and would be given glimpses of where and how God is at work. Pray that she would entrust every work of her hands to the Lord, to know that He is good and that He is delighted with her. Ask for her to see the fruit of this ministry, that it would build her faith and call her into new areas of trust and obedience.
Pray for K as the school year is well underway and the routine of things can get challenging, that she would make time and space to rest on a regular basis so that her focus and energy level can be maintained. Ask for grace and compassion from those around her on the days that are stressful and difficult, that she would have community and support and people who love her will cheer her on. Pray that the Haven Retreat will have been life-giving and refreshing to her soul.
Pray for L as she learns about herself and ministry and people through her internship away from home. Pray that she would not be afraid to ask questions and jump into areas she may not be comfortable with, and in doing so she will learn new strengths and abilities. Ask that she will be given clarity and direction for the future and will be excited to step forward in faith and boldness.
Thursday, November 2
The Egypt Haven Retreat starts today! Pray for each woman as she arrives to know how welcomed and loved she is from every interaction she has with the Azmera team. Pray for safety over each woman as she travels to the Retreat, and for peace of mind over each one as she steps away from family, ministry, job, and responsibilities for a few days. Ask that this initial time together would be covered in the Holy Spirit’s presence, that the times of teaching and worship would be sanctified and holy.
Pray for Becca as she spends time teaching and sharing God’s word and heart with the women. Ask that she would be present and focused and would be intentional about sharing as God leads. Pray for rest and renewal for her each day, that she would anchor herself in the Lord and trust Him to lead her and give her the words to say in each conversation and moment of teaching.
Pray for Debi as she leads the women in worship, that the first desire of her heart would be to worship God with an undivided heart and mind. Pray that God would bless the work of her hands and the words of her mouth, that through her willingness to lead, He would open the way for them women to encounter Him, to know Him, to be moved by Him in ways that will be unique and powerful to each woman present. Ask that God would pour out a covering of protection over each room and each woman as they engage in worship and sit with the Lord.
Pray for M and her husband as they focus on maintaining a healthy, intercultural marriage. Pray for clear, open, and honest communication with one another; pray for joy and laughter and sensitivity towards and with one another. Pray for wisdom and discernment as they raise a family and balance family life with ministry and other responsibilities and relationships.
Pray for B as she prepares to move back to the US, knowing she probably won’t return to the mission field in a full-time capacity; ask that she would give herself space to adjust mentally and emotionally to this huge change in life, and to grieve what she will be leaving behind even as she looks ahead towards what is yet to come. Ask for clarity and direction as she looks to the Lord to guide her next steps and provide for her what she needs. Pray that she would know peace and joy in this season.
Pray for M as she continues to adjust and learn what living in another country and as a mission worker looks like. Ask that she would have great people around her to encourage her, teach her, and be an unexpected and holy support system. Pray for her to give herself grace and time to transition and learn new customs and responsibilities, and to allow herself space to miss the things and people she no longer has around her on a daily basis.
Friday, November 3
Pray for the first full day of the Egypt Haven Retreat, for the times of worship, teaching, and connection to be life-giving and full of wholeness and goodness. Pray for the Connection Crew to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the women they interact with, that they would know when to speak and when to stay silent and allow Jesus to move and minister around them. Ask for a continued spirit of unity and harmony as the women spend time together and point one another toward Jesus.
Pray for Sue and Jessica as they spend time counseling women in a one-on-one setting. Ask that each of these women be filled with the power and knowledge of the Holy Spirit, to listen to His voice and leading as they sit and spend time with the women who come to them. Pray they would speak in boldness as the Holy Spirit leads, that their words would be filled with truth, love, and the power of Jesus. Pray that every word they speak that is from the Lord would be protected and sealed in each heart and mind that hear.
Pray for Annette as they give through the gifts of prayer and connection, that they would listen as Jesus leads and would be obedient to the things He asks. Pray that their faith and trust in God would grow and deepen as they witness the things He does, and as they walk in obedience to the things He invites them to do, even when it seems weird or strange. Ask for rest and quiet time for each of these women, to be filled again and again with a sense of where God is leading and what He has in store for them.
Pray for S to be able to see God’s hand of provision and abundance in her life and work, and specifically in attending this Haven Retreat. Pray that as she spends time with the Lord, the Azmera Connection Crew, and the other attendees that she will be filled to overflowing with rest, fresh perspective, and joy. Ask that God would speak to her in unique and holy ways as she enters His presence through worship, teaching, and conversations; pray that her ears, heart, and mind would be open and able to receive the good things that He has for her.
Pray for L to be able to look back on the summer and all the things it held for her, and to see where God was with her, and to be reminded of how good He is. Ask that the relationships and friendships she has would grow and be a constant source of support and encouragement, that she would no longer feel as isolated and alone as she has. Pray that she would be able to see God in the people around her and in those people she would forge new friendships of depth and safety.
Pray for L to be covered in God’s peace and protection – over her heart, soul, mind, and strength, as she struggles with anxiety and panic attacks since beginning cross-cultural ministry. Pray for wholeness in her mind, and that God would bring everything in her into alignment and healing. Ask that her time at the Haven Retreat will be life-giving and she will encounter Jesus and the Holy Spirit in unexpected, beautiful, and holy ways, that will reach to the depth of her heart and have a lasting impact.
Saturday, November 4
Pray for the Haven Retreat as things become more familiar and comfortable, that there will be many opportunities for connection and conversations on deeper, more authentic levels. Ask that the Holy Spirit protect each conversation and interaction, that there will be joy and laughter alongside tears and mourning. Pray that every woman would feel the tangible presence of Jesus, that the atmosphere in the rooms would change as they gather.
Pray for the Connection Crew as they continue to give of themselves while still seeing to their own needs. Ask for compassion, kindness, and understanding to be continually present as they each give of themselves in new and different ways. Pray that as they serve one another and the woman attending they will also encounter Jesus in unexpected ways and will see His glory revealed and will be drawn deeper into relationship with Him.
Pray for Julie, Muriel, and June as the minister through pedicures, prayer, create stations, and other practical ways of meeting the needs of the women attending. Ask that these woman would be filled with excitement for what the Lord has set before then, and each one would be willing to step in where needed with gracious hearts and minds.
Pray for M and her family, to be healthy physically and as a family unit. Ask for peace in their household; and that there would be an abundance of laughter and happiness when her family is together. Pray that she and her husband would be a woman and a man of peace, that all who encounter them would know the presence of the Holy Spirit through their countenances, their conversations, and interactions.
Pray for S to have a successful start with a new organization, that she would give herself time and space to learn new routines and ways of doing things. Ask that she would feel at home in this new organization, even as she adjusts to different ways of doing things and communicating. Pray for God to bless the work of her hands and for her to see some fruit right from the start, to encourage her and challenge her to continue on this path.
Pray for J as she continues to get back into the swing of things after spending time at home this past summer. Pray that the support and encouragement she received will continue, that she will know her life and ministry are having an impact both in the US and where she is currently living. Ask for continued direction and leading as she trusts in the Lord to guide her every step and to be her provision.
Sunday, November 5
The Egypt Haven Retreat ends today! Ask that as the women gather together one final time, there would be shouts of joy and exclamations of praise and thanksgiving. Pray that there would be a continued sense of God’s presence and holiness as they worship together and spend time continuing to share and build friendships. Pray for a blessing over each woman as they prepare to go home.
Pray for the Connection Crew as their time also begins to wind down. Ask that they would get good sleep and be refreshed for what is still yet to come. Pray that they would each be given the time to rest and be quiet to process and think over the things seen and experienced the past few days. Pray that as they come together to debrief their time together would continue to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Pray for J and her family as they are in a season of exhaustion, from experiencing loss and dealing with cancer to being in positions of leadership all while parenting 8 kids. Pray for encouragement and healing and rest over each member of this family, for grace and compassion and kindness to be their cornerstones. Ask that God would continue to bring people into their lives to walk with them, support them, and offer tangible help in ways that are so needed.
Pray for J and her husband as they work at an International School and are responsible for kids from different cultures and reasons for attending – from missionary kids to diplomats to local kids. Ask for wisdom and discernment as they lead the kids and interact with the parents and families, that they would be sensitive to where everyone is coming from and would do their best to meet them where they’re at. Pray they would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading as they interact with people from different faiths and cultural backgrounds.
Pray for D to have an increased sensitivity to the voice of Jesus and to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Pray she would be attentive and obedient as she trusts God to lead her in new ways within her friendships, work, ministry, and with those she encounters on a daily basis. Ask God to fill her mouth and heart with boldness and integrity through the power of the Name of Jesus.
Pray for E as she learns Arabic, that she would be quick to understand and retain what she is learning, and would be bold in practicing whenever and wherever she can. Ask that she would look for simple opportunities to speak with native Arabic speakers, and that in doing so she would build relationships and make friends who will see Jesus in her simply through their interactions. Pray for protection and the powerful sense of the Holy Spirit with her wherever she goes.
Monday, November 6
Pray for these women who live in/around Israel, and were not able to attend the Egypt Haven Retreat because of what is happening in Israel and Gaza right now. Pray for protection over each one, for peace of heart and mind as they look to God to be their protection and deliverance, safety for their families, and trust that God will bring peace.
Pray for E and her desire for her boys to get a good education as well as healthy friendships and learning in a safe environment. Ask that God would provide for her family as the needs arise and that they would keep their eyes focused on the Lord and would trust Him to be with them. Pray that she would find shelter and rest in God’s presence.
Pray for N to be given wisdom and discernment as she leads her team, in managing them wisely and in building a strong, healthy team. Pray for her to have good friends and community who will support her, encourage her, and be healthy sounding boards for her when she needs clarity and advice. Ask for protection and safety for her son, that he would make wise decisions, and that their relationship would grow stronger and be full of life, understanding, and compassion.
Pray for M and her desire to move from part-time ministry to full-time ministry, that she would be patient to wait on the Lord and follow as He leads. Ask that she would be focused in her ministry and would have compassion and sensitivity for those she interacts with. Pray that she would be able to see where God is at work around her and would be enthusiastic and happy to join in when and where she can.
Pray for D as she desires to create better habits and boundaries with managing her stress levels and following through on self-care and rest for herself. Pray that she would know peace in saying healthy “yeses and no’s” and would find joy in making new routines for herself. Ask that during this season of unrest and unknown, she would know peace in the presence of the Lord and would enter new depths of faith and trust in Him, as well as know His light and joy in the midst of the darkness.
Pray for L to not grow weary in bringing her fears, frustrations, and disappointments to the Lord, that she would continue to be honest with Him and trust that He has good for her even when she can’t see it. Pray for a renewed faith and sense of God’s presence with her always, that she would re-anchor her spirit in the depths of who God is. Ask for protection over her heart and mind, for her to know that God is for her and in that knowing to be at peace.
Pray for L, that God would heal her body from the chronic migraines she has been suffering from, for His hand of healing and peace to lay upon her head and bring everything into alignment and wholeness. Pray for her marriage and the strain of busyness, family, and life that it has been under recently; ask for each person to choose understanding, patience, and kindness within their marriage.
Pray for A, that God would bring a few more people to join her in her ministry, specifically with a heart to focus on art. Ask that as she trust the Lord with this ministry, she will be able to see where He is at work and would trust that He will provide the right people at the right time. Pray that she would remain focused, and organized and would be filled with a new sense of creativity and enthusiasm for what she does.
Tuesday, November 7
Pray for the Connection Crew members who are beginning their journey home. Pray for smooth travel and connections, for God’s hand of protection over each one during each leg of the trip. Ask for sleep and rest and silence when it is needed most. Pray that as these women return home they will be doing so with full hearts and minds, with a spirit of wonder as they remember everything they were able to see God do through, in, and around them.
Pray for the Connection Crew members who will be spending a few additional days in Egypt. Ask that the time they spend together sightseeing and experiencing new things will be fun and will speak of who God is and what He has done. Pray for protection over these women as they travel and experience new things; pray they will see God’s hand at work and His glory revealed in beautiful ways.
Pray for M to leave the Retreat with a renewed sense of rest and hope. Ask that as she returns home it will be with a fresh perspective on things her family has had to deal with the past year, with sickness and death and a lot of hard weight to deal with. Pray that she would have been given good tools to help her create healthy routines and habits for caring for herself so that she can care for those around her. Ask that she would walk away from this feeling not only blessed but more in tune and in sync with the Lord.
Pray for M as she is reminded of who she is in Christ, to not be afraid to step fully into her identity as God has created her. Pray that she would begin to see herself as God sees her, to know her own beauty and worth, and to allow that to change her heart as she is transformed through the renewing of her mind. Ask for God’s blessing and protection over her as she walks into a new season of life.
Pray for J as she learns how to manage and balance the stresses of living cross-culturally with the responsibilities and decisions she makes on a daily basis. Ask that she would learn how to give herself grace to make mistakes and to take time in making decisions and stepping back from things for a moment to get a new perspective when necessary. Pray for wisdom and discernment and for more clarity in listening to and obeying the voice of the Lord.
Pray for L as she deals with ongoing health issues and concerns, stemming back from cancer surgeries from the past two years. Pray for health and healing throughout her body, for peace over her mind as she continues to trust in the Lord, and for a heart that finds itself at home in Jesus again and again. Ask for protection over the school she is a part of, for physical and spiritual attacks that come against it to be held back in the name of Jesus; pray that the students and families impacted will see God’s hand of protection and provision.
