2026 March Prayer Corps
From time to time, we all need reminders of the simple and plainly obvious things that, though important, can be easily overlooked in the busyness of life’s demands.
I had one such firm but gentle ‘nudge’ from the Holy Spirit recently on a topic that I think will challenge each of us: What is the point and purpose of prayer?
This question came with a tender reminder that our highest calling is nothing less than the greatest privilege in this universe, to walk humbly with our God, our Lord and Savior, in a deep and very personal relationship with Him.
From the beginning of creation, God designed us for this purpose – to be with Him in a relationship, to walk closely with Him in the garden. To no one’s surprise, the serpent vehemently opposes this relationship and still does whatever he can to hinder, dilute, and even break the bond of that divinely supreme privilege of walking with the God of creation through the paths of this life (Gen 3:8,9).
I had one such firm but gentle ‘nudge’ from the Holy Spirit recently on a topic that I think will challenge each of us: What is the point and purpose of prayer?
This question came with a tender reminder that our highest calling is nothing less than the greatest privilege in this universe, to walk humbly with our God, our Lord and Savior, in a deep and very personal relationship with Him.
From the beginning of creation, God designed us for this purpose – to be with Him in a relationship, to walk closely with Him in the garden. To no one’s surprise, the serpent vehemently opposes this relationship and still does whatever he can to hinder, dilute, and even break the bond of that divinely supreme privilege of walking with the God of creation through the paths of this life (Gen 3:8,9).
Busy Obstacles
We have heard it said, “If the devil can’t make you bad, he will make you busy.” In our day, we have every modern convenience to help alleviate the work this life demands. And yet we are somehow driven to fill every saved minute with even more busyness, including work, technology, entertainment, family, church activities, managing our “stuff,” and more. It conspires to rob us of time and energy, removing choices about how our time is spent.
If we are not careful, this can happen in our prayer life as well. And, of course, there is certainly a LOT to pray about in this hour! But add to that the spiritual books, seminars, podcasts and videos – all things that can be good, until they become the enemy of the best. We can get so busy in spiritual activities that we end up neglecting the very One to whom we are praying!
If we are not careful, this can happen in our prayer life as well. And, of course, there is certainly a LOT to pray about in this hour! But add to that the spiritual books, seminars, podcasts and videos – all things that can be good, until they become the enemy of the best. We can get so busy in spiritual activities that we end up neglecting the very One to whom we are praying!
Lest We Forget
There is a man who had the most important and demanding mission ever assigned in life. Yet even He, “would often slip away to the wilderness and pray” (Lk. 5:16). The Son of God, God incarnate in human form, would retreat from the crowds and demands of life and ministry to be with His Father. His heart-focus remained on a deep and abiding relationship, to see and say only what the Father does (Jn 12:49,50). It wasn’t about a “recharge” – it was about abiding.
The Bible reveals another glorious picture of living in relationship with the risen King in the early church (Acts 13:1-4). From a practice of simply and powerfully being in His presence, there came prophetic direction from God the Spirit that exploded the Gospel out of Judea and into far-flung regions. This divine assignment, and the power to fulfill it, arose from their daily and worshipful relationship with the Living Lord.
The Bible reveals another glorious picture of living in relationship with the risen King in the early church (Acts 13:1-4). From a practice of simply and powerfully being in His presence, there came prophetic direction from God the Spirit that exploded the Gospel out of Judea and into far-flung regions. This divine assignment, and the power to fulfill it, arose from their daily and worshipful relationship with the Living Lord.
The Whole Point
My hope and prayer for you today is that you will hear the voice of the One who loves you personally, deeply and eternally, calling you to come aside and just be with Him. Yes, there are many needful things to pray about. But remember to also choose time at the Lord’s feet, the “good part, which cannot be taken away” (Lk 10:41,42).
Thankfully, this is not an either/or proposition. We get to have and do both! To walk with the Lord in the garden and abide in His presence will both strengthen our relationship with Him, and strengthen and enhance our prayers (Jn 15:7), while better aligning us and our prayers with the will of God (Rom 8:26,27). We can better partner with the Lord of the Harvest in His will being done on earth as it is in heaven (Mt 6:9,10).
It all starts (and someday will finish) with our ever-increasing and intimate relationship with the Heavenly Father, Son and Spirit. What a blessed place of life, strength and peace!
Thankfully, this is not an either/or proposition. We get to have and do both! To walk with the Lord in the garden and abide in His presence will both strengthen our relationship with Him, and strengthen and enhance our prayers (Jn 15:7), while better aligning us and our prayers with the will of God (Rom 8:26,27). We can better partner with the Lord of the Harvest in His will being done on earth as it is in heaven (Mt 6:9,10).
It all starts (and someday will finish) with our ever-increasing and intimate relationship with the Heavenly Father, Son and Spirit. What a blessed place of life, strength and peace!
International Prayer Points
1. IRAN
Once again, let us intercede this month for the people of Iran (please see last month’s Prayer Corps for more details about the unrest). **This is especially key during the Ramadan observance lasting through the middle of March.
With the recent violence, widespread protests and brutal government crackdowns, a tragic new development has begun to escalate. The nation-wide turmoil is being used as a covering justification for the radical Islamic government to persecute and murder Christians.
This has resulted in increased arrests and imprisonments, church burnings, property confiscations and summary executions with and without trials. More than 250 Christians were recently arrested, some executed, with the rest given long prison sentences (in most cases a death sentence). This evil violence is being framed by the government as “rooting out a threat from the West to undermine their Islamic authoritarian rule” – but is simply demonic at its root.
Please pray for:
With the recent violence, widespread protests and brutal government crackdowns, a tragic new development has begun to escalate. The nation-wide turmoil is being used as a covering justification for the radical Islamic government to persecute and murder Christians.
This has resulted in increased arrests and imprisonments, church burnings, property confiscations and summary executions with and without trials. More than 250 Christians were recently arrested, some executed, with the rest given long prison sentences (in most cases a death sentence). This evil violence is being framed by the government as “rooting out a threat from the West to undermine their Islamic authoritarian rule” – but is simply demonic at its root.
Please pray for:
- The peace, safety and encouragement of the Iranian believers in Christ.
- Wisdom and boldness given by the Holy Spirit to enable believers to share their faith and to walk circumspectly.
- The current radical Islamic government to be deposed and another put in place that will allow peace and freedom with minimum bloodshed.
- Divine direction and wisdom to guide other national leaders to make righteous decisions and actions that will lead to lasting peace in Iran and the Middle East.
- The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all Islamic peoples, with accompanying signs, wonders, visions, divine dreams and more in order for multitudes to turn to Christ in the midst of such evil and chaos.
2. WORLD MAP
The doors are opening for another printing center for The Shepherd’s Staff! This exciting potential has been in development for the last six months and, if put in place, will make distribution for two key languages much easier throughout the western hemisphere, Europe and beyond! Please pray with us regarding the logistics, prices and needful quality control measures, as well as storage options and provision for every need!
In addition, work continues this month on the extensive audio/video teaching series on the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your continued prayers for this vital and impactful project.
Two large shipments of Shepherd’s Staffs are still held up in ports. Thank you for praying for the protection and quick release of these books, and for customs fees to be honest.
In addition, work continues this month on the extensive audio/video teaching series on the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your continued prayers for this vital and impactful project.
Two large shipments of Shepherd’s Staffs are still held up in ports. Thank you for praying for the protection and quick release of these books, and for customs fees to be honest.
Conclusion
May your life and walk with the Lord be ever-deepening as you abide in Him. May you come to know intimately, “the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which surpasses all knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
To enjoy Him forever,
Dr. Frank and Wendy Parrish, World MAP Executive Directors
Dr. Frank and Wendy Parrish, World MAP Executive Directors