“Firstly, Thank You All for attending and participating in the World Prayer Assembly of 2023! What an amazing and blessed time we had!

We've heard so many amazing testimonies of how our Lord has touched the hearts and minds of so many who attended, for which we are very humble and thankful. Below is a personal message from our Chairman James Condon to you.

As I embarked on my morning worship, the lyrics of the song "Goodness of God" have been a source of inspiration for my reflections:

"I love you Lord, for your mercy never fails me.

From the moment that I wake up until I lay my head,

I will sing of the goodness of God."

Reflecting on our time together at WPA Perth 2023, it's undeniable how profoundly good God has been to us. All glory and praise are due to Him. God's blessings exceeded even my wildest expectations. He did far more than I ever imagined as Ephesians 3:20 says: “Now all glory God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more that we ask might ask or think.” Your presence at WPA 2023 was instrumental in making it a memorable and transformative experience.

I'm deeply touched by the many emails, phone calls, and texts expressing gratitude for the amazing time we shared. The memories will live on for the rest of my life. It's heartening to know that our event was witnessed by so many people, not only across Australia but also around the world. Only God truly comprehends the profound impact and the fruits of our time together.

Following the conclusion of the event, we awoke to the disheartening news of the events in Israel on Saturday morning, October 7th. Subsequently, I've been participating in online prayer meetings with Australia Prays, where we've had a dear brother from Bethlehem providing us with first-hand reports. I humbly request that you join us in keeping the prayer for "The Peace of Jerusalem" fervent in your hearts.

Throughout these uncertain times, Psalm 125 has offered guidance and solace. How intriguing that Rick Ridings urged us to pray for restraint regarding a potential World War Three. Let's continue to believe and pray, remembering that God reigns sovereign over all.

As we move forward, I welcome any suggestions or ideas you may have. The Wave of Glory is undoubtedly on its way, and your input is invaluable.

Thank you once again for your participation and your unwavering faith. May our journey be marked by continued blessings and inspired action.

In His Grace,

James Condon
Chairman - WPA Australia 2023

Personal Message from Ps Margaret Court:

"I want to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all the Pastors, Leaders and everyone who helped with the World Prayer Assembly.

What a wonderful team of people that made it an unforgettable gathering to release a great break-through in our city and Nations.

“The door is open”! we carry His Glory within and upon our lives. (Hebrews 2:7 “You have crowned him with glory and honour and set him over the works of Your hands”)

I believe it is the start of a great move of God as we stay in unity and prayer.

As we pray also for Israel and the world, with such turbulence happening in many Nations of the world, perhaps it is a time for us to keep coming together in prayer for our Nation and the Nations.

Something for all of us to pray about, as corporate prayer is so powerful.

We have built a unity in this city which I appreciate and am so thankful to be a part of what God is doing. Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Thank you to Ps Michael and his team that pulled it together. Ps Ned and the worship team, Wendy and the ‘Breakouts’, Media, hospitality, youth, children workers and many more. To anyone who gave their time to be available, I ‘Thank You’.

Much blessing and favour upon each of your lives, your family and churches.

I have enjoyed serving with you."

Much blessing,

Margaret Court
Vice Chair, WPA

The plenary session WPA video replays are available HERE  |  Photos  |  See Pat Steele’s Reels

Hamas Vows to 'Repeat Oct 7 Attacks' as Blinken Lands in Israel and IDF Surrounds Gaza City

JERUSALEM, Israel – Nearly one week after Israel's Gaza ground campaign began, Israeli forces have encircled Gaza City. The next phase of the fighting could be the most dangerous. Intense fighting continues in and around Gaza City, the Hamas stronghold. The I.D.F. Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, said the military is destroying Hamas's terror infrastructure. Hamas's elaborate labyrinth of tunnels is one of the Israeli military's main concerns. Russian television was allowed access into some of the more than 300 miles of tunnels.

President Joe Biden announced that another 74 Americans have been evacuated out of Gaza through the Rafa Crossing into Egypt. The White House also defended the president's idea of a humanitarian pause.

"A temporary pause that's localized that would allow us to get aid in and to get our people out is a good thing for the people of Gaza," National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby explained. "It's a good thing for the Americans that are being held hostage. And it's not going to stop Israel from defending itself because the security assistance we're providing continues to flow. And a temporary pause doesn't mean a general cease-fire where the war is over. It means a pause, only temporary, for a specific purpose."

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived today in Israel and wants to push for that humanitarian "pause" or "pauses" that may also help with the release of hostages.

The Times of Israel reports Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is weighing the idea, but some are concerned this could be a step toward a cease-fire of some sort, or an opportunity for Hamas to strengthen itself.

In an editorial, The Wall Street Journal argued:

"Hamas has two messages for two different audiences. To the international community, it pleads for a cease-fire on humanitarian grounds. To the Arab world, it pledges to repeat its Oct. 7 attacks and sacrifice as many Palestinians as it takes to destroy Israel. That's what a cease-fire means to Hamas: a chance to repeat Oct. 7 another day. The similar idea of a 'humanitarian pause,' gaining steam on the Western left, is, to Hamas, merely an opportunity to reload."

Up north, the I.D.F. is attacking Hezbollah positions in south Lebanon after the terror group continues firing rockets into Israel. CBN's Chuck Holton was on the scene of a rocket strike in Kiryat Shmona.

More: CBN

Pray: for lasting peace in the Israel-Gaza conflict, ease suffering, and guide leaders toward reconciliation. (Matthew 5:9)

Pray: protection for the innocent in Gaza and Israel, grant wisdom to politicians and decision-makers, and lead all to peace. (Psalm 34:18)

Pray: for the captives to be released, for healing and restoration. Let your love prevail. (Isaiah 32:18)

See: CBN’s Prayer for Peace

Students have held hundreds of protests and counterprotests on college campuses since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israelis and Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza in response.

At Tulane, a fight broke out after someone tried to burn an Israeli flag. At Columbia University, posters of kidnapped Israelis were torn down. At Harvard and Columbia, a so-called “doxxing truck” showed up on campus naming students whose organizations co-authored a statement saying Israel is “entirely responsible” for the deadly October 7 attacks by Hamas and “all unfolding violence.” And at Cornell, classes were canceled Friday after death threats were posted toward Jewish students under the username “hamas soldier” on a Greek life website. A few days after the postings, 21-year-old Cornell student Patrick Dai was arrested and federally charged with making online threats. He has not entered a plea.

Shortly after the October 7 attacks, the National Students for Justice in Palestine released a “toolkit” to help chapters across America organize a day of resistance on college campuses. Their materials called the rampage, a “historic win for Palestinian resistance.”  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered state universities to expunge the student group, accusing its members of illegally backing the Palestinian militants.

Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israel protests have come head-to-head on some campuses, raising concerns over student safety. 

Student-led rallies have exploded from coast to coast. In the west, the University of California at Berkeley issued a statement decrying the “growing prevalence of online threats, doxxing and harassment”. And in the east, emotions were so high at a University of Florida prayer vigil that when a participant reportedly fainted, the crowd screamed and panicked, injuring five in a stampede.

More: CNN | USNEWS | Al-Jazeera | NBC

Pray: that these ongoing protests and demonstrations do not erupt into violence. (Matthew 5:9)

Pray: for restraint and mutual respect among the student populations and for an end to the online hate speech. (Ephesians 4:29)

Pray: for wisdom for the campus staff as they tackle the conflicting political views. (James 3:17)

In a recent press conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia had reached a "stalemate." He emphasized that despite the front line between the two sides remaining largely unchanged for almost a year, he does not view it as a stalemate. Zelenskyy also rejected the idea that Western countries were pressuring Ukraine to engage in negotiations with Russia, stating that there is no pressure from EU leaders or the US to hold talks with Russia and make concessions.

Zelensky expressed irritation at media reports suggesting pressure to negotiate and emphasized that he would always act in accordance with the will of the Ukrainian people. He also mentioned that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas had diverted international attention away from Ukraine, suggesting that this may be a goal for Russia.

Despite the protracted nature of the war, Ukraine's allies, including the United States, have maintained their readiness to provide military and financial support to Kyiv for as long as necessary to resist Russia's aggression.

The total number of Ukrainian and Russian troops killed or wounded since the war in Ukraine began 18 months ago is nearing 500,000, U.S. officials said. Russia’s military casualties, the officials said, are approaching 300,000. The number includes as many as 120,000 deaths and 170,000 to 180,000 injured troops. The Russian numbers dwarf the Ukrainian figures, which the officials put at close to 70,000 killed and 100,000 to 120,000 wounded.

More: Al Jazeera | NY Times

Pray: for wisdom and strength for President Zelenskyy and continued support from world leaders. Let justice flow. (Micah 6:8)

Pray: protection and healing for the innocent in the midst of conflict, bring hope, and end suffering. (Psalm 46:1)

Pray: for peace in Ukraine, for healing and reconciliation. May your love prevail. (Matthew 5:9)

Since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, religious and civil liberties have rapidly deteriorated under Taliban rule. Former government officials, civil servants, and religious minorities, such as Christians, endure intense governmental and societal pressure. They face regular Taliban raids on their homes, threats against their jobs and families, and limited access to education.

The Taliban aims to sever contact between Afghani citizens and Western groups and has virtually eradicated on-the-ground relief efforts by NGOs, suspecting spies among their workers. Despite the dire situation, the state of religious freedom and Christian tolerance has not improved since Afghanistan was listed as one of the worst places for Christians in the 2022 Persecutor of the Year report. The Taliban seeks to erase Christianity and other religious minorities, even denying the existence of Christians in Afghanistan.

Increasing poverty and starvation rates pose a higher security threat as the Taliban offers financial rewards for reporting Christians. Captured Christians face brutal torture or death unless ransomed, often bankrupting their families. Many Christians escape to Pakistan, risking capture or death by the Taliban. Those who make it to Pakistan must hide their faith, while some even return to Afghanistan, deeming it safer under the Taliban.

The West's response to the regime remains ambivalent, employing economic sanctions that devastate Afghanistan's economy. While no government officially recognizes the Taliban, 30 countries engage in diplomatic talks. Despite these challenges, the gospel continues to reach Afghani hearts, with believers bravely preaching in remote regions.

Despite the Taliban's efforts, the light of the Gospel perseveres in Afghanistan, with secret prayer meetings, teaching sessions, and courageous evangelism amidst adversity.

More: Persecution.org  |  Operation World

Pray: protection for those persecuted in Afghanistan, grant them strength, and let Your light shine in darkness. (Matthew 5:10)

Pray: divine hope and freedom to those oppressed under the Taliban. May Your love conquer fear. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Pray: empower Afghani believers to share Your message despite adversity. Let faith overcome challenges. (Romans 8:37)

Pray: for the church-planting movement who are working to resource the church in oppressed nations. (Isaiah 41:10)

In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Nepal's Jajarkot district, a rural municipality situated at the epicenter experienced a miraculous escape from human casualties. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.4, struck near the Ramidanda village in Barekot Rural Municipality just before midnight on a Friday.

While the earthquake caused massive physical damage to houses and public infrastructure, this particular rural municipality avoided any reported deaths as of Saturday evening, in stark contrast to the 157 lives lost in other parts of the district and neighboring Rukum West. The chairperson of the rural municipality, Bir Bahadur Giri, described the scene as "difficult to believe" given the extent of damage to buildings. Some residents attribute their survival to divine intervention.

Although five people in the municipality sustained injuries, none were reported dead. The district administration office confirmed the absence of casualties in Barekot Rural Municipality despite the earthquake's epicenter being located there.

Experts noted that the epicenter doesn't necessarily experience more physical damage than other locations during earthquakes, but it is indeed rare and almost miraculous for an epicenter to avoid human casualties in such a significant quake. Factors such as the location of the fault line and the strength of buildings contribute to the scale of damage during earthquakes.

More: Hindustan Times | CNBC

Pray: giving thanks for sparing lives in Nepal's earthquake. Your protection is our refuge. (Psalm 46:1)"

Pray: for comfort and strength for those affected by the earthquake. May they find hope in You. (Isaiah 41:10)"

Pray: for the relief agencies and medical staff who are working to bring support and assistance to the areas that have been more seriously affected. (Psalm 121: 1-2)

On October 25, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded in Lewiston, Maine, as a shooter named Robert Card, aged 40, unleashed a violent rampage. The first shooting occurred at Just-In-Time Recreation, a local bowling alley during a youth league event. Card used a semi-automatic rifle with an extended magazine, resulting in the death of seven individuals.

Shortly thereafter, at Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant, located 4 miles away, another shooting took place, claiming the lives of eight individuals, with three more succumbing to their injuries later in the hospital. This heart-wrenching event left a total of eighteen people dead and thirteen others injured.

A manhunt for Card began, and his abandoned vehicle was discovered near the Androscoggin River in Lisbon, sparking a widespread search effort with the assistance of federal agencies. An arrest warrant was issued for Card, charging him with eight counts of murder. Police surrounded a house in Bowdoin while executing a search warrant.

The search for Card extended into the river, where dive teams, sonar, and remotely operated underwater vehicles were employed. Eventually, on October 27, Card was found dead near his former workplace, a recycling center in Lisbon, having apparently taken his own life.

This tragic event shook the community, as the victims, ranging from ages 14 to 76, were identified. Card, a former sergeant first class in the United States Army Reserve, left behind a trail of devastation, leaving the community to grapple with grief and loss.

Mass shootings are an ongoing issue in the USA, with 621 people killed, 2,126 injured in 520 separate recorded incidents to date in 2023. The right to bear arms is enshrined in the US Constitution. Gun sales have risen steadily, peaking during the pandemic.

More: Wikipedia  |  ABC News

Pray: Father, comfort and strengthen the grieving hearts in Lewiston. Be their refuge and solace. (Psalm 34:18)"

Pray: bring healing to the wounded and peace to the broken community. Let your light shine in the darkness. (Psalm 147:3)"

Pray: for the means to an end of this senseless violence. May your love and grace prevail. (Matthew 5:9)

Readers are invited by our friends at Canberra Declaration, and Love Australia to cover them in prayer as they conduct an important pro-life campaign associated with the Children Born Alive Bill…

This Australian legislation aims to ensure that every baby born alive after a failed abortion is given medical treatment, including life-saving care.

Unbelievably, right now there is no national law protecting babies born after a failed abortion. They have no legal rights, and in some cases, are simply left to die with no medical care.

The Children Born Alive Bill seeks to implement this desperately needed protection on a national basis for these precious little ones.

The Senate committee (that was formed to look into the bill) recently released its findings. We were incredibly disappointed, but not surprised that it simply endorsed many of the claims made by the pro-abortion industry and failed to properly engage the serious issues brought by the pro-life groups.

You can read a summary of the Senate committee's poor findings in the short Daily Declaration article here.

With your help, this bill will not go away! By having the bill debated in the Senate, it will continue to reveal the national scandal that this country treats live babies, born after a failed abortion, as unworthy of the same human rights and medical care as any other baby.

Canberra Declaration Senate submission is here

Watch and pray with this video

Pray: We urge you to pray particularly for these two senators: Simon Birmingham's and Sen. Bridget McKenzie

Pray: for all our senators and parliamentarians. The spiritual battle over those in leadership is real, which is why we are commanded to pray for our leaders (1 Tim 2:1–4).

Pray: for a miracle – that this campaign achieves the goal to get the bill debated and voted on in the Senate!

We must continue to speak up for life as long as it takes victory to be achieved. The march for life is a marathon, not a sprint.

Thank you for your prayers and actions!

Samuel Hartwich & Warwick Marsh
Canberra Declaration / Love Australia

We recently mobilised worldwide prayer for 21 days, as a response to the war between Israel and Hamas.

12:11 Prayer invited people to pause to pray in unity for Israel at 12 Noon, for 11 Minutes each day.

IN view of the continuing crisis, we are continuing with this 12:11 Prayer until peace returns…

Do join us

See www.linktr.ee/ipcprayer for updated prayer pointers

Also, see Global Esther Fast for resources / prayer pointers