Author Archives: markmirza

Praying Scripture Back to God – Psalm 70

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Rain on WindshieldPRAYING PSALM 70 FOR DELIVERANCE AND FOR BROKENNESS

I recently sent the following text to a number of friends: Praying Psalm 70 for you…”deliverance” and brokenness as needed and rejoicing for “God is great.”

Read Psalm 70 below


Psalm 70  (HCSB)
A Call for Deliverance
For the choir director. Davidic. To bring remembrance.

1) God, deliver me. Hurry to help me, Lord!

2) Let those who seek my life be disgraced and confounded; let those who wish me harm be driven back and humiliated. 3) Let those who say, “Aha, aha!” retreat because of their shame.

4) Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let those who love Your salvation continually say, “God is great!” 5) I am afflicted and needy; hurry to me, God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.

This morning I felt the need to get on my knees for many of my friends, pastors and lay people, and as I did so, Psalm 70 was driven to my heart. As I read it and began to pray it for them, I found myself portraying the deliverance, as being from the evil one’s desire to see them sin. The prayer started to take on 4 distinct sections:

  1. From verse 1, “Lord I pray that Tom would never forget that You Lord, always deliver him, and that this deliverance would bring a brokenness of heart before You, recognizing that You hurry to help Him.”
  2. From verses 2 and 3, “Father, as Lucy sees that the evil one seeks her life, let him be disgraced and confounded because of her righteousness, though he wishes her harm, let him be driven back and humiliated, just as he was when Jesus overcame him on the cross. And when he wants to say, ‘Aha, aha’ to You Lord, being the accuser of my sister, cause him to retreat in shame, because she lives today by the power of Your Holy Spirit.”
  3. From verse 4, “Father, I pray that these afflictions, that this brokenness, causes James to turn to you immediately, seeking You, because he rejoices in You, and is glad in You because he loves Your salvation, which causes him to continually say, ‘You are great!’”
  4. From verse 5, “And then Lord, I trust that Mike would remember to pray for me. Whenever I am afflicted and needy, by Your grace I naturally trust You to hurry to me. You are my help. You are my deliverer, and You always demonstrate that You do not delay.”

Can I just say that I had a hallelujah time praying this for my friends…and me.

Mark S Mirza

Common Thread Ministries

What’s Happening in 2013

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This morning I was gently, and lovingly, scolded by a friend of mine, that I should do a better job keeping people abreast of what is happening with Common Thread Ministries. He said, “Mark, I would never have known about your new book, that your first book is now in Swahili, that you are going to Kenya in August and that you are doing these pastor’s conferences, Conference Call Praying on Monday Wednesday and Friday mornings, or The Wounded Pastor interviews, had you and I not talked this morning. Tell others about these things so they can participate in what you are doing!”

So here goes…

  • You can see my weekly schedule by going to our calendar. I am honored that so many churches allow me to serve them by speaking to them. But a few unique things are also going on the remainder of this year:
  • We are holding Pastor’s Prayer Conferences in Metter GA (May 20), Winder GA (August 12), Morven GA (September 23) and are talking to pastors about a few other locations. These are designed help pastors with THEIR prayer life. These are NOT to give them programs to take back to their congregations. This is for them, the pastors! And they’re FREE…to pastors, lay leaders, and anyone that comes.
  • As a result of the first Pastor’s Conference in January, in Lawrenceville GA we started a Monday, Wednesday, Friday Conference Call for ANYONE, not just pastors. We are having a sweet time of prayer. We start at 7am and conclude about 7:30am (Eastern Time). There is something special about starting the day in corporate prayer. We have a web page dedicated to it as well as an FB page.
  • This last December, Dr. John Waters and I were at breakfast and both, I think at the same time, said, “We need to reach out to our pastors.” So last month we started a monthly interview, with and for Wounded Pastors. We’ve completed one already and will be doing the second one, the last Monday of this month. It will be live and will only last 20 minutes, so please join us. You can see information about it at our Twitter page and we have a Web page that is under construction.
  • Another surprise to 2013 is that I am going to Kenya in August, God has opened an INCREDIBLY unlikely door there, where I will be speaking to pastors of this denomination on “Approaching God with Brokenness and Listening to Him.” To say the least, I am eager to go through this door. To that end my first book, Prayer Made Alive, which my wife and I took to Mexico in 2009 (in both English and Spanish) has been translated in Swahili and we are working through the final edits now.
  • Speaking of books, I have a number of things that I have written, but no release from God to publish them. Well, recently “there-came-a-prompting” to write a new book, the third in the Prayer Made Alive series, and it will be out in a week or two. This is a companion to the Prayer Cards which we offer on our resource table. This book gives very specific prayers, on very specific subjects, for each prayer card, and in some cases multiple prayers. What is quickly becoming, and what I hope will be a highlight of the book, is The Forward. I asked pastors whose churches I have already spoken at, to give me a sentence or two, and the response is phenomenal, and humbling, and yet, exciting. It is exciting to see how God is using this ministry for HIS glory!

Thank you my friend for your encouragement…chasitesment. Love you man!

And to all of you, I hope this is helpful. I am very grateful for your prayers. I may be in the prayer business, but believe me, I cannot, excuse me, I CANNOT do this without your prayer support.

Your friend,
Mark S Mirza
C: 404-606-2322
Common Thread Ministries

Common Thread Ministries

 

Update For This Week

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January 28 – February 1, 2013

Sometimes I think I should give regular weekly posts, updating what is happening at Common Thread Ministries. But I think, that is why I have the social media that I do…Facebook, Twitter, etc.

But today I think, is worth a quick post.

January 28, 2013 Pastor's ConferenceMonday we had our first Pastors’ Prayer Made Alive Conference. You can see who the speakers were by clicking right here.

And then, partly as a consequence of the conference, and partly as a response to the need to encourage us unto prayer, we started a 7:00 am Conference Call Prayer Time. We are over in 30 minutes, and we cover Praising/Thanking God, then Urgent Prayer Requests, then Praying for our Family, and then Praying for our Church/Ministry. You’ll find the details right here.


A Few Prayer Requests:

  • Of course, pray for me, that I would stay, as a friend of mine likes to say, “Clean and close.” But remember also Colossians 4:2-4, as I pray for you, that you would be devoted to prayer, I trust that periodically you would pray for me, praying that God would open doors so that I can preach this message on prayer, and that I would proclaim it clearly, as I know that I should.
  • Pray for these upcoming Pastors’ Prayer Made Alive Conferences, May 20 in Metter GA and September 23 in Morven GA. Pray for the host churches that they would be urged by the Lord Christ, and the love of the Holy Spirit, to join in the struggles of pastors in their area (Romans 15:30), by praying for their participation. We are taking registrations by clicking here.
  • And then finally, pray for these Monday, Wednesday, Friday conference call prayer times, that by God’s will, folks would come together with joy, and together be refreshed (Romans 15:32)

Blessings to you,

Mark S Mirza

Common Thread Ministries

Pastor’s Prayer Conference…Is Here!

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it is interesting that my memory verse for today is matthew 6:34, “So don’t worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. each day has enough trouble of its own.”

  1. would you pray for me

  2. for the pastors that will attend this prayer conference

  3. for colonial woods, the host church

  4. and for the speakers

finally, if you live in east or south georgia, please note (by going to the link below) for the dates and locations of two more conferences, later this year that will be in your part of the state.

thank you for your prayers,
I covet them,
Mark s mirza

Date: January 28, 2013
Time: 9:00 am – 1:45 pm
Cost: NONE, Just Pre-Register Online
Location: Lawrenceville

Purpose: Forgive me for using the negative to explain this conference, but it is important for you to realize WHY this conference was put together.

  • This conference is NOT to teach you how to improve prayer in your congregation
  • Nor is it to improve your prayer life with your family
  • Rather, it is geared around YOU and helping you improve YOUR prayer life

Speakers: They will focus on those things that have encouraged and improved their prayer life.

  • Pastor Don Mulkey, Sr. Pastor at Colonial Woods Baptist
  • Dr. John Waters, Sr. Pastor at FBC Statesboro and President of the GBC
  • Dr. Harris Malcom, Regional Associational Missionary
  • Dr. Mel Blackaby, Sr. Pastor at FBC Jonesboro
  • Mark S Mirza, Founder/Speaker for Common Thread Minsitries

Click here to pre-register

Common Thread Ministries

Praying 25 Days of Christmas

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join us in praying during the christmas season

Tomorrow is December 1st, and with that date begins our 25 Days of Prayer, During the Christmas Season.

You can listen to them live, every weekday morning at 7:15 on The Ranger Joe’s God and Country Show or read each of them here on our site.

These prayers are from gospel passages that have been put into chronological order. You might enjoy this unique look into Christmas.

December 1st
December 2nd
December 3rd
December 4th
December 5th
December 6th
December 7th
December 8th
December 9th
December 10th
December 11th
December 12th
December 13th
December 14th
December 15th
December 16th
December 17th
December 18th
December 19th
December 20th
December 21st
December 22nd
December 23rd
December 24th
December 25th

Common Thread Ministries

Praying 25 Days of Christmas (Day 25)

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December 25

  • Background to today’s prayer
    • So today is the last day.
    • Why have you spent the time to pray this?
    • What result do you expect?
    • Below is my prayer, my expectation, for you…enjoy.
  • Today’s prayer

Lord this is the last day of this 25 Days of Prayer. And it is fitting  to end this with a picture of Jesus life AFTER His birth. Luke 2:40 and 52 tell us that He grew in strength, wisdom, grace, stature and favor, among both You and man. Father, my prayer is that each person praying during these 25 Days of Prayer would go from these prayers, and grow in the experience of Your presence, that comes so clearly as we spend time in close communing prayer with You Lord. Thank You Lord for this 25 Days of Prayer.

Common Thread Ministries

Praying 25 Days of Christmas (Day 24)

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December 24

  • Background to today’s prayer
    • We all have a past,
    • And there are probably some things in that past that we would prefer would just go away,
    • But as we said in an earlier prayer, God uses whom He chooses to use,
    • How exciting that God has a desire to use YOU!
  • Today’s prayer

Lord, as I think of Jesus’ visit to the temple when He was 12 (Luke 2:41-51), or John’s seclusion in the wilderness, until You wanted him on the scene (Luke 1:80b). And then I think of Daniel and Samuel, who lived godly lives, seemingly until their deaths. Lord these men seem so perfect. I want to bring You glory, and yet how can I bring You glory when I have the past that I do? I don’t know Lord, I don’t know. But, I thank You and praise You that there are men like David, Peter, Paul, and James, the half brother of our Lord, who grew up with Him and did not know Him. Oh Lord if these men would be used by You then I know that I too can be used. I submit myself to You Lord. Use me as You see fit. Use me to proclaim the message of Your Son, especially during this time of the year.

Common Thread Ministries

Praying 25 Days of Christmas (Day 23)

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December 23

  • Background to today’s prayer
    • Has to do with when the Lord’s plans are not clean and neat
    • We often think that if something is from God it will go smoothly right?
      • Think again!
      • Remember Job, the difficulties came at God’s insistence!
    • And so, because He’s sovereign,
      • Because the Holy Spirit does not make mistakes,
      • Because nothing is a surprise to God,
      • We can trust Him!
    • Psalm 103:19 tells us that, “His throne is above the heavens and He is sovereign over all.”
  • Today’s prayer

As I reread the account of the Magi’s visit (Matthew 2:1-12) and the flight into Egypt by Jesus’ family, including King Herod’s butchery (Matthew 2:13-18), I am reminded Lord that Your plans are not always clean and neat. We often find ourselves in a deep valley that You have brought us to. Father, thank You for Your many promises, of which Romans 8:28 is only one. It tells us that ALL THINGS work together for good, for those who are in Christ Jesus, Your son, the One who’s advent, who’s coming, we celebrate this Christmas season.

  • Follow-up to today’s prayer
    • People like to say that Job brought his issues upon himself, which doesn’t bear out in the text, (note Job chapters 1 and 2)
    • And look in the NT, Paul talked about it, Peter talked about it (1 Peter 4:13) rejoicing in and EXPECTING to suffer, with Christ
    • We make a grave error in the West by thinking that when difficulties come our way God wants us to wriggle out of them.
      • He has allowed them!!
      • God has allowed them for a reason!!

Common Thread Ministries

Praying 25 Days of Christmas (Day 22)

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December 22

  • Background to today’s prayer
    • Myrrh is an odd gift…for a baby?
    • But remember, this baby came to die
    • He came to die a HORRID death.
    • We need to remember this during the Christmas season,
      • There is NO MANGER scene without the cross.
    • Think about what that means…He came to suffer and die for you and me.
  • Today’s prayer

Lord, as Your Son came to earth, to go to the cross it is appropriate that one of the Magi’s gifts was Myrrh (Matthew 2:11) which is anointing oil, used at one’s death. We recognize now Lord, that His birth signified that His life would end in a bitter and ugly, embarrassing and alienating death on a Roman cross. Lord we know this because of passages like John 10:11-18 and John 16:16-22. So as we enter this season of prayer, we are reminded that their would be no manger, with a beautiful cooing baby Jesus, without a bitter and degrading cross, coupled with You turning Your back on Your Son for a time…for us to be saved. Lord we praise You, even as we beg You to show us brokenness, that we might understand Your heart and then pray for the nations and the church with the fervency that only a broken heart can.

Common Thread Ministries

Praying 25 Days of Christmas (Day 21)

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December 21

  • Background to today’s prayer
    • Anna, who was in the temple (and had fasted and prayed for years) at the same time as Simeon (who was content to go home to glory now that he had seen the Messiah).
    • They were both at the temple when baby Jesus was brought in to be dedicated,
    • Anna should be a symbol for our older women in our churches today.
    • Older women need to be there to bless the younger folks.
    • I am very blessed to have some older women in my life. They do everything from
      • Making me fudge,
      • To handing me down ties,
      • To remembering me in prayer (and many of them can really pray!),
      • And I have a GREAT relationship with them.
    • So, do you have any “Annas” in your life? If not, why not?
  • Today’s prayer

Lord as I think of Anna and her role to both Mary and Joseph, as well as all those “looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38), which You gave us in the expression of Your Son, I cannot help think about the opportunities our older women in our churches have. Lord, we have so many “Annas.” Lord, thank You for the many “Annas” in my life. Forgive me Lord for the times I have “marginalized” them. My prayer Lord is that others in our churches will be burdened for the gifts that only the “Annas” can impart, as we let them minister in our lives. And Father, I pray also for the “Annas,” that they Lord, would be willing to listen to You, and impart what You lay upon their hearts. Thank You Father for the gift of the “Annas” in our churches.

Common Thread Ministries