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National Day of Prayer 2017 Resources

Download from website www.rsvpministries.com and make copies as required:

Day of Prayer poster

Nametag template

Copies of RSVP Prayer Force

RSVP Communications Sign-up sheet

Request from National RSVP Office:

RSVP Ministries brochures & Film brochures

Resources included in this package:

Page 2 - Donna’s Devotional – “What’s in a Name?”

Page 3 - Names of God sheet

Page 4 - Music Suggestions

Pages 4-5 - Prayer Activity Station options

a. Baby Names

b. Writing prayers

c. Prayer Reminders - praying for our community leaders by name

d. Aboriginal Women

e. Girls and Women Worldwide

f. Women in Canada

Pages 6-7 – Prayer Reminders crafts

Pages 8–10 - Pray these Numbers sheets

Page 11 - Reflections form

*Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are from the New Living Translation

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What’s in a Name? - Devotional

About a week ago a young woman named Marah contacted me. She hoped I could solicit

descriptive words from each of her mom’s co-workers to honour her mom, Barbara Fuller, on an

iconic birthday celebration to be held on the weekend. Marah had planned a sweet, meaningful

gift for her mom.

Marah was born some 31 years ago, just months after her young dad had been murdered while

attempting to assist a relative. Barbara had named her new-born daughter “Marah”, meaning

‘bitter’, because she had made her mom’s very bitter waters sweet.

In the Bible, Naomi changed her own name to “Marah” after the death of her husband and two

sons. Ancient people put a great deal of weight on a name.

When the Hebrew son of royalty, Daniel, was captured and taken to Babylon, as recorded in the

Book of Daniel, his captors changed his name to Belteshazzar. Daniel was an ardent God-

follower and so in a dark attempt to give Daniel a new identity in the foreign land, he was forced

to take on a new name – a name that meant that the Babylonian false god, “Bel, would protect”.

The taste in Daniel’s mouth every time he heard his new name would have been very, very bitter.

While naming someone in our culture is not as significant to all of us as it was for Daniel, Naomi

or Barbara Fuller, there are times to take great care.

Our ministry began under the name Christian Business Women’s Council of America. When the

ministry headquarters moved to a new location, the name changed, taking on the name of the

property where it would be located, Stonecroft. This past year, as we created resources in

Canada and could no longer use the name of the founding US ministry to identify ourselves and

our materials, it was time for a new name.

How does one choose a new name? We followed the ancient Hebrew tradition of choosing a

name that represented the essence of our existence. RSVP means to respond to an invitation.

Our ministry will always share the invitation that God extends to each one of us to enter into a

personal and eternal relationship with him, through faith in Jesus. The name will not let us forget!

As our ministry leaders saw God open amazing practical doors to acquire our trademark, our

national corporate name, and the web domains we needed, our RSVP Board of Directors and

leadership responded in unanimity to the choice of RSVP Ministries – our new name.

We believe that God not only knows our new ministry name, but that it was his choice and that

he is leading us onward under its banner. We have given a tremendously high regard to this task,

preceded by and followed up with much prayer.

And now, today, may all of our activities and each prayer across this country be an even sweeter

offering before God than the precious gift of names that Marah prepared for her mother’s

birthday. May your own name and your very life be a delightful aroma before God as you pray on

this day, and every day. With you in prayer right now, Donna Lamothe

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Names of God

Print or write on (heart-shaped) pieces of paper for worship time.

The names of God used in the Bible help us understand the many aspects of his character. God’s

names represent his attributes, his nature, and all the ways he relates to us. Using these names in

prayer help us to draw closer to the One who knows us intimately and loves us unconditionally.

Abba (“Papa”) (Romans 8:15) Adonai – Lord, Master (Malachi 1:6)

Holy One (Isaiah 49:7) Immanuel –God with Us (Isa. 7:14, Matt. 1:23)

Advocate (1John 2:1) Jehovah Jireh-Lord will Provide(Gen. 22:13)

Alpha and Omega (Revelation 22:13) Bright Morning Star (Revelation 22:16)

Judge (Isaiah 33:22) King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15-16)

Lamb of God (John 1:29) Living Water (John 4:10)

Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) Comforter (John 14: 26)

Cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16) Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6)

Creator (1 Peter 4:19) Our Strength (Jeremiah 16:19)

Deliverer (Romans 11:26) Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

Redeemer (Job 19:25) El Olam – Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:28)

Resurrection and Life (John 11:25) El Roi – God who Sees (Genesis 16:13)

Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4) El Shaddai – Lord God Almighty (Gen. 7:1)

Saviour (Luke 2:11) Servant (Isaiah 42:1)

Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11) Father (Matthew 6:9)

Teacher (John 13:13) Friend (Matthew 11:19)

Good Shepherd (John 10:11) Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14)

Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24) Guide (Psalm 48:14)

Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) Word of God (Revelation 19:13)

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Music Suggestions

Your Name https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7CFr8w9z38

El Shaddai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrjOM5Y42zM&index=5&list=PLk9649Vew2tyJCGeKjLqX1xGi5K7IeKsB Jesus, Name above all names https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBVFvtM9SzM Fairest Lord Jesus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdNASJDwvAU

He Knows My Name https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXsiWoyjw60

Prayer Activity Stations – Options

Depending on the space you have, set up at least 2-3 of the following options for

activity stations for people to choose, going to as few or many as they want for as much

time as they want. Total time allotted for this portion of the program is 30 minutes.

Station 1 - Baby names

Prepare: Have a chalkboard, a dry erase board or paper and pens; also a book of baby names

and meanings.

Activity: Choose the name of at least one child, grandchild, perhaps a new baby in your church

or neighbourhood, and look up its meaning. Write the name on the board and pray for that one,

thinking of the meaning of the name, and God’s purposes for that child. Then pray together with

one other person for the children of your community.

Station 2 - Writing prayers

Prepare: Have cards, or pieces of paper, with Bible verses on them that mention ’name’. (list of

verses provided below) Provide paper and pens.

Activity: Write your own prayer or psalm of praise, using one of the Bible verses provided or a

verse of your own choosing.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. Psalm 5:11

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Psalm 33:21

Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9

The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. Psalm 91:14

More options: Psalm 9:10; Psalm106:8;Psalm 115:1; Psalm116:13; Psalm 143:11; John 14:13

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Station 3 - Prayer Reminders - praying for our community leaders by name

Prepare: Provide materials to make a simple prayer reminder. Prepare a list of local community

leaders including mayor, city councillors, fire chief, police chief, school principals, pastors and

others in leadership. Provide materials for participants to make a simple reminder or a simple

box. See options below. Providing small magnets to attach to the craft allows them to be fixed on

the fridge to easily remember to keep the person in prayer. This activity can be as simple as

purchasing small boxes from your dollar store to decorate or as creative as creating your own

boxes as shown below. (*Google ‘making small decorative boxes’ for more ideas and easy

directions.)

Activity: Our names are a gift from God. Create a prayer reminder, attaching the name of a local

community leader from the list to pray for. Think of those who lead our civic government, who

teach in our schools, who pastor our churches, who lead organizations and exert influence within

our community. You may want to use a box that opens and put names of various people in your

prayer box. Once the craft is made, join with two other people to pray for those names on or in

your prayer reminders. Take the reminder home to continue praying.

Station 4 - Aboriginal Women

Prepare: Place some newspaper clippings related to missing aboriginal women on a table or a

bulletin board. Post the page entitled ‘Aboriginal Women’ in the middle of the clippings.

Activity: Read the statistics and pray accordingly. God knows the name of each person.

Station 5 - Girls and Women Worldwide

Prepare: Place a pitcher of water and several glasses on a small table. Above it post the

page entitled Women Worldwide. Mount on a piece of coloured paper to make it more

attractive.

Activity: Read the statistics and pray accordingly. God knows the name of each person.

Station 6 - Women in Canada

Prepare: Cover a small table with a lovely cloth. Place an empty wide-mouthed flower

vase on one side and a vase with flowers (real or artificial) on the other. In the middle

place the sheet entitled ‘women in Canada’. Provide small pieces of paper and pens.

Activity: Read the statistics and pray accordingly. Then write the first name of someone

you know who needs to know Jesus. Place the written name in the empty vase. We will

pray for salvation for these individuals during the last prayer session.

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Prayer Activity Station 3

Prayer Reminders – Craft options Option 1: House of Prayer - Provide plain or scrapbooking paper. Make a square, about 5

or 6 inches. Fold opposite corners in, slightly overlapping. Then fold one half up to form the

shape of a house. Punch a hole in the peak, tie with a ribbon, or just staple it. Write the name on

or have stick-on labels and write the name on that.

Option 2: Prayer Box or Prayer Reminder

What You Will Need to Make a Pillow Box: Cardboard roll - toilet paper roll, paper towel roll, gift wrap roll, etc. Drinking glass X-acto knife Ribbons, wrapping paper, stamps, and other decorations.

1 Clean and Flatten Your Toilet Paper Roll

First, be sure to clean off any last bits of toilet paper or paper towel from the cardboard roll.

Now, you will need to flatten the roll. Just a simple press with your hand will do. You don't want to completely flatten it as you still want it to form a pillow when finished.

Flatten Your Toilet Paper Roll. Photo © Erin Huffstetler

2 Create the Flaps Toilet Paper Roll Gift Box - Cut the Flaps. Photo © Erin Huffstetler

To create the flaps, you could simply try to push in each end. But that can result in some clumsy-looking, unequal flaps. For a better result, use this method. Place a drinking glass at one end of the toilet paper roll, and lightly trace around it with an X-acto knife to create a curve. You want to press down firmly enough to score the cardboard, but not enough to cut through it. Flip the toilet paper roll over, and do it again on the other side. Then, repeat the process on the other end of the roll. If you don't have an X-acto knife, you could use a

butter knife or other knife to make a shallow score on the cardboard.

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3 Fold in the Flaps

Bend the ends of the roll in along the score lines to form the sides of your pillow box. The beauty of a pillow box is that you can open and close it whenever you wish to fill it. It is reusable.

Toilet Paper Roll Gift Box - Fold in the Flaps. Photo ©

Erin Huffstetler

4 Fill Your Box and Decorate It

You can choose to use the box to contain names of those you want to pray for or on the outside you can use a sticker or gift tag to fasten the name of the person you want to remember in prayer.

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Prayer Activity Station 4

Aboriginal Women

Pray these numbers!

Each fact tells a story. Each number is a life. Read each statistic . Then pray.

Between 1997 and 2000, the murder rate for Aboriginal women was

almost 7 times higher than that of non-Aboriginal women.

Approximately 75% of survivors of sexual assault in Aboriginal

communities in Canada are young women under 18 years of age.

Aboriginal women and girls make up the majority of those being

domestically sex trafficked in Canada.

In Saskatchewan, although Indigenous women make up only 6% of

the province’s population, 80% of its missing women are Indigenous.

Aboriginal women in Canada are 5 times more likely than women of

the same age to die as a result of violence.

Prayers of an aboriginal mother

“God, You know the name of every missing or murdered Indigenous woman in

Canada. O Lord, we beg of you to build a fire under the police who appear to

display very little interest in our missing girls and women. They all are very

precious to us. We are left with memories, dreams and thoughts of their deaths.

Help us deal with the reality of our missing dear ones and the finality of their loss.

Even so, dear Father, we thank You for Your continuing love and care.” Jean

Maracle, Indigenous mother of eight

“O Lord, please help our teachers on the reserves. Be with them, guard them and

fill their hearts full of love and care. Show them the way to work and love and

give our native children hope for the future. For this, we thank You Lord.” Jean

Maracle, Indigenous mother of eight

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Prayer Activity Station 5

Women Worldwide

Pray these numbers!

Each fact tells a story. Each number is a life. Read each statistic. Then pray.

Worldwide, 1 out of every 5 deaths of children under 5 is due to a

water-related disease.

For every one additional year of education for women of reproductive

age, child mortality decreases by 9.5%.

1 in 9 people worldwide do not have access to safe and clean drinking

water.

An estimated 246 million girls and boys worldwide experience

school-related violence every year.

Every year, 5,000 women worldwide are murdered by their relatives

to protect the honour of the family.

Women in most countries earn, on average, only 60 to 75% of men’s

wages.

Over half of the developing world’s primary schools don’t have access

to water and sanitation facilities. Without toilets, girls often drop out

at puberty.

Girls represent two out of every three child trafficking victims.

More than half of the world’s 10-year old girls live in 48 countries

with the worst gender equality. Ten is a pivotal age because it marks

the start of puberty, at which point, in some areas of the world, a girl

is then viewed as a commodity to be bought, sold, or traded. Girls at

this age are forced to leave school.

For every 10% increase in women’s literacy, a country’s whole

economy can grow by up to 0.3%

School-related gender-based violence is a major obstacle to universal

schooling and the right to education for girls.

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Prayer Activity Station 6

Women in Canada

Pray these numbers!

Each fact tells a story. Each number is a life. Read each statistic . Then pray.

About 1 in 5 single mothers in Canada live on a low income.

Every year in Canada an estimated 362,000 children witness or

experience family violence.

More than 1.5 million women in Canada live on a low income.

Across Canada, over 3,000 women, along with 2,900 dependent

children, are living in emergency shelters to escape abuse.

On average, every 6 days, a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate

partner.

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Known by Name Prayer Day Reflections - January 21, 2017

What stood out the most to you from this day?

How did God speak to you? Is there anything you plan to implement as a result of this

time of prayer?

Other comments:

I’m interested in more information about: Starting an RSVP group or using the films

Leadership training workshops

Attending a local women’s connection or prayer group

Sign me up to receive: Prayer Force – monthly email

RSVP e-Connect – monthly e-newsletter

RSVP Magazine – semi-annual publication

I’d like to: Talk with someone

Attend the next annual RSVP prayer day

Check into something else that I heard today

Name ____________________________________

Email ____________________________________

Phone ____________________________________

Home Town _______________________________

www.rsvpministries.com