NATIONAL SOLEMN ASSEMBLY UPDATE 5

National Solemn Assembly

Friday 9th March 11.00AM till 8.00PM

Saturday 10th March 11.00AM till 8.00PM

at Budawang Building, Exhibition Park, Canberra

Sunday 11th March 12 noon till 3.00PM

at Parliament House, Canberra (on grassed area in front of building known as Federation Mall. In the event of rain we will move back to Exhibition Park.)

For all enquiries on the Solemn Assembly please email or phone Stuart or Crystal on 07 3343.8242

In this update:

WEATHER PATTERNS BEGIN TO CHANGE BUT NOT YET A BREAKTHROUGH
PARLIAMENT HOUSE THE VENUE FOR THE SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION OF THE SOLEMN ASSEMBLY
STILL LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION
BIBLE READINGS FOR WEEKS 5 AND 6 OF THE 40 DAYS OF PREPARATION
NEW RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE

WEATHER PATTERNS BEGIN TO CHANGE BUT NOT YET A BREAKTHROUGH

People who have been part of the Australian Prayer Network's previous calls for seasons of prayer in relation to the drought will be very familiar with the current change in the weather patterns. Widespread rains in the past few weeks in Northern Queensland and in more recent days on the east coast of NSW are similar to the widespread rains that occurred during the 40 Days of Prayer for rain held in July/August 2005.

Those living in areas where good rain has fallen, and who are satisfied with the rain they have received, may be tempted to say God has heard our prayers and further prayer is not required. I remind us all however that at the end of the 2005 season of prayer, during which many areas in the nation received drought breaking rains, that the rains stopped when the prayers stopped and we fell into even more serious drought than existed before the season of prayer began.

Whilst I am certain that God is preparing to break the drought as He sees His people turning their hearts towards Him in repentance, I believe unless we "finish the course" and reach the season of repentance offered by the National Solemn Assembly which God called us to during the 40 days of seeking His face, we will again abort the breakthrough that we so desperately need both naturally and also in the spiritual realm.

So yes, let us rejoice that God is extending his love, mercy, and compassion in the form of extensive falls of rain in some areas as an encouragement to us that we are moving in the right direction, but let us press through to the breakthrough that I believe will come as we "turn from our wicked ways" when we gather as His people in Canberra for the National Solemn Assembly. Let us pray and believe for the rain of His Spirit to fall in Canberra in even greater measure than the physical rain that has fallen in recent weeks.

Brian Pickering
Source: Australian Prayer Network

PARLIAMENT HOUSE THE VENUE FOR THE SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION OF THE SOLEMN ASSEMBLY

After weeks of negotiation we have finally obtained approval to use the grassed area in front of Parliament House Canberra, known as Federation Mall, for the National Solemn Assembly final session from 12 noon till 3.00PM on Sunday 11th March.

Those coming for the Sunday only should therefore head for Parliament House rather than Exhibition Park. In the event however of rain we will move back to the Budawang building in Exhibition Park where the Friday and Saturday sessions are being held.

We believe it is very symbolically significant that the final session of the Assembly will be held outside the seat of political power in our Nation.
Source: Australian Prayer Network

STILL LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION

We have been informed that there are facilities at Exhibition Park for those who may wish to camp for the Solemn Assembly. If you are amongst those prepared to "rough it" to save a few dollars, and have the necessary camping gear, you can make a booking or further enquiries by contacting Rene Bol on 02 6241 3022 or you can email him at rene@epic.act.gov.au He will provide details of prices and answer any questions you may have.

If your preference is for something a little more comfortable then visit Canberra Getaways on 1300 733 228 or visit their website at http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/

You may of course also book directly with the many accommodation places that are available in the ACT.
Source: Australian Prayer Network

BIBLE READINGS FOR WEEKS 5 AND 6 OF THE 40 DAYS OF PREPARATION

Following are the bible readings from 23rd February to the close of the 40 days of preparation which occurs on 6th March.

Injustice

Friday 23rd February Leviticus 19 v 15 - 18
Matthew 12 v 18 - 21
Hosea 10 v 1 - 12

Sunday 25th February Psalm 146 v 1 - 10
Isaiah 1 v 21 - 27

Monday 26th February Luke 18 v 1 - 8
Zechariah 7 v 8 - 14
Jeremiah 9 v 23 - 24

Tuesday 27th February Isaiah 58 v 1 - 14

Wednesday 28th February Malachi 3 v 1 - 6, 13 - 18 and 4 v 1 - 6

Thursday 1st March Micah 6 v 8
Isaiah 61 v 1 - 11


Broken Covenants

Friday 2nd March Ecclesiastes 5 v 1 - 6
Acts 5 v 1 - 11

Saturday 3rd March Nehemiah 1 v 1 - 11

Sunday 4th March Proverbs 2 v 1 - 22

Monday 5th March Jeremiah 31 v 31 - 34
2 Peter 3 v 1 - 18

Tuesday 6th March Psalm 116 v 1 - 19
Source: Australian Prayer Network

NEW RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE

A theme song entitled "Come Heal Our Land" has been chosen for the National Solemn Assembly. The song, and a copy of the words and chords, are now available on the website http://www.ausprayernet.org.au/ by clicking on a link from the website home page. You are encouraged to familiarise yourself with the song. The writer has given permission for it to be used freely in Churches as part of the Solemn Assembly preparations and event itself.

A new comprehensive information kit has been produced which summarises much of the material and information that we have been sending out. It is an excellent one stop source of information and well worth printing off for Pastors and Churches to be made aware of the National Solemn Assembly. Available from the home page link at http://www.ausprayernet.org.au/
Source: Australian Prayer Network