Tag: Austria
Intercede with members of the GERMANIC CLUSTER that people living in Germanic countries will have a renewed desire to really read God’s Word, not just accepting what other people say about it. Ask that eyes will be opened to the relevance of the Word in the world today. May it be the living and active Word that we know it to be.
Advent is a special time of year as preparations for Christmas are made. In German-speaking countries, homes are decorated with lights, candles and ornaments, cookies are baked, and presents are purchased. Each week an additional candle is lit on the advents wreath and children eagerly open the “door” on their advents calendar each day to find a piece of chocolate or small present. Everyone is busy getting ready for the holiday, but most have missed the “Christ” in Christmas and don’t realize the real reason for celebrating this season. Intercede that this time of year will open doors for members of the GERMANIC CLUSTER to share the true meaning of the coming holiday. Ask that many Germans and Austrians will embrace the Son during Advent and welcome Him into their lives as Lord and Savior.
In the springtime in Germany, toads migrate by the thousands to ponds, where they will lay their eggs. This nightly activity often necessitates the crossing of streets, which puts their lives in great danger. In order to protect them, netting is often put up to keep them from crossing the roads and volunteers then invest long hours, scooping them up in buckets and safely delivering them to the other side of the street. Toads are completely unaware of the danger they face and their need for a “savior” to deliver them safely to their destination. Many Germanic people, like these toads, are going through life, unaware of the danger that lies ahead. Intercede with the GERMANIC CLUSTER that they will recognize their need for a Savior, who can rescue them from their sin. Petition that they will place their trust in the Son, so that they will be able to safely enter into God’s eternal Kingdom.
Germans, Austrians, and Swiss tend to be very private. Family relationships are strong, but friendships are developed slowly and carefully. It is a great privilege to be invited into a German home to share a meal. The host will make elaborate preparations, decorating the table with candles and flowers. A small piece of chocolate is often laid beside each plate. The guest is expected to bring a small gift, such as flowers, chocolate or wine. A blessing is rarely said, but once everyone is seated at the table, the host will indicate that it’s time to begin eating by wishing everyone “Guten Appetit!” Intercede with members of the GERMANIC CLUSTER that Germans will invite the Lord into their lives and become fully aware of all the blessings He gives them.
