Stage 13 Muret / Rodez

On Friday the tour pedaled their way through the Midi Pyrenees region beginning in the 31st department of Haute-Garonne and ending in the 12th department Aveyron. Pray that the younger generations will question why so many do not believe in God the Father.  Let them ask the hard question about a creator, and a God who is in control and has a active role in their everyday life.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will be actively working and that we as the Body of Christ will be doing our part as well.  Lord, let us go and as we are going tell others the good news.

Father, we pray that the younger generations will be open to the gospel and as the summer continues and VBS and summer camps are held we pray that many of the children and teenagers will come to know Christ as their personal Savior.  Bring many opportunities for children to hear the gospel in this region of France and encourage the Church to continue to be faithful in going and sharing with the love of Christ.  We pray in the name of Jesus our Savior.  Amen.



Mission Timothée 

Stage 12 Lannemezaan /Plateau de Beille

The Tour has been through this area and I am a bit late with this prayer, but as they move on through France keep the Pyrenees and people who live there in your prayers.  The days in the mountains  are always exciting and unpredictable things go on as the teams ride over each mountain on the stage.

Lord,
we pray for all the people who live in and on these beautiful green hills called the Pyrenees.  Lord, even through they live in a beautiful location, life can be ugly and bring pain and hardship along with beauty and grace.  Lord, we pray that as people struggle to climb up life's mountain they will look to You for wisdom, strength, guidance and redemption so that they will be blessed by You for generations to come.  Father pour your blessings over the Pyrenees.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen

Stage 11 Pau / Cauterets - Vallee de Saint-Savin

The people will be here crowding around the summits as they wait for the arrival of the riders who will master their bodies and their minds.    We cheer them on as they dig deep to demand more out of each stroke.  Lord, thank you for the joy these stages bring to our lives. 

Lord, we thank you for the people on these mountains.  We thank you for their excitement and their joy as they cheer on their favorites.  Thank you for those strong enough to ride in the tour this year.  We pray that each person will have the opportunity to learn about Jesus and how he endured all for each one of us.  He chose to obey the Father and climb to the top of Calvary and sacrifice everything for each of us.  We thank you, Jesus, for your love and your sacrifice for our salvation.  We stand here today and cheer for your return, so that all will know you as King of King and Lord of Lord.  We pray in the name of Jesus our King.  Amen

Stage 10 Tarbes / La Pierre-Saint-Martin

Today is the first of the Pyrenees, so we will enjoy the climbs and the strategies that come with the slopes and the valleys.  Each team comes with different strengths and weaknesses, but they all have the same goal to make it over the mountains to the finish line in the least amount of time.  The sprinters will pop off the back as the climbers will their bodies to go faster and faster. 

Lord, we watch as they move through your handiwork.  Up hills, around the bends, and down into the valleys below protect them as they go.  Lord, help us all to slow down and enjoy the beauty around us each day.  Thank you for what you have created.  As we see your creation we praise you as our creator.  Father thank you for the beauty we see this stage and the stages to come. 

We pray in the name of Jesus our Creator. 

Amen.   

Haute Garonne 31

Lord, we stand here in the pyrenees looking at your creation of mountains and valleys.  Lord, we pray for the  people who call Toulouse home.  Open their eyes and hearts to the truth of the gospel.  We pray that they will give their hearts to you for eternity.  We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen 

Aveyron (12)

Department Aveyron (12) in the region  of  Midi-Pyrénées. 

Have mercy on me, O God,    according to your unfailing love;according to your great compassion    blot out my transgressions.
² Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin. Ps 51:1-2

Heavenly Father,
      We pray that you will show mercy, on the people of Aveyron for we know that your unfailing love.  Father you loved us enough to send your only Son to die for us and pay for our Salvation, so Lord we pray for your mercy, love and compassion  will be showered on Aveyron so that the message of your Salvation and forgiveness to be spoken and lived out in the department of Aveyron . 
We pray all these things in the name of Jesus our Savior.  Amen.

Ariège 09

Ariège is the ninth department in the region of Midi-Pyrénées.  Foix is the capital of this department.  Picture perfect but yet we know that people still need to know and trust in their creator.

Dear Father, we see the grandeur of your creation in the mountains.  Lord people still have pain and hurt even when they live surrounded by beauty.   Lord, I pray that in homes in  Ariège we ask that their will be harmony, and peace.  We pray that the children will crave to know you.  We ask for husbands to love their wives like Christ loves the church.  Lord, increase a hunger for your Word.  Lord, we pray for a revival to grow in this department in France and that many will come to know you as Lord and Savior.  We pray all these things in the name of Jesus our Redeemer.  Amen

Étape 16 Pau > Bagnères-de-Luchon

 Water and mountains the Pyrenees bring a beautiful stage for us today.  The personality of the Pyrenees is different than the Alps.  The riders approach these mountain on the third week when their bodies are stretched to their limits.  Tired and wiry they drag their bodies over these mountains to Paris.  Each rider must have a reason, a goal, a dream or maybe just a hope.  If you are like me the Tour seems to be won by Bradley, but with these last stages ahead there is no sure thing, only hopes and dreams. 

Father, in your word you speak of being the living water and you called men of old up to the mountains to spend time with you, to seek you and speak with you.  Lord, today we still need to spend time on the mountain seeking your face.  Lord, we ask that on this day and in this place men and women will seek you.  We humbly bow before you seeking your love and grace to be pour out over these Pyrenees Mountains so that men and women will seek and find you.  You paid such a high price for our salvation, please do not give up now.  Send your Holy Spirit to each village on this route and let each house see that you are a God who loves them and has provided salvation as a free gift.  We pray all these things in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Étape 14 Limoux > Foix

Luke 6:48
They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.

Today we ride from Limoux in the region of Languedoc-Rousillon to Foix in the Midi-Pyrénées region.  Today, the mountain rises before them as they head west into the Pyrénées. When we arrive in Foix there will be a castle built on a rock high above the city.  It brought to mind this verse in Luke.  This verse and those around it tells us that the people who listen and obey God's Word are like wise men who build their house on the rock. 

Lord, we pray that we will be people who listen to your word and obey, so that we can be like a man building a house on a rock.  When life's storms come, if our lives are firmly built on the foundation of Your word they will not be shaken.  Lord, we pray that people of France will see that your word is the solid rock they need for their lives.  We pray that someone today will open your Word and read and as they obey their lives will be built on your Word. Thank you for the foundation you provide. We pray all these things in the name of Jesus. Amen

Toulouse

Lord, We pray that the city of Toulouse will believe that you are the Word that is with God from the beginning and before.  Lord, through you all things were made.  We pray that each person in Toulouse will hear about the Word that became flesh and lived with us.  Lord, you bring life and so we pray that they will receive life from you here in the city of Toulouse.  We pray all these things in the name of Jesus.  Amen

Étape 11 Blaye-Les-Mines to Lavaur

Gaillac

Today the race went through the region of Midi-Pyrénées staying mostly in the department of Tarn(81) and Tarn et Garonne (82).  Last year we prayed through this area.  Please take the time to pray for those who live in these departments here in the Midi-Pyrénées. As we past through the city of Gaillac remember to pray for Église Évangélique de Gaillac. 

Father, thank you for this region of France we appreciate the beauty that you have created here.  We thank you for the safety in the rain as the riders rode today.  Lord, I pray for all who serve you in this place.  Thank you for being with them as they run the race that you have set before them. Provide for them to finish the race.  Be with Église Évangélique de Gaillac bring them many chances to tell others about Jesus.  We thank you for the cross and all that happened there for each of us.  We desire for the people of this region to know the glory of the cross in their lives.  We pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen

Étape 16 - Bagnères-de-Luchon > Pau

Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

 

One thing about France is that every region has food they are famous for.  Here in Midi-Pyrénées they are famous for foie gras, Pave du Quercy is a traditional cake, decorated with nuts, raisins and crystallised cherries, a stew called, garbure, and Roquefort ewes milk cheese to name a few.  Each region has its own taste and flavors.  As wonderful as french cuisine can be, it does not compare to the goodness of our Lord. 

Lord,

I pray while we are here in the Pyrénées that people will see that you are good.  Lord, thank you for the wonderful taste you give to us to enjoy through the flavors of France, but I pray that the people of this region will soon know how good you are and that you are trustworthy of our devotion.  Thank you for moving in the hearts of the people of Bagnères-de Luchon and in Pau.  Please allow your word to be shared with boldness and love.  I pray that they will see the love the Father has for you and us.  Bless these cities today with your goodness and love.  I pray all these things in the name of Jesus, the bread of life.  Amen

Étape 15 Pamiers > Bagnères-de-Luchon

On route today we come to MAS-D’AZIL.  This town is rich in protestant church history.  When there were times of persecution they, early Christians, Albigensians, and Huguenots, sought refuge in these caves. . The biggest cave is Mas-d'Azil. Its Caverne Merveilleuse extends 2-1/2 miles.  Two scriptures come to mind.

Psalms 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.  and
Psalms 18:2  The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

I am glad the Word of God the Huguenots believed in is still the same today and their God is our God.  In times of hardship and persecution they trusted in God to protect them and to be their strength.  I am honored by the rich heritage we have as believers in Christ.  It will be glorious to be in Heaven and hear the stories of God's goodness to all of them. 

Sovereign Lord,
As we travel through France today, we see our church history unfold before us.  In these stories of the past we see your faithfulness and we are blessed to know that you never change.  I praise you for all that you did for this region in the time of the Huguenots and others who have lived here believing in your salvation.  Lord, I pray that you will gather together a mighty army of believers who will once more stand for the truth of the word of God.  Lord, thank you for those you have saved and those whom you will save, but we know that they can only be saved through the hearing of your word.  Bring believers to this area to boldly preach the gospel of Christ.  I pray these things in the name of Jesus the Alpha and the Omega.  Amen

Étape 14. Revel > Ax-3 Domaines

Into the mountains we go.  The Pyrenees will entertain us as we cheer these men  up and over then down to the finish line or up to the finish line  as it is today  The author of Hebrews talks about a race for us as well. 

Hebrews 12:1-2

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I know our race can be like today's stage up hill all the way, but let us remain faithful to complete the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.  Forget all the sins  and things that hinder us and continue on in the strength of the Lord.  Have you noticed the sprinters and they are coming in for a sprint finish they start throwing off any water bottles they have left so that they are as lite and as fast as they can be. 

 

Lord,

I pray for the people of these beautiful mountains.  Lord, I pray that we will run our race so that your glory will be seen in the Pyrenees.  As we leave Revel bless Église Évangélique Apostolique, and Église Évangélique Vie et Lumière as they preach your word on this day.  Lord, I pray that these churches love each other with your love so that the world will desire you.  Thank you for their faithfulness. Let only your truth be spoken today.  Lord, we give you all the praise and adoration as we cross the finish line.  We pray in the name of Jesus, the Truth.  Amen.

Étape 13 Rodez > Revel

The more I learn about the country of France the more I believe France is about simple things.  France is filled with cities Rodez and Revel were life is very much down to earth, good people living with each other making their lives full of family and good things from the earth.  Some fresh bread, wonderful cheese, the local wine, and a place to live with centuries of history and the buzz of today all around them.  But like all people life is not always wonderful, and the French do not like to share what is private.  For missionaries coming to live in France is takes along time before, if ever, they are pulled into the real part of French life.  Pray that God will break down those barriers that keep relationship from growing.  Ask God to help the non-french to understand the culture and rules of the French society. Pray that these things would not hinder the message of Christ being accepted in France.  This area of France has a long history of religion playing a part in their lives and it has not always been good. Pray that the French will see Jesus Christ, worthy to be part of their lives and not just a piece of history.  

Sovereign Lord,

The past has built many stronghold in the people of France.  We see their culture and rules are different then our own and it is hard to be accepted as one of them.  Lord, I know that you can break down these barriers to the gospel message and bring a new spirit into the hearts of the French.  Jesus, you are worthy of our worship today just as you were in the days of the past.  I pray that unbelieving hearts will soon open when you stand at the door and knock.  Thank you for knocking.  Lord, we are fully convinced that you are able to do what you have promised.  So Lord, we boldly ask to you to call the French people to salvation on this day, binding whatever stands in the way of the preaching and teaching of the Word of God to all.  We pray in the name of Jesus the one and only.  Amen 

 

We pray to live a life that pleases you.

Colossians 1:9-10
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

Norte Père,
We ask you to fill us with your knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. We pray that we live a life worthy of you. We desire to please you in every way. Lord, we pray that we bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Haute-Garonne Department 31

This department Haute-Garonne has over 1 Million people. Over half of them live in the city of Toulouse. The ancient city of Toulouse lies on the bank of the Garonne river and is home to the tomb of Thomas Aquinas and one of the oldest university. Today Toulouse is one of France's fastest growing areas. Filled with aerospace industry it is Europe's largest space center. Toulouse is now France's 4Th largest city.

In this city one can find French speaking and English speaking churches.

Norte Père,
Thank you for all the believers in the Haute-Garonne. Thank you for their faithfulness. Lord, bless them through this season of Lent, let them have many opportunities to share their faith in You. Please, Holy Spirit stir hearts and prepare them to hear and to believe on the saving grace of Jesus.

Lord, thank you for this growing area of France and for its rich history. I pray that the Church here will be strong and grow with all the new incoming residents. Thank you Father for all that you are doing in department 31.
I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Hautes-Pyrénées Department 65

National Park of the Pyrenees

Isa 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Lord, thank you for the beauty that you have given to us in the Pyrénées region. Your creation is refreshing to our souls. Thank you for taking the time to create this reminder of your greatness and love for beauty.

I pray that all who come to this department will see you as a mighty creator and give you glory that only you deserve. Thank you for giving us the living reminder in the eagle that you are not only our creator but our sustainer. You carry us through each and everyday. You lift us up and allow us to soar on the wings as eagles. You give us the legs to run and walk and provide us with strength so that when we are weary and ready to faint we can trust in you and carry on.

Thank you for the visual reminders of you each and everyday. Help us to open our eyes and hearts to see you. Lord, lift up each believer in department 65 and carry them through this day. I pray in the holy name of Jesus. Amen

Tarn Department 81

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:10-13

Thank you Father for listening to us when we pray. Thank you for letting us find you when we seek you with all of our heart. Thank you for the plans that you have for each of us. It is good to know they are not meant to harm us, but to give us a hope and a future. Lord, we seek you with our whole heart on the behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ in France,the region of Midi-Pyrénées and in the department of Tarn. Thank you for bridging the gap between You and us. I know that cost you more than I can ever understand, but I thank you for creating a way for me to know you and have a personal relationship with You through the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thank you Father for creating a bridge for me and others.
I thank you and praise you for letting me seek you. Thank you for Jesus and I pray all these things in His precious name. Amen

Thank you for the churches in Midi-Pyrénées

Dear Father,
Today is your day Lord, Thank you for each believer and each body of Christ. Thank you for their worship time today. Let the words that they heard and the songs they have sung encourage them to run the race put before them. I pray that their hearts were softened and that the Holy Spirit fills them so that they can understand you Lord, and grow in your grace and knowledge of you.
Thank you for each and every lost soul that heard the gospel today. Lord let them see their need to know you and have eternal life that your have provided for each and everyone.
Thank you Father for moving in hearts today in the region of Midi-Pyrénées and in all of France. I praise you and thank you in the name of Jesus. Amen