PRAYER@PARLIAMENT

Uniqueness of AMPP.

The AMPP project commenced in 2016 and as far as we are aware there is no other nation in the world where every member of parliament is prayed for throughout the parliamentary term. If you know of any other county please inform us.

 

Question 1 : What does AMPP stand for?

Answer :  It is an Acronym for – Adopt MPs for Prayer

 

Question 2 : What are its Characteristics (features)?

Answer :

• Simple
• Sustainable
• Supple
• Supplication Scheme for
• Servants (who are Members of Parliament)

 

Question 3 : What is the Focus of AMPP?

Answer : 

• The Focus of P.I.E.V.E. Project – Pray (be) Informed, Enroll, Vote, Encourage others, was mobilising people to VOTE prayerfully, intelligently and strategically (direction: horizontal)
• The Focus of the AMPP project is praying for MPs now in Parliament, direction: vertical.
• This is a nation-wide, politically non-partisan and interdenominational project.

 

Question 4 : Why do we need this?

Answer : Paul uses the term “Servant of God” in two senses:

• As a devout Christian who is serving in a spiritual area eg a minister of the gospel (Romans 1:1-2 and Titus 1:1-2).
• As a person whether Christian or not who is serving in a God-ordained function eg, a politician: (Romans 13:1-7).

In Romans 13:1-7 those who govern are called ‘servants of God’ 3 times. They are described as servants of God not necessarily because they are Christians, most of them were not, but because they fulfill a God-ordained function for the promotion of good and the restraint of evil. In 1 Tim 2:1-2 The Apostle Paul urges us “first of all that petitions be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority….” Parliament is the highest human authority in New Zealand.  The legislation Members of Parliament pass whether good or bad affects every man woman and child in the nation (see book of Esther: Mordecai vs Haman). For a more detailed explanation of a Christian’s civic responsibilities read my article on ‘God, Gospel & Government – www.prayeratparliament.org.nz

 

Question 5 : How can we put 1 Tim 2:1-2 into Practice?

Answer : One of the ways we can implement this exhortation is through AMPP Project. AMPP is a way to pray for every member of Parliament.  In the present parliament there are 120 MPs.  Every MP is a servant of God in a Romans 13 sense.

• Whether they are MPs of the Christian Faith (of course we should pray specially for them, Gal 6:10).
• Whether they are MPs of other Faiths
• Whether they are MPs of no Faith
• Whether they are conscious of the fact they are servants of God or even want to acknowledge that they are servants of God
• Whether they are from your preferred political party or not
• Whether they were your preferred candidates or not
• Whether you personally like them or not

The present MPs are the ones who were either elected or gained entry to Parliament through the party list rankings in the last election. At the next Election you will have another opportunity to vote for your preferred party and candidates if you were disappointed with some of the last election results.

 

Q6 : How will AMPP Work?

Answer : First of all, please note the following terms used in this project:

Prayer Partners
Each prayer partner will adopt two MPs for Prayer. They may be Electorate or List MPs and will be allocated to you through the website. This is to ensure every MP is covered by prayer. Of course, you may also pray for other MP's as you feel led, your Electorate MP for example would be a good choice.

​

Q7 : What do I do if I want to participate in AMPP?

Answer :

• If you do not yet have a profile on our website please create one at: http://prayeratparliament.org.nz/register 
• If you already have a profile on our website please login and complete the additional AMPP details at the bottom of your profile page
• It is entirely voluntary but if you want to become a prayer partner you will need to commit to praying faithfully for the two MPs you adopt
• Please contact the website administrator if you have any questions. He will in turn will be in contact with you from time to time. We will not overload you with information rather we will simply refer you to where you can find relevant Information to enable you to pray intelligently. AMPP is a largely decentralised project to keep the organisation at a minimal level.
• The Vision will remain the same: a laser-focus on praying for all MPs but the administrative process will be streamlined as we progress.
• They must commit for the term of Parliament of three years, however we will allow anyone to withdraw after 1 full year.
• The quality of praying has these characteristics
  • a) Consistent (regularly)
  • b) Frequent (often)
  • c) Fervent (with Passion)
  • d) Relevant (sufficient information about the MP's)
  • e) Discreet (not boasting about which MP's you have been allocated, especially if they hold a high position)

 

Q8 : How can I find out more about MPs assigned to me?

Answer :

• Electorate MP - All have Electorate offices, please contact them.
• List MP - Please contact them through Parliament 04 471 9999 and some do have offices where they are based.
• Check these resources
  • MPs websites/newsletters/social media pages (Google NZ MP’s)
  • https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates

 

Q9 : What do I need to Pray For?

Answer : Two Categories

• MP as a Person
  • Pray for him/her and his/her family
  • Health
  • The Lord will keep their marriage and family strong
  • MPs will make a positive contribution during their time in Parliament
  • Other matters
• MPs and Particular Issues
  • We will advise you on any major issues to be prayed for.

 

Q10 : How long and how frequently will I need to Pray for the two MPs?

Answer :

• We suggest that you pray for them a minimum of twice a month leading up to weekly. This is a guideline only.
• Pray for the term of the Parliament which is 3 years
• All things being equal your MPs will hold that position for the term of Parliament (3 years) so should pray for him/her for 3 years.
• Our preference is that you will continue to pray for the full term of parliament, however, should you wish to withdraw you may do so on the 31st December each year (Withdrawal Date)
• Remember your ministry is voluntary. If after a year you cannot sustain it you can withdraw but you must notify the AMPP office by email. We will then allocate your MPs to another prayer partner. The reason for notifying is to ensure that no MP is without a Prayer Partner.

 

Q11 : How can I promote AMPP Vision?

Answer :

• Be committed, you cannot convince another authentically unless you are convinced first.
• Contact People you know who are :
  • Passionate about prayer
  • And willing to be part of AMPP project

We are interested in quality of the praying first and then quantity of the pray-ers!

• It is voluntary
• No one will be pressurized to join. We want the project to be sustainable
• No one will be overwhelmed with too many MPs to pray for
• No one will be overloaded with information

We want people who are passionate about prayer and who are passionate about praying for Members of Parliament. From little acorns great oak trees grow!

Jesus has called his followers

• You are the salt of the earth
• you are the light of the world (Matt 5:13-16)

Jesus also said in his high priestly prayer “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world (John 17:15-19)

We are different to make a world of difference!

• The Church has a Priestly ministry : we speak to God for people (Vertical) 
• The Church has a Prophetic ministry : we speak to people for God (Horizontal)

 

 

Pastor Rasik Ranchord
National Director of AMPP
Convener of Prayer at Parliament