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.

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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

Thank you for being willing to be an AMPP Prayer Partner. Here are some guidelines that promote quality prayer:

Prayer Should be Based on Scripture

• Here are two foundational scriptures: 1Tim 2:1-2 and Rom 13:1-7
• Click here for a detailed exposition.

Relevant Information on MPs allocated to you:

• You can find the names of your MPs on your AMPP page, click here to login. After you have logged in hover over the "Members" menu and click the "My AMPP Page" option. If you have forgotten your password click here to reset it.
• MP’s website, click here for list of MPs.
• MP’s Parliamentary office: 04 471 9999
• MP’s Electorate office, click here to find your MP.
• Subscribe to MP's Newsletters
• Follow on Social Media
• To inspire you for praying we highly recommend Scott Morrison's book "Plans for Your Good", a Prime Ministers tesimony of God's faithfulness. Available from Amazon  here. 

Most, if not all MPs have facebook and twitter accounts, many also on Instagram. Follow the links and search for your MPs names. The more you know about your MPs the more specific and sustainable your prayers will be.

Prayer Points:

1. Your MPs will make constructive contributions during their time in Parliament, in the select committees they are part of, in the debating chamber, in their caucuses and in their electorates.
2. Your MPs physical and mental health
3. Your MPs and their families’ protection.
4. Your MPs will be protected in 3 areas of great temptation: a) power b) opposite sex c) money matters.
5. If your MPs (or one of them ) are Ministers of the Crown, pray they will be effective in fulfilling their responsibilities in the portfolios allocated to them; eg Grant Robertson was Finance Minister and also Minister for Sport. If your MPs (or one of them ) is in the opposition parties, they may be spokesperson in a ‘shadow’ portfolio. Pray they will be effective in holding government to account in that area; eg Simon Bridges was National spokesperson on Justice.
6. Your MPs will debate robustly various issues but not attack opposing MPs personally.
7. MPs will adhere to a high code of ethics.
8. MPs will put the service of people before personal ambitions.
9. God will give MPs much wisdom in the governing of the nation as He gave Solomon (see 1 Kings ch3; also James 1:5-6; 3:13-18).
10. Other matters for prayer that you consider relevant.

AMPP Commitments:
We have deliberately kept your prayer responsibilities Simple ( only two MPs) and Sustainable. Your commitment is for a minimum of one calendar year and to pray for your MPs a minimum of twice monthly leading up to weekly if possible. 

AMPP National Director, Background Information.

• He is married to Lalita, has three married children and nine grandchildren
• Rasik has been a Christian Minister for over 50 years
• Author of "Dare To Be A Disciple", a text book (266 pages) on authentic disciple making. It has been used by churches of many denominations in many parts of the world
• Founder and former convenor of Prayer at Parliament
• Ministry to Members of Parliament
• A Bible Teacher who has ministered interdenominationally around the world 
• Former president of the New Zealand Bible Society
• A survivor of the Wahine disaster 1968, the worst maritime disaster in the history of NZ
• Former spokesperson on public issues for New Life Churchers New Zealand
• Founder (with lalita) of Abundant Life Church Wellington, now an itinerant minister
• His ministry has always been across the whole body of Christ
• Studied at Auckland and Canterbury Universities. BCom (Economics)