The traditional church year begins very shortly. Often the Sunday readings are taken from the beginnings of the Gospels. I find the opening four chapters of Matthew fascinating. (There is a major section break at 4:17. Greek readers will find the same phrase, or slight variations of it, at 7:28, 11:1, 13:53, 19:1, and 26:1.)

Ten times Matthew quotes from the Old Testament Scriptures. Seven times are direct fulfillments of prophecies. Three times are Jesus quotations in the temptation. Matthew has an important message to share. He is very deliberate about crafting the story so that his Jewish readers will receive the message well.

I believe the church today poised at an advent. It is technically possible for this generation to see a translation program started in every language still needing one. God’s Word given in a language and form that the readers will receive well. Will we have the intention to do that? I pray we do.

It’s coming up soon. November 11 is the worldwide day of prayer for Bible translation.

Mark you calendar.

Here is a short video clip on prayer that might help direct your thoughts.

And here is a short video about the impact that the Bible makes in the lives of others.

Does your commitment to pray wane over time? It did for Nikki, then she started again. Watch her story.

Other ideas to stimulate prayer for the Bible-less people of the world can be found here.