Introduction

From Luis Bush…

“Christians are engaged in transformational mission as servant catalysts. A cyclical pattern is emerging of those who are engaging. It begins with a fresh awareness of the holiness of God which leads to greater humility. The humility of the servants of God makes way for a spirit of unity. Greater unity leads to a transformed and transforming community sensitized to discover, embrace and become servant catalysts on God’s mission of transformation. The result is restoration of time, intimacy with God and a sense of justice.

“God has a plan to change the world centered in Jesus. We are His team. It’s like a body. Trust Jesus is the head of the body and we are his hands and feet. We are a people called the Church to become salt and light in every generation and in every domain of cultural influence in society and in every geographic region in the world. We are the global gospel influencers as global moral illuminators as the light of the world and global moral preservationists as the salt of the earth.  We are servants of God and followers of Christ.

“The Oxford Dictionary defines servant as servant a person who performs duties for others . . . a devoted and helpful follower or supporter. As Paul the apostle wrote: “Follow me as I follow Christ (1 Cor. 11:1).”  We are to follow the example of Jesus. Jesus came to earth to seek and to save and to serve. We are to walk in His footsteps as His followers seeking not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). 

“The term catalyst relates to servant in that the primary contribution is to another. The Oxford Dictionary defines a catalyst as “. . . an element that initiates (or speeds up) a reaction of other elements . . .”
[Ref.] Soanes, C., & Stevenson, A. (2004). Concise Oxford English dictionary (11th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Prayer Strategy for the Sphere of the Arts

(The following has been prepared for Australia – check the Ministry of Arts and related organisations in your country.)

The Ministry of Arts in Australia develops and administers programs and policies that encourage excellence in art, support for cultural heritage and public access to arts and culture. The funding and support provided by the Ministry of Arts  helps artists and organisations shape the Australia cultural landscape, increase cultural diversity, and inspire, educate and entertain audiences across Australia and around the world. Please uphold all the sections within the Ministry of Arts and meditate on the scripture related to each section:

Creative industries have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent. They have the potential to create wealth and jobs through the generation and use of intellectual property. Creative industries can include music, performing arts, film, television, radio, advertising, games and interactive content, writing, publishing, architecture, design, and visual arts. The Ministry for the Arts administers policies and programs to develop creative industries and encourage the cultural sector’s engagement in the digital environment. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Cultural diversity – Australia is a party to the UNESCO Convention that covers cultural diversity. International cultural collaboration provides the opportunity for Australia to take its unique cultural diversity to the world, and also gives local audiences and cultural practitioners access to a diversity of cultural expressions and experiences. Please pray that God protects this area from any corruption and all Art cultures are respected and honoured. “And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze.” (Exodus 35:31-32)

Film & Television – Australia’s iconic film and television industry showcases the talents and creativity of our actors, writers, producers, directors and post-production workers. Australian film production is an important contributor to the nation’s cultural life and continues to shape and develop Australia’s national identity. Please uphold all the people who work in this area in your prayers. “Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.” (Psalm 119:33)

The Australian Screen Production Incentive is the Australian Government’s primary mechanism of supporting film and television production. It provides generous tax incentives for film, television and other screen production in Australia. Pray that the Government invest wisely into this area. “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Romans 13:14)

Filming in Australia – One of the most popular destinations for filmmaking in the world, Australia has an enviable lifestyle, spectacular and diverse locations, well respected and sought after crews and creative talent, exceptional cast and internationally recognised technical facilities, and Oscar winning post-production services. Combined with the economical cost of film production and an established, collaborative network of film agencies committed to assisting producers, means that Australia is a world-class location for filmmaking. Pray that God is glorified in all areas in this above, all these places be holy before the Lord our God. “But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,” (Jude 1:20)

Indigenous arts, languages and repatriation – the Ministry for the Arts administers Australian Government funding that supports Indigenous languages, visual arts and culture.. Please pray that the Government continues to fund this Indigenous Art, asking God to provide everything to keep the heritage of Indigenous people of the land. “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalms 84:11)

Literature – excellence in literary works by Australian authors warrants rewards, whether through literary prizes or practical steps to ensure writers and publishing houses can thrive. The Ministry for the Arts supports the literature sector’s vitality and sustainability in various ways. Please pray for all Australian Authors, Writers, Publishers and everyone who has the gift of Literature that the Lord himself inspire them and be the centre of their creativity. Read the Gospel in John chapter 1.

Movable cultural heritage includes objects that people create or collect and forms an important part of a nation’s identity. These objects are known as cultural property and can be artistic, technological, historical or natural in origin. There is increasing trade and exchange of cultural property between nations. This exchange can enhance international appreciation of cultural diversity, but it can also lead to the loss of significant aspects of a nation’s cultural heritage. Pray that this area is preserved and honoured. Read Psalm 16 and meditate on it.

Music – millions of Australians enjoy listening to music created by local artists and the international success of Australian musicians has made music one of our greatest cultural exports. The Australian Government supports the development of Australia’s contemporary music industry through a number of initiatives. Pray for everything and everyone involved in the above list, keep in mind that some music is ungodly and we need to pray hard to bring holiness in the Music domain in Australia. Read Psalm 21 and Meditate on it.

Performing Arts – The Australian Government provides funding and support for Australia’s vibrant performing arts sector. Arts training bodies arts.gov.au/about/who-we-support/training-bodies – please pray for each entity. Performing arts training organisations and institutions foster excellence and contribute to Australia’s thriving creative economy. The Australian Government provides funding support to these centres of excellence. “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;” (Psalm 24:1)

Regional and Touring Arts – Regional Artist Development Fellowships are granted to five individual artists or arts workers and have a focus on professional and creative development and supporting regional artists to develop their professional practice, promote their work nationally and internationally and deliver benefits to their local communities. Please pray for God’s guidance on these Fellowships and let Him be in charge of all funds given to these artists. “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

The Australia Council’s National Regional Programs support performing arts, music, exhibition touring and arts events at festivals. These programs aim to provide access to the arts and increase audiences throughout Australia, with a particular focus on regional and remote communities. Meditate on Psalm 23 asking God to provide safety and assistance to the initiatives above.

The Visual Arts and Craft Strategy is a Cultural Ministers Council initiative, delivered by the Australian Government in partnership with the states and territories, to support a strong and dynamic visual arts and craft sector. Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support provides funding to Indigenous art centres and allied industry organisations, with the objective of building a stronger Indigenous visual arts industry. The Indigenous Art Code is an industry-led voluntary code of conduct that guides ethical commerce and provides greater certainty for consumers that the artworks they buy come through ethical processes. Please pray for these initiatives and discern the spirit behind each project – meditate on the Lord’s prayer.

The Australia Council for the Arts delivers a broad program of strategic initiatives and partnerships. These strategies are designed to enhance the profiles of artists, develop markets and audiences, and facilitate collaborations and cultural exchanges, nationally and internationally. “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. (He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.)” (Romans 11:29)

Australian Film Television and Radio School is committed to producing dynamic, flexible daring and creative practitioners AFTRS is famous for its ‘hands-on’ practical courses and stellar alumni. AFTRS is Australia’s national screen arts and broadcast school and is rated as one of the top Film School’s in the world – by The Hollywood Reporter and is the only Australian institution of any kind to make the list! Educating for creativity specifically for the screen arts and broadcast industry AFTRS is the only institution of its kind in Australia. AFTRS students work together under the one roof with industry standard facilities and gear. Please pray and invite Jesus into every section in this school  Let God’s power move in and out and let this place be transformed for God’s glory. Amen.
Pray also for illustration of God’s power. “There is no one who calls on Your name, Who arouses himself to take hold of You; For You have hidden Your face from us And have delivered us into the power of our iniquities. But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand. Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD, Nor remember iniquity forever; Behold, look now, all of us are Your people.” (Isaiah 64:7-9)

Bundanon Trust – supports arts practice and engagement with the arts through its residency, education, exhibition and performance programs. In preserving the natural and cultural heritage of its site Bundanon promotes the value of landscape in our lives. See bundanon.com.au This is an amazing trust please uphold this project in your prayer and all the people involved with this it.

Creative Partnerships Australia – their role is to increase business, philanthropic and social investment in Australia’s arts, creative and cultural sectors. Established in 2013 following the merger of Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) and Artsupport, Creative Partnerships Australia changed the landscape of arts funding, launching Australia’s first federally-funded matched funding program for the Arts, amongst other funding and development programs. See creativepartnershipsaustralia.org.au Prayer: Psalm 91 for God’s protection.

The National Archives of Australia can best be described as the memory of our nation – collecting and preserving Australian Government records that reflect our history and identity. As well as preserving the Australian history, the National Archives plays a key role in helping to ensure the Australian Government and its departments are effective and accountable to the people. The archive consists of tens of millions of items, and includes records about immigration, military service, transport, Indigenous Australians, science and the environment and more. See www.naa.gov.au “Then Solomon said, ‘The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud. I have surely built You a lofty house, A place for Your dwelling forever.’ Then the king faced about and blessed all the assembly of Israel, 1 while all the assembly of Israel was standing.” (1 Kings 8:12- 14)
Thank you Lord for people who invested time and efforts to create this organisation, we ask the Lord to protect this place and bring true holiness into it. This is a treasure for Australia. Please pray that the National Archives of Australia is a place where God resides and our faith is kept alive.

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia is the nation’s living archive – collecting, preserving and sharing our rich audiovisual heritage. The national collection holds more than 2.16 million works. The NFSA aims to develop a collection that has enduring cultural significance and is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in active audiovisual preservation.
“God of creation, all-pow’rful, all-wise,
Lord of the universe, rich with surprise,
Maker, Sustainer, and Ruler of all,
We are your children – you hear when we call.
God of the ages, through time’s troubled years,
You are the one in whom hist’ry coheres;
Nations and empires your purpose fulfill,
Moving in freedom, yet working your will. Amen”

The National Gallery of Australia – the National Gallery’s collection of Australian art reflects its unique national responsibility to present the story of visual art in Australia. The collection includes works by artists from all Australian states and territories and by Australian artists working overseas, as well as works by artists living for a time in Australia, and the work of Indigenous artists from all regions and urban areas of Australia. More info at www.nga.gov.au “The king rejoices in your strength, Lord. How great is his joy in the victories you give! You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—length of days, for ever and ever. Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. 6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. (Psalm 21:1-6) Please pray that God will protect the National Gallery of Australia and raise up Christian Artists to provide and contribute their gifts to the Gallery’s work and bring the word of God inside the Gallery. Let Jesus be the author of this place and let your Holy Spirit lead and transform people’s lives who work inside the gallery and also touch all the galerie’s visitors and Artists.

The National Library of Australia – “We cannot understand the present or plan for the future without the knowledge of the past.” Prime Minister Harold Holt, Stone Ceremony March 1966 (www.nla.gov.au/about). But I say ‘we don’t need to know what the future holds but we know who holds the future.’ Let us pray for the National Library of Australia. We pray for everyone working in the National Library, we pray for everyone who is doing research in the Library, we pray for everyone who visit the Library, we pray for the board, for all Admin for all resources, all entrances, all connections, all media, all communications, all agreements and policies and everything to do with archives. We ask to expose lies from the National Library and bring the Truth out. Let the bible be the authorised book in the National Library. “Whenever you pray, say, ‘Father, let your name be sanctified.” (Luke 11:2 ) “Jesus said to him: ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.’” (John 14:6) “This is the confidence that we have toward him, that, no matter what it is that we ask according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14)

The National Museum of Australia is a social history museum exploring the land, nation and people of Australia. The focus is on Indigenous histories and cultures, histories of European settlement and our interaction with the environment. Let us meditate on Acts 17:25-27 “Nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;…” All history is in the hands of God alone and He is the one who knows the past, the present and the future. “You alone are the LORD You have made the heavens, The heaven of heavens with all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them You give life to all of them And the heavenly host bows down before You.” (Nehemiah 9:6) “’For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,’ declares the LORD ‘But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.’” (Isaiah 66:2) “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)

Prayers for Art and Entertainment

Prayer for Artists

Bless the creators, O God of creation, who by their gifts make the world a more joyful and beautiful realm.
Through their labors they teach us to see more clearly the truth around us.
In their inspiration they call forth wonder and awe in our own living.
In their hope and vision they remind us that life is holy.
Bless all who create in your image,
O God of creation.
Pour your Spirit upon them that their hearts may sing and their works be fulfilling.
Amen.

Prayer for the Minister of Arts in Australia

Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Communications – Minister for the Arts

Lord, Grant this man your wisdom to walk in Holiness and accept your will in his life, his work and his ministry duties and portfolio, assist him with your daily protection and grace. Give him your revelation to rely on you in every decision he makes with his stuff members and fellow colleagues. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.
Scriptures: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.” (Ephesians 1:3-5)

Pray against Evil that has entered into the Arts

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; That put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa 5:29).

From the Lausanne Movement (lausanne.org) focus on The Arts; Truth and the arts in mission:
“We possess the gift of creativity because we bear the image of God. Art in its many forms is an integral part of what we do as humans and can reflect something of the beauty and truth of God. Artists at their best are truth-tellers and so the arts constitute one important way in which we can speak the truth of the gospel.
Drama, dance, story, music and visual image can be expressions both of the reality of our brokenness, and of the hope that is centred in the gospel that all things will be made new. In the world of mission, the arts are an untapped resource. We actively encourage greater Christian involvement in the arts.”
Do a little research and find some local Christian Arts movements and/or organisations close to you – dedicate a day of prayer for them.

Reclaiming God’s Power over the sphere of Arts

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Destroying Satan’s Strongholds in the Arts

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Cor 10:4-6)

Defeating Satan and his cohorts in the Arts

Read Psalm 94 and Meditate on it

Jesus is glorified in the Domain of Arts

Hallelujah!
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)

Declare The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:
The third day he rose again from the dead:
He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:
I believe in the Holy Ghost:
I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:
The forgiveness of sins:
The resurrection of the body:
And the life everlasting. Amen.

Please pray for the International Arts and Entertainment Alliance

The International Arts and Entertainment Alliance (IAEA) is a global union federation of trade unions. Read more at
www.iaea-globalunion.org

Pray for Hollywood

Hollywood (/ˈhɑːliwʊd/ HOL-ee-wuud) is a neighborhood in the central region of Los Angeles, California. This densely populated neighborhood is notable as the home of the U.S. film industry, including several of its historic studios, and its name has come to be a shorthand reference for the industry and the people associated with it. Hollywood was a small community in 1870 and was incorporated as a municipality in 1903. It was consolidated with the city of Los Angeles in 1910, and soon thereafter a prominent film industry emerged, eventually becoming the most recognizable film industry in the world. (From en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood)