Boroondara City

Boroondara

Population: 154,000

Local areas within the municipality of Boroondara:

Camberwell, Hawthorn , Kew, Balwyn, Deepdene, Canterbury, Surrey Hills, Glen Iris, Ashburton.

The Boroondara logo in the shape of a leaf (with colours of green and terracotta), "reflects the earthly nature of the topography and vegetation of the area". The words ‘Boroondara – City of Harmony’ is printed under this symbol, which is on most Council information and letterheads.

HISTORY:

Meaning of the Name of the City:

"Boroondara’ – "a place in the shade"

The term "Boroondara" comes from a word in the Woiwurrung language, spoken by the local Wurundjeri and four other main tribal groups of the "Kulin" nation, in the Port Phllip region in the 1830s. It is interpreted as "where the ground is thickly shaded".

Boroondara was first designated to a locality in 1854 as the Boroondara Road District. In 1860, Hawthorn and Kew broke away to form separate municipalities and the remaining district of Boroondara later became Camberwell.

In 1994, Boroondara was recreated as a city, bringing together the former cities of Camberwell, Hawthorn and Kew. Today, the city of Boroondara, essentially a residential area, has a relatively stable population of approximately 154,000 people, living in some 63,000 homes. (From: City of Boroondara ‘Corporate Plan Overview’ 1999-2002)

Who was the founder? What is known of the values/vision of the Founder/s?

In 1803, Charles Grimes – Assistant Surveyor-General of New South Wales, and his party carried out and exploratory mission, then returned to their boat moored in a Bay. This was the first recorded visit by white people.

"Thirty years later, Surveyors Robert Hoddle, William Darke and Thomas Nutt spent time mapping landmarks, watercourses and squatting runs, surveying land for subdivision in the area defined as the Parish of Boroondara". The name Boroondara was translated from the Woiwurrung by Hoddle as ‘where the ground is thickly shaded’. (‘A History of Hawthorn’ by Peel, Zion, & Yule)

Where did the original European settlers come from?

Most of the original European settlers were from England, Ireland, and Scotland. The early Settlers in Boroondara were Pastoralists, Surveyors, ‘timbercutters in Boroondara’s rich forests’, labourers, brickmakers and market gardeners. "They were joined in the 1850s by more affluent individuals moving out beyond Melbourne".

In 1856 John Gardiner, (birth place -Dublin ) was the first pastoralist settle in Boroondara with his family. "…his greatest achievement was that he with a party of men, …drove cattle down from New South Wales, becoming the first overlanders". His cattle run extended from Bulleen, Kew, Camberwell, Brighton, with Prahan and St Kilda "thrown in".

1937 onwards – President of the Port Phillip Auxillary Temperance Society. 1840 – Became the Managing Director of the Port Phillip Bank in Collins Street. 1853 – Returned to England.

Gardiner played an important part in claiming Eastern Port Phillip, from its original inhabitants.

The aboriginal history of the area.

There were thirty-eight tribal groups known in Victoria. In the Port Phillip region, there were five main tribal groups. These were: The Wurundjeri, Bunurong, Wauthurong, Kurung and Taungorong. They shared the Woiwurrung language which used the word ‘Kulin’ for man. They were also nomadic and roamed an area confined by natural boundaries.

The Wurundjeri were made up of small tribes of about twenty seven mainly extended families living together. Kinship was based not just on blood ties, but on the concept of tribal family group. Extended kinship structure formed the basis of behaviour and social relationships.

Spiritual Beliefs:

They believed in a creator ‘Bunjil’ who formed human beings out of bark, provided them digging with sticks and spears and dispersed them throughout the land. Bunjil was also seen as responsible for unity in relationships between the Kulin people and the natural world.

They hunted animals and river’s harvest of fish, mussels, eels and water birds. "Plants were highly regarded as source of nourishment".

The 1830s pastoral expansion with huge runs, "superimposed over Aboriginal hunting territories". An early settler claimed that Aboriginal were scarce in the Boroondara district after the 1850s.

Reasons for decrease in numbers were thought to be a result of "native warfare", also smallpox, other diseases,(tuberculosis, gastric) and too much alcohol. "Many were killed deliberately with poisoned foood, or shot because they speared cows, and sheep for food or stole stores". (‘A History of Hawthorn’ by Pell, Zion, and Yule. & ‘Hawthorn Peppercorns’ by Gwen McWilliam)

Local reconciliation efforts through the community or church:

A seminar organized by St Hilary’s Anglican Church in Kew, to look at the issue of Aboriginal reconciliation in October 1999. Indigenous and non-indigenous people discussed: – The stolen generation, native title, and mandatory sentencing laws in the Northern Territory.

ST Mark’s Anglican Church in Camberwell, held talks between indigenous and non-indigenous people. Discussions were: "fruitful, challenging, and inspiring".

Churches:

Church going was an important part of community life in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. "Almost everyone went to church, even those lacking any religious sense,…the christian churches held considerable influence in politics, the private world of the family, education and class relations". Sites for major denominations were included in the original Hawthorn village plan.

According to the 1996 census figures (Australian Bureau of Statistics), 20.6% of Boroondara residents stated that they are of ‘no religion’. This has increased from 16.4% in 1991.

The Church today:
Number of Churches and Denominations:

Anglican: 18 Baptist: 12 Lutheran: 1 Churches of Christ: 4 Apostolic: 1 Weslyan Methodist:1 Roman Catholic:18 Uniting: 16 S.D.Adventist: Salvation Army: 2 Presbyterian: 6 Greek Orthodox: 2 Hebrew Congregation:2 Melb Chinese: 1 Chinese Methodist: 1 Armenian Apostolic: 1 C. Praise Centre:1 InterChurchcouncil: Full Gospel Assembly: 1

Other cultural clubs and societies

These included: Sporting Clubs, Scouts, Boys Naval Brigade, Girl Guides, The Horticultural Society, The Literary Association, Music, The Hawthorn Operatic and others.

"Foremost among these societies during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were the Masonic Lodges and the friendly societies". The Lodges continued into the twentieth century. The friendly societies appeared in Hawthorn during the 1850s.

Sir James Frederick Palmer

  • 1845-46 – purchased Crown alllotments in Boroondara. He left Medicine for Commerce. Was an active patron of Christ Church and the Hawthorn National School which he declared open in 1853.
  • Palmer was a key player in establishing the Road District in 1854.
  • Other involvements included cultural and sporting associations.
  • Beyond Hawthorn, Palmer was also the Mayor of Melbourne in 1845-46.
  • September 1848 – Represented the Port Phillip District in the Legislative Council in New South Wales. 1851 – Elected first Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Council serving on a committee which drafted the colony’s constitution in 1853. 1870 – Received a knighthood.
  • He played a key role in the creation of the University of Melbourne, the Public Library, Melbourne Hospital and the national system of Education, chairing both the Board of National Education and Board of Education. (from an article on Palmer, in ‘A History of Hawthorn’ by Peel, Zion, and Yule)
Population in 1854

In 1854 almost half of Boroondara’s residents had migrated from England, Irish-born immigrants were 18% and Scots 8%.

Birth places

Victorian 698. England 930, Other Australia and New Zealand 83, Scotland 142, Wales 16, Ireland 395, 4 British colonies, 8 East Indians (British), France 6, Germany 40, Other Europe 7, U.S.A.2

Present population:

Main ethinic groups:
  • Indigenous origin 0.1%, Australian 67.8%, U.K., Ireland and N.Z. 5.8%
  • Europe & USSR 11.11%, Middle East & North Africa 0.64%
  • South East Asia 3.02%, North America 0.79 , Sth America , Central America & the Caribbean 0.19%, Africa (excluding North Africa) 0.66%
Dominant age groups:

Age group 0-19 (increase of 1900 persons) and 40-59 year age groups (increase of 2500 persons). The 0-19 and 40-59 year age groups now comprise 24% and 25%. Total population increase between 1994 and 1996 has been by these age groups. In the 60-79 age groups (decrease of 900 persons.) The 80 years and older age group has remained stable at approximately 5% of the population.

Socio-economic make-up:

Degree or higher 22.13%, undergraduates 7.15%, skilled vocational 3.67%, basic vocational 1.94%. Managerial, administration, professional & associate professionals 36.54%, clerical & sales 7.74%, tradesperson 2.3%, labourers & related work 1.43%.

Christian Organizations:

  • ‘Alive’ Christian magazine (previously ‘On Being Alive’), Hawthorn.
  • Baptist Union Victoria, Hawthorn.
  • Celebrate Messiah Aust Inc, (office) Jewish Fellowship, Hawthorn.
  • Child Evangelism Fellowship – Surrey Hills
  • Indonesian Campus Ministries, Hawthorn.
  • Salvation Army Eastcare & Salvation Army Hawthorn Project.
  • Youth With A Mission, (Interdenominational Missionary Training Base), Surrey Hills.

Major institutions and structure in Boroondara:

Local Council:

(website: http://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au)

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Bayside City

Bayside

Area / Location:

The city of Bayside includes the suburbs of Brighton, Brighton East, Sandringham, Hampton, Hampton East, Black Rock, Beaumaris and parts of Highett and Cheltenham.

Population:

  • 80.480 (1996 Census)
  • Average annual population growth is almost nil
  • There are 120 indigenous people (0.1% of population)
  • There are significantly more retirees and elderly people in Bayside than the Melbourne average, similarly there are a lower percentage of younger adults
  • Age structure (1996)
Age Group Bayside % Melbourne %
0 – 4 5.9% 6.9%
5 – 14 12.9% 13.1%
15 – 24 11.9% 15.5%
25 – 54 42.6% 48.9%
55 – 69 12.7% 7.6%
70 Plus 13.9% 8.0%

Birthplace and Language

Country of Origin Bayside Melbourne %
Australia 74.8% 67.3%
UK / Ireland 7.1% 5.4%
Other main English Speaking 10.3%  
Non English Speaking 11.8%  
  • 1.4% of the population are not fluent in speaking English, with 10.9% of the population speaking a language other than English at home.
  • Significantly lower percentage of the population born overseas, with significantly more than the average from UK and Ireland than the Melbourne average

Religion

Religion Bayside % Melbourne %
Christian 67.6% 66.0%
Non Christian 4.6% 6.0%
No Religion 18.9% 19.0%

Employment

  • Unemployment is at 5.5%
  • Compared to Melbourne average, the average income and level of education is higher
  • There is a higher percentage of people in management positions than the Melbourne average

Households

  • 73.3% of people own or are paying for their home in Bayside, with the average household size being 2.49 people per dwelling

There is a higher percentage of lone and couples without children than the Melbourne average.

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Banyule City

Area / Location:

Banyule covers an area of approximately 63 square kilometres and is located between 7 – 22 kilometres north east of Melbourne. The municipality includes the suburbs of Bundoora, Greensborough, St Helena, Eltham North, Watsonia, Watsonia North, Yallmabie, Montmorency, Briar Hill, Lower Plenty, Macleod, Rosanna, Viewbank, Heidelberg West, Heidelberg Heights, Ivanhoe, Bellfield, Heidelberg, East Ivanhoe and Eaglemont

Population

  • 118,615 in 2001
  • Age structure
Age Group Banyule % Melbourne %
0 – 4 5.9% 6.9%
5 – 14 12.5% 13.1%
15 – 24 14.4% 15.5%
25 – 34 14.1% 16.7%
35 – 49 22.0% 22.5%
50 – 59 13.0% 10.0%
60 – 69 7.9% 7.3%
70 – 84 8.6% 6.8%
85 Plus 1.6% 1.2%

Birthplace and Language

  • No data available

Religion

  • No data available

Employment

  • 25.1% of the employed population work in community services, 20.24% in wholesale and retail trade, 14.25% in finance, property and business services and 13.78% in gas, electrical and water utilities
  • 35.4% are professionals and associate professionals and 32.2% are in clerical, sales and services type roles

History

Before the arrival of Europeans, the Yarra Valley was home to aborigines from the Wurundjeri tribe. They continued to live in campsites on river flats and swaps for some time after white settlement.

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Melbourne Cities

The 31 Melbourne Municipal Areas

Click on the name of your city for local details, issues for prayer.

Banyule:
Heidelberg, Diamond Valley, Greensborough, Watsonia, Ivanhoe, Rosanna
Bayside:
Brighton, Beaumaris, Black Rock, Sandringham, Hampton, Gardenvale
Boroondara:
Ashburton, Burwood, Box Hill Nth, Surrey Hills, Kew, Camberwell, Hawthorn
Brimbank:
Keilor, Sunshine, St Albans, Sydenham, Ardeer
Cardinia:
Pakenham, Cockatoo, Upper Beaconsfield, Beaconsfield, Bunyip, Lang Lang
Casey:
Berwick, Endeavour Hills, Hampton Pk, Cranbourne, Hallam
Darebin:
Coburg, Thornbury, Preston, Northcote, Reservoir, Fairfield
Frankston:
Seaford, Frankston, Langwarrin Carrum Downs
Glen Eira:
Caulfield, Mckinnon, Mt Waverley, Bentleigh, Elsternwick, Balaclava, Ormond
Greater Dandenong:
Dandenong, Noble Park, Springvale
Hobson's Bay:
Altona, Altona Meadows, Laverton, Newport, Spotswood, Williamstown
Hume:
Sunbury, Broadmeadows, Bulla, Campbellfield, Craigieburn, Tullamarine
Kingston:
Chelsea, Mordialloc, Mentone, Cheltenham, Moorabbin, Heatherton, Dingley, Parkdale, Highett, Westall, Clarinda, Clayton Sth, Braeside
Knox:
Knox, Boronia, Wantirna, Rowville, Ferntree Gully, Upper Ftg, The Basin
Manningham:
Doncaster, Donvale, Templestowe, Bulleen, Warrandyte, Wonga Pk
Maribyrnong:
Footscray, Yarraville, Braybrook, Maidstone, Seddon, Tottenham
Maroondah:
Ringwood, Warranwood, Heathmont, Balwyn, Bayswater, Croydon
Melbourne City:
City Centre, North Melbourne, East Melbourne, Carlton, Parkville
Melton:
Melton, Diggers Rest, Rockbank
Monash:
Mulgrave, Oakleigh, Chadstone, Glen Waverley, Mt Waverley, Clayton
Moonee Valley:
Essendon, Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Newmarket, Strathmore, Keilor East
Moreland:
Glenroy, Fawkner, Pascoe Vale, Moreland, Brunswick, Coburg
Mornington Peninsula:
Mornington, Dromana, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento, Red Hill, Hastings, Baxter
Nillumbik:
Panton Hills, Diamond Creek, Hurstbridge, Eltham
Port Phillip:
Sth Melbourne, St Kilda, Albert Park, Balaclava, Elwoood, Pt Melbourne
Stonnington:
Armadale, Malvern, East Malvern, Prahran, Toorak, Sth Yarra
Whitehorse:
Blackburn, Burwood E., Box Hill, Forest Hill, Nunawading, Mitcham, Vermont
Whittlesea:
Bundoora, Thomastown, Mill Park, Epping, Whittlesea
Wyndham:
Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Laverton
Yarra:
Richmond, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Abbotsford
Yarra Ranges:
Montrose, Mt Evelyn, Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Yarra Junction, Warburton, Healesville, Belgrave, Monbulk, Kallista

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Fasting Warning

Fasting can be dangerous !!

Do not undertake a severe or lengthy fast without consulting a doctor!

And If you have had major illness (physical or mental) you have a history of drug-taking you cannot limit your physical activity

  • Tell someone you are fasting
  • Stop if you have any ill effects – mental confusion or disturbance, physical pain, etc See a doctor straight away
  • Break the fast carefully with nutrients

See:www.ccci.org/howtofast/fastsafely.html

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Fasting: How & Why

Fasting: What is it? Why do it?

(Notes by Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ)

Fasting is the most powerful of all the Christian spiritual disciplines.

Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life. Fasting and prayer can also work on a much grander scale. According to Scripture, personal experience and observation, I am convinced that when God’s people fast with a proper Biblical motive- with broken, repentant, and contrite spirit – God will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation and world.

Fasting and prayer bring about revival – a change in the direction of our nation, and the nations of earth and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

The awesome power can be released through you as you fast through the enabling of the Holy Spirit. Yet fasting is one of the most neglected spiritual admonitions. In fact, it has been ignored for so long that it is difficult to find information on the "how-to’s" of this life-changing experience.

The Power and Importance of Fasting:

Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast.

  • Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the "first love" for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.
  • Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting."
  • Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.
  • The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you!
  • Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.
  • Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life-and make you a channel of revival to others.
  • Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of II Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." If you fast, you will find yourself being humbled as I did. You will discover more time to pray and seek God’s face. And as He leads you to recognize and repent of unconfessed sin, you will experience special blessings from God.

Types of Fasts

The Normal Fast:Drinking only water and juice (Luke 4:1,2)

The Partial Fast:The restriction of diet, such as Daniel eating only grains, fruits and vegetables and drinking only water (Daniel 1:15)

The Absolute Fast:Refraining from both food and water. This type of fast is not to exceed three days.

Specific Fast:The abstinence from something that brings pleasure such as media, a favorite food, beverage or recreation.

Congregational Fast:Joining together with your local body and/or small group to "tag team" on an extended fast (ie. one person fasts one day, the next the next day, etc…)


Practical Steps to Fasting

1. Set Your Objective

Ask God for a specific focus for your fast, to help you pray more purposefully

2. Make Your Commitment

Commit to which type and length of fast you will do.
Decide what physical or social activities you may restrict.
Set a daily amount of time you will devote to prayer

3. Prepare Yourself Spiritually

Confess every sin that the Holy Spirit brings to mind and resolve any disputes/ sin with others. Do not underestimate spiritual opposition – we are dangerous to Satan!

4. Prepare Yourself Physically

Start eating less before your fast, avoiding high fat and sugar foods. Eat raw fruits and vegetables two days prior to fasting. It is not unusual for there to be some symptoms of crankiness, dizziness and tiredness during the fast.

5. Exercise moderately

Avoid high aerobic activities.

6. End Your Fast Gradually

Break your fast with fruit such as watermelon. While continuing to drink fruit or vegetable juices, slowly reintroduce fresh foods with several small snacks over the first several days, avoiding anything processed.

7. Expect Results

God has promised to move when his children humble themselves and wholeheartedly seek His face.


Additional Resources:

  • Spiritual Disciplines For the Christian Life, Donald S. Whitney, NavPress, c.1991
  • The Spirit of the Disciplines, Dallas Willard, Harper & Row, Publishers, c.1988
  • Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster, Harper & Row, Publishers, c.1978
  • 7 Steps to Successful Fasting and Prayer, Bill Bright, Campus Crusade for Christ, c. 2000

More information on fasting from www.billbright.com including:

  • How to fast safely?
  • How long and what type of fast is right for you?
  • How to prepare yourself spiritually and physically?
  • How to manage your schedule while fasting?
  • How to deal with the responses of friends and loved ones?
  • How to make your spiritual experience the best it can be?
  • How to maintain nutritional balance and health from beginning to end (including specific juice and broth recipes)?
  • What physical benefits to expect?
  • How to finish your fast and return to your normal schedule in a Healthy way?

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Prayer Resources

There are great numbers of resources.

Books

"The coming revival" Dr Bill Bright – The unique place of fasting in seeing God break in

"Transforming power of prayer and fasting" Dr Bill Bright – Powerful testimonies of periods of Prayer and Fasting on individuals, churches and cities

"Praying the price" Dr. Stuart Robinson – Excellent practical helps and inspiration

"Informed intercession" George Otis Jr. – The background to the "Transformations" video, describing the need for detailed information of the areas you pray for that leads to detailed prayer and thus to communities being transformed.

Cassettes

"Fasting in the scriptures" By Rev. Denis Plant, Coordinator of "Intercessors for Melbourne"

Send $5 to Melbourne Pastors Network

Web Links

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Spiritual Mapping

When the people of Israel reached the hill country of the Amorites, part of the land God had promised them, the type of place they longed to live in/dreamed about, Moses selected a man from each of the different tribes and sent them ahead to explore the land. The idea was to work out the best route, provide feedback on what type of cities were there, the number of people, howstrong they were, type of terrain, how fertile soil was/state of local economy, including bringing back samples of fruit/produce (Deuteronomy 1:20; Numbers 13:1).

Before leading the people of Israel into the promised land of Canaan Joshua sent 2 spies to secretly explore the land (including City of Jericho). When they relayed back to the Israelites how God had delivered them on their mission and how the inhabitants were scared of them because God was with them, hearing of His deliverance from the Egyptians (Red Sea), His defeat of the Amorite kings, the people were greatly encouraged. Their faith was greatly strengthened (Joshua 2:1).

When the people of Israel finally conquered the land, Joshua sent out 3 men from each of the different tribes to map out the whole country to help resolve which areas of the promised land each tribe would possess (Joshua 18:4).

In Moses time some of those who explored the land believed God, believed that He could overcome any opposition/threats, the enemy, so that they could possess the land/fulfil their destiny. However others were fearful, did not trust God, did not view the land from God’s perspective, did not see what was possible through faith.

Part of spiritual mapping is allowing God to open our eyes to see our City as He sees it. This is by a process of researching local history and current issues in a spirit of prayer. There may be some Christians amongst your local church network that have particular gifts in gaining spiritual insights, discernment. Prayer-walking can also be a valuable tool.

What God sees, includes obstacles to our City being transformed. Transformed in a similar way to what we have seen with other cities in the Transformation videos. Obstacles could include where Satan exerts thestrongest influence, where there is resistance to the spreading of and acceptance of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. No-one can break into astrong man’s house and take away his belongings unless he first ties up thestrong man; then he can plunder his house (Matthew 12:28).


Spiritual mapping helps the intercessors/pray-ers understand what God’s prayer priorities are at a given point in time, provides insights into how to pray, helps them receive prayer burdens from the Lord to be prayed through. Spiritual mapping helps sustain the momentum of City-wide prayer networks.

Spiritual mapping is not an end in itself but rather something that inspires and facilitates united prayer to transform and bless our cities and local communities. Prayer that strengthens Christ-centred households (includes households of one), increases the number of Christ-centred households, which leads to Christ-centred streets, which leads to Christ-centred suburbs, which leads to Christ-centred cities and when we have enough of these the City of Greater Melbourne will have been transformed !

In the City of Kingston in which I live, a spiritual mapping group has been operating for about 21 months now, chaired by Bob Flavell (Christ Church Dingley). Bob also has involvement with Intercessors for Melbourne. Members of our mapping group over time have included representatives from all different tribes ie Anglican, AOG, Baptist, Catholic, CRC, Independent, Salvation Army.

One of our tasks has been to develop regular monthly Kingston prayer-points, including those that are suburb-specific. These are published in a monthly Kingston Prayerforce Newsletter which is used at the various prayer meetings held throughout the City where Christians from all the different churches come together in united prayer. This started as a combined monthly prayer gathering and this still continues, but has also grown to separate night and day monthly prayer meetings for churches in the north of Kingston as well as night and day monthly prayer meetings for churches in the south of Kingston.

I am aware that some spiritual mapping has gone on in the City of Monash, Intercessors for Melbourne have been involved in spiritual mapping to varying degrees in different parts of Melbourne, Youth With A Mission has been active in this area. Outside of Melbourne there is Victoria’s longest-running Transformation initiative in Pray Bendigo, where Rev John Steele would be a valuable source of information on spiritual mapping. Bendigo churches have received assistance from Brian Pickering (Sydney-based) from the Australian Prayer Network. Brian has also facilitated a similar initiative with Greater Geelong churches, including spiritual mapping.

This of course will not be the sum total of all recent spiritual mapping activities in Melbourne. So it would be good to hear about where else the kingdom of God is growing facilitated by spiritual mapping ? The Transforming Melbourne website could be a valuable resource in helping those of us interested in spiritual mapping to network better.

So if you have any questions, information/news to share or simply interested in spiritual mapping or perhaps in developing a local prayer network, please email me

…Your kingdom come to our city, Your will be done in our city, As it is in heaven…
Come, Lord Jesus Come

Gary Cuthell
St John Vianney, Parkdale
Kingston Prayerforce

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Prayer Walking

A short course in prayerwalking

In hundreds of cities across the globe, ordinary believers are prayer-walking through the streets of their communities. They pray while walking, with eyes open for the spiritual awakening God is bringing. We define prayer-walking as "praying on-site with insight."

There is no set pattern or proven formula. Prayer-walkers have set out with every imaginable style. There’s nothing magic at all in the footsteps. God’s Spirit is simply helping us to pray with persistent spontaneity in the midst of the very settings in which we expect him to answer our prayers. We instinctively draw near to those for whom we pray.

Getting up close to the community focuses our prayer. We sharpen our prayers by concentrating on specific homes and families. But we enlarge our praying as well, crying out for entire communities to know God’s healing presence.

Quiet prayer-walks complement more high-profile praise marches and prayer rallies. Worship and warfare blend with intercession that Christ would be welcomed as Lord by many throughout the entire city.

Prayer-walks give us a simple way to continually fill our streets with prayer. Many are praying city-size prayers while ranging throughout their towns with disciplined regularity in small bands of two or three. Thus prayer-walkers keep near their neighbours in order to touch our cities with the gospel and transforming service. Quiet triumphs often follow as God changes the city day by day and house by house.

How to get started prayer-walking

Join with other believers.

Join your faith with others to help prayer flow in an engaging conversational style. Large groups sometimes fail to give everyone a chance to participate. Pairs and triplets work best. Set aside time. Allowing one or two full hours gives prayer-walkers a good chance to manage preliminaries and follow-up discussions, although much can be done in less time.

Choose an area.

Ask God to guide you. It’s best by far to learn the joys of prayer-walking in unfamiliar neighbourhoods. You’ll return quickly to your own neighbourhood with fresh vision. Centres of commerce and religion are fascinating, but there’s nothing like touching families, schools and churches in residential areas. Use elevated points to pray over a panorama.

Linger at specific sites which seem to be key.

Pray with insight. Pray for the people you see. As you do, you might find the Spirit of God recalibrating your heart with his own sensitivities. Enhance these responsive insights with research done beforehand. Use knowledge of past events and current trends to enrich intercession. Above all, pray Scripture.

Focus on God.

Make God’s promises rather than Satan’s schemes the highlight of your prayer. Your discernment of evil powers may at times exceed God’s specific guidance to engage them in direct combat. Consider the simplicity of first making direct appeal to the throne of God before attempting to pick street fights with demonic powers. Seek a restraining order from heaven upon evil so that God’s empowered people may bring forth God’s intended blessings on the city Regather and report. Share what you have experienced and prayed. Expressing something of your insights and faith will encourage others–as well as yourself. Set plans for further prayer-walking.

Coordinate efforts.

Enlist other praying people to join with friends to cover special areas. Give leadership by forming and mixing prayer bands. Seek to collect written notes recording which areas have been covered and what kinds of prayers have been prayed. Pool your insights to ascertain whether God is prompting a repeated focus on particular areas. Eventually aim to cover your entire town or city, unless God guides otherwise.

Attempt to keep every prayer pertinent to the specific community you pass through. As you do, you will find prayers naturally progress to the nation and to the world.

Themes for prayer-walking

Use a theme passage of Scripture. Unless God guides you to use another, try 1 Timothy 2:1-10. Many have found it to be a useful launching point for prayer-walking. Verse 8 speaks of the important territorial dimension to prayer connected with God’s desire that all people be saved,"I want the men in every place to pray"(italics added).

Copy this and other passages in a format easy to read aloud several times during your walk.

Each of the following prayer points emerges from this passage.

Concerning Christ:
Proclaim him afresh to be the one Mediator and the ransom for all. Name him Lord of the neighbourhood and of the lives you see.

Concerning leaders:
Pray for people responsible in any position of authority — for teachers, police, administrators and parents.

Concerning peace:
Cry out for the godliness and holiness of God’s people to increase into substantial peace. Pray for new churches to be established.

Concerning truth:
Declare openly the bedrock reality that there is one God. Celebrate the faithful revelation of his truth to all peoples through ordinary people (1 Tim.2:8). Pray that the eyes of minds would cease to be blinded by Satan so that they could come to a knowledge of the truth.

Concerning the gospel:
Praise God for his heart’s desire that all people be saved. Ask that heaven would designate this year as a "proper time" for the testimony of Christ to be given afresh with simple power (1 Tim.2:6), Name specific people.

Concerning the blessing of God:
Thanksgivings are to be made on behalf of all people. Give God the explicit thanks he deserves for the goodness he constantly bestows on the homes you pass by. Ask to see the city with his eyes, that you might sense what is good and pleasing in his sight as well as what things grieve him deeply. Ask God to bring forth an enduring spiritual awakening.

Concerning the church:
Ask for healing in relationships, that there be no wrath or dissension among God’s people. Ask that God would make his people, men and women alike, expressive in worship with the substance of radiant, relational holiness. Ask that our worship would be adorned with the confirming power of saints doing good in our communities.

Excerpt from “Prayerwalking” by Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick (Creation House)

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Strategy for Prayer

“TRANSFORMING MELBOURNE”

A Strategy to Maintain our Momentum in Prayer

The following points are suggested:

1. 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting for Melbourne every year
– Preparation meetings 2 weeks ahead to instruct on prayer and fasting, and to consider our focus for the 40 days ahead
– Give clear direction/ warnings/ accountability for Fasting
– Church leaders publicly launch “Love Melbourne 2001”
      Prayer and Fasting” on Ash Wednesday with report on this year.

2. Weekly Combined prayer meetings in each local city

3. Occasional gatherings of all Christians to pray and worship in the centre of Melbourne

4. Invite all Christians to the top of the Rialto every 6 months to Pray over the City (The next: 9am Sat. 5th August)
The Pastors will meet there on alternate 6 months (The next will be 9am Sat. 6th May, Sat. 4th Nov.) THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POST-PONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

5. Some people will fast on Thursdays till 5pm  Suggest each person ask the Holy Spirit to give a focus for this eg  the unchurched / drug problem/ getting closer to God, etc

6. Mapping physical, social and spiritual strongholds in each Area of the city and target these in prayer
To be described by Tom White at Prayer Seminar 16, 17 May

7. Details of this mapping and answers to prayer to be published on Love Melbourne website

8. Intercessors for Melbourne provide training for prayer

9. Everyone’s insights and suggestions are welcome.

For more Info & to offer your ideas, support and  answers to prayer: Email us at: office@transformingmelbourne.org

OR Contact: Intercessors for Melbourne:  Phone: 9716 2886   
   

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