Dear intercessors,

Happy Birthday to The Call of the Watchmen Prayer Network !

On February 1, 2000, our journey together in prayer began – and now, 26 years later, intercessory prayer for politics and society in Germany has not become any easier. When we look at the world, we see upheavals, crises, and much uncertainty. And yet, we believe that our time is "pregnant" with new possibilities. And we may place our trust – more strongly than ever – in our God !

God is a restorer throuh time. To move within his time, to make space for his work – therein lies hope, even in the midst of suffering and change. There we find a peace and a joy that is deeper than the circumstances.

So we enter the 27th year of The Call of the Watchmen Prayer Network with gratitude and anticipation. Let us continue to lift up Germany and our world in prayer.to our God. 

Your Call of the Watchmen Team - Germany and International.

PS: Please consider using the "Sway" version (the large print, colour graphic version) of the prayer letter in your prayer groups, projected onto a wide-screen, if possible, as this can really help you to follow the prayer topics as you pray together. 

Being aware of a significant change in this current era – learning to live and pray in God's “Kairos” time

We are now living through a clearly noticeable change in this era, at this point in time, in our world. Global tensions are increasing: the current political tension regarding military control in Greenland, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the violent oppression and killing of people living in Iran and Syria, the future of Gaza, and other significant developments in the world order. Many people feel powerless, overwhelmed, or just weary in the face of these developments.

The world seems more complex than ever – and often no solution appears to be readily available. And yet, something else is happening at the same time. New paths, new solutions, new ways of thinking are emerging everywhere. They are not always easily heard, not easily seen, but they are there! Our task as people of prayer is not only to analyse the changes and the ensuing tensions, but to ask: “What is Jesus doing in our world this time?” “Where is God at work right now?”

As Christians, we should not live exclusively in the regimented "Chronos” time – the time of pressure, of haste, and of "never enough”. In Greek mythology, “Chronos” time devours its own children: time becomes a stress factor, a time of sacrifice. But God calls us into a different reality - into "the time of favour," into the “Kairos” time of grace bestowed by God (2 Corinthians 6:2). A time full of possibilities, breakthroughs, salvation, and open doors. Everywhere - as far as the eye can see!

“Kairos” is the time when God acts. A time when he says: "See, I am making all things new" (Revelation 21:5). This promise applies not only to the church, but to society, the economy, and to politics. Together with God, we are “makers of new things”. This perspective heals our outlook and prevents us from living and remaining in tension – in crisis mode.

A time full of possibilities, breakthroughs, salvation, and open doors. Everywhere - as far as the eye can see!

And we have access to the wisdom of God. It reaches deeper than political strategies, economic power, or technological visions for prosperity. It is wiser than Trump, Putin, Elon Musk, or the EU—and it is available to us (1 Corinthians 1:30). This wisdom gives us discernment, courage, and hope. It helps us recognize opportunities where others see only dead ends with no way through. That is why we pray not out of fear, but out of trust. Not out of powerlessness, but out of the certainty that God is at work at this time.

Let us pray that we may recognize God's “Kairos” moments this year - those times that He has appointed when doors open and new things become possible (Revelation 3:8). May our eyes become free from the constant distraction of the news and the latest headlines, so that we may learn to receive "information from heaven."

Let us embrace new ways of thinking and feeling, in which our full potential in Jesus Christ may be revealed. We consciously counter the frenetic pace of this time with stillness, clarity, and trust. We anchor ourselves in "God's time”, in His grace - not passively, but awake, hopeful, and ready for action. God is the one who makes all things new. And we are not here merely to survive, but to shape the future with Him. For the 27th year of the "Call of the Watchmen" we cry out: “Father God, teach us to live in Your “Kairos” time. Open our eyes to what you are doing right now. And create something new within each one of us.”

Alexander Schlüter

A Spirit of Hope

Germany seems weary – not only politically or economically, but also now in public discourse. A tone increasingly dominates that laments its decline, exaggerates grievances, and names culprits without offering paths to renewal. Criticism is necessary. But when it becomes the norm, it loses its constructive power.

A key driver is the so-called "negativity bias": negative news and forecasting, sensationalism, and outrage receive more attention than objective analysis or solution- oriented perspectives. Media, politics, and social networks are reinforcing each other. Positive, open, clear, balanced, and nuanced thinking is losing ground, and prejudiced, negatively biased, and extremist thinking is gaining.

The consequences are serious: a climate of distrust is growing - toward institutions, media, politicians, and ultimately, among ourselves. Democracy is becoming the stage for raised emotional interaction rather than for the joint search for viable solutions.

He sees its calling and the potential that He Himself has placed within it as a nation.

As Christians, we are not neutral. We are called to bless rather than curse. This does not mean down-playing the problems or remaining silent about injustice. It means seeing reality from God's perspective. God does not just see the current state of a country - He sees its calling and the potential that He Himself has placed within it as a nation. He does not only see failings, but opportunities for repentance, renewal, and healing.

Part of our spiritual mission is to sow hope, to call forth what is not, as if it were already there, to love our country, and to speak life into all events and situations. Clarity without love becomes harsh. Criticism without intercession becomes destructive.

Prayer:

• Take a moment to bless Germany with all your heart! Speak well of our country and proclaim hope, a future, salvation, and healing. Use Bible verses that come to mind and express them in your own words. (Romans 12:14)
• Repent where you have succumbed to this negative trend and begin to fill your mind with the thoughts of God and His love for Germany. (Jeremiah 29:11)
• For a new climate of trust and hope in our country. (Romans 15:13)
• For the strengthening of constructive journalism and constructive politics. (Jeremiah 32:27; Luke 18:27)

Tanja Frank

Protection from terrorist attacks

The year began with a multi-day power outage for 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses in Berlin due to a terrorist attack. Nearly 1,000 emergency personnel were deployed to make temporary repairs to the extensive damage to the cable-bridge in Berlin's Steglitz-Zehlendorf district and to restore power as quickly as possible. Back in September, around 10,000 households in southeast Berlin were without power for several days following an arson attack. The perpetrators, members of the left-wing extremist "Vulkangruppen” (“Volcano Groups”) have been carrying out acts of sabotage for years, causing millions of Euros in damage to the infrastructure and businesses. They justify their actions, according to a letter claiming responsibility, with claims of protection to the climate, among other things. But they have never been apprehended.

Around the turn of the year, several bank robberies were also reported, the largest at a savings bank in Gelsenkirchen, where approximately €100 million was stolen from 3,200 safe deposit boxes. ATMs (Automatic Cash Machines) are repeatedly blown up, causing horrendous damage to the buildings as well. The more secure the vaults become, the more criminals are arming themselves with weapons to enable them to break into the vaults. Here too, the perpetrators are rarely caught.

Prayer:

• To expose terrorist groups and criminal gangs, to thwart plans for attack, and to bring the perpetrators to justice. (Nehemiah 4:4-5)
• To provide effective protection for building infrastructure, businesses, and our community. (Nehemiah 4:9)
• To strip left-wing extremism of all political legitimacy. (Isaiah 5:20)

Karin Heepen

Iran, Syria and Israel

According to research by Iran International [1], over 12,000 people have been killed in the current protest movements against the Iranian Mullah Regime. This regime in Tehran is attempting to suppress the protests with arbitrary arrests, torture, and public executions. The Iranian people are paying a heavy price to finally achieve freedom. The German government reacted hesitantly to the protests and supported new EU sanctions against the Iranian government after EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola banned all Iranian diplomats and government officials from the European Parliament and called on EU member states to support the protest movements against the Iranian leadership.

Its recognition by Germany and Europe, the US, and NATO helps the regime consolidate its power and continue its domestic terror campaign.

At the same time, the Islamist interim government in Syria is attacking the Kurdish regions in the north of the country in an attempt to destroy their democratic self- governance. In fact, this government was established as a model for a new Syria with the participation of all ethnic groups. In the attack on the Kurdish neighbourhoods in Aleppo, approximately 150,000 Kurds were driven out from the city and 300 houses were destroyed. The Kurdish led coalition of ethnic groups – the Syrian Defence Forces (SDF) – had entered into an agreement with the central government in the spring of 2025, withdrawn their military units from the city, which was now left defenceless. The Kurds, together with the USA, played a crucial role in fighting the Islamic State (IS), at great cost. What is now being promoted as the integration of the Kurds into a new Syrian state is in fact the return of IS to power, replacing the previous Assad Regime - which was a threat to the entire region and to Europe as well. The Islamist government in Damascus now operates with support from Turkey and Qatar. Its recognition by Germany and Europe, the US, and NATO helps the regime consolidate its power and continue its domestic terror campaign.

Prayer:

• That the forces of Islamic Jihad in the Middle East and their leaders in Iran may be deprived of all their strength, protection, and support, and be uprooted. (Jeremiah 49:34ff)
• For freedom and new life for the people of the region. (Isaiah 60:1ff)
• Many of the Iranian people as well as the Kurds hold a special respect and love for Israel. Let us continue to pray for the path of peace according to Isaiah 19:23-25.

Karin Heepen

[1] https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601130145

In Oneness with Creation

Climate change is on everyone's lips. But beyond all the latest technology, political measures, and renewable energy resources lies a deeper question: How do we live? Perhaps it is less about new systems than about a new - or rather, rediscovered - lifestyle that is in harmony with the rhythm of creation. The Bible does not tell of a human being created independently from the earth, but of a human being formed from the dust of the earth and placed in a garden (Genesis 2:7-8). A relationship with God and a direct connection with His creation have belonged together from the very beginning. Sowing and reaping, day and night, work and rest - all these are part of the divine order in creation.

Many of us have lost this rhythm. We now live "uninterrupted by nature and creation" through weeks, through seasons, through years. Artificial light replaces the natural light of day, computer screens replace our view the earth and heavens above, schedules and appointments control our inner rhythm of life. Our bodies and souls pay a price for this. Our farmers often come closest to the original awareness of creation: They know about times of waiting patiently, about trusting in rain, sunshine, and natural growth.

God is calling us back—not with romantic proposals, but to the truth that lies in oneness with His creation. Back to a rhythm in life where we breathe naturally. Back to a connection with the seasons, with earth and sky, with wind and the sun. Back to a better appreciation of activity and rest, of giving and receiving, of sowing and reaping. This is not a step backward, but a spiritual step forward. For whoever lives in harmony with the rhythm of creation also learns to live in the rhythm of God. And it is precisely there that life is as it was created to be. Perhaps renewal begins not in grand gestures, but in a clear perception of what is good in life, in slowing down, in listening.

Prayer:

• For a renewed awareness of the order of creation, so that we may once again be in harmony with the rhythm of life.
• For healing in our lifestyles: so that we may find balance and peace in our bodies and souls.
• Let us once again see the earth not as a resource, but as a fellow in creation, bearing your glory.
• For wisdom in how we nourish our bodies, wisdom how we work, and wisdom how we rest: to know what truly brings us health and energy, when it is time to act, and when to rest.
• For change in our society: for new ways of living that not only think about sustainability but live to sustain God’s creation – guided by God's wisdom.

Alexander Schlüter

God’s blessing for a new way of thinking, feeling, and acting!

Alexander Schlüter and Team