Dear intercessors,

We continue to pray this month for the new German government and for Germany to remain "the leading nation and largest economy in Europe" as a "flagship" with good leadership and direction, and with policies based on Christian values as promoted by the new Pope Leo XIV, following the example of Pope Leo XIII after whom he took his name!

The article on "Antisemitism and hatred of Israel" concludes with a mention of the Eurovision Song Contest in which Israel came in second place, despite protests from many countries concerning the voting system. "The German audience voted her in first place" and then a comment is added for our prayer:

"What a beautiful sign of the current European view of Israel, perhaps conveying something of the truth in the title of her song: "New day will rise" ! "

Thank you again for praying with us at this critical period of time, especially for a peaceful solution to the war between Russia and the Ukraine, and in Gaza.

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.

Always live so as to reveal your true self - being truly authentic is the key to freedom

God has prepared more for us. More life. More depth. More freedom. But this "more" does not begin somewhere out there—it begins within us. It begins when we say: "I no longer want to be identified by what I have been in the past."

Living a life being true to ourselves in a world living behind masks

We live in a world full of comparisons, expectations, and facades. Pretending often seems easier, safer, more acceptable. But the exact opposite is true: God is not looking for a perfect "show". He is looking for an authentic heart. Jesus says: "God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24) Being authentic is not only courageous—it is holy. For God encounters us not as we play a role, but as we really are. Not where we just function—but where we are truly ourselves. Living authentically means that I no longer have to act as though I have everything under control. I can admit when I feel weak, knowing that my God always remains strong. I do not have to impress anyone in any way because, in God's eyes, I am already able to respond well enough. Authenticity is the path to freedom. Those who no longer hold back from being their true self become free: free from the pressure of having to pretend. Free for closeness and relationship —to God and to others. Free for a life that not only just happens, but is fulfilling. Only those who behave as their true selves can also be well loved by others.

Authenticity changes relationships

Authenticity attracts genuine community. When we stop wearing masks, space is created for closeness. It's not perfect role models that give hope – but honest people who shine through their authenticity. Those who always hold back remain lonely inside. Because love only meets those who are truly open. Change does not come from knowledge alone – but from encounters. Where heart and mind meet, saintly growth begins. Healing often occurs in the presence of others. Breakthroughs become possible when we do not fight alone. Living in community with others is therefore an important part of the journey.

You can be greater than you think

God did not create humans to remain insignificant. You are not an accident. Not a burden. Not a marginal figure. You are called – to live, to love, to shine. Authentic, unfettered, and free. He calls you to no longer keep your heart closed. To no longer see your history as an obstacle, avoiding to look to the future. The greatest lie is: "I am not good enough." The greatest truth is: "In me lies everything I need – through Christ." Ask yourself: Where is fear holding me back? What would be possible if I knew that God's love keeps me whole? What am I still running away from? Always live to reveal your true self—because that is exactly what God has for ever loved! Only when we are truly authentic yet still open to change can we—and this also applies as we pray—touch and transform this world.

Prayer:

• For people at a turning point in their lives – that they may find the courage to take the next step to be truly authentic.
• For healing in our hearts where shame, living behind masks, or fear is preventing love for God and for others to flow.
• For us as prayer groups – that we may be places of genuine community and encounter, not religious expectations.
• For you to recognize how much God loves you. Not because of your performance, but because your heart is open to Him.

Alexander Schlüter

Flagship Germany lacks leadership and direction

Europe is waiting for Germany to lead. The failure of Chancellor Merz to be confirmed in the first round of voting in the German Parliament has caused more irritation internationally than at home. As the leading nation and the largest economy in Europe, Germany is expected to take leadership responsibility.

Chancellor Merz's inaugural visits to France and Poland the day after his election and two days later with Macron, Starmer, and Tusk in Kiev were intended to underscore this expectation and have raised a sign of unity in Europe.

Europe is waiting for Germany to lead.

In Germany, the broken election promises of the CDU (Christian Democratic Union) and the announcement of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, just days before the new government took office, that the AfD (Alternative for Germany) party is right-wing extremist, have exacerbated the tensions. The hopeless ties to the SPD (Social-Democratic Party), into which the CDU maneuvered itself for a coalition government, and the fact that the election of Chancellor Merz only came about with the help of the Left Party in a second round, appear to have largely prevented a change in policy.

Without fundamental reforms however, Germany will also fail to live up to its responsibility internationally. And will Germany "meet the challenges of our time on its own", as Chancellor Merz said in his first government statement?

We know that God has ways out of hopeless situationns. Germany is currently like a flagship without a mast or control tower. It lacks propulsion power and a steering system that work together to lead the ship in the same direction. Let us entrust the helm to Jesus Christ and join together in prayer for our political rulers so that they will allow themselves be called to follow Him.

Prayer:

• For unity, justice, and freedom to set the country on a course of renewal. (Proverbs 14:34)
• For strength, love, and prudence to break down firewalls. (2 Timothy 1:7)
• For wisdom and God-inspired solutions for Germany. (James 1:5)

Karin Heepen

Papst Leo XIV.

The newly elected Pope began his inaugural homily with the greeting of peace from the Risen Christ, and this appeal for peace and reconciliation ran through his message to the faithful and the world. Immediately after his election, he offered the Vatican as a venue for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Cardinal Prevost chose his name primarily in reference to Pope Leo XIII, who, in his 1891 encyclical "Rerum Novarum" (“Of New Things”), laid the foundations for Catholic social teaching, which sparked off Christian democracy – a model for a humane, just society beyond socialism or liberalism, which became a widespread basis for the state in post-war Western Europe. The papacy is not a political one, yet it has a political dimension and impact. Pope John Paul II set a ground-breaking example of this with his 1983 visit to Poland, which, with the Solidarity Movement, played a key role in bringing about the fall of the communist regime in Poland and paving the way for the liberation of Eastern Europe. He prayed daily: "Come down, Holy Spirit, and renew the face of this our land!"

To this end may the new Pope be an inspiration and an admonisher.

As head of the Catholic Church however, the new Pope, like his predecessors, stands first and foremost on Peter's confession: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God". (Matthew 16:16). Only from this source can peace and justice come. Only Christ can be the source of the Church's political activities. And only from this source can our Christian-Democratic-led government, having been sworn in two days before the Pope, revitalize politics and society from our Christian roots. To this end may the new Pope be an inspiration and an admonisher.

Prayer:

• For the spirit of wisdom and revelation for Pope Leo XIV. (Ephesians 1:15-19)
• That he contributes to disarmament within hostile groups and in situations where there is war in the world. (Luke 14:31f)
• That he reminds our new CDU-led government of the principles of Christian democracy and the Christian foundation of its governmental mandate. (Acts 4:8-12)

Karin Heepen

Antisemitism and hatred of Israel

At the beginning of May this year, the "J7 Global Task Force Against Antisemitism" presented its first annual report in Berlin. "J7" was founded in the summer of 2023 in response to the global rise in antisemitism. It is a collaboration of key Jewish organizations from the countries that are home to the world's largest Jewish communities outside of Israel (the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, France, Argentina, Australia).

In each of these seven countries, the numbers recorded for events related to antisemitism – 80 years after the end of World War II and 60 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel – have risen massively. Antisemitic incidents, an increase in violence, repeated targeting of Jewish institutions, and an escalation of hate messages over the internet are being observed on an alarming scale. The Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, is cited as the main reason for this. Quite clearly, this partly served as an accelerant for ideological or even religious beliefs, at the core of which hatred of Israel and Jews, or simply anti-Semitism, have always been deeply rooted. This development cannot be explained purely rationally, especially with regard to global warfare, to which the population is in fact largely indifferent. The spiritual, ideological dimension that lies behind it, is basically not to be overlooked.

"J7" was founded in the summer of 2023 in response to the global rise in antisemitism.

On May 17, Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, herself a survivor of the October 7, 2023, massacre, took second place at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel. Her impressive performance was not only met with humiliating protests, boos, and whistles, but also with thunderous applause. The German audience voted her in first place. What a beautiful sign of the current European view of Israel, perhaps conveying something of the truth in the title of her song: "New day will rise"!

Prayer:

• Pray that a “new day will rise” regarding antisemitism and hatred of Israel in Germany. Let us fight this "struggle" in spirit and at the same time pray for clear measures for the prevention, the punishment, and the non-toleration of antisemitic incidents. (Ephesians 6:12, Isaiah 5:20)
• Pray that a “new day will rise” for the remaining hostages through a speedy release from the clutches of Hamas. (Isaiah 61:1f)
• Pray that a “new day will rise” for all the survivors of the October 7 massacre, and for an encounter with the living God of Israel, who indeed holds hope, healing, liberation, and redemption for them. (Psalm 147:3)

Tanja Frank

Living in a perfect relationship with creation

We are not separate from creation. We are part of it. And more than that: we are called into a relationship with it. From the first breath of humankind – formed from the earth, animated by God's Spirit—a profound truth runs through history: The earth is not merely a backdrop. It is a fellow creation. It is a mirror of God's beauty. And it waits. Not for exploitation and indifference, but for people who influence it with love. We sense that the earth groans. (Romans 8:22). It suffers from greed, from over-exploitation, and indifference. But it also hopes. For people who not only take, but bless. We can touch creation through prayer, mindfulness, and attitude. Every time we give thanks for a piece of bread, we honour the earth. Every time we use resources with care, we honour the Creator. Every time we make use of a piece of nature, we step on holy ground. Prayer doesn't just change people, it changes the atmosphere. When we pray for creation, we honour God as its source. We bless trees, fields, animals, and seas, not in romantic naivety, but with spiritual responsibility. "The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind." (Psalm 115:16). God has appointed us not as owners, but as guardians, to preserve, bless, and heal. Creation awaits love. And it will be healed through people who do not seek to dominate – but live in union.

Prayer:

Father, we thank you for the earth. We pronounce blessings on trees, soil, water, air, and animals. Teach us to live in reverence – not as masters, but as guardians. Forgive us where we thoughtlessly destroy. Give us new eyes for your beauty. And a heart that not only consumes, but transforms.

Alexander Schlüter

God’s blessing for your times in prayer,

Alexander Schlüter and Team