May is the third (3^rd) Jewish sacred Calendar month called SIVAN. It is also the ninth (9^th) month in the Jewish civil calendar. One of the most important Jewish festivals – The feast of Pentecost, is celebrated at this time (Lev. 23:15-21), a festival that was a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. May is the fifth (5^th) month of the Gregorian calendar.

The month is named after the Roman goddess, MAIA. The Romans believed that MERCURY was the god of merchandise and merchants, and is commonly identified with the Greek HERMES who is believed to be the fleet-footed messenger of the gods.

The worship of Mercury (to whom the planet is dedicated) was associated with the worship of the Roman goddess Maia who is identified as his mother by her association with the Greek Maia – mother of Hermes. Both Mercury and Maia were honoured in pagan festivals on May l5^th the dedication day of the Temple of Mercury on the Aventine (built around 500 BC)

In classical mythology, Maia is considered the mother of Pleiades (a cluster of 7 stars). The helical (near dawn) rising of Pleiades in spring in the Northern Hemisphere, marked the opening of sea faring and farming seasons. In medieval and modern Europe, 1^st May was a day of traditional springtime celebration which starts off with agricultural rituals. Such rites were intended to ensure fertility to the crops, cattle and human beings. May 1 or May Day is also the international Labour day.

Our goal is to establish the rule of Jesus in all facets of national and individual life; whilst returning everything back to the original as God ordained it in the beginning.

Praying with insight into the fifth month

• Thank God for the fifth month, by God’s mercy we have been ushered into the last month of the spring season in preparation for summer. (Ps 136:26)
• Declare the Lordship of Jesus over every gate of the fifth month especially the lunar gate so the Lord will exercise His authority freely over the month. (Ps 103:19)

Cancel with the blood of Jesus all previous dedications of the 5^th month to strange mythological gods. Re-dedicate and devote the month to its owner the creator of Heaven and earth. (Col 2:14; Lev 27:28)