Prayer Begins With...The Kingdom of God
Allow God to lead you to pray for others in the church and their needs, national and local situations, the government, the advance of the Kingdom of God, and the growth of the Church. God is looking for people who will stand in the gap with Him in intercession for situations that are beyond their own personal interests. “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none” (Ezekiel 22:30). Make God’s interests your interests.
“Prayer is everything,” Oswald Chambers wrote. The ministry of intercession involves all types of prayer, and this type of prayer is always at the center of whatever is happening in this world for God. The emphasis of the prayer ministry in intercession is the needs of others and the advancement of God’s interests in the world. It is not simply focused on praying for things for oneself, but for others.
In his book With Christ in the School of Prayer, Andrew Murray wrote: “Christ has opened the school of prayer specifically to train intercessors for the great work of bringing down, by their faith and prayer, the blessings of His work and love on the world around.” He added, “Though in its beginnings, prayer is so simple that the feeblest child can pray, yet it is at the same time the highest and holiest work to which man can rise.” Oswald Chambers reflected the same thought when he said, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work.” Through prayer God invites you to make a profound difference in the world but you’ve got to pray.
This article is part eight in our 8-part series on Prayer.
“Prayer is everything,” Oswald Chambers wrote. The ministry of intercession involves all types of prayer, and this type of prayer is always at the center of whatever is happening in this world for God. The emphasis of the prayer ministry in intercession is the needs of others and the advancement of God’s interests in the world. It is not simply focused on praying for things for oneself, but for others.
In his book With Christ in the School of Prayer, Andrew Murray wrote: “Christ has opened the school of prayer specifically to train intercessors for the great work of bringing down, by their faith and prayer, the blessings of His work and love on the world around.” He added, “Though in its beginnings, prayer is so simple that the feeblest child can pray, yet it is at the same time the highest and holiest work to which man can rise.” Oswald Chambers reflected the same thought when he said, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work.” Through prayer God invites you to make a profound difference in the world but you’ve got to pray.
- Lance Wubbels
This article is part eight in our 8-part series on Prayer.
(Taken from “A Time for Prayer” published by Inspired Faith for the National Day of Prayer – used with permission)
Prayer Begins With...Worship
To worship means “to bow down, to prostrate oneself.” God is seeking those who worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). God wants truth in the inner parts of our heart (Psalm 51:6). In true worship, there is a total bowing down of the heart to God, which is a response to the revelation of who God is - revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Worship is voluntary submission to the love, the will, and the law of God. Any hypocrisy can defile true worship. Thus, we must repent and seek His face to experience the fullness of praise.
Many effective prayer warriors recognize the importance of spending much time in worship. This deepens our fellowship with God, increases our faith, and pleases the Holy Spirit. We are then more likely to really hear His voice and thus pray more effectively.
This article is part seven in our 8-part series on Prayer.
Many effective prayer warriors recognize the importance of spending much time in worship. This deepens our fellowship with God, increases our faith, and pleases the Holy Spirit. We are then more likely to really hear His voice and thus pray more effectively.
- Lance Wubbels
This article is part seven in our 8-part series on Prayer.
(Taken from “A Time for Prayer” published by Inspired Faith for the National Day of Prayer – used with permission)
The Power of Intercessory Prayer
It was quite a scene. The Israelites were at it again. Despite the patient leadership of Moses, the Israelites were on the verge of destroying themselves, forgetting the covenant relationship that Israel entered into with the Lord at Sinai. (Numbers 16) A rebellious majority formed a leadership alliance of 250 men and approached Moses and Aaron telling them that they had gone too far, that no one should have so much authority.
Fast forward to a similar situation in America today and voices would be raised, heads would roll. Moses’ response was one of absolute humility. He fell face down and instructed the people to show up the following day with their incense and incense holders and see who God would accept. The next day the glory of the Lord appeared to everyone and God told Moses and Aaron to get back so He could, “put an end to them.”
Again, Moses’ response was incredible. He fell face down and cried out to God to save the people, but the damage was done. God caused an earthquake to occur and swallowed up the leaders of the rebellious alliance, their families, and all their belongings. Then fire came out from the Lord and consumed the remaining 250.
You would think that this would have been enough to convince even the worst skeptics, but just a few verses later the Israelites are back at it, and this time it was worse. Not just a few, but the entire assembly of the Israelites revolted. As they gathered in front of the Tent of Meeting the same thing happened … only with a twist.
God instructed Moses and Aaron to get back so that He could destroy the entire nation, and with that a plague spread out from the Tent of Meeting and began to destroy the Israelites. With no recorded directive from God, Moses told Aaron to take his censer, incense, and fire from the altar “and hurry to the assembly to make atonement.”
Aaron sprinted from the front of the crowd toward the back as the deadly plague was released over the congregation. In front of him people were gasping, moaning, and dying. Chaos ensued as fear gripped the crowd, and the people began to stampede. As Aaron gained ground toward the edge of death, the scriptures say, “He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped.”
There is a plague of death sweeping America today. Will you unite with us in our effort to Get America Praying by mobilizing thousands of additional intercessors to stand in the GAP between life and death, to help avert judgment and bring Christ’s atonement to this country? The plague of death is quickly progressing over virtually every area of our culture. Now is the time to pray and act with humility and concern for every American.
Join us on the National Day of Prayer and please visit GetAmericaPraying.com to learn how to join this nationwide intercessory effort.
—Dave Kubal serves as President / CEO of IFA
Fast forward to a similar situation in America today and voices would be raised, heads would roll. Moses’ response was one of absolute humility. He fell face down and instructed the people to show up the following day with their incense and incense holders and see who God would accept. The next day the glory of the Lord appeared to everyone and God told Moses and Aaron to get back so He could, “put an end to them.”
Again, Moses’ response was incredible. He fell face down and cried out to God to save the people, but the damage was done. God caused an earthquake to occur and swallowed up the leaders of the rebellious alliance, their families, and all their belongings. Then fire came out from the Lord and consumed the remaining 250.
You would think that this would have been enough to convince even the worst skeptics, but just a few verses later the Israelites are back at it, and this time it was worse. Not just a few, but the entire assembly of the Israelites revolted. As they gathered in front of the Tent of Meeting the same thing happened … only with a twist.
God instructed Moses and Aaron to get back so that He could destroy the entire nation, and with that a plague spread out from the Tent of Meeting and began to destroy the Israelites. With no recorded directive from God, Moses told Aaron to take his censer, incense, and fire from the altar “and hurry to the assembly to make atonement.”
Aaron sprinted from the front of the crowd toward the back as the deadly plague was released over the congregation. In front of him people were gasping, moaning, and dying. Chaos ensued as fear gripped the crowd, and the people began to stampede. As Aaron gained ground toward the edge of death, the scriptures say, “He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped.”
There is a plague of death sweeping America today. Will you unite with us in our effort to Get America Praying by mobilizing thousands of additional intercessors to stand in the GAP between life and death, to help avert judgment and bring Christ’s atonement to this country? The plague of death is quickly progressing over virtually every area of our culture. Now is the time to pray and act with humility and concern for every American.
Join us on the National Day of Prayer and please visit GetAmericaPraying.com to learn how to join this nationwide intercessory effort.
—Dave Kubal serves as President / CEO of IFA
Prayer Begins With...Thanksgiving and Praise
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.” Psalm 100:4
Thank God for what He has done for you – for answers to prayer, for forgiving your sins, for coming in to your life, for making you His child. We can thank Him both for blessings seen and those as yet unseen. It is a key to faith, and it is natural and right that we give thanks always to the One from whom all good things come (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thank God for the results of prayer, both before and after you see the results (Philippians 4:6-7). Pray with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving expresses your confidence that God has heard and answered your prayer even before you see the result.
To praise God is to tell Him how great He is. This is declaring good things about God, both about His character (who He is) and also His actions. To say “God is good” is to praise God, and it is good to use the Word of God to praise Him. This is not a form of flattery in order to get God to give you things, but it is only fitting to praise Him and to Honor Him in reverence. Thanking and praising God will increase your faith, since you will begin to fix your eyes on God, His goodness and faithfulness and greatness and power, and not on your problem.
There are many styles of praise. Some are noisy and exuberant; others are calm. Praise can be well-expressed through music, singing, words, shouting, clapping, dancing, and giving to God. It can also be expressed in quiet surrender. It is truly a matter of the heart – an expression of authentic love and adoration for the Almighty. Regardless of your style of praise, just remember to P.R.A.Y. – Praise, Repent, Ask and Yield and then watch God work in you and the situation you are praying in to.
This article is part six in our 8-part series on Prayer.
Thank God for what He has done for you – for answers to prayer, for forgiving your sins, for coming in to your life, for making you His child. We can thank Him both for blessings seen and those as yet unseen. It is a key to faith, and it is natural and right that we give thanks always to the One from whom all good things come (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thank God for the results of prayer, both before and after you see the results (Philippians 4:6-7). Pray with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving expresses your confidence that God has heard and answered your prayer even before you see the result.
To praise God is to tell Him how great He is. This is declaring good things about God, both about His character (who He is) and also His actions. To say “God is good” is to praise God, and it is good to use the Word of God to praise Him. This is not a form of flattery in order to get God to give you things, but it is only fitting to praise Him and to Honor Him in reverence. Thanking and praising God will increase your faith, since you will begin to fix your eyes on God, His goodness and faithfulness and greatness and power, and not on your problem.
There are many styles of praise. Some are noisy and exuberant; others are calm. Praise can be well-expressed through music, singing, words, shouting, clapping, dancing, and giving to God. It can also be expressed in quiet surrender. It is truly a matter of the heart – an expression of authentic love and adoration for the Almighty. Regardless of your style of praise, just remember to P.R.A.Y. – Praise, Repent, Ask and Yield and then watch God work in you and the situation you are praying in to.
- Lance Wubbels
This article is part six in our 8-part series on Prayer.
(Taken from “A Time for Prayer” published by Inspired Faith for the National Day of Prayer – used with permission)
Prayer Begins With...A Purpose
When you come to God, know what you are going to pray about. It is difficult to pray fervently without knowing what you want or desire from God. We should have a clear-cut, well-defined idea about what we are asking God for (being flexible to His leading). “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
You should pray in such a way that you will know afterward what you prayed for, and you will recognize when the answer to your prayer is manifested. Jesus commanded us to specifically ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7). In asking, we must be definite. If it is a good and right request, it is promised to the sincere seeker. In seeking, our goal is to know God and commune with Him. In knocking (intercession), we must understand what the Lord wants to do and pray according to His Word for that thing. The Lord is glad to open the door to every knocking soul. Have faith and enter through holy courage.
Sometimes we do not know what to pray for, and so we can pray in the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26). Paul stated that he prayed both with the spirit and with the understanding (I Corinthians 14:15). Our whole being, including our minds, should be involved in praying. Our minds should understand what we are asking God for.
The fact remains that when we set ourselves to pray, especially in a group, we must be agreed about what we will pray for (Matthew 18:19). Then watch God work!
This article is part three in our 8-part series on Prayer.
You should pray in such a way that you will know afterward what you prayed for, and you will recognize when the answer to your prayer is manifested. Jesus commanded us to specifically ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7). In asking, we must be definite. If it is a good and right request, it is promised to the sincere seeker. In seeking, our goal is to know God and commune with Him. In knocking (intercession), we must understand what the Lord wants to do and pray according to His Word for that thing. The Lord is glad to open the door to every knocking soul. Have faith and enter through holy courage.
Sometimes we do not know what to pray for, and so we can pray in the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26). Paul stated that he prayed both with the spirit and with the understanding (I Corinthians 14:15). Our whole being, including our minds, should be involved in praying. Our minds should understand what we are asking God for.
The fact remains that when we set ourselves to pray, especially in a group, we must be agreed about what we will pray for (Matthew 18:19). Then watch God work!
- Lance Wubbels
This article is part three in our 8-part series on Prayer.
(Taken from “A Time for Prayer” published by Inspired Faith for the National Day of Prayer – used with permission)
A Prayer for America by Dr. Henry Blackaby
Dr. Henry Blackaby
Oh Heavenly Father, You have made Yourself known to us as a nation by Your mighty works throughout our history.
From the beginning, You have been with us and through many wars and conflicts Your Right Arm has saved us. We have been amazingly and graciously blessed.
Today, we confess our sin of not responding to Your right to rule in our lives and our nation. We have despised and rejected Your will while imposing our own, and are now fully under Your judgments. Draw us back to Yourself, that you may return to us once again. Without You we can do nothing. You have promised that if we honor You, You will once again honor us!
For Your honor and glory we pray,
Amen
A Prayer for America by Ravi Zacharias
Dr. Ravi Zacharias
Holy Father,
In a world where so many are hungry, You have given us food in abundance; In a world where so many are hurting, You offer to bind up our wounds; In a world where so many are lonely, You offer friendship to every heart; In a world longing for peace, You offer hope.
Yet, we are so stubborn and resistant. Have mercy upon us, Lord. Our nation is at a crossroads; we look to you to be our strength and shield.
Please give us guidance and may we honor you and respond to the wisdom from above so that our hope may be renewed and our blessings be treasured.
In Jesus’ holy name.
Amen
Prayer Begins With...A Clean Heart
Prepare your heart for fellowship with God (Psalm 23:3-5). Begin your prayer with the confession of any known sin in your life (1 John 3:21-22; Hebrews 10:19). In confession of sin, we tell God with our mouths specifically what we did, or we acknowledge what we failed to do that we should have done. This is necessary to restore communion with God and is a preparation for further fellowship with Him.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness…and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:9, 7). There is nothing that you will ever think, say, or do that cannot be washed away. You can be “white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). You can be made completely new inside, but only Jesus’ death on Calvary’s cross can give you this freedom from your sins. His death is of infinite value, because He who never sinned gave Himself as a sacrifice in your place. He alone can make and keep you pure within. It is but one simple prayer to make it your own.
If you have not forgiven others who have offended or hurt you, forgive them as God has forgiven you (Mark 11:25-26). Then see yourself as dead to sin and sinless in the eyes of God (Romans 6:11, 2 Corinthians 5:21). In this way the blood of Jesus cleanses us and prepares us to really relate to God.
This article is part two in our 8-part series on Prayer.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness…and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:9, 7). There is nothing that you will ever think, say, or do that cannot be washed away. You can be “white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). You can be made completely new inside, but only Jesus’ death on Calvary’s cross can give you this freedom from your sins. His death is of infinite value, because He who never sinned gave Himself as a sacrifice in your place. He alone can make and keep you pure within. It is but one simple prayer to make it your own.
If you have not forgiven others who have offended or hurt you, forgive them as God has forgiven you (Mark 11:25-26). Then see yourself as dead to sin and sinless in the eyes of God (Romans 6:11, 2 Corinthians 5:21). In this way the blood of Jesus cleanses us and prepares us to really relate to God.
- Lance Wubbels
This article is part two in our 8-part series on Prayer.
(Taken from “A Time for Prayer” published by Inspired Faith for the National Day of Prayer – used with permission.)
Lessons from the Life of Daniel
If anybody understood politics and the rise and fall of administrations, it was Daniel. His initial experiences were with Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Babylonians from 605-561 B.C. You probably know the story. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and Daniel interpreted it. Daniel and his three friends got promoted, but next there was a plot against them. Daniel’s three friends were thrown into a blazing furnace. They were supernaturally delivered and even Nebuchadnezzar praised the God of the Hebrews. Nebuchadnezzar’s son, Belshazzar, assumed the throne and threw a big party. The finger of God miraculously appeared and wrote on the wall. Daniel interpreted the words. The message predicted Belshazzar’s demise, which brought Darius the Mede to the throne. Shortly after this we find Daniel in the lion’s den. Daniel’s deliverance in the lion’s den caused Darius to honor God. The story continues ...
Ups and downs. Successes and failures. But a pattern emerges: God’s chosen are in trouble, God supernaturally moves in the life of the King, the King honors God, God’s chosen are spared, people around the King are jealous, God’s chosen are in trouble once more and it starts again.
It is in Daniel, chapter 9 that we gain tremendous insight into the character of Daniel and how he handles the roller coaster of political leadership. Here are a few aspects of Daniel’s life that act as examples to us:
He was a man of faith: “Then I set my face to the Lord God to make my request by prayer and supplication with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.” (Dan 9: 3) Daniel was not a young man at this point and with all the ups and downs, he was still full of faith. He remained willing to fight for God’s purposes to be brought to earth. He easily could have given up many times before, but yet he expectantly interceded for his people. Daniel knew that at any point the King could receive a vision, a message, or writing “could appear” on the wall.
He carried a burden for the sins of his people: “… we have sinned and committed
iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments.” (Dan 9:5) Even though Daniel himself walked uprightly with God, his heart was pained that his fellow Jews did not. To the American mind this seems preposterous, but it is a great lesson for us—to accept a greater responsibility through prayer and discipleship for how fellow believers walk with God.
He understood the connection between faith and reality: “… the Lord has kept the disaster in mind and brought it upon us …” (Dan 9:14, 16) In Daniel’s mind there was an obvious connection between disasters and people’s sins. To him it appears that God, though long suffering, is not a God who will forever permit people to behave the way they desire. As with individuals, God has the ability to corporately guide a nation’s actions by the retributions and calamities He permits them to experience. After national disasters it is suddenly acceptable to say “our thoughts and prayers are with you.” The rest of the time there are ongoing efforts to eliminate public prayer.
We can learn much from Daniel. We have seen many political ups and downs in recent days. While the present seems particularly dark, we must remain people of expectant faith. With “fasting, sackcloth and ashes,” we must continue to intercede for our country. At any point God’s finger could write on the wall of the Oval Office and deliver words that could transform many things in short order. We also must surrender our self-centered individuality in order to carry a burden for the righteousness of all the followers of Christ. We need to be pained at the things that pain God’s heart.
—Dave Kubal serves as President / CEO of Intercessors for America
Ups and downs. Successes and failures. But a pattern emerges: God’s chosen are in trouble, God supernaturally moves in the life of the King, the King honors God, God’s chosen are spared, people around the King are jealous, God’s chosen are in trouble once more and it starts again.
It is in Daniel, chapter 9 that we gain tremendous insight into the character of Daniel and how he handles the roller coaster of political leadership. Here are a few aspects of Daniel’s life that act as examples to us:
He was a man of faith: “Then I set my face to the Lord God to make my request by prayer and supplication with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.” (Dan 9: 3) Daniel was not a young man at this point and with all the ups and downs, he was still full of faith. He remained willing to fight for God’s purposes to be brought to earth. He easily could have given up many times before, but yet he expectantly interceded for his people. Daniel knew that at any point the King could receive a vision, a message, or writing “could appear” on the wall.
He carried a burden for the sins of his people: “… we have sinned and committed
iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments.” (Dan 9:5) Even though Daniel himself walked uprightly with God, his heart was pained that his fellow Jews did not. To the American mind this seems preposterous, but it is a great lesson for us—to accept a greater responsibility through prayer and discipleship for how fellow believers walk with God.
He understood the connection between faith and reality: “… the Lord has kept the disaster in mind and brought it upon us …” (Dan 9:14, 16) In Daniel’s mind there was an obvious connection between disasters and people’s sins. To him it appears that God, though long suffering, is not a God who will forever permit people to behave the way they desire. As with individuals, God has the ability to corporately guide a nation’s actions by the retributions and calamities He permits them to experience. After national disasters it is suddenly acceptable to say “our thoughts and prayers are with you.” The rest of the time there are ongoing efforts to eliminate public prayer.
We can learn much from Daniel. We have seen many political ups and downs in recent days. While the present seems particularly dark, we must remain people of expectant faith. With “fasting, sackcloth and ashes,” we must continue to intercede for our country. At any point God’s finger could write on the wall of the Oval Office and deliver words that could transform many things in short order. We also must surrender our self-centered individuality in order to carry a burden for the righteousness of all the followers of Christ. We need to be pained at the things that pain God’s heart.
—Dave Kubal serves as President / CEO of Intercessors for America
A Prayer for America by Chuck Swindoll
Chuck SwindollAlmighty God, we pause to reflect on Your character as we seek wisdom for such a time as this.
. In these unsafe days,
You remain all-powerful and able to protect;
. In these uncertain times,
You remain all-knowing, leading us aright;
. In the unprecedented events we’re facing,
You remain absolutely sovereign.
Our times are in Your hands.
Therefore, our dependence on You, is total, not partial. . . our need for Your forgiveness is constant. . . our gratitude for Your grace is profound. . . our love for You is deep.
We ask that You guard and guide our President and all who serve the people of these United States.
May uncompromising integrity mark their lives.
We also ask that You unite us as truly “one nation, under God.” May genuine humility return to our ranks.
And may that blend of integrity and humility heal our land.
In our Lord’s name we pray,
Amen.
- Chuck Swindoll