We just concluded the National Prayer Summit on Sunday and it was a powerful time of prayer. Over 400 people traveled from around the country to spend 3 days interceding for America. I was blessed and even overwhelmed by their passion to serve and petition for their neighbors, families and communities. Indeed it was a Solemn Assembly.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force has been uniquely positioned to make a key contribution to transformation efforts in our nation. We know there is tremendous power in corporate prayer.
In 1857, a small gathering of prayer leaders took place on the corner of Fulton and Williams Streets in New York City. Within 18 months over 1 million people took part in what became one of the greatest events in the prayer movement.
Gatherings of corporate repentance and humility before God are part of America’s Judeo-Christian heritage. In fact, the President of the United States, since 1789, has called the nation to prayer more than 134 times.
Just as the sons of Issachar (1 Chronicles 12:32) understood the signs of the times and sought the Lord’s wisdom for the course to take as a nation we as Christian leaders need to call the people back to the foundations of the faith. A Solemn Assembly is needed today more than ever. The cultural landscape is changing dramatically and the negative impact to the family could have generational consequences.
The prophet Joel (850 BC) called the nations to assemble and “return to the Lord your God” (Joel 2:13). Now the National Day of Prayer Task Force is calling for leaders to unite in prayer on behalf of America – seeking transformation and healing (2 Chronicles 7:14) perhaps as the world has never seen.
When the turbulent times of the culture seem insurmountable, there is no greater time to seek the Lord. In 1974, church leaders united in Lausanne, Switzerland and again in 1989, in Manila, Philippines to refocus and realign the evangelical community with the Great Commission.
Today, Mrs. Shirley Dobson and the NDP Task Force are calling the nations leaders to join together across America on Thursday, May 6, to seek God’s intervention For Such a Time as This.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Power of Prayer XIV
If you are praying for an issue in your life, do you just say one prayer about it and move on without giving that request another thought? I doubt it. Your burdens are real to you. You want answers. You want results. So, you are passionate about seeking resolve. When I heard of a brother who had just been laid off from his employment with 3 small children at home, I know that he was praying like he had never prayed before. He was scared, he was vulnerable, he was weak and was right where God needed him to be…dependent on Him for answers. Once we are broken over something, then God can reveal himself and do what we couldn’t do alone. The problem is that when we get what we wanted, we often forget to give Him the glory for the answer. Just as Jesus healed the sick, many did not return to say thank you.
My wife and I have 5 children. With 3 girls and 2 boys, I spend a lot of time in prayer. They keep me in humble petition constantly. In addition to this busy life, my wife has been battling cancer for 12 years. She was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in 1997 and it wasn’t identified until it had spread beyond the Thyroid and into her blood. The cancer metastasized into forms of blood cancer and was also found in her lungs and cervix. The outcome looked hopeless. I began praying like I never prayed before. It is sad that in tragedy we often turn to the one who had been knocking the whole time…a lot like 9/11 was for the nation. To this day, we are still praying, but we have never given up hope. We also recognize that my wife is in a no-lose situation. Either I get to keep her and spend my life on this earth with her, or, she gets to go start eternity earlier than I with the Father. That has really been my attitude through this. Actually, my prayer began to change as I started spending more time with the Father. Scriptures say that we have not because we ask not, but when we ask, we ask outside of God’s will…far too often. So, we have to learn how to pray in God’s will. What does He want in every difficult situation? The only way to know the answer to that is to spend time with Him. My prayer changed from just seeking the physical healing of my wife to asking God for His help to raise a family that is honoring to him…a family that can pass a legacy of faith…a family that can be a light to the many generations to come from my five children. I now desire from the Lord that He would enable my wife and I to set a new standard in our family heritage. We did not inherit a legacy of faith, but I want more than ever to pass a baton to my children that will become a standing stone for them and for their children (Deuteronomy 6/11 and Psalm 78). Now I believe that we have matured in our relationship with the Lord through this cancer and for that I am grateful. The Scriptures say we will endure hardships – Acts 14:22, II Timothy 2:3/ 4:5, John 16:33, Hebrews 11:35-38/ 12:7. Does that mean that God turns a deaf ear to petitions through prayer? Absolutely not! God allows us to go through trials to bring us closer to Him…to refine us. If you are praying for a neighbor, a friend, a child or even a stranger, the Lord will guide you in your intercessory prayer to better channel the power of the Holy Spirit on the areas that really need His intervention. Sometimes the need is crystal clear, but often there are other deep-rooted issues that need to be addressed by the great physician. We often focus on the pain and not on the issue causing the pain. This is where God does His greatest work in both the person praying and the individual being prayed for. When Moses prayed for Israel, I believe that God was working on him as much as He was working on Israel.
At the National Day of Prayer Task Force, I truly believe that God hears the prayers of His people and stays His holy hand of judgment even if it means diminished punishment in contrast to what we know we deserve. II Chronicles 7:14 says, “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.”
God hears His people and responds. Here is the kicker. You may not see the answer to your prayer in your lifetime. Abraham was around 100 years old before he received his first child when he was promised descendants that would number the stars. The prophets declared the coming of the Messiah and did not see him with their own eyes. Remember, God is not limited to time and space. He hears your every word and knows the right time to respond. You have to be diligent to stay in the fight. Pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17/ Psalm 72:15).
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
My wife and I have 5 children. With 3 girls and 2 boys, I spend a lot of time in prayer. They keep me in humble petition constantly. In addition to this busy life, my wife has been battling cancer for 12 years. She was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in 1997 and it wasn’t identified until it had spread beyond the Thyroid and into her blood. The cancer metastasized into forms of blood cancer and was also found in her lungs and cervix. The outcome looked hopeless. I began praying like I never prayed before. It is sad that in tragedy we often turn to the one who had been knocking the whole time…a lot like 9/11 was for the nation. To this day, we are still praying, but we have never given up hope. We also recognize that my wife is in a no-lose situation. Either I get to keep her and spend my life on this earth with her, or, she gets to go start eternity earlier than I with the Father. That has really been my attitude through this. Actually, my prayer began to change as I started spending more time with the Father. Scriptures say that we have not because we ask not, but when we ask, we ask outside of God’s will…far too often. So, we have to learn how to pray in God’s will. What does He want in every difficult situation? The only way to know the answer to that is to spend time with Him. My prayer changed from just seeking the physical healing of my wife to asking God for His help to raise a family that is honoring to him…a family that can pass a legacy of faith…a family that can be a light to the many generations to come from my five children. I now desire from the Lord that He would enable my wife and I to set a new standard in our family heritage. We did not inherit a legacy of faith, but I want more than ever to pass a baton to my children that will become a standing stone for them and for their children (Deuteronomy 6/11 and Psalm 78). Now I believe that we have matured in our relationship with the Lord through this cancer and for that I am grateful. The Scriptures say we will endure hardships – Acts 14:22, II Timothy 2:3/ 4:5, John 16:33, Hebrews 11:35-38/ 12:7. Does that mean that God turns a deaf ear to petitions through prayer? Absolutely not! God allows us to go through trials to bring us closer to Him…to refine us. If you are praying for a neighbor, a friend, a child or even a stranger, the Lord will guide you in your intercessory prayer to better channel the power of the Holy Spirit on the areas that really need His intervention. Sometimes the need is crystal clear, but often there are other deep-rooted issues that need to be addressed by the great physician. We often focus on the pain and not on the issue causing the pain. This is where God does His greatest work in both the person praying and the individual being prayed for. When Moses prayed for Israel, I believe that God was working on him as much as He was working on Israel.
At the National Day of Prayer Task Force, I truly believe that God hears the prayers of His people and stays His holy hand of judgment even if it means diminished punishment in contrast to what we know we deserve. II Chronicles 7:14 says, “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.”
God hears His people and responds. Here is the kicker. You may not see the answer to your prayer in your lifetime. Abraham was around 100 years old before he received his first child when he was promised descendants that would number the stars. The prophets declared the coming of the Messiah and did not see him with their own eyes. Remember, God is not limited to time and space. He hears your every word and knows the right time to respond. You have to be diligent to stay in the fight. Pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17/ Psalm 72:15).
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Power of Prayer XIII
Over and over again, God himself seeks for someone willing to put themselves on the line on behalf of others…those willing to walk through the fire if need be.
Isaiah 59:16 – "He saw that there was no one, and was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm brought him victory, and his righteousness upheld him."
Ezekiel 22:30 – "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."
2 Chronicles 16:9 – "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
Jeremiah 5:1 – “If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive the city.”
Intercession (Paga, Sode) is mentioned over 80 times in Scripture. If we are to model ourselves after Christ, then we must be willing to give ourselves to prayer and fasting. The power of the relationship with come through concentrated devotion to others and for their well being.
Intercessory Prayer is more than simply praying a single word on behalf of another and then moving on to another thought never to revisit that request again. Intercession is pouring out your heart for another…taking on the burden of those going through the trial.
“Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17
Christ gave us some great examples of this.
In the same conversation in which Jesus is teaching his disciples to pray, he states the following in Luke 11:5-9:
“Suppose one of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and from inside he shall answer and say, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.”
Luke 18:1-8:
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea. ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Matthew 15:21-28:
“Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.’ Jesus did not answer a word. So, his disciples came to him and urged him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.’ The woman came and knelt before him. ‘Lord, help me!’ she said. He replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she said, ‘but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”
In the second passage I referenced, there is a lot going on in this example. But what I want you to notice in both of these passages is that there was perseverance. The individuals who had the burden did not give up. They petitioned with great passion and expectation for results. They had faith and were willing to go the distance.
Isaiah 59:16 – "He saw that there was no one, and was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm brought him victory, and his righteousness upheld him."
Ezekiel 22:30 – "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."
2 Chronicles 16:9 – "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
Jeremiah 5:1 – “If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive the city.”
Intercession (Paga, Sode) is mentioned over 80 times in Scripture. If we are to model ourselves after Christ, then we must be willing to give ourselves to prayer and fasting. The power of the relationship with come through concentrated devotion to others and for their well being.
Intercessory Prayer is more than simply praying a single word on behalf of another and then moving on to another thought never to revisit that request again. Intercession is pouring out your heart for another…taking on the burden of those going through the trial.
“Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17
Christ gave us some great examples of this.
In the same conversation in which Jesus is teaching his disciples to pray, he states the following in Luke 11:5-9:
“Suppose one of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and from inside he shall answer and say, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.”
Luke 18:1-8:
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea. ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!’ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Matthew 15:21-28:
“Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.’ Jesus did not answer a word. So, his disciples came to him and urged him, ‘Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.’ The woman came and knelt before him. ‘Lord, help me!’ she said. He replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she said, ‘but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour.”
In the second passage I referenced, there is a lot going on in this example. But what I want you to notice in both of these passages is that there was perseverance. The individuals who had the burden did not give up. They petitioned with great passion and expectation for results. They had faith and were willing to go the distance.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Power of Prayer XII
Point 6: Intercessory Prayer
Christ is the mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 9:15) and is seeking someone to intercede for others – those willing to stand in the gap. In Genesis 18:22, God asked Abraham to intercede. How do we know this? In the Masoretic Text, it actually says that the Lord stood before Abraham. Tradition suggested that a King could not stand before servants, but rather the other way around, so the verse was often translated that Abraham stood before the Lord. Although this issue created controversy for the right reasons, it prevented us from seeing the heart of our God which was to have a man stand before others and petition for mercy despite their sin. The same was true for Jonah. God wanted Jonah to want to go to Nineveh and teach those lost men and women the truth that they could be saved. He wanted Jonah to be self-less and intercede for those who did not deserve it. In the same way, you who are no longer in bondage, but a child of the living God, must have the heart of mercy and perseverance. "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father'" Romans 8:15.
You have been given the power of the Holy Spirit and with it comes responsibility. We are to be imitators of the mediator.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2
In Greek, Christ referred to the Father as “the sending me Father” that He might intercede on behalf of those who were doomed to perish.
Moses, Elijah, Samuel, and Nehemiah all interceded on behalf of Israel and God heard them.
One of the greatest examples of intercession took place when Moses stood before God on behalf of Israel. In Exodus 32:10, God says “leave me alone, so I may destroy them for their wickedness.” But Moses did not give up. Here is God saying, leave me alone. His mind was made up. Because he had a relationship with Moses, he allowed him to state the case on behalf of the people. It goes on to say in Exodus 32:14, "then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened." It doesn’t end there. "So Moses went back to the Lord and said, Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin – but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written” Exodus 32:31. What a model of intercession. He was willing to lose his eternal inheritance on behalf of his people. He was willing to die for them and this was in the midst of their transgressions. David addressed this again later in Psalm 106:23, "so he said he would destroy them – had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep His wrath from destroying them."
They deserved to die. We deserved to die. As Moses interceded for them, so too has Christ interceded for us.
Christ is the mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 9:15) and is seeking someone to intercede for others – those willing to stand in the gap. In Genesis 18:22, God asked Abraham to intercede. How do we know this? In the Masoretic Text, it actually says that the Lord stood before Abraham. Tradition suggested that a King could not stand before servants, but rather the other way around, so the verse was often translated that Abraham stood before the Lord. Although this issue created controversy for the right reasons, it prevented us from seeing the heart of our God which was to have a man stand before others and petition for mercy despite their sin. The same was true for Jonah. God wanted Jonah to want to go to Nineveh and teach those lost men and women the truth that they could be saved. He wanted Jonah to be self-less and intercede for those who did not deserve it. In the same way, you who are no longer in bondage, but a child of the living God, must have the heart of mercy and perseverance. "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father'" Romans 8:15.
You have been given the power of the Holy Spirit and with it comes responsibility. We are to be imitators of the mediator.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2
In Greek, Christ referred to the Father as “the sending me Father” that He might intercede on behalf of those who were doomed to perish.
Moses, Elijah, Samuel, and Nehemiah all interceded on behalf of Israel and God heard them.
One of the greatest examples of intercession took place when Moses stood before God on behalf of Israel. In Exodus 32:10, God says “leave me alone, so I may destroy them for their wickedness.” But Moses did not give up. Here is God saying, leave me alone. His mind was made up. Because he had a relationship with Moses, he allowed him to state the case on behalf of the people. It goes on to say in Exodus 32:14, "then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened." It doesn’t end there. "So Moses went back to the Lord and said, Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin – but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written” Exodus 32:31. What a model of intercession. He was willing to lose his eternal inheritance on behalf of his people. He was willing to die for them and this was in the midst of their transgressions. David addressed this again later in Psalm 106:23, "so he said he would destroy them – had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep His wrath from destroying them."
They deserved to die. We deserved to die. As Moses interceded for them, so too has Christ interceded for us.
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Power of Prayer XI
It is good to read the following passages on a regular basis. It is an alignment exercise to remember where you are when you enter the throne room through your prayers.
The Throne Room:
"From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is, and is to come." Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:5-11
The Image of the Lord:
"…above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking." Ezekiel 1:27-28
These passages are breath-taking. When I read them, I cannot help but come into His presence with praise. We must have our compass aligned correctly so we know who we are praying to and what He expects. You can't determine your prayer walk by feelings.
He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8-9)
Brian Toon, Vice-Chairman of the National Day of Prayer, has told me many stories of his days flying in the U.S. Navy. He was an F-14 Tomcat pilot and later became a deck commander. While flying at night, he says that pilots must be adapt to watching and trusting their instruments and gauges. At night a pilot can make several critical errors flying by feeling. In fact, the body will adjust so much that a pilot could be flying upside down and feel right side up. As they pull on the stick thinking they are climbing in altitude they are actually flying straight into the ground. The same is true for the believer. Paul said, “the man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2:14. If you think you understand the spiritual things and are not pursuing God’s wisdom and direction through a balance of Scripture study and prayer, you may be off course. So stay focused and run the race as to get the prize (I Corinthians 9:24).
The Throne Room:
"From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is, and is to come." Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:5-11
The Image of the Lord:
"…above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking." Ezekiel 1:27-28
These passages are breath-taking. When I read them, I cannot help but come into His presence with praise. We must have our compass aligned correctly so we know who we are praying to and what He expects. You can't determine your prayer walk by feelings.
He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8-9)
Brian Toon, Vice-Chairman of the National Day of Prayer, has told me many stories of his days flying in the U.S. Navy. He was an F-14 Tomcat pilot and later became a deck commander. While flying at night, he says that pilots must be adapt to watching and trusting their instruments and gauges. At night a pilot can make several critical errors flying by feeling. In fact, the body will adjust so much that a pilot could be flying upside down and feel right side up. As they pull on the stick thinking they are climbing in altitude they are actually flying straight into the ground. The same is true for the believer. Paul said, “the man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2:14. If you think you understand the spiritual things and are not pursuing God’s wisdom and direction through a balance of Scripture study and prayer, you may be off course. So stay focused and run the race as to get the prize (I Corinthians 9:24).
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
What an Incredible Day of Prayer!
The Official 2009 National Day of Prayer took place on May 7 and millions gathered across America to lift up every center of power - churches, families, businesses, government, education, military and media. What a voice and what a sound that must have been before the throne room of the Almighty! It doesn’t stop there! No, that was only the beginning of another year of dedicated worship, prayer and fasting. In fact, we are hard at work planning many other prayer events - continuing to unite the body of Christ for such a time as this.
Please mark your calendars for the Foster Care Prayer Vigil that begins on May 17. This is in addition to the Global Day of Prayer that is taking place right now and concludes with millions in worship and prayer on May 31. Also, make plans now to join me and the rest of the National Day of Prayer Task Force at the Focus on the Family headquarters, October 16-18 for the National Prayer Summit.
I know that organizing prayer is not easy. However, if you feel led, I would encourage you to get involved in your community. Transformation begins in prayer, but James tells us that faith without action is lost. Prayerfully consider one of the following opportunities:
Volunteer at your local soup kitchen
Become part of Prison Fellowship
Serve resources and food to the poor and hungry with Convoy of Hope
Volunteer with the Salvation Army
Lead a Small Group in your church or home
The need for prayer is greater than ever.
Check back to the National Day of Prayer website soon as we will have reports, pictures and videos to share from across the country. We have received several thousand reports already and I can’t wait to share with you some of the many exciting prayer gatherings that took place on May 7.
When we join together in prayer, we expect the hand of God to move in mighty ways. We expect to see change and witness His outpouring first hand. Every year, stories come in of how NDP launched prayer services or dedicated prayer gatherings to petition God to intervene in the lives of men. For example, we have received stories of reduction in crime, reduction in abortion, divorce, job loss and more. There were tangible results for specific prayer requests. God answers prayer.
The commitment to prayer is a challenging one. Trust me. Something will always manage to distract you from your devotion to the Lord in prayer. However, if I can encourage you in anyway, please know that you are not alone. We are standing with you in this prayer movement. Join us on Thursday this week. My team and I will be online for Live Prayer. Just visit our website and click on the large graphic that will take you to www.ourprayer.org and you can enter the National Day of Prayer Live Chat Room. We would be honored to pray for you.
Please mark your calendars for the Foster Care Prayer Vigil that begins on May 17. This is in addition to the Global Day of Prayer that is taking place right now and concludes with millions in worship and prayer on May 31. Also, make plans now to join me and the rest of the National Day of Prayer Task Force at the Focus on the Family headquarters, October 16-18 for the National Prayer Summit.
I know that organizing prayer is not easy. However, if you feel led, I would encourage you to get involved in your community. Transformation begins in prayer, but James tells us that faith without action is lost. Prayerfully consider one of the following opportunities:
Volunteer at your local soup kitchen
Become part of Prison Fellowship
Serve resources and food to the poor and hungry with Convoy of Hope
Volunteer with the Salvation Army
Lead a Small Group in your church or home
The need for prayer is greater than ever.
Check back to the National Day of Prayer website soon as we will have reports, pictures and videos to share from across the country. We have received several thousand reports already and I can’t wait to share with you some of the many exciting prayer gatherings that took place on May 7.
When we join together in prayer, we expect the hand of God to move in mighty ways. We expect to see change and witness His outpouring first hand. Every year, stories come in of how NDP launched prayer services or dedicated prayer gatherings to petition God to intervene in the lives of men. For example, we have received stories of reduction in crime, reduction in abortion, divorce, job loss and more. There were tangible results for specific prayer requests. God answers prayer.
The commitment to prayer is a challenging one. Trust me. Something will always manage to distract you from your devotion to the Lord in prayer. However, if I can encourage you in anyway, please know that you are not alone. We are standing with you in this prayer movement. Join us on Thursday this week. My team and I will be online for Live Prayer. Just visit our website and click on the large graphic that will take you to www.ourprayer.org and you can enter the National Day of Prayer Live Chat Room. We would be honored to pray for you.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Prayer with Expectation
The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.
Before the Pilgrims set foot on the shores of this great land, they declared it for the “advancement of the Christian faith” (Mayflower Compact, 1620).
From 1775 to 1955 our nation proudly identified that God, in His Providence, was the source of our blessing. However, in 1962, a movement began that has led to the cultural war we face today. It started with prayer being removed from schools.
• Voluntary prayer was forbidden
• Inclusion of Scripture was terminated
• Classes on Religion were halted
• The Bible was ordered out of school libraries
• Ten Commandment displays were removed
• Religious artwork was covered
• Religious content in student papers or speeches were forbidden
• The Bible was forbidden to bring in the classroom
So what happened as a result:
• SAT scores plummeted
• American high school students regularly finished last, or near the bottom in math and science testing
• The US now ranks 65th in the world in literacy when only a few decades ago America had one of the world's highest literacy rates.
• Crime in schools and society escalated
• Pregnancy rates in schools escalated
And this was only the beginning.
Today, we have seen the Ten Commandments removed from public institutions, crosses removed from memorials, “In God We Trust”, our national motto, removed from the new Washington D.C. visitor’s center, and more. If removing prayer from our schools was the root of such tragic statistics, imagine what our nation would look like without prayer. My body trembles at the thought of losing our godly heritage and failing to recognize that, indeed, we are a nation UNDER GOD. It is this accountability and recognition of the Almighty and His blessing upon us that has enabled us to persevere and enjoy the years of plenty.
In Nehemiah 9, Joel 2 and Daniel 9, we see leaders who brought the representatives of the people together to humble themselves and confess their sin before the Lord. The National Day of Prayer is a day of remembrance. It is vital that we remain steadfast and join together in one voice before the throne on behalf of all Americans. The National Day of Prayer is also a time of Solemn Assembly. As Moses interceded for Israel and saved a nation from destruction, so we too can intercede for America and recognize the God of our Fathers in adoration.
“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 I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14
Join me in observing the National Day of Prayer, May 7, 2009.
www.nationaldayofprayer.org
Before the Pilgrims set foot on the shores of this great land, they declared it for the “advancement of the Christian faith” (Mayflower Compact, 1620).
From 1775 to 1955 our nation proudly identified that God, in His Providence, was the source of our blessing. However, in 1962, a movement began that has led to the cultural war we face today. It started with prayer being removed from schools.
• Voluntary prayer was forbidden
• Inclusion of Scripture was terminated
• Classes on Religion were halted
• The Bible was ordered out of school libraries
• Ten Commandment displays were removed
• Religious artwork was covered
• Religious content in student papers or speeches were forbidden
• The Bible was forbidden to bring in the classroom
So what happened as a result:
• SAT scores plummeted
• American high school students regularly finished last, or near the bottom in math and science testing
• The US now ranks 65th in the world in literacy when only a few decades ago America had one of the world's highest literacy rates.
• Crime in schools and society escalated
• Pregnancy rates in schools escalated
And this was only the beginning.
Today, we have seen the Ten Commandments removed from public institutions, crosses removed from memorials, “In God We Trust”, our national motto, removed from the new Washington D.C. visitor’s center, and more. If removing prayer from our schools was the root of such tragic statistics, imagine what our nation would look like without prayer. My body trembles at the thought of losing our godly heritage and failing to recognize that, indeed, we are a nation UNDER GOD. It is this accountability and recognition of the Almighty and His blessing upon us that has enabled us to persevere and enjoy the years of plenty.
In Nehemiah 9, Joel 2 and Daniel 9, we see leaders who brought the representatives of the people together to humble themselves and confess their sin before the Lord. The National Day of Prayer is a day of remembrance. It is vital that we remain steadfast and join together in one voice before the throne on behalf of all Americans. The National Day of Prayer is also a time of Solemn Assembly. As Moses interceded for Israel and saved a nation from destruction, so we too can intercede for America and recognize the God of our Fathers in adoration.
“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 I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14
Join me in observing the National Day of Prayer, May 7, 2009.
www.nationaldayofprayer.org
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