Remember the key to praying in faith..and with a pure heart is knowing the will of God. I Jn.5:14
How can we know His will?
1. Read it in Scripture . II Tim.3:15, 16
2. Asking Him ( and getting a response). Jn.14:26, 16:13, II Tim.2:7, James 1:5-7
Now..this gets easier as we spend more time with Him.
Why do we need a Pure Heart?
Any sin is going to obstruct our intimate relationship with the Father. It will also reduce the effectiveness of our prayers! Read Isa. 59:1-2 . Vs. 1 says He can do anything...yet Vs.2 says 'our sins have separated us from God and he will not hear us' . The Lord deals with this in Matt.6:12.
Here's an example
. So often when we pray, we need to 'release forgiveness', rather than praying for God to show someone how much they've hurt us. Rather we need to trust God that He knows. I remember one day, kneeling at the side of the bed crying and weeping over a injustice that had been done to me. I was doubly distraught because the person involved had absolutely no awareness, nor wanted any, of the hurt they had caused.
Finally I heard the Lord say to me, " Isn't it enough that 'I' know how much it's hurt you?" .
I've never forgotten that lesson. I wasn't going to be at peace until the person 'knew' how much they'd hurt me. Some how I needed them to know! But even if they did, I realised it would never be enough anyways! Then I realised that only God can truly know the sorrow in my heart when an offense or wound has happend. How much better to go to Him for comfort and healing? He's the best source ! Once I let that go, it completely transformed my prayers, not only for that particular person, but for others. In allowing myself to be healed, I felt closer to God and His voice seemed clearer, in ways I hadn't experienced for weeks.
If we forgive, it purifies our heart. Answers to prayer don't depend on what my adversary does or does not do. They depend on what I do.
James says " You ask and do not receive." Why?
James 4: 2 sites wrong desires - ' you lust, fight and covet'
James 4:3 sites wrong motive
James 4:3 sites wrong objectives: to satisfy your own pleasures.
We ask for the Holy Spirit to give us
1. the right desire...which is intimacy with the Father
2. the right motive, which is to glorify God and
3. the right objective, which is to do God's will.
Lastly....sin will impede not only how we hear from God, but what we will hear! Our desire needs to be like Jesus, ' to do the will of Him who sent me'. How can we do that? Well...be like Jesus and only do what we see the Father doing - only speak what we hear the Father saying.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Four Rules of Prayer....
I'm sure many people could come up with lots of 'rules of prayer' but I'm going to share the four that my own mentor taught me to use.
* Pray with faith
* Pray with a pure heart
* Pray with power
* Pray with persistence.
Read James 1: 5-7 - it speaks of praying with faith. A most necessary ingredient when we are praying. Remember Mark 11:23 " faith could tell a mountain to move"...or Mark 11:24 that says ' Whatever you ask when you pray, believe you will receive them." That's faith!
Don't pray in doubt. Faith is believing in what we have not yet seen. Heb.11: 1. Remember the key is knowing the will of God ( IJn.5:14) How can we know His will? Read it in the scripture - II Tim.3:15- 16
An interesting example of praying in doubt, came to me from a wonderful friend of mine in Victoria. One day as we were talking on the phone about our children, I told her that my kids were driving back from a holiday and asked her to remember them in her prayers - that God would be with them while they drove. She rebuked me for praying in fear and doubt. When I asked her what she meant, she told me that God had been speaking to her about the way she often prayed as if there were 'vacuums' - like God wasn't someplace, until we asked him to be there. She then said, " Pam, God is with your kids! What you want to pray, is that their awareness of Him will increase, and His effect and protection of them would increase, while they travel. Don't pray as if He's not there! As for where He is, to increase, with them!" That talked changed my life! I never pray any longer, like there are 'gaps'. I acknowledge where God is in the situation I'm praying for, and I always ask for that part of Him that is there, that influence, to increase! It's made an amazing difference in not only my prayers, but the faith level of how I pray! Doesn't the Word say, that He is always with us? So, why was I praying like He wasn't there for my children? Now I always ask God to show me where He is working in someone;'s life and ask for that influence to increase.
Another example of this, was when He asked me to give a word to a couple of young men in a local restaurant. I could tell by looking at them that they were very probably part of the gang problem our city is suffering with. When I argued with the Lord about going to them and asked Him 'why' - He told me that someone in their family line was praying for them and I needed to be a part of those prayers, by delivering the word i had for them. Once I realised that someone had been praying for them, my faith soared and I asked God to increase their awareness of Him and their hunger for Him. I asked God to expand, increase and enlarge the deposit of God that was in each of them. And yes...I did go and give them my 'word'. Interesting to note, that a few days later there were on the front page of our local paper AND on the provincial paper - these boys were major crime figures! At the same time, I found out a few weeks later that one of them has a sister who is born again, and who has been praying for them! So....I just added my prayers to hers ( who knows who else) ...and also prayed in faith over the seeds of God that were lying dormant in them!
Since that time, I ran into another woman who told me she remember one or two of those boys from a Sunday School class, and yes, they did know Christ then! So...it's just another reminder to not limit God when we pray and to not pray 'as if' there is a lack...but pray as if God is working and ask Him to increase His effect on those we are praying for.
* Pray with faith
* Pray with a pure heart
* Pray with power
* Pray with persistence.
Read James 1: 5-7 - it speaks of praying with faith. A most necessary ingredient when we are praying. Remember Mark 11:23 " faith could tell a mountain to move"...or Mark 11:24 that says ' Whatever you ask when you pray, believe you will receive them." That's faith!
Don't pray in doubt. Faith is believing in what we have not yet seen. Heb.11: 1. Remember the key is knowing the will of God ( IJn.5:14) How can we know His will? Read it in the scripture - II Tim.3:15- 16
An interesting example of praying in doubt, came to me from a wonderful friend of mine in Victoria. One day as we were talking on the phone about our children, I told her that my kids were driving back from a holiday and asked her to remember them in her prayers - that God would be with them while they drove. She rebuked me for praying in fear and doubt. When I asked her what she meant, she told me that God had been speaking to her about the way she often prayed as if there were 'vacuums' - like God wasn't someplace, until we asked him to be there. She then said, " Pam, God is with your kids! What you want to pray, is that their awareness of Him will increase, and His effect and protection of them would increase, while they travel. Don't pray as if He's not there! As for where He is, to increase, with them!" That talked changed my life! I never pray any longer, like there are 'gaps'. I acknowledge where God is in the situation I'm praying for, and I always ask for that part of Him that is there, that influence, to increase! It's made an amazing difference in not only my prayers, but the faith level of how I pray! Doesn't the Word say, that He is always with us? So, why was I praying like He wasn't there for my children? Now I always ask God to show me where He is working in someone;'s life and ask for that influence to increase.
Another example of this, was when He asked me to give a word to a couple of young men in a local restaurant. I could tell by looking at them that they were very probably part of the gang problem our city is suffering with. When I argued with the Lord about going to them and asked Him 'why' - He told me that someone in their family line was praying for them and I needed to be a part of those prayers, by delivering the word i had for them. Once I realised that someone had been praying for them, my faith soared and I asked God to increase their awareness of Him and their hunger for Him. I asked God to expand, increase and enlarge the deposit of God that was in each of them. And yes...I did go and give them my 'word'. Interesting to note, that a few days later there were on the front page of our local paper AND on the provincial paper - these boys were major crime figures! At the same time, I found out a few weeks later that one of them has a sister who is born again, and who has been praying for them! So....I just added my prayers to hers ( who knows who else) ...and also prayed in faith over the seeds of God that were lying dormant in them!
Since that time, I ran into another woman who told me she remember one or two of those boys from a Sunday School class, and yes, they did know Christ then! So...it's just another reminder to not limit God when we pray and to not pray 'as if' there is a lack...but pray as if God is working and ask Him to increase His effect on those we are praying for.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Testing a Corporate Word over a City/Ministry or Territory/Nation
As more and more prophetic words are being released for the larger 'church' or for the nation, it makes sense that we need to learn again, how to test these words! Yes!! Prophetic words are to be tested! One of my amazing mentors, and good friend, Marilyn W. - just did a teaching time for my prayer group on this subject. I've asked her if I can publish her notes...and she said 'yes'. So..here is some good stuff you to chew on, regarding prophesy! If you have questions, please email me and let me know!
There are many tests for prophecy available. We need to be proficient in the use of these tests.
1 Thess. 5:19-22. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil. NLT. 1 Cor. 14:29.
Some of these areas first to be checked are:-
The origin. 1 John 4:1-4 – test the spirits.
Is it from the Holy Spirit, an evil spirit or from the spirit of man? Sometimes it may be a mixture as we are not perfect yet. Our spirit bears witness to the truth and to the Holy Spirit. We discern the spirit of the prophecy before the words. John 4:23.
Examine the content. 1 John 4 5 – does it conform to scripture?
The Bible is our source of truth and we need to check the word in light of the whole Bible. We build our lives on our relationship through intimacy with Jesus and the revealed word of God – The Bible. Prophecy is never used to establish new doctrine or practices. It should never govern our understanding of scripture. If there is any contradiction of Christian doctrine and foundational truth then the prophecy is renounced.
Does it glorify Jesus?
Jesus is exulted over man’s ministry. Prophecy should reveal the true Jesus and help us to be conformed to His image. We are to hear God for ourselves and be led by the Holy Spirit. The prophetic highlights some specific area of our lives enlarging and confirming what Jesus has previously said to us.
Does it witness to you? Rom. 8:16.
What is your initial inner witness or response to the prophecy? The earmarks of peace, love and joy should be present. It should release a sense of freedom and empowerment into your situation. Also it can be judged by others in the body.
Discern the type of prophecy.
The final purpose of prophecy is always positive. We edify or build up people and we build up the church.
A now word. This word highlights a situation we are presently going through. By emphasizing this God is revealing how He is always with us and that He sees every step we take. He is aware of our needs. Psalm 139. This prophecy stimulates an area that God wants to work on at this moment in our lives.
A confirming word. God has been leading us daily and sometimes He needs to say “Yes this is Me. Don’t be afraid.” It is not wrong to ask for confirmation so that when we are sure this is God, we can be obedient. But remember there is always a step of faith needed. 2 Cor. 13:1b. Through two or three witnesses, the power of agreement and confirmation we are strengthened to do what we know is right. Fresh life and faith come in to us.
A future word. This type of word sets the next vision goal for us. It opens up a time of new direction, development and training towards its end. It should be a natural unfolding of the way God has led us in the past. We may not be at that place yet but the word may come in present tense as if we are already there.
A new word. 1 Cor. 2:9-10. This word may have little or no link to our present situation. It will open up our hearts and mind to the things we could not imagine. The timing of this word is strategic and an awareness is awakened for God to build upon it in the future.
6. Check the fruit from the word. Matt. 7 15.
Remember, fruit takes time to grow but faith and love comes as deposits as well as growing attributes of Christ’s life in us.
Even though prophecy may be personal it always affects the whole body of Christ. It often needs to be incorporated into the whole to be fulfilled. It may even extend into the generations to be completed.
These tests need to be done first.
TESTING A CORPORATE WORD
These areas listed above need to be checked with a corporate word.
Have the prophecy available. If you are not trained in this process, I would recommend you do this with a group of people and learn together.
This testing involves prophecies of all types that are being freely distributed, especially those that are distributed through the Internet and have the potential to go unchecked and untested. My hope that this will bring into this area accountability and responsibility for those all actively involved.
NOW CONTINUE THE TESTING PROCEDURE
Do you know the Background of the word? If possible find out..or ask about it. As well there are other questions to ask:
1.When was the word given?
2.What was the situation at the time it was given?
3. Who spoke it and to whom?
Tests
1. When God speaks He has a purpose.
What is His purpose in this prophecy?
What prayer initiative is released with the prophecy?
2. Who is this prophecy for?
Who is expected to respond to the word?
3. Test the spirits?
Does it witness to you?
What is your initial response?
Do you feel you can exercise your authority as a believer to test it?
4. What is the response of intercessors who pray for the area?
5. What is the response of leaders such as spiritual and community leaders?
6. Has the group who received the word tested it? Does it line up with their prophetic history and the way God has led them?
7. Level of the word.
i. edification, exhortation & comfort
ii. the ministry of a select group
iii. prophet’s voice perhaps bringing correction and reconciliation in love
iv. to the national corporate body of Christ bringing a destiny or strategic word
8. What is the potential outcome of the word? Is it a continuation of how God has led in the past? If it is a new word does it fit in with historical flow of those involved?
9. What conditions apply?
If repentance is required, is it clearly understood?
Does it follow the model of Revelation & the 7 churches in correction and God’s response to it? How is God’s heart represented in the prophecy? What will be the results of repentance?
10. Is the prophecy consistent with God’s character?
11. What is the season of the word?
Now/future (See 1st section)
Specific situation
General encouragement
Is it tied to the past?
12. Is the language a fit?
It needs to be clearly understood and articulated. The Holy Spirit will bring His communication in a way that fits the person hearing it, not the one delivering the word.
Prophet
What is his/her territorial influence & mandate?
What aligns him/her to this area that the word is directed to?
Who is he/she accountable to in the area the word is given?
Was it pre-discerned?
Who discerned the word when it was given?
Who is he/she accountable to where he/she fellowships?
People who distribute the prophetic word
What is your reason for distributing this?
Have you asked permission to the ones you are sending it to?
Have you followed up by checking their response?
Internet distribution site
Is there a place to question this word or dialog about it with the people involved?
Testing the Corporate Word over a City/Ministry/Terriotry or Nation
by Marilyn W.
There are many tests for prophecy available. We need to be proficient in the use of these tests.
1 Thess. 5:19-22. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil. NLT. 1 Cor. 14:29.
Some of these areas first to be checked are:-
The origin. 1 John 4:1-4 – test the spirits.
Is it from the Holy Spirit, an evil spirit or from the spirit of man? Sometimes it may be a mixture as we are not perfect yet. Our spirit bears witness to the truth and to the Holy Spirit. We discern the spirit of the prophecy before the words. John 4:23.
Examine the content. 1 John 4 5 – does it conform to scripture?
The Bible is our source of truth and we need to check the word in light of the whole Bible. We build our lives on our relationship through intimacy with Jesus and the revealed word of God – The Bible. Prophecy is never used to establish new doctrine or practices. It should never govern our understanding of scripture. If there is any contradiction of Christian doctrine and foundational truth then the prophecy is renounced.
Does it glorify Jesus?
Jesus is exulted over man’s ministry. Prophecy should reveal the true Jesus and help us to be conformed to His image. We are to hear God for ourselves and be led by the Holy Spirit. The prophetic highlights some specific area of our lives enlarging and confirming what Jesus has previously said to us.
Does it witness to you? Rom. 8:16.
What is your initial inner witness or response to the prophecy? The earmarks of peace, love and joy should be present. It should release a sense of freedom and empowerment into your situation. Also it can be judged by others in the body.
Discern the type of prophecy.
The final purpose of prophecy is always positive. We edify or build up people and we build up the church.
A now word. This word highlights a situation we are presently going through. By emphasizing this God is revealing how He is always with us and that He sees every step we take. He is aware of our needs. Psalm 139. This prophecy stimulates an area that God wants to work on at this moment in our lives.
A confirming word. God has been leading us daily and sometimes He needs to say “Yes this is Me. Don’t be afraid.” It is not wrong to ask for confirmation so that when we are sure this is God, we can be obedient. But remember there is always a step of faith needed. 2 Cor. 13:1b. Through two or three witnesses, the power of agreement and confirmation we are strengthened to do what we know is right. Fresh life and faith come in to us.
A future word. This type of word sets the next vision goal for us. It opens up a time of new direction, development and training towards its end. It should be a natural unfolding of the way God has led us in the past. We may not be at that place yet but the word may come in present tense as if we are already there.
A new word. 1 Cor. 2:9-10. This word may have little or no link to our present situation. It will open up our hearts and mind to the things we could not imagine. The timing of this word is strategic and an awareness is awakened for God to build upon it in the future.
6. Check the fruit from the word. Matt. 7 15.
Remember, fruit takes time to grow but faith and love comes as deposits as well as growing attributes of Christ’s life in us.
Even though prophecy may be personal it always affects the whole body of Christ. It often needs to be incorporated into the whole to be fulfilled. It may even extend into the generations to be completed.
These tests need to be done first.
TESTING A CORPORATE WORD
These areas listed above need to be checked with a corporate word.
Have the prophecy available. If you are not trained in this process, I would recommend you do this with a group of people and learn together.
This testing involves prophecies of all types that are being freely distributed, especially those that are distributed through the Internet and have the potential to go unchecked and untested. My hope that this will bring into this area accountability and responsibility for those all actively involved.
NOW CONTINUE THE TESTING PROCEDURE
Do you know the Background of the word? If possible find out..or ask about it. As well there are other questions to ask:
1.When was the word given?
2.What was the situation at the time it was given?
3. Who spoke it and to whom?
Tests
1. When God speaks He has a purpose.
What is His purpose in this prophecy?
What prayer initiative is released with the prophecy?
2. Who is this prophecy for?
Who is expected to respond to the word?
3. Test the spirits?
Does it witness to you?
What is your initial response?
Do you feel you can exercise your authority as a believer to test it?
4. What is the response of intercessors who pray for the area?
5. What is the response of leaders such as spiritual and community leaders?
6. Has the group who received the word tested it? Does it line up with their prophetic history and the way God has led them?
7. Level of the word.
i. edification, exhortation & comfort
ii. the ministry of a select group
iii. prophet’s voice perhaps bringing correction and reconciliation in love
iv. to the national corporate body of Christ bringing a destiny or strategic word
8. What is the potential outcome of the word? Is it a continuation of how God has led in the past? If it is a new word does it fit in with historical flow of those involved?
9. What conditions apply?
If repentance is required, is it clearly understood?
Does it follow the model of Revelation & the 7 churches in correction and God’s response to it? How is God’s heart represented in the prophecy? What will be the results of repentance?
10. Is the prophecy consistent with God’s character?
11. What is the season of the word?
Now/future (See 1st section)
Specific situation
General encouragement
Is it tied to the past?
12. Is the language a fit?
It needs to be clearly understood and articulated. The Holy Spirit will bring His communication in a way that fits the person hearing it, not the one delivering the word.
Prophet
What is his/her territorial influence & mandate?
What aligns him/her to this area that the word is directed to?
Who is he/she accountable to in the area the word is given?
Was it pre-discerned?
Who discerned the word when it was given?
Who is he/she accountable to where he/she fellowships?
People who distribute the prophetic word
What is your reason for distributing this?
Have you asked permission to the ones you are sending it to?
Have you followed up by checking their response?
Internet distribution site
Is there a place to question this word or dialog about it with the people involved?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Why do We Pray?
Why do we pray??We pray because we know who God is!
"We are beginning to see that if God's people are going to come together to implement His will in this decade prayer will likely be the primary force." II Cor. 10 ' our weapons are not the weapons of the world. They have divine power to demolish strongholds. Our weapons are: prayer, faith,hope, love, God's word, forgiveness and repentance.
Do you believe that prayer can change things?
Moses prayed - even after he was offered a better group to lead - and God heard his cry for mercy and didn't kill the people in the desert. ( Ex.32:14)
God desires to do many things, but He will not do them unless or until, Christians use their God-given freedom to pray and ask Him to do it! James 4:2
No one can change God, but our prayers can have a direct influence on what God does or does not do. Jer.33:3 ' Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Now....suppose we do not call? What then? The answer is obvious! We will not know or be shown those things that are hidden from us right now, but that He's longing to reveal to us! If we don't ask...we don't get!
II Chron.7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray"
My mentor once quotes this scripture to me and asked me this question: " If it is a people who are humble, that pray - then what does it say about a people who don't pray?" The answer she was looking for was obvious. She was teaching me that prayer ( or praying) would keep me humble dependent on God. She was also teaching me that not praying, made me thinking that I could do it on my own....and that smacks of pride! I've never forgotten that lesson!
"We are beginning to see that if God's people are going to come together to implement His will in this decade prayer will likely be the primary force." II Cor. 10 ' our weapons are not the weapons of the world. They have divine power to demolish strongholds. Our weapons are: prayer, faith,hope, love, God's word, forgiveness and repentance.
Do you believe that prayer can change things?
Moses prayed - even after he was offered a better group to lead - and God heard his cry for mercy and didn't kill the people in the desert. ( Ex.32:14)
God desires to do many things, but He will not do them unless or until, Christians use their God-given freedom to pray and ask Him to do it! James 4:2
No one can change God, but our prayers can have a direct influence on what God does or does not do. Jer.33:3 ' Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Now....suppose we do not call? What then? The answer is obvious! We will not know or be shown those things that are hidden from us right now, but that He's longing to reveal to us! If we don't ask...we don't get!
II Chron.7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray"
My mentor once quotes this scripture to me and asked me this question: " If it is a people who are humble, that pray - then what does it say about a people who don't pray?" The answer she was looking for was obvious. She was teaching me that prayer ( or praying) would keep me humble dependent on God. She was also teaching me that not praying, made me thinking that I could do it on my own....and that smacks of pride! I've never forgotten that lesson!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Warfare Intercessors
Intercessors of Warfare
'Partners with Truth'*
'”All spiritual warfare is a fight over one thing: TRUTH. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Jn.14:6 – meaning that Satan's aggressions against us will always be waged over our ability to grasp and appropriate the truth found in Him. He also said, “ Apart from Me you can do nothing.” Jn.15:5 – meaning that we know truth and flourish in it only to the degree that we stay dependent on Jesus the Word, or Truth, made flesh. The belief that living independently of God is good, is the ultimate lie from the enemy. The bible warns that the devil will come to steal truth from us ( see Matt.13:19). But if he cannot steal it, he will try to plant lies within the truth we already know ( Matt.13:25). It's time to blow the whistle on this vile deceiver and unmask some of his devious tactics.” ( taken from the book Intercessors by T.Femrite, E.Alves, K. Kaufman)
Warfare intercessors are the ones who fight to usher in truth by establishing God's authority in places where Satan has a stronghold on people, problems and places. They are the military might of prayer! Some warfare intercessors have been anointed with spiritual perception to discern the evil spirits that reign over specific territories; others have been gifted with strategies for establishing God's authority in places where the enemy has taken both spiritual and physical ground. Warfare intercessors need to push through their fear to approach authorities with timely pieces of the puzzle that they've received in prayer!
Warfare intercessors are those who fight to reestablish God's authority in places where people have lost their freedom to choose. A victim is merely a person without a choice. A victor is a person who has exercised his or her choice and WON! The joy of warfare intercessions lies in open the door of choice to victims. You and I have been granted authority by God to protect and provide for people, not to control or confuse them with manipulation.
The warfare intercessors mandate/mission comes from Isa. 58: 6,7 - to bring deliverance to people in bondage so they be set free from every kind of oppression
-to provide for the needy
-to cover those who are naked ( or being exploited through lack)
to make ourselves accessible to relatives who need our help.
As Dutch Sheets says: “Without question, humans were forever to be God's link to authority and activity on the earth..” We get to be the link between either the kingdom of light, or the kingdom of darkness. Every decision we make, every word we speak, every action we take, either links us to God's authority or Satan's.
-to provide for the needy
-to cover those who are naked ( or being exploited through lack)
to make ourselves accessible to relatives who need our help.
As Dutch Sheets says: “Without question, humans were forever to be God's link to authority and activity on the earth..” We get to be the link between either the kingdom of light, or the kingdom of darkness. Every decision we make, every word we speak, every action we take, either links us to God's authority or Satan's.
Warfare Intercessors are called to fight to draw back the curtains camouflaged darkness. Remembering we do not fight against flesh and blood. Our fight is spiritual; therefore most of the world doesn't even recognize it. We are the ones who prayerfully battle to unveil lies, and false images that have been projected upon the screens of deceived minds.
Those who have eyes to discern the enemy and tenacioulsy fight on the front lines can only do so when they are physically, spiritually and emotionally fit! Weak and weary soldiers drain and dilute the troops. So not only must a warfare intercessor be physically fit but his or her soul must be healthy.
Unforgiveness will have a decaying effect, must like rust on our prayer shields, and rot our spiritual fruitfulness. Unforgiveness opens the floodgates to the enemy's control. We cannot fight effectively against the author of hatred while allowing bitterness to remain in our hearts – it will effect our minds, will aand emotions. So, intercessors: DEAL WITH YOUR STUFF! Take a personal and internal inventory – examine your hearts before the Lord. ( Ps.51) And make every effort to take responsibility if you have offended others, to provide restitution.
At the same time, if God has anointed you for Warfare Intercession, you need to know all you can about the person, people group, policy or place that is the target of your intercession. This is where linking up with research intercessors will help you learn about the spiritual ground being covered. Research intercessors thrive on prayerfully collecting vital facts about strongholds, principalities, areas of blessing, remnants, ancient wells etc., and they will help you to formulate a plan of prayerful attack.
Remember tho: being a warfare intercessor means learning wisdom in your prayer tactics. It is about calling God down into the battle, not doing battle in your own strength or enthusiasm. We are given the privilege of fighting along side Him. Keep your focus on the Lord and don't try to win in your strength.
Are You a Warfare Intercessor?
-Are you angered by injustices?
-When you see others in pain, do you instantly want to wrestle with the enemy for their freedom?
-Do you thrive on compiling research about spiritual roots and governing principalities?
-Are you apt to move out in forcefulness in your prayer time?
-Do you look for the battle when you are praying?
-Do you struggle with sitting still in prayer meetings when you can 'see' areas that we need to call God down into the battle?
Pitfalls of a Warfare Intercessor.
-Forgetting to deal with issues of unresolved personal conflict
-Viewing every prayer need as a battle, and thereby neglecting intimacy with the Lord
-Entering into a battle with a personal agenda rather than a team's agenda
-Refusing to submit to authorities
-Going to war without counting the cost
-Having no battle plan
-Rushing ahead of the Lord's timing
-Marching out without intercessory covering
-Running from battle to battle without taking time to rest and refuel
-Becoming overly aggressive and not making room for other's giftings
-Becoming prideful
-Enjoying the feeling from a battle, more than the presence of the Lord
Believing that we can win the battle alone is one of the many pitfalls that can ensnare the warfare intercessor. Remember: loners are usually losers – so stay connected with like minded warriors and submitted to those in authority over you.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Looking for Intercessors
Hey!
Any Intercessors out there, looking for opportunities to pray?
I am looking for intercessors who are feeling called to partner in prayer, on behalf of others. Intercessors who are able to be confedential and trusted with prayer issues for leaders and those who are currently influencing for the Kingdom of God in their fields.
If you've been looking for an opportunity to actually function as part of a team that is praying for businesses....or perhaps pastors & leaders....or missionaries - contact me.
I have a list of people that are requesting to be paired up with Intercessors for prayer support, but my pool of intercessors is currently empty - they are all out on assignments and are maxed! If you've been following this blog, and feeling like you'd like to find some other ways to be a part of praying for people/businesses, then let me know.
I had hoped to have a down loadable form for intercessors to fill out, but my techie buddie is in Taiwan for the next month, so we'll just have to make due.
_____________________________________________________________________
Application
for participation in Intercessory Assignments and Prayer Shields
NAME: (Mr./Mrs./Ms.) First - M.I. - Last :
ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________________________
Street :_______________________ City:________________________________________
State/Province ____________________________ Zip /Postal Code_______________
TELEPHONE: ___________________ E-mail: _______________________________________________
EMERGENCY CONTACT & TELEPHONE: _______________________________________________
DATE OF BIRTH: ____________________________ SEX: ____ Male ____Female
Month / Day / Year
GENERAL INFORMATION:
1. What is God’s "prayer" call on your life? ( your area's of burden)_______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
2. Are you a part of local (city) prayer group ? Or a church prayer group? For how long? ____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
3. Where to you attend church? (Name and Address)________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4. Are you an active church member? ____Yes ____No
5. Do you have a daily prayer life? ____ Yes ____ No. If so, how long do you pray? ___________________________________________________________________
6. Have you attended any Prayer Seminars Conferences ? ____ Yes ____ No. If so, where and when?
________________________________________________________________________________
7. Have you personally experienced wounding in regards to your gifting from those in leadership? What have you done to ensure that this wounding does not effect your ability to effectively pray for those in places of authority? _________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. How would you feel if a 'word' you sent thru needed to be challenged or edited? ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
9. List any prayer ministries, networks or groups that you have participated in.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
PASTOR’S ENDORSEMENT:
__________________________________________________________________________________
Pastor’s Name:
Church Address :
Phone:
Email Address:
Pastor’s Endorsement_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
I am willing to recieve a phone call or email in regards to this endorsement: ___Yes ____No
Pastor’s Signature
Date
SPIRITUAL BELIEFS: (You can use another sheet of paper for these questions)
1. Explain how and when you came to know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. ________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
2. List your understanding the difference between prayer and prophecy - in regards to a prayer assignment.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
3. What is the significance of 'witchraft prayers' ? Share what you do presonally to ensure you heart and motives stay free from personal adgenda's when praying for leaders. ________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4. Share what it means to you to pray for others.
____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
MY AGREEMENT AND COMMITMENT
I certify that the facts contained in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that falsified statements on this application shall be grounds for refusal of acceptance for participation in an Intercessory Assignment or Prayer Shield, under the leadership of Pam Dyck . I also understand that any contact numbers I have give in regards to references or endorsements, may be called to verify my information.
I release Pam Dyck and associated parties from any liability that may result from fasting and/or praying, and I accept full responsibility myself.
Signature :
Date:
Please mail Completed Application Form to:
Intercessory Assignments
31948 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford, B.C.
V2T 1L8
Canada
Attn: Pam Dyck
Monday, May 4, 2009
Personal Intercessors
Personal Intercessors*
Spiritual Guardians
Personal Intercessors have been commissioned to prayerfully support leaders. (Intercessors International calls them ' leader-intercessors'. ) These Intercessors have lists that pray for that include pastors, missionaries, spiritual leaders, various people, sports celebrities, businessmen, governmental leaders and those in education.
Altho I've mentioned mostly leaders in this category, basically a personal intercessor is someone who has been entrusted by God to carry confidential information in and out of God's throne room for another person, in order to partner in that's person's protection, provision and prayer priorities. When God assigns one person to another, as a personal intercessor, a heart response, like that of David and Jonathan, begins to happen. ( I Sam.18:1) While the spiritual connection between these two people is important, more important tis the connectedness and sensitivity of the intercessor with God. Col 1:9 is the basis for personal intercession:
For this reason.....we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
We are all aware of the scriptures that speak about the three-strand cord of spiritual wisdom, knowledge and understanding. If any one of these strands is overlooked in personal intercession, problems can occur. We might have knowledge of God's will, knowing what He wants a person to do, but lack the spiritual wisdom and understanding of heaven to back it up. We need to guard, in this scenario, that human reasoning doesn't take over and open the door to the enemy.
Wisdom is knowing God's timing and plan for what He wants to accomplish. Without spiritual wisdom, we can do or or say the right thing at the wrong time and bring about hurtful and cause damage. On the other hand, understanding is recognizing God's reason for doing or saying something. When we have God's understanding, our motives for speaking or sharing what we're hearing will be pure, also we'll have the passion to complete the assignment – even if it takes longer than we were expecting! When it's His love fueling us and our actions, we have the energy, grace and strength to not only take up an assignment, but see it through to it's finish!
One of the examples in the book “ Intercessors”, of how the three strands – knowledge, wisdom and understand – might effect personal intercession.
One of the examples in the book “ Intercessors”, of how the three strands – knowledge, wisdom and understand – might effect personal intercession.
You are praying for 'Bob' when the Lord gives you a word of knowledge that he will be called to the mission field. Do you immediately run to the phone and let him know what you've heard? Or do you wait on the Lord for spiritual wisdom to understand God's timing and plan for going to the mission field? Knowing the person you are interceding for is important when deciding whether to release knowledge. Occasionally God will use us to confirm what He has already spoken to another, but sometimes we are merely called to shoulder the knowledge in prayer. The Lord may simple ask us to carry a word like a seed until He is ready to birth it into that person's life. Our prayers then become the water for that seed.
As we wait for God's understanding to show us both our motive for sharing a word from Him and His motive for calling us into intercession, we may discover we have had a personal agenda in wanting to share. Some intercessors want to share to get close to the one they are praying for; others share to ex cerise control in that person's life. But exposing God's secrets to manipulate others will cause the Lord to withdraw his presence. Even when God does allow an intercessor to share, the timing of that word is critical. Only the right word ( knowledge) at the right time ( wisdom) for the right reason ( understanding) will bring about God's glory.
Remember that even people who love us can be used by the enemy to prevent us from doing a hard thing – even tho it may be the right thing! That's why it's important that personal intercessors do not cloud God's truths with their own opinions. People need to hear what God thinks, not what human reasoning thinks. ( I try to encourage personal intercessors ..as well as prophetic intercessors..to not get in the habit of feeling like they need to explain the words they are getting. This is the area that I find 'human reasoning' gets in and the original word can end up being interpreted thru the intercessor's personal experiences.)
You may be called upon to pray for someone for just a short time, or for a longer term, even years. Only God can determine the length an assignment will be for personal intercession. The point is, to let it go without any feelings of guilt or condemnation. Also, remember to focus on the greatness of God so that you don't get awestruck by the power or position of the people/person you are praying for. Keeping focused on His greatness will also help keep the problem in perspective, so that you can be bold in your intercession.
Are you a Personal Intercessor?
-Do people often seek you out to confide their personal prayer needs?
-Is God repeatedly bringing one or two particular people to mind during your prayer time?
-Has the Lord given you special insight about someone in order to pray for that person?
-Would you rather pray for individuals or for the masses? If you answer is individuals, your prayer anointing includes that of a personal intercessor.
Pitfalls of a Personal Intercessor:
-Bragging about the person for whom they intercede.
-Seeking that person's approval.
-Sharing confidences under the guise of achieving the 'prayer of agreement'.
-Giving words at inappropriate times.
-Using their own words as a ministry of correction.
-Thinking so highly of the person that they neglect to speak truth into that individual's life.
-Interpreting the words and visions received for others with their own understanding.
-Fearing disapproval for giving a word that doesn't make sense.
-Feeling guilty when a season of intercession ends
-Not willing to let go of an assignment
Remember, the anointing of the personal intercessor is always paired with another kind of anointing. They do not necessarily pray every day for that person that God has assigned to them, unless their prayer-power mix is combined with a list anointing. Many intercessors will pray on a regular basis, as the Holy Spirit bring that person to mind. As a personal intercessor, you will find that the more the Lord can trust you with, the more He will entrust to you.
* compiled from the book "Intercessors" by Tommi Femrite - E. Alves - K. Kaufman - check your local christian bookstore for a copy..or Amazon.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)