If we had more sleepless nights in prayer, there would be fewer souls to have a sleepless eternal night in hell.
- Leonard Ravenhill
Serious and diligent prayer is becoming a lost art. Biblically authentic intercession even more so. While nearly all forms of prayer can be engaged in privately or with others, the fact that perhaps one in a thousand Church attending Christians gather for a weekly prayer meeting should be sobering.
Sadly, the lack of understanding regarding the basic elements of intercession reduce the likelihood of success even further. Even so, nothing is more needed today than those willing to learn how to pray. As St. Augustine noted, "Without God man cannot. Without man God will not."
Praying on the run has never gotten much done. While Peter’s shadow healed the sick as he strolled by, it was the overflow of investing hours, as if they were minutes, in serious intercession. Not to mention his daily practice of other radical disciplines. Both before and after Pentecost.
Then again, the early church was highly motivated. The long awaited Messiah had appeared and disappeared. The fire of the Spirit sparked miracles and persecution. Precious multitudes were being saved and martyred. Today, less so. With everything going our way, prayer’s lost it’s mojo. More a burden than privilege, modern Christianity gathers for serious and lengthy prayer about as frequently as it rains in the desert. If that.
From Old Testament to New, Scripture is overflowing with examples of excellent intercession. In fact, you can bet prevailing prayer has always been the cornerstone of the kind of living faith that not only pleases God, but overcomes adversity. A trademark of both named and unnamed hero’s of faith :
“I could go on and on, but I’ve run out of time. There are so many more—Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets… Through acts of faith, they toppled kingdoms, made justice work, took the promises for themselves. They were protected from lions, fires, and sword thrusts, turned disadvantage to advantage, won battles, routed alien armies. Women received their loved ones back from the dead. There were those who, under torture, refused to give in and go free, preferring something better: resurrection. Others braved abuse and whips, and, yes, chains and dungeons. We have stories of those who were stoned, sawed in two, murdered in cold blood; stories of vagrants wandering the earth in animal skins, homeless, friendless, powerless—the world didn’t deserve them!—making their way as best they could on the cruel edges of the world.” Hebrews 11:32-38 The Message
“God said to Moses, “I look at this people—oh! what a stubborn, hard-headed people! Let me alone now, give my anger free reign to burst into flames and incinerate them. But I’ll make a great nation out of you.” Moses tried to calm his God down. He said, “Why, God, would you lose your temper with your people? Why, you brought them out of Egypt in a tremendous demonstration of power and strength. Why let the Egyptians say, ‘He had it in for them—he brought them out so he could kill them in the mountains, wipe them right off the face of the Earth.’ Stop your anger. Think twice about bringing evil against your people! Think of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants to whom you gave your word, telling them ‘I will give you many children, as many as the stars in the sky, and I’ll give this land to your children as their land forever.’” And God did think twice. He decided not to do the evil he had threatened against his people.” Exodus 32:9-14 The Message
“The next day Moses addressed the people: “You have sinned an enormous sin! But I am going to go up to God; maybe I’ll be able to clear you of your sin.” Moses went back to God and said, “This is terrible. This people has sinned—it’s an enormous sin! They made gods of gold for themselves. And now, if you will only forgive their sin… But if not, erase me out of the book you’ve written.” God said to Moses, “I’ll only erase from my book those who sin against me. For right now, you go and lead the people to where I told you. Look, my Angel is going ahead of you. On the day, though, when I settle accounts, their sins will certainly be part of the settlement.” God sent a plague on the people because of the calf they and Aaron had made.” Exodus 32:30-34 The Message - Emphasis QC’s
“ …you need to know that I carry with me at all times a huge sorrow. It’s an enormous pain deep within me, and I’m never free of it. I’m not exaggerating—Christ and the Holy Spirit are my witnesses. It’s the Israelites… If there were any way I could be cursed by the Messiah so they could be blessed by him, I’d do it in a minute. They’re my family. I grew up with them. They had everything going for them—family, glory, covenants, revelation, worship, promises, to say nothing of being the race that produced the Messiah, the Christ, who is God over everything, always. Oh, yes!” Romans 9:1-5 The Message
While it may be true that anyone can pray and therefore intercede, the real question remains who can pray so God will hear? The answer lies in three components essential to the art of intercession. These are the Biblically correct understanding of who God is, an honest assessment of who we are, and the appropriateness of our response. Simply put, God is. A triune Being possessing Omnity, He's the originator of all things and the Creator and Savior of mankind. Awesome and awful in aspect, it’s within His quantum nature of love and justice, mercy and holiness, faithfulness and judgment, that humanity’s only hope resides. By comparison to the great I AM, we are… not much. Taken together, the entire human race of perhaps a hundred billion past, present and future are but dust in the balance when weighted against any aspect of God's Omnity, or even His creation of spacetime, matter or energy.
Believers willing to admit and deal with the harsher physical and spiritual realities of the human condition are few and far between. Who can blame the modern Church for wanting to walk on the bright side of life? Yet, what was true for Christ is certainly true for Christians. During the greatest spiritual battle on Earth, Jesus quotes the crucial Old Testament passage, "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word proceeding from the mouth of God." Here Jesus reveals not only a cornerstone of Biblical faith, but of exercising power over Satan and circumstance. Real Christians base their faith and lives on more than a favorite verse here and there. They value and deeply consider “every word” of Scripture.
If the Bible's to be our guide, we must honestly study God's word and admit the quantum nature of Christianity. While Scripture contains over a thousand wonderful promises, there plenty of "ifs" detailing God's conditions for receiving them. Add to this the Bible’s copious commands, and it's clear that from salvation to answered prayer, the degree of our experiencing the blessings of God hinges on our being diligent to seek and serve Him.
Since the Bible's not written topically, it takes some digging to begin to comprehend the depth of it's message. Sifting through over 31,000 verses seems too daunting for most. Thankfully, studying Scripture's mega-themes provides amazing insights. With some honest effort, even a studious layman can piece together passages that defy imagination. Tens of millions have tuned in to watch CSI dramas, yet few realize that with some simple Scriptural archeology and Biblical forensics we can uncover fantastic spiritual realities shaping both our day to day lives and eternity to come.
The Word of God provides a clear overview of eternity that few modern scholars, theologians or clerics fully appreciate. As mentioned, the Bible describes an angelic rebellion that took place before the creation of man and was a principal cause of humanity's fall. The Archangel Lucifer, and perhaps as many as a third of Heaven's population, revolted against God. In preliminary judgment, Lucifer became Satan or the Adversary and took on the role of Devil or Accuser. For eons Satan has waged a propaganda battle in Heaven. Since the creation of man, the Devil's strategies and minions have tempted and harassed humanity at every turn. Currently, he acts as the Prosecutor of God's people before the Throne of God in Creation's Supreme Court. According to the Book of Revelation, the Devil's heavenly insurrection will soon escalate into full scale war and his plans for Earth will come to fruition through his Antichrist. But first, the Archangel Michael and his angels will overthrow the angelic rebellion, casting them from Heaven onto the Earth during a period rightfully called the Great Tribulation.
The Bible explains that both personally, and as a species, mankind faces the deadly foe of sin on three fronts. Sin within, resulting from individual and inherited fallen natures. Sin above, in the form of devilish and demonic temptation and deception, as well as Sin about, the collective and cumulative effect of sin within and above. In regards to sin from above, the apostle Paul is quite adamant:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 1For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12 New International Version
“And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.” Ephesians 6:10-12 The Message
Such passages reveal a kind of multi level, and player, chess board with humanity sandwiched between and inexorably embroiled in a cosmic war between God and Satan. A conflict with the most serious temporal and eternal ramifications.
The Ephesians 6 passage is all the more persuasive given it’s source. Paul, having been taken to the Third Heaven and given multiple revelations would know of what he seeks. Furthermore, as a walking scar, he bore in his body the marks of the inhumanity of man. Nevertheless, he maintains such aggression is hardly to be compared to the “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Scripture’s context provides a backdrop that enables fuller comprehension of Biblical content. In this account and elsewhere, we find that neither the Creator nor His creation is geocentrically man centered. Spiritually or otherwise. As will be developed later in some detail, humanity’s place in Heaven's unfolding drama is quantum in nature. Neither central, nor in the end diminished. True intercessors must understand and believe the Bible's account of who God is, who we are and the true nature of our situation. Because so many claim to speak for God, either by interpreting Scripture or through personal insights, developing discernment is crucial. As the Apostle Paul directs:
"Don't quench, suppress or subdue the Holy Spirit; Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets. Do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning. But test and prove all things until you can recognize what is good; to that hold fast." I Thessalonians 5:19-21 Amplified Bible
“The people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth." Acts 17:11
Another challenge for the authentic intercessor is learning to accurately judge the seen world in light of the unseen. Arriving at and maintaining a health Biblically balanced view of physical and spiritual existence in light of Scriptural revelation is no easy task. All the more so when acceptance of Biblical authority is in sharp decline. Most no longer take the existence of Satan or the Holy Spirit seriously.
On the other side of the spectrum are hyper-spiritual groups and movements replacing the clear teachings of Scripture with emotional or charismatic nonsense. Even among the few who manage to find a state of equilibrium, the difficulties of integrating the challenges of physical and spiritual life can be demanding. As with bodybuilding, growing in spiritual strength requires a lifestyle of dedication. Difficult and heavy topics must be continually dealt with. Doubts must be daily exercised. Misunderstandings with others, even close friends and family, are guaranteed. Moreover, as Scripture so often points out, any true gains will be resisted and challenged from above, about and within:
"The farmer plants the Word. Some people are like the seed that falls on the hardened soil of the road. No sooner do they hear the Word than Satan snatches away what has been planted in them. And some are like the seed that lands in the gravel. When they first hear the Word, they respond with great enthusiasm. But there is such shallow soil of character that when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it. The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it. But the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams." Mark 4:14-20 The Message
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
It's been forwarded, "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." The question is how? With God often silent and distant, how best do we approach and please Him? While the Bible's filled with instruction regarding this point, sadly modern Christianity's largely content with superficial answers. Understandably, most First World Christians spend hundreds of hours a month earning a living, caring for their families and entertaining themselves. Unfortunately, "Glorifying God" is sandwiched into our busy schedule. Generally by simply attending, rather than being the Church. From a Scriptural viewpoint, spending less than one percent of our available time sitting in pews, or pausing to pray for a minute or two, is hardly the "work of God" Christ assured was of more value than food.
Given Churchianity's watered down gospel, few Christians today realize the demands Jesus makes of those who call Him Savior. By misrepresenting God's love and salvation as unconditional, the Enemy has "sowed thistles among the wheat" replacing living faith with little more than mental assent. Careless disregard of Christ's teaching on salvation and the fear of God, not to mention scores of New Testament passages concerning the vital role of seeking and serving God, has proved devastating to the modern Church.
Epidemic levels of unbelief and immorality, abortion and pornography, divorce and social apathy even among professing Christians, testify as to the importance of Peter's often overlooked additions to faith:
“So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can’t see what’s right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books. So, friends, confirm God’s invitation to you, his choice of you. Don’t put it off; do it now. Do this, and you’ll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-9 The Message - Emphasis QC’s
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away. That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous, throwing the wicked into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:44-50 New Living Translation
Fully realizing the cunning "deceitfulness of sin" Biblical intercessors stand in the gap, continually offering their prayers to God while pleading with His people to come to their senses. And do so before we, like the rich man in the story of Lazarus, find its too late. Well studied in the promises and commands of Scripture, they offer their lives like lightening rods, longing for unprecedented revival to strike. True messengers of God's mercy and grace, they spend thousands of hours closing the gap between the glory and resource of Heaven, and humanity's temporal and eternal need.
Translated into over twelve hundred languages and six billions copies printed make the Bible far and away the most published book of all time. Unique in all the world, the Bible stands out it numerous ways. Amazing historical and scientific insights make for compelling reading. Add Scripture's moral supremacy and prophetic accuracy, and it becomes clear why it's the pinnacle of mankind's manuscripts. Like life itself, Scripture has layer upon layer of meaning, providing insight for matters from the trivial to the eternal.
Beyond being a source of instruction and inspiration, Scripture's a Divine legal document. The very titles, Old and New Testament, are legal terms. Within it's pages are eternally binding commands and covenants regarding the specifics of God's contract with humanity. This said, in light of the Supreme Court Trial the Bible describes taking place in Heaven, a seldom considered aspect of intercession may be one of the most important of all.
Scripture declares, "God has planted eternity in the hearts of men, even so, many cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end." While this is true, the Bible also explains, "God, our God, will take care of the hidden things but the revealed things are our business. It's up to us and our children to attend to all the terms in this Revelation.” God’s Word reveals the spiritual realm is greater than the physical world which is “passing away." For example, it's likely the angelic race predates mankind by countless ages. We are told they inhabit all Three Heavens. These including the First Heaven, which is the physical universe we know. The Third Heaven, the home of God, the angelic and the redeemed of mankind. And the Second Heaven, which in turn may be the inter-dimensional realm between the two.
Recently mankind has discovered that even in the First Heaven there's far more going on than meets the eye. Advancements in technology continue to reveal ever greater wonders. From electron microscopes to Hubble, from DNA sequencing to detecting Dark Matter, our understanding is expanding. As Scripture explained millennia ago, "the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen." As noted, the existence of anything and everything, not to mention the astounding complexity of creation, is proof positive of a Creator's intelligent design.
Through the auspices of science, gone forever are the days when the Earth was considered the focal point of creation. Yet Churchianity still retains the assumption that mankind is just that. Close examination of creation and Scripture reveals a quantum truth. It's undeniable that humanity's loved by God in a most extraordinary way. Nevertheless the eternal does not revolve around the temporal. We are told that all Three Heavens are inhabited by beings beyond human comprehension. Angelic antiquity and glory suggests their intellect and power exponentially dwarfs our own. Still, from our puny and passing perspective, they may as well not exist. The same and more can be said for God Himself. Nevertheless, the Bible assures that beyond the veil of fleeting mortal life lies an eternity filled with not only the glory of God, but ancient and advance forces. The very definition of good and evil.
Here is the ultimate challenge of intercession. To believe the unbelievable. To fathom the unfathomable. To boldly go where only one Man has ever gone before. Through careful study and prayer, to find a way to come humbly yet "boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." To join in continual prayer with Jesus who, "lives forever to intercede with God" on out behalf. To provide Christ, our Advocate, with the kind of repentance He needs from men to overcome Satan's compelling accusations against the sin of our generation. And regrettably, even the Church Jesus commissioned to save them.
It may seem unreal, even preposterous, to suggest such a "merciful and faithful High Priest" as the eternal Christ should require the effort of mere mortals to avert judgment and even send revival. Yet the Bible is filled with passages saying as much. On Earth, Jesus often went to great lengths to explain it was the faith of individuals that brought healing, deliverance and blessing. Following the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost, Peter underscored the need for spiritual reciprocity by admonishing, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
The wise intercessor must learn to tune their ear to “listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Particularly in regards to how best to pray. Because such Prophetic Christians are ruthlessly honest about humanity's sins and shortcoming, they search the Scripture, and thus the heart and mind of God. Here can be found legal loopholes and precedents that could mitigate judgment and tribulation. Such intercessors know God's will is to bless, not curse. They rely heavily on God’s own sworn testimony, “As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” And that He's "not willing that any should perish."
The late great John Wesley noted, "God does nothing except in answer to prayer." Tragically, with so many modern diversions vying for our attention, if not devotion, the fire of fervent prayer's flickering at best. As seen in Jesus' dire warning of the Ten Virgins, it's imperative that today's intercessors keep prayer alive. Feeding and fanning faith and obedience into flame. Given the reality of our situation it's impossible to overstate the need. “Many are called but few are chosen.” Why? Because too few choose to answer His call. His call to understand who God is, who we are and the reality of our deteriorating situation. His call to become good Bereans, "rightly dividing the word of truth." His call to, by faith and perseverance, prevail with God and Satan, men and circumstances. And perhaps even His call to ascend the unseen Mountain of the Lord and offer testimony in Heaven's Trial. A proceeding, the outgrowth of which, even now overflows onto Earth. Greatly influencing, if not determining, humanity's fate.
Those joining Christ in pleading humanity's case before the Throne of God do well to keep the following in mind.
1. While by definition the Tri-Omni God has no equal, rest assured creation's Supreme Court is no sham. The fact that Omniscience is in the habit of "declaring the end from the beginning" hardly equates to there being nothing to loose or gain. With Heaven and Hell looming before all of mankind, the stakes couldn't be higher. And while some would argue there's little need to pray since Scripture teaches predestination, and therefore eternal security, such advice is in direct opposition to hundreds of passages. Particularly pertaining to prayer.
2. Only a fool fails to “give the Devil his due.” The Bible dedicates a plethora of verses directly or indirectly to the arch Adversary of Heaven and Earth. The fact that Lucifer persuaded perhaps billions of holy and glorious angels to revolt against God, while in Heaven itself, is cause enough to respect such a deadly Foe. The New Testament Book of Jude tells us that even Michael, the Archangel of War, who will soon cast Satan from Heaven to the Earth, shows respected for the Devil's angelic majesty. Something we are strictly warned by Jude to do as well. Furthermore, it’s no coincidence that one seventh of the Lord's Prayer is dedicated to dealing with temptation and evil. From the original language the passage might be translated "evil one." Scripture itself refers to the evil one, Satan or Devil, as the god of this world who's taken mankind captive to do his will:
"If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God." 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 New Living Translation
" And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26 New International Version
3. A third crucial consideration for modern intercessors is the state of the world in general, and the Church in particular. One must be ready and willing to continually face the spiritual havoc temptation and sin wreak on humanity and the people of God. It requires a stout heart and first rate mind to acknowledge the depth of the Church's failure, without loosing sight of our unique calling by God. Few seem capable of comprehending the darkness now prevalent within modern Christianity, while at the same time understanding true Christians are the only light and hope the world has available. It takes effort and training to fully grasp the love and mercy of God, in light of His justice and judgment. Nevertheless, to hope to pray effectively, much less before the Supreme Court of Creation, we must learn how and when to plead. With repentance as a sure foundation, those who feel directed and inspired to do so must then be ready to offer persuasive Scriptural reasonings as to why God should pour out even more blessings on we His doubly unprofitable servants. Imploring the righteous “judge of all the Earth” to renew the all but lost fruit and gifts of His Spirit. Rather than dispensing the judgment and wrath we may richly deserve.
The Book of James assures that, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Of course, even such encouragement begs the question, how much can we expect to accomplish without much fervency or righteousness, or genuine prayer itself? Nevertheless, the Bible declares that with even just a mustard seed's worth of pure faith, "nothing will be impossible for you." The right kind of prayer can also testify strongly on our behalf. After Saul, the ruthless persecutor of the Church, was knocked off his high horse by the glorified Christ, he was told to wait in Damascus for further instructions. The Lord then appeared to Ananias, directing him to visit and pray for Saul who had been blinded by heavenly light. The first and foremost reason the resurrected Christ gave Ananias for accepting such a dangerous mission were the simple yet powerful words. “Behold, he is praying.”
The Biblical intercessor makes a habit of using the Word of God as testimony. What better witness for the Defense than immutable testimony from God Himself. Accurately and wisely praying through Scripture instills faith and confidence in the intercessor, while bringing to bare the promises of God. If and when doing so along with their corresponding conditions. A necessary addition often ignored and worse. Understanding the principle of quantum Kingdom inversion is essential. Paradigm shifts such as less is more, the last shall be first, and love your enemies are cornerstones of Scriptural physics. Paradoxes repeated throughout the Old, and particularly the New Testament. Perhaps most notably in Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, beginning with the Beatitudes.
With this in mind, perhaps our generation should rethink the answer to the popular Evangelism Explosion question, “If God were to ask you, “Why should I let you into My Heaven?” What would you say to God?” While E.E.’s answers are good, particularly in light our atrocious behavior and upgraded culpability, Christ’s may be better:
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:10-14 New International Version - Emphasis QC’s
Finally, let us remember that while the skill and cunning of our Adversary and Prosecutor are matched only by his malevolence and evil, the Defense Attorney and Judge are mankind's Creator and Savior. Boundless in love for humanity, God is full of faithful mercy:
"For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!" Psalm 103:11-18
By all indications, upcoming years and decades are likely to present ever increasing spiritual and social, financial and physical challenges for ourselves and families, friends and neighbors. Making matters worse, the faith and message of today's anemic and all but powerless Churchianity are too ill informed and/or subjective to successfully compete against the concrete demands and ubiquitous distractions, inflamed desires and mass deceptions presented by modern life. How much less the increasing troubles of judgment or tribulation? Among the means at our disposal to combat such circumstances is the concept of moving beyond praying for into the realm of pressing in with the quantum hope of praying through.
While Christians have over the years attempted as much, clearly our individual and even collective efforts have fallen far short. I myself have attended and/or led over 1,000 corporate prayer meetings and have yet to see Bethesda's waters significantly stirred. Much less Scripture’s promised and desperately needed "rivers of living water" or “a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." Nevertheless, as the late Admiral Chester Nimitz Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific fleet commanding Allied air, land, and sea forces during World War II was known to pray, “God grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right even though I think it is hopeless.” And as Winston Churchill famously noted, "Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm."
We are engulfed in a spiritual war today with innumerable eternal casualties. Ruthlessly honest appraisal admits too many of our family and friends, fellow colleagues and Christians are taken captive or even forever lost. Our pitiful state can only mean the strong man among us must be bound to have been so personally and collectively plundered. Should the preponderance of Scripture and evidence suggest that the foregoing is even close to the truth, responding with regular and revitalized corporate prayer seems the least we can do. Not what passes for prayer today. Rather something far more desperate. Perhaps along the model of Azusa street. See QC’s outline on how to develop an Azusa Street style prayer meeting.
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