PrayerSTORM

BOOKSBYJAMESW.GOLL

Intercession:ThePowerandPassiontoShapeHistoryJamesW.Goll365-DayPersonalPrayerGuide

PrayerStormPrayerStormStudyGuide

ShiftingShadowsofSupernaturalExperiencesTheCalloftheElijahRevolution

TheSeerTheSeerDevotionalJournalTheLostArtofIntercession

TheLostArtofPracticingHisPresence

BOOKSBYJAMESW.GOLLANDMICHALANNGOLL

Compassion:ACalltoTakeActionDreamLanguage:ThePropheticPowerofDreams,Revelations,

andtheSpiritofWisdomGodEncounters

TheCalltotheSecretPlace

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PrayerSTORM

THEHOURTHATCHANGESTHEWORLD

JAMESW.GOLL

Copyright2008—JamesW.Goll

Allrightsreserved.ThisbookisprotectedbythecopyrightlawsoftheUnitedStatesofAmerica.Thisbookmaynotbecopiedorreprintedforcommercialgainorprofit.Theuseofshortquotationsoroccasionalpagecopyingforpersonalorgroupstudyispermitted and encouraged. Permission will be granted upon request. Unlessotherwise identified, Scripture quotations are from the New American StandardBible, © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The LockmanFoundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotationsmarked NIV are taken fromthe HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. ® NIV ® Copyright © 1973,1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of ZondervanPublishingHouse.Allrightsreserved.ScripturequotationsmarkedNKJVaretakenfromtheNewKingJamesVersion.Copyright©1982byThomasNelson,Inc.Usedbypermission.Allrightsreserved.ScripturequotationsmarkedAMParetakenfromtheAmplified®Bible,Copyright©1954,1958,1962,1964,1965,1987byTheLockmanFoundation.Usedbypermission.ScripturequotationsmarkedKJVaretakenfromtheKingJamesVersion.ScripturequotationsmarkedTMaretakenfromTheMessage.Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission ofNavPressPublishingGroup.EmphasiswithinScriptureisauthor’sown.PleasenotethatDestiny Image’spublishingstylecapitalizescertainpronouns inScripture thatrefertotheFather,Son,andHolySpirit,andmaydifferfromsomeBiblepublishers’styles. Take note that the name satan and related names are not capitalized. Wechoosenottoacknowledgehim,eventothepointofviolatinggrammaticalrules.

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DEDICATION

AsastudentofChurchhistoryandonewholovesprayeranditsroleinworldmissions,IdedicatethisbooktothelegacyofCount Nicolas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, Christian David, AnnaNitschmann, and the other early leaders of the group thateventually became known as the Moravians. I have beenimpacted immeasurably by the shadow of the Lord Jesus thattheycast.Itisanhonortobeoneofthemanyintercessorswhotoday have picked up the baton of prayer that the Moravianbelieverssofaithfullycarriedforwelloverahundredyears.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Withdeep,heart-feltgratitude, Iwish to thank the teamofpeople at Encounters Network and Destiny Image who madethis project possible. I especially want to recognize KathyDeeringasoneofthebestwritingeditorsIhaveevermet.Itisanhonortoworkwithher.

I alsowant to say “thankyou” to theHolySpirit forgivingmeadreamconcerning thePrayerStormand to theLord fortrustingmewithacommissiontothisgreattask.Thankstoallthe prayer warriors who have already joined us in this “hourthatchangestheworld”andtoallofyouwho,afterreadingthisbook, will be ready to join in. Together, in Jesus, we make agreatteam!

ENDORSEMENTS

MydearfriendJamesGollhasbeengivenamandatethatallofushavebeencalledtoparticipatein.Itisacalltoperpetualunceasingprayer…soundslikeGodtome.GodhasgivenJamesmany prophetic visions and dreams; this one could not havecomeatamorecrucial time inourcultureand inourhistory.TheChurchisindesperateneedofauthenticityandrelevance…wewill find it first onour facesbeforeGod.Theyouthof theworldarebeingvisitedbyGodinafreshway.Thiswillintensifyaswepraybecausethedemonicattackagainsttheyouthofourgeneration is unprecedented, and we need to push back theforcesofdarkness.ThedescendantsofAbrahamareinneedofMessiah; ourprayerson theirbehalf andour intercessionwillmakeadifference.Andfinally,theworldisinastateofturmoil,upheaval,andcrisis;onlyprayerchangesthedestinyofnations.Our mandate is James’ mandate…the Moravian Lamp-standmustbe restored.Onceagain,mydeepest thanks toamanofhisword,amanofGod’sWord,andmybrotherinarms,JamesGoll,forbeingbraveenoughandboldenoughtocallustoourhighestplaceofpower…ourknees!

Dr.MarkJ.ChironnaTheMaster’sTouchInternationalChurch

MarkChironnaMinistriesOrlando,Florida

JamesGollhasdoneitagain!Hisnewbook,PrayerStorm,isaspiritualmanualforeveryChristian,whethernewtoprayeroran experienced intercessor. This textbook probes the spirit oftheearlyMoravianintercessorsandcastsavisionforrekindlingtheirpowerfullampintoourdarkworld.Jameshasprovideduswithprinciplesandsounddoctrine,buthealsogivesussampleprayersandguidelinestobecomepartofaglobalprayerstorm.WelearnhowtoconspirewithGodtobringHiswilltocomeonthisearth.WefindouthowtopraywithGodinsteadofprayingtoGod.

Jamesisnotstartinganeworganizationthatreplicatesotherprayerministries,butheprovidestheconnectinglinesbetweenthe dots of intercession around the world. I encourage everyChristiantonot justreadthetextcontainedwithinthisbook’spagesbuttoactivelyparticipateinaprayermovementthatwillchangeourglobe.

HarryR.JacksonJr.SeniorPastor,HopeChristianChurch

FounderandPresident,HighImpactLeadershipCoalitionWashington,D.C.

Inhisnewestbook,JamesGollissuesanurgentchallengetoeverybelievertobepartofspiritual“crisisintervention”atthiscritical juncture in history. Through a dream, God revealed avisionandstrategyforaworldwide,corporatecalltoconsistent,persistent prayer—Prayer Storm—that will intervene andchange things in the earth realm. Four specific areas aretargeted for focusedprayer. I encourageyou toget thisbook:readit,signup,andpray!

JaneHansenHoytPresident/CEO,AglowInternational

Edmonds,WashingtonI am passionately excited about Jim Goll’s powerful book,

PrayerStorm,thatIbelieveGodwillusetotransformtheglobalprayermovement.NothingIknowofwillimpactthenationsforJesus Christ like restoring the Moravian Prayer Watch asdescribed in Goll’s inspired and anointed call to continuousprayer.Ourministry,EveryHomeforChrist,wantstobefirstinlinetopartnerwithJiminthisglobalcalltocontinuousprayer.

Dr.DickEastmanInternationalPresident

EveryHomeforChristandPresidentofAmerica’sNational

PrayerCommitteeAGlobalPrayerArmyisarisinginthishouracrosstheface

of the earth to lay seize to the kingdom of darkness bypenetrating it with the arsenal of worship and intercession. IencourageyoutojoininthestrategicministryofJamesW.Gollandcountlessothersworldwide in thePrayerStormefforts tokeep the fire continually burning on the altar. May the fire oftheLordburnonyourheartasyoureadthiscontagiousbook.

LouEngleDirectorofTheCall

With a passion for prayer and the purposes of God, JamesGoll brings us additional needed tools for the global prayerarmyfortheseLastDays.Iexhortyoutobeapracticalpartofthe worldwide prayer movement and consider joining JamesGoll and thousands of others in the hour that changes theworld.

MikeBickleInternationalHouseofPrayerofKansasCity

AuthorofPassionofJesusandmanyothersThetimeisnow!TheHolySpiritissoundinganalarmacross

the Body of Christ to awaken believers to our God-givenposition of authority to make history through the power ofprevailingprayer.JoinJamesGollin“thehourthatchangestheworld.”Itistimetomountthewallsofintercession!

CindyJacobsCofounderofGeneralsInternational

InternationalDirectoroftheDeborahCompanyandReformationPrayerNetwork

God’sheartcryisthatHispeoplestandunitedaswatchmentogetherinthiscriticalhourofhistory.JoinJamesGoll,myself,and thousands of others as we lift our voices for the youth,Israel, and the church. We need a revival that bringsreformation, and only sustained, united prayer will bring thisabout!

RobertStearnsFounderofEaglesWings

Cochairman,DayofPrayerforthePeaceofJerusalemThe key to sustained revival that transforms society is the

powerofenduringprayer.TheteachingandtheapplicationsofPrayer Storm will help the global army of intercessors stayfocused and targeted in their prayer efforts. Don’t just readanother book—do what this book says. Have a life full of life-alteringintercession.

DutchSheetsSeniorLeaderofFreedomChurch

FounderofUSAANAuthorofIntercessoryPrayer,WatchmenPrayer

andPrayingforAmerica

CONTENTS

ForewordIntroduction RestoringtheGlobalMoravianLampstandPartI VisionforaPrayerStormChapter1 “PrayerStorm”—WhatIsIt?Chapter2 WalkingintheFootstepsofJesusPartII PowerforaPrayerStormChapter3 Spirit-EmpoweredPrayerStormChapter4 IntercessoryPrayerStorminTimesofCrisisChapter5 PrayerWithFasting—God’sWayChapter6 SoakinginHisPresenceChapter7 TappingthePowerofHighPraisePartIII PatternsforaPrayerStormChapter8 PrayerforRevivalintheChurchChapter9 PrayerforAnotherGreatAwakening—YouthChapter10 PrayingYourFamilyIntotheKingdomChapter11 PrayingforPeopleinAuthorityChapter12 PrayingEffectivelyforIsraelConclusion TheChallenge

PrayerStorm—SignUpNow!AppendixA PrayerStormOne-HourPrayerGuideAppendixB PurimPrayerFocusforIsrael(TheEstherFast)AppendixC ResourcesforIntercessors

EndnotesAbouttheAuthor

FOREWORD

Prayer Storm may well turn out to be one of the mostsignificantmessagestotheBodyofChristinthisseason.Iwillexplain so that you will be able to see this book in its fullcontext.

Thebiblical agenda item thatGodhasbeenpushing to thetop of the priority list of Christian leaders nationally andinternationally during this season has been the “DominionMandate.” Think about AdamandEve. AfterGod had createdalltheincrediblethingsonearth,HeclimaxeditwithcreatinghumanbeingsinHisownimage.WhydidGodcreatehumans?Hecreatedhumanssotheywouldtakechargeofalltherestofcreation.GodspecificallysaidthatAdamandEveshould“takedominion”overwhatHehadputonearth(seeGenesis1:26,28).ThisiswherethetermDominionMandateoriginates.

KeepinmindthatAdamisnotonlythenameofaperson,butinHebrewitmeans“thehumanrace.”YouandIwerenotintheGarden of Eden personally, but we were there geneticallybecauseweallhavesomeofAdam’sDNA.WhenAdamacted,heactednotonlyonhisownbehalf,butinthebroadsense,onourbehalf aswell.Asweknow,hedefinitelymade thewrongchoice.

SatanknewthatGodhadgivenAdamtheauthority to takedominionandalso the authority togivedominionaway.Satantempted Adam because he wanted to regain the authority helost when he was cast out of Heaven. Adam yielded totemptation;hechose toobeysatanrather thanGod,and fromthat point on satan usurped Adam’s rightful dominion andbegantohavehiswayintheworld,whichistosteal,kill,anddestroy. That iswhy satan is called “the god of this age” and“theprinceofthepoweroftheair”(seeEph.2:2).

But thiswasnot andneverhasbeenGod’splan for life onearth.GodturnedthingsaroundbysendingtheSecondAdam,JesusChrist.Jesuscametodestroytheworksofsatan,namelytobegintheprocessoftakingbackthedominionthatAdamhadgivenawayintheGarden.JesussentHisdisciplesouttopreachthegospelofthekingdom.Kingdommeansdominionbecauseithastwoparts:kinganddom,whicharethefirstthreelettersoftheworddominion.Akinghasdominionoverarealm.Jesusisthe King and His realm is the earth. Jesus paid the price for

retakingdominionbyHisdeathandresurrection.ButwhenHeleft the earth, He said that we, His disciples, would receivepowerwhentheHolySpiritcomes,inordertobeHiswitnesses.Whatdoes thismean? Implementing theDominionMandate isourresponsibilityasJesus’representativesinthisseason.

WhichbringsmetothecrucialimportanceofPrayerStorm.James Goll knows and teaches everything I have just said.

OnethingheknowsverywellisthatwhenJesuscametobringHis kingdom, He was invading the kingdom that satan haddominated since the time of Adam. What does this mean? Itmeanswar!Satanneverletsgoofanyterritoryhehasoccupiedwithout a fight. As Jesus’witnesses, it is our responsibility toengage satan and fight thiswar under the power of theHolySpirit on Jesus’ behalf. The war will not be over until God’speople regain their rightful dominion over creation and Jesusturns the kingdom over to His Father as it says in FirstCorinthians15:24.

If we are going to win this war, our first weaponmust beprayer. I am not referring to the traditional, routine, plainvanilla, religious prayer that most Christians are used to. Imeananextraordinarylevelofprayer—abattle-winning,world-changing kind of prayer. I mean prayer that will defeat theenemy in your personal life as well as in your church life, aswellasseeingthecommunityinwhichyoulivetransformedforGod!

Howdowegettothislevelofprayer?JamesGollhasdrawnon his extensive experience, his profound knowledge of theWordofGod,andhisfine-tunedspiritualdiscernmenttogiveusdefinitiveanswerstothisquestioninPrayerStorm.Yes,PrayerStorm is one of themost significantmessages to the Body ofChrist for thisseason.Asyouread,youwill findyourplace inservingGodduringthewonderfultimesinwhichwelive!

C.PeterWagner,PresidingApostleInternationalCoalitionofApostles

Introduction

RESTORINGTHEGLOBALMORAVIANLAMPSTAND

Inthespringof2007, Ihadavividdream.Iwouldcall ita“commissioning dream,” because, in this dream, I heard anaudible voice utter thesewords: “I commission you to restoreand release the global Moravian lampstand!” With thatimperativesentenceringinginmyears,Iwokeup.Thereinmybedroom,inamber-coloredletters,Isawtwowordswrittenoutinfrontofmyeyes:PrayerStorm.

I was fully awake. Suddenly it was as if God’s Spiritdownloaded intomyspiritwhat thismeant. Intuitively, I knewthat Prayer Storm would be a worldwide call to consistent,persistentprayerandthat itwould involve fourexpressionsofprayer. Prayer Storm would focus on three particular areas,vitally undergirded by a fourth. Prayer Storm would involveprayer for (1) revival in the Church, (2) the greatest youthawakeningthattheworldhaseverseen,and(3)Israel,allthedescendantsofAbraham.Theseprayerswouldbestrengthenedby widespread, well-coordinated intercession for (4) God’sinterventionintimesofmajorcrisis.

URGENTATTENTION

I sensed an urgency in the voice of the Lord asHiswordswereengraveduponmysoul.Thiswas importanttoHim.Thisundertaking needed immediate attention. My calling as awatchmanonthewallhadbeenrenewedinstantly,andIneededtorespond,likeEsther,“forsuchatimeasthis”(Esther4:14).Itwasallhere:

Commission,restoration,release…TheMoravianlampstand…Revival,Youth,Israel,CrisisIntervention…ItwouldbeaPrayerStorm.This was not a commissioning for one man; it was a

commissioningformanypeople,forthetaskoforchestratinga

worldwidesymphonyofworshipandprayerthatwouldplayanessential part inwinning for theLamb theworld thatHehadsufferedanddiedfor.MyrolewouldbetoimplementwhateverHeshowedme.Eachpersonwhobecameinvolvedwouldhaveaparticularparttoplay.

IknewthatGodwasrestoringonemoreaspectofthewatchof the Lord. The prayer movement, which has had manyexpressionsoverthepastcoupleofdecades,wasbeingfurtherexpanded. Prayer Storm was supposed to become one morepart of the divine tapestry of the prayer movement, with itsdefinite distinctions but unified goal. It wouldn’t replace orcompetewithanyoftheotherexpressionsofprayerthathavebeen established, such as 24/7 houses of prayer, prayermountains, prophetic declarations, or various types of globalnetworks and outreaches. No, far from being a competitor,Prayer Stormwould take its place on the spiritual battlefield,shoulder-to-shoulder with the other endeavors that God hasalready raisedup, including the localchurch.Wewouldallbeable to collaborate. With an increasingly effective Internetpresence,PrayerStormcouldbecomean international,virtualhouseofprayer.

COULDYOUNOTWATCHWITHMEONEHOUR?”

Immediatelyafterthatdream,ourEncountersNetworkstaffand I began to swing into action.We set up aWeb site rightaway (www.prayerstorm.com).Webegan toexpandoneachofthefourcategoriesofprayerandtomakeitpossibleforpeopletosignupforspecifictimesofprayer.ItwentliveinJanuaryof2008.

One hour per person perweek—that is all it takes to keepthewatchgoing.Itdoesn’tmatterwhattimezoneapersonlivesin.Aglobalhouseofprayerspansallof them,sonoonehourperiodreceivesheaviercoveragethananother. (WedecidedtocoordinateitallfromthecentraltimezoneoftheUnitedStates,butthat’sonlyforthesakeofestablishingareferencepointforkeeping track of how many people are praying at any givenhouraroundtheworld.)

Those who sign up do not have to attend a particularmeeting, although they may wish to pray in the context of ameeting that theyalreadyhaveestablished.Peopledon’thavetostopanyotherprayerendeavortheyarealreadycommittedtoinordertoparticipateinthisone.Peoplecanprayfromtheirhomes.PrayerStormhasasimpleandflexibleformat.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said to Peter and theotherdisciples,“Couldyounotwatchwithmeonehour”(Matt.26:40NKJV). I hearHimaskingeachoneof us that question.CanyouwatchwithHimonehour?PrayerStormcanhelpyoudo it. Prayer Stormmight just become the hour that changes

theworld!

THE100-YEARPRAYERMEETING

Nowlet’sgobacktotheMoravians.In1722,CountNicolasLudwig von Zinzendorf was asked by a group of Christians iftheycouldcrosstheborderfromMoraviainordertoliveonhislands. He assented, and they settled in a town they calledHerrnhut, which means “the Lord’s Watch.” Zinzendorf hadalwaysbeeninterestedinalifeofprayeranddevotiontoGod,and after his tenants suffered a season of prolongeddisagreementanddifficulty,hebegantoleaddailyBiblestudiesfor them in 1727. A sudden time of revival occurred, whichmanyhavecalled“theMoravianPentecost.”TheeffectsofthismoveoftheHolySpirithavebeenfar-reaching,indeed.

Oneofthefirstresultsoftherevivalwasthat24menand24womencovenantedtodevoteonehoureveryday toconcertedprayer. It was a very simple model, and soon others joinedthem.Thiswas thebeginningofwhatbecamea100-year-longprayerwatch.Every hour of every day, someonewas praying.Whileotherswereworking,someonewaspraying.Theyprayed24hoursaday,7daysaweek,365daysayear.The“altarfire”neverwentout.TheMoravianscitedoneScripturepassage inparticular as their inspiration: “The fire shall ever be burninguponthealtar;itshallnevergoout”(Lev.6:13KJV).

Thesemenandwomenwereyoung.Eventheirpatron,CountZinzendorf, was only 27 years old at the beginning. Almostimmediately, they began to launch evangelistic missions toforeign lands as far-flung as the West Indies, Greenland andLapland, and Turkey. As the years passed, they grew old andpassed the baton to others; Zinzendorf died in 1760. But theprayercontinuedunabated.

By 1792, 65 years after the prayer watch began, that onesmallbandofMoravianbelievershadsent300missionariestoallpartsof theglobe.The firehad indeedremained liton theMoravianlampstand,andfromit,thelightoftheKingdomhadilluminatedthousandsofdarkhearts.Theworldwouldneverbethesame.

As theMoravianswentoff toother lands, theycameto thenoticeofotherChristians,andtheirreputationfortrustfulfaithand evangelistic results spread. Of particular note is JohnWesley, who first encountered some Moravians on his returnfrom a missionary venture to the American colonies in 1736.Thefaith-filled,worshipfuldemeanoroftheMoravianbelievers,whoweresometimesknownastheHappyPeopleortheEasterPeople,impressedhimsogreatlythatsoonafterwardhesoughtand attained an experience of having his heart “strangelywarmed” by the love of the Holy Spirit. Wesley later visitedHerrnhut and observed their community life, where no one

worked unless someone else was praying, and he wrote, in aletter to Count Zinzendorf, “When will this Christianity covertheearthasthewaterscovertheseas?”1

PRACTICALTOOLS

Prayinganhouraweekdoesn’tsoundlikemuch,butweallknowthat it’snoteasytoremembertodoit, letalonetodoiteffectively.It’sespeciallydifficulttosustainsuchacommitmentoveralongstretchoftime.

Torallyintercessorsaroundtheworld,weintendtosupplyanumber of practical tools. The book you are holding is one ofthem, aswell as the correspondingStudyGuide and theDVDandCD sets of teachings. These toolswill help you catch thevisionandrunwith it,givingyousomethingto learnfromandtoreferbackto.

Another practical tool is ourweekly e-mail communication,which is specific toPrayerStorm. Iwant togiveyou teachingand insight on a regular basis. In addition,we release prayernews bulletins when a significant crisis occurs somewhere inthe world, such as a natural disaster or a violent militaryuprising or an alarming political development. We have alsolaunchedourweeklyPrayerStormweb-basedTV show—Iwillexhortyou,andwewillactually intercedetogether.Andthat’sjustforstarters!Throughallofthecrisispraying,Iwanttobeable to keepus focused, though, on praying for revival in theChurch,ayouthawakening,andIsrael,onanon-goingbasis.

You can pray all by yourself, or you can incorporate thismodel into your existing house of prayer or church prayerministry.Wewill participate in established efforts such as theGlobalBridegroomFastthatMikeBicklecoordinatesfromIHOPinKansasCity and TheCall efforts around the globewith LouEngle. We will inform our community of intercessors, via ourmailing list, whenever the Spirit initiates something new thatwe feel we should participate in. We want to respond to theprogressivevisionasitunfoldsandtomakeitpossibleforyoutorespondtoGod’scall.

WHATISTHE“MORAVIANLAMPSTAND”?

Concerted,sustainedprayerof thisnaturehashappened inthe past (usually without the Internet component, of course).Oneofthosepasteventsfurnishesuswiththeterm“Moravianlampstand.”

In1727,inHerrnhut,Saxony,undertheleadershipofCountNicolas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, night-and-day intercessionarose inasmallcommunity inwhat today iseasternGermany.Thepeople in thecommunityhadcomefromMoravia,so theybecameknownastheMoravians.Thisprayervigilcontinuedfor

over 110 years, and it fueled a missionary movement thattouchedtheworld.ThemenandwomenofHerrnhutcommittedthemselves to hourly intercession in order to, in their words,“win for the Lamb the rewards of His suffering.” I will comebacktotheMoraviansinamoment,afterImentionafewotherSpirit-inspired prayer surges that occurred both before andaftertheMoravians.

Earliest of all, we know about the Tabernacle of David inJerusalem at about 1000 B.C. Under the leadership of KingDavid and his son Solomon (both of whom had a revelatoryunderstandingoftheimportanceofcontinualprayer),organizedworshipandprayercontinuedfor33yearsnonstop,night-and-day.Tomakeitpossible,DavidandSolomonfinancedfull-timesingersandmusicians(see1Chron.9:33;15:16;23:5;25:7;2Chron. 5:12-13). The Scriptures prophetically declare that, inthefuture,therewillbearestorationofDavid’stabernacle(seeAmos9:11).

Evenathousandyearslater,inthetimeoftheBookofActs,the Jews had what they called “hours of prayer,” and theChristianscarriedonwiththetradition.Theseweresettimesofday when believers would gather together to pray. (See Acts3:1;16:13.)

God revived the idea of continual, committed prayer inIreland inA.D.555under the leadershipofComgall,whowasthe senior abbot of the great monastery at Bangor, and laterunderhisdiscipleColumbanus.Bangorbecamethesitewherenight-and-day worship with prayers continued for over 300years,fuelingamissionaryzealthattouchedallofEurope.

Jumping to the present, we can’t ignore one well-knownmoveofprayerinSouthKoreaknownasthePrayerMountain,established in 1973 byDavid YonggiCho as part of the YoidoFull Gospel Church. Again, missionary work is the focus,particularlythroughoutAsia.ThePrayerMountain,whichisanactual mountain, has facilities for up to 10,000 people,including special cubicles where prayer warriors can spendprolonged periods of time fasting, praying, and seekingGod’swill.Among themanyobvious resultsof theirprayers,weseethe phenomenal growth of their church. When their churchreachedtherecord-breakingsizeof700,000members,Dr.Chodecided that they would start planting churches andestablishingsatellitechurches,whichtheyhavecontinuedtodoastheygrow.

In every case,we see that the result of sustained prayer—oftencoupledwithworship—isamazinggrowthandexpansionoftheKingdomofGodandtheChurch.Inthelatterpartofthe20th century, and now in the 21st century, God has beenrestoringnight-and-dayworshipandprayer inmanycitiesandnations of the earth as part of His commitment to release in

these last days an outpouring of His Spirit. These places andministries include, but are not limited to: the InternationalHouse of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri, (Mike Bickle) andassociated locations throughout the world; The JerusalemHouse of Prayer for All Nations on theMount of Olives (TomHess); The Watch of the Lord in Charlotte, North Carolina(Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda); the Governmental PrayerAlliance in Colorado Springs, Colorado (Dutch Sheets); theReformation Prayer Network, Red Oak, Texas (Cindy Jacobs);the 24/7 PrayerMovement based in England (Pete Greig); aswellastheInternationalFellowshipofIntercessors,with“firstFriday”prayer and fasting for governmental bodies in variouscountries(GaryBergelistheU.S.director).Thissamplingis,byno means, a complete listing of the various voices that arecurrently contributing to the concert of prayer in the worldtoday.

RE-IGNITINGTHEMORAVIANLAMPSTAND

Herewearetoday,atthebeginningofthe21stcentury,andmoreandmoregroupsof “Moravians”arecatching thevisionfor sustained prayer, worship, and intercession, for 24/7,unceasing prayer for cities, nations, and the entire globe. Ibelieve that Prayer Storm will raise one more unified, God-ordainedvoiceintheworldwidechorus.

APrayerStormisonthehorizon,andwewillbetheStormWarriors. We’re going to be prayer warriors who pray in thestorm.We’regoingtoprayGod’sthunder,becauseGod’svoicethunders.ListencloselytothethunderofHisvoice,andtherumblingthatgoes out from His mouth. Under the whole heaven He lets itloose,andHislightningtotheendsoftheearth.Afterit,avoiceroars; He thunders with His majestic voice, and He does notrestrain the lightningswhenHis voice is heard.God thunderswithHisvoicewondrously,doinggreatthingswhichwecannotcomprehend(Job37:2-5).Don’tyouwanttobeapartofGod’sPrayerStormarmy?Thenreadon—thiswaswrittenjustforyou!

PartI

VISIONFORAPRAYERSTORM

SweetHourofPrayer!Sweethourofprayer!sweethourofprayer!Thatcallsmefromaworldofcare,AndbidsmeatmyFather’sthroneMakeallmywantsandwishesknown.Inseasonsofdistressandgrief,MysoulhasoftenfoundreliefAndoftescapedthetempter’ssnareBythyreturn,sweethourofprayer!Sweethourofprayer!sweethourofprayer!ThejoysIfeel,theblissIshare,OfthosewhoseanxiousspiritsburnWithstrongdesiresforthyreturn!WithsuchIhastentotheplaceWhereGodmySaviorshowsHisface,Andgladlytakemystationthere,Andwaitforthee,sweethourofprayer!Sweethourofprayer!sweethourofprayer!ThywingsshallmypetitionbearToHimwhosetruthandfaithfulnessEngagethewaitingsoultobless.AndsinceHebidsmeseekHisface,BelieveHisWordandtrustHisgrace,I’llcastonHimmyeverycare,Andwaitforthee,sweethourofprayer!1

Chapter1

“PRAYERSTORM”—WHATISIT?

AsIlooked,behold,astormywindcameoutofthenorth,andagreatcloudwithafireenvelopingitandflashingcontinually;abrightnesswasaboutitandoutofthemidstofitthereseemedto glow ambermetal, out of themidst of the fire (Ezekiel 1:4AMP).

When I woke up from the commissioning dream about theMoravian lampstand, and I saw the glowing, amber words,Prayer Storm, emblazoned in front ofmy eyes, not only did IunderstandinstantlythatGodwantedmetoorchestrateamoveofprayer,Ialsoknewthatstormwouldbeakeyword—andanactualexperience—allthewaythrough.

Theprayer partwas not a new idea. Dictionary definitionsconcurthatprayerisanearnest,heartfeltrequestmadebeforeGod (or a godlike authority). But the definition of storm getsmore interesting.What is a storm?Anatural storm involvesadisturbanceintheairabovetheearth.Itincludesstrongwinds,sometimes lightening and thunder, and often some form ofprecipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Already, thismakes me think of a number of Scriptures that paint a vividpictureofGod’spowersweepingdownon theearth.Turn thepage back to Job 37:2–5, at the end of the introduction, andthenlookbelowatafewmore:See,thestormoftheLordwillburstoutinwrath,awhirlwindswirling down on the heads of the wicked. The anger of theLordwillnotturnbackuntilHefullyaccomplishesthepurposesof His heart. In days to come you will understand it clearly(Jeremiah23:19-20NIV).Like fire that burns the forest and like a flame that sets themountainsonfire,sopursuethemwithYourtempestandterrifythemwithYourstorm(Psalm83:14-15).TheLordisslowtoangerandgreatinpower;theLordwillnotleavetheguiltyunpunished.Hiswayisinthewhirlwindandthestorm,andcloudsarethedustofHisfeet(Nahum1:3NIV).He covers His hands with the lightning, and commands it to

strikethemark(Job36:32).Godnotonlycommandsnaturalstormsontheearth,Heisa

storm. And by extension, since we have been created in Hisimage,commissionedasHisservants,andadoptedassons,wearelikestormstoo,whenweareactinginHisname.Thatlastpassage (Job 36:32) says that He covers His hands withlightningandsendsitforthtostrikethemark.WhenwepraytoHim,we’re calling forth the stormofGod to invade the earthrealm.We’re drawing His attention to a particular “mark” ortarget.

We can’t see the spiritual storm that rages in mid-heaven,although it is spoken about in the Bible. (See Daniel 7–9, forexample.)ButGod is looking forpeople to join their voices inprayerso thatHecanrelease theangelichost todobattleallthemore.Hewants tohear theprayersofpeopleonearthsothatHecanreleasethewindsofHisSpiritandtherainofHisjustice.

Astormofprayerreleasesastormofpower.Aprayerstorm,topulloutsomemoredictionarydefinitionsofstorm,doesnothave to be compared only with weather terminology. You canhave other kinds of storms: a storm of anger or protest; or astormof the opposite emotion, such as a stormof laughter; astorm or bombardment of objects, a storm or torrent ofcommunications,evenastormwindow(wecouldplaywiththatone!).Whenwe use theword storm as a verb, we talk aboutmilitary-typestormingofafortifiedlocation,oftensuddenlyandwithgreatforce,inordertoattackandcaptureit.Wespeakofstormingoutofaroomwithviolentanger,pushingforwardlikeathunderheaddrivenbeforethewind.Wealso,ofcourse,sayitis“storming”whentheskyisdark, lighteningflashes,andthewindblows,drivingrainorsnowbeforeit.2

Sowhat is aprayer storm?Aprayerstorm is when peoplecryout,notjustquietlybutinapassionate,verbalway,askingGod,inthenameofJesus,tochangethings.WearecallingforththestrongwindsoftheSpiritandthegloriousflashingsofHisbrilliant presence.WewantHim to shatter the darknesswithHislight.WeareholdinguptargetsforHimtoaimat.“Come,Lord!Comeheretomycity.Stormthegates!Blowusoutofourcomfortable traditions. Break off our blinders. Strike ourenemies.WinbackYourpeople.”

PRAYEROFINTERCESSION

Except in the context of prayer, we rarely use the wordsintercessionandintercede.Thetermisalittleold-fashionedforcontemporary,everydayconversation.Butit’sagreatwordthatconveysexactly therightmeaningwhenwe’re talkingaboutaprayerstorm.

Intercede comes from two Latin words, inter and cedere.

Inter means “between, among, involved.” Think of the wordintervention.Cedere means “to yield, to go or tomove, or topray the price of.”3 So when we intercede in prayer, we gobetween—almostlikesteppingbetweensomeoneandanenemy.Weyieldourselves,humblingourselvestoassistthosewhoareweak and who need help. We move in the direction ofinvolvementregardingthehurtsandneedsofotherpeople,asthe Good Samaritan did (see Luke 10:33). As we are movedupon and as we move both in prayer and in action, weintercede.

Prayermoves us towardGod and toward other people.WeseeGod’srighteousnessontheonehandandpeople’sstateofabject sinon theother,andwewant tohelppay theprice fortheirsalvationandfreedom.Wewanttobego-betweens.Weactbetween parties with a view to reconcile those who differ orcontendwitheachother.Wemediate.Wemakeentreaties.Inaword,weintercede.

Intercession is a holy act of prayer through which we callforth reconciliation between opposing parties, whether thatmeansbetweenGodandaparticularperson,betweenGodandacity,betweenGodandanation,orbetweentwohumanbeingssuchasfatherandson,husbandandwife,orbrotherandsister.Intercessoryprayerisahighcalling,acallingthatismeantforeveryoneofus.

When you intercede, you stand in the gap. It’s as if youcreate a pause in the commotion, an atmospheric shift thattemporarily holds tumult at bay so that the voice of the Lordcan be released. His conviction can settle on hearts. Hispromisescanfindfulfillmentinanindividuallife,inacity,orinaregion.“ThyKingdomcome;Thywillbedoneinearthasitisinheaven”(Matt.6:10KJV).WebecomeconduitsforKingdomactivity.WemoveandspeakandstandforGod in thetimes inwhichwefindourselves.

When we intercede, we mediate between two extremes,betweenpartieswhoareatvariancewitheachother.Webringpeace.Wedoitthroughprayer,callingforthpeacewherethereiswarandconflict.I’mnotreferringonlytotimesofliteralwarortocrisisinterventionbutalsoto“warsofthesoul.”Whenyousee someone whose soul is in a state of war, in conflict withGod’swill,yourprayerscanmakeadifference.YoucancallonGodtobringthatpersonintotheeyeinthemiddleofthestorm,that center of perfect peace. There all friction, warfare, andtumultarepushedaside,atleasttemporarily,creatingadivineopportunityforthehumanwillorthegoverningauthoritiesofacity,region,ornationtorespondtoGod’sinvitation.

BIBLICALUSAGE

IntheNewTestament, theword intercede (or intercession)

isusedfourspecifictimes.It’susedtwiceinRomans8andonceeachinHebrews7andFirstTimothy2:InthesamewaytheSpiritalsohelpsourweakness;forwedonot know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himselfintercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and HewhosearchestheheartsknowswhatthemindoftheSpirit is,because He intercedes for the saints according to the will ofGod(Romans8:26-27).ThereforeHeisablealsotosaveforeverthosewhodrawneartoGodthroughHim,sinceHealwayslivestomakeintercessionforthem(Hebrews7:25).I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; forkings,andforallthatareinauthority,thatwemayleadaquietand peaceable life in all godliness and reverence (1 Timothy2:1-2NKJV).

TheSpirithelpsourweakness,asweseeinRomans8:26,asweyieldourselves toHim.HisSpirit iswithinus,andHewillintercede in us and through us. He will locate the places ofweaknesswherewetrulydonotknowhowtoprayasweought,andHewillreleaseprayersthatgobeyondournatural,limitedunderstanding and information. As we yield to Him, He willpray fromarevelatorydimension.Someof theprayerswillbebeyondthearticulationofnaturalspeech.

Jesuseverlivestomakeintercession,andJesus’Spirit livesinus.Therefore,Jesushasanongoingministryinandthroughus.Hisministry has not ceased just becauseHe is out of oursight.HecontinuestointercedefromtherighthandofGodtheFather,andHecontinuestointercedethroughushereonearth.He always lives to make intercession. He intercedes. He’sstanding in thegapasourLivingSacrifice, ourSavior. Inourexhortations to each other to pray, we like to talk about theimportanceof“twoorthree”comingintoagreement:“Again,Itellyouthatiftwoofyouonearthagreeaboutanythingyouaskfor, itwillbedone foryoubymyFather inheaven.Forwheretwoorthreecometogetherinmyname,thereamIwiththem”(Matt.18:19-20NIV).

But I’ll tell you the main person you have to come intoagreement with—God. If you come into agreement with God,HisHolySpiritwillintercedethroughyou,andyourprayerswillbeanswered.Jesus’roleistointercede,andourroleistocomeintoagreementwithHim,withtheattitudeofthanksgiving.Thisprecludes disagreement and criticism, and it preventsdiscernment from being turned into accusation. So the HolySpirit intercedes. Jesus intercedes. And each one of usintercedes. There’s your “two or three” right there! Let’s getthosethreeinagreementtogether,andwe’llhaveathree-cordstrandthatwillnotbequicklytornapart(seeEccles.4:12).

INSIGHTFROMGREEKANDHEBREW

In the Greek lexicon, we find a couple of definitions ofintercedethathelpusunderstandtheword.Thefirstdefinitionis“tolightuponapersonorathing,tofallinwith,tohituponaperson or a thing, to chance upon something, to encounterunexpectedly.”4 A second definition is “to go to or to meet aperson,especiallyforconversationorconsultation.”5

Bothofthesedefinitionshelproundoutourappreciationforthe richnessof theword intercede. TheHoly Spiritwill “lightupon” you. He will come upon you. At times, you will haveunexpectedencounterswithHim.Hewilltalkwithyou,andyoucantalkwithHim.

TheHebrewwordforintercessionispaga,whichisdefinedasmeaning, “tomeet; to light upon (by chance); to fall upon,attack, strike down, cut down; to strike the mark; to be laidupon.”6TheHebrewwordisusedinIsaiah64:5,whichisaboutameetingwithGodforthepurposeofreconciliation:You meet and spare him who joyfully works righteousness(uprightnessandjustice),[earnestly]rememberingYouinYourways. Behold, You were angry, for we sinned; we have longcontinuedinoursins[prolongingYouranger].Andshallwebesaved?(Isaiah64:5AMP).

It isalsoused inGenesis26:10-17 in the senseof “to lightupon,”toindicatehowGod’sgraceworks;ourdivineHelperisstandingby,readytoaidusinourintercession,movingusfromour natural ability to His supernatural ability, from our finiteabilitytoHisinfiniteability,takingholdofoursituationwithussoastoaccomplishthewillofGod.

PagaisusedalsoinFirstSamuel22andSecondSamuel1inthe sense of falling upon, attacking, striking down, cuttingdown. This shows us that the word intercession can carry awarfareconnotation,indicatingthereadinessofasoldiertofallupon or attack the enemy at the word of his commander,strikingthemark(rememberthelightningstrikesofJob36:32)and cutting down the enemy. God is looking throughout theearth for targets to send the lightofHisglory to, andwearetheoneswhogettopaintthetargetsforGod!

You can paint targets on your city; you can paint them onyour congregation; you can paint them on the lost; you canpaintthemonyourspouse—whateverHeshowsyou.Thisisnotwitchcraft praying, praying for bad things to happen. This isHolyGhostdesperation,saying“Oh,God!Come!Help!”

Intercession reached its fullest and most profoundexpressionwhenoursinswere“laidupon”Jesus.Jesuswasableto identify fully with us when the totality of our humanconditionwasplaceduponHim,andthen,asthescapegoat,Hecarrieditfaraway.AsHisBody,wecanenterintothisaspectof

intercessionwhenwe,asColossians1:24callsus todo, shareon behalf of His Body (which is the Church), filling up thatwhich is lacking in Christ’s afflictions: “Now I rejoice in mysufferingsforyoursake,andinmyfleshIdomyshareonbehalfofHisbody,whichisthechurch,infillingupwhatislackinginChrist’safflictions”(Col.1:24).

Doingthatkindofintercessiondoesn’tmeanthatwehavea“messianic complex” or that we’re repeating something thatJesus has already done. It just means that His burden comesoverusandthatweareprivilegedtocarryitwithHim.Wearegraced to participate in the desires of His heart. Like theMoraviansofold,wewanttoseeJesusreceivetherewardsofHis suffering, and we step into a revelation of our priestlyprivilegebeforeHim.

KINGDOMOFPRIESTS

Wearepartofthepriesthoodofallbelievers,andweserveeach other and Him as priests. Following Old Testamenttypology,wecanapplypresentmeaningstothepriestlydutyofburningincenseonthealtarofincense(whicharespelled-outinthe following passages) as we offer up fragrant prayers thathave been skillfully blended together according to Hisinstructions:Moreover, you shall make an altar as a place for burningincense;…Aaronshallburnfragrantincenseonit;heshallburnit everymorningwhenhe trims the lamps.WhenAaron trimsthe lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense. There shall beperpetualincensebeforetheLordthroughoutyourgenerations.You shall not offer any strange incense on this altar, or burntofferingormealoffering(Exodus30:1,7-9).Then theLord said toMoses, “Take for yourself spices, stacteandonychaandgalbanum,spiceswithpurefrankincense;thereshallbeanequalpartofeach.Withityoushallmakeincense,aperfume, the work of a perfumer, salted, pure, and holy”(Exodus30:34-35).Aaronshallentertheholyplacewiththis:withabullforasinofferingandaramforaburntoffering….HeshalltakeafirepanfullofcoalsoffirefromuponthealtarbeforetheLordandtwohandfulsoffinelygroundsweetincense,andbringitinsidetheveil(Leviticus16:3,12).

Following are the verses that dictated to Israel how theyweretohandlethesacrificialofferings:CommandAaronandhis sons, saying, “This is the law for theburnt offering: the burnt offering itself shall remain on thehearthonthealtarallnightuntil themorning,andthefireonthealtaristobekeptburningonit.Thepriestistoputonhislinenrobe,andheshallputonundergarmentsnexttohisflesh;

and he shall take up the ashes to which the fire reduces theburnt offering on the altar and place them beside the altar.Thenheshalltakeoffhisgarmentsandputonothergarments,andcarrytheashesoutsidethecamptoacleanplace.Thefireonthealtarshallbekeptburningonit.Itshallnotgoout,butthepriestshallburnwoodoniteverymorning;andheshalllayout the burnt offering on it, and offer up in smoke the fatportionsofthepeaceofferingsonit.Fireshallbekeptburningcontinuallyonthealtar;itisnottogoout(Leviticus6:9-13).

Verse 13 is the one that inspired Count Zinzendorf andotherstoinitiatetheMoravianprayermeetingthatlastedoverahundredyears:“Fireshallbekeptburningcontinuallyonthealtar;itisnottogoout.”

Later we read about how Moses told Aaron to makeatonementforthepeoplewithincense:MosessaidtoAaron,“Takeyourcenserandputinitfirefromthe altar, and lay incense on it; then bring it quickly to thecongregationandmakeatonementforthem,forwrathhasgoneforthfromtheLord,theplaguehasbegun!”ThenAarontookitasMoseshad spoken,and ran into themidstof theassembly,forbehold,theplaguehadbegunamongthepeople.Soheputontheincenseandmadeatonementforthepeople.Hetookhisstandbetweenthedeadandtheliving,sothattheplaguewaschecked(Numbers16:46-48).Thisisaperfectpictureofcrisisintercession.Withhiscensorofburningincense,Aaronranbetweenthedeadandthelivingandstoppedtheplaguethatwaskillingthepeople.Closeto15,000people had already died from the plague, butwhenhewavedtheincenseinhiscensor,deathwashaltedandlifeprevailed.Inthe same way, life comes from the fragrant incense of ourobedientprayers.

Today, we are no longer limited to a handful of specialactionsbydesignatedpriestlyintermediariesinacircumscribedlocality.No,aswereadinFirstPeter2:9andRevelation1:6and5:10,wearea royalpriesthood.That term isall-inclusive—wedoesnotmeanonlythepastorsorspecialpeople—itmeansyouand me. We aren’t limited to a particular structure called atabernacle, because the Holy Spirit is tabernacled within ourhearts:Butyouareachosenpeople,aroyalpriesthood,aholynation,apeople belonging toGod, that youmay declare the praises ofhimwhocalledyououtofdarkness intohiswonderful light (1Peter2:9NIV).Hehasmadeustobeakingdom,prieststoHisGodandFather—toHimbethegloryandthedominionforeverandever.Amen(Revelation1:6).Youhavemadethemtobeakingdomandprieststoserveour

God,andtheywillreignontheearth(Revelation5:10NIV).Sowekeepthealtarof incenseburningcontinually, justas

thepriestsdid.Theonlythingthatisdifferentisthatouraltarof incense is within our own hearts. We offer up spiritualsacrificesinthespiritofHebrews13:15:“…praisetoGod…thefruitoflipsthatgivethankstoHisname.”We“enterHisgateswiththanksgiving,andHiscourtswithpraise…”(Ps.100:4).WeknowaboutthegoldenharpandgoldenbowluponthealtarofHeaven,where the incense is theprayers of the saints, fillingthe bowl, and the harp is the ministry of praise and worship(seeRev. 5:8). Aswewatch, an angel takes his censor, fills itwiththefirefromtheheavenlyaltar,andcastsitdownontotheearth(seeRev.8:4-5).Wekeepourfireofprayerburningonthealtar of our hearts, and the heavenly altar fire burns all themorebrightly.Westirourselvesup,andwejoinourselveswithotherswholikewisehaveapassionforthefireoftheLord.Wepourourheartsoutinworship,praise,adoration,andloveand,likeAaronthepriest,wegooutandtakeastandbetweenthelivingandthedead.

THEINCENSEOFPRAYER

God instructed Moses about how to make the fragrantincensethatwassupposedtobeburnedonthealtarofincense:Then theLord said toMoses, “Take for yourself spices, stacteandonychaandgalbanum,spiceswithpurefrankincense;thereshallbeanequalpartofeach.Withityoushallmakeincense,aperfume, the work of a perfumer, salted, pure, and holy. Youshall beat some of it very fine, and put part of it before thetestimonyinthetentofmeetingwhereIwillmeetwithyou;itshall bemost holy to you. The incensewhich you shallmake,you shall notmake in the same proportions for yourselves; itshallbeholytoyoufortheLord(Exodus30:34-37).

These four compounds, stacte, onycha, galbanum, andfrankincense,representfourqualitiesthatneedtobepresentintheincenseofourprayers.Hereiswhattheymean:

Stacteisaresinoussapthatoozesthroughthebarkofatypeof tree thatwas a day’s journey into Syria. In otherwords, itcouldonlybeobtainedbywalkingintoenemyterritory. Itcosttheperfumersomething togoandget thestacte. In thesameway, it costs us something, and we have to go into enemyterritory togather the “drops,”orWordofGod,whichbubbleforthintoprophecy.YouhavetostoreuptheWordwithinyourheart,andthenitoozesforthinwordsofpropheticprayer.It’snotanautomatic-pilotsortofthing;youhavetostudytoshowyourselfapprovedasaworkmanforGod(see2Tim.2:15).

Onycha came from the shell of a mollusk that lived in theMediterranean Sea. Again, it took some effort to obtain it,because the perfumer had to walk so far. Then it had to be

groundintoa finepowderandfurthertreated inordertogivetheincenseitssweetodorwhenitwasburned.Inasimilarway,our lives are to be broken before Him (see Ps. 51:17). The“fragrance”ofour livesofferedonthealtar iswell-pleasingtoGod.PrayerismadeupofanequalportionoftheWordandofbrokennessinourlives.

Galbanummeans“richness”or“fatness.”Galbanumisarichgum resin that holds the other ingredients together. Eventhough it is a bitter substance, it gives important tang to thefragrance, and it remindsusof thebitternessof sin.With theSpiritofJesusdwellinginus,wepossesshisrichgrace,whichweexhibitthroughlivesoffaithandpraise.

Frankincense iscommonlyknownbecauseitwasoneofthegiftsbroughtbytheMagitotheinfantJesus(seeMatt.2:11).InOld Testament times, it was known as lavonah, which means“white.”Inourprayers,weneedthepurityand“whiteness”oftherighteousnessthatcomesasGod’sgifttous,notbecauseofour actions, but because of the sacrifice that Jesusaccomplished.

Thosearetherequirements,theingredients,which,intermsofourprayer lives,willcostussomethingandtakesometimetodevelop.Althoughsomepeopleliketo“campout”aroundonefavorite ingredient or another (the Word, or the messages ofbrokenness,“fatness,”orholiness),weneedtohaveabalanceof all four. Otherwise, our incense of prayer doesn’t sticktogetherrightor“burn”withapleasingfragrancetoGod.

Besides having the required ingredients blended togetherskillfully, the incense needs to be blended fresh every day. Itcannotbemadeupinlargebatchesaheadoftime.It’sthesamein our daily prayer lives. You can’t “bank” your prayers andexpect them to work. We must depend upon Him constantly,continually, hourly. You need to burn that incense. Pray thoseprayers.Add fire—fervencyandzeal—to these ingredients.HeisworthyofperfectprayersofferedupcorporatelybytheBodyof Christ around the globe, around the clock, and around thecalendar.

ASWEET-SMELLINGFRAGRANCE

YoumayknowthenameofJackiePullinger,aBritishwomanwho has lived for decades in Hong Kong, following whateverGod tells her to do as she reaches out to people who do notknowHim.Earlyinhertimethere,shemetamannamedAlie,whowasstudyingtobeaBuddhistpriestuntilhewasputinjailforamurderthathedidnotcommit.(Iheardhertellthisstoryyearsago.)Jackiewouldprayforhimandgotoseehimoften,onmorethanaweeklybasis.Oneday,whenshewasprayingfor

himinthejail,shecouldseethathewasbrokenandthathefelthopeless.Sheputherhanduptotheglassthatseparatedthem,andAlieputhishanduptotheglasstoo.Shetoldhim,“IhavepeopleinEnglandandtheUnitedStatesandSouthAfricawhofastandprayeveryWednesday,andIwillaskthemtofastandprayforyoueveryWednesday.”Afterthat,shedidnotseehimforsometime.

Oneday,thecaptainofthejailsmelledasweetfragranceintheplace,andhecouldnotfigureoutwhatitwas.Hefollowedthescented traildown thehallwayof jail cellsuntil itbecamestrongestatAlie’scell.Hewentintothecellanddemandedtoknow,“Whatisthissweet-smellingfragrancethatIsmell?”Aliesmellednothing.Hewentandhesearchedhisclothingtotrytofindthesourceofthisfragrance,buthecouldfindnothing.Thejailerleft.Aliewasnowaloneinthecell,andnowhetoocouldsmellthesweetfragrance.Whatwasthismysterious,wonderfulodor?Allofasudden,a lightbulbwentoninAlie’smind,andhe realized, “Ah! It is Wednesday! The day the people arefastingandpraying forme!”Herealized thathewassmellingprayer!Hisjailcellwasfilledwiththearomaoftheprayersofthesaints.

ThenexttimeJackievisited,hetoldherwhathadhappened.Eventually,astheycontinuedtotalk,hishardenedheartbrokeopen, and he accepted Jesus and was baptized in the HolySpirit.Aliewassavedbytheprayersofthesaints.Andwhenhistrial came, the judge released him without ever hearing thecharges.

Myquestionforyouis,“Whoissmellingyourprayers?”Whoareyou liftingup inprayerona regularbasis?Worship,pray,and intercede as much as you can, because it is a sweet-smelling fragrance to the Lord, like burning incense in Hisnostrils.

LETTHEPRAYERSTORMBEGIN!

NowisthetimeforthePrayerStormtobegin.Ourprayerismorethanfourcomponentsorqualitiesmixedequallytogether.ItismorethanSevenEffectiveStepsoralistofrules.Itisnotmerely a systematic methodology. Prayer is communion withGod,arelationshipwithyourFather.Prayerislife.Prayerisourdestiny. It is our call as a New Testament priesthood ofbelievers!

LetusbepossessedbyGodandHispurposes in this hour.LetusbepossessedbytheSpiritofgraceandsupplicationforthe purposes of prayer.May believers arise around theworldwhowillintercedeintheirhomes,prayerrooms,congregations,and ministries with hourly worship and prayer to give to theLambtherewardsforHissuffering.Letusrestoreandreleasethe global Moravian lampstand for Jesus Christ’s sake. Let

God’sprayerwarriorsarise,andletthePrayerStormbegin!Letthehourthatchangestheworldbegin!Father,IpresentmyselftoYouforthepurposeofprayer.Ijointhe host of others who are praying at this time. Come, HolySpirit, and takepossessionofusall.Fillmewith theSpirit ofgraceand supplication in Jesus’nameand for the sakeofHisKingdom. I volunteer freely in the day of Your power to be awatchmanonthewallsforsuchatimeasthis.Amen.

WhereHeLeadsMeIcanhearmySaviorcalling,IcanhearmySaviorcalling,IcanhearmySaviorcalling,“Takethycrossandfollow,followMe.”(Refrain)WhereHeleadsmeIwillfollow,WhereHeleadsmeIwillfollow,WhereHeleadsmeIwillfollow;I’llgowithHim,withHim,alltheway.I’llgowithHimthroughthegarden,I’llgowithHimthroughthegarden,I’llgowithHimthroughthegarden,I’llgowithHim,withHimalltheway.I’llgowithHimthroughthejudgment,I’llgowithHimthroughthejudgment,I’llgowithHimthroughthejudgment,I’llgowithHim,withHimalltheway.Hewillgivemegraceandglory,Hewillgivemegraceandglory,Hewillgivemegraceandglory,Andgowithme,withmealltheway1

Chapter2

WALKINGINTHEFOOTSTEPSOFJESUS

“ You are a priest forever According to the order ofMelchizedek.”…He, because He continues forever, has anunchangeablepriesthood.ThereforeHe isalsoable to save tothe uttermost thosewho come toGod throughHim, sinceHealwayslivestomakeintercessionforthem(Hebrews7:17,24-25NKJV).

Jesus is our magnificent intercessor. He stood in the gapwhenHewascrucified,andHestandsinthegaptothisday.He“alwayslivestomakeintercession,”andHeenableseachoneofus toparticipatewithHim in thatmosteffectiveexpressionofGod’slove—ceaselessintercessoryprayer.

HaveyoueverthoughtaboutJesus’earthlyprayer life?Hisexpressionsofprayerareamodel forus; ineverywayandonevery level, they demonstrate for us the “how-to” of effectiveprayer. How often did He pray? Certainly He carried on anundercurrent of conversation with His Father while he wentaboutHisdailylife.ButHeprayedallnightbeforechoosingthe12disciples. Think about that aminute. “All night”meansHeprayedforeightortenhoursstraight,outdoors,inthedark,onamountain, alone.Hedidn’t stopuntilHewas sureHe knewthe Father’s will. Hemissed a whole night’s sleep. Jesus, theSon,whowassoclosetoHisFather,hadtopressintoHisFa-therGodallnightlongbeforehecouldbesureHewasmakingtherightdecision:“Itwasat this timethatHewentoff to themountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer toGod.Andwhenday came,He calledHisdisciples toHimandchosetwelveofthem,whomHealsonamedasapostles”(Luke6:12-13).

Isn’t that amazing? Therewas theCreator of the universe,Jesus,butHewaswalkinginsuchtotaldependencyonGodtheFather that He spent the entire night praying toHim. If onlymoreofuswouldfollowthatexamplebeforechoosingleaders,Ithinkwemightavoidalotofmistakesandprematuredecisions.IthinkJesuswouldhavekeptprayingfortwoorthreenightsifthat’swhathadbeenneeded.Butattheendofonesolidnight

ofpraying,Heknewwhichmentochooseashismaindisciples,soHewentdownthemountaintogatherthemtogether.

How did He pray? Do you think He closed His eyes andbowedHisheadandfoldedHishands?Idon’tthinkso.IthinkHe raisedHis eyes and raisedHis head and raised his handstowardHeaven.I’msureHeprayedoutloud,often,likethis:“Inthe days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers andsupplicationswithloudcryingandtearstotheOneabletosaveHimfromdeath,andHewasheardbecauseofHispiety”(Heb.5:7).

Nowof course, there is aplace forquiet, reflectiveprayer.But there is definitely a significant place for fervent, loud,emotionalpraying.Infact,intimesofdesperationorcrisis,wecanturnthevolumeupwithoutworryingthatsomehowwearebecoming less reverent or holy. Jesus did it, and so can we.Jesusprayedfervently,evenwithvehemence.

But vehemencewas not the only emotion thatHe revealedwhenHeprayed.LookatHisemotionalresponsetothetragicdeathofHisfriendLazarus:WhenJesussaw [Mary]sobbing, and the Jewswhocamewithher[also]sobbing,Hewasdeeplymovedinspiritandtroubled.[He chafed in spirit and sighed and was disturbed.] And Hesaid,“Wherehaveyoulaidhim?”TheysaidtoHim,“Lord,comeand see.” Jesus wept. The Jews said, “See how [tenderly] Helovedhim!”Butsomeofthemsaid,“CouldnotHeWhoopenedablindman’seyeshavepreventedthismanfromdying?”NowJesus, again sighing repeatedly and deeply disquieted,approachedthetomb.Itwasacave(aholeintherock),andaboulder lay against [the entrance to close] it (John 11:33-38AMP).

Obviously, Jesus wanted to demonstrate His lordship overdeath.Buttodothat,HecouldhavesimplymarcheduptothetombandcommandedLazarustocomeoutwithan“Itoldyouso” attitude. Instead, He was moved by the situation. Hisemotions were stirred, deeply. Here were Lazarus’ twounmarried sisters, Mary and Martha, who had been entirelydependentontheirbrotherfortheirlivelihood.Thetwosistersand their brotherLazaruswere Jesus’ special friends.Hehadstayedintheirhomeasaguest;Hehadeatenmealswiththem;He had listened to them, and they had listened to Him.Withthem,Hewasatease.Theycaredabouteachother.ThismanLazaruswasoneofHisclosestpersonalfriends,eventhoughhewasn’t one ofHis disciples. SowhenHe sawLazarus’ sisters,MaryandMartha,tornwiththeirgrief,sobbing,Hisheartwastornwithgrieftoo.

TheBiblesaysthatHewas“deeplymoved.”TheGreekverbthatwetranslate“deeplymoved”isembrimaomai,whichcomesfrom the word brimaomai, or “to snort with anger.”

Embrimaomaimeans“tohaveindignationon, i.e.,toblame,tosighwith chagrin [which implies being distressed],…to groan,to murmur against.”2 Jesus was grief-stricken, and He wasupset.DeathhadrobbedthemofLazarus.Thiswastoomuchtobear!Jesuswept.Heshedtears.HeprayedfromthedepthsofHisheartwithanoutwardexpression thatmusthavesoundedlikeasnortingsighoramuffledgroan.HeprayedtoHisFather.JesuswasprayingoutofHisinnermostbeing—outofthedepthsofHisheart.Heprayedwithcompassionintercession.

As he approached the tomb, the sorrow was like wavescomingoverHim,andHecouldnolongercontainHimself.Hesighed.Hischestheaved.TearsstreakeddownHisface.HewasoverwhelmedwithacombinationoflossandindignationattheenemywhohadcausedsomuchanguishforHimandforothers.His very groans were a type of praying. He was in deepcommunicationwiththeFatherasHearriveddirectlyinfrontoftheopeningofthetomb,whichhadbeenclosedoffwithalargestone.

Then,Scripturetellsusthat,forthesakeofthosewhowerewatching Him, who had already heard His sighs, He spoke athree-wordprayer,“Lazarus,comeforth!”Miracleofmiracles,Lazarusdid(seeJohn11:43-44).

Jesus had prayed out of His function as Messiah when heprayed all night about whichmen to choose as His disciples.Later,whenHewasfacingHisowndeath,HeprayedoutofHisdesperation.Andinthiscase,Heprayedoutofcompassion.HefelttheinconsolablesorrowofMaryandMartha,andHewasindeepemotionalpainbecauseHispersonalfriend,Lazarus,haddied.

As we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we can pray as Heprayed. We can pray out of our function, whatever we havebeencalledtodo.Wecanprayoutofdesperation,unashamedlyand loudly. Andwe can pray out of compassion whenwe aremoved to the depths emotionally. Jesus is our example all theway.

JESUS,ATTHERIGHTHANDOFTHEFATHER

AnotherwaywefollowJesus’exampleisbyourconfidenceinourstandingbeforetheFather.WelearnfromJohn’sfirstletterthat Jesus is our Advocate before the Father, the One whostandsbeforetheJudgeonourbehalf:“Ifanyonesins,wehaveanAdvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous”(1John2:1b).

ItissignificantthatHeisattherighthandofGod.Therighthandsignifiesauthorityandprivilege.Inthatposition,JesusisasclosetotheFatherasHecanbe.AsHerepresents“cases”totheJudge,Heisinapositiontopleadformercy,andHehastheauthority to claim merciful judgments on behalf of those He

represents. Have you ever noticed how many times this isportrayedthroughouttheBible?Lookattheseverses:Jesusreplied.“ButIsaytoallofyou:InthefutureyouwillseetheSonofMansittingattherighthandoftheMightyOneandcomingonthecloudsofheaven”(Matthew26:64bNIV).So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He wasreceivedupintoheavenandsatdownattherighthandofGod(Mark16:19).TheLord says tomyLord: “Sit atMy righthanduntil ImakeYourenemiesafootstoolforYourfeet”(Psalm110:1).WhichHe brought about inChrist,whenHe raisedHim fromthe dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenlyplaces(Ephesians1:20).ThereforeifyouhavebeenraisedupwithChrist,keepseekingthe things above,whereChrist is, seated at the right hand ofGod(Colossians3:1).The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exactrepresentation of His being, sustaining all things by Hispowerfulword.AfterHehadprovidedpurificationforsins,HesatdownattherighthandoftheMajestyinHeaven (Hebrews1:3NIV).Thepointofwhatwearesayingisthis:Wedohavesuchahighpriest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of theMajesty in heaven, andwho serves in the sanctuary, the truetabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.…He entered theMostHolyPlaceonceforallbyHisownblood,havingobtainedeternalredemption….ForthisreasonChrististhemediatorofanew covenant, that those who are called may receive thepromised eternal inheritance—now that He has died as aransomtosetthemfreefromthesinscommittedunderthefirstcovenant(Hebrews8:1-2;9:12,15NIV).

Sowe see that Jesuswasnot only an intercessorwhenHewaswalkingontheearthovertwothousandyearsago.HealsoascendedtositattheFather’srighthand,whichmeansthatHeisintheultimateintercessoryposition.ThankGodHeisthere!ThankGodthereisanintercessor,ago-between,betweenus(inour unrighteousness) and judgment that the Father wouldotherwisemete out to us.We cannot earnHis favor.Weneedmercy,becausethereisnothingelsewecandotoavoidaguiltyverdict. Jesus interceded while He was walking with us onearth,HepaidtheultimatepricewhenHeputHimselfbetweenour sin and God’s righteous condemnation, and He stillintercedesforusfromhispositionattherighthandofGod.

JESUS’ONGOINGACTIVITYINHEAVEN

In Heaven, Jesus’ ongoing activity is to mediate the New

Covenant, drawing to Himself those who so desperately needthesavingpowerofHisblood.SpeakingaboutthebloodoftheLambJesus,thegreatpreacherCharlesSpurgeonsaid,“Manykeys fit many locks, but the master key is the blood and thenameofHimthatdied,androseagain,andeverlivesinheavento save unto the uttermost. The blood of Christ is that whichunlocks the treasury of heaven.”3 Spurgeon’s phrase, “to saveunto the uttermost” comes from the words of Hebrews 7:25,whichreadslikethisintwodifferentEnglishversions:WhereforeHe is able also to save them to the uttermost thatcome unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to makeintercessionforthem(Hebrews7:25KJV).ThereforeHeisablealsotosavetotheuttermost(completely,perfectly,finally,andforalltimeandeternity)thosewhocometoGodthroughHim,sinceHeisalwayslivingtomakepetitionto God and intercede with Him and intervene for them(Hebrews7:25AMP).

ThebloodofJesusdoesn’tspeakonly inthepast,historicaltense, but it is still alive and effective today, speaking(interceding)—“Mercy.Mercy.Mercy.” It is able to save to theuttermost, past, present, and future. Jesus’ blood speaksbecauseJesusHimselfspeaksonourbehalf,continually:“…andtoJesus,themediatorofanewcovenant,andtothesprinkledblood,whichspeaksbetterthanthebloodofAbel”(Heb.12:24).ThewordsthatJesusspeaksdonotreturntoHimvoid(seeIsa.55:10-11).His prayers are perfect, becauseHe is perfect.Wecandependutterly onHisprayers formercy.WecanbankonHim.

WecanalsopraywithHim.Heisourmodel,andHeprovidesthewordsforustouse.WecanpraytheWord,anditwillnotreturntousvoid.WecanprayintheSpiritwhen,otherwise,wewould be at the end of ourselves, and Jesus’ Spirit will praythroughusinjusttherightway.SometimesIamataloss.Idonotknowwhat topray.But Iknow that I can just turnmyselfandmysituationovertomySavior, Jesus,and(doingasPetersaid)castallmycaresuponHim,becauseHecaresforme(see1Pet.5:7).Isay,“Jesus,Youhavetotakecareof it. Intercedeforme.IcomeintoagreementwithwhatevertheFatherwantstodo.IyieldmyselftoYou.”

JESUSCHRIST,OURPRIESTLYMODEL

Intercession reached its fullest and most profoundexpression when the sins of the whole world were laid uponJesus.ItislittlewonderthattheBiblecallsthisamystery.Itisdifficult to comprehend, and it is almost unthinkable that theGod of the universe would make such a provision for humanbeings.Somehow,inthewisdomofGod,Jesuswasmadeabletoidentify fully with us, carrying the totality of our human

condition. Then, with our sins laid upon Him, as the OldTestamentpriestsusedtolaysinsuponascapegoat,Hecarriedoursinsawayforever.Hedidn’tjustpickupourburden;Hedidsomethingwithit.Hecarriedawayoursins,whichwouldhavecondemnedus.“Asfarastheeast is fromthewest,so farhasHeremovedourtransgressionsfromus”(Ps.103:12).

The word for “carry” or “bear” in Hebrew is nasa, and itmeans “to lift up,bearaway, removed toadistance.”4Weseethiswordinthe53rdchapterofIsaiah:…My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear theiriniquities….BecauseHepoured outHimself to death, andwasnumberedwith the transgressors;yetHeHimselfbore thesinofmany,andintercededforthetransgressors(Isaiah53:11-12).

We,asHisBody,canenterintothisformofintercession.Weare just riding along with Him, of course, because we can’tredeemourselves, andweneedHis gift of redemption all theway,butthereissomethingaboutoursharinginHissufferingsonbehalfofHisBody, theChurch.Somehowwecanhelp“fillup” the rest of what is needed. As I quoted in the previouschapter,Colossians1:24tellsus,“NowIrejoiceinmysufferingsfor your sake, and inmy flesh Idomy shareonbehalf ofHisbody, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking inChrist’safflictions.”Onbehalfofothers,eventhosewhoappearto be complete rascals, we can intercede, pleading formercyandforgivenessofsin.Wecanpickuptheirburdens.

In intercessors’ language, we can have a “prayer burden.”Wepickuptheburdeninordertodosomethingwithit—toliftitupandremove it, tocarry it faraway.Don’tbean intercessorwhocomesunderaburdenfromtheLordandwhostaystheretoolong,tryingtoholdupunderit.Don’tkeeptheburden!Prayuntil it’sgone.Takethefurtherstepandcastitaway,asJesusdidanddoes.Thereissuchathingasburden-bearing,butit’snotsupposedtobeaperpetualstateofbeing.Thepointistoliftthatburdenoffsomeoneandtotransportitadistancesothatitwill not return. You can pick up a spirit of depression over afamily,andyoucancastitaway.Thisisajoyfulassignment,notaheavyone!

This is part of the priestly function of Jesus and, byextension,thoseofuswhoarethe“priesthoodofallbelievers”(see1Pet.2).Thispriestlyroleofbearingother’sburdensawaywasprophesiedby Isaiah,centuriesbefore itbecamearealitythroughthebirth,life,anddeathofJesus:Allofus likesheephavegoneastray,eachofushasturnedtohisownway;but theLordhascaused the iniquityofusall tofall on Him….Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with thegreat,andHewilldividethebootywiththestrong;becauseHepoured out Himself to death, and was numbered with thetransgressors; yet He Himself bore the sin of many, and

intercededforthetransgressors(Isaiah53:6,12).Jesus Christ became ourmodel, humbling Himself through

extrememeans:[He]emptiedHimself, taking the form of a bond-servant, andbeingmadeinthelikenessofmen.Beingfoundinappearanceas a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to thepointofdeath,evendeathonacross(Philippians2:7-8).Jesus’humbleobedienceresultedinexaltationfromtheFather.Inthiscase,itisnot“whatgoesupmustcomedown,”butitis“what comes down will go up.” God has an upside-downKingdom, and He loves it when we follow in the footsteps ofJesus and humble ourselves! This allows Him to receive theglory when favor or exaltation comes. Another pertinentScriptureshowsushowHetookonallofthesinsofmankindsothatwemight“becometherighteousnessofGod”inHim:“HemadeHimwhoknewnosintobesinonourbehalf,sothatwemightbecometherighteousnessofGodinHim”(2Cor.5:21).

Ihavebeenprayingaboutthisversefor30years,overandover,askingforagreaterrevelationofit.It’sprofound,andI’mstillasking.Iunderstandittoadegree,buttherearedepthsintherethatIstilldon’tgrasp.Theversedoesn’tsaythatHetookoursinsrightthere.Itsays,“Hewhoknewnosinbecamesin.”He became, somehow, all the sin of the entire world, past,present, and future. He did it so that we could—in somemysteriousway—“becometherighteousnessofGodinHim.”

Jesus, evenwhenHewas inHisdeath throeson thecross,said,“Father,forgivethem,fortheydonotknowwhattheyaredoing” (Luke 23:34).Hewas an intercessor right through themostdifficulttimeofall,evenwhenyouwouldthinktheorderofthedaywouldbevengeancewithacapitalV.Fromthecross,withHisbloodrunningdownHisforeheadandintohismouth,Jesus was still interceding. Instead of calling down fire fromHeavenonthosewhohadaccusedHimfalselyandmockedHimand practically pulledHim limb from limb, Jesus remained soawareoftheFather’slovingpurposethatHeaskedHisFathertoforgiveeveryoneforeverything.

Jesusshowsusoneofthekeysforintercession—knowingtheloveoftheFather.WeneedtobecomeintimatelyawareoftheFather’sheartandtofeelsecureinHislove.ThenwecanprayasJesusprayed.HeissomuchourmodelandguidethatHewillhelpustowardgreaterandgreatersecurityinHislove,evenaswe indicate toHimour desire to live andpray asHedid anddoes.

To pray like Jesus, you need to have an unoffended heart.Thenyoutoocansay,“Father,forgivethem,fortheyknownotwhattheydo.”Youcanstandinthegapforyourgeneration,foryour family. I call it “ambassadorial intercession,” because

you’reactingasanambassadorforChrist.YouarerepresentingpeoplebeforeHimandaskingHimtoforgivethem.

OURROLEASPRIESTLYBURDEN-BEARERS

I want to take you back to this idea of intercession asburden-bearing. In the Greek, the idea of burden-bearing iscovered by the word bastazo. According to Strong’sConcordance,bastazoisaverbthatmeans,“totakeupwiththehands,”“totakeupinordertocarryorbear,”“tobearwhatisburdensome,”“tobear,tocarry,”“tocarryonone’sperson,”“tosustain,i.e.uphold,support,”“tobearaway,carryoff.”5BastazoisthewordthatisusedinRomans15:1-3andGalatians6:2:Nowwewhoarestrongoughttobeartheweaknessesofthosewithoutstrengthandnotjustpleaseourselves.Eachofusistoplease his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For evenChrist did not please Himself; but as it is written, “Thereproachesof thosewho reproachedYou fell onMe” (Romans15:1-3).Bearoneanother’sburdens,andso fulfill the lawofChrist

(Galatians6:2NKJV).Intercessors “bear off” or carry off the burdens of others.

This is not the same as “bearing up” under a load, becausewhenyoupray,youoffloadit,withGod’shelp,asquicklyasyoucan.

In the last portion of the Romans passage above,we read,“thereproachesofthosewhoreproachedYoufellonMe.”Whatdoesthatmean?Reproachesarecriticisms,verbalized.Itmeansthat Jesus bears off the burden of critical speech just ascompletelyasotherkindsofburdens.BecauseofHim,sodowe.Weliftupthoseheavywordsandshoulderthem,carryingthemtoJesusinprayerandforgiveness.

This iswhatHedidforus,andit’swhatHewantsustodoforeachother.Hewantsustoushereachotheralong,carryingeachother’sburdensinprayertoHim.Thiscanbeemotionallydifficult. It involves weeping with those who weep sometimes(seeRom.12:15).Itinvolvesbeingwillingtohelpcarryburdensfora long time,walkingalongsidepeoplewhoarenoteasy tolove.

AnotherGreekword isused toportray thiskindofburden-bearing:anechomai.IntheKingJamesVersion,it istranslatedwith the words “bear with,” “endure,” “forbear,” and even“suffer.” In the New American Standard Bible, we find ittranslatedas“bear,”“bearing,”“endure,”“showingtolerance,”and “tolerate.” The word can also imply “to stake up,” likestakingupaweakplant,supportingsomethingsothatwhenthewindsofadversityblow,aweakpersonhasextrasupport.6Hereisthewordasit’stranslatedinthefollowingScriptures:

So, as thosewhohavebeenchosenofGod,holy andbeloved,putonaheartofcompassion,kindness,humility,gentlenessandpatience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other,whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lordforgaveyou,soalsoshouldyou(Colossians3:12-13).Therefore I…implore you to walk in a manner worthy of thecallingwithwhichyouhavebeencalled,withallhumilityandgentleness,withpatience,showingtoleranceforoneanotherinlove(Ephesians4:1-2).

AllofthisistheworkofChrist.WeareHisambassadors,andwearemerelyimitatingHimandoperatingoutofthegracethatHe supplies when we sympathize and empathize with otherpeopleandhelpthemcarrytheir loads.It’spartofourroleaspriestly burden-bearers, because this is the work of theKingdom:ThiswastofulfillwhatwasspokenthroughIsaiahtheprophet:“HeHimselftookourinfirmitiesandcarriedawayourdiseases”(Matthew8:17).Forwedonothaveahighpriestwhocannot sympathizewithourweaknesses,butOnewhohasbeentemptedinallthingsasweare,yetwithoutsin(Hebrews4:15).Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us toHimself through Christ and gave us the ministry ofreconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling theworld to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them,and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.Therefore,weareambassadorsforChrist,asthoughGodweremakinganappeal throughus;webegyouonbehalfofChrist,bereconciledtoGod.HemadeHimwhoknewnosintobesinon our behalf, so that wemight become the righteousness ofGodinHim.AndworkingtogetherwithHim,wealsourgeyounottoreceivethegraceofGodinvain(2Corinthians5:18–6:1).

INVITEDTOPARTICIPATEINTHEWORKOFCHRIST

So we, as prayer ambassadors, have been invited toparticipateintheworkofChristJesus,sharinginHisjoysandinHissorrows.WeareprivilegedtocallHislovingattentiontotheneedsofothers.Godhas“raisedusupwithHim,andseateduswithHimintheheavenlyplacesinChristJesus”(Eph.2:6).HehascalledthoseofuswhobearHisname“thepriestsoftheLord”and“ministersofourGod”(Isa.61:6).

Have you appropriated the truth of that statement yet? Ihave been called to be a priest of the Lord and aminister ofGod,andyouhavebeencalledtobeapriestoftheLordandaministerofGod.Wewillbespokenofaspriestsandministers.We sit with Him at the right hand of the Father. This ismanifestly true.The truthof it is starting tobeworkedout in

ourlivesasactualexperience.FromourpositionwithHiminHeaven,itisourgreatjoyand

honortointercedeforothers,tobridgethegapthatseparatesthem from His provision. Just as Jesus is our tirelessIntercessor, so we keep the fires of intercession burning dayandnight. Becausewe “have been raised upwithChrist,”we“keepseekingthethingsabove,whereChrist is,seatedat therighthandofGod”(Col.3:1).

It is from our position with Him—not from a position farbeneath the clouds—that we seek His intervention. We prayfromupheretodownthere.We’renotprayingupthroughthistemporary present darkness, blindly groping our way, hopingagainsthopethatat leasta fewofoureffortswillprevail.No,we start out seated on high.We’re prayingdown through thedarkness,fromthethroneroom!

Through our prayers, especially as they are joined to theprayersofotherlike-mindedand“like-hearted”servantsoftheKing, we have the authority to call forth prayer-targets. OurintercessionreleasesHisglorylighttoflashforthlikelighteningand helps to aim it at the desired objective. As we noted inChapter 1, “He covers His hands with the lightening andcommandsittostrikethemark”(Job36:32).

We are seated with Him; therefore, we can share Hisperspective. With His eyes, we can see. Our worship-filledheartsfastenthemselvestoHim.Heistheobjectofourdesire.OurprayersflowfromheartsthathavebeencapturedbyHis.

As our High Priest forever (see Heb. 7:24), Jesusnevertheless remains the Son ofMan.His intercession comesfromhisheartastheSonofMan.HereiswhatWesleyDuewelsaysaboutthis:AsenthronedSonofMan,whatdoesJesuslivetodo?DoesHelivetowelcomethesaintstoheavenattheirdeath?IamsureHewelcomesthem,buttheBibledoesnotsayso.DoesHelivetograntinterviewstosaintsandangels?Hemostprobablydoesthis, but the Bible does not say so. Does He live to enjoyheaven’smusic?IamsureHethrillstodoit.HecreatedustobeabletoenjoymusicalongwithHim,butthereissomethingmoreimportantthanlisteningtomusic.DoesHelivetoreign?MostcertainlyHedoes—andHewillreignforeverandever.

TheBibleemphasizesoneroleofJesustodayaboveallothers—HeisPriestforever (Heb.5:6;6:20;7:17,21).Hispriesthoodis permanent (7:24) because He always lives to intercede (v.25).Hissovereignthroneisathroneofgrace,bothbecauseofHis atonement and becauseHe ever lives to intercede for us.Hisisapriestlythrone(8:1).

Romans8:34associatestwofacts:ChristattherighthandofGod,andChristintercedingforus.Whatdoesthisintercession

forus imply?Many commentators feel thatHis verypresenceseated on the throne of heaven is sufficient in itself as aglorious intercession. They doubt that He is actually praying.They feel thatHe does not need tomake any requests of theFather;Hissittingonthethroneisalltherequestnecessary.

But Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb.13:8).Whileonearth,Helovedus,yearnedforus,andprayedforus (John17).Heprayed forPeterpersonally (Luke22:32).As Son of Man, He is as intensely concerned about andinterested in each one of us as He ever was. He is still assympatheticasHeeverwas(Heb.4:15).TheGreekwordusedhere,sympatheō,means“tosufferwith.”Thewholeargumentof Hebrews 4:15-16 is that we are to come to the throne ofgrace(whereJesusisinterceding)withconfidencebecauseHedoes sympathize and suffer with our pain. He is touched andmoved by our need and feels its pain. He feels for us asinfinitelyasHeeverdid.His throneof intercessionforus isathroneoffeelingintercession.7

Wecannot add towhat Jesus has done, butmodelingwhatHe did, through the power of His Spirit in us, we have theburdens and weaknesses of others placed upon us forintercessory purposes.We carry them to the throne, allowingthe Holy Spirit to appropriate the benefits of the cross,acknowledging and receiving the grace of our Lord and thepowerofHisshedbloodasall-sufficientforeverypossibleneed.His throne is a “throne of feeling intercession,” andwe standwithHim,willingandeagertointercedethroughHim.Lord, I rejoice to know that Jesus Christ is our magnificentintercessor and High Priest and that He is our mediator andmostexcellentadvocate.IdrawneartoYourgloriousthroneofgrace to receive help and mercy. I draw near to Your heart.GrantmeYourheartandYourgraceforthisdeepeningworkofidentification in intercession. Make me an ambassador. OpenmyeyestoseetheneedsandgrantmeYourbrokenheart.HelpmetolaydownmylifeasIagreetohelpcarrypeople’sburdenstoYou.AsoneoftheonesYouhavecalledtoco-laborwithYouin your priestly ministry, I want to volunteer myself freely tooffer the incense of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, andintercessiononbehalfofothers.AlongwithYourotherservants,IwanttoenlistasaPrayerWarrior inYourholyname.HereIstand, Lord. I want to follow in Your footsteps! For YourKingdomandYourglory’ssake,amen.

PartII

POWERFORAPRAYERSTORM

BreatheonMe,BreathofGodBreatheonme,breathofGod,Fillmewithlifeanew,ThatImaylovewhatThoudostlove,AnddowhatThouwouldstdo.Breatheonme,breathofGod,Untilmyheartispure,UntilwithTheeIwillonewill,Todoandtoendure.Breatheonme,breathofGod,BlendallmysoulwithThine,UntilthisearthlypartofmeGlowswithThyfiredivine.Breatheonme,breathofGod,SoshallIneverdie,ButlivewithTheetheperfectlifeOfThineeternity.1

Chapter3

SPIRIT-EMPOWEREDPRAYERSTORM

“I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I willcertainly pray to the Lord your God as you have requested; Iwill tell you everything the Lord says and will keep nothingbackfromyou”(Jeremiah42:4NIV).

For this chapter, I have chosen to use the term, Spirit-empowered prayer, although I have presented similar biblicaloverviewsofprayerunderdifferentheadingssuchaspropheticintercession or revelatory prayer. It seems that the idea ofSpirit-empowered prayer is easier to grasp than some of theothertermsthatIandothershaveoftenused.WhatdoImeanby the term? It’s straightforward enough; I’m talking aboutprayerthatisdirectedandledbytheHolySpirit.

ThiskindofprayerislikebeinginagreatwaltzinwhichyoulettheHolySpirittakethelead.Henotonlyleadsyou,butHealsopropelsyou.Henotonlynudgesyouthiswayandthat,butHe sometimes keeps you dancing all night! Spirit-empoweredprayeris likegettingaboostertoyourprayerrocket.Just likeHedidonthedayofPentecostintheBookofActs(seeActs2),the Holy Spirit comes upon you and rises up within you. Hegivesyouaburstofpower,energy,andinsightthatyoudidnotpossesspreviously.

PaulwrotethesewordstothechurchinRome:“AllwhoarebeingledbytheSpiritofGod,thesearethesonsofGod”(Rom.8:14).AsGod’s children, naturallywewant tobe ledbyHim.WewanttokeepupwithHim.WewanttowalkinHisfootsteps.It doesn’t take us very long beforewe realize thatwe cannotaccomplish this without the power of the Holy Spirit. In ourhumanity,wedonotcomeequippedwiththekindofpower—theimpetus, the insight, the influence—that is required toaccomplishGod’swork.Weneedtobefilledwithdivinepower.

Propheticintercessionistheabilitytoreceiveanimmediateprayer request from God and to pray about it in a divinelyanointedutterance.Propheticprayer is waiting before God inorder to “hear” or receive God’s burden (which means God’sconcern, warning, conditions, vision, promise, or word) and

then responding back to the Lord and to the people, withappropriateactions.Thetypesofprayer,whateveryouwanttocall them (prophetic intercession, prophetic prayer, revelatoryprayer), and the appropriate actions (responses and“techniques” of prayer) are all included under Spirit-empoweredprayer.

THEPOWEROFPROPHETICINTERCESSION

In my book, The Prophetic Intercessor, I developed thebiblicalbasisforpropheticintercessionwiththoroughteachingandnumerousexamplesfromChurchhistoryandmyownlife’sjourney. But for this one chapter, let me simply give you anoverviewofthissubjectthatissodeartomyheart.

In the Scripture I quoted at the beginning of this chapter,Jeremiah the prophet agreed to pray on behalf of the people,andheagreedtolistentoGodforthem.Thisiswhatprophetsdo—theycan“hear”God(whetherornottheyhearanaudiblevoice), and they are able to tell peoplewhatGodhas said. Inthis instance, Jeremiahwas combining his prophetic rolewiththepriestlyroleofintercession.

Inpropheticintercession,therolesofpriestandprophetarebroughttogether.Notallprophetsareintercessors,andnotallpriestsareprophets.Butwhenthesetwocometogether,itcanbepowerful!Inauthenticpropheticintercession,thegracesandburdens of the prophet and the priest are united. The priestpleadstheneedsofthepeopletotheLord.Theprophetpleadsthe interests of God before the people. The propheticintercessordoesboth.

PROPHETICINTERCESSIONPLEADSTHEPROMISES

As an intercessor rises in worship, he or she becomessecurely seatedwithChrist Jesus in theheavenlyplaces.As aresult, the intercessor receivesa revelationofHisheart.Withthatrevelation,theintercessorisabletopraywithGodinsteadofmerely toHim fromhisorherown limitedperspectiveandpassion. The intercessor becomes prophetic. The words ofintercessionbecomereiterationsofGod’sWord.Theymatchupwith the will of God. The prophetic intercessor pleads thepromisesofGod.

This makes an amazing difference in the effectiveness ofprayer.WhenGod enables you to pray like this, your prayerscanbebasednotonlyonthecovenantpromisesofGodthatHehasmadetoHispeopleandthatarerecordedintheBible,butalsoontherestoftheunfulfilledpromisesthatHehasmadetoHispeoplethroughouthistory.

You are like John the Beloved, leaning your head upon thechest of the Messiah. You are hearing the very heartbeat of

Heaven,andthatheartbeatbeginstoresonatewithinyou.Yourwordsofprayerarisefromyourheart,which is filledwithHisSpirit, and that means that they are guaranteed to be inagreementwithGod—whichmakesthemhighlyeffective.

Thewordsofthiskindofrevelatoryprayerpavethewayforthe realization of as-yet-unfulfilled prophetic promises. In thiskindofpropheticintercession,theSpiritofGodpleadsthroughyouasabeliever.Yourprayer“targets”arepaintedwithgreateraccuracy.NotonlydoestheSpiriturgeyoutoprayprayersthathave been prayed for centuries (“Come, Lord Jesus”), but Healsoenables you, as aSpirit-filled intercessor, to “pickupon”immediateprayerrequeststhatareontheheartofGod(“Lord,anoint the preaching of Your Word this evening”). The HolySpirit nudges you to pray for particular things in particularways so that He can intervene. You are given revelation forsituations about which you have very little knowledge in thenatural.Whether yourprayer requestsare small or large, youknowyoucanbeconfidentthattheywillbebringingforthHiswillontheearthasitiswilledinHeaven.

THEANNACOMPANY

Godislookingforaparticularkindofpeople.HeislookingforHolyGhostpushers.He’slookingforpeoplewhoHecanputonassignment,peoplewhowillpressandpushintheirprayinguntilsomethinghappens.Hewants thesepeople to joinhandsandtaketheirplacesaswatchmenonthewallforHissake,forthe sakeofHis comingKingdom.He is looking forAnnasandSimeonswhowillprayrelentlessly:Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who wasrighteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation ofIsrael,andtheHolySpiritwasuponhim.Ithadbeenrevealedtohimby theHolySpirit thathewouldnotdiebeforehehadseen the Lord’s Christ (Luke 2:25-26 NIV). And there was aprophetess,AnnathedaughterofPhanuel,ofthetribeofAsherShe was advanced in years and had lived with her husbandsevenyearsafterhermarriage,andthenasawidowtotheageofeighty-four.Sheneverleftthetemple,servingnightanddaywith fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came upandbegangivingthankstoGod,andcontinuedtospeakofHimtoall thosewhowere lookingfor theredemptionof Jerusalem(Luke2:36-38).

Anna’sassignmentwasprayer,specificallyprayerthatwouldpreparethewayforthecomingoftheMessiah.Herstoryhelpsusunderstandourownprayerassignments.Shestayedthereinthetemple,fastingandpraying,dayafterday,weekafterweek,year after year. She worshiped and prayed through thepromisesofGod.GodhadpromisedtosendaSavior.ShewaswaitingforHim,notpassivelyorwithresignation,butactively,

withprayer.Ibelievethat, justasGodhadAnnaandSimeonbeforethe

firstcomingofJesus,soitwillbebeforeHisSecondComing.Ibelieve that there will be consecrated, gifted, propheticintercessorswhowill lay hold of the purposes of God.May ithappeninthisgeneration!TheLordwantstoraiseupanAnnacompanyinourday,intercessorswhowillpavethewayforthesecondcomingoftheLord.Heis lookingfornewrecruits;theHolySpiritissendingoutinvitations.Haveyourespondedyet?

Now when I say “Anna company,” I don’t mean that thisassignment is for women only. It’s true that many of thegreatestintercessorsofourtimehavebeenwomen.TheyhaveanaturalsensitivityofspiritandapassionforthethingsofGod.TheyarereadytoyieldtheirheartstoHimtopleadhiscause.But the Anna company is made up of both men and women,young aswell as old. The only qualification that you need, inorder tobelong, isanever-growingconvictionof theend-timepurposesofGodandadesire topray throughGod’spromisesuntilyouseethemfulfilled.

ThemembersoftheAnnacompanyknowhowtheburdenofprophetic intercession begins as a small flame and soonconsumes everything around it as revelation increases. Theyknowhowtheburdengrowsthroughoutits“gestationperiod,”andtheylearnhowtotravailandhowtopushinprayerinorderto bring God’s purposes to birth. All prophetic intercessioncarries with it the struggle of birth. The hearts of propheticintercessorsbecomeswombsinwhichGod’spropheticpurposescangrowuntilit’stimeforthemtocomeforth.Arise,peopleofGod, and put off your slumber! Let us become steadfast andsingle-minded,likeAnna,morethan2,000yearsago.WhenweseeHim,letuscryout,“BeholdtheChrist!”

PROPHETICINTERCESSION=CONSPIRING

Thewordconspiremeans “tobreathe together.”WhenGodcreatedman from the dust of the earth,He breathed into hisnostrilsthebreathof life,andmanbecamea livingbeing(seeGen.2:7).ThisHebrewwordthatwetranslate“breathed”canmean breathing violently, such as when the violent, rushingwindfilledtheupperroomonthedayofPentecost.2

ThepropheticintercessorconspireswithGodthatHisglorywill be seen, felt, and known in the earth. Propheticintercession is our conspiring (breathing together) with God,breathing violently into situations through prayer in order tobringforthlife.Here’sanexamplefrommyownlife.

Some years back, I was in Germany. In the middle of thenight,ItookatrainfromHeidelbergtoRosenheim,whichisinthepartofsouthernGermanythatisknownasBavaria.Itwasasix-hourtrip.Allnightlong,asIattemptedtorestonthetrain,I

kept hearing the gentle, consistent voice of the Holy Spirit.After a while, it was as if I were breathing these words withHim.ThesamephraserumbledoverandoverwithinmymindandheartasthetrainrumbleditswayacrossGermany:“Whereare my Daniels? Where are my Esthers? Where are myDeborahs? Where are my Josephs?” I heard it over and over.“WherearemyDaniels?WherearemyEsthers?WherearemyDeborahs?WherearemyJosephs?”

IknewHewastalkingtomeasanindividualintercessor,butIalsofeltHewasimpartingtomeaburdentoraiseupabandof people who would volunteer themselves for the task ofprayer.ItwasasiftheSpiritandIwerecon-spiring,breathingtogether, for the purpose of bringing life into something thatwas in the heart of God. Where are His Daniels, Esthers,Deborahs, and Josephs?Are you one of them?Have you beenpositioned “for such a time as this”? (See Esther 4:14.) Haveyoubeenbroughtforthforthispropheticintercessorytask?WillyoubeoneoftheanswerstoHispersistentplea?

Manyyearsago, I sawavisionof “velvetwarriors”movingforwardon their knees. Itwas thearmyof theLord,but theywere coming so much more slowly than I would haveanticipated.WhenIsawthemcometothetopofahill,Icouldseewhy—theyweremarching on their knees. Then the Spiritdescribed them to me as velvet warriors. This indicated thatthey were part of an arising generation that knew that itsstrengthwasonbendedknee.

Thatarmyisstillassembling,andmanyvacanciesstillexistin it; youcanstill signup. It’snot too late toanswer thecall.Youcanvolunteerforon-the-jobtrainingandbecommissionedasoneofGod’sservantwarriors.IthinkIcanheardrumbeatsin the background. I think I can hear another sound callingforth watchmen to mount their walls. Who will answer thesecalls?Whowillblendtheirheartbeatandtheirheart’scrywithHis?

FORMSOFSPIRIT-EMPOWEREDPRAYER

Spirit-empoweredprayercantakemanyforms,astheSpiritblows wherever He wishes. But two forms of Spirit-inspiredprayer,whicharecompletelybiblicalandcompletelyundertheoversight of theHoly Spirit, are praying in theSpirit throughthe gift of tongues and praying in the Spirit through intense,ferventprayer(prayerthatissointenseitislikethe“travail”ofnaturalchildbirth).Tonguesandtravail.Iwanttospendtherestofthechapteronthesetwoformsofprayer.

TheGiftofTonguesThegiftoftongues—whatawonderfuldimensionofprayer!I

lovetoprayintongues.IprobablyprayinthiswaymorethanIdoinanyotherway.Ofcourse,IprayinEnglishallthetime.Iread theWordofGod,and then Ipray it.Butoneof thekeysthat opens revelation for me is praying in tongues, first in adevotionalwayandthen,astheSpiritariseswithinme, intheintercessory dimension of the gift. I’mnot saying that it’s theonly way to pray, because it’s not; it’s just a way. There aremanyformsofSpirit-led,Spirit-empoweredprayer.Butprayingwiththegiftoftonguesisoneoftheprimaryones.

When you pray in the Spirit, your spirit is communicatingdirectly with God. It’s a straight shot. You can pray in yourprayer language as much as you want to, using it to raiseyourself up tonew levels inpraise,worship, and intercession.TheWordtellsus:“Foranyonewhospeaksinatonguedoesnotspeaktomenbut toGod. Indeed,nooneunderstandshim;heuttersmysterieswithhisspirit”(1Cor.14:2NIV).

When you pray privately in this way, whether quietly orloudly, sitting at your desk, standing at the kitchen sink, ordrivingyourcar,youareedifyingandbuildingyourselfupintheLord, uttering far more expressive praises to Him than youcouldthinkuponyourown.

Butyoucanalsousethisspiritualgifttointercede.Youcanbringaconcern,care,orburdenbeforetheLordandyieldittoHimwithwordsinyourprayerlanguage.Inthisway,theHolySpiritintercedesthroughyourspirit:TheSpirithelpsus inourweakness.Wedonotknowwhatweoughttoprayfor,buttheSpiritHimself intercedesforuswithgroans that words cannot express. And He who searches ourhearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the SpiritintercedesforthesaintsinaccordancewithGod’swill(Romans8:26-28NIV).For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit [by the HolySpiritwithinme]prays,butmymind isunproductive [itbearsnofruitandhelpsnobody](1Corinthians14:14AMP).

Since none of us always knows how or what to pray in agivensituation,bringingyourprayerbeforetheLordbyprayingintheSpiritenablestheHolySpirit,yourHelper,topraywithinthe Lord’s will. Using a prayer language is a way of beingdependentuponGod,becauseyoucannotduplicateitorinventitonyourown.Sometimespeoplemightactproudofit,asin“Ihavesomethingbetterthanyoudo,”butneedlesstosay,allthatrevealsisacharacterweaknessinthespeaker,notaflawinthegiftitself.

Yearsago,whenIdidnotyetexercisethegiftoftongues,Ithought I didn’t need it. I said, “God gives that to thosewhoneed it,and Idon’tneed it.”As thenext fewmonthswentby,theLordconvincedmethatthefirstpartofmystatementwas

totallycorrect.Goddoesgivethegifttothosewhoneedit.Butthesecondpartofmystatementwasnotcorrect,becauseIdidneed it! I hadcomeupagainst somecircumstances inmy lifethat I could not solve. I wasn’t trained enough. I wasn’tknowledgeable enough. I wasn’t experienced enough. I didn’tseemtohaveenoughprayerpoweronmyown,soIyieldedtotheHolySpirit.Inowhadanewrevelation:Godgivesthegiftto thosewhoneed it.And,guesswhat, that includesme.Thatwashumbling.

EventhoughprayingintheSpiritsoundsnonsensicaltoyourear (because you really don’t know what you’re saying), yourprayer language has definite meaning. It doesn’t matterwhetherornotyouunderstandit,becauseGoddoes,andHeisthe One you are praying to. He who inspired it alsocomprehends it. First Corinthians 14:10 explains that“undoubtedlythereareallsortsof languagesintheworld,yetnoneofthemiswithoutmeaning”(NIV).

Usethisgiftoften,becauseitwilledifyyourspirit.Youwillbebuiltupandstrengthened,encouragedandreinvigoratedforyour intercessory warfare task. We read again in the 14thchapter of First Corinthians: “One who speaks in a tongueedifies himself” (1 Cor. 14:4a). In the Book of Jude, we read,“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in yourmost holyfaithandprayintheHolySpirit”(Jude20NIV).SoifyouwanttobeintheSpiritandstayintheSpirit—prayintheSpirit!

PrayingintheSpirithasthefullauthorityofHeavenbehindit!There isnowayyoucouldknow in thenaturalwhensatanandhisdemonic forcesareabout to launchanattack,but theHolySpiritwillpromptyouatthestrategic,opportunetimeandwill keep you on the alert. And because you know that “theeffective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much”(James 5:16b), you can be sure that youwill prevail. You justprayed prayers that were inspired by the Spirit. And who ismorerighteousthantheHolySpirit?

You can pray bothways, in the Spirit andwith yourmind.That’swhatPauldid:“…IwillpraywiththespiritandIwillpraywiththemindalso;IwillsingwiththespiritandIwillsingwiththe mind also” (1 Cor. 14:15). Like Paul, you can pray in theSpirit to regain territory from the demonic kingdom, and youcan express your prayerswith unfailing faith and unwaveringjoy, praise, and worship. This prayer and praise weapon ispowerful, and it’s always on target. Praying in the Spirit isGod’santi-ballisticmissile,andithitsthemarkeverytime!Paulfurtherinstructedusaboutthegiftoftongues:Nowconcerningspiritualgifts,brethren,Iwouldnothaveyouignorant….Now there are diversities of gifts, but the sameSpirit. And there are differences of administrations, but thesameLord.Andtherearediversitiesofoperations,butitisthe

sameGodwhichworkethallinall.ButthemanifestationoftheSpirit is given to everyman to profitwithal….Nowye are thebody of Christ, andmembers in particular. And God hath setsomeinthechurch,firstapostles,secondarilyprophets,thirdlyteachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps,governments,diversitiesoftongues (1Corinthians12:1,4-7,27-28KJV).He was saying, obviously, that there are different kinds oftongues. They sound different—really different—from eachother.Inthatpassage,thewordtranslated“diversities”isgenosintheGreek,anditreferstoacollectionofdifferentthingsthatbelong to the same group or family, “kin” or “offspring.”3 Inotherwords,diversitiesof tonguesareallheavenlyutterancesthatareasdifferentas themembersofa familyorgroupcanbe,buttheyrelatedtooneanotherbythesameSpirit.

Asyouknow,theHolySpiritlovesdiversity.Ifyouhaveevertraveledwidely, youwill knowwhat Imean.Notonly isGod’screationvastandfilledwithinfinitevariety,buthumanculturesandlanguagesaretoo.Ihavetraveledinwellover40differentnations on all of the continents, and I have heard some verystrange dialects. Some languages sound like baby talk or justnoise tomyear.But theyareall languages, and theyall havemeaning. So if you hear other people speaking in prayerlanguages that don’t sound very sophisticated to you—that’sOK.Eveninoneperson’srangeofexperiencewiththisgift,weseediversity.

This may be a bit of a review, but here are some diverseapplicationsfromtheBibleforthegiftoftongues:

Tongues at the filling of theHolySpirit (SeeActs 2:1-4;10:44-46;Mark16:17.)Tongues for interpretation (See 1 Corinthians 12:7-10;Isaiah28:11.)Tonguesofedification(SeeJude20;1Corinthians14:4.)Tongues as a sign to the unbeliever (See 1Corin thians14:22.)Tongues of intercession (See Romans 8:26. The wordgroanings inthisversecanbetranslatedas“inarticulatespeech,”anditreferstospeechthatdoesnotoriginateintheintellectorwiththeunderstanding,speechthatisnotrelatedtoraceornationality.Inarticulatespeechincludes,butisnotlimitedto,“othertongues.”)4

Tongues of warfare (Sometimes the Holy Spirit goes onthe offensive. He battles through us. Sometimes Hecouplestogetherthegiftoftongueswiththegiftoffaithorthegiftofdiscerningofspirits.Youwillfeelarisingupinside and a push or an urge to launch out againstdemonicforces.Youattackthepowersofdarkness,taking

authorityoversatanandrejectinghisplans,andyoudoitby the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within you.This is your tongue of intercession engaged in warfare,bringingdeliverance,healing,andliberty.)

ThePrayerofGroaningandTravailLet’s examine more in depth the Scripture I cited above

under “tongues of intercession.” Before long,most committedintercessorshavetheexperiencedescribedinRomans8:26-27,the experience of the Holy Spirit groaning and wrestlingthrough their prayers.Here are two translations of these twoverses:InthesamewaytheSpiritalsohelpsourweakness;forwedonot know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himselfintercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and HewhosearchestheheartsknowswhatthemindoftheSpirit is,because He intercedes for the saints according to the will ofGod(Romans8:26-27).Sotoothe[Holy]Spiritcomestoouraidandbearsusupinourweakness;forwedonotknowwhatprayertooffernorhowtooffer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes tomeet our supplication and pleads in our behalf withunspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.AndHeWhosearches theheartsofmenknowswhat is in themindofthe[Holy]Spirit[whatHisintentis],becausetheSpiritintercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saintsaccording toand inharmonywithGod’swill (Romans8:26-27AMP).

Manytimeswecallthiskindofpraying“travail,”becauseitis somuch likenatural childbirth. It is thewill ofGod togivebirth to His purposes, but that process of birthing is notinstantaneous or painless. It can be quite a struggle. Wordsalonecan’t accomplish it.TheHolySpirit inusmovesbeyondwordstosighs,groans,andinarticulatelongings.Wemovewithourprayers.WemaystandupandreachuptoGod,thenpace,thenfalltothefloor,evenwrithingasweyearnforthereliefofthe longed-for “birth.” It’s work. It’s very much like labor,purposefulandintense. Intheheatoftheeffort,weno longerworryaboutmaintainingourdignity.

This kindofpraying is fervent. It ishot. (Theword ferventcomes from theLatinword for “to boil; hot.”)5 In this kind ofintercession,weseeGod’s intensedesiretocreateanopeningthroughwhichHecanbringnewlife,change,growth,orfruit.Elijahmodeleditforus:Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayedearnestlythatitwouldnotrain,anditdidnotrainontheearthforthreeyearsandsixmonths.Thenheprayedagain,andthe

sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit (James 5:17-18).

Prayer that involvesgroaningandpantingunder thepowerof the Holy Spirit, like a woman in childbirth, can also becomparedtotheheatofaconflictonabattlefield.Lookattwomoreverses,whichhappentocombinethetwoimages:TheLordwillgoforthlikeamightyman,HewillrouseupHiszealous indignationand vengeance like awarrior;Hewill cry,yes, He will shout aloud, He will do mightily against Hisenemies. [Thus says theLord] I have for a long timeheldMypeace, I have been still and restrainedMyself.Now Iwill cryoutlikeawomanintravail,Iwillgaspandpanttogether(Isaiah42:13-14AMP).

Jesusisourexampleinferventprayer.AsImentionedinthepreviouschapter,oftenHewasnothushedandquietwhenHeprayed.HewasstirredtothedepthsofHisbeing,tothepointthatHecouldnotsuppressHisexplosivesighs.(RememberthestoryofLazarus’deathandresurrectioninJohn11:33-44.)ThewriterofHebrewstellsusthatwhenJesuswalkedtheearthastheSonofMan,onewayHeshowedHishumanitywasbytheway He prayed: “In the days of His flesh [Jesus] offered updefinite,specialpetitions…andsupplicationswithstrongcryingandtears”(Hebrews5:7aAMP).

“Strongcryingand tears,” especially theGreek term for it,givestheideathatHecriedoutloudlyinprayer,evenshoutingandscreaming.6Itwasthesoundofthebattlefield,astruggleoflifeanddeath.Innowaywasittimidorrestrained.

The prayer of groaning brings deliverance fromwithin andpushes back the pressures of darkness fromwithout.Walls ofresistance toward God are within each of us. We hardly seethem,andwedefinitelycannotdeliverourselvesfromthem,butthiskindofprayerishigherthanourunderstanding.Itislargerthanourlimitedcomprehension,becauseitbypassesourmindsandallowstheHolySpirittomoveusintothefreedomthatGoddesires.

Theprayerofgroaningoriginatesdeepwithinourspirits.Itis deep calling unto deep. It brings release from the graveclothes of dead works, stripping us so that we might bereclothedbytheSpiritofGod.Welongforevenaforetasteofthingstocome,andwewanttobeprepared:“Forindeedinthishousewegroan, longing tobeclothedwithourdwelling fromheaven”(2Cor.5:2).

Travailingprayercomesbeforethepromiseisborn,butnotbefore thepromise isconceived. IntimacywithGodallowsthe“conception,”asthepromise isrevealedandreceivedintoourspirits.Buttravailishowthebirthisachieved.Itopensuptheway, removes the hindrances and constraints, and creates a

broad“highway” forGod’spromise tobeshown forth into thelightofday(seeIsa.40:3).

WhenElijahprayed,hegaveitallhehad(seeJames.5:17).Wehaveadescriptionofhisposture—heprayedwithhis facebetweenhisknees,crouchedto theearth (see1Kings18:42).Thatisatravailingposture.It’snottheonlykindofprayer;it’sjustonekind.But it’sgood tobeawareof it in case theHolySpirit brings you into the experience or you are in a place(hopefully a behind-the-scenes place) with other intercessorswhereithappens.

A good example of this kind of praying happened to me—alongwith a teamofmen—in1986 inHaiti. I hadgone theremanytimes,but this timeIwas therewithmy friend,MaheshChavda,doing intercessionbefore,during, andafterhis timesof preaching. Many miracles had occurred, and many peoplehadcometoJesus.Well,onetime,inthemiddleofthenight,Iwent with a small team up to an outlook over Port-au-Prince,the capital city. We felt that the Holy Spirit wanted us to gothere. This was back when Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalierwas dictator of the country, and he was as ruthless anddecadentashisfather(“PapaDoc”)hadbeen.Thecountryhadsuffered for so long; it had become the poorest nation in thewesternhemisphere.

We got up in the middle of the night and went up to theoverlook,burdened for thenationofHaiti.Asa team,wehadbeen praying and fasting. There in the darkness, overlookingthe lights of the city, travailing prayer came upon us like ablanket, in a split second, as if the team members were oneman. Instantly, we were praying in agreement in a prayerdimension that went beyond our understanding and previousexperience.Ourprayerswentbeyondthearticulationofnaturalspeech.Wewerelikewomenintravail.

Beingmen,noneofushadeverhadchildren, soyoucouldarguethatIdon’tknowwhatI’mtalkingabout.ButIhadbeenwithmywife four times in the birthing room, so I think I doknow,atleastpartially,whatit’slike.OnethingIknowaboutitisthat,onceyou’reunderway,youcan’tbackup.Youcan’tjustput travailon“pause,”even if youwant to,anymore thanyoucanstop laboranddelivery fromhappening.You’recommittedtoit,andyougowithit,evenifyoudon’tlookverycalm,cool,andcollectedwhileit’shappening.

WetravaileduntiltheSpiritlifted,andthenwewentbacktowherewehadbeenstaying.Thenextday,weheardthenews:BabyDochadfledthecountry.Hewasgone,headedforexileinFrance. His dictatorship had ended. This opened a season ofmercyfor theHaitians. Itdidn’tsolveeveryproblem,but theydidhave the first democratic election in theirhistory, and theruleoftheDuvalierfamilyhadended.

BETENACIOUS

I want to mention one more thing. Travail takes time. Youhave to be tenacious. Youwill go through stretcheswhen youarenotcryingout.Infact,nothingseemstobehappening.It’smore like being a watchman on a wall when nothing ishappening. But you stay there. You don’t abandon your post.Youkeepalert.Youdon’tflaginyourattention.Youpersevere.YouneedtobereadyiftheHolySpiritisready.

The psalmist wrote, “I pursued my enemies and overtookthem, and I didnot turnbackuntil theywere consumed” (Ps.18:37).Whendidhequit?Whenthebattlewasover.Hedidn’tquitinthemiddle,andhedidn’ttakeabreak.

That’s what Spirit-empowered prayer is like. The HolySpirit’senergydoesnotflag.Whenyou’reprayinginthepowerof the Spirit, you will not give up. You will be able to go farbeyondyournormalabilitytopray,evenifyoupossessalotofnatural energy and zeal. You are breathing together, “con-spiring.”As youdo it, youget better at it. You keeppursuingyourenemyuntilyouovertakehim,andyoukeeplaboringuntilyouhaveabreakthrough.

When you undertake Spirit-empowered prayer, you operatewith a watchman’s anointing. You watch to see things in theSpirit. What is the enemy up to? What does God want to doabout it?You take thekeysof theKingdom in yourhand, andyoubindupthedarkness.YouwelcometheSpiritoftheLord’spresence. You are vigilant and determined. You communicatewithyourfellowwatchers.Together,youmaintainthewatch.Father, I want to make a difference! I want to be one of themembersofyourspiritualarmed forces,and Iwant tohelp tobring in Your Kingdom by force (seeMatt. 11:12). Anointmewith Spirit-empowered prayer power that goes beyond mynaturalmind.TakemefurtherinprayerthanIhaveeverbeenbefore,forYourKingdom’ssake.Iwanttostormagainstthefoeinprayer.YourKingdomcome,Yourwillbedone,onearthasitisinHeaven.InJesus’name,amen.

TheGatheringClouds,WithAspectDarkThegatheringclouds,withaspectdark,Arisingstormpresage;O!tobehidwithintheark,Andshelteredfromitsrage!Seethecommissionedangelfrown!Thatvialinhishand,Filledwithfiercewrath,ispouringdownUponourguiltyland!Yesaints,uniteinwrestlingprayer;Ifyettheremaybehope;WhoknowsbutMercyyetmayspare,Andbidtheangelstop!Sothunder,o’erthedistanthills,Givesbutamurm’ringsound,Butasthetempestspreads,itfills,Andmakesthewelkinsound.Maywe,atleast,withoneconsent,FalllowbeforethethroneWithtearsthenation’ssinslament,Thechurches,andourown.Thehumblesoulswhomournandpray,TheLordapprovesandknows;HismarksecurestheminthedayWhenvengeancestrikeshisfoes.1

Chapter4

INTERCESSORYPRAYERSTORMINTIMESOFCRISIS

WithallprayerandpetitionprayatalltimesintheSpirit,andwith this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance andpetitionforallthesaints(Ephesians6:18).When I think about crisis intercession, I always remember

ReesHowells, the famousWelsh intercessorwho founded theBible College of Wales at Swansea. His particular anointingprovided the faith and the power to pray effectively foreverything fromworld crises (notably duringWorldWar II) tofinancialcrisesathisschool.Thestoryofhislifehasbeentoldwidely.When Rees Howells died in 1950, he passed on the

leadership of the Bible College to his son Samuel, and hisanointingcametoSamuelaswell.Overthedecades,fatherandsonledasmallgroupofpeople,includingmanyofthestudentsandstaffofthecollege,incrisisintercession.Theyprayedlongandhardforbreakthroughs,andtheygotverifiableresults.Samuel Howells died in 2004. But when he was 86, I was

abletovisithimattheBibleCollege.TheLordhadgivenmeadream about “re-digging the wells of crisis intercession,” butHehadnottoldmehowtodoit.AllIknewforsurewasthatIneededtovisittheBibleCollegeofWales.IwasonanationwiderevivaltourofWaleswhenIobtaineda

personal appointment with Mr. Howells (who rarely gaveinterviewstopeople).AfriendfromIndiana,SueKellough,whoisaprophetess,wentwithme. Ihadonegoal inmind for theappointment,andIwasfastenedonit—mygoalwastoreceiveanimpartationoftheHowells’anointingforcrisisintercession.SamuelHowellswasaverydistinguishedgentleman.Though

hewasveryfrail,hecarriedacertainpresencethatIcanonlydescribeas the“fearof theLord.”Wedrank tea togetherandhad a little tour of the building, including the “blue room”wheresomuchof theprayinghadgoneon. Icouldstill feelasortofresidueofprayerinthere.

Ihadoneburningquestion,andIkeptasking it:“Howis itthat your father got this level of revelation and authority forcrisis intercession?”Our conversation kept going along, and Ikept inserting thisquestionwhenever I could fit it in, butMr.Howells kept ignoring it. Suddenly, the name of LeonardRavenhill dropped into my mind. I knew Ravenhill was fromEngland and that he was more or less a contemporary ofSamuel’s fatherReesHowells. I said, “Oh, did you ever knowtheEnglishevangelistnamedLeonardRavenhill?”Withthat,helitup,andhiseyessparkled.“Oh, yes!Hewasoneofourmost frequentvisitorshereat

theBibleSchool.”Hespokeofhowtheyhadlovedhim.Iaskedmyquestionagain.Butagain,insteadofansweringit,heaskedmeifIwantedanotherpieceofcake.Iwasn’tgettinganywhere.Thenmy tenacious friend Sue got down on her knees and

crawledovertorightinfrontofthechairwherethefeebleoldgentleman sat. She said, “Mr. Howells, youmust understand.Ournation is incrisis.Theworld is incrisis.Andweneedthekind of authority in prayer that your father and those whoprayedwithhimhad….”ThenIturnedtohimforIthinkthefourthtime,andIsaid,

“How is it that your father got this level of revelation andauthority for crisis intercession?Did it comebyanangelwhowould give him these visions and words? Was it throughdreams?Howwasit?”This time, with a tear coming down his cheek, Samuel

Howellssaidwordstomethathavemarkedmeforlife.Hesaid,“You must understand. The Lord’s servant was possessed byGod.”ThatansweredeveryquestionIhad.Weallstartedtoweep

together.Then,withoutasking,Mr.Howellslaidhishandsuponmyshoulders,andheprayedthattheLordwouldgivemeandmy friend Sue the type of authority and the type of history-makinganointing inprayer thathadrestedonhis fatherReesHowells.Iwashumbled,andIreceivedmuchmorethanIeveranticipated.

CALLINGFORTHINTERCESSIONINPERILOUSTIMES

I wanted to start with that account, because I think thatanyonewhodesires toundertakecrisis intercessionaspartofthe Prayer Storm, praying for crises as well as for revival, ayouthawakening,andIsrael,shouldbeconsumedwiththecry:“Lord,possessme!”YouandIneedtobepossessedbytheSpiritofGod.Weneed

Him to stir up the spiritual gifts within us. We need to gobeyondourgiftedness.WeneedHispersonalempowering.WeneedtobearousedbyHisgracetohaveapassionforJesus,a

passion for prayer, and a compassion for people greater thananythingwe’veseenbefore.Weneedgreaterauthority.WeneedtheholyhandoftheAlmightytocomeuponus,toovershadowus.So the question becomes, “How desperate are you?” How

desperateareyoufortheLordHimself,andhowdesperateareyou on behalf of your family, your church, your region? HowmuchdoyoudesireamoveofGod,forthesakesofthepeopleforwhomyouareaheavenlyambassador?Desperatepeoplepraydesperateprayers,extremeprayers.

And extreme results follow from extreme prayers. There hasnever been a period in history without extreme prayerspreceding the fulfillmentof thepurposesofGod. Idon’tknowaboutyou,butIwanttobeoneofthe“desperatepeople”ofthisgeneration, praying extreme prayers and getting extremeresults.

SHAKINGANDGLORYCOMETOGETHER

The reason crisis intercession is so important is because itwill alwaysbe in timesof crisis—those timeswheneverythinggets shaken and people become more desperate—that God’sglory will come. This means that disasters are actually goodnews, once youunderstand theprinciple. TheprophetHaggaithundered:ThisiswhattheLordAlmightysays:“InalittlewhileIwilloncemoreshaketheheavensandtheearth,theseaandthedryland.Iwillshakeallnations,andthedesiredofallnationswillcome,and I will fill this house with glory,” says the Lord Almighty.“The silver is mine and the gold is mine,” declares the LordAlmighty.“Thegloryofthispresenthousewillbegreaterthanthegloryoftheformerhouse,”saystheLordAlmighty(Haggai2:6-9aNIV).Thisprophecywasfulfilledhistorically,butithasapresent-

dayapplicationaswell,becauseweliveinatimewhenwecanexpect ever-increasingglory tobe releaseduponusand inusandthroughus—enoughglorytomaketheformerglory(whichmade it impossible for the priests to stand upright, you willremember)looklikeamereshadowofthepresentglory.TheLordAlmightywillshaketheheavensandtheearth,the

oceansandtheland.Hewillshakethegovernmentsofnations.And this is good because it will make people desperate, anddesperate people want more of God. When desperate peopleseekformoreofGod,Hisglorywill“filltheTemple,”whichisnolongeranedificemadeofstonebutwhichisnowtheBodyofChristthroughouttheearth.Inotherwords,crisiseventsaroundtheglobe,whetherthey

arefromnaturaldisastersorhumanblunders,representGod’s

zeal to release His judgment on everything that hinders Hislove.AndinHissovereigntyandwisdom,God’s judgmentsarealwaysredemptive.That’s a massive statement right there. Most of us don’t

comprehend the truth of it. God’s judgments are alwaysredemptive.They’renotthepunishmentsofameanandangryGodwhowantstowipeoutsinners.Farfromit.Everycrisisisredemptive innature,becausethroughit,GodcanremovethehindrancesthatkeeppeoplefromreceivingHislove.HewantstobringforthhisspotlessBride.ThatisHispassion.TheChurchisquicktoblamesatanorsinforeverythingthat

seems bad. But we waffle with uncertainty when it comes totalkingaboutGod’sroleindisasters.IfirmlybelievethatGodisgoodallthetime!HowcouldHebegoodandatthesametimeallow evil to run rampant? He has the big picture. He issovereign. He knows what it will take to wrap this thing up.Sometimes He works directly, and sometimes He worksindirectly,asHeallowsotherforcestowork.Butineverycase,Herules.Godrules.HesitsonHisthrone,andHedoesn’tmissathing.Yet,He rules throughHispeople!He rules,butHedoesn’t

justkeeptheworldmovinglikeabunchofpuppetsonstrings.He is sovereign, but He does not rule all alone. He hasestablished a role for people like us to extend the rule ofHisKingdom,andit’scalled“prayer.”Hepermitssatantoexpresshisrage—yetHehashimonaleash!Intheculminationoftheend-times, thoseboundariesofsatanicrage,whichoftenseemtoo generous to us, will be further enlarged. (See Revelation12:12.)He permits man’s sin to bring death and destruction. The

freewillHe has given us allows us tomake real choices thataffectreallife,choicesthataresometimesgoodbutoftenevil.Free-willchoicesprovidealegalentrypointforbothangelsanddemons tobeactive in thenatural realm.Whenpeople live inrebellion toward God, they open up legal entry points fordemonicactivity.Free-willdecisionsareimportant—theyaffectthequalityoflifeintimeandineternity.Rebellion produces an access point for evil as well.

ObediencetoGodcanopenupportalstoHeaven,asIsharedinthelastchapterofmybook,TheSeer.Jesus’modelprayer,theone we call The Lord’s Prayer, includes the words, “YourKingdomcome,Yourwill bedoneon earth as it is in heaven”(Matt. 6:10). As we align with His will, we allow Heaven topenetrate the earthly realm.WhenHiswill is beingdone,HisKingdomisbeingreleasedinthehereandnow!HealsopermitsHiscreationtogroan,andthose“groanings”

at times take on the form of violent weather patterns,earthquakes,andthelike.Therereallyisaconnectionbetween

theconditionsontheearthandtheactionsofthehumanrace.TheBibleestablishesthefactthat,whenAdamsinned,acursecame upon the land (see Gen. 3). The curse has escalated asman’ssinhasescalated.Isaiahsaidthattheearth’sconvulsionswillincreaseassincontinuestoripenintheearth:The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, because theyhavetransgressedthelaws,changedtheordinance,brokentheeverlasting covenant. Therefore the curse has devoured theearth, and those who dwell in it are desolate. Therefore theinhabitantsoftheearthareburned,andfewmenareleft….Theearthshallreeltoandfrolikeadrunkard,andshalltotterlikeahut;itstransgressionshallbeheavyuponit,anditwillfall,andnotriseagain(Isaiah24:5-6,20NKJV).Asaresultofsatan’stemptationandhumansin,thewholeof

creation suffers. The animal kingdom, plant kingdom, theatmosphere,even the rockunderour feet, isunderassault, isdisintegrating. Paul wrote, “We know that the whole creationhasbeengroaningas inthepainsofchildbirthrightuptothepresenttime”(Rom.8:22NIV).Theearthiswaitingforsomething.YouandIknowwhatitis.

It’s Jesus, coming back to claim everything for Himself. Butcreation is also waiting for believing believers to take theirplaces and to exercise authority in their delegated spheres ofinfluence! It’s all brought together as we keep reading theeighthchapterofRomans:Notonly[creation],butweourselves,whohave the first-fruitsoftheSpirit,groaninwardlyaswewaiteagerlyforouradoptionassons,theredemptionofourbodies.Forinthishopeweweresaved….In the sameway, theSpirit helps us in ourweakness.We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the SpiritHimself intercedes for us with groans that words cannotexpress.AndHewhosearchesourheartsknowsthemindoftheSpirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints inaccordancewithGod’swill(Romans8:23-24,26-27NIV).That brings us back to intercession again.Do you see how

important it is to takeholdofyourprayerassignmentsand toprayintheSpirit?You’rehelpingopenportalstoHeavensothattheKingcanfindfaithontheearth.Youarestandinginthegapthat separates Him from the world He wants to save. You’reservingasatransmittersothatthelanguageofHeavencanbeheardonearth.Crisistimesprovidestrategicopportunities.

STORMWARNINGSAREBEINGRELEASED

Anotherwayoflookingatthisistosaythattheshakingsandrumblingsandthestormsthemselvesarereallymorelikestormwarnings.We can expect them to becomemore severe as theendtime draws closer. They are God’s warnings; He’s givingmankindanopportunitytorespondtoHisofferofsalvation.As

HedropsHisplumbline(HisWordandHischaracter)intothemidstofthenations,startingwiththeChurch,everythingthatdoesn’tlineupwithitisgoingtocontortandtwist—that’swhystormsandcrisesoccur.This is true inboththenaturalworldandthespiritualworld.I can think of at least three kinds of storms. We need to

respondtoeachonealittledifferently:

StormsofGod’sJudgmentWhenweareinthemidstofstormsofconfusionandconflict,

ourresponseneedstobeacryformercy.Brokenandhumbled,weconfessourownsins,andweconfessgenerationalsins.Wemove into ambassadorial intercession, sometimes gatheringwith others in solemnassemblies.Weneed to be tenacious inourprayers.

StormsofDark,DemonicAttack

When God allows storms of demonic attack, we need toeliminate any common ground with the enemy first and thenstand inanauthoritativeplaceof intercession.Werebuke thiskindofstorm.Thesestormsrequiresteadfastfaith,endurance,andboldnessonthepartoftheintercessor.TouseaKingJamesword,weneedtowaxstrong.Weneedtomaintainourpurity,relyingonJesustoclotheusinrighteousness.

StormsoftheConsequencesofSins

Inordertopressthroughstormsthatarethedirectresultofhumansin,ourownor thatofacorporatebodyofpeople,weneedtoenter into identificationalrepentance,askingtheLordtoforgivesinsthatweourselvesmaynothavecommitted.Thisrequireshumility,anditrequiresalackofdefensiveness.Todothis, we follow the model of Daniel (and Ezra, Nehemiah,Esther,Moses,andothers intheOldTestament).Wealsoprayafter the model of Jesus, “Forgive us our sins…” and “YourKingdomcome”(seeMatt.6:10,12).

Nomatterwhatkindofstormisbatteringus,we’reafterthesame result: more of God’s Kingdom. Each kind of stormrequiresaslightlydifferentresponse,but inoneway,theyareall thesame—theyall leadtodesperation.We’redesperateforrelief, and we’re desperate for the Kingdom. We are notsatisfied or comfortable. In our quest, we will do whatever ittakes.Wewillpray24/7,andwewillfastandhumbleourselves.Through it all, God forges character in us, which makes it

possibleforustostandinprayerandtokeepstandinglongandstrong:Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will beable to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, tostandfirm.Standfirmtherefore,havinggirdedyourloinswithtruth,andhavingputon thebreastplateofrighteousness,andhaving shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel ofpeace;inadditiontoall,takinguptheshieldoffaithwithwhichyouwillbeabletoextinguishalltheflamingarrowsoftheevilone. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of theSpirit, which is theword of God.With all prayer and petitionprayatall times intheSpirit,andwiththis inview,beonthealertwith all perseverance andpetition for all the saints, andpray onmy behalf, that utterancemay be given tome in theopeningofmymouth,tomakeknownwithboldnessthemysteryof the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains(Ephesians6:13-20).

THEROLEOFGOD’SPEOPLEINTIMESOFCRISIS

ThemajestyandmysteryofintercessioncomesfromthefactthatGodgoverns theuniverse inpartnershipwithHispeople,through intercession.Hepartnerswithus just asHepartnerswithHisSon,Jesus,whointercedesperpetually:HeisalsoabletosavetotheuttermostthosewhocometoGodthrough Him, since He always lives to make intercession forthem(Hebrews7:25NKJV).AskofMe,andIwillgiveYouthenationsforYourinheritance,andtheendsoftheearthforYourpossession(Psalm2:8NKJV).God governs (releases His power to) the universe, whichincludes the nations of the earth, in cooperation with theprayersofbelieverslikeyouandme.Thisisamystery,butitisnolessafact.God has already determined the primary events in His

eternalplan.TheSecondComing,thecastingofsatanintothelake of fire, the establishment of the new Heaven and newearth,andmorewillbeaccomplishedregardlessofwhatpeopleordemonsdo.Theseeventsarenon-negotiable.However,HehaschosentogiveHispeopleadynamicrolein

determining some degree of the “quality of life” that we willexperienceintimeandeternity.Godhasgiveneachoneofusasphere of influence—our families, our everyday associations,andoftenbeyond.WemakeadifferencebasedonthemeeknessofourresponsetoHisgraceandbasedonourpartnershipwithGod,particularlyinprayer.Weare,asPaulputit,“co-laborerswithChrist”(2Cor.6:1).This makes your place of prayer, whether it is a prayer

closet,amountain,or thedriver’s seatofyourcar,oneof the

governmental centers of the universe. Your prayers transcendtimeanddistance.PaulcouldchangethechurchinEphesusbyhis prayers, even though hewas far away in a dark prison inRomeatthetime.Ourprayerscanbeequallyinfluential.Inresponsetoourprayers,Godopensdoorsofblessingand

closesdoorsofoppression.TherearecertainblessingsthatGodispreparedtobestowonus,butonlyifHispeopleriseupintheintimatepartnershipofprayertoaskforthem.It’seasytofindexamplesofthisthroughouttheBible:…Youdonothavebecauseyoudonotask(James4:2).But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting(Matthew17:21).Therefore theLord longs tobegracious to you,and thereforeHewaitsonhightohavecompassiononyou….Hewillsurelybegracioustoyouatthesoundofyourcry;whenHehearsit,Hewillansweryou(Isaiah30:18-19).I sought for aman among themwhowouldmake awall, andstandinthegapbeforeMeonbehalfoftheland,thatIshouldnotdestroyit;butIfoundnoone(Ezekiel22:30NKJV).Here you see it all: desperation, standing in the gap, takingauthority. It’s our job description as a participant in God’sPrayerStorm!Andit’sreallytruethatthequalityofourlivesandthelives

of the people around us depends on our response to God’spromptings in themidst of these difficult circumstances. Thislifeisnotapracticegame,althoughwedolearnnewthingsaslong as we live. God has honored us with the dignity of theexercise of free will. We make real choices that make a realdifferenceforgoodorforevil.Ifwechooserighteously,thenwehavethepowertoopendoorsofblessingforothers,aswellasforourselves.However,ifwechooseevil,wehavethepowertorelegatepeopletothedarkness.Iwanttounderlinetheimportanceofdoingourpart—using

our free wills to obey and to pray. Some people “trust” thesovereignty of God, but it’s often a non-biblical kind of trust,becausetheywrongfullytrustGodtoaccomplishthethingsthatHehasassignedtous.TherearemanythingsthatGodwillnotgiveusuntilwestepout inobedient faith.Salvation itself isagoodexample.TheBibletellsusthatGodwantsalltobesaved(see1Tim.2:4),butpracticallyspeaking,thisdoesnothappen.Even though God wants everyone to be saved, some peoplerejecttheofferofsalvation.Godwillnotviolatetheirfreewill,evenwhen their salvationdependsupon it.He is patient, andHe will give usmany opportunities to respond to Him (see 2Pet.3:8-9),butHewillnotcompletethetransactionifsomeonedoesnotrespond;Hewillnotforcethedecision.Now, at the same time,we cannot earnGod’s blessings by

our prayers. That reflects a “works”mindset, permeated by areligious spirit. Rather, our prayers enable us to more fullycooperate with Him in releasing blessings. You see itparticularly in corporate intercessory worship, which is thehighest expression of the power of prayer to affect God’sgovernment in time and eternity. Corporate intercessoryworship is far stronger than the combined strength of all thenuclear weapons that exist. And we are privileged—oh, soprivileged!—toalignourselveswithHispurposes.HeusesusasgatekeepersofHispresence.Isn’tthatexciting?

CORPORATEINTERCESSORYWORSHIP

It’s important to focus on corporate prayer—praying as aunitedgroupasapartofcrisis intercession.Toomanypeople,peoplewholoveGodwithalltheirheartsandwhoworshipHimwithpassion,donotyethavearevelationoftheauthorityandpower that can be released by their corporate intercessoryworship. They often understand the bridal paradigm, thelanguageof intimacy and love for theSavior andBridegroom,without understanding the purposes of theOne towhom theyare singingworship songs.His purpose is towin apeople forHimself.Hispurpose istobeaDeliverer,aRedeemer.He isaWarrioraswellasaLover.A lot of the time, a crisis, especially a crisis of national

proportions,istoobigforisolatedintercessorstohandlealone.At this hour of history, what we need most is corporateintercessory worship and gathered-together ambassadorialintercession.Whatdoesthisentail?Itrequireshumilitytoprayin a corporate way. Differences of style, doctrine, personality,and culture make this paramount. Nobody is the star. Peoplecometogetherinordertoblendtheirvoicesasone.TogetherasaBodyofbelievers,thegroupstandsinthegap.Theindividualintercessorspooltheirinsightsandinspirationstodeclarebackto God biblical prayers and promises, to repent on behalf ofothers,andtodowhateverthesituationrequiresofthem.Prophetic music and singing increase and hasten the

developmentofunityinthegroup,providingasustainablewayinwhich thousandsofpeoplecan feel thesame thing for longperiods of time and creating an atmosphere out of whichpowerfulformsofintercessioncancome.I believe thatGod’s primary call to a nation in crisis is for

peopletogathertogetherinsolemnassemblies:Thereforealsonow,saiththeLord,turnyeeventoMewithallyour heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and withmourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, andturnunto theLordyourGod: forHe isgraciousandmerciful,slowtoanger,andofgreatkindness,andrepentethHimoftheevil. Who knoweth if He will return and repent, and leave a

blessingbehindHim;evenameatofferingandadrinkofferingunto theLord yourGod?Blow the trumpet inZion, sanctify afast,callasolemnassembly:Gatherthepeople…(Joel2:12-16KJV).Corporate intercessory worship stops the enemy from a

rampageofdestruction,anditreleasesGod’sjudgment:LetthehighpraisesofGodbeintheirmouth,andatwo-edgedswordintheirhand,toexecutevengeanceonthenations,andpunishments on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains,and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them thewrittenjudgment—thishonorhaveallHissaints(Psalm149:6-9NKJV).Corporateintercessionispowerful!

OLDTESTAMENTEXAMPLESOFCRISISINTERCESSION

Aswego through times of crisis and transition, the enemytries to take advantage of the situation by bringing confusionanddiscouragement.Weneedgiftsofdiscernmentandwisdomin order to discern the difference between the enemy’swrathand God’s righteous judgment. We need to pray prior toreceivingrevelation,andthenweneedtoactorprayaccordingtotherevelationthatGodsends.(SeeRevelation8:4-5.)God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see Heb.

13:8). Therefore, not only doesHewant to hear the voices ofintercessors in thepresentdayor since the timeof Jesus,butHehasalwayswantedtohearandanswerprayer.Theanointingthat we receive today for crisis intercession is the sameanointing that we see in operation throughout the OldTestament.Let’slookatafewexamples.

Abraham’sBarteringVeryearlyintheancienttexts,wefindthestoryofAbraham

standinginthegapforthepeopleofSodomandGomorrah.Godwanted to destroy these twin cities, because they were filledwithwickedness.ButAbraham,itseemsinpartbecauseofhisnephewLot,hadthecouragetobargainwithGod, justasonemightbargaininthemarketplace.“Willyousavethecitiesif50righteousmenarefoundthere?…if40arefound…30?….”Andondowntotenrighteousmen.Asitturnedout,Godcouldnotfindeventenrighteousmeninthecity,andAbraham’snephewandhisdaughtersbarelyescapedbeforeGod’s fiery judgmentraineddownandutterlydestroyedit(seeGen.18:16-33;19:27-29).Abraham’sconversationwithGodshowsusthatwetoocan

exercise this option at times. God does not spurn “bartering”prayers.Perhapsthereisaprinciplehere:Whenmanquits,God

quits.Therefore,keeponasking!

Rachel’sDesperateCryWhatmovestheheartofGod?Faithdoes.Sodoeshumility.

So does desperation. Rachel was desperate—for a child. Shewas barren. “Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob nochildren,Rachelenviedhersister,andsaidtoJacob,“Givemechildren,orelseIdie!”(Gen.30:1NKJV).Herswasapersonaldesperation,butitmovedtheheartofGodnolessthanasifithadbeenthedesperationofanentirepeoplegroup—whichinaway it was, considering the vast number of Rachel’sdescendents.That phrase, “give me children, or else I die,” has been

illumined throughout revival seasons as people have picked itupasagreatprayerforchildrentoberebornintotheKingdomofGod. JohnKnox, the great reformer in Scotland,was giventhisphrasetocryoutforhisnation,andhewasheardprayingitoutloudashewalkedinthehills.

Moses’IntercessoryActs

MostofusareveryfamiliarwithMoses’story,soIwill justhighlight a few of the many times that he and other leadersperformedintercessoryactsinobediencetoGod:thepartingoftheRedSea(seeExod.14),thebitterwatersmadesweet(seeExod. 15:25), Aaron and Hur standing with Moses asintercessoryhelpersduringthebattlewiththeAmalekites(seeExod.17:8-16),andMosessendingAaronrunningthroughthepeoplewithhiscensortostoptheplague(seeNum.16:41-50).ThesewordspaintpicturesofMosesasintercessor:MosessoughtthefavoroftheLordhisGod.“OLord,”hesaid,“why should Your anger burn against Your people, whom YoubroughtoutofEgyptwithgreatpowerandamightyhand?Whyshould the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that Hebrought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipethem off the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce anger;relent and do not bring disaster on Your people. RememberYourservantsAbraham,IsaacandIsrael,towhomYousworebyYour own self: ‘I willmake your descendants as numerous asthestarsintheskyandIwillgiveyourdescendantsallthislandIpromisedthem,anditwillbetheirinheritanceforever.’”ThentheLordrelentedanddidnotbringonHispeoplethedisasterHehadthreatened(Exodus32:11-14NIV).Once again I fell prostrate before theLord for forty days andfortynights;Iatenobreadanddranknowater,becauseofallthe sin you had committed, doingwhatwas evil in the Lord’ssight and so provoking Him to anger. I feared the anger and

wrathoftheLord,forHewasangryenoughwithyoutodestroyyou.But again theLord listened tome (Deuteronomy 9:18-19NIV).Moseswasanintercessorparexcellence.Letuslearnfromhismodel!

Gideon’s300MenDo you remember the process of elimination that God led

Gideonthrough?ThestoryisintheseventhchapteroftheBookof Judges. In the end, the only men who were allowed tobecome part ofGideon’s armywere the oneswho,when theycametothewatertodrink,kneltononekneeandbroughtthewateruptotheirmouthstodrinkit.Inotherwords,theywerewatchful,keepingoneeyeonwhatwasgoingonaroundthem,evenastheydrank.Theywere“worshipfulwatchers,”downononekneebutwitheyesopen,alerttodanger.IfeelarealconnectionwithGideon.Infact,Ifeelthatthere

hasbeenakindofa “Gideonanointing”onmy life, as I (fullyawareofmyinsignificanceandsmallness)raiseupanarmyof“watchers”whowillmarchontheirknees,alerttothreatsandstrongintheLord.Infact,IwanttoseeonemillionworshipfulwatchersariseacrosstheglobeandjoinusinPrayerStorm,inthe“hourthatchangestheworld.”Willyoubeoneofthem?

Hannah’sCryforaSon

Hannah was in a personal crisis. Her chief rival, herhusband’sotherwife,Peninnah,wasabletohavechildren,butHannahwasbarren.Shewasdesperateforachild.Sooneyear,whenthefamilygrouptraveledtoworshipandoffersacrificesatShiloh,Hannah,ingreattravailofsoul,bargainedwithGodinprayer,promisingtodedicateherchildtotheLord’sserviceifHewouldopenherwomb(see1Sam.1).Asshehadprayed,it happened, andher sonSamuel becameapriest, judge, andprophetwhowasalsoanintercessorandwassoveryimportantto the history of Israel. Hannah’s prayer was motivated bypersonal desperation but, as often happens, God’s answer toherprayerfulfilledamuchbiggerdestiny.Itwillbethesameinyourlifeaswell!

David’sVictoryOverGoliath

David’spropheticactof intercessionwas tochoose towalkin his own anointing rather than in the armor borrowed fromSaul.InFirstSamuel,wereadwhathedid:David fastened on his sword over the tunic and triedwalkingaround, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in

these,”hesaidtoSaul,“becauseIamnotusedtothem.”Sohetook them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose fivesmooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of hisshepherd’sbagand,withhisslinginhishand,approachedthePhilistine(1Samuel17:39-40NIV).In essence, David could not wear the armor of a previous

generation.Torespondtothetauntsoftheenemy,Davidhadtotakewhathehadalreadyexperienced(beingashepherd,alion-killer,apsalmist,andareleaserofdeclarations)andwalkinit.Hetookmorethanonestoneinhisarsenal,buthisweaponwasonehewasalreadyfamiliarwith.Areyouusingyourtriedandtested weapons in battle, or are you relying only upon thehistoryofothers?

Elijah’sTravailAt Elijah’s word, the rain had stopped completely (see 1

Kings 17:1). After three years of desperate drought, God toldhim to“pray itback” (see1Kings18).First,heandGodwontheimpressivevictoryovertheprophetsofBaal,andthen,stilluponMountCarmel,hebegan topray for rain.Hehad tobepersistent. Even his posture,with his head down between hisknees,bespokethetravailofchildbirth.Afterhehadhisservantchecktheemptyskyseveraltimes,asmallcloudbegantoform.Eventually his prayers were answered when the sky releasedheavyrains.ElijahhadtobesureofwhathewashearingfromGod. Many lives depended on it. And yes, many lives willdependuponourprayersaswell!

Elisha’sPropheticActions

Elishahadasked foradoubleportionofElijah’s spirit, andhegotit.AsweknowfromreadingtheaccountofhislifeintheBook of Second Kings, he demonstrated an unparalleledcombination of prophetic intercessory actions. (For example,read about the time he lay on top of the Shunnamite boy tobring him back to life in Second Kings 4:32-35.) Oh, that theleadersoftheChurchwouldarisewiththatsameresurrectionpower, breathe on the sickened, dead Body, and breathe newlifebackintotheChurch!Anothertime,heprayedandgottherevelationfromGodto

throwflourintothepotofpoisonousstewsothatnobodywouldbeharmed(see2Kings4:38-41).Oh,thattheSpiritoffaithandrevelationwouldarisewheneveracrisisoccurssothatwhatisintendedforharmwillinsteadbeturnedtothegood!In a time of severe crisis, when military defeat seemed

imminent, Elisha prayed that his servant’s eyes would beopenedtosee thearrayofheavenly forces thatwereamassed

on the hills (see 2 Kings 6:17). After Elisha delivered whatamounted to apropheticdeclaration, theenemywasdefeatedbythepowerofGod(withoutanyphysicalwarfare).Elisha’s whole life was filled with this sort of crisis

intervention.Asaprophet,hisactionsandadviceoftenopenedtheway to the future fulfillment ofGod’swill. I’m thinking ofthetime,veryneartheendofhislife,whenhetoldKingJoashto shoot arrowsout of the openwindow topredict his victoryoverSyria(see2Kings13:15-19).Afteronearrowwasshot,hetold him to strike the ground with the rest. But instead ofstrikingthegroundtimeaftertime,thekingstruckitonlythreetimes and then stopped. If only he had persevered and keptstriking! That’s the lesson that we as intercessors can learnfromthestory:persist,endure,continue topursue theenemy,andnevergiveup!

Nehemiah’sBurdenforRestorationNehemiah was the king’s cupbearer, which means that he

was intheking’sserviceandthathehadhisear. Inmuchthesameway,weas intercessorshave theKing’sear,andwecanexercise the right combination of boldness and innovation.Nehemiahbothprayedforfavorandthenaskedforitoutright,askingfortheprivilegeofrebuildingthewallsofJerusalemandrepentingonbehalfofthepeoplefortheirsins(seeNeh.1:6-7).Favorwasgranted, andgreat progresswasmade.MayweasintercessorsbeconsumedwithsuchaburdenfortheKingdomofGodthatwetoowillbeabletorebuildthewallsofprotectionaroundourpeople.Letusbemodern-daycupbearersandstandbeforetheKingofKings!

Esther’sDivineAppointment

In a time of crisis, when genocide was being proposedagainst the Jewish people, Esther found herself in a position“for such a time as this,” in which she could intervene—withstrategiesandcircumstancesthatonlyGodcouldhavesupplied— to reverse the death order (see thewholeBook of Esther).MaytheEstheranointingbereleasedagain inourday. Inthisgeneration, may the worldwide Bride of Christ be positionedandpreparedtoriseupinherfullbeautytostandinthefaceofevil. May the corporate Esther, the Body of Christ, arise andtakeastandwithIsraelintheLastDays!

Isaiah’sPersistentPetitioning

True,authenticrevivalcomesaboutwhenGod’speopleallowtheirinnerbeingstobefilledwiththatwhichisinGod’sheart

andwhentheagonyofHisoppressedpeoplegripstheirheartsso that they cry out as women in travail. Not only did Isaiahtravail in prayer, I like to say that Isaiah “lived in the untilclauses,” praying in persistent faith during the gaps betweentherevelationandthefulfillment:For Zion’s sake Iwill not holdMy peace, and for Jerusalem’ssake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth asbrightness,andhersalvationasalampthatburns.TheGentilesshallseeyourrighteousness,andallkingsyourglory.Youshallbe called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord willname(Isaiah62:1-2NKJV).Onyourwalls,OJerusalem,Ihaveappointedwatchmen;alldayand all night theywill never keep silent. Youwho remind theLord,takenorestforyourselves;andgiveHimnorestuntilHeestablishes andmakes Jerusalema praise in the earth (Isaiah62:6-7).

Jeremiah’sWarningsandPleasOf Josiah, Jeremiah prophesied, “‘He pled the cause of the

afflictedandneedy;thenitwaswell.Isnotthatwhatitmeansto know Me?’ declares the Lord” (Jer. 22:16 NASB). This isladenwithrevelation.Cryingoutforthesakeoftheoppressediswhat?—toknowGod!KnowingHimmeanshavingHisheartfortheneedy,whichinturnsmeansthatyoupleadtheircause.Josiah carried God’s burning desire for justice, and God

endorsedhimforitthroughJeremiah’swords—atthesametimewarningJosiah’ssonstostoptheirevilways.IfweletGodgiveusprayerassignments,somethingaboutit

goesbeyondanassignment.Ifyouwilllettheburdenhookyou,you’llbereeledintosomethingmorethanassignment;you’llbereeledintotheveryheartofGod.YouwillknowHismercy,feelHisburdens,carryHisburningdesireforjustice.Justiceisthecry of this generation. Let judicial intercessors arise for JesusChrist’ssake!

Daniel’sModelofCharacterandAuthority

Notcaringifhisactionsresultedinadeathsentence,DanielmaintainedhisprayerlifebeforeGod.Notonlythat,buthealsopled for the fulfillment of former prophecies about God’speople,withwhomhewasinexileinBabylon.Hepickedupthebatonthathadbeengiventothepreviousgeneration70yearsearlier,notrestingintheassumptionthatGodwouldsimplyactto fulfill His Word, now that the time had come. Instead ofpassively waiting, he confessed generational sins in order toremovetheblockagestothecompletionofGod’spromises.Hisconsistency, his faith, his humility, and his obedience to God

remainasoneofthefinestexamplesofgodlycharacter intheBible.AndhisprayerswereansweredasHe remindedGodofHisWord.

Joel’sTrumpetSoundThe prophet Joel didn’t know that his call would echo

throughthecenturiestothepresentday.Hiscalltopray,fast,weep, and travail has been used in the past andwill be usedagain to change times of desolation into times of restorationthroughholyconsecration.Iquotedhissummonsalittleearlierin this chapter in the context of talking about solemnassemblies.Stilltoday,Joel’spropheticvoicetrumpetsoverthetumult of evil and summons the people of God—priests,prophets, and warriors—to the front lines. Do you hear Joel’strumpetbeingsounded?Answerthecall!

Amos—HoldingOffJudgment

The prophet Amos interceded when he received visionaryrevelations,andhisprayersareperhapsthepremiereexamplesof prophetic crisis intercession in the Bible. Wherever thejudgment of God had been pronounced, Amos set himself tointercedinguntil theLord relented,andHishandof judgmentwas lifted. Whether it was judgment by locusts, judgment byfire, or judgment by plumb line, Amos said to the Lord,“Sovereign Lord, forgive! How can Jacob survive? He is sosmall!”Andeverytime,incredibly,“theLordrelented.‘Thiswillnothappen,’ theLord said” (seeAmos7:1-9NIV).LikeAmos,we need to be prophetic intercessors who will hold off wars,terrorist attacks, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis,and other natural calamities by calling onGod to releaseHismercy.LikeAmos,weneeddiscernmenttobeabletocooperatewithHiminmatterssuchasthese.

New Testament Examples of CrisisIntercession

I have barely scratched the surface of all the possible OldTestament examples of crisis intercession. I just gave youglimpsessothatyoucanhaveacollectionoftemplatestoworkfrom. Though itmay look as if theOld Testament ismymainsourceofexamples(comparedtowhatyouareabouttoseeinthe rest of this chapter), that’s mostly because the OldTestamentisalotlongerthantheNewTestamentandisfilledwithalotmoreoftheclassicstoriesaboutGod’sinterventionintimesofcrisis.However, if you read between the lines of the New

Testament, while bearing intercession in mind, the entirecollectionofbooksandlettersturnsouttobeonelongaccountof effective crisis intervention through prayer. That’s becausethe whole New Testament is about Jesus, the greatestIntercessorandIntervenerofthemall!NotonlydidHecometoearthasamaninordertoredeemthehumanrace,andnotonlydoestheresurrectedJesuscontinuallyintercedeattheFather’sside,butJesusalsoshowedushowtoprayinspecificsituations.He was in constant communication with His Father. He wasreadyeverytimethatHeandthedisciplesconfrontedacrisis.

JesusCalmstheStormForexample,lookattheaccountofthecalmingofthestorm

(seeMatt.8:23-27).Thestormwassoviolentthattheboatwasabout to sink. Jesus spoke to the storm and rebuked it, andimmediately thewindand thewavesdieddown.Thediscipleswere astonished, saying, “What kind ofman is this? Even thewindsandthewavesobeyHim”(Matt.8:27NIV).Whydon’tweexercisethesamelevelofapostolicauthoritytoday?Ifwedid,even fervent Muslims, Hindus, and atheists would say, “Ibelieve!”NolongerwouldpeoplenamethenameofJesusasaluckycharmorastheirdivine“fireescape,”becauseHewouldbealivingrealityintheirlives.

The Fervent Intercession of the EarlyChurch

The members of the early church came under severepersecution individually and collectively. To be known as afollower of Jesus Christ was a life-and-death matter. Did thebelieversrunawayandhide?No, theystayedandprayed.Butthey didn’t pray for protection asmuch as they prayed to beeffectivewitnessesinthemidstoftheharassment.Here’showtheyprayed:“Now,Lord,considertheirthreatsandenableYourservantstospeakYourwordwithgreatboldness.StretchoutYourhandtoheal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through thenameofYourholyservant Jesus.”After theyprayed, theplacewheretheyweremeetingwasshaken.Andtheywereall filledwith the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly (Acts4:29-31NIV).Theyprayed,and thebuildingwasshaken.Thiswasn’t just

anothernaturalearthtremor.Thiswaslikeaheavenlyembrace.Atthesamemomentthatthehousestartedshaking,theywereso re-filled with the Holy Spirit that they began to preach.Nevermindthatthewallswereshowingcracks.Nevermindthenew threats that their enemies would utter the next morning

whentheywentoutintothestreets.Godwasinthehouse,andmiracleswereintheair!

Peter’sReleaseDo you remember this line from the story of Peter’s

miraculous release from prison? “So Peter was kept in theprison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by thechurchtoGod”(Acts12:5).Theyweredoingtheonlythingthatcouldmake a difference. They got together, and they prayed.Already James, the brother of John, had been killed. To keepPeter from being next on the hit list, the Church prayed. Itprobablywasn’tahugegroup,nomoreofthemthanwouldfitinto a house. But that didn’t slow them down. They prayedfervently. No one was more surprised then they were (well,maybePeterwasmoresurprised)whenanangelcameandledhimoutoftheextrasecureprison(seeActs12:6-17).Itwasnoproblemfortheangel.TheChurchhadprayed,andhehadbeensummonedinresponse.AsadirectresultofPeter’sdeliverancefrom his captors, he went on to preach the Gospel andstrengthen theChurch.Facedwith crisis, theChurch felt thatPeterwasirreplaceable.TheywenttoGodaboutit.GodagreedandsethimfreesothathecouldcontinuetoministerinJesus’name.Wecandothesame!

PaulandSilasRocktheDungeon

The early Christians certainly kept jailers busy. Rememberthe time when Paul and Silas were imprisoned together inPhilippi?(SeeActs16:22-33.)Ithinkthisisagreatexampleofthepowerofintercessionthroughworship.PaulandSilasweresinging hymns andworshipingGod, even in the depths of thedungeon. An earthquake rocked the place, and their shacklesfell off. Locked doors were thrown open. This was nocoincidental earthquake. As a result of this miraculousintervention from God, the jailer and his entire householdbecameChristians.

PaulRequestsPrayers

We get used to these stories. We know they have goodendings. But the people involved did not know. Like us today,theyhadonlythenegativeevidencebeforethemandtheirrawfaith.Everysingletime,theyprayed—andtheyoftenrequestedsupporting prayer. Far from passively assuming that theircircumstances were already decided by fate or a remote andsovereign godhead figure, they engaged God in passionateconversation about whatever was happening. Paul specificallyrequestedprayeroften.HeknewfullwellthatGodhadchosen

toallowbelieverstobeHisco-laborersandthatGodwantedtohearprayers:PrayintheSpiritonalloccasionswithallkindsofprayersandrequests.Withthisinmind,bealertandalwayskeeponprayingfor all the saints. Pray also forme, that whenever I openmymouth,wordsmay be givenme so that I will fearlesslymakeknownthemysteryofthegospel,forwhichIamanambassadorin chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should(Ephesians6:18-20NIV).

POSTSCRIPTSTOTHENEWTESTAMENT

In our own day, we can point to many true stories of thepower of crisis intercession. I started this chapter with theaccount of my visit to Samuel Howells in Wales, and Imentionedhisfather’sdedicationtointercession.ReesHowellsalways didmore thanmerely praywhatever occurred to him.HeardentlysoughttoknowGod’sheartbeforeheprayed,andthen he would lead his fellow intercessors in prayingstrategically and relentlessly until a breakthrough wasachieved. They would often receive revelation about theenemy’s plans and God’s strategies—quite independently ofnewsreports—andtheywouldprayaccordingly.One such example of this happened before World War II,

when Hitler was beginning to make moves against certaincountries. Inwhatbecameknownas theMunich crisis,Hitlerwas being advised to attack Great Britain, which wasunprepared.War seemed inevitable, and the leaders of GreatBritaincalledforadayofprayer.TheintercessorsoftheBibleCollegeofWalesrosetothechallenge,prayingnotonlyonthedesignatedday,butformanydays.Itwas a clear case of spiritualwarfare between the forces

whowere urgingHitler to strike and theHoly Spirit’s forces,which included a small army of intercessors. As the prayer-battle reacheda crescendo, theoneprayer thatReesHowellsfeltledtopraywas,“Lord,bendHitler.”IntheSpirit,heknewwhenthepointofvictorycame.Infact,hewassoconfidentinthis that he organized—and advertised—a day of praise andthanksgiving“becauseGodhasagainavertedaEuropeanWar.”Onthatday,thepeopleofthetownjoinedtheBibleCollegeincelebration, even though the news about Hitler remained thesame.However, just thedayafter thecelebration, theMunichPact was signed. It was true; war had been avertedmiraculously2

Wecouldsharestories foramonthandnotcoverallof thewonderfulresultsofprayerintimesofcrisis.GodisnotjusttheGod ofReesHowells or Isaiah or the apostle Peter.He is the

Godofeachandeveryoneofus,andHewantstoanointusandgive us prayer assignments. He wants to send us places thatnobody has ever prayed before. He is looking for a humble,contritepeoplewhoknowthetimesinwhichtheyliveandwhoknowwhattheLordrequiresofHispeopleinsuchatime.Heislooking for people who want to learn about confession,repentance, and intercession. He is urging us to cultivate anauthentic spirit of faith mingled with the spirit of revelation,bothofwhichcomestraightfromtheheartoftheFather.ThenHecansendusstraightintothefaceoftheenemy.Wecansay,“Thisfar,andnomore!I’mtakingthisbackfortheKingdomoftheKing!”Here Iam,Lord!Useme.Useus.Letcrisis interventionarisethroughintercessionforsuchatimeasthis.TeachmetostandinthegapsothatYourKingdomcancomeandYourwillcanbedone on earth as it is in Heaven. Capture me for Your holypurposes,inJesus’holyname.Amen.

TheyFastedOnSinai’smount,withradiantface,

Tointercedeforheaven’sgraceUponastubborn,waywardrace,

Hefasted.Onceliftedfromthemiryclay,Whenoppositioncamehisway

Thissoldier-kingwouldoftenprayWithfasting.

Aseer,possessedofvisionkeen,Whotoldthetroubledkinghisdream,HadlightonGod’spropheticscheme

Throughfasting.Theprophetessintemplecourt

BeheldtheBabethetwohadbrought;ForHimshelonghadprayedandsought,

Withfasting.Hecametobreaktheyokeofsin,ButereHismissioncouldbegin

HemetthefoeandconqueredhimWithfasting.

“Settheseapart,”theSpiritbade.Aspring,thatsoonvastriversmade,

BrokeopenbymenwhoastheyprayedWerefasting.

“SoshalltheyfastwhenIamgone;Wasthisnowordtoactupon?

AskcountlesssaintswhofoughtandwonWithfasting.

WhenweshallstandonthatgreatdayAndgiveaccount,whatshallwesay,IfHeshouldaskus,“Didyoupray—

Withfasting?”(Authorunknown)

Chapter5

PRAYERWITHFASTING—GOD’SWAY

“Yetevennow,”declarestheLord,“ReturntoMewithallyourheart,andwithfasting,weepingandmourning;andrendyourheart and not your garments.” Now return to the Lord yourGod, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger,abounding in lovingkindnessand relentingof evil.WhoknowswhetherHewillnotturnandrelentandleaveablessingbehindHim…?(Joel2:12-14).

As we see throughout the Bible, fasting was a commonpracticeamongtheJewsaswellasamongtheearlyChristians.It has remained a common spiritual discipline throughoutChristianhistory.However,inthemodernWesternworld,ithasfallen out of favor for obvious reasons—our high standard oflivinghascreatedacultureofplentyand instantgratification.Fastingrepresentstheopposite.Inthischapter,however,Iwanttorestorefastingtotheprayer-equation,lestweforgetaboutit.We can’t talk about having a Prayer Storm without talkingaboutfastingaswell.

Althoughwe’re familiarwith the termspiritualdiscipline, Iwant tomodify it somewhat. A few years ago, theHoly Spiritsaid to me, repeatedly, “You don’t have enough discipline tohave a spiritual discipline.” I had to agree! I hardly knewanybody who seemed to have enough personal discipline tomaintain any kind of a rigorous spiritual discipline. Then Hesaid to me, “It’s not a spiritual discipline, it’s a spiritualprivilege.”Thatcompletelyshiftsthemindset,doesn’t it?Yes,discipline is involved, of course.Consistency is important.Butit’s the grace that God supplies that makes it possible. I canonly fast because God touches my heart and gives merevelation. Otherwise, I end up fasting as sort of a religiousarm-twistingexercise,andthatdoesn’twinanybodyanything.

When Ibenefit from thegrace thatHegives, and I receiveHisheart,whichHeimparts, thenIseethedivineprivilegeofcolaboringwithHim.If intercessoryprayer isco-laboringwithHim, howmuchmore then is fasting? It’s one of the greatestprivileges in theKingdom to be able to seekHis favor in this

way.Moses sought the favor of God over the impending

destruction of Israel. In Deuteronomy 9, we see that Mosesfasted and prayed for 40 days. That’s a long time to pray—especiallysincehehadjustcompleteda40-daystretchonthemountain.Really, thiswasaback-to-backsetof40-day fasts—but we see that he added fasting to his prayer in order toreinforce his cry concerning God’s wrath against Israel. Itworked.Godrelented,andthepeopleweresaved.

LeadersuseMoses’prayerandfastingasanexamplewhentheycallsolemnassembliesinwhichtheystipulatethatpeoplemust enter into a corporate time of not only praying but alsofasting. (It’s not always only a food fast; the people oftenabstain from some of their regular activities as well.) To me,fastingillustratesaspiritualprinciplethatyoucan’tfindinonetidy little verse but that is illustrated throughout Scripture—man’ssacrifice(whichincludesarightheartattitude)releasesGod’spower.

THEBIBLICALORIGINSOFFASTING

I referred above to Moses’ 40-day fast for the people ofIsrael.That isthesecondfastmentionedintheBible;thefirstonewastheonethatMoseshadjustcompletedonMountSinai,during which God had given him the Ten Commandments onstonetabletsandthedirectionsforbuildingthetabernacle(seeExod.34:28;Deut.9:9).Mosesmadeitclearwhathedidwhilehe was on the mountain meeting with God: “...I neither atebreadnordrankwater”(Deut.9:9).

InEnglish,thewordsfastandfastingcomefromtheAnglo-Saxon word faest, which means “firm” or “fixed.” Theconnection to food is that the word faesten means to holdoneselffromeatingfood.1IntheHebrew,therootwordistsum,whichrefers toself-denial.2Most likely, thepracticeof fastingbeganas a loss of appetiteduring times of great distress.Wecan pull out at least three examples of this kind of stress-inducedfastingfromtheOldTestament:

Hannahwasgreatlydistressedduetoherbarrenness,so“sheweptanddidnoteat”(1Sam.1:7NKJV).King Ahab, when he failed to obtain Naboth’s vineyard,lay down on his bed, turned his face to the wall, and“wouldeatnofood”(1Kings21:4NKJV).Davidused fasting toexpresshisgriefatAbner’sdeath:“WhenallthepeoplecametopersuadeDavidtoeatfoodwhileitwasstillday,Davidtookanoath,saying,‘Goddosotome,andmorealso,ifItastebreadoranythingelsetillthesungoesdown’”(2Sam.3:35NKJV).

Fastingisanaturalexpressionofhumangrief,anditbecame

customary to fast to fend off God’s anger. Eventually, fastingbecame a way of making one’s petition more effective beforeGod.Fastingwaspracticedonalargescaletopreventnationaldisaster.Itwasimplementedtorequestdivineprotectionortocircumvent the judgment of God because of sin. Therefore, itbecame a normal practice for a group of people to combineconfessionofsin,sorrow,andintercessionwithfasting.

TheonlyrequiredgroupfastintheOldTestamentwasontheDayofAtonement,onwhichtheHighPriestwouldofferactsofsacrifice for the sinsof thepeople.Thepeople fasted for self-examinationandtodemonstratetheirremorse:Aaron shall bring the bull of the sin offering, which is forhimself,andmakeatonementforhimselfandforhishouse,andshallkillthebullasthesinofferingwhichisforhimself….Thenheshallkillthegoatofthesinoffering,whichisforthepeople,bringitsbloodinsidetheveil,dowiththatbloodashedidwiththe blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat andbefore themercy seat….Aaron shall laybothhishandson thehead of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of thechildren of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning alltheirsins,puttingthemontheheadofthegoat,andshallsenditawayintothewildernessbythehandofasuitableman….Thisshallbeastatuteforeverforyou:Intheseventhmonth,onthetenthdayof themonth,youshallafflictyoursouls,anddonoworkatall,whetheranativeofyourowncountryorastrangerwho dwells among you. For on that day the priest shallmakeatonementforyou,tocleanseyou,thatyoumaybecleanfromallyoursinsbeforetheLord.Itisasabbathofsolemnrestforyou, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever(Leviticus16:11,15,21,29-31NKJV).

The people were required to fast at this time; it was notoptional. Although, in our day, we think of fasting as anindividualdecision,Ibelievethatpeoplecanstillbetoldtofastasamatterofobedienceintimesofexceptionalcrisis.

As we refer to it today, fasting is a deliberate act, not aninvoluntary one that results from distress or famine. Fastingmeans voluntary abstinence from food (or other personalappetites) for spiritual purposes. Fasting helps a person focushisorherattentiononGod,becauseitquietsthesoulsothataperson can hear God’s voice better. It represents a very realsacrificethatreleasespoweroradisplayofGod’sblessing—notthatfastingwill“buy”ussomethingfromGod,but italignsuswithHispurposesandwill,andthatispowerful.

Fasting is a key to the supernatural. It releases God’spresence. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we liveundertheNewCovenant,andbelieversalreadyhaveaccesstothe throne. We no longer fast to obtain forgiveness oratonement. However, we can definitely fast for greater

consecration.JustastheHighPriest,ontheDayofAtonement,wouldgobehindtheveilwherethepresenceofGodmanifestedHimself,sowealsocanfasttotastethemanifestedpresenceofGod.TheOldTestamentaccountsforeshadowaNewTestamentreality, and part of that reality involves the release of God’spresence.

The evangelist Charles Finney consecrated himself withfasting.Ibelievehehaddiscoveredakeyofunderstanding.Hewouldsaythatifhecouldsensethepowerliftingoffhimwhenhepreached,thespiritofconvictiondidnotoperateinasfullamanner.Hewouldthenconsecratehimselfwithfastinguntilthepresence of God returned and brought with it a greaterconvictionandgreaterdimensionsofpower.3Whenweconsidercrisisinterventionandalltheotherthingsthatweneedtoprayabout,werealizethatthereleaseofGod’spresenceinourtime-spaceworldisthedeterminingfactor.

FASTINGINTHENEWTESTAMENT

Fasting was well-established within Jewish tradition by thetimeofJesus.Unfortunately,ithadbecomepartofthe“works”mindset of the established authorities, the Pharisees, asevidencedbytheseversesfromLuke:The Pharisee took his stand ostentatiously and began to praythusbeforeandwithhimself:God,IthankYouthatIamnotliketherestofmen—extortioners(robbers),swindlers[unrighteousin heart and life], adulterers—or even like this tax collectorhere. I fast twiceaweek; Igive tithesofall that Igain (Luke18:11-12AMP).

Weknow from that revealingpassageofScripture that thePharisees fasted twice a week, and it is believed that theyfasted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. An early bishop of theChurch,EpiphaniusofSalamis(borninA.D.315)stated,“Whodoesnotknowthatthefastsofthefourthandsixthdaysoftheweek[i.e.,WednesdaysandFridays]areobservedbyChristiansthroughout the world?”4 These days were chosen to preventconfusionwiththePharisees’days,TuesdaysandThursdays.

We know that John the Baptist fasted regularly, being aNazaritefrombirthwhocameinthespiritofElijah(seeNum.6:2-8;Matt.9:14-15;Luke1:15-17).ANazaritewas“apersonofthe vow,” and fasting was an important component of theirsacrificiallifestyle.

WithJesus,however,animportantcontrastwasestablished.Although He began His public ministry with an extendedobservanceoftheannualJewishfastontheDayofAtonement,HegaveveryfewspecificguidelinestoHisdisciplesconcerningfasting. He did say that their fasting should be different fromthatof thePharisees,namelythat itshouldbepracticedtobeseenbyGodandnottoimpressotherpeople:

Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as thehypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that theywillbenoticedbymenwhentheyarefasting.TrulyIsaytoyou,theyhave their reward in full. But you,when you fast, anointyourheadandwashyour faceso thatyour fastingwillnotbenoticedbymen,butbyyourFatherwhois insecret;andyourFather who sees what is done in secret will reward you(Matthew6:16-18).

He also made a particular point of challenging John’sNazarite-influenceddiscipleswiththenewideaofwhatwenowcall the Bridegroom fast (see Matt. 9:15). I will save a fulldiscussionofthiskindoffastingforlaterinthechapter,butfornowIwanttomakethepointthatJesuswaspromotingfastingasanactofworship.HebroughtHisKingdomtoearth,andtheresponse of those He came to save is to humble themselves,often with fasting, and to consecrate their whole lives to Hisservice.

AfterJesus’deathandresurrectionandtheestablishmentofthe early Church, fasting was carried out both as a way tounderline consecration and as a regular reminder of humbledependenceuponGod’ssavinggrace.Noticethematter-of-factinclusion of fasting as part of the life of the Church and itsleaders:While theywereministering to theLordand fasting, theHolySpiritsaid,“SetapartforMeBarnabasandSaulfortheworktowhichIhavecalledthem”(Acts13:2).Butwecommendourselves in everywayas [true] servants ofGod: through great endurance, in tribulation and suffering, inhardships and privations, in sore straits and calamities, inbeatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless watching,hunger(2Corinthians6:4-5AMP).

As the Church grew and spread, fasting continued to be aregularfeatureofthetimeofpreparationleadinguptoEaster,whichevolved into the40-day seasonof partial fastingknownas Lent. In the second and third centuries, fasting wasinstitutedasoneoftheelementsofanewbeliever’spreparationfor water baptism. As I have already mentioned, fasting twodays a week was a common practice among individualChristians.Theytooktheirfaithseriously!

Moving forward throughout the centuries, we see that thedisciplineoffastinghasalmostalwaysplayedanimportantroleinhelpingtobringinreformsandrevivals.Allofthefoundersof the various monastic movements practiced fasting as aregular part of their lifestyles. Each of the 16th-centuryreformers(aswellastheearlierones)practicedfasting;sodidtheleadersoftheevangelical“greatawakenings.”JohnWesleywould not ordain a man to the ministry unless he fasted twodays every week. Jonathan Edwards is known to have fasted

before he preached his now-famous sermon, “Sinners in theHandsofanAngryGod.”DuringtheNorthAmericanlaymen’sprayer revival in 1859, Christians skipped lunch in order toattend prayer meetings. In all of these cases, fasting was animportant element for the advancement of God’s Kingdom inparticularlocales.

THEWAYSANDMEANSOFFASTING

Just tomake surewe’re all talkingabout the same thing, Iwanttorunthroughsomedetailsaboutfasting.Notallfastsareas complete as Esther’s fast (see Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9), inwhichsheandothersrefrained fromall foodandall liquid forthree days, though I do think this sort of fast has a place inPrayerStorm.It’sadesperateactfordesperatetimes,andtheSpirit can and does lead people do to it. I’ve done it myselfmorethanonce.

Mostof the time,aregular fast involvesrefraining fromallfood and drink except water; no nourishment is consumed,including juice, alcohol, or sweeteners. That’s the kind of fastthat Jesus undertook during His temptation in the wilderness(seeMatt.4:2).Althoughthisformoffastingmayseemextremetosomeonewhohasneverdoneit,it’squitefeasible.Aregularfastcanlastanywherefromonedaytoseveralweeks.

A partial fast means what it sounds like it means—yourefrainfrompartofyournourishment.Youmaydecidetoskipacertain meal every day, or you may restrict your intake ofcertainfoods.Danielandhisfriendsrefrainedfromeatingmeatand rich foods.Theirpartial fast consistedofavegetable-onlydiet (seeDan. 1:8-16). Youdecidewhat todoasGod leads.Apartial fast is a great first step toward a more complete fast.Evenifhealthreasonsprohibityoufromundertakingaregularfast,Godwillblessthepartialfastthatyouchoose.

Ina liquid fast, you partake of liquids such as juices, clearbroth, andwater, but you takeno solid food for a determinedperiod of time. People who undertake extended fasts will usethis form,evenaddingnutritional supplements tohelpsustainthemfortheduration.

Onetime,Iwasona21-dayfastwithMikeBickleandsomeothers.Itwasaboutday17orso,prettyfarintothefast,whenIheard the Holy Spirit whisper to me, “you must be carefulbecauseyourelectrolytesareoutofbalance.”

I said, “My electro-whats? What in the world is anelectrolyte?”Ididn’tknowifIwassupposedtorebukethedevil,rebukemyelectrolytes,orwhat.SoIwentandlookedupwhatit meant, and then I got myself some Gatorade to restore myelectrolytebalance.Iwaslikeanathletewhoneededtodothatinordertokeeptrainingorcompeting.SoIlearnedsomethingpracticalaboutfastinginthatseason.

Inthe21stcentury,thereareseveraladditionaltypesoffaststhatwe can consider. These aren’t in theBible because theseelements were not a part of the life of the Jews or the earlyChurch:

Fasting entertainment (movies, plays, performances,videos, television, radio, video games, secular dancing,etc.)Fasting athletic events (professional sports,nonprofessionalathleticevents,athleticrecreation,etc.)Fasting reading material (books, even Christian books,magazines,newspapers,othernewsmedia,etc.)Fastingcomputers(internetactivity,e-mail,games,etc.)

Restrictingthesethingscouldbeconsideredavalid fast.Theyareasmuchapartofourdailylivesasfoodanddrink.

In addition to the above, other forms of fasting canincluderestrictionsonthefollowing:

Fastingspeech(phonecalls,conversations,limitingtopicsoramountoftalking,specialvowsofsilence,etc.)Fasting clothing (avoiding certain types and styles ofclothing—orwearingonlyspecifictypesofclothing,etc.)Fasting sleep (prayer watches at certain hours, early-morningprayer,all-nightprayervigils,etc.)Fasting social functions (limiting outside engagements,conferences, seminars, and even ordinary ChurchactivitiesinordertospendtimealonewithGod)Fastingwork(takinghoursordaysofffromsecularworkorevenministryengagementstoseekGod’sface)Fastingsexualrelations(thisoneisintheBible):

Thewife does not have authority over her own body, but thehusband does. And likewise the husband does not haveauthorityoverhisownbody,butthewifedoes.Donotdepriveoneanotherexceptwithconsentforatime,thatyoumaygiveyourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again sothat Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control(1Corinthians7:4-5NKJV).

FEATURESOFFASTING

It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway—theprimary activity that should accompany fasting is prayer.Fastingandprayeralwaysgotogether:Sowe fasted and sought ourGod concerning thismatter, andHelistenedtoourentreaty(Ezra8:23).WhenIheard thesewords, Isatdownandweptandmourned

for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God ofheaven(Nehemiah1:4).Yetwhentheywereill, Iputonsackclothandhumbledmyselfwithfasting(Psalm35:13NIV).SoIturnedtotheLordGodandpleadedwithHiminprayerandpetition,infasting,andinsackclothandashes(Daniel9:3NIV).Theysaidtohim,“John’sdisciplesoftenfastandpray,andsodothe disciples of the Pharisees, but Yours go on eating anddrinking.” Jesus answered, “Can you make the guests of thebridegroomfastwhileHeiswiththem?Butthetimewillcomewhen the bridegroomwill be taken from them; in those daystheywillfast”(Luke5:33-35NIV).

Alongwithprayer,orasatypeofprayer,worshipplaysabigpart in any fast that has been ordained by God. So doesconfessionofsin.(SeeNehemiah9:1-3foranexampleofboth;seealso1Samuel7:6.)Afterall,thesacrificesoffastingimplyhumility, and this turns out to be one of the most valuableoutcomesofthediscipline.Takealookathowoftenfastingandhumility go together in the Bible; read Deuteronomy 9:18,Psalm 35:13, Psalm 69:10, and First Kings 21:27. Humilitymeans more than feeling low. Often it includes outrightmourningandweeping.“‘Now,therefore,’saystheLord,‘TurntoMewithallyourheart,withfasting,withweeping,andwithmourning’” (Joel 2:12 NKJV). (See also Second Samuel 1:12,Esther4:3,Nehemiah1:4,andEzra10:6.)

One last accompaniment to the discipline of fasting isreading the Scriptures. For examples, look especially atNehemiah9:1-3andalsoatJeremiah36:1-10.

TENBIBLICALFASTS

I personally am indebted to Elmer L. Towns for thedescriptionsofthefirstnineoftheseBible-inspiredfasts.Theyare based on his book, Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: AGuide to Nine Biblical Fasts.5 I adapted this teaching in mybook,TheLostArtofPracticingHisPresence,addingsomeofmyownunderstandings.6

TheDisciple’sFastYou will remember the dramatic story that Matthew told

about the boy who the disciples could not set free fromoverpowering demonic control (see Matt. 17:14-21). In manytranslations,youwillfindthisverse:“Thiskind[ofspirit]doesnot go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:21 NKJV).Jesus was implying that the disciples might have beensuccessful—iftheyhadfastedbeforetheyprayed.

In theChurch today,moderndisciplescouldemploy fasting

muchmoreoften than theydo inorder to “loose thebondsofwickedness” (Isa. 58:6 NKJV), thereby achieving victory overbesettingsinsandpersistent,unhealedconditions.

TheEzraFastEzrawas thepriestwhohadbeengivenpermissionby the

kingofPersia torestore theLawofMosesas the JewsrebuiltJerusalem.Astheyjourneyed,theirenemiescameagainstthem.Ezrahadalreadyobtainedgenerous favors fromtheking,andhewasreluctanttorequesttheprotectionofthePersianarmywhenhehadexpressedsuchdefiniteassurancetothekingthathisGodwouldprotectthem:Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, thatwemighthumbleourselvesbeforeourGod, toseekfromHimtherightwayforusandourlittleonesandallourpossessions.ForIwas ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers andhorsementohelpusagainsttheenemyontheroad,becausewehadspokentotheking,saying,“ThehandofourGodisuponallthoseforgoodwhoseekHim,butHispowerandHiswrathareagainstallthosewhoforsakeHim.”Sowefastedandentreatedour God for this, and He answered our prayer (Ezra 8:21-23NKJV).We can call it an Ezra fast when we fast for solutions toproblems, inviting God to overcome obstacles and furnishprotection so that we can complete a task or a journeysuccessfully.

TheSamuelFast

ThearkoftheLordhadbeencapturedbythePhilistines,andthen it had been returned to Kiriath-jearim, where it hadremainedfor20longyears.WhenSamuelurgedthepeopletoreformtheirwaysandtoeliminatethesinsthathadallowedtheark to be captured and held, he and the people “gathered toMizpah,anddrewwaterandpoureditoutbeforetheLord,andfastedonthatdayandsaidthere,‘WehavesinnedagainsttheLord...’”(1Sam.7:6).

Their“Samuel fast,” likeours,representedastrongpleatoGodforrevivalofpastgloryandrelieffromsin,forabreakingoff of the kingdom of darkness and a breaking in of theKingdomofGod’sglory.

TheWidow’sFast

Thepurposeofthewidow’sfastisfoundinIsaiah58,wherewecanfindsomanyfast-producedblessingslisted:Thepurposeis“toshareyourbreadwiththehungry”andto“bringtoyour

housethepoor”(Isa.58:7NKJV).Youwillrememberthestoryof Elijah going to the home of the widow of Zarephath in thetimeofdroughtandfamine.Shewasdestitute,nearlystarving,and she was preparing a final meal for herself and her son.Elijah’s presence resulted in miraculous, sustained provision:“...Sheandheandherhouseholdateformanydays.Thebinofflourwasnotusedup,nordidthejarofoilrundry,accordingtothewordoftheLordwhichHespokebyElijah”(1Kings17:15-16NKJV). Inthesamewaytoday,wecanpresentourselvestotheLordinprayerandfasting,askingHimtorelievehunger.

TheElijahFastAfter Elijah prevailed over the prophets of Baal and also

usheredinthereturnofraintothedrought-strickenlandwithhis prayers, he had to run into the wilderness for his life.JezebelhadheardaboutwhathadhappenedtotheprophetsofBaal,andshewantedtokillhim.Allalone,hewasdestituteanddesolate.Godsentanangeltofeedhim,andwhilethetextsaysnothing specifically about fasting, it does say that Elijah atenothingmorefor40days:Buthehimselfwentaday’s journey into thewilderness….Theangel of theLord cameagain a second timeand touchedhimandsaid,“Arise,eat,becausethejourneyistoogreatforyou.”Sohearoseandateanddrank,andwentinthestrengthofthatfoodfortydaysandfortynights…(1Kings19:4,7-8NKJV).

At the end of that time, Elijah was able to resume hisministry.Todayweundertakean“Elijahfast”inorder“tobreakevery yoke” (Isa. 58:6) of emotional and mental anguish, inparticular,theaggressivereligiousspiritknownasthe“Jezebelspirit.”OurdesireistoaskGodtocontrolourlivesandthelivesofothersinsteadofallowingthemtobecontrolledbyemotionalormentalproblems.

TheSaintPaulFast

The background for this fast is the story of how Saul ofTarsus,...whobecameknownasPaulafterhisconversiontoChrist,wasstruck blind by the Lord in his act of persecuting Christians.Not onlywashewithout literal sight, buthealsohadno clueabout what direction his life was to take in the future. Aftergoingwithoutfoodandprayingforthreedays,PaulwasvisitedbytheChristianAnanias,andbothhiseyesightandhisvisionofthefuturewererestored.7

During the time that he was blind, Paul went without food ordrinkforthreedays(seeActs9:9).Hisfast,therefore,becomesamodelforuswhenwewanttoallowGod’slighttopenetrate

our blindness, bringing us God’s guidance as we makeimportantdecisions.

TheDanielFastWheneverwetalkaboutpartialfasts,werefertotherequest

of Daniel and his three friends who were being groomed forleadershipinBabylonbutwhodidnotwanttodefilethemselveswith rich pagan foods. In compliancewith their request, theirstewardallowedthemtohaveonlyvegetables for theirmeals,after which they were remarkably healthier than theircounterpartswhohadacceptedtherichfood.WheretheDanielfastisconcerned,thetwokeyversesofthisaccountareverses8and15ofthefirstchapter:Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food andwine,andheaskedthechiefofficialforpermissionnottodefilehimself this way….At the end of the ten days they lookedhealthierandbetternourishedthananyoftheyoungmenwhoatetheroyalfood(Daniel1:8,15NIV).

ThepurposeofaDanielfasttodayistoregainandmaintainhealthortoobtainhealing.WereadinIsaiah58:6,8:“Isthisnotthe fast that I have chosen?…Then…your healing shall springforthspeedily”(NKJV).

TheEstherFast

I have already mentioned Esther’s fast, which involvesabstaining from both food and water for three days in adesperate effort to stave off an enemy attack. The specificreferencestoherfastanditsresultsarefoundinthefourthandfifth chapters of the Book of Esther. When we undertake anEstherfasttoday,wearebeseechingforthegloryoftheLordtoprotectusfromtheevilone(seeIsa.58:8).

Ourownministrycallsforthreedaysofprayerwithfastingduring the season of Purim each year. This emphasis comesfromourunderstandingofthebookofEsther,whenprayerwithfasting saved the entire Jewish people from annihilation. Theenemy, Haman, was hanged on his own gallows, and QueenEstherandhercourtwerehonored for theirhumbleandboldactsofintervention.

Inasimilarway,EncountersNetworkandPrayerStormcallthemodern-dayEsther—theBrideandBodyofChrist—toseektheLordeachyearduringthethreedaysoftheFeastofPurimfor interventiononbehalfofGod’spurposes for IsraelandtheJewishpeopleworldwide.WebelievethatweGentilebelieversshouldcarrytheJewishpeopleonourheartsbeforetheLordofHosts, and we want to do our part through what we call TheCry. SeeAppendixB in the back of this book for the dates of

TheCryandhowyoucanparticipate.

TheJohntheBaptistFastJohn the Baptist came to announce Jesus’ arrival; he was

Jesus’“forerunner.”AsaNazaritefrombirth(seeLuke1:15),hewasnotallowedtodrinkwineorstrongdrink,whichofcourseis a form of fasting. His disciples fasted also (see Matt. 9:14;Mark 2:18; Luke 5:33). Therefore, undertaking a John theBaptistfastmeansabstainingfromsomedegreeofsustenancewiththegoalofobtainingfavorforourtestimony,influence,orwitness before others. Inevitably, one of the results of such afast will be to increase a person’s holiness before God. Theactual details of what the person abstains from are not asimportantasthegoalofthefast.

TheBridegroomFast

Inourday,wehaveaddedonemoredistinctkindoffast,theBridegroomfast.ThosewhoundertaketheBridegroomfastaremotivated,likeJesus’disciples,bya“lovesickheart”:Jesussaid to them, “Can the friendsof thebridegroommournaslongasthebridegroomiswiththem?Butthedayswillcomewhen thebridegroomwillbe takenaway fromthem,and thentheywillfast”(Matthew9:15NKJV).

MikeBickle,founderanddirectoroftheInternationalHouseof Prayer in Kansas City and a strong advocate of theBridegroomfastandofanoverall“fastedlifestyle,”statesthatfasting is directly related to experiencing the presence of theBridegroomJesus.8Inotherwords,thehighestpurposeforthisdiscipline is to develop in us a greater spiritual capacity forintimacy (as part of theBride ofChrist, theChurch)with ourBridegroom.

TheBookof Joel paintsusapictureof the timeof the lastdays,duringwhichseekingGod’sfacewithfastingprecedesthegreat latter-rain outpouring and a worldwide display of God’sglory(seeJoel2:12,23,30-32).

MikeBicklehostsamonthlyGlobalBridegroomFast(GBF),which occurs on the first Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday ofeachmonth,withsevendaysinDecember,foratotalof40daysofdeliberateprayerand fastingeachyear.9This isakindofaglobalsolemnassemblythatincludesbelieversfromallaroundthe world. It is my hope that the Prayer Storm team willparticipateinthisendeavorastheLordgivesthemgracetodoso.Thisisnotsomuchaneventasitisatotallifestyle,andthefastingwillcontinueuntiltheLordJesus’SecondComing.

The goals of the Global Bridegroom Fast overlap with our

PrayerStormgoals:Fullness of the Holy Spirit and unity throughout theChurch (John14:12;17:2-23):Spiritualbreakthroughs inthe worldwide Church with unprecedented unity, purityandpowerThe GreatHarvest (Matt. 24:14): Over one billion soulsconvertedbythepowerofGodYouth revival movement (Mal. 4:6): Worldwide revivalespeciallyamongthepooroftheearthRevival to Israel (Rom. 9-11): Fulfillment of all thepropheticpromisestonationalIsraelHousesofprayer (Isa.62:6-7):The releaseof “grace forfasting”withworshipandprayertoestablish24/7housesofprayerinthecitiesoftheearth,includingIsraelWealthofthenations(Hag.2:7-9):ReleaseoffinancesfortheGreatHarvest,theprayermovement,andthepoorThe“walloffire”(Zech.2:5):Divineprotectionofallthatisbirthedthroughprayer10

BLESSINGSPROMISEDFROMFASTINGWITHPRAYER

It is time to restore the lost art of fasting as a weapon ofspiritualwarfareforsuchatimeasthis.Willyoujoinwithmeand thousands of others as we sacrifice the temporarypleasuresofthislifefortheeternalpleasuresofHisKingdom?It is worth the cost! On a personal level, you can expect thatliving a fasted lifestyle will make it possible for you to (1)receivemorerevelationofthebeautyofourmarvelousGodasyou pour over His Word; (2) receive a greater measure ofrevelation in anacceleratedway; (3) experiencea speeded-upprocessofgettingridofhard-heartedness,oldstrongholds,andold mindsets; and (4) experience God’s love for you and yourloveforHimasneverbefore.

SoifyouwanttoexperiencemoreofJesusinadeeperway,startfastingwithafocusonJesusastheBridegroom.TheHolySpirit gives grace and revelation to His people who are notafraidtocryoutforit.Andyourfast—whichislikeGod’sfeastfor His Bride—will mature you so that you can enter intointimacywithyourBridegroom.Therevelationyouwillreceivewilltouchyouatadeeperlevel.YouwillbeabletoassumeyourtrueidentityinChristandbefullypreparedforHisreturn.

ArthurWallis,theBritishpastorwhowrotetheclassicbook,God’sChosenFast,putitthisway:Before the Bridegroom left them He promised that He wouldcomeagaintoreceivethemtoHimself.TheChurchstillawaitsthe midnight cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet

him’(Matt.25.6).ItisthisageoftheChurchthatistheperiodoftheabsentBridegroom.ItisthisageoftheChurchtowhichourMasterreferredwhenHesaid,‘“Thentheywillfast.”’Thesewords of Jesus were prophetic. The first Christians fulfilledthem,andsohavemanysaintlymenandwomenofsucceedinggenerations.Wherearethosewhofulfilthemtoday?Alas,theyarefewandfarbetween,theexceptionratherthantherule,tothegreatlossoftheChurch.Anewgeneration,however, isarising.There isconcern in theheartsofmanyfortherecoveryofapostolicpower.Buthowcanwerecoverapostolicpowerwhileneglectingapostolicpractice?Howcanweexpectthepowertoflowifwedonotpreparethechannels?Fasting isaGod-appointedmeans for the flowingofHisgraceandpowerthatwecanaffordtoneglectnolonger.ThefastofthisageisnotmerelyanactofmourningforChrist’sabsence, but an act of preparation for His return. May thoseprophetic words, ‘“Then will they fast”’, be finally fulfilled inthisgeneration.ItwillbeafastingandprayingChurchthatwillhearthethrillingcry,‘Behold,theBridegroom!’Tearsshallthenbe wiped away, and the fast be followed by the feast at themarriagesupperoftheLamb.11

Youmay be able already to add your endorsement tomineandtomanyothers’—GodsurelybestowsHisblessingsonthosewhofastandpray.Hereareanumberoftheblessingsthatyoucanexpecttoreceivewhenyoufastandpray, listedunderthespecificScripturepassageswherethepromisesappear:

Isaiah58:6-12Blessingsinclude:

LoosingthebandsofwickednessUndoingheavyburdensSettingtheoppressedfreeBreakingtheyokeofbondageAttaininghealthMaintainingrighteousnessSeeingthegloryoftheLordReceivingguidancefromtheLordcontinuallyHaving one’s soul satisfied, even in times of spiritualdroughtAchievingfruitfulnessandproductivityEnhancingtheministryofreconciliation

FirstCorinthians9:27

Fastingdisciplinesourbodies,subduesourflesh,andallowsour spirits to be strengthened by God’s grace and peace. “Idiscipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when Ihavepreached toothers, Imyself shouldbecomedisqualified”(1Cor.9:27NKJV).

Matthew17:21FastingisastrongtoolthatgivesbelieversGod’smanifested

poweragainsttheworksofdarkness.“Thiskind[ofspirit]doesnotgooutexceptbyprayerandfasting”(Matt.17:21).

Acts13:1-3

InAntioch, fastingwithprayerwasreceivedbytheLordasacceptableministrytoHim:In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers:Barnabas,SimeoncalledNiger,LuciusofCyrene,Manaen(whohadbeenbroughtupwithHerodthetetrarch)andSaul.WhiletheywereworshipingtheLordandfasting,theHolySpiritsaid,“Set apart formeBarnabas and Saul for thework towhich Ihave called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, theyplacedtheirhandsonthemandsentthemoff(Acts13:1-3NIV).

I like what Lou Engle, the founder of The Call, says: “Wehavetaughtourpeopletofeastandpray.Nowitistimetoteachourpeopletofastandpray.”12

Father,wesubmitourwillstoYourdesires.Wedeclarethatitisanhonortoco-laborwithYouforYourdivineinterventionintheearth.Revealthistoeachofusasthemarvelousprivilegethatitis.Giveusthegracewesurelyneedtofastandtopray.Leadus intoallof theapplications thatYouwouldhaveusmake inthesedays,asindividualsandasgroupsofpeoplewholoveYou.ThankYou formaking itpossible forus todrawcloser toYou,evenasYoudrawclosertous.Amen.

INeedTheeEveryHourIneedTheeeveryhour,mostgraciousLord;NotendervoicelikeThinecanpeaceafford.(Refrain)IneedThee,OIneedThee;EveryhourIneedThee;Oblessmenow,mySavior,IcometoThee.IneedTheeeveryhour,stayThounearby;Temptations losetheirpowerwhenThouartnigh.IneedTheeeveryhour,injoyorpain;Comequicklyandabide,orlifeisinvain.IneedTheeeveryhour;teachmeThywill;AndThyrichpromisesinmefulfill.IneedTheeeveryhour,mostHolyOne;OmakemeThineindeed,ThoublessèdSon.1

Chapter6

SOAKINGINHISPRESENCE

CometoMe,allwhoarewearyandheavy-laden,andIwillgiveyourest.TakeMyyokeuponyouand learn fromMe, for Iamgentleandhumbleinheart,andyouwillfindrestforyoursouls.ForMyyokeiseasyandMyburdenislight(Matthew11:28-30).

InthemidstofbirthingandmaintainingyourPrayerStorm,don’t neglect your personal devotional intimacy with Jesus. Ifyoudo,youwillrunoutofgraceforyourassignments.Youwillnotbeable tokeepyour“machine”going.Youknowhow it iswithmachinery.Youhavetokeepitoiled,orit justcranksdryand stops. It’s the same with your spiritual life; you have tokeep the oil of intimacy flowing and covering all the parts ofyourlife.FirstThessalonians5:17remindsusto“praywithoutceasing.”Thatmeansthatourprayermachineryneedstobeingoodworkingorderallthetime.

IntercessionishardworkwithoutthegraceofGod.Infact,without the pervasive, soaking oil of the presence of Jesus’Spirit, prayer and intercession just plain shut down. We can’taffordtoletthathappen!We’relivingintheendtimes,andweneedtobelikethewisevirginsinJesus’parable:Thenthekingdomofheavenshallbelikenedtotenvirginswhotooktheirlampsandwentouttomeetthebridegroom.Nowfiveof them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who werefoolishtooktheirlampsandtooknooilwiththem,butthewisetook oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while thebridegroomwasdelayed, theyall slumberedandslept.Andatmidnightacrywasheard:“Behold, thebridegroomiscoming;goouttomeetHim!”Thenallthosevirginsaroseandtrimmedtheir lamps.Andthefoolishsaidtothewise,“Giveussomeofyouroil, forour lampsaregoingout.”But thewiseanswered,saying,“No,lestthereshouldnotbeenoughforusandyou;butgorathertothosewhosell,andbuyforyourselves.”Andwhilethey went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who werereadywentinwithHimtothewedding;andthedoorwasshut.Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, Lord,opentous!”ButHeansweredandsaid,“Assuredly,Isaytoyou,

Idonotknowyou.”Watchtherefore,foryouknowneitherthedaynorthehourinwhichtheSonofManiscoming(Matthew25:1-13NKJV).

Thisparableissupposedtobeawake-upcalltotheChurch.All tenof thevirginsrepresentborn-againbelievers.Eachonehad a knowledge of the Bridegroom, and each one carried alamp, which is the same as having a ministry. (See Matthew5:15; Revelation 1:20; 2:5; 11:3-6; Zechariah 4:2; Isaiah 62:1;John 5:35.) Paul pointed out how God views the Church as avirgin: “I am jealous for youwithagodly jealousy. I promisedyoutoonehusband,toChrist,sothatImightpre-sentyouasapure virgin to Him” (2 Cor. 11:2 NIV). Taken separately ortogether,we’reeach(all)viewedasvirgins.

So you need to understand that the foolish virgins are notbeing labeled as wicked, sinful, lazy, fearful, or even cursed.Theysimplydidnotthinkaheadormaketheefforttogettheoilthat theyneeded.Theydidn’t lose their “fire insurance,” theirsalvation. It’s the same with us. The Church is full of theredeemed.AllofushavebeenboughtwithJesus’blood.Butnoteverybody in theChurchendsup fulfillinghisorherpersonaldestiny.Noteverybodyendsupinthecentercircleattheendoftheage.

AllofthevirginstogethercameouttomeettheBridegroom.They left their ordinary occupations and joined together in agroup thatwasgoing tomeetHim.Theoil that someof themneglected toobtain is,of course, thesameasour relationshipwith the Holy Spirit. They failed to nurture that relationship.Somehow, they were caught up in so many other things thatthey just didn’t properly manage their devotional life. The ratrace kept them too distracted. But at the midnight hour ofhistory,theywere left inthedust.The“forerunners,”thewisevirgins,raisedthecry,“TheBridegroomiscoming!”andtheylittheirlampsandrushedofftogreetHim.Beforetheoneswhoselampshadburnedoutcoulddoanythingtostopit,thedoorwasshut.

Jesus’upcomingarrivalhasseriousconsequences.WemustnotonlyexpectHimandevengoouttomeetHim,butwemustalsomakethenecessaryefforttobepreparedtomeetHim.Wewillallgothrough“slumber,”becauseourlivesarelivedinthecontextofnaturalprocesses.Wecan’tkeepoureyesopeneveryminute.Butwhenthatfinalwake-upcallcomes,howmanyofuswillhaveoil already inour lamps?Willweopenoureyesandsee the flame in the lamp guttering down as the last of ourdiminishedfuelisconsumed?Willouropportunityandabilitytoministerbealmostfinished?

It will be too late then to obtain some oil from somebodyelse.Youwon’thave timetogo toanotherconferenceorreadanotherbookorlistentoanotherCD.Spiritualpreparednessis

not transferable. Intimacy with Jesus cannot be gained byimpartation. Each of us must engage in the God-ordainedprocessofacquiringoil forourselves.Why?God is jealous foreachofus.

YouhavetomaintainadevotionallifewithGod.YouhavetocommunewithHimbyyourselfandforyourself.RickJoynerhassaidmanytimes,“You’reasclosetoGodasyouwanttobe.”Tochangethemetaphorfromoilforaminute,eachofusneedstoheedthewordsofJesusinRevelation:“IadviseyoutobuyfromMegoldrefinedbyfiresothatyoumaybecomerich,andwhitegarmentssothatyoumayclotheyourself,andthattheshameofyour nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anointyoureyessothatyoumaysee”(Rev.3:18).

Thesaddestthingisthatmanyofus,likethefoolishvirgins,will miss out on future opportunities to be used in our fullestcapacity.TheBridegroomwillnotrecognizesomeofusasthosewhoare“engaged”toHim.Itisabsolutelyvitalthatweobtainandmaintain theoil inour lamps, theoilof intimacywithourBridegroom. We need to get it now and to keep refilling ourlampswheneverwecan.

GETTINGTHEOIL

Wecan’tuse theexcuse that Jesusdidn’t tell us about thisaheadoftime.OneofHisprimaryemphaseswason“watching,”notasmuchinamilitaryorprotectivesenseasinthesenseofkeepingHimcompany,stayingawakewithHim,anddevelopingadeepandsustainedrelationshipwithHim,largelysothatwewillbereadyandquicktomovewhennecessary.

When I was preparing my first book, The Lost Art ofIntercession, I did a comparative study in all four GospelaccountsofwhatJesussaidwouldhappeninthelastdays,theendtimes,andspecificallywhatresponseHewaslookingforinHis people. I found that one word was used often in all fouraccounts. In fact, three times more often than any otherresponse, Jesuswanted to seewatching.Hewantedpeople tobeawakeandalertintheirspirits.HereiswhatHesaid:Butofthatdayandhournooneknows,noteventheangelsinheaven,northeSon,butonlytheFather.Takeheed,watchandpray;foryoudonotknowwhenthetimeis….Watchtherefore,foryoudonotknowwhenthemasterofthehouseiscoming—intheevening,atmidnight,atthecrowingoftherooster,orinthemorning—lest,comingsuddenly,hefindyousleeping.AndwhatIsaytoyou,Isaytoall:Watch!(Mark13:32-33;35-37NKJV).

Jesus warned His followers to “watch out that the light inyouisnotdarkness”(Luke11:35).AndHeevenwarnedthemtowatch for the right bridegroom: “Watch out that you are not

deceived.FormanywillcomeinMyname,claiming,‘IamHe,’and,‘Thetimeisnear.’Donotfollowthem”(Luke21:8NIV).

RememberwhatHesaidintheGardenofGethsemane,rightbefore He was arrested and crucified. Jesus wanted Hisdisciplestobereadyforwhatwasabouttohappen,andHealsocravedthecomfortofknowingthatHewasnotentirelyalone:“Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping.‘Could you men not keep watch with Me for one hour?’ HeaskedPeter”(Matt.26:40NIV).

Watching,yousee,althoughitseemsimpracticaltomany,isthe only way to receive the preparation, strength, andsupernatural courage needed to face whatever is coming.Watching also establishes a lifestyle of encountering Jesus.Watching in the Spirit hinders satan from stealing ourinheritance (see John10:10). Since our primary inheritance isour heart-connection with Jesus, protecting that connectionmeansthatwehavealsoprotectedtherestofourinheritance.

Inotherwords,weneedtospendbeing-timewithJesusmorethanweneedtospenddoing-timewithHim.Theamazingthingabout this is that our “doing” becomes more effective simplybecausewehavespenttimeatHisfeet.WhenwecometoHim,we find rest for our souls. We find oil for our lamps. We findgraceforthetasksahead.

You see, Prayer Storm is not just about crisis intervention,it’saboutwatchinginthesenseofmaintainingan“oiledheart.”It’sabouthavingaheartthat’sreadytorespondinstantlywhenithearstheMaster’svoice.

SOAKINGINHISPRESENCE

You hear a lot these days in the Church about “soaking.”Somepeopleobjecttoit,becausethattermisnotintheBible.(Of course, a lotof thingswedoarenotdirectly in theBible.Sundayschoolisn’t.Electricguitarmusicisn’t.)Butthesoakingconcept is there—it’s all over the place. It’s in almost everybookof theBible, even inFirstSamuel.Youcan see it in thisfamiliarstory:Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord before Eli.Andword from the Lordwas rare in those days, visionswereinfrequent.IthappenedatthattimeasEliwaslyingdowninhisplace(nowhiseyesighthadbeguntogrowdimandhecouldnotsee well), and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, andSamuelwaslyingdowninthetempleoftheLordwherethearkofGodwas, that theLordcalledSamuel;andhesaid,“Here Iam.” Then he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you calledme.”Buthe said, “I didnot call, liedownagain.”Sohewentandlaydown.TheLordcalledyetagain,“Samuel!”SoSamuelaroseandwenttoEliandsaid,“HereIam,foryoucalledme.”But he answered, “I did not call, my son, lie down again” (1

Samuel3:1-6).WheredidyoungSamuelliedown?Wheredidhesleep?He

“waslyingdowninthetempleoftheLordwherethearkofGodwas.”LittleSamuelhadbeenbroughttotheoldpriestElibyhismotherHannah,andhelivedthereinthetemple,ministeringtotheLordandlearningaboutGod.Atnight,helaydowntorestnearthearkitself.

And when the voice of the Lord was released, but Samuelcouldn’tyetdiscernthatitwasGod’svoice,whatdidElitellhimtodo?Hetoldhimtogo liedownthereagain.Hedidn’tkeephim wherever he was sleeping, and he didn’t send himsomewhereelsetodosomething.Inessence,ElitoldSamueltogoandsoakupsomemoreofGod’spresencesothathewouldrecognizethevoiceofGodwhenheheardit.

This is instructive for us. Like Samuel, we need to spendtime resting in God’s presence, going back again and again,fallinginlovewithGodalloveragain.Wecanbechanged,notjusttemporarilystirredup,byreturningtoourfirstlove(orbyfinding that first love if we’ve never tasted it before). We canlearn to recognize His voice, and we can experience personalrevival.Outofthatrenewal,wecanobeythevoiceofGodasweminister.

When you seek Him, you will find Him (see Matt. 7:7).Imagine for amoment that you could spendadaywith Jesus,justthetwoofyou.Ifthat’stoomuchtimetoimaginespendingwith Him, imagine spending only an hour with Him. Imaginethat it’srightnow,rightthisminute—justyouandthe loverofyoursoul.Justbe.

Goahead,soakinHispresence.Ifithelpstoputonaquietworship CD, feel free to do that. You can find Him in ever somany ways. One of my favorite ways is hiking alone in thewoods.WhenIwasgrowingup,itwaswalkingontherailroadstracksoutsidemyparents’houseinruralMissouri.YoucanfindHimintheloveletters(theBible)thatHewroteforyoutoread.You can see Him in the flowers that are blooming and in thecreation that’s groaning around you. You can see Him in theBody of Christ. But draw closer still. Yes, draw closer to Hisloving heart. While going through my cancer battles, I wouldsimplyputonsomegreat“healing,soakingmusic”andrest inthepresenceoftheLordrightinmybed.IfoundHimwaitingtomeetmeeverytime.

Get alone with God the Father, God the Son, and God theHolySpirit.Restaroundtheark,likeSamueldid.Takea“selah”pause from the hectic pace of this life. Rest. Wait. Repose.ReflectontheOnewholovesyoumorethanyouloveyourself.Worship.Listen.Respond.

Get still before Him in order to commune with Him. (Read

Psalm 46:10; Second Samuel 7:18; Revelation 3:20; andHabakkuk2:20.)

Draw near to His heart. (Read James 4:8; Psalm 42:1-2;Isaiah55:1-3,6;Psalm65:4;Psalm73:28;Psalm84:1-4,10;andHebrews10:22.)

SeekHisface.SeekHisface,notHisintervention.SeekGodforGod’s sake. If youwant tobecomeaneffectivepartof thePrayerStormteam,IencourageyoutoengageyourselfwiththeLord, in order to be able to engage yourself in the work ofpraying. (Read Matthew 7:7-8; Psalm 27:4,8; Psalm 63:1-8;Hebrews11:6;andJeremiah29:11-14.)

Just spend time in His presence. Become an Exodus-33-aholic likeMoses. (ReadExodus33:14-15;Psalm16:11;Psalm89:15; Isaiah 29:13; Isaiah 63:9; Lamentations 2:19; and Jude24-25.)

Keep that oil replenished. Keep your lamp trimmed andready. Get to know God. Address Him by one of His manynames. You can find over a hundred of them in His Word.Sometimesoneof themwillcaptureyourheart.Staywith itawhile,evenfortherestoftheday.

IrememberonetimewhenIlandedon“FriendofSinners,”andtheHolySpiritjustfasteneditontomyheartandunfoldedit to me. You can get to know God—and you can minister Hispresence to others—when you address Him by various namesandlearntoknowHimthroughHisWord.(SeeMatthew11:29;Jeremiah9:23-24;andPhilippians3:8,10.)

IfyoucountallthingsaslossincomparisontoknowingHim,that’s getting oil in your lamp. (Read Philippians 3:7-8; FirstChronicles21:23; andSecondSamuel24:24.) It’s alsoagreattrade!

AllowyourselftobeoverwhelmedbytheamazingPersonyouarespeakingwith.YouaretalkingwithHim,notmerelytoHim;He is speaking back to you. The God of the Universe likes tohear your voice. (Read Romans 5:5; Psalm 143:8,10; Isaiah54:10; Lamentations 3:22-25; John 17:23b; and Romans 8:35-39.)

GATHERSTRENGTHINTHEEYEOFTHESTORM

You’llbenomoreeffectiveasanintercessorinPrayerStormthanyouareinyourprivate“watchingandwaiting”timeswiththeLord.Youhavethelampinyourhandalready—Godgaveittoyouwhenyouweresaved.Nowit’stimetogatherthelamp-oilandkeepitfresh.

It’s like being in the eye of the hurricane, where you canregather your strength and your resources for the nextonslaught.Yourstrengthis inHim.Sit,rest,sleeprightatHis

feet.GatherstrengthfrombeinginHispresence.TheoilofHispresence will soothe your wounds and aching muscles. It willlubricate your joints and limber up your mental processes. Itwill tenderize your heart. Seek Him. Soak in Him. Let Himprepareyouforwhat’snext.Learntoletgo!Father,IpresentmyselfbeforeYouinJesus’greatname.Icomeasanintercessor,butthistimeallIwantismoreofYou.Letmywords be pleasing to You. Awakenmy soul and spirit to hearYourvoice.Iloveyou,andIwanttoloveyoumore.IwanttobelikeyoungSamueland learn torestaround theark. Iwant tosoakinYourpresence.DrawmeclosetoYou.LetmehearYourheartbeat.Pullmydeepestheartstrings. Iwant toknowYourvoiceandmirrorYourways.IchooseYourwaysovermine.Givemeoilinmylamp,andgracemetobeawiseattendantinthesedaysthatIlivein.IcometoYouwithexpectancyandjoy.Amen!

ToGodBetheGloryTo God be the glory, great things He hasdone;So lovedHe theworld thatHe gave usHisSon,WhoyieldedHislifeanatonementforsin,Andopenedthelifegatethatallmaygoin.(Refrain)PraisetheLord,praisetheLord,LettheearthhearHisvoice!PraisetheLord,praisetheLord,Letthepeoplerejoice!OcometotheFather,throughJesustheSon,AndgiveHimtheglory,greatthingsHehasdone.Operfectredemption,thepurchaseofblood,ToeverybelieverthepromiseofGod;Thevilestoffenderwhotrulybelieves,ThatmomentfromJesusapardonreceives.Great thingsHehas taughtus, great thingsHehasdone,And great our rejoicing through Jesus theSon;Butpurer,andhigher,andgreaterwillbeOur wonder, our transport, when Jesus wesee.1

Chapter7

TAPPINGTHEPOWEROFHIGHPRAISE

ThenJonahprayedtotheLordhisGodfromthefish’sbelly.Andhesaid:“IcriedouttotheLordbecauseofmyaffliction,andHeansweredme….AllYourbillowsandYourwavespassedoverme.ThenIsaid, ‘IhavebeencastoutofYoursight;yet Iwill lookagain toward Your holy temple.’ The waters surrounded me,even to my soul; the deep closed around me; weeds werewrappedaroundmyhead….Whenmysoul faintedwithinme,IrememberedtheLord;andmyprayerwentuptoYou,intoYourholy temple….I will sacrifice to You with the voice ofthanksgiving; Iwillpaywhat Ihavevowed.Salvation isof theLord”(Jonah2:1,3-5,7,9NKJV).

I lovemovies.AndonemoviethatIwouldreally liketoseeproducedisamovieaboutJonah.Iwouldlikeittobethemostrealisticrenditionpossibleofthestorythatwe’vebeenreadingsincewewerechildren. Ican justsee it: fast-forward throughthefirstpart,andthenthereoldJonahwouldbeinthebellyoftheseamonster,seaweedwrappedaroundhishead,marinatinginallkindsofinterestingjuices,aboutaslowasamancanget.

IwanttoseethepartwhereJonahisstanding(orsitting,orrolling around) in themiddle of thewhale (or seamonster orBehemoth or whatever he/she/it was), and Jonah gets sodesperate thathestartspraising theLordbecause,well,whatelse could he do? I want to see the scene where he startspraisingGod,andthentheseamonstergetsacrazylookinoneeye that means, “I have an idea. I think I will surface. Now.”Andfromwaydowninthedepthsofthesea,asJonahkeepsonpraising, the spiritual atmosphere keeps changing from aboutaslowasitcangettosomethingmuchhigherasthecreatureswimsupandup.

Andwhen it gets to the surface, the creature swims to theshore. And there God speaks to it and says something like,“Hey, Dude, I got a ministry for you. How would you like tothrowthisguyup?Howwouldyoulikebeinganinstrumentofdeliverance?”Anduurrpp,outcomes Jonah.Nowhe’sreallyasight—covered not only in the remnants of the seaweed, but

also dripping with green bile and with a nice, new, grittybreadingofsand.SothenhepickshimselfupandtakeshimselfstraighttoNinevah(notplanningtodisobeythistime,nosir!).Andwhenhepointshisbonyfingeratthepeopleandtellsthemto repent, what do you think will happen? I mean, they’llprobablyrunintoeachothertryingtogetawayfromthisscaryguy.Buttheywillrepent.Thewholeplacewillrepent.YouandIwillrepenttoo,evenbeforewefinishourpopcorn!

PRAISEISASPIRITUALWEAPON

ThewayIseeit, thestoryofJonahillustratesthisessentialspiritual truth, among others: praising God is a spiritualweapon.WhenPaulandSilasbegantopraiseGodinthemiddleof the night in the prison, the doors were opened, and theirbondsfelloff(seeActs16:25-26).WhenwebegintopraisetheLord in the midst of a terrible situation, God’s salvation anddeliverancebegintoenterin(seePs.50:23).

Ifnothingelse,praiseisawaytosilencethedevil.Praiseisachildlikeexpressionoffaithinaworldwherecomplicatedmindstend to over-analyze circumstances and can seeno reason forpraisingGod. “Out of themouth of babes andnursing infantsYouhaveordainedstrength,becauseofYourenemies,thatYoumaysilencetheenemyandtheavenger”(Ps.8:2NKJV).

Praise opens the way into Christ’s victory, as evidenced byverseafterverseintheBibleandbythepersonalexperienceofmanypeopleoverthecenturies.(SeePsalm106:47;Colossians2:15;andSecondCorinthians2:14.)

PRAISEISASACRIFICE

Praising the Lord is not always easy. (I don’t think it waseasyatall forJonah.)AccordingtoJeremiah33:11,praise isasacrifice, and it costs us something. We do not necessarilypraise God because we feel like doing it. However, we praiseHimbecauseofwhatHehasalreadydoneforus.Praiseisthevoice of the earthly Bride offering a “thank offering” to herheavenlyBridegroom.

PRAISEISAGARMENTOFTHESPIRIT

AccordingtoIsaiah61:1-3,theGospelofpraisecanreleaseus from the spirit of heaviness, which weighs us down like agloomy cloak, and it can clothe us in a light, glorious, andbeautifulgarment:TheSpirit of the LordGod is uponme, because the Lord hasanointedmetobringgoodnewstotheafflicted;Hehassentmeto bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captivesandfreedomtoprisoners;toproclaimthefavorableyearoftheLordandthedayofvengeanceofourGod; tocomfortallwho

mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them agarland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead ofmourning,themantleofpraiseinsteadofaspiritoffaintingsotheywillbecalledoaksof righ -teousness, theplantingof theLord,thatHemaybeglorified(Isaiah61:1-3).

PRAISEISTHEWAYINTOGOD’SPRESENCE

It’slikeagiantgateway.Allyouhavetodoiswalkthroughitwith praises on your lips. Isaiah depicts it this way: “You willcall your walls Salvation and your gates Praise” (Isa. 60:18bNIV). The Book of Psalms was written to usher worshippersthrough the gates of praise into God’s Presence: “Enter HisgateswiththanksgivingandHiscourtswithpraise;givethankstoHimandpraiseHisname”(Ps.100:4NIV).

AspartofPrayerStorm,Iwanttoseethegateofpraise,thepraise watch, established in every city, in every state, and ineverypartofthisnationandtheworld.Iwanttojoinwithyouand others to keep the gate of praise inhabited with praises,releasingtheKingofGlorytoenter.

PRAISEISTHEPLACEOFGOD’SRESIDENCE

Notonlyispraisethegate,it’sthehouse!Praiseistheplacewhere God dwells. Nobody needs to be told that God’s housemust be holy. It’s a holy and sanctified place. According toPsalm22,Godisholy,andHecannotdwellinanunholyplace:“You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel” (Ps. 22:3NKJV).

GOD’SBLESSINGRELEASESPRAISE

When it comes to praising God to this degree, nobody canachieveit.WeneedtheHolySpiritwithinustoreleasethehighpraisesofGodandtoputthemonourtongues.Thephrasemyglory rejoices in Psalm 16:9 (NKJV) is interesting, becausesometimestheHebrewphrasemyglory isusedtorefertothehuman tongue. So some translations say it: “my tonguerejoices.”Inanotherpsalm,GodintervenedinDavid’ssituationsothathistonguecouldbeusedtopraiseHim:“IwillextolYou,OLord,forYouhaveliftedmeup,andhavenotletmyenemiesrejoiceoverme….Singpraise to theLord,youHisgodlyones,andgivethankstoHisholyname…”(Psalm30:1,4).

WORSHIPANDPRAISETOGETHER

Worship and praise are like a happily married couple—notquite the same as each other, but inseparable and bearing acertain resemblance to each other. Worship is primarily aninner attitude that is exhibited through a person’s posture. Itmeanstobowdowninsubmissionbeforetheawesomeholiness

ofGod.Worshipiswhat’shappeninginHeavenallthetime.It’swhat’s portrayed in Isaiah 6:1-4, where we see four-wingedseraphs—they use two of their wings to cover themselves,whichportraysworship,and theother twowings to fly,whichportraysservice.Theycrypraisewiththeirmouths,declaring,“Holy!Holy!Holy!”WorshipisalsowhatweseeintheBookofRevelation:AndwhenthelivingcreaturesgivegloryandhonorandthankstoHimwho sits on the throne, toHimwho lives forever andever,thetwenty-fourelderswill falldownbeforeHimwhositsonthethrone,andwillworshipHimwholivesforeverandever,andwill cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “WorthyareYou,ourLordandourGod,toreceivegloryandhonorandpower;forYoucreatedallthings,andbecauseofYourwilltheyexisted,andwerecreated”(Revelation4:9-11).

Thanksgivingandpraisearewhatworshippersdo.WethankandpraiseGodforwhatHeisdoingrightnowandforwhatHehasdoneinthepast.WethankandpraiseHimforwhatHedoesforusandforwhatHehasdoneforotherpeople.WeworshipHim as our Creator and as the Creator of everything in theworld around us. We open our mouths with words of praise,recounting God’s deeds and His goodness. (See Psalm 48:1,whichisjustoneofmanyversesthatexemplifypraise.)

Thanksgiving is directly commanded by God, according toColossians 3:15-17 and First Thessalonians 5:16-18. In otherwords,givingthanksisrelatedtobeinginGod’swill.Haveyouever thought about it that way before? Do you want to be inGod’s will? Just start praising Him! “Rejoice always, praywithoutceasing,ineverythinggivethanks;forthisisthewillofGodinChristJesusforyou”(1Thess.5:16-18NKJV).

Thanksgivingandpraisearenecessarytomakeotherformsofprayereffective.Theyareliketherailroadtrackthatcarriesthe payload of prayer. Paul urged the Philippians and theColossians to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything byprayerandsupplicationwiththanksgivingletyourrequestsbemade known to God” (Phil. 4:6) and to “devote yourselves toprayer,keepingalertinitwithanattitudeofthanksgiving”(Col.4:2).

Thanksgiving, you see, is the key to releasing God’ssupernatural power. (See the story of the loaves and fishes inJohn6,especiallyverses11and23,andthestoryoftheraisingof Lazarus in John 11, especially verses 41-44.) Besides that,thanksgivingandpraisesetasealontheblessingsthatwehavealready received,keeping themsafe. (See the storyof the tenlepersinLuke17:12-19.)

Whenyoucombine itall—worship, thanksgiving,andpraise—with the worship, thanksgiving, and praise of faithfulbelievers throughout the earth, you become part of a great

symphony of praise, an antiphonal call-and-response thatreboundsfromearthtoHeavenandback.BecausetheHebrewsweren’taslinearintheirapproachtothingsastheGreekswereormodernWesternthinkersare,theHebraicunderstandingof“the symphony of praise” does not separate praise fromthanksgiving or thanksgiving from worship, and none of themare separated from prayer and intercession. In fact, even themethodsofofferingpraisefulprayersorprayerfulpraiseswerenotseparated;sometimestheysangtheirpetitionstoGodalongwiththeirpraises.

So it’s a little artificial to define and separate theseelements, since they are intertwined together: praise,thanksgiving, worship, intercession, prayer. The foundationalmessageisthesame—doit!

THEWHEN,HOW,ANDWHOOFPRAISE

WhenshouldwepraisetheLord?That’seasytoanswer:weshould praise the Lord at all times, continually, every day,forever and ever, and into eternity (see Ps. 34; 145:2). We’rejustgettingwarmedup!How shouldwepraiseHim?That’seasy toanswer, too.We

shouldpraise theLordwithourwholehearts—wholeheartedly(see Ps. 111:1). We should praise Him intentionally and withskill and understanding (see Ps. 47:7). We should praise Himwith uplifted hands, a joyful mouth, and all the physicalexpressionsthatgoalongwiththat(seePs.63:3-4;1Tim.2:8-9).WecanpraiseHimwithdancing,demonstrationsofworship,gratitude,andthankfulness(seePs.149:3;150:4).Ourprayersgo up to the nostrils of God just as incense, and our upliftedhandsareliketheeveningsacrificetoHim(seePs.141:2).Who should praise the Lord? Everyone. Not just human

beings. Not just believers. Everything that has breath, as amatteroffact.“LeteverythingthathasbreathpraisetheLord.PraisetheLord!”(Ps.150:6NKJV).Keepinmindthathigh-techrecordings,ashelpfulandgoodastheyare,donothavebreath.High-tech worship doesn’t breathe. No matter how wonderfulthe artists or the bands or how pure the sound, God nevermeantforanyrecordingtobeusedasasubstituteforourownpersonalpraisecomingoutofourownmouths.Onlythedead,whocannotbreathe,absolutelycannotpraisetheLord.

It is“thehighpraisesofGod inourmouths” thatempowerourprayerstothemax.“LetthehighpraisesofGodbeintheirmouth,anda two-edgedsword in theirhand” (Ps.149:6KJV).Wemaynotsoundquiteasprofessionalasthepraisefromtherecording companies, but there is something irreplaceableaboutlearningtopraiseGodforourselves.Thereissomethingpowerful in our praise, something that can shake the enemycamp. Praise is one of the highest expressions of spiritual

warfare. Worship and thanksgiving can place demonicprincipalities in chains. In ourpraises,we simplydeclare thatwhich is already written in the Word of God. We remind theenemy once more that “it is finished” (see John 19:30). Thegreatwar between JesusChrist and satan, between good andevil, is finished.TheVictorwasdeterminedat thecross.Onceandforall,GoddisarmedallthesatanicforcesbythedeathandresurrectionofHisSon.

By praise and worship, we enforce and extend the victoryalready won at Calvary. This is the honor given to all of Hisgodlyones!PraisetheLord!SingtotheLordanewsong,andHispraiseinthe congregation of the godly ones. Let Israel be glad in hisMaker;letthesonsofZionrejoiceintheirKing.LetthempraiseHis name with dancing; let them sing praises to Him withtimbrelandlyre.FortheLordtakespleasureinHispeople;Hewillbeautifytheafflictedoneswithsalvation.Letthegodlyonesexultinglory; letthemsingforjoyontheirbeds.Letthehighpraises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword intheir hand, to execute vengeance on the nations andpunishmentonthepeoples,tobindtheirkingswithchainsandtheir nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them thejudgmentwritten;thisisanhonorforallHisgodlyones.PraisetheLord!(Psalm149).

INTERCESSORYWORSHIP

Iwant to run throughanumberof things that intercessoryworship—combining the worship of God’s holiness and“watching”—can do. Here they are, for all of you PrayerStormers:

1.IntercessoryworshipenthronesGod.2.IntercessoryworshipencountersGod.3.IntercessoryworshipenlargesGodtous.4.IntercessoryworshipenjoysGod.5.IntercessoryworshipenlistsGodtomove.6.IntercessoryworshipexcitesGod.We are privileged to be living in a time when songs of

breakthrough are being sung. These aren’t necessarily newlyricssettonewmusic,althoughtheycanbe.Whethertheyareplayed with old instruments or new, these songs ofbreakthroughare fresh. They invigorate those who sing themand those who hear them. They help us touch God; they aresongs of enthronement, songs of harvest, songs of the Spirit,songsofpropheticdeclarationandintercession.

Whenworshipperswhohaveaforerunneranointingonthem

sing songs of breakthrough, they can help prepare theatmosphere and break open the heavens so that the Son ofGlory can come down into our midst and be glorified. Theybegintodeclareinsongthingsthathavenotyethappened,andasthesongsaresung,theybecomenotonlysongsofexaltationto God but also a kind of heavenly download. The King isenthroned. The priest petitions. The prophet releasesrevelation. Then the King releases a decree, and the decreeresonatesintheheartsofthosewhoareunitedwithHim.

Ourprayersbreakoutsidethewallsofourplaceofworship.When we break outside the walls of the Church with ourpraises, we become like one of the Salvation Army bands ofWilliamandCatherineBoothwhonot only praisedGod insidethehousebutwhoalsowentoutontothestreets.That’swheresatan gets crushed under the “army boots” of the Bride (seeRom. 16:20). We go into the house of worship to pick up thebrilliant glory ofGod,which fills ourhearts andglowsonourskin and hair and radiates from our eyes, and then we turnaroundandreleaseHisPresenceintotheworldaroundus.

WearesupposedtogetthePresenceforapurpose,andwegetitbymeansofworship,praise,andthanksgiving.Comeonnow—don’tholdback!Youdonothavetogetswallowedupbylife’s circumstances, as Jonah did, before you begin to praisetheLord.Start rightnow!CreateacultureofHispresence inyourhome,neighborhood,andyes,evenyourcar(asdangerousasthatmightsound).Let’stapintothehighpowerofpraiseandbind up the enemy’s works for Jesus Christ’s sake. Let’s justpraisetheLord!Without further preliminaries, I want to begin praising you,Lord!IwanttobeaninstrumentinthesymphonyofpraisethatrisesfromtheearthtoYourthrone.Iwantthesoundsfrommylittle piece of the earth to come into agreement with all thesoundsofHeaven.IwantYoutomountuponmypraisesandonthepraisesofmyriadsofothers,wearingYourroyalcrown.IamdependentuponYoutohelpmeloveandpraiseYou.Iopenmyheart toyou,and I letmy faithrise tomeetYou. Iamhere tocarryYourholyPresence,andIamheretocarryoutYourlovingorders.BlesstheLord,Omysoul,andallthatiswithinme—allthat iswithinme—blessHis holy, wonderful name. Amen andAmen!

PartIII

PATTERNSFORAPRAYERSTORM

ReviveUsAgainWepraiseThee,OGod!FortheSonofThylove,ForJesusWhodied,Andisnowgoneabove.(Refrain)Hallelujah!Thinetheglory.Hallelujah!Amen.Hallelujah!Thinetheglory.Reviveusagain.WepraiseThee,OGod!ForThySpiritoflight,WhohathshownusourSavior,Andscatteredournight.AllgloryandpraiseTotheLambthatwasslain,Whohathbornealloursins,Andhathcleansedeverystain.AllgloryandpraiseTotheGodofallgrace,Whohastbroughtus,andsoughtus,Andguidedourways.Reviveusagain;FilleachheartwithThylove;MayeachsoulberekindledWithfirefromabove.1

Chapter8

PRAYERFORREVIVALINTHECHURCH

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mineangeristurnedawayfromhim.IwillbeasthedewuntoIsrael:he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.Hisbranchesshallspread,andhisbeautyshallbeastheolivetree, and his smell as Lebanon. They that dwell under hisshadowshallreturn;theyshallreviveasthecorn,andgrowasthe vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon(Hosea14:4-7KJV).

JohnWesleywasonceaskedhowhemanagedtogathersuchlarge crowds to listen to him preach. His response wasimmediate:“Isetmyselfonfire,andpeoplecometowatchmeburn!”2Where does that kind of fire come from?That kind ofrevival fire is ignited by the burning lampstand of ferventintercession.

Whatdoesafiredo?Itwarmsandenlightens.Itpurifies.Itempowers.Aspiritualfiredoesthesamethingsasanaturalfire—itwarmsupacoldheartandmakesitdesireGod.Itreleasestherevelationlikeraysoflightsothat,suddenly,it’sasif“thelights just came on.” It burns sin out and brings cleansing tohearts and souls. And it releases new zeal and power into abeliever’slife.Whenwe’reprayingforrevival,we’reprayingforrevivalfire.We’reprayingforafirestorm.

WHATISREVIVAL

Onlysomethingthatwasoncealivecanberevived.Inotherwords,revivalisn’tthesameasbirth.Youcanreviveadrownedperson,butwhat you’redoing isbringing thatpersonback tothelifethatheorshealreadyhadbeforetheydrowned.Revivalmeansthereturntolifeortherecoveryfromdeathorapparentdeath.

Revival also means a return to activity after a season oflethargy, apathy, and languor. It’s like a shock to the system.Emotionsriseagainasspiritsarerevived. Isaiahportrays thisaspectofrevival:

Oh,thatYouwouldrendtheheavensandcomedown,thatthemountains might quake at Your presence—as fire kindles thebrushwood, as fire causes water to boil—to make Your nameknowntoYouradversaries,thatthenationsmaytrembleatYourpresence! When You did awesome things which we did notexpect,Youcamedown,themountainsquakedatYourpresence(Isaiah64:1-3).

Revival also applies to the recovery of a vital truth fromoblivion,neglect,orobscurity,or,inotherwords,tothereturntolifeofsomethingthathasbeenforgotten.Thisiseasytoseein spiritual terms, because in times of spiritual revival, long-neglectedtruthsarerestoredtolife,andpeoplerejoicetolearnandobey themonceagain. In a timeof revival, people renewtheir interest in spiritual concerns, their hearts and souls arerestoredwith fresh life, and theyareeager toengendermorelife wherever they go. Spiritual revival is so powerful thatsocietyitselfcanbetransformed.

Colin Dye, whose church, Kensington Temple, in London,England,isoneofthelargestchurchesinEurope,isascholarandastatesmanaswellasapastor.Hereiswhathesaysaboutrevival:RevivalisaseasonofapowerfulvisitationfromGod.Theterm,properly speaking, belongs to the history of the Churchsubsequent to the New Testament era. However, during thehistoric revivals we can identify dominant elements that arealso present in the New Testament Church. These center onGod acting through powerful manifestations of His presence,strengthening the Church, and awakening the world. Indeed,there are many features of revival that flow out of the NewTestament experience of God: conviction of sin, manyconversions,powerful spiritualencounters, revelationsofGod,greatassuranceofsalvation,spiritualfervor,andsomekindoflastinglegacyfortheChurchandsocietyatlarge.3

You see here that revival involves a visitation fromGod inwhich His presence is powerfully and tangibly manifested inordertostrengthentheChurchandawakenthesleepingworldtoHisreality.Peopleinthemidstofrevivalareconvictedofsin,converted to faith, impressed with God’s truth, and propelledinto firsthand experiences of a spiritual nature—and this haslastingresults.

IntheBible,wecanfindprayersforrevival. IhavealreadyquotedIsaiah’simpassionedpleaforGodto“rendtheheavensandcomedown.”ThesonsofKorah,whowerepsalmists,andtheprophetHabakkukalsoprayedforGod’slifetoberekindledinthelivesofHispeople:You showed favor to Your land, O Lord; You restored thefortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of Yourpeople andcoveredall their sins.Selah. You set aside all Yourwrath and

turned from Your fierce anger. Restore us again, O God ourSavior, and put away Your displeasure toward us.Will You beangrywithusforever?WillYouprolongYourangerthroughallgenerations?WillYounotreviveusagain,thatYourpeoplemayrejoiceinYou?(Psalm85:1-6NIV).Lord,IhaveheardofYourfame;IstandinaweofYourdeeds,OLord.Renewtheminourday,inourtimemakethemknown;inwrathremembermercy(Habakkuk3:2NIV).TheseScripturesarelike“prayerammo.”Wecanusethemoverandover.

Before the revival in the Hebrides islands off Scotland, in1949, twoelderly sistersandseveral youngmenprayed thosewords from Isaiah 64:1 over and over forweeks andmonths:“Lord, rend the heavens and come down!” They also prayedfromthewordsofIsaiah44:3-4:ForIwillpourwateruponhimthat is thirsty,andfloodsuponthe dry ground: I will pourMy spirit upon thy seed, andMyblessing upon thine offspring: And they shall spring up asamongthegrass,aswillowsbythewatercourses(Isaiah44:3-4KJV).TheirferventpleaswererewardedwhenGod’sSpiritfellontheislandstosuchadegreethatspontaneousconversionsoccurredeverywhere and the crime rate plummeted. It became one ofthemostphenomenal outpourings of theHolySpirit since theDayofPentecost.

Thesisters,ChristineandPeggySmith,82and84yearsold,were too frail to leave their cottage, located in the village ofBarvasontheislandofLewis,toattendworshipservices.Peggywas blind, and Christine was crippled with arthritis. So theyprayedfromhome.Theyprayedtwiceaweek.Theywouldgeton their knees at ten o’clock in the evening, and they neverstoppedprayinguntilthreeorfouro’clockinthemorning.

After God gave them a vision of revival in their parishchurch, a group of youngmenwhowere office-holders in theparishbegantoprayaswell,andtheyprayedtogethertwiceaweekinacoldbarn,onTuesdayandFridaynights.Sometimesthemenwereforcedtocrawlinsideofthehaystacksinordertokeepwarm.UndertheinspirationoftheHolySpirit,thesenineordinaryScotsprayedwithout a letup for amonthandahalf,pleading with God to send revival to their community andbeyond.

Onenight,adeaconstoodupandreadfromPsalm24:WhoshallascendintothehilloftheLord?OrwhoshallstandinHisholyplace?Hethathathcleanhands,andapureheart;whohathnotlifteduphissouluntovanity,norsworndeceitfully.Heshallreceivetheblessing[noticethatit’s“the”blessing,not“a”blessing]fromtheLord,andrighteousnessfromtheGodofhis

salvation. This is the generation of them that seek Him, thatseekThyface,OJacob(Psalm24:3-6KJV).

Beforehesatdown,hechallengedhis fellow intercessors—andhimself—byaskingGod,“God,aremyhandsclean? Ismyheartpure?”Hecouldnotgoanyfurther,becausehefellonthefloor of the barn under the power of the Spirit. All of thosepresentwereconvictedofhowessentialholinesswas to thosewhowouldexpectavisitationfromGod.

Soonafter,theelderlysistersurgedtheirpastortobringinanevangelist,becauseinavision,oneofthemhadseenamanwhowasnot from their village speaking in the pulpit. After aseries of inquiries, he brought a young man named DuncanCampbell to speak.Here isa smallportionofCampbell’sownaccountofwhathappenedontheveryfirstnight,toldalmost20years later. Here is what happened just after he had finishedpreachingtoacongregationofaboutthreehundredpeople.Just as I am walking down the aisle, along with this youngdeaconwhoread thePsalm in thebarn.Hesuddenly stood intheaisleandlookinguptotheheavenshesaid,“God,Youcan’tfailus.God,Youcan’tfailus.Youpromisedtopourwateronthethirstyandfloodsuponthedryground—God,Youcan’tfailus!”Soonheisonhiskneesintheaisle,andheisstillpraying,andthenhefallsintoatranceagain.Justthenthedooropened—itis now eleven o’clock. The door of the church opens, and thelocal blacksmith comes back into the church and says, “Mr.Campbell, something wonderful has happened. Oh, we werepraying that God would pour water on the thirsty and floodsuponthedrygroundandlisten,He’sdoneit!He’sdoneit!”WhenIwenttothedoorofthechurchIsawacongregationofapproximately600people.Sixhundredpeople—wherehadtheycomefrom?Whathadhappened?IbelievethatthatverynightGodsweptinPentecostalpower—thepoweroftheHolyGhost.And what happened in the early days of the apostles washappeningnowintheparishofBarvas.Over100youngpeoplewereatthedanceintheparishhallandtheyweren’t thinkingofGodoreternity.Godwasnot inalloftheir thoughts. They were there to have a good night whensuddenly the power of God fell upon the dance. The musicceased, and in amatter ofminutes, the hallwas empty. Theyfled from the hall as a man fleeing from a plague. And theymadeforthechurch.Theyarenowstandingoutside.Oh,yes—theysawlightsinthechurch.ThatwasahouseofGodandtheyweregoingtoitandtheywent.Menandwomenwhohadgonetobedrose,dressed,andmadeforthechurch.Nothing intheway of publicity—no mention of a special effort except anintonation from thepulpit onSabbath that a certainmanwasgoing to be conducting a series of meetings in the parishcovering 10 days. ButGod took the situation in hand—oh,He

becameHisownpublicityagent.Ahungerandathirstgrippedthe people. 600 of them now are at the church standingoutside.4

Duncan Campbell far exceeded the ten-day time period hehad agreed to stay. The first wave of the revival lasted fiveweeks.Prayermeetingswerehelddayandnightthroughouttheparishes.Thentherewasabrief lull, followedbyweeksmore.Therevivalwasnotaccompaniedbyhealingsorbyspeakingintongues, but everyone experienced remarkable, repeated,power-encounters with God. Bold prayers were prayed—andanswered.Incorrigiblesinnersweresaved,manyofwhomwenton to lead many others to Christ. An astonishing number ofthose whowere savedwere young people, very few of whomever stopped following Jesus for the rest of their lives, andmanyofwhomarestillalivetoday,ofcourse,becauseallofthishappenedonlyinthemiddleofthe20thcentury.5

ThereasonItellyouthisstoryisbecauseithelpsanswerthequestion, “What is revival?” Although the specificsmay differfromplace to place and from time to time, some of themwillalways be present in a true revival, not the least of which isalwaysfervent,concentrated,persistentintercessoryprayer.

THEROLEOFPRAYERINSPIRITUALAWAKENING

Without prayer, revival will not come. But what does thiskind of prayer look like? In 1976, an Oxford-educated churchhistoriannamedJ.EdwinOrrgaveatalkentitled“TheRoleofPrayerinSpiritualAwakening”attheNationalPrayerCongressinDallas. A videotape of his presentationwasmade, and it isstillavailabletoday.Herearesomeexcerptsfromit:Dr. A.T. Pierson once said, “There has never been a spiritualawakeninginanycountryorlocalitythatdidnotbegininunitedprayer.”LetmerecountwhatGodhasdonethroughconcerted,united,sustainedprayer.Not many people realize that in the wake of the AmericanRevolution there was a moral slump…. [Crime, drunkenness,profanity rose to alarming levels. Churches stopped growingandbegantoshrink.]Christiansweresofewon[thecampusesofIvyLeaguecolleges]inthe1790sthattheymetinsecret,likeacommunistcell,andkepttheirminutesincodesothatnoonewould know….The Chief of Justice of the United States, JohnMarshall,wrotetotheBishopofVirginia,JamesMadison,thatthe Church “was too far gone ever to be redeemed.” Voltaireaverred,andTomPaineechoed,“Christianitywillbe forgotteninthirtyyears.”…Howdid thesituationchange? It came throughaconcertofprayer….In New England, there was a man of prayer namedIsaac Backus, a Baptist pastor who in 1794, when conditionswere at their worst, addressed an urgent plea for prayer for

revivaltopastorsofeveryChristiandenominationintheUnitedStates.Churches knew that their backs were to the wall, so thePresbyterians of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvaniaadopteditforalltheirchurches.BishopFrancisAsburyadoptedit for all the Methodists. The Congregational and BaptistAssociations, theReformedand theMoraviansall adopted theplan, until America…was interlaced with a network of prayermeetings, which set aside the firstMonday of eachmonth topray.Itwasnottoolongbeforetherevivalcame.Itbrokeoutfirstofall in Connecticut, then spread to Massachusetts and all theseaboardstates,ineverycaseentirelywithoutextravaganceoroutcry. [In the summer of 1800, when it reached Kentucky,whichwasalawlessterritoryatthetime,itburstintowildfire.Great camp meetings were held, and pastors of everydenominational affiliation assisted when as many as 11,000peoplecametoonecommunionservice.]Out of that second great awakening…came thewholemodernmissionary movement and its societies. Out of it came theabolitionof slavery,populareducation,Biblesocieties,Sundayschoolsandmanysocialbenefits….[However,bythemid-1800s,conditionshaddeterioratedagain.]InSeptember1857,amanofprayer,JeremiahLanphier,starteda prayer meeting in the upper room of the Dutch ReformedChurch consistory building in Manhattan. In response to hisadvertisement,onlysixpeopleoutofthepopulationofamillionshowedup.But, the followingweek, therewere fourteen, andthen twenty-three,when itwasdecided tomeet everyday forprayer. By late winter, they were filling the Dutch ReformedChurch,thentheMethodistChurchonJohnStreet,thenTrinityEpiscopalChurchonBroadwayatWallStreet.InFebruaryandMarchof1858,everychurchandpublichallindowntownNewYork was filled. Horace Greeley, the famous editor, sent areporter with horse and buggy racing around the prayermeetings to seehowmanymenwerepraying: inonehour,hecould get to only twelvemeetings, but he counted 6100menattending.Thena landslideofprayerbegan,whichoverflowedtothechurchesintheevenings.Peoplebegantobeconverted,ten thousand a week in New York City alone. The movementspread throughout New England, the church bells bringingpeopletoprayerateightinthemorning,twelvenoon,sixintheevening. The revival raced up the Hudson and down theMohawk,wheretheBaptists,forexample,hadsomanypeopletobaptizethattheywentdowntotheriver,cutabigholeintheice,andbaptizedtheminthecoldwater:whenBaptistsdothattheyreallyareonfire….[Outofthisrevivalcameayoungshoesalesmanwhosenamebecameahouseholdword,D.L.Moody.]…MorethanamillionpeoplewereconvertedtoGodinoneyear

outofapopulationofthirtymillion.ThenthatsamerevivaljumpedtheAtlanticappearedinUlster,Scotland, Wales, then England, parts of Europe, South AfricaandSouth India, anywhere therewas an evangelical cause. Itsentmission pioneers tomany countries. Effectswere felt forforty years. Having begun in a movement of prayer, it wassustainedbyamovementofprayer.Thatmovement lasted for ageneration,but at the turnof thetwentieth century, there was need of awakening again. Ageneral movement of prayer began, with special prayermeetings atMoodyBible Institute; atKenswickConvention inEngland; and places as far apart as Melbourne, Australia;Wonsan inKorea; andNilgiriHills of India. So all around theworldbelieverswereprayingthattheremightbeanothergreatawakeninginthetwentiethcentury….[Among the most notable results of this prayer is the well-knownWelshRevivalof1904]…ThemovementwentlikeatidalwaveoverWales.Infivemonthstherewereahundredthousandpeople converted throughout the country….It was the socialimpact that was astounding. For example, judges werepresentedwithwhitegloves,notacasetotry:norobberies,noburglaries, no rapes, no murders and no embezzlements,nothing….As the revival sweptWales, drunkennesswas cut inhalf.Therewasawaveofbankruptcies,buttheywerenearlyallfortaverns.Therewasevenaslowdowninthemines.Yousay,“Howcouldareligiousrevivalcauseastrike?”Itdidnotcauseastrike, justaslowdown,forsomanyWelshcoalminerswereconvertedandstoppedusingbadlanguagethatthehorsesthatdraggedthetrucksintheminescouldnotunderstandwhatwasbeing said to them, hence transportation slowed down for awhileuntil they learnedthe languageofCanaan. (WhenI firstheard that story, I thought that it was a tall tale, but I candocumentit.)Thatrevivalalsoaffectedsexualmoralstandards,I had discovered through the figures given by Britishgovernment experts that, in Radnorshire andMerionethshire,theactualillegitimatebirthratehaddropped44%withinayearofthebeginningoftherevival.ThatrevivalsweptBritain.Itsomoved all of Norway that the Norwegian Parliament passedspecial legislation to permit laymen to conduct Communionbecause the clergy could not keepupwith the number of theconverts desiring to partake. It swept Sweden, Finland andDenmark, Germany, Canada from coast to coast, all of theUnited States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, EastAfrica,CentralAfrica,WestAfrica,touchingalsoBrazil,Mexico,andChile….Asalways,itbeganthroughamovementofprayer,withprayermeetings all over the United States as well as the othercountries; and soon there came thegreat timeof theharvest.Sowhatisthelessonwecanlearn?It isaverysimpleone,as

directasthepromisesofGodinScripture:“IfMypeople,whoarecalledbyMyname,shallhumblethemselvesandpray,andseekMyface,andturnfromtheirwickedways,thenIwillhearfromheavenandwillforgivetheirsinandwillhealtheirland”(2Chron.7:14RSV).What is involved in this?AsGod requiresus topray,wemustnot forgetwhatwas saidby JonathanEdwards: “…topromoteexplicit agreement and visible union of God’s people inextraordinary prayer.” What do we mean by extraordinaryprayer? We share in ordinary prayer in regular worshipservices,beforeeatingandthelike.Butwhenpeoplearefoundgettingupatsixinthemorningtopray,orhavingahalfnightofprayeruntilmidnight,orgivinguptheirlunchtimetoprayatanoonday prayer meeting, that is extraordinary prayer. But itmustbeunitedandconcerted.6

Dr.Orr touchedon justa fewhighlights from the19thand20thcenturies.Againandagain,weseethepowerfuleffectofprayerinbringingabouttruerevival.Ittakesalotofprayertobringtruerevival.Ittakesanarmyofintercessorsprayingovertime.Thosewhoprayforrevivaldonotneedtobeinthesameroom at the same time, although sometimes they are. Theydon’t even need to speak the same language, because theymight come from different countries. But they do need to beunited in purpose: “Lord, send Your Spirit. Revive us again!Rendtheheavensandcomedown!”

REVIVALPRELIMINARIES

Prayerisanabsoluteprerequisiteforrevival.Itstemsfromahunger and an intense desire for change. Something simplymust change in the situation, because the situation isintolerable. Or—tell me if you have not experienced thisyourself—it’smoreasifsomethingmustchangeinthesituation,because the situation is just plain boring! You know what Imean. You have gone along for some time, and nothing hasseemed very exciting. Church just isn’t quite meeting yourneeds.Youcan’tfigureoutwhatyourpurposeis,andyou’renotsurethepeoplearoundyouknowwhattheirsiseither.Youcan’tquite put your finger onwhat’swrong, but youget frustratedwith it. In times like these, yourheart andmouth can releasegrumblingandaccusation—orprayer.Ifyouwanttogetoutofthedoldrumsand intorevival,chooseprayer.Prayerdefinitelychangesthings.

Anotherprerequisiteforrevivalisnetworking.Peoplebeginto pull together inunity. They begin to pool their efforts andtheirprayers.Theybegin tocryoutwithonevoice:“Lord,weneed You! We are hungry for You. We are utterly dependentupon You.” The relational work of networking results inprogress toward unified prayer with an identifiable goal.

Prayingas a teamgives feet to your restlessness andhope inthemidstofyourspiritualhunger.

In the Nashville area where I live, different congregationsand ministries host a Call2Worship periodically on Sundaynights. It’s just a small piece of the big picture, but it’s animportantone.Itbuildscitywideunity,promoteshungerfortheLord,andreleasesthepowerofcorporateworshipandprayer.Thoseprayershit their targets!Theydon’t justbounceoff theceiling.Whatmakesthedifferenceisthatwepraytogether;wehave united across denominational and cultural lines to seekGod’sfaceforthesakeofourcityandregion.

WHATREVIVALLOOKSLIKE

Prayer is a key ingredient prior to revival, and prayercontinuesasakey ingredient forsustaining theresultsof re -vival.What arewe looking forwhenwepray for revival?Andwhat does it look like to sustain revival when theHoly Spiritbringsit?

Therearefiveprimarycharacteristicsoftrue,classicrevival:(1) an experiential conviction of sin, which results in (2) apassionate denunciation of sin because of (3) a revelation ofGod’sholiness, (4)adeepawarenessofGod’s loveandmercy,and (5) a sometimes painfully heightened consciousness ofeternity. These characteristics can be illustrated abundantlyfromtheScripturesandfromthehistoryoftheebbandflowoftheChristianfaith.

Forexample,DavidBrainerd,whowentout intotheforestsandpreachedtothenativesinearlyAmerica,prayedfordaysatatime,outdoors.HelongedtoportraytheLordJesusChristasakindandcompassionatemaster,andhewould intercedeandpleadwithhislistenerstoacceptthemercyofGod—andtheydid. Even though Brainerd’s life was cut short, most likelybecauseofthehardshipsheendured,theresultsofhisprayerandpreachingbroughttheKingdomtoapeoplegroupwhohadlivedinspiritualdarknessforgenerations.

A classic example from the same time period is JonathanEdwards, whose prayers and sermons helped to usher in theFirstGreatAwakening incolonialAmerica.Hispreachingwasnot “seeker friendly,” but seekers—oftenwithmuchemotion—did findsalvationat the feetof the livingGod.Edwards’mostfamous sermon is titled, “Sinners in the Hands of an AngryGod,”andothersbearsuchappealingtitlesas“WrathUpontheWicked for theUttermost,” “Eternity ofHell’s Torments,” and“JusticeofGodintheDamnationofSinners.”Edwards’passionwasnotsomuchthatsinwouldbeexposedandpunishedasitwas that God’s overwhelming mercy would be given anopportunitytoreachpeople’shearts.Theheart-revival thathespearheaded swept across the colonies and effected broad

societal changes, influencing the future spiritual climateofanentirecontinent.

PRAYER BEFORE REVIVAL, DURING REVIVAL,AND AFTERREVIVAL

Prayer, and more prayer, is the appropriate response todesperate times. Extreme prayer at all hours of the day andnightistheonlyappropriateapplicationofeffortbefore,during,andaftera timeof revival fromGod.Godwants to reviveHispeople,wherever theymay live. In otherwords, revival isHiswork, and the way we participate is to engage Him in allprayerfulness.

Charles Finney, who was known for his phenomenalevangelistic successes during the Second Great Awakening inthe United States, had equally phenomenal prayer supportbehindthescenes.He isquotedashavingsaid,“Revival isnomore a miracle than a crop of wheat. Revival comes fromheavenwhenheroicsoulsentertheconflictdeterminedtowinordie—orifneedbe,towinanddie.”7

Matthew Henry, an English theologian and clergyman whopredatesFinney,Edwards,andBrainerdandwhocomposedthemassive commentaries to the Old and New Testaments thatbearhisname,wrote,“WhenGodintendstodogreatmercyforhispeople,thefirstthinghedoesistosetthema-praying.”8

Not just any kind of prayer will do. This kind of prayingmakes you sweat. It is hard work. It’s often compared to thetravail of childbirth. LeonardRavenhill, a 20th-centuryBritishrevivalist,oncesaid,“AtGod’scounter therearenosaledays,forthepriceforrevivaliseverthesame—travail.”9

E.M.Bounds,aCivil-War-erapreacherandauthorwhowroteprolifically about the importance of prayer, especially as itappliestoallformsandstagesofrevival,wrote,The wrestling quality of importunate prayer does not springfromphysicalvehemenceorfleshlyenergy.Itisnotanimpulseof energy, nor mere earnestness of soul. It is an inwroughtforce, a faculty implanted and aroused by the Holy Spirit.Virtually,itistheintercessionoftheHolySpiritinus.10

BoundshadlaidholdofthesametruththatJesusexpressedtoHisdisciples:“…Thekingdomofheavensuffersviolenceandtheviolenttakeitbyforce”(Matt.11:12NKJV).

Prayerforrevival,whichisoneofthefourprimaryemphasesofPrayerStorm,isprayerfortheKingdomofGodtocomehereandnow.Theonlyeffectiveprayeristhatwhichis inspiredbythe Holy Spirit, and that prayer, by definition, is going to be“violent,”passionate,anduntiringlypersistent.

This kind of prayer will incur opposition. Persecution,

opposition, and challenge are guaranteed. No advance of theKingdomgoesunchallenged;whatyouchallengewillchallengeyou back. If you target individuals in prayer, persecution willcome to you from individuals. If you target the Church inprayer,oppositionwillcomefromtheChurch.Ifyoutargetthesociety around you, some segment of that society will fightback.

Therefore, you need evenmore fervency and evenmore oftheSpiritofrevival.Likethosewhohavegonebeforeyou,youneedtopressforward,undaunted,linkedarm-in-armandspirit-to-spiritwithyourfellowintercessors,walkingtogetherthroughtheconflictwithotherprayerwarriorsuntilvictoryisachieved.Andthen,afterrevivalhascome,youmustsupporteachotherinthegreatworkofstewardingthelonged-formoveofGod.In thenameof Jesus,we laborwithHisHolySpirit foraGod-sent revival inourday.WewillnotquitprayinguntilwehaveseenwithourowneyesthegloryoftheLordcoveringtheearthasthewaterscovertheseas.OGod,releaseaglobalrevivaltotheChurch inourday!Awaken thesleepingbeautycalled theBodyofChrist toherdestiny.Start in ournation!Start inmycity!Start inmycongregation!Start inmyfamily!Start inmyvery own heart! Release revival fire for the sake of Your holyname!AmenandAmen.

MightyArmyoftheYoungMightyarmyoftheyoung,Liftyourvoiceincheerfulsong,Sendthewelcomewordalong—Jesuslives!OnceHediedforyouandme,Boreoursinsuponthetree,NowHelivestomakeusfree—Jesuslives!(Refrain)Waitnot till theshadows lengthen,tillyouoldergrow,RallynowandsingforJesus,ev’rywhereyougo;Liftyourjoyfulvoiceshigh,Ringingclearthro’earthandsky,Lettheblessèdtidingsfly—Jesuslives!Voiceofyouthsogladandfree,Singyoursongofvictory;Singtoallonlandandsea—Jesuslives!Lightforyouandallmankind,Sightofallbysinmadeblind,LifeinJesusallmayfind—Jesuslives!Jesuslives,Oblessèdwords!Kingofkings,andLordoflords!Liftthecrossandsheathetheswords—Jesuslives!See,Hebreakstheprisonwall,Throwsasidethedreadfulpall,Conquersdeathatonceforall—Jesuslives!1

Chapter9

PRAYERFORANOTHERGREATAWAKENING—YOUTH

And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out MySpiritonallflesh;yoursonsandyourdaughtersshallprophesy,your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall seevisions.AndalsoonMymenservantsandonMymaidservantsIwillpouroutMySpiritinthosedays(Joel2:28-29NKJV).

ThetimehascomeforanotherGreatAwakening!Morethan40 years ago, in 1967, a youth revival started thatwas calledthe Jesus People movement, and it swept across the country,exploding in colleges and coffeehouses. People were beingsavedeverywhere.Itwasradical.

It was also during that year that the Catholic charismaticrenewal, one of the largest movements in neo-pentecostalhistory, got its start. A group of professors at DuquesneUniversity in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, sparked a fire amongtheirstudentsaftertheythemselveswerebaptizedintheHolySpirit, and the fire quickly spread to the University of NotreDame in Indiana and then to the University of Michigan andaround the world. Though this charismatic move had itsbeginningamongyoungpeople inaCatholicuniversity, itwasnotlimitedtothatsetting.Thousandsuponthousandsofpeopleof all ages from mainline Protestant denominations wereusheredintofreshencounterswithJesusandthebaptismintheHolySpirit.Prayergatheringswerestarted.Healingsoccurred.CelebrationsofpraisebecamethehallmarkofthemovementastheSpiritofJesuswaswelcomedbackintoHisrightfulplace.

Now, more than 40 years later, we are crying out, “Do itagain, God! Way beyond the Jesus People movement! Waybeyondthecharismaticmovement!Doitagain,God!Doitagaininthisgeneration!We’reheadingaroundacorner.Ithappenedbefore. It can happen again. It’s time for another greatawakening of youth. Why not have the greatest youthawakeningthattheworldhaseverseen?

REVOLUTION—ALWAYSBEGINSWITHYOUNGADULTS

Almosteveryrevolutionyouhaveeverheardofstartedwithstudentsonacollegeoruniversitycampus.Throughouthistory,it seems to be the case that revolutions get started, bothbadones and good ones, because student-aged young people arehungry for change and willing to lay down their lives for acause, whether it’s political, social, or spiritual. Think ofrevolutions such as Marxism, Nazism, and Communism, orPentecostalismandtheJesusPeoplemovement.

Campuses, of course, are where the future leaders arecollectedtogetherinoneplaceandarebeingtrained.Theyareinfluenced by powerful voices and trends, and they influenceeach other. Educational institutions also host many youngpeople from other countries. In fact, there are more than550,000internationalstudentsattendingAmericanuniversitiescurrently. Young adulthood is a time of great change. Forexample, statistics show that more than 77 percent of allChristiansmadetheirdecisionsforChristbeforetheyturned21yearsofage.2

A spiritual awakening among young adults is, therefore, aprophetic promise for an entire generation. If Christians canreach campuses for Christ, God can in turn reach cities andnations. The words that the apostle Paul wrote to the youngmanTimothycanapplytoyoungadultsoncampusestoday:I’mpassingthisworkontoyou,mysonTimothy.Thepropheticword that was directed to you prepared us for this. All thoseprayers are coming together now so you will do this well,fearlessinyourstruggle,keepingafirmgriponyourfaithandonyourself.Afterall,thisisafightwe’rein(1Timothy1:18-19TM).ThroughoutChristianhistory,spiritualbattlesresultinspiritualawakenings,andyoungpeopleareclearlyatthecenter.

CAMPUSMINISTRY,CAMBRIDGESTYLE

In 1799, an evangelical move of the Holy Spirit began atKing’s College, Cambridge, England. It began with theconversionofastudentnamedCharlesSimeon.Thismovementprogressedslowlybutsurelyforyears,untiltherewasenoughevangelical activity that, by 1877, students from acrossCambridge’s 17 colleges organized the Cambridge Inter-Collegiate Christian Union (CICCU), which in turn caused anincreased interest in salvations and missions. An evangelisticcampaign led by D.L. Moody and Ira Sankey resulted in anoticeable increase in enrollment in theology schools andinvolvement in missions, including the launching of the“CambridgeSeven”toChina,ledbyC.T.Studd,whohadbeenawell-known cricket player.3More than a century later, CICCUstill exists asCambridge’s longest-tenured student group, andCICCU has helped with the formation of InterVarsity

organizationsacrossGreatBritainandNorthAmerica.CampusministriessuchasInterVarsity,CampusCrusadeforChrist,andtheNavigatorshavehelpedimmeasurablytospurthegrowthofevangelicalfaithoverthepast50-plusyears.4

EVANROBERTSANDTHEWELSHREVIVALOF1904

Young Evan Roberts began to seek the Lord when he wasonly13yearsold.Bythetimehewas26,hisearnest,prayerfulefforts brought revival to his hometown in Wales. In a shorttime,theSpiritofGodcamesopowerfullythat100,000peopleacrossthecountrygavetheirlivestoChrist,andtheeffectsofthatWelshRevivalarestillbeingfelttoday,especiallybecauseofitscontributionstothebirthofpentecostalismintheUnitedStatesandacross theworld.EvanRoberts’ simpleprayerwas“Send the Spirit now for Jesus Christ’s sake,” and “Send theSpiritnowmorepowerfully for JesusChrist’s sake.”Hewasayoung man, but people of all ages responded to the Gospelmessage because of his revolutionary zeal and his humble,prayerful,obediencetotheHolySpirit.

THEROLEOFPRAYERINSTUDENTREVIVALS

Inordertounderstandrevival,wemustunderstandtheroleof prayer in the history of revivals. J. Edwin Orr, the famousrevivalhistorian,said,“Youngpeopleinstudent-ledprayercellshave been at the forefront in almost every awakening.”5 Forexample, theMoravian 24/7 prayer andmissionarymovementthat was started in 1727 by Count Nicolas Ludwig vonZinzendorf was built on his youthful zeal. By the time hegraduatedfromtheequivalentofhighschoolattheageof16,Zinzendorf had started no fewer than seven different studentprayergroups,andhecontinuedhisprayerdisciplineswhilehewas a student at the University of Wittenberg from 1716 to1719.

The First Great Awakening in North America and Europewas ignited by a Yale University graduate named JonathanEdwards and by Oxford students John Wesley and GeorgeWhitefield. The Second Great Awakening was sparked byTimothy Dwight, the grandson of Jonathan Edwards, at YaleUniversity.Afterhis1797messagetoYalestudents,nearlyhalfofYale’sstudentbodycametoChristinafewshortmonths.

Samuel Mills was a freshman at Williams College, inMassachusetts, in 1806, when he met with four friends forprayeraboutrevivalandworldmissions.Whenarainstormhit,theytookrefugeunderahaystackandcontinuedtopray(thusbecomingknownasthe“HaystackFive”).When the rain subsided,Mills stood up, slammed his fist intohis hand, and announced, “We can do this, if wewill!” Thesefiveyoungcollegianssteppedoutinfaithandnotonlyinitiated

thefirstnationwidestudentmovement,butalsobeganthefirstsixmissionagenciesfromNorthAmerica.Althoughtherewerejust 25 colleges in America (averaging about a hundredstudentseach)at the time, the“HaystackFive”helped launchsmall world mission study and prayer clusters on many ofthem.6

About 80 years later, a 20-something young man namedLutherWishard,whohadjustbeenappointedasaleaderintheYMCA, heard the story of the Haystack Five. Inspired by thestory,hecommittedhimselftoarevivalofthesamevision,andwent on to found the Student Volunteer Movement, whichbecamethelargestmissionsmovementofalltime.Overthenextgeneration,studentsoneverycampusintheU.S.committedthemselvestothe“evangelizationoftheworldinthisgeneration.”Over20,000ofthemsailedtotheforeignmissionfield, and over 80,000 others had personally committedthemselvestoprayerandtofinanciallysupportthosebeingsentout.7

These are just a fewexamples of thephenomenal revival zealthatcomesoutofthecollege-agegeneration.

PROPHETICPROMISESOFAGREATYOUTHMOVEMENT

IfyoureadyourBiblewithaneyetowardyoungadults,youcan see how readily God engages that generation for Hispurposes—even before colleges and universities existed.BiblicalpropheciesaboutthefirstandsecondcomingsofChristarenotconfinedtothepropheticbooksoftheOldTestament.AsurprisingnumberarefoundinthePsalms.Here’sanexample:TheLord says tomyLord: “Sit atMy righthanduntil ImakeYour enemies a footstool for Your feet.” The Lord will extendYourmightyscepterfromZion;YouwillruleinthemidstofYourenemies. Your troops will be willing on Your day of battle.Arrayed in holymajesty, from thewomb of the dawn YouwillreceivethedewofYouryouth[orYouryoungmenwillcometoYoulikethedew](Psalm110:1-3NIV).

This psalm portrays God the Father speaking to His SonJesus,whileDavidobservesandnarratesbywritingthewordsof the psalm. David describes Jesus being revealed as theMessiah,whose “mighty scepter”will be extended from Zion.Where is Zion? It is not as much a physical place as it is apresence, specifically the presence ofGod giving glory toHispeopleinthemessianicage.WhereverGod’sauthorityhasbeenestablished, He lives and works. Zion can be among thebelievingJewsoftheoldcovenantaswellasthebelieversofthenewcovenantoftheBodyofChrist.

TheFather’smightyscepterofpowerwillbestretchedforthfrom“Zion,”becauseHisauthorityhasbeentransferredtoHis

people,andtheywillbeabletorulewithHim,eveninthemidstof their enemies. They will volunteer freely, abandoning theirformer plans in order to walk in holiness and obedience,carrying out God’s will and accomplishing His purpose. Thiswon’t apply to just one or two people but rather to a host ofthem,largelyyoungpeople,whowillappearlikethedewontheground.

I foronewanttobeoneofthose“young”people.IwanttoseeyoungmenandwomencomingtotheLord,andIwantmyyouthtoberenewedintheprocess.Mostofall,IwanttobeoneofthosewhoisprivilegedtousherintheKingdomofGodintheageinwhichwelive.IwanttoencourageyoungpeopleastheyrespondtoGod’sinvitationtoserveHim.

In1995,Ihadanintensedreamandvisionaryexperienceinwhich I sawstadiums filledwithyoungpeoplepraisingGod. Iheard this piercing word, “Out of the belly of the PromiseKeepersMovementshallcomeforthaYouthExtravaganzathatwill rock thenations.The stadiumswill be filledasoutof thebelly of the Promise Keepers movement shall come forth aYouthExtravaganzathatwillrockthenations.”I’mexpectingtoseethefulfillmentofthisword.

Notice He didn’t say “stadium,” singular, nor did He say“nation,” singular. Stadiums and nations will be filled androcked. Inmyvision, Isawa largefootballstadiumfilledwithyoung people and adults who were radically worshipping andpraisingGod, and I sawa laser-beam light showcrisscrossingthesky.Thenthelightsmethighintheskyabovethestadiumandformedintoacross.OnagiantJumbotronattheendofthestadium,IsawadepictionofthepassionofChrist,withaclose-up of the hammer coming downupon the nail thatwas beingdriventhroughthewristofYeshua(Jesus).Inthebackground,IheardthelinefromtheoldJesusPeoplesongthatwassungbyRandy Matthews, “Didn’t He”—“And the hammer fell on thewoodennail.”8 As the hammer fell and the cross shone in thesky,aspiritofconvictionfellupontheaudience,andthepeoplebegantocryoutandevenshriektotheLordformercy.

ThecentralfocusoftheyouthawakeningwillbethecrossofJesus, lifted high for all to see. Giant gatherings will occuracrossthisnationandothernationsastheworldissweptinanunprecedented move of worship, prayer, and fasting. This iswhat we are praying and working toward. This is going tohappen because of the intense prayer storm that precedes it,the prayer gatherings and the all-night prayer vigils and thesolemnassembliesthatunitethegenerationsacrossthenation.

Twentyyearsbeforemyvision,in1975,BobJones,whohashad a great prophetic influence onmy life, had the first of aseries of encounters with angels who spoke about anoutpouring of the Spirit that would be characterized by

prophetic intercession; this appeared to Bob like an atomicexplosion of light. Then, in January of 1984, the Lord showedBob that prophetic intercession would need to be joined by“compassion and worship” to be complete. These elementsneededtocross-pollinateeachother.Thecombinationoftheseanointings would result in several things: (1) revival in theChurch, (2)powerevangelism inworldmissions, (3) justice insociety, (4) pockets of mercy (“cities of refuge”), and (5)worldwideintercessionforIsrael.Between1975and1983,Bobwas given over 100 prophetic revelations about a worldwideyouth movement that would rise up. (Earlier, Bob had beenbroughtbackfromanear-deathexperiencesothathecouldbeused to anoint thenext generation of leaderswhowouldhelpusher into theKingdomonebillion souls.) All signs point to aworldwideyouthawakening.

We’re seeing a number of exciting developments in thesedays that showus that theseprophecies andmany others arebeingfulfilled.The24/7prayermovementisoneexample,asisthe explosion of TheCall, the stadium-based prayer andintercession gatherings of young people that Lou Engle hasspearheaded.AtTheCallNashville,on7/7/07,thestadiumwascompletely filled with 75,000 people. This was the first timethat one of TheCall worship/prayer events filled a stadium tocapacity. Ihad thehonorofbeing thechairmanof thatevent,and I felt that it was as if the heavenly birth process wasadvanced that day. A membrane ruptured, and water wasreleased and “labor” intensified. Someday we will see afulfillmentofthepropheticwordsandvisions.

I am dedicating Prayer Storm to this purpose, and I fullyexpectthegreatestyouthawakeningthattheworldhaseverofseen. It will happen! With one million consecrated prayerwarriors joining in on the Prayer Storm, can anything lesshappen? Beside becoming a part the Prayer Storm weeklyprayer thrust, with one target being the greatest youthawakening that the world has ever seen(www.prayerstorm.com),youcanalsogetpracticalinformationabout networking and how to start a 24/7 campus house ofprayer by going to www. campustransformation.com andwww.campusamerica.org. You can also go to www.thecall.comto receive information on participating in one of the manyregional, national, and international youth-oriented solemnassembliesforprayer,worship,andfasting.

THELAWOFNIGHT-AND-DAYPRAYER

Anyonewho signsup forPrayerStormalready appreciatesthe value of 24/7, day-and-night, night-and-day prayer. ThisScriptureisafamiliarone:“AndwillnotGodbringaboutjusticeforHischosenones,whocryouttoHimdayandnight?WillHekeep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get

justice,andquickly…”(Luke18:7-8NIV).Thispassageportraysnight-and-day prayer. But, you may wonder, why are weconvincedthatthisiswhat’scalledforandthatitisgoingtobeeffective?Ihaveassembledthefollowinglistofreasons:

24/7worshipandprayeriswhatisdoneinHeaven.Letitthereforebedoneonearth!24/7 worship and prayer releases God’s justice on theearth.24/7worshipandprayerfuelstheGreatCommission(seeMatt.28:19).24/7worshipandprayerhinderstheplansofthedevil.24/7worshipandprayerreleasesrevivalbreakthrough.24/7 worship and prayer prepares the way for Christ’ssecondcoming.9

MATURITYANDSTRENGTH

If youwant to see an unprecedented harvest of souls, youwillbeoneofthosewhowillpray,prayandpraysomemore.Wewillprayandlookforwardtotheday:Whenoursonsshallbeasplantsgrownlargeintheiryouthandourdaughtersassculpturedcornerpillarshewnlikethoseofapalace;whenourgarnersarefull,affordingallmannerofstore,andoursheepbringforththousandsandtenthousands inourpastures; when our oxen are well loaded; when there is noinvasion [of hostile armies] and no going forth [againstbesiegers—when there is nomurder ormanslaughter] and nooutcryinourstreets;happyandblessedarethepeoplewhoareinsuchacase;yes,happy(blessed,fortunate,prosperous,tobeenvied)arethepeoplewhoseGodistheLord(Psalm144:12-15AMP).

A grown-up plant is one that has reached maturity and isready for fruitfulness and productivity. Corner pillars arecritical structural supports. If youdon’t have them, the entirebuildingwillcollapse.UsefulnessintheKingdomofGodisnotgender-exclusive or age-limited. It is a matter calling andmaturity.

Part of bringing in a youth awakening is recognizing thatsons anddaughters shouldbe treatedasmature and capable.They should be equipped and empowered, according to theirgiftings, to lay hands on the sick, serve as leaders in theChurch, preach, teach, lead worship, baptize new believers,servecommunion,castoutdemons,anddoallkindsofministryandser-vice.Inparticular,manyyoungpeople,becauseoftheirabilitytothinkoutsidethebox,canbeveryusefulinhelpingtodevise creative strategies for outreach and a number of otherissues.Fortoomanyyears,theChurchhasbeenhamperedbya

tendencytoregardyoungerbelieversasministers-in-waiting,asrecruits who must be held back until they are older. Thematuring process is not always a factor of chronological age.Psalm 144:12 indicates that we should let our sons in theiryouthbeas full-grownplants—intheiryouth,notafterthey’vebeen through ten years of training and four years of Biblecollege and spent another six years in themarketplace. Ifwewaitthatlongtoreleaseoursonsanddaughterstogathertheharvest,itwillrotinthefield.Thereisavitalplaceforformaleducation and specialized training, of course. But a lack ofschooling or a fear of failure shouldnever becomeexcuses todeny young believers opportunities to engage in suitable andappropriate ministries, regardless of age. Look at the end ofthatpsalm:theharvestwillbeplentiful—asabyproductoftheempoweringoftheharvesters.

WeneedtomoveinthespiritofElijah,saying“God,givemea spiritual son or daughter.” Young people in this “fatherlessgeneration” need to be looking for spiritual parents who willdream with them, encourage them, and intercede for them,helping them tap into their God-given passions and destinies.We need to be elderswhowill bless (by ourword and touch)young people with our time, knowledge, wisdom, strength,vision, and every good thing.We need to treat them like full-grownplantsandlikecornerpillars,bestowingonthemahighappraisal of their value and helping them to envision theirfuture in the familyofGod.Weneedtohelp them inpracticalwaysbyprovidingnecessaryresourcesandreleasingauthoritytothemtoaccomplishtheirGod-givencommissions.

It’snotonlyabout information, it’sabout impartation. It ’ snot only about dreams and visions, it’s about investment andpatience.Responsibility fostersmaturity,andmaturity leadstogreaterresponsibilitytocreateajoiningofthegenerations.AsIhaveoftensaid,asustainedmoveofGodiscomprisedofthreegenerations, because God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, andJacob—three generations walking together as one generation.Weneedthewisdomoftheolder, theresourcesofthemiddle,andthezealof theyounger.Weneedthesynergyofall three.Regardlessofwhichchronologicalgenerationyouareapartof,there isonethingeveryoneof themmustdo,andthat’spray.Youmightnotbeabletodoanythingelseexceptpray.Prayupaprayerstorm.Pray!

I declare that thegreatest youthawakening that theworldhas ever seen is coming upon the stage of time. Now is thetime! This is the generation. The joining of the generations isupon us. My people will volunteer freely in the day of Yourpower. Let another historic awakening begin now for JesusChrist’ssake!Lord, we call forth in our day and in this generation thegreatest youth awakening that the world has ever seen. You

havedoneitbefore;nowdoitagain,evenbetterandbiggerandmorepowerfully.ReleaseYourSpirit, and sendYour angels tousher in one billion more souls for Your Kingdom, for JesusChrist’s sake. Send revival! Send it now! Move quickly, HolySpirit,andraiseupthegreatestyouthprayerarmyofalltime.We declare that these prayers are in agreement with Yourpropheticpurposesforthisgeneration,andwepraiseYourholyname.AmenandAmen!

IAmPrayingforYouIhaveaSavior,He’spleadinginglory,Adear,lovingSaviorthoughearthfriendsbefew;And nowHe is watching in tenderness o’erme;Andoh,thatmySaviorwereyourSavior,too.(Refrain)ForyouIampraying,ForyouIampraying,ForyouIampraying,I’mprayingforyou.IhaveaFather;tomeHehasgivenAhopeforeternity,blessèdandtrue;And soon He will call me to meet Him inHeaven,But,oh,thatHe’dletmebringyouwithme,too!Ihavearobe;’tisresplendentinwhiteness,Awaitinginglorymywonderingview;Oh, when I receive it all shining inbrightness,Dear friend, could I see you receiving one,too!SpeakofthatSavior,thatFatherinHeaven,That harp, crown, and robe which arewaitingforyou—That peace youpossess, and that rest to begiven,Still praying that Jesusmay save themwithyou.1

Chapter10

PRAYINGYOURFAMILYINTOTHEKINGDOM

When He had stepped into the boat, the man who had beencontrolled by the unclean spirits kept begging Him that hemightbewithHim.ButJesusrefusedtopermithim,butsaidtohim, “Gohome to your own [family and relatives and friends]andbringbackword to themofhowmuch theLordhasdoneforyou,and[howHehas]hadsympathyforyouandmercyonyou”(Mark5:18-19AMP).

AsweprayPrayerStormprayersforcrisisintervention,forayouth awakening, for Israel, and for revival, we will keepcomingbacktothesubjectoffamily(andfriends,whocanoftenbelikefamilytous).Onapersonalbasis,ourcrisisintercessionvery often concerns family-and-friendmatters, of course. Andwhen it comes to revival—youth revival or any age revival—itreally isn’t revival unless it touches our homes and familiespractically.Wewanttoseerevivalinourfamiliesandhomes,inour sphere of relationships. We share the Father’s heart toreachourfamilymembers.

WhenwegettoHeaven,wewillseepeoplefromeverytribe,tongue, and nation.Every tribe or clanwill be represented. Iwant to see my family members there, and so do you! Theheavenly multitude is pictured by John in the Book ofRevelation:They sung a new song, saying, “Thou art worthy to take thebook, and to open the seals thereof: for Thouwast slain, andhastredeemedustoGodbyThybloodoutofeverykindred,andtongue,andpeople,andnation”(Revelation5:9KJV).AfterthesethingsIlooked,andbehold,agreatmultitudewhichnoonecouldcount,fromeverynationandalltribesandpeoplesandtongues,standingbeforethethroneandbeforetheLamb,clothedinwhiterobes,andpalmbrancheswereintheirhands(Revelation7:9).

In order for thesepeople to standbefore the throneat all,theyhadtobelieveintheLordJesusChristastheOnewhowasslainfortheirsins,theirSavior.BothoftheseScripturestellus

that the multitude represents every “kindred,” (tribe, clan),every“tongue”(language),every“people”(culture),andevery“nation” (country). The smallest social unit represented is thefamily;everykindred/tribe/clanindicateseveryextendedfamilygroup. Within every ethnic group, different languages arespoken. Within every nation are different people. But amongeachofthepeoplegroupsaredifferent“tribes.”

Nowjustputyourownfamilytreeintothatpicture.Someofthemyouarepretty sureare therealreadybefore the throne.Others,youcan’tbesosureof.Buttheoneswhoarecurrentlyalive on earth are the ones you can pray for. God wants topopulateHeavenwithpeoplefromeveryfamily,everyclan,andevery tribe on the face of the earth. His angels have enoughpalmbranches for everyone!He is theFather of every one ofthem,afterall:Forthisreason[seeingthegreatnessofthisplanbywhichyouarebuilttogetherinChrist],IbowmykneesbeforetheFatherofourLordJesusChrist,forWhomeveryfamilyinheavenandonearthisnamed[thatFatherfromWhomallfatherhoodtakesitstitleandderivesitsname](Ephesians3:14-15AMP).

Paulwasspeakingtoustodaywhenhewrote,addressingtheRoman church, “Owe no one anything except to love oneanother”(Rom.13:8aNKJV).OnceIheardthisstatementfromDavid Wilkerson, pastor and founder of Teen Challenge andTimesSquareChurch,“Everymanwho iswon in thestreet isfirstwoninprayer.”2 Ibelieve it.OneofthewaysthatwepayourRomans13:8“lovedebt” is tocommitour livestoprayingothers into the Kingdom of Heaven. Prayers precedeconversions.

PRAYERINTHEGOLLANDWILLARDFAMILIES

MywifeandIhadfamilymemberswhoprayedforusbeforeweknewhowimportantprayerwas.Clearly, theirprayershadthe desired effect in our lives! For both of us, our extendedfamilies are characterized by an unusually large number ofChristians. Michal Ann was blessed with godly, conservative,believing (Holiness) grandparents. Her grandmother, even onher deathbed, would ask each one of her grandsons—right intheir faces—whether or not they were walking with Jesus. Inprayerand inaction,shemarkedher lineagefor thepurposesof God. We thank God for old-fashioned, believing familymembers who went before us and paved the way, paying thecostofprayingtheirlineageintotheKingdomofHeaven.

Myownmotherwas aHannah; shewasn’t barren, but shewasaprayingwoman.ShecriedouttoGodafterherfirstsonwas stillborn, “Lord, if you will give me another son, I willdedicatehimtoChrist’sservice.”Iwasbornexactlyoneyeartothedaylater.AndIhavenotknownadayinmylifewhenIwas

notconsciouslyawareofwhoJesusis.Ibelievethatit’sbecauseofmymother’sprayersofdedication.

I want to encourage every mother and father—God hearsyourprayers!Yourchildismarkedwhenyoupray.Fortherestof his or her lifetime, a child cannot escape the prayers of aparent.Theysticktoyouandfollowyouwhereveryougo.

Whetherornotyouhavenaturalchildren,youcanstillpraywith the same effect, because you can become a spiritualmother or father. You can become a travailer, someone whobirths people into the presence of God. You can part thedarkness, at least temporarily, that is trying to dominate andmanipulatethelivesofthosewhohavecometoyourattention,and you can call into existencewindowsof opportunitywherethelightandmercyoftheGoodNewscandispelthedarkness.Youcanprayforsomeone’ssalvation,forthatpersontowalkinrighteousness, for thatperson towalk ingraceandobediencetothewillofGod.Yourprayerswillbeeffective.

Idon’tknowwhatwillhappenwithourfourchildreninthefuture,but for sure Iknow that theywon’tbeable tobeverysuccessful sinners. Not for long, they won’t! I have declaredthatmy lineagewill follow Jesus. I have declared, alongwithJoshua, “…As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”(Josh.24:15KJV).

OURPRIESTLYROLE

Praying for our families is just part of our priestly role asmembersofthepriesthoodofallbelievers(see1Pet.2:9).Weare called to carry the responsibility and the privilege, alongwiththeauthority,tobringothersintothepresenceoftheLord.We’re like the priest Aaron in the Book of Exodus, whoworeoverhisheartabreastpieceinwhichfourrowsof12beautifulstoneshadbeenset.Eachof thestonessymbolizedoneof the12tribesofIsrael:Youshallmakeabreastpieceofjudgment,theworkofaskillfulworkman;liketheworkoftheephodyoushallmakeit:ofgold,of blue andpurple and scarletmaterial and fine twisted linenyoushallmakeit.Itshallbesquareandfoldeddouble,aspaninlengthandaspaninwidth.Youshallmountonit fourrowsofstones;thefirstrowshallbearowofruby,topazandemerald;andthesecondrowaturquoise,asapphireandadiamond;andthe third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; and thefourthrowaberylandanonyxandajasper;theyshallbesetingoldfiligree.Thestonesshallbeaccordingtothenamesofthesonsof Israel: twelve, according to theirnames; they shall beliketheengravingsofaseal,eachaccordingtohisnameforthetwelvetribes….AaronshallcarrythenamesofthesonsofIsraelin the breastpiece of judgment over his heartwhenhe enterstheholyplace,foramemorialbeforetheLordcontinually.You

shall put in the breastpiece of judgment the Urim and theThummim,andtheyshallbeoverAaron’sheartwhenhegoesinbeforetheLord;andAaronshallcarrythejudgmentofthesonsof Israel over his heart before the Lord continually (Exodus28:15-21,29-30).

The priest wore the breastpiece of judgment when heentered theholy place to represent the interests of the tribesbeforetheLord.Thepriestdidn’tgotorepresenthimselfonly.He didn’t go into the holy place in a devotional capacity, andneitherdoyouwhenyoubringpeoplebeforeGodinprayer.Hewent in a ministry capacity. He was an ambassador for thetribeswhose stoneshe carried onhis chest. So are youwhenyouhavesomeoneonyourheart(orperhapsanentirefamily),and you carry them with you into the place where you meetwithGod.

Who are you carrying on your heart?One of your greatestplacesof authoritywill alwaysbewithinyourown family, andone of your greatest privileges will be to carry your familymembers before God. You go before the throne of God as abeliever in Jesus, and you do not represent yourself only. Yourepresentyourwholefamilyline.

IrepresentthenationofGermany,becausemyGollheritageisGerman.IrepresenttheEnglishandtheScotsbecauseofmymother’s Burns heritage. I represent the two states of theUnited States where I have been a citizen, Missouri andTennessee.Icarrymycurrentcity,Franklin,Tennessee,beforethe Lord. I carry the families of my church and myneighborhoodbeforethethrone.And,ofcourse,IcarrytoGodnotonlymychildren,butalsomyspouseand themembersofmyextendedfamily.Theyarealllikepreciousstones,andIamexpecting them to become living stones. I have a specializedauthorityforprayerconcerningmyheritage.

Itwillbethesameforyou.Youhaveadifferentsetofnamesand places but the same privilege and the same awesome,ambassadorialresponsibility.“Householdsalvation”isonGod’sheart. You shall be saved—you and your household. (See Acts16:31.)But it’snotautomatic.Youhave to cooperatewith theSpiritofGod,andyouhave todiscoverwhatHewantsyou toprayanddo.Then,whenyoustandbeforeHim inprayer, youcanwearyourbreastpiecewithstonesonit.Youcanrepresentyour brothers and sisters, your parents, your children, yourspouse.Youcanbringthewholeclantothethroneroom.

Now,Irealizethatmanyofyouhavecomefromverydifficultfamily situations, andyourcurrenthomemaybe full of strife.Oryoumaybeallaloneintheworldbecauseyourfamilyisfarawayorgone.Thisdoesnotpresentaninsurmountableobstacleto the exercise of your priestly privilege. You can overcome ahardened heart and an understandable bitterness. You can

repent for your own rebellion and judgmental attitudes. ByGod’sgrace,youcanprayforthosewhohavehurtyou.Youcanalsostandinthegapforotherswhomaynotbebloodrelativesbut who have no one else to pray for them. It’s part of yourpriestlyresponsibilityandprivilege.Yourprayerscanmakethedifference!

PRACTICALWAYS OF PRAYING YOUR FAMILY INTO GOD’SFAMILY

Idon’tknowaboutyou,butsometimesit’sdifficultformetothinkofexactlyhowtoprayforsomebody.Ineedverypracticaltips. Here is a good list of practical ways to pray for familymembers and friends who are not saved yet or who need aparticularkindofhelpatthemoment.

AskGodtoSoftenTheirHeartsYoucanprayspecificallyfortheconditionofsomeone’sheart

tochange.YoucanprayforGodtoremovethestoninessfromaheart and to replace it with softness and receptivity.Prophetically,Ezekielwrote:And Iwill give themoneheart [a newheart] and Iwill put anew spirit within them; and I will take the stony [unnaturallyhardened]heartoutoftheirflesh,andwillgivethemaheartofflesh [sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God](Ezekiel11:19AMP).

Hearts can become hard for a lot of reasons, but you canstandinGod’spresenceandaskforachange.YoucancalloutthestoninesssothattheWordcanfindsoftsoiltobeplantedin.YoucanprayfortheWordtogerminateandgrow.Youcanprayforthetruthtobecomerootedinthatheartandtogodeep.

AskGodtoSendaSpiritofConviction

Youcanprayforaspiritofconvictiontobereleasedintotheheartofthepersonyouareprayingfor,rememberingJohn16:8,“AndHe,whenHecomes,willconvicttheworldconcerningsinandrighteousnessand judgment.”Youcansay,“Icall thisonebefore You, and I ask for a spirit of conviction of sin,righteousness,andjudgmenttobereleased.LethimknowYourloving kindness and Your mercy. Convince her of eternity.Convince him concerning life and death, of the realities ofHeavenandhell.Convinceheroftheneedofasavior.”

AskGodtoSendaSpiritofRevelation

You can ask for this! You can ask God to send a spirit of

wisdomandrevelationonyourlovedones,toopentheirmindsand hearts to understand the situation. It takes revelation toreally know that you need to be saved. It takes revelation toknowwhoJesusis.Somepeoplegetonlysofar.Theirheartsarea little bit softened, and they are a little convicted that, yes,theyneedreligion.Buttheydon’tknowwhatitconsistsof.Theyneed revelation in order to take the next step. Some peoplebegintohavetheirheartsawakened,andthentheygooutintotheworldtotrytofindGod.Theyneedrevelationtounderstandthatit’sJesusthey’relookingfor.Prayforthem:…thattheGodofourLordJesusChrist,theFatherofglory,maygive to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in theknowledge ofHim. I pray that the eyes of your heartmay beenlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of Hiscalling,whataretherichesofthegloryofHisinheritanceinthesaints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His powertowarduswhobelieve(Ephesians1:17-19).If Paul prayed this forpeoplehe loved, you can too.Godmaysend a spirit ofwisdomand revelation throughdreams in thenight, visions, or angelic visitations. Or it may come like agentledawning.Prayforit!

Ask God to Bring His Word toRemembrance

We learn in John14 that theHolySpirit is theHelper, andthatHewillbringGod’struthtoaperson’sremembrance:“ButtheHelper, theHoly Spirit, whom the Fatherwill send inMyname, He will teach you all things, and bring to yourremembranceallthatIsaidtoyou”(John14:26).IfwetakethatScriptureandcoupleitwithanotherone,wealsoseethatGodintendsHisWordtoaccomplishwhatitwassenttodo(seeIsa.55:10-11).

Most people have heard some of God’s truth, either whenthey were children or after they grew up.Maybe it was onlyfromaChristmascardwithaBibleverseoracoupleofminutesofatelevisionpreacher,butifit’sGod’sWord,ithasworktodo,andyourprayerscanhelp.Asyoupray,callforththememoryofthatlong-agoSundayschoolclass.Callforththerecollectionofthat aunt that the person was so fond of. Call forth theremembranceofthatgrandfatherwhosaidgracebeforemeals.Call forth the often-sung lyrics of that Christmas carol or therecollection of the salvation message from the Billy Grahamtelevisionspecialthatwasbroadcasttwodecadesago.

God is looking for co-laborers, and this could be today’sassignment for you. A lot of theWord has gone forthwithout

beingwatered.Youcanwater it.Youmaynotevenknowwhatwordsormessagesthepersonhasabsorbedovertheyears,butyoucanwaterGod’sseedswithyourprayers,andyoucancallitforth to germinate. It may result in a sleepless night for theperson you are praying for, but it may also result in abreakthroughthatcouldnothavehappenedotherwise.

PrayPrayersofForgivenessYoucan’tprayforpeopleifyoustillneedtoforgivethemfor

something. Forgiveness is the master key that unlocks theprison door in a heart of stone. I’m talking about your hearthere.Youcan’tprayeffectiveprayers ifyouhavebitterness inyour heart. Through forgiveness, you can find identification,faith,andloveagain.

More than that, you can fully participate in Jesus’ modelprayer, which is not an individualized prayer from me to theFather, but a corporate one: “Our Father who is in heaven….Giveusthisdayourdailybread….Forgiveusourdebts[sins]…”(seeMatt.6:9-15).Yousee,youareprayingthisforyourfamily.You are identifyingwith them. “Forgive us.” You are steppingintothegapasanintercessor.

If you know of some particular sins of certain familymembers, pray this way for them to be forgiven. If it’sperversion,nameit.Ifit’sgreed,nameit.Ifit’spride,nameit.Evenifit’sfalsehumility,nameitassinandaskforforgiveness.Repentforitbymeansofidentificationalrepentance.“Andleadusnotintotemptation,butdeliverusfromevil.Amen.”

PrayforLaborersfortheHarvest

ThisisaprayerthattheLordJesusrecommended.Hesaid,“AsktheLordoftheharvest,therefore,tosendoutworkersintoHisharvestfield”(Matt.9:38NIV).WhenIpraythis,IasktheLordof theharvest to thrust forth laborers into the field. Thephrase send out is a little too mild; the implication is reallymoreliketheworddeliverance,asomewhatviolentaction.Andwhen I pray thisway, I name the fields that arewhite for theharvest.Isay“sendforthlaborersintothefieldofSo-and-So,”naming my backslidden ones, my unchurched ones, my lostones. I don’t do it out of self-righteousness or pride, but incompassionandurgency.

Whenwepray thisway,wehaveno ideahowwehave justhelped the Holy Ghost to land on someone, to empower thatpersontoreleaseawordofkindness,performanactofhealing,speak a word of encouragement, or utter a word ofconfrontation.Wereleaselaborersintotheripefieldswhenweprayforlaborersintheharvest.

PrayforaRevelationofEternity

In some ways, praying for a revelation of eternity is likeprayingforthereleaseofaspiritofconviction.It’snotquitethesame,though.Hereyou’reaskingtheLordtogiveapersonanawarenessoftherealitiesofbothHeavenandhell.Manypeoplelivetheirwhole livesas if this life isall there is.Theyneedtohave their eyes opened to the startling reality of an eternalHeaven and hell. They also need to recognize that no one isrighteousenoughtomake it toHeavenwithoutJesus.Youcancombine this prayerwith a prayer for revelation, asking evenfordreamsofHeavenandhell.Youcancombineitwithaprayerfor remembranceof something theyonceheardaboutHeavenor hell. People need a revelation of eternity before they willconsiderJesus’invitationtojoinHiminHeaven.Prayforitforthem.

ResisttheEnemy

You may find that your prayers are bogged down insomethinginvisible.Youmaylookatthepeopleyou’reprayingforandseenoprogressatall.Itcouldbetheenemy,plainandsimple,keepingthemfromrespondingtoGod.

You may say, “Well, I don’t know what the powers ofdarkness are that are hindering my family members.” And Iwould say in response, “What are the issues that hinderedyou?” Often it’s as simple as that to identify the problem,becausemanyhindrancesareoftengenerational.Other times,youcanaskGodforinsight,andHewillgiveittoyou.WhatiskeepingyourlovedonesfromthesavingpowerofJesus’blood?Address itbyname,andrebuke it in Jesus’holyandpowerfulname. Drive out the darkness so that your loved ones have achancetoseeandheartheGoodNews.

SolicitthePrayersofOthersYou can enroll others on your personal intercession team.

Theytoocanprayforyourfamily.Youcanhelpothersprayfortheirfamiliesaswell.Pauldidthisallthetime.LookatwhathewrotetomembersofhisChurchfamily:Pray onmy behalf, that utterancemay be given tome in theopeningofmymouth,tomakeknownwithboldnessthemysteryofthegospel, forwhichIamanambassador inchains;that inproclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak(Ephesians6:19-20).…Hewillyetdeliverus,youalsojoininginhelpingusthroughyourprayers,sothatthanksmaybegivenbymanypersonsonourbehalfforthefavorbestowedonusthroughtheprayersof

many(2Corinthians1:10-11).If you can get other people praying with you, you will seeprogress.NowtheGospelmessagewillpenetrateahardheart.Nowhealingcanoccur.

You can partnerwith peoplewhomay havemet the familymember you’re praying for. They may have had only anoccasionalencounter,butitmaybeenoughtogivethemaheartfor your relative. Or you may partner with intercessors whohave never laid eyes on your family member but who areperfectly capable of agreeing with you in prayer. They canendorseyourprayersandunderlinethem.

PrayforaRevelationofGod’sLoveThisisn’tthelastpointbecauseit’stheleastimportantone.

Itmaybethemostimportantone.AskGodtooverwhelmyourfamilymember(s) withHis love. It’s the kindness of God thatdrawsustorepentance(seeRom.2:4).Ofcourse,Hewillusedifficult circumstances tomake someone desperate, but don’tprayforHimtosenddifficulties.Don’tpartnerwiththedevil’swork.

PartnerwithGod,who is good all the time, andpray for arevelation of God’s love in the midst of whatever happens.Otherwise,timesofcrisiswillbewasted.Ifthepersondoesn’tgraspthefactthatGodloveshimorherrightinthemiddleofagravesituation,thepersonmaysimplywalkaway,adjustto it,or otherwise not gain any eternal benefit from it. Even aftercryingoutforhelpfromGod,apersoncangobacktobeingthesame.Ourjobistolove.God’sjobistostraightenthingsout.

BIBLE ILLUSTRATIONS OF PRAYERS FOR FRIENDS ANDFAMILY

Let’s takea fewmoments to lookatpassages thatshowushowJesusrespondedtothosewhoapproachedHimonbehalfoffamilymembersorfriends.

TheParalytic’sFriends

Jesus was at home in Capernaum. He was overwhelminglypopularwith thepeople,andHecouldminister to themfreelythere. In one well-known incident, the close friends of aparalyzedmanremovedtheroofofahousetomakeitpossiblefortheirfriendtogetupclosetoHim.AndJesus,pleasedwiththe faith and the effort of the man’s friends, healed himcompletely:WhenHehadcomebacktoCapernaumseveraldaysafterward,it was heard that He was at home. Andmany were gathered

together,so that therewasno longerroom,notevennear thedoor;andHewasspeakingthewordto them.Andtheycame,bringingtoHimaparalytic,carriedbyfourmen.Beingunableto get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roofaboveHim;andwhentheyhadduganopening,they letdownthe pallet on which the paralytic was lying. And Jesus seeingtheir faith said to theparalytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”(Mark2:1-5).

Jesusdidnotfeel imposedupon.Hewasgladtorespondtothe “prayers” of the paralytic’s friends. All He needed was achance to act, andHe took it. In the sameway, we have thespecialprivilege(andthefaith)tobringpeopletoHisattention.Ourfriendsandfamilymembersare“paralyzed”inaway.Theycan’tget to Jesusby themselves.Theyneed someone to carrythemtoHim.

Jesusappreciatedthepricethefourmenpaidtolowertheirfriend intoHis healing presence. They had to be diligent andpersevering. They had to sacrifice their own interests. TheyknewHecoulddoamiracle,andtheirfaithcausedthemtoputforth great effort. Youwill find that there is a price to pay inprayer. It takes love to open the roof (or the heavens). Itrequires labor. It can be painful. It takes time. But it’s wortheverybitofeffort,isn’tit?

TheCenturionandHisServantA Roman centurion had a beloved servant whowas ill. He

took it upon himself to send for the Great Physician. He puthimselfforward,askingforhelpforsomeoneelse:Acenturion’sservant,whomhismastervaluedhighly,wassickandabout todie.Thecenturionheardof Jesusandsent someelders of the Jews to him, asking Him to come and heal hisservant.WhentheycametoJesus,theypleadedearnestlywithHim,“ThismandeservestohaveYoudothis,becausehelovesour nation and has built our synagogue.” So Jesus went withthem.Hewasnot far fromthehousewhenthecenturionsentfriendstosaytoHim:“Lord,don’ttroubleyourself,forIdonotdeservetohaveYoucomeundermyroof.ThatiswhyIdidnotevenconsidermyselfworthytocometoYou.Butsaytheword,andmy servant will be healed. For Imyself am aman underauthority,with soldiers underme. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and hegoes;andthatone,‘Come,’andhecomes.Isaytomyservant,‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, He wasamazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, Hesaid, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even inIsrael.”Thenthemenwhohadbeensentreturnedtothehouseandfoundtheservantwell(Luke7:2-10NIV).

Jesus responded immediately.Hedidn’tevenneed to touch

thesickman.Hewasimpressedwiththecenturion’scompletefaithinHim,andHehealedthesickmanfromadistance.

JairusandHisDaughterJairushadtobepersistenttogetJesustocomeforthesake

ofhissickdaughter.(SeeMark.5:21-24;35-43.)SomanyotherpeoplewantedJesus’attentionthatsameday!ButhepressedinandpersisteduntilJesusdidcome.Asweknow,itseemedtobetoo late; his daughter had just died. But Jesus—doing as Heseemed to do on a regular basis—interfered with the funeralplans.He raised her from the dead andgave her back to hergrateful father. It was the father whomade it possible. Jesuswasn’tevenintheneighborhoodwhenJairus’daughterbecamesick. Jairus had to go get Him and lead the way back to hishouse.That’swhatwedoinprayerallthetime!

Mayrevivalbegininourownfamilies,inourownhomes,forthegloryofGod’sgreatname.Wedon’t justwantrevival inageneralsense;wewantit inapersonalway.Wewantit inourhomesandinourfamilies.

Otherpeopleprayedforus,andnowinturn,wewanttoprayfor those who need more of God. We say “yes” to God’sinvitation to be ambassadors for His Kingdom.We partner infervent,effectualprayerwithotherswhomaynotbepartofourfamilies, so that, with Paul, we can walk through doors thatusedtobeclosed.(SeeJames5:16;1Corinthians16:9.)

Release your faith and believe the Lord for more of Hispresencetocomeinyourfamily.Standstrongasaprophetandpriestinyourfamily,andexpectgreatthings!Didyouprayforsomeonewhileyouwerereadingthischapter?Thenyoucanbesure that things are shifting in the heavenlies. Laborers arebeingsent.Revelationisontheway.Heartsaremeltingbeforethe love of Jesus. Yes, you can pray your family into God’sfamily!Lord,IbringmyfamilymemberstoYourightnow.IblesstheminJesus’greatname.IcallonYoutosoftentheirheartsandtorelease a spirit of conviction upon them. I pray that You willreveal Your goodness to them and draw them to repentance.Bring to their remembranceall thegoodwords fromYou thattheyhaveheardfromtheirchildhoods,evenuntilthismoment.Dispatchlaborerstocrosstheirpaths,peoplewhowillmoveinpower and kindness. Also release demonstrations of Youramazinglovetothem.IwantmyfamilymemberstobepartofYour eternal family. It’s all for Your sake, and it’s all in Jesus’holyandwonderfulname.Amen!

BattleHymnoftheRepublicMineeyeshaveseenthegloryofthecomingoftheLord;Heistramplingoutthevintagewherethegrapesofwratharestored;Hehath loosed the fateful lightningofHis terrible swiftsword;Histruthismarchingon.(Refrain) Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory!Hallelujah!Glory!Glory!Hallelujah!Histruthismarchingon.IhaveseenHim in thewatch firesofahundredcirclingcampsTheyhavebuildedHimanaltar intheeveningdewsanddamps;IcanreadHisrighteoussentencebythedimandflaringlamps;His day ismarching on. (Refrain:…His day ismarchingon.)He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never callretreat;He is sifting out thehearts ofmenbeforeHis judgmentseat;Oh,beswift,mysoul,toanswerHim!bejubilant,myfeet;OurGodismarchingon.(Refrain:…OurGodismarchingon.)InthebeautyoftheliliesChristwasbornacrossthesea,WithagloryinHisbosomthattransfiguresyouandme:As He died to make men holy, let us live to make menfree;WhileGodismarchingon.(Refrain:…WhileGodismarchingon.)1

Chapter11

PRAYINGFORPEOPLEINAUTHORITY

Iurgethatentreatiesandprayers,petitionsandthanksgivings,be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are inauthority, so that wemay lead a tranquil and quiet life in allgodlinessanddignity.ThisisgoodandacceptableinthesightofGodourSavior,whodesiresallmentobesavedandtocometotheknowledgeofthetruth(1Timothy2:1-4).

Prayers for people who are in positions of authority havehighpriorityintheheartofGod.WeseethisinScripturessuchastheonequotedabove.YoucouldevensaythatFirstTimothy2:1-4isanapostolicadmonitionforprayer.WhenSouthAfricanpastorandprolificauthorAndrewMurrayreadthispassage,hewroteinresponse:Whatafaithinthepowerofprayer!AfewfeebleanddespisedChristians are to influence the mighty Roman emperors, andhelpinsecuringpeaceandquietness.LetusbelievethatprayerisapowerthatistakenupbyGodinHisruleoftheworld.Letuspray forourcountryand its rulers, forall therulersof theworld,forrulersincitiesordistrictsinwhichweareinterested.When God’s people unite in this, they may count upon theirprayerseffectingintheunseenworldmorethantheyknow.Letfaithholdthisfast.2

MurraylaidholdofthefactthatearthlyauthoritycannotbeexercisedwithinthewillofGodwithoutthesteadyapplicationofprayeronthepartofthepeopleofGod.

JackW.Hayford,respectedfoundingpastorofTheChurchontheWayinVanNuys,California,comments:“YouandIcanhelpdecide [whether]…blessing or cursing…happens on earth. Wewill determine whether God’s goodness is released towardspecific situations or whether the power of sin and Satan ispermittedtoprevail.Prayeristhedeterminingfactor.”3

Yes, the prayers that Christians pray for those in authoritymatter;theyareessentialtotheadvancementoftheKingdom.Wecannotaffordtoleavethemuptoothers.Prayerforleadersmustbecomeoneofthefeaturesofourlivesasintercessors.

Many other Scriptures help us understand how to pray forpeoplewhoare inpositionsofauthority.Let’s lookata fewofthem:Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. FearGod.Honor theking(1Peter2:17NKJV).Fear the Lord and the king,my son, and do not joinwith therebellious, for those two will send sudden destruction uponthem, and who knows what calamities they can bring?(Proverbs24:21-22NIV).When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; butwhen a wicked man rules, the people groan (Proverbs 29:2NKJV).Everypersonistobeinsubjectiontothegoverningauthorities.ForthereisnoauthorityexceptfromGod,andthosewhichexistareestablishedbyGod.ThereforewhoeverresistsauthorityhasopposedtheordinanceofGod;andtheywhohaveopposedwillreceive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not acause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want tohave no fear of authority?Dowhat is good and youwill havepraisefromthesame;foritisaministerofGodtoyouforgood.But if you dowhat is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear thesword fornothing; for it isaministerofGod,anavengerwhobrings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it isnecessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, butalso for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also paytaxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves tothisverything.Rendertoallwhatisduethem:taxtowhomtaxis due; custom towhom custom; fear to whom fear; honor towhomhonor(Romans13:1-7).

Whyshouldweprayforthosewhoareinauthority?IseetworeasonsinFirstTimothy2:1-4:

1. So that “we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in allgodlinessanddignity”

2. SothatGodcanbringthoseinauthority—aswellasthoseundertheirauthority—toHimself(He“desiresallmentobesavedandtocometotheknowledgeofthetruth.”)

I once heard the late international Bible teacher, DerekPrince, expand on this. He said that it doesn’t matter whatplans, systems, or programs you devise. If you bypass prayer,youwillnothavepowertocarrythemout.Hecomparedprayer-lessintentionstoabuildingthatiswiredforelectricity—ifit’snotconnectedtoapowersource,nothingwillwork,evenifthewiresareingoodorderandthelightfixturesarebeautiful.Ourpower-sourceisprayer,andweareenjoinedintheBibletoprayin particular for “kings and all in authority,” for goodgovernmentandwiseleadership.Why?

1.Sothatwemighthavepeaceandorder

2.ForthepropagationoftheGospel3.BecauseGoddesiresallmentobesavedAnother reason that we should pray for those who are in

authority issimply tobeobedient to thewillofGod. It’sclearthatHewantsustoprayforthoseinauthority.Healsowantsustoobeythemasfarasitispossibletodoso.Ifyou“dogood,”asRomans13:1-7 says, youwill havenoneed tobe fearful oftheauthorities.

I had an interesting experience that illustrates this pointvery well. When my children were younger and we had firstmovedtoFranklin,Tennessee, Ihadtomakea lotofhurry-uptrips to the school to pick up our youngest daughter frombasketball practices. Once I was running late, and I wasspeeding. (I’d like tobeable to say that Iwas toonew to thearea to know the speed limit, but it was posted clearly.)Wouldn’tyouknow,Iheardasirenbehindme,andIgotpulledover. I’m sure I tossed up some quick “mercy” prayers, youknow—“God,havemercy!”

I didn’t want to become upset, so I decided to be really,reallynicetothepoliceman.Hecameoverandbegantolecturemeabouthowthisparticularstretchofroadhasmoreaccidentson it than any other andmore fatal accidents, etc. I just keptbeingnice.Butitdidn’tgetmeoffthehook.Hewrotemeupaticket,andIhadtomakeoneofthoseearlymorning,dreadfulcourt appearances. I thoughtmymercy prayer didn’twork. Italsocrossedmymindthat,eventhoughItalkedaboutprayingforthoseinauthority,Ihadn’texactlyobeyedthoseinauthorityinthiscase.Icouldtrytojustifyitallaway—butthetruthisthetruth!

Later,inthecourtroom,thecaseswerecalledinalphabeticalorder,and“Goll”wasn’t too fardown the list, especially sincesome people didn’t show up. “James Goll” was called, and Istood up and went forward. They grilled me with the usualquestions:“JamesGoll,haveyoudonethis,anddidyoudothat?…”

“Yes, sir,” I said, standing there like a tense soldier. “Yes,sir.” Then I noticed that the judge was looking at me, totallyperplexed. He told me to approach the bench, so reluctantlyand cautiously, I did. What was going to happen? Themicrophonewasstillon.

“Whatareyouguiltyof?”hesaid.“Well, sir, you know….” I thought I had already

acknowledged everything. “…I was going 17 miles over thespeedlimit,and…”

He lookedatmeandsaid, “Well, all thispoliceofficer saidthatyou’reguiltyof iskindness.Infact,theofficialwrotethatyou are ‘unusually kind.’ You’re just guilty of kindness! Case

dismissed.” And laughter roared out across the entirecourtroom. The most surprised person in the courtroom wasme.(Foramoment,IthoughtIwasinarenewalmeeting!)

Soinsteadofgettingjudgment,Igotmercy,andIdidn’thavetopayathing.Ididn’tevenhavetogotooneofthosedrivers’schools, and nothingwent ontomy record, although I kind ofwish that it had gone onto my record that I was “guilty ofkindness.”

WHOSHOULDYOUPRAYFOR?

Don’tlimityourthinkingtoonlygovernmentalleaderswhenyou talk about praying for people who are in authority. Ofcourse, from a United States government perspective, youshould pray for the 16 individuals whomakemost of the keygovernmentaldecisionsintheUnitedStates:ourPresident,theninejusticesoftheSupremeCourt,thetwosenatorsfromyourstate,theU.S.congresspersonfromyourdistrict,thegovernorofyourstate,yourstatesenator,yourstaterepresentative,andotherswhoworkonthoselevelsofgovernment.Eachofushasanobligationtoprayforthesemenandwomen,byname,onaregularbasis.

Butyoucanapplythesesameprinciplestoyourprayersforspiritual leaders on all levels—from your local pastor andchurchstaffmemberstoregionalleaders,nationalleaders,andanyonewhooverseesanaspectofspirituallifeintheChurch.

And you can also pray for marketplace leaders, for the“elders”who“sitatthegates”ofyourcity,forthosewhodrivethecommercewhereyoulive.InancientMiddleEasterncities,this was literally the case. A city would have more than onegate,andtheywereconnectedbybroadwalls(whichyoucouldcomparetothe“wallsofsalvation).Atleastthreeofficeswouldbe represented or contained at the gateways of a city:commercial, judicial, and prophetic. Actual real estatetransactions were handled at the gateway; deeds weretransferred;signatureswerecollected.Courtcasesandjudicialhearings were held right in the gate, and decisions would beannounced right there. Inaddition,propheticwords, thewordof theLord,wouldbedelivered to thepriests in thegate (seeProv. 1:21; Jer. 17:19-20; 26:10-13). So there at the gate, aperson would find commerce moving, the justice systemoperating,andspiritualdynamicstakingplace.

Whenyoupray for those in authority, youare selecting,byname if possible, people who oversee certain spheres andassignments.Youhavetokeepinmindthefactthatthespheresofauthorityaredifferentfromeachother.Ifyou’reprayingthatanelectionwillbehandledwithintegrity,you’llbeprayingforthe election officials as much as you will the candidates. Butthoseprayerswillhavelittletodowiththepoliciesinyourlocal

school system—which are decided by school officials. If youwanttoprayforyourlocalschools,prayfortheauthoritiesoverthe school system.Stickwith the right “fields,”andpraywiththeleveloffaiththatGodhasgrantedtoyou(seeRom.12:3)sothatyoucanbringinabiggerharvestinprayer.

Anotheranglefromwhichyoucanapproachyourprayersistoconsidertheselectionprocess.Notallpeopleinauthorityareselectedbyavote.Manyareappointed,ortheygrowintotheirrolegradually.Formostofthem,itisacareerorajob.Youcanpray,basedonDeuteronomy1:13-15, that thewisestandbestpeoplewillbeselectedforeachjob:“Choosewise and discerning and experiencedmen from yourtribes,andIwillappointthemasyourheads.”You[thepeople]answeredme[Moses]andsaid,“Thethingwhichyouhavesaidto do is good.” So I took the heads of your tribes, wise andexperiencedmen,andappointedthemheadsoveryou, leadersofthousandsandofhundreds,offiftiesandoftens,andofficersforyourtribes(Deuteronomy1:13-15).

Very early in colonial America, in 1638, a pastor namedThomasHooker, preached a sermon inHartford, Connecticut,basedonthispassage,andhissermoninspiredthecreationofthe Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, the first writtenconstitution in Western history, which created a governmentfromwhich thegovernment of theUnitedStates can trace itslinealdescent. Inhis sermon,Hooker“forcefullyasserted thatthechoiceofpublicmagistratesbelongstothepeople,thattheprivilegeofelectionbelongstothepeople,andthatthosewhohavethepowertoappointofficersofgovernmenthavetherightto limit the power they hold.”4 Thomas Hooker’s sermonconcludedwith thewords, “AsGodhath sparedour lives, andgivenustheminliberty,sotoseektheguidanceofGod,andtochooseinGodandforGod.”5

Ingeneral,biblicalprincipleshadastronginfluenceonthosewho established the United States of America. Later, DanielWebster (1782–1852) wrote: “If we abide by the principlestaught in theBible,ourcountrywillgoonprospering…but ifweneglect its instructionsandauthority,nomancan tellhowsudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all of ourgloryinprofoundobscurity.”6Inotherwords,whenyouprayforpeopleinauthoritywhoareselectedbyothers,youmaydecideto pray first for those who are doing the voting or selecting.Pray that they—including yourself—will abide by biblicalprinciples, will have discernment, wisdom, and integrity, andwillbeblessedbyGodintheexecutionofthetasksthatleadupto the selection of new leaders. Pray using biblical terms andprinciples, combining the always-renewing power of theWordwith the fact that much of our governmental system wasestablishedbygodlypeopleaccordingtobiblicalprinciples.

Also,ourparticipationinthevotingprocessisanadjuncttoourprayers inaveryrealway.Votingcanbeour“works”thataresupposedtomatchourfaith.TheBookofJamestellsusthatfaithwithoutworksisdead.“Thusalsofaithbyitself,ifitdoesnot have works, is dead” (James 2:17NKJV). Praying is vital,butitcan’tstandalone.

WHATSHOULDYOUPRAYFOR?

We learn frommany Scriptures that God exalts rulers andpeople in authority if they exercise their authority withrighteousness. Proverbs expresses it best: “Righteousnessexalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Prov.14:34),and“Ifakingjudgesthepoorwithtruth,histhronewillbeestablishedforever”(Prov.29:14).

Sooneofthefirstthingsthatweshouldprayforisthattheauthority figurewill become righteous andwill express righ -teousness,wisdom,andjusticeinallthatheorshedoes.Iprayforthoseinauthority(byname)thattheywillhaveGod’sheart.Often, I useScripturepassages as thebasis formyprayers. Ioftenpraysomethinglikethis:

“Lord,makethePresident’sheartlikeachannelofwaterinyourhand.Turnitwhereyouwish”(seeProv.21:1).“Lord,help[alocalciviljudge]judgethepoorwithtruthandintegrityandcompassion”(seeProv.29:14;Ps.25:21;2Cor.1:3-4).“Father,makeitpossiblefor[nameofpoliticalleader]tohumblehimselfandturntoyouandbecomerighteous,forthesakeof[theareaoftheleader’soversight]”(see2Chron.7:14).

Dr. Charles Stanley, pastor of the First Baptist Church inAtlanta, Georgia, along with several other leaders, hassuggestedtenwaystoprayforthemenandwomenwhooccupythehighestofficesintheUnitedStates:

1. PraythattheywouldrealizetheirpersonalsinfulnessandtheirdailyneedforcleansingoftheirsinbyJesusChrist.

2. PraythattheywouldrecognizetheirpersonalinadequacytofulfilltheirtasksandthattheywoulddependuponGodfor knowledge, wisdom, and the courage to do what isright.

3. Pray that they would reject all counsel that violatesspiritualprinciples,trustingGodtoprovethemright.

4. Pray that they would resist those who would pressurethemtoviolatetheirconscience.

5. Praythattheywouldreversethetrendsofsocialismandhumanism in thisnation,bothofwhichdeifymanratherthanGod.

6. Praythattheywouldbereadytosacrificetheirpersonalambitionsandpoliticalcareersforthesakeofthisnation,

if yielding them would be in the best interest of theircountry.

7. Pray that they would rely upon prayer and theWord ofGod as the source of their daily strength, wisdom, andcourage.

8. Pray that they would restore dignity, honor,trustworthinessandrighteousnesstotheofficetheyhold.

9. Pray that theywould remember to be good examples intheirconducttothefathers,mothers,sons,anddaughtersofthisnation.

10. Pray that they would be reminded daily that they areaccountabletoAlmightyGodforthedecisionstheymake.7

Howelsecanwepray?DickEastman,thepresidentofEveryHomeforChrist,suggestsusingthreekeyScriptures:

1. Proverbs28:2:“Whenacountryisrebellious,ithasmanyrulers, but a man of understanding and knowledgemaintainsorder” (NIV).Seealso Isaiah11:1-3. (Pray forleaders to have knowledge and understanding, which ismorethanmereinformation;itincludesagraspofhistory,roles,cultures,andGod’swill.)

2. SecondKings19:28:“BecauseofyourragingagainstMe,and because your arrogance has come up to My ears,thereforeIwillputMyhookinyournose,andMybridleinyourlips,andIwillturnyoubackbythewaywhichyoucame.”(PraythatGodwilldealwithtyrants,forthesakeof His people. Pray that He will hedge in such leaderswithlimitsandboundaries.)

3. Micah6:8:“Hehasshownyou,Oman,whatisgood;andwhatdoestheLordrequireofyoubuttodojustly,tolovemercy,andtowalkhumblywithyourGod?”(NKJV).(Praythat leaders will govern honestly, humbly, and withmercy.)8

RESOURCESFORPRAYINGFORTHOSEINAUTHORITY

Inthischapter,Ihaveattemptedtofurnishyouwithabasicperspective about praying for people who are in positions ofauthorityaswellastogiveyousomepracticalideas.Oneofthemostpractical ideasofall issimplyto joinwithothers inyourpraying;thisissimplythebestwaytobecomemoreeffectiveinyourintercessoryprayers.PrayerStorm,ofcourse,isonesuchcoalition of praying believers. Besides Prayer Storm, youmaywanttoconnectwithoneoftheministrieslistedinAppendixC,“ResourcesforIntercession.”

When it comes to praying specifically for those ingovernmental authority, I would particularly recommend theNationalDay of Prayer (www.ndptf.org), which occurs inMay

under the authority of the President of theUnitedStates, theNationalGovernmentalPrayerAlliance (www.nationalgpa.org),established by Dutch Sheets, and Intercessors For America(www.ifapray.org),headedupbyGaryBergel.IFApartnerswithmanyotherorganizations, andyoucan find links to theirWebsitesontheIFAsite,includingthesitesforAmerica’sNationalPrayer Committee, The U.S. Prayer Center, Mission America,and others thatmay be of particular interest to Prayer Stormintercessors who are shouldering the burden of praying forpeople who are in positions of authority and decision-makingwithintheUnitedStatesgovernment.

Whileweeachhave special prayer assignments,weare allcalled to pray for people who are in authority. (Review FirstTimothy2:1-4.) It isGod’sheart! It isGod’sWord! It isGod’scommand!Sowhydon’twe juststopturningthepagesofthisbook for a minute and tune in to God’s heart, praying forleadersandtheissuesthatconcernthem?Father, in accordancewith YourWord,we pause and pray forkings and for those in authority.We bring before You the onewhoisthepresidentoftheUnitedStatesatthistime.WepraythatYouwillraiseupgodlycounselaroundthepresident’slife,andwe pray that the voices of advisors that are based on anunbiblical framework will be silenced.We ask You to providewisdomlikethatofSolomon,aswellaspurity,protection,andsafety.WereleasetheknowledgeofGod’swillwithallspiritualwisdom and understanding. We also pray for our governor[nameyourstategovernor]andforourmembersofcongressonthenationalandstate levels.Wepray for those inauthority inthejudicialsystem,especiallythenineSupremeCourtjusticesoftheUnitedStates.WeblesstheminthenameoftheLordofhosts.We pray that all of those in authority would realize andrecognizetheirpersonalinadequacytofulfilltheirroleandthatYou would release to them a revelation of dependency uponGod.We pray that You would reverse the trends of socialismand humanism in this nation, because they deify man ratherthanGod.Lord,asthisnationanddifferentnationsentercriticaltimesofelections,we call forth thosewho are truly appointed by You.Letthemrisetothetopwithfavor,ascreamrisestothetopofthemilk.Givethemavoicethatwillbeheard.Releasefavortorighteous men and women and to those who are humble, tothosewhoarewiseandhaverevelatoryactivityupontheirlives—releasethemintopositionsofinfluence,impact,andauthority.Weprayforprioritiestobereleasedandforrevelationtocomeabout thehonorofbeingapublic servant.Wepray that there

wouldbearelianceupontheWordofGod,thewillofGod,andtheways ofGod as the source of daily strength,wisdom, andcourage.Wepray that therewouldbe a restoration of dignityandhonor,oftrustworthinessandrighteousnessintheland.Weprayforourspiritual leaders.Weprayforourpastors,ourapostles, our prophets, our evangelists, our pastors, and ourteachers.Weprayblessingsandprotectionoverthem.Weprayforpurity.Weprayforthequalityoflifeintheirfamilies.Weblessthoseinauthoritythisday,andwedeclarethatthisisgoodandacceptableinthesightofGod,ourSaviorwhodesiresallmenandwomentobesavedandcometotheknowledgeofthetruth.WethankYouinYeshua’sgreatname.Amen.

CanticleofMoses(The antiphonal prayer below has been rendered in

beautifulcalligraphy, framed,andhung inourPrayerRoomatEncounters Network. This is one of the ancient prayers forIsrael long before she was ever re-gathered as a nation inmodern history. It was used for 300 years in Bangor, Ireland,duringantiphonalworshipandprayer.)

Hear,youheavens, the things Ispeak.Listen,Oearth,tothewordsIsay:LetMyteachingdropasrain;letMyspeechflowdownasdew, as a showeron theherbs, as adropupon thegrass. For the name of the Lord I will proclaim. Oh,praisethisgreatnessofourGod!TheworksofGodareperfect,andallHiswaysarejust.Hear,youheavens, the things Ispeak.Listen,Oearth,tothewordsIsay.Godisfaithfulanddoesnowrong;Heisjustandright.Somehave sinnedagainstHim, andno longer areHischildren. They arewicked andperverse.O foolish andunwisepeople,isthisthewayyoutreatYourGod,YourFather,YourCreator,whomadeandformedyou?Hear,youheavens, the things Ispeak.Listen,Oearth,tothewordsIsay.Rememberthedaysofold!Askyourfather,andhewilltell you.Ask your elders, and theywill explain to you.God divided up the world among the nations, andassigned to each of them a guardian angel, but HeHimselftookcareofIsrael.Hear,youheavens, the things Ispeak.Listen,Oearth,tothewordsIsay.InadesertlandHefoundHim,inaplaceofhorrorandofvastwilderness,HeshieldedHimandcaredforHim;heguardedHimastheappleofHiseye.Hear,youheavens, the things Ispeak.Listen,Oearth,

tothewordsIsay.1

Chapter12

PRAYINGEFFECTIVELYFORISRAEL

SingwithgladnessforJacob,andshoutamongthechiefofthenations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “O Lord, save Yourpeople,theremnantofIsrael”(Jeremiah31:7NKJV).

Prayer for Israel isoneof the fourkeyemphasesofPrayerStorm.Becauseitissoimportant,Iwanttogiveyouasmuchaspossible, in an inspiring and equippingmanner. I could writewholebooksaboutthis—andIhave(PrayingforIsrael’sDestinyandothers),andyet,evenifyouhavereadtheotherbooks,youwillfindthatthischapterwillcontainsomeadditional insightswithafreshemphasis.

PrayerStormmust raiseupeffective prayer for Israel. Theapostle James toldus that “…theeffectual ferventprayer of arighteous man availeth much” (James 5:16 KJV). That word,effectual (or effective, in modern translations) is, in Greek,energeo,and it impliessomething thathasworked inyouandthat is, therefore, more effective.2 It is vital to get beyonddutiful, rote repetition in our prayers, even repetition ofScripturalprayers,andto tap into therecessesofGod’sheartasyoupray.

Sothemosteffectiveprayersarethosethatarenotmerelyright information.Aparrot cando that.Aparrot repeats littlephrases,andthat’snice,butwewanttodobetterthanthat.Wewant tohave informationplusrevelation fromGod’smindandheartworkedintoourmindsandhearts.Thenwewillbeabletoreallypray.Thenourprayerswillhitthemark.Solet’slookatwhatitmeanstoprayfervent,effectiveprayerforIsrael.

PROCLAIM,PRAISE,ANDPRAY

AswereadinthepassagefromJeremiah,atthebeginningofthis chapter, God’s clear command to us is to “proclaim, givepraise,andsay[pray],‘OLord,saveThypeople,theremnantofIsrael’”(Jer.31:7NKJV).Theseareourbiblicalmandates.

In order to proclaim, give praise, and pray effectively, weneed to review the biblical history of Israel, focusing in

particular on aliyah (the “ascent,” or “return to the land”),which is so foundational to understanding Israel’s future. Weneed to read passages such as Jeremiah 31:8-10 with fresheyes:“Behold,Iambringingthemfromthenorthcountry,andIwillgather them from the remote parts of the earth, among themtheblindandthelame,thewomanwithchildandshewhoisinlabor with child, together; a great company, they will returnhere.Withweeping theywill come, and by supplication Iwilllead them; Iwillmake themwalk by streams ofwaters, on astraightpathinwhichtheywillnotstumble;forIamafathertoIsrael,andEphraimisMyfirstborn.”HearthewordoftheLord,Onations,anddeclare in thecoastlandsafaroff,andsay,“Hewho scattered Israel will gather him and keep him as ashepherdkeepshisflock”(Jeremiah31:8-10).

Howwill thedescendentsofAbrahambe ledback togetherto the land of Israel? “By supplication.” Whose supplication?Yoursandmine!Theywillbe ledback,andalreadyhavebeenledback,tothelandasaresultoftheprayersofGod’speople.

Wherewill they come from? “From thenorth country” and“from the remoteparts of the earth.”On thewings of prayer,thesewordshavebeenfulfilledrepeatedlyinourday,especiallysince the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. I savenewspaper clippings that tell some of the stories, such as“Solomon’s Flight,” when 14,500 Ethiopian Jews returnedduringtheadministrationofGeorgeH.W.Bush.3

Whatshouldweprayfor?WeshouldproclaimthewillofGodforHispeople,praiseHimforeverystepandnewdevelopment,andpraywithoutceasing forGod’sblessingonaliyah andHisprotection(“asashepherdkeepshisflock”)forthepeoplewhohavecomebacktotheirancestralland.

Whyshouldwepraythisway?Partiallyitisbecausethelanditself,withintheboundariesof Israel, iswhereGodwillrevealHimself to His people as their Messiah. God’s message ringsloudandclearintheseScriptures:

YetthenumberofthesonsofIsraelwillbelikethesandofthe sea, which cannot be measured or numbered; and in theplacewhereitissaidtothem,“YouarenotMypeople,”itwillbe said to them, “You are the sons of the living God” (Hosea1:10).“Thereforebehold,daysarecoming,”declarestheLord,“whenitwillnolongerbesaid,‘AstheLordlives,whobroughtupthesonsofIsraeloutofthelandofEgypt,’but, ‘AstheLordlives,who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of the northandfromallthecountrieswhereHehadbanishedthem.’ForIwill restore them to their own land which I gave to theirfathers”(Jeremiah16:14-15).

“Therefore behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord,“whentheywillno longersay, ‘As theLord lives,whobroughtupthesonsofIsraelfromthelandofEgypt,’but, ‘AstheLordlives, who brought up and led back the descendants of thehousehold of Israel from the north land and from all thecountrieswhereIhaddriventhem.’Thentheywillliveontheirownsoil”(Jeremiah23:7-8).ThenitwillhappenonthatdaythattheLordwillagainrecoverthesecondtimewithHishandtheremnantofHispeople….AndHewill…assemblethebanishedonesof Israel,andwillgatherthedispersedofJudahfromthefourcornersoftheearth(Isaiah11:11-12).Donotfear,forIamwithyou;Iwillbringyouroffspringfromtheeast,andgatheryoufromthewest.Iwillsaytothenorth,“Give them up!” and to the south, “Do not hold them back.”BringMysonsfromafarandMydaughtersfromtheendsoftheearth(Isaiah43:5-6).“Forbehold,daysarecoming,”declarestheLord,“whenIwillrestore the fortunesofMypeople IsraelandJudah.”TheLordsays,“IwillalsobringthembacktothelandthatIgavetotheirforefathersandtheyshallpossessit”(Jeremiah30:3).

It’stheplace,yousee.ItisvitaltounderstandthatthesoilofIsraeliswhereGodwantstogathertheremnantofHispeopleso that He can restore their inheritance and become theirShepherd-King.Anditisimportanttonotice,inIsaiah11:11,forexample, that this will be a re-gathering of the people. “TheLordwill again recover the second time….” This is borne outhistorically. First there was a gathering in of the remnant ofIsraelfromspecificregionsandcountries.TheJewishpeopleofmany other countries, whose ancestors had been dispersedtheregenerationsbefore,wereunaffected. In thepresentday,the Jewish people are being gathered from every part of theglobe: “He…will gather the dispersed of Judah from the fourcornersoftheearth”(Isa.11:12).

An enormous amount has already happened. People havereturnedtothelandinwaveafterwave.From1989to2007,1.3million Jews made aliyah from the “land of the north” (theformerSovietUnion).Ihavebeentoldbyseveralsourcesthat,atthispoint,therearemorethan1.3millionRussian-speakingJews in Israel, andRussian is now the second leading spokenlanguageinIsrael.

Most of us are very familiar, from listening to daily mediareports, with the fact that, though making aliyah meansreachingthePromisedLand, it is far from“Heavenonearth.”Peace is fragile; threats are real. Sadly, suicide bombers arerelentless,andattackswithshort-rangemissiles fromallsidesare constant. Only the ongoing prayers of the Church aroundthe world will ensure that Israel is protected and that her

propheticdestinyisfulfilled.

UNDERSTANDINGGOD’SMYSTERIOUSPLANFORISRAEL

There are three things that we must grasp in order todiscover God’s desire to awaken love in our hearts for theJewishpeople.TheapostlePaulcallsthisa“mystery”:For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of thismystery—sothatyouwillnotbewiseinyourownestimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until thefullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will besaved;justasitiswritten,“TheDelivererwillcomefromZion,He will remove ungodliness from Jacob. This is my covenantwiththem,whenItakeawaytheirsins.”Fromthestandpointofthe gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from thestandpointofGod’schoicetheyarebelovedforthesakeofthefathers;forthegiftsandthecallingofGodareirrevocable.Forjust as youonceweredisobedient toGod,butnowhavebeenshownmercybecauseoftheirdisobedience,sothesealsonowhavebeendisobedient,thatbecauseofthemercyshowntoyoutheyalsomaynowbeshownmercy.ForGodhasshutupallindisobediencesothatHemayshowmercytoall(Romans11:25-32).

The three things we must grasp from this passage are asfollows.Iwillexplaineachofthembelow:1. All Israel at some point will be saved and brought to

fullness.2. TheJewishpeoplehaveaspiritofblindnessas itrelates

toseeingtheirMessiah.3. Theblindersof the Jewishpeoplewill be removedwhen

“thefullnessoftheGentiles”isusheredin.

AllIsraelSavedAllIsraelwillbesavedandbroughttofullness.BeforeJesus

returnstoruleovertheearth,Hewillreleaseaspiritofprayer(supplication)anddemonstrationsofHisamazingsavinggracethat will cause the Jewish people who have survived theantichrist’s rage to come to full faith. As Paul wrote to theRomans, “All Israel will be saved” (Rom. 11:26). They will beoverwhelmed with a deep spirit of repentance. Look atZechariah’spropheticwords:AndIwillpouronthehouseofDavidandontheinhabitantsofJerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they willlookonMewhomtheypierced.Yes,theywillmournforHimasonemournsforhisonlyson,andgrieveforHimasonegrievesfora firstborn. In thatday there shallbeagreatmourning inJerusalem, likethemourningatHadadRimmonintheplainof

Megiddo(Zechariah12:10-11NKJV).Prayerwillcausetheirblinderstocomeoff,anditwillcause

theirheartstobesoftened.Whycan’tthishappenearlier?Godhasatimetableforallstrategicevents.Godisinchargeoftheclock.AlthoughwearehearingaboutfreshstirringsoftheHolySpirit among the Jewish people in Israel and elsewhere, wemust recognize that God will save the “best wine” (see John2:10)foralast,dynamicoutpouring,whichwilloccurattheendof the age. Paul’s letter to the Romans describes this as“fullness,”callingit“lifefromthedead.”(SeeRomans11:12,15NIV.)Israelisbeingandwillbeawakened!

Paul’s primary purpose inwriting to the churches inRomewas to make them aware that God’s call, promises, andcovenants concerning Israel’s redemptive purposeswere (andare)stillineffect,evenifthemajorityoftheJewishpopulationwas (and is) oblivious to their God-ordained destiny. Paul,writing to the Romans, who were predominantly Gentiles,receivedfromGodarevelationofGod’send-timepurposesforthefinal,greatestrevivalofalltime,andthekeyelementofitisthatallofIsraelwillbesaved!

BlindTowardTheirMessiahTheJewishpeoplehaveaspiritofblindnessas itrelatesto

seeing their Messiah. Aren’t you glad that, when you woreblinders,Godhadaplanforyourlife?JustasHehadmercyonyou,Hewants to lavishHis lovingmercyonHischosenones.Whenthetimefullycomes,theblinderswillcomeoff,andtheJewswill “look onHimwhom they have pierced andweep”—alongwiththerestofus.Iwanttobecarefultoemphasizethefact that thesinofallofmankindcrucified Jesus,not just thesinofonegroupofpeople,theJews.Wemustbeveryclearonthat,becauseChristianhistoryhasbeen fouledbyepisodesofrageagainst theJewishpeople forsomethingthatweallmusttake responsibility for. It is the sin ofmankind, past, present,andfuture,thattheFatherpurposefullylaidontheSon.

Forthepast2,000years,theGentileshavebeenabletotaketheir blinders off, becoming believers in the Messiah and,therefore,God’s“primary”instrumentfortheestablishmentofHisKingdom,workingtobringtheGospeltoallnationsbeforetheSecondComingofChrist.But it is absolutely vital tonotethat Israel’s rejection of Jesus is neither total nor final (seeRom. 11:1-32). The diagnosis: they have a temporary spirit ofblindnessasitrelatestoseeingtheirMessiah.

It is the ignorance of the Church that has led many towronglyconclude thatGodhasrejected Israeland that Israel,therefore,hasnofutureroletoplay.TheybelievethatIsraelhasdisqualifiedherselfandthatthepredominatelyGentileChurch

will play the central role inGod’s redemptive plans both nowandthroughouteternity.

Wefindourselvesinadilemma.Thecurrentdilemmaisthatthe Jewish people aremostly blind and that Gentile believersare mostly ignorant when it comes to revelation about God’sfutureplanstoraiseupandfullyrestoreHisoriginalcovenantpeople(seeEzek.36).However,GodhasnotgivenuponusingIsrael asHis primary instrument to establishHisKingdomonearth.Godremainsfaithful,evenwhenwearefaithless!ThanktheLord!

In order to reverse Israel’s current hostility toward theirMessiah and the sadhistory of theChurch, somethingdrasticmusttakeplace.Jesuscalledthisperiod(thegreattribulation)theworstperiodthattheearthwilleverexperience(seeMatt.24:21-22).TheprophetJeremiahcalledit“Jacob’strouble”(seeJer. 30:7). Daniel described it as the most difficult time ever(seeDan.12:1).

Where will they turn? Because of the desperation of thetimes, true compassionate Gentile believers will rise up inprayerandsupplication,andmightywavesofGod’smercywillflow in the Land of Promise. There will be an awakening inIsrael!Yes,therewillbearevivalofkindnessintheChurch!

TheFullnessoftheGentilesTheblindersoftheJewishpeoplewillberemovedwhen“the

fullness of the Gentiles” is ushered in. In other words, the“fullness of the Gentiles” will usher in the “fullness of theJewishpeople”(seeRom.11:25-26).

The phrase the fullness of the Gentiles has severaldimensions. First, it refers to the full number of Gentileconverts written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (see Rev. 7:9;21:27). The term fullness also signifies the unprecedentedreleaseoftheHolySpirit’spowerattheendoftheage,whichwill result inaharvestof soulsunsurpassed inhumanhistory.Thishistoricrevivalwillhaveanimpactoneverynationontheearth. That iswhywemust pray, in ourweekly Prayer Stormefforts, for revival in the Church and for the greatest youthawakeningthattheworldhaseverseen!

God’splanistousebelieverswhoarewalkinginobedienceandwholehearted consecration, believerswho carry a burdenfor the Jewishpeople.Godwilluse theirextremecommitmenttoHim,coupledwiththeirservantheartstowardIsraelandallthe descendants of Abraham, to win many Jews, Arabs,Chaldeans, and residents of the Middle East to His Son, theMessiah.Hewants tobringboth JewandGentile into the fullknowledge of Him so that “the earth will be filled with theknowledgeofthegloryoftheLord,asthewaterscoverthesea”

(Hab.2:14).

STANDING WITH THE JEWISH PEOPLE—THE CHURCH’SCALL

TheChurch,whichislargelyGentile,muststandfirmlywiththe Jewishpeople,becauseoneofGod’sprimary strategies towintheheartsoftheJewishpeopleisthroughacompassionateand faithfulGentile Church. Paul—himself once a zealous Jewand then the greatest spokesman for God’s heart toward theJews inhis letter to theRomans—defined theGentiles’ call as“provoking them to jealousy” (see Rom. 11:11 NKJV). Thissimplymeansthat,whentheGentileChurchbeginstowalk inauthentic, compassionate spiritual authority, the Kingdomshining through themwillbeextremely invitingandattractivetotheJewishpeople,whichinturnwillcausethemtodesireadeeper relationship with God by receiving their Messiah astheirSavior.

Jesusmade a strong appeal to the Gentile believers to notforsakeHis Jewish people during their times of great troublewhenHedescribedthetimeofjudgment.(SeeMatthew25:31-42.)TheJewishpeoplemustbeincludedin“theleastofthese,”whowerehungry,thirsty,lonely,naked,sick,orinprisonwhentherighteousoneshelpedthem.Thosewhochoosetodisregardthatappealandtheurgingsoftheirconscienceswillsuffertheconsequencesofbeingnumberedwiththe“goatnations.”

ThroughouthislettertotheRomanchurch,Paulwarnedhisreaders about the consequences of being spiritually ignorantandthereforearrogant—andpotentiallyapostate.But ifsomeofthebrancheswerebrokenoff,andyou,beingawild olive, were grafted in among them and became partakerwiththemoftherichrootoftheolivetree,donotbearroganttowardthebranches;butifyouarearrogant,rememberthatitisnotyouwhosupportstheroot,buttherootsupportsyou.Youwill say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might begraftedin.”Quiteright,theywerebrokenofffortheirunbelief,butyoustandbyyourfaith.Donotbeconceited,butfear;forifGoddidnotsparethenaturalbranches,Hewillnotspareyou,either.Behold then thekindnessandseverityofGod; to thosewhofell,severity,buttoyou,God’skindness,ifyoucontinueinHiskindness;otherwiseyoualsowillbecutoff(Romans11:17-22).

Paulshoweduswhatcanhappenwhenwetakethismatterlightly. Left unattended, ignorance leads to arrogance, whicheventually can lead to spiritual apostasy. This was one of thegreatestburdensonPaul’sheart:Iam telling the truth inChrist, Iamnot lying,myconsciencetestifieswithmeintheHolySpirit,thatIhavegreatsorrowandunceasinggriefinmyheart.ForIcouldwishthatImyselfwere

accursed, separated from Christ for the sake ofmy brethren,mykinsmenaccordingtotheflesh,whoareIsraelites,towhombelongstheadoptionassons,andthegloryandthecovenantsand the giving of the Law and the temple service and thepromises,whoseare the fathers,and fromwhom is theChristaccordingtotheflesh,whoisoverall…(Romans9:1-5).

PRAYINGFORTHEPEACEOFJERUSALEM

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem isGod’s desire andHiscalltoeveryone,totheentireChurchthroughouttheworld:Iwasgladwhentheysaid tome,“Letusgo into thehouseofthe Lord.” Our feet have been standing within your gates, OJerusalem!Jerusalemisbuiltasacitythatiscompacttogether,wherethetribesgoup,thetribesoftheLord,totheTestimonyof Israel, to give thanks to thenameof theLord.For thronesareset there for judgment, the thronesof thehouseofDavid.Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosperwho loveyou. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within yourpalaces.” For the sake ofmy brethren and companions, I willnow say, “Peace be within you.” Because of the house of theLordourGodIwillseekyourgood(Psalm122NKJV).

Through theprophet Isaiah,GodcommandedHispeople to“give Him no rest” until Jerusalem enters into the fullness ofher inheritance: “I have set watchmen on your walls, OJerusalem; theyshallneverhold theirpeacedayornight.YouwhomakementionoftheLord,donotkeepsilent,andgiveHimnoresttillHeestablishesandtillHemakesJerusalemapraiseintheearth”(Isa.62:6-7NKJV).

The peace of Jerusalem refers to Israel entering into thefullness of her destiny as spoken by the Old Testamentprophets.YoucanseeherethatGodiscallingtheBodyof theMessiahtogiveherselfinferventintercessionforthesalvationof the inhabitantsof adustyMiddleEastern city that is likelythe most contention-filled place on the face of the earth. Hewantspeace there!HewantsHisKingdom tocome there!Hewants the Church—which is you and me—to stand with Him,withHisWord,withHisways,andwithHisheart.

PrayingforJerusalemputsyouinpartnershipwiththeheartofGod.Hisheartisconsumedwithzealforthiscity.YouandIwanttobewhereHeis.WhereisHe?Heiswatchingoverthiscity.WithHim,wewatchandprayforJerusalem.Thispieceofreal estate is not insignificant, nor has it lost its chance toattractHisattention.Again,hereisthecryofHisheart:Thus says the Lord of hosts, “I am exceedingly jealous forJerusalemandZion.ButIamveryangrywiththenationswhoare at ease; forwhile Iwas only a little angry, they furtheredthe disaster.” Therefore thus says the Lord, “I will return toJerusalem with compassion; My house will be built in it,”

declares the Lord of hosts, “and a measuring line will bestretchedoverJerusalem”(Zechariah1:14-16).ForZion’ssakeIwillnotkeepsilent,andforJerusalem’ssakeIwill not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth likebrightness,andhersalvationlikeatorchthatisburning(Isaiah62:1).

When we pray for Jerusalem, we are contending for thesalvation of the people of Israel. As we have already noted,Israel’sacceptanceof JesusasherMessiahdependsuponherbeingprovokedto jealousybyapredominantlyGentileChurch(seeRom.11:11),andGod’sstrategyistoshowmercythroughthe Gentile Body of believers (see Rom. 11:30-32). Part ofshowingmercy to Israel is standing in theplace of prayer forJerusalem.

WewanttoseeJesus’returnastheirMessiah,butHisreturnis contingent upon Israel’s acceptance of Him as such. Jesussaiditloudandclear:O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stonethose sent to you, how often I have longed to gather yourchildrentogether,asahengathersherchicksunderherwings,but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to youdesolate.ForItellyou,youwillnotseeMeagainuntilyousay,“Blessed isHewhocomes in thenameof theLord” (Matthew23:37-39NIV).

Right away, in the days following Pentecost, Peter and thenewChurchof JesusChriststartedcalling thenationof IsraelandtheleadingfiguresofJerusalemtorepentandtoputtheirfaith in Jesusso that “yoursinsmaybeblottedout,…and thatHemay send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before”(Acts3:19-20NKJV).

Right away also, satan launched an all-out assault on thenationofIsraelandthecityofJerusalem.HeknowsthatJesuscommittedHimselftoreturningasKingoftheJews,toruletheearthfromJerusalem(seeMatt.23:39).SatanheardHimwithhisownears.IfsatancanannihilatetheJewishpeople,hecanprove God to be a liar and ensure his own survival. So heattempts to rally the nations of the earth to his cause.Globalanti-Semitismistheresult.Inourownlifetimes,wemayseethetime when every nation of the earth actively seeks thedestructionofJerusalemundertheleadershipofaworldleadercommonly known as the antichrist. (See First John 4:3;Zechariah12:2;14:2,andZephaniah3:7-8.)

As the saints of God partner with Him in prayer and insolidaritywithIsrael,Hepromisestodotwothingsinresponse:1. He will release His voice in the earth (the “spirit of

prophecy”). The spirit of prophecy is the testimony ofJesus (seeRev. 19:10). The testimony of Jesus results in

revival among theGentiles,whichwill provoke Israel tojealousy.

2. He will release supernatural activity in the earth(judgmentsagainstHisenemies).Hewantsrighteousnessto prevail (see Isa. 62:1-2), and He will raise upmessengers who will proclaim with boldness, authority,andclaritythe“GospeloftheKingdom”(seeMatt.24:14),especiallytotheJewishpeopleinthemidstoftribulation.He will release signs and wonders as evidence of Hiscomingagain(seeJoel2:30-31).

SALVATIONANDDELIVERANCEINJERUSALEM

Doyousee this?Praying for thepeaceof Jerusalemmeansthatyou’reprayingfor Israel tocomeintoher fullness—whichmeans that you’re also praying for the Gentiles’ fullness,becauseitwillcauseIsrael’sfullness.SoprayingforJerusalemandforIsraelmeansthatyou’realsoprayingfortheend-time,progressivepurposesofGodtounfoldforallpeopleacrosstheentireplanet.

So often, people don’t get this. They think that praying forJerusalem isoptional.But it’s an integralpartof theend-timeharvest.Italladdstogether.God’send-timeactivityisreleasedoutofHiszealforJerusalem.Theendresult—thedeliveranceofJerusalemfromherenemies,thesalvationofallIsrael,andtheestablishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth in fullness (seeRom.11:26-27)—comesbecauseofGod’speopleliningupwithHis heart and praying for the salvation of Israel with fasting,solemnassemblies,andmidnightwatches:Blow a trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemnassembly, gather the people, sanctify the congregation,assemble the elders, gather the children and the nursinginfants.Letthebridegroomcomeoutofhisroomandthebrideoutofherbridalchamber.Letthepriests,theLord’sministers,weepbetweentheporchandthealtar,andletthemsay,“SpareYour people, O Lord, and do not make Your inheritance areproach,abywordamongthenations”(Joel2:15-17).

OneoftheultimatetasksoftheGentileChurchistoprayforthesalvationof Israel,yearning for the Jewstobe included intheKingdomand to receive themercyofGod.That iswhy, inourPrayerStorm,we’regoingtopartnerwiththeotherfastingandprayermovements and initiatives thatGodhas raisedup.That iswhywehost TheCry each year—threedays of prayerandfastingforIsraelduringthetimeofPurim(seeAppendixBformoredetails).

Eversince1967,when,asaresultofwarintheMiddleEast,Jerusalem was once again brought under the control of theJewishpeopleandbecamethestateofIsrael, thedispensationof theGentilesbegan to shift in a significantway. It’s coming

into focus. In the midst of all the confusion and thecontentiousness, we can see that Jerusalem is becoming thelast-days epicenter for God’s activity in the earth. You mustalways remember, Israel is still the apple of God’s eye (seeZech.2:8)!Whenyoucangraspthiswithyoureyesandheart,andwhenyoujoinyourvoiceandyoureffortswithothers,youbecome an end-time harvester. O let the spirit of prayerconsumeyouasithasme!Joinwithmenowinpraying.Father, I want You to give me Your heart for Israel and theJewish people worldwide. Give me the spirit of grace andsupplication so that I can join others who are effectivewatchmenonthewalls forsuchatimeas this.Countme in! Iwant to partnerwith You for Israel’s salvation, and I want tohelpstandinthegapintimesofcrisis.IwanttoseethegloryofGodfloodtheentireMiddleEast.MayYourpropheticpurposescome forth in this generation for all the descendants ofAbraham, forYourHolyname’s sake. InYeshua’sgreat name.AmenandAmen!

Conclusion

THECHALLENGE

[Of themightymenwhohelpedKingDavidwere] the sons ofIssachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge ofwhat Israel should do, their chiefswere two hundred; and alltheirkinsmenwereattheircommand(1Chronicles12:32).

AsIdescribedatthebeginningofthisbook,Godusedavividdream to showme the vision and outline for PrayerStorm. Itwas a powerfully compelling experience. A little later, GodbegantoconfirmthewordsHehadshownme.GodwillalwaysconfirmHisWord by the testimony of two or three (ormore)witnesses—believerslikeyouandme.HewantsustoknowthatHisWordistrueandcanbe“bankedon.”

I considered it pure confirmation when I heard aboutanotherdream.JulieMeyer,whoisafriendofmanyyearsandarecording artist, prophetess, and singer at the InternationalHouse of Prayer in Kansas City, had a dream about a majorstorm arising and the response of the people of God. Itemphasized the necessity of properly interpreting therevelationswereceive.

In January2008, at ourannualEncountersNetworkSecretPlaceGatheringinFranklin,Tennessee,Juliesangthisdreamtome,prophetically.Withgreatclarity,shedeclaredfromEzekiel1:4(thesameScripturewithwhichIopenedChapter1)thattheLord ismounting a prayer storm thatwill be huge.Her songwas a confirmation that a prayer storm will arise across thenationsandthatwehaveaparttoplayinit.

Here is thedream Julie received, as she recorded it in herbook, Invitation to Encounter: A Journey in Dreams. Julie hasgivenmepermissiontoshareitwithyou.

ASTORMISCOMING

ThesonsofIssacharknewthesignsofthetimesandwhattodo (1 Chron. 12:32).Wheneverwe see signs, we need to askGodwhatHeissayingsothatwecaninterpretthemcorrectlyandnotbecomecaughtupwiththesignsthemselves.

Ihadadream.Iwasatagatheringthatfeltlikeabigfamilycelebration. My children were there, and others had broughttheir children aswell.Most of the people attending served inpositions of leadership: worship leaders and team members,small-groupleaders,teachers,andthelike.

All of a sudden, a gentle breeze began to blow and getincreasinglystronger.Therewasahugefive-by-five-footpicturewindowthatrattledasthewindintensified.Therattlinggotmyattentionand,asIlookedaroundtheroom,Inoticedthatotherswerealsobeginningtopayattention.

I looked out through the window and saw that new colorshad overtaken the sky. Instead of white clouds, I saw largecrimson clouds and bright green clouds. They were tumblingandbillowingandburningbright.Itwasstartling.ThenI looked,andbehold,awhirlwindwascomingoutof thenorth, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; andbrightnesswasallaround itandradiatingoutof itsmidst likethecolorofamber,outofthemidstofthefire(Ezekiel1:4).

We were awestruck by the breathtaking beauty of thecontrastingcolors.Westoodinsilence,marvelingatthecloudsand wondering what this sight could mean. After a fewmoments,eachpersonbeganquotingvariousScripturesastheystrainedtogivemeaningtothesign.

“The heavens declare the glory of God…The Son is theradianceofGod’sglory…ThegraceofGodthatbringssalvationhasappearedtoallmen…TherighteousnessofGodextendstotheclouds…DonotputouttheSpirit’sfire…JesusChristwillbeglorified in his holy people andmarveled at by all those whohavebelieved.”

ThougheachScripturewasatruestatement,Godwassayingsomethingdifferent.Theywere socaughtup in the sign itselfthattheymisseditstruemeaning:astormwascoming.Fearfuldread—therawfearoftheLord—suddenlygrippedmebecauseIknewnoneofthemhadinterpretedthesigncorrectly.

NexttomestoodamanwhowaslikeasonofIssachar.Hewas seasoned in leadership and had great propheticunderstanding because of hismany years spent at the Lord’sfeet.Heshookhisheadasiftosayoftheverseseveryonehadlisted, “No, that is not the correct interpretation.” In ameasured,slowwhisperofcertaintyandsobriety,heexplainedthe sign clearly: “There is a storm coming. There is a stormcoming,Beloved,thereisastormcoming.”

SignsaremeanttodirectusintodialoguewithGod;theyarenotanend in themselves.Wemust lookpast signs,nomatterhow great or terrifying they seem, and ask the Lord for therightinterpretation.1

YES,ASTORMISCOMING

Thereisastormcoming.Astormiscoming. It’sastormofviolence.Theskyisfilledwithsupernaturalclashes.ThewaroftheLambisbeingwagedonacosmiclevel,andwearesomeofHisend-timeplayersonHisstageofhistory.Areyouprepared?Are you wide awake? Are you properly interpreting what theHolySpiritissayinginthishour?

Thewatchmenhave been anticipating this storm. They areready for it. Theyhave assembled themselves into an armyofwatchers who fast and pray for the Kingdom of God to comeacross the earth. They are part of a long line of watchmenprayer-warriors who have been pressing forward relentlesslyfor centuries. They can recognize each other from afar. Overthere are the sixth-century monks in Bangor, Ireland. Nearbyare the 18th-century Moravians in Hernnhut, Germany. Righthereandnowarethe21st-century24/7prayerrooms.Andhereis Prayer Storm, praying hour after hour for revival in theChurch, a great youth awakening, Israel, andmajor crises allovertheworld.

Theheartsof thewatchersareastendertowardJesusasabride’sheart is tender towardherbridegroom.Filledwith theHoly Spirit, they grow closer to God’s heart as they pray.Sometimestheyfast—theirheartsarelovesick,andtheycannotsacrifice enough forHim. After all, He is worthy. He alone isworthy!

CALLEDTOPRAY

Mostof these intercessorscantrace theircall topraybackmanyyears.Evenbeforetheyheardaboutothersintercedingorthe“hourthatchangestheworld,”theyyearnedtospendtimewithJesusinprayerfulintimacy.Isthistrueforyou?

Inmyownlife,theHolySpiritgavemealoveandacalllongbeforeHegavemeacommissioning.WhenIwasayoungboyina little country old timeMethodist church, I used to love theSunday evening “Song Fests.” The entire service would besinging.Peoplewouldshoutoutwhathymntheywantedtosingnext by its title or page number in the hymnal. Estyl Bowerswould play the piano. Ethel Mae Kilburn, whose physician-husband had attended my birth in my parents’ home, wouldleadthesingingwithherstrongsopranovoice.

Imprinted on my memory is the singing of “The BeautifulGarden of Prayer.”On one special night, Iwas nestled in thelast row, in the corner of the old oak pew, sitting close tomotherly IdaMaeSmith.Wesangourheartsout together.WewereinthebeautifulgardenofprayerwithHim,aplacewheregraceaboundsandprayerisadelight,notachore.

Ever after that Sunday evening, I have sought out “garden

moments”withHim.Thatnight,Idiscoveredasecret—tobeinHispresenceinthegardenofprayerwillcalmanystorm.ThemostgloriousplaceonthissideofHeavenis tobewithJesus.He makes every place of encounter into a garden sanctuary.Herearethewordstothislittleknownhymn.ThissongiswhoIam.Itisasongofwhoyouaredestinedtobecome!

THEBEAUTIFULGARDENOFPRAYER

There’sagardenwhereJesusiswaiting,There’saplacethatiswondrouslyfair,ForitglowswiththelightofHispresence.’Tisthebeautifulgardenofprayer.(Refrain)Oh,thebeautifulgarden,thegardenofprayer!Oh,thebeautifulgardenofprayer!TheremySaviorawaits,andHeopensthegatesTothebeautifulgardenofprayer.There’sagardenwhereJesusiswaiting,AndIgowithmyburdenandcare,JusttolearnfromHislipswordsofcomfortInthebeautifulgardenofprayer.There’sagardenwhereJesusiswaiting,AndHebidsyoutocome,meetHimthere;JusttobowandreceiveanewblessingInthebeautifulgardenofprayer.2

PRAYERSTORM—SIGNUPNOW!

To sign up now to become a part of the worldwide PrayerStormteam,goto:

http://prayerstorm.comclickon:“SignUpNow.”Youwillbeable to fillouta formwithyourname,address,

and e-mail address. Then youwill use a drop-down box to filloutyourtimezoneanywhereintheworld,thedayoftheweekyouwishtoprayforonehour,andthespecifichour(yourlocaltime)thatyouwishtopray.

AtourPrayerStormheadquartersinFranklin,Tennessee,inthecentraltimezoneoftheUnitedStates,wewillkeeptrackofthetimesandhoursandwillsendyouregularcommunications.YouwillalsobeabletoviewourweeklyPrayerStormwebcastwhere you will welcome me right into your own home, hotelroom,orcollegedormroomthroughtheWorldWideWeb,andwecanspendtimeintercedingtogether.

PrayerStorm—PrayingforrevivalintheChurch,forIsraelandallthedescendentsofAbraham,forthegreatestyouthawakeningtheworldhaseverseen,andforcrisisinterventionthroughintercession.

Theworldhashaditsterroristattacks,tsunamis,hurricanes,earthquakes, famines, wars and rumors of wars, and otherdisastrous storms. But there is a Prayer Storm that is arisingthatisgreatinforce.Itisledbyabandofrelentlessbelieversin theLord JesusChristwhowillnotgiveup!Thesenamelessand faceless intercessorswill onlybow their knee to theLordJesusChrist.Andtheyarecommittedtoatask—thattheLambof God be magnified through out all the earth. Like theMoravianswhowentbeforethem,thesePrayerStormerswant

JesusChristtheLordtoreceivetherewardofHissufferings.Are you ready to be a part of the “hour that changes the

world?”Heaveniswaitingforyourreply!Joinme!Joinothers!Remember,togetherinJesus,wemake

agreatteam!WithapassionfortheLordJesusChrist,

JamesW.Goll

AppendixA

PRAYERSTORMONE-HOURPRAYERGUIDE

Thisguideis intendedtobeonlyanoutline,surrenderedtothe leading of theHolySpirit as a flexible tool to help you inyourhourofworshipandintercessionaspartofPrayerStorm.Itisnotaformula,andyoudonothavetofollowittotheletter.Your times of prayer may vary greatly from one week to thenext,astheSpiritleadsyou.Below,youwillfindabriefoutline,followedbyfurtherexplanation.

60-MINUTEOUTLINEFORPRAYERSTORMPRAYER

ReadthecurrentPrayerStormPrayerAlert—2minutesOfferthanksgivingandpraise—3minutesSingandprayintheSpirit—5minutesReadScripture—5minutesPrayforrevivalintheChurch—10minutesSingandprayintheSpirit—5minutesPrayforIsrael—10minutesSingandprayintheSpirit—5minutesPrayforayouthawakening—10minutesOfferthanksgivingandpraise—5minutes

AFEWINSTRUCTIONS

Basedon thisoutline,herearea fewsimple instructions tohelpyoumakeyourtimeeffective.

WeeklyPrayerAlertswillbesentout toeachPrayerStormparticipant.TheywillbepostedalsoonthePrayerStormWebsite (www.prayerstorm.com). Please begin by reading thecurrent Prayer Alert. Then proceed to offer thanksgiving andpraisetotheLord.Remember,Psalm100instructsustoenterintoHisgateswiththanksgivingandintoHiscourtswithpraise.YoucanenterGod’sthroneroomwiththanksgivingandpraise!If you find music helpful, play an instrument or use an

instrumentalworshipCD in thebackground.Dowhateverwillmakeyourtimethemosteffective.

OneoftheemphasesofPrayerStormisuponSpirit-ledandSpirit-empowered worship and prayer. Therefore, considersingingandpraying in theHolySpiritorprayingbyusing thegiftoftongues(see1Cor.14)asapartofyourtime.Ifyouhavenot yet been released into this dimension of prayer, do notworry. You can participate by simply worshiping the Lordperiodicallythroughoutyourhour.Remember,theLordinhabitsthepraisesofHispeople.YouareoneofHispeople,andHewillinhabityourpraises.

ItisvitaltobeSpirit-ledandWord-groundedinyourtimesofintercession.Everysooften,thePrayerAlertwilldirectyoutoread a Scripture passage that will fuel your faith. At othertimes, itwill be left up to you to select a short portionof theBibletoread.

As you proceed into the current “burdens or themes” inprayer,makeitpractical.CallouttotheLordforrevivalintheChurch.Prayforyourregionandnationandthechurchinyourcity tocomealive in Jesus’name!Asyouproceedthroughthetheme(s) for that week, remember that the Web siteincorporatesScripture-basedteachingoutlinesforeveryareaoremphasis: revival in the Church, prayer for Israel, youthawakening,andcrisisintercession.Availyourselfofthesetools,astheywillhelpyouhitthemarkinyourprayers.

While the outline lists the different prayer themes in acertainorder,givingeachsubjectafewminutes,youshouldbeawarethattheHolySpiritmight“landon”oneofthem,suchasrevivalintheChurch,andyouwillnotbeabletogetawayfromit.Thatisgreat!FollowHislead;thatisthegoal.Othertimes,youwillnotbeawareofaparticularleadingoftheSpirit,soyouwill simply pray through this outline or one that you havedevised. Either way is good. Just be faithful in your hourlywatch.

Alsonotethatcrisisintercessiondoesnotappearasaspecialsectioninthisprayeroutline.Thatisbecausespecialnoticesforcrisis intercession will be e-mailed out whenever necessary.Again, theremightbetimeswhenyourentirehouroranotherdayorhourwillbespententirelyoncrisisintercession.Thatiswonderful. Intercessors are to be flexible instruments in theLord’shand.

Youwillnoticethattheoutlinekeepscomingbacktosingingandpraying in theSpirit. This is important!Your faithwill becharged,andyourprayerswillthenbesupernaturallyguidedifyouworshiptheLordandprayintheSpiritfrequently.

You will also notice that the hour not only begins withthanksgiving and praise, it also ends with it. Thank Him and

praise Him for His answers to your prayers. Thank Him andpraiseHimthatHeisraisingupintercessorsallovertheglobe.RejoicethatthefireoftheMoravianlampstandisnotgoingoutandthatthecontinuouschorusofprayerisswellingevenasyouspeak.Offerupashoutifyouwant.ThanktheLordthatHehasheard you andmany other intercessors around the globewhoaretakingtheirplaceaswatchmenonthewallsforsuchatimeasthis.

May these simple guidelines help you to have an effectivetimeinyourPrayerStormassignment!

PRAYERSTORM—RESTORINGANDRELEASINGTHEGLOBALMORAVIANLAMPSTAND

Thefireshalleverbeburninguponthealtar; itshallnevergoout(Leviticus6:13KJV).

(Foranonlineversionofthisprayerguide,gotothePrayerStorm website: http://www.prayerstorm.com/1hour_outline.html.)

AppendixB

PURIMPRAYERFOCUSFORISRAEL(TheEstherFast)

InthetimeofPersia’sKingArtaxerxes,anevilofficialnamedHaman plotted towipe out the people of Israel in amassacre.Desperate to save her people, Queen Esther, who was a Jew,declaredathree-dayfastfrombothfoodandwater,afterwhichshe approached the king and, through divine intervention,obtaineddeliverancefromtheimminentgenocide.YoucanreadthedramaticstoryintheBookofEsther.[Mordecaisentamessagethatsaid,]“Forifyouremainsilentatthis time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews fromanotherplaceandyouandyour father’shousewillperish.Andwhoknowswhetheryouhavenotattainedroyaltyforsuchatimeasthis?”ThenEsther told them to reply toMordecai, “Go, assemble allthe Jewswhoare found inSusa,and fast forme;donoteatordrinkforthreedays,nightorday.Iandmymaidensalsowillfastin thesameway.AndthusIwillgo in to theking,which isnotaccordingtothelaw;andifIperish,Iperish….”NowitcameaboutonthethirddaythatEstherputonherroyalrobesandstoodintheinnercourtoftheking’spalaceinfrontoftheking’srooms,andthekingwassittingonhisroyalthroneinthethroneroom,oppositetheentrancetothepalace.Whentheking sawEsther the queen standing in the court, she obtainedfavor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the goldenscepterwhichwasinhishand.SoEsthercamenearandtouchedthetopofthescepter.Thenthekingsaidtoher,“Whatistroublingyou,QueenEsther?Andwhatisyourrequest?Eventohalfofthekingdomitshallbegiventoyou….”Now in the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar), on thethirteenthdaywhentheking’scommandandedictwereabouttobeexecuted,onthedaywhentheenemiesoftheJewshopedtogainthemasteryoverthem,itwasturnedtothecontrarysothatthe Jews themselves gained themastery over thosewho hatedthem…..This[Jewishvictoryovertheirenemies]wasdoneonthethirteenthdayofthemonthAdar,andonthefourteenthdaythey

thirteenthdayofthemonthAdar,andonthefourteenthdaytheyrestedandmadeitadayoffeastingandrejoicing.(Esther4:14-16;5:1-3,9:1,17).

To this day, Jews celebrate Purim as a holiday thatcommemoratesGod’s deliverance of the Jewish people throughEsther’scourageousactions.On the Jewishcalendar, itused tobecelebratedonthe14thofAdarintheunwalledcitiesandonthe 15th of Adar in the cities that were walled in the time ofJoshua. Today it is celebrated from sunset on the first daythroughnightfallonthesecond,anditisprecededbyafastthatmirrorsEsther’sthree-dayfast.Because the Church is like a spiritual Esther, many Christianintercessorsdeclarea three-day “Esther fast” atPurim, fastingandseekingGod’sfavorandprotectionfortheJewsandfortheoverthrowofevil inourday.Desperatetimesrequiredesperatemeasures. Purim is a good time to intercede against the plotsand schemes of the modern-day spirit of Haman. I call thisannualtimeoffastingandinterventionintercessionTheCry,andIurgeyoutoconsiderjoiningwithotherswhoprayatthistimein this way. For more information, go to my website athttp://www.ministrytothenations.org/israel.html. Below are thedatesoftheFeastofPurimforthenextseveralyears:Year FeastofPurim EstherFastDates2009 March10 March8-102010 February28 February26-282011 March20 March18-202012 March8 March6-82013 February24 February22-242014 March16 March14-162015 March5 March3-52016 March24 March22-242017 March12 March10-122018 March1 February27-March12019 March21 March19-212020 March10 March8-10

To undertake a complete Esther Fast, do not eat or drink(exceptfortakingHolyCommunion)forthedurationofthethreedays.Do not undertake theEsther fast unless you are in goodhealthandyoufollownormalguidelinesforstartingandendingthetimeoffasting.Ifnecessary,adaptthetypeoffasttofityourlifeandschedule.Butwhateveryoudo,doitwithallyourheart!

The purpose of fasting is so that you can devote yourselfwithoutreservationtoextraprayerandScripture-reading.BelowyouwillfindalistofScripturesthatyoumightfindhelpful.UsetheScriptures toguideyourprayers,andbespecificwhenyoupray. Include prayers for yourself, asking God to direct andempower you in your own ministry in the Body of Christ andpraying for reconciliation inyourownpersonal relationshipsaswellasamonggroups,regions,andnationsontheearth.Prayfor

wellasamonggroups,regions,andnationsontheearth.Prayforforgiveness for yourself and also for the sins of your nation asDaniel did (see Dan. 9). These psalms provide an excellentframeworkforprayerfornationalforgiveness:Hearmyprayer,OLord!AndletmycryforhelpcometoYou.DonothideYourfacefrommeinthedayofmydistress;inclineYoureartome; inthedaywhenIcallanswermequickly….YouwillariseandhavecompassiononZion;foritistimetobegracioustoher,fortheappointedtimehascome(Psalm102:1-2,13).HelookedupontheirdistresswhenHeheardtheircry;andHerememberedHiscovenantfortheirsake,andrelentedaccordingto the greatness of His lovingkindness. He also made themobjectsofcompassion inthepresenceofall theircaptors.Saveus,OLordourGod, andgatherus fromamong thenations, togive thanks to Your holy name andglory in Your praise (Psalm106:44-47).

SCRIPTURESFORPRAYER

Genesis12:1-3;35:11-12Deuteronomy30:1-4Psalms102:1-2,13;105;106:44-47;122:6;137:4-6;147:1-2Isaiah 11:10-12; 14:1-2; 27:12-13; 40:1-5; 41:8-11; 42:22;43:1-13; 44:3-6; 45:2-6; 46:3-4; 49:8-10,22; 51:14; 57:18;59:21;60:4,8-9;62:4-7;10-12Jeremiah16:14-16;23:3-8;30:10,16-17;31:7-11;31-34,37Ezekiel 20:33-35; 34:11-16; 36:8,17–28;24-28; 37:12-14;39:27-28Hosea3-4;11;14Amos9:11-14Micah4:6-7Zephaniah2:1-2,6-7Romans11:11-12;12:17-18;15:27Ephesians3:6

But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen,descendantofAbrahamMyfriend,youwhomIhavetakenfromtheendsoftheearth,andcalledfromitsremotestpartsandsaidtoyou,“YouareMyservant,Ihavechosenyouandnotrejectedyou.Donotfear,forIamwithyou;donotanxiouslylookaboutyou, for IamyourGod. Iwill strengthenyou,surely Iwillhelpyou, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed anddishonored; thosewhocontendwithyouwillbeasnothingandwillperish(Isaiah41:8-11).

“AsforMe,this isMycovenantwiththem,”saystheLord:“MySpiritwhichisuponyou,andMywordswhichIhaveputinyourmouthshallnotdepartfromyourmouth,norfromthemouthof

mouthshallnotdepartfromyourmouth,norfromthemouthofyouroffspring,norfromthemouthofyouroffspring’soffspring,”saystheLord,“fromnowandforever”(Isaiah59:21).

Joinmeandthousandsofothersaroundtheglobeasweenterintocrisisinterventionthroughthepowerofprayerandfasting.Yes, together we shall make history before the throne of theAlmighty!

AppendixC

RESOURCESFORINTERCESSORS

This is not an exhaustive list. On many of the recommendedWebsites,youwillfindlinkstootherhelpfulorganizations,aswellasextensive lists of books about intercessory prayer and the PrayerStorm themesofprayeremphasis, revival, youthawakening, Israel,andcrisisintercession.

24-7PRAYER(WWW.24-7PRAYER.COM/CM/RESOURCES/288)

Pete Greig, who formerly worked with Jackie Pullinger in HongKong, is now an author, a church-planter, and the internationaldirectorof24-7Prayer,whichhasgrownineightyearsfromasingle24-7 prayer room based on the Moravian model into an“international, interdenominational youth movement committed toprayer,missionandjustice.”

AGLOWINTERNATIONAL(WWW.AGLOW.ORG)

SinceAglowwasformedin1967,ithasbeenknownasanetworkof caring, praying women. Now 172 nations strong, Aglow canrapidly mobilize via e-mail more than one million intercessorsworldwidewhounderstandthepowerofstrategicprayer.

BOUND4LIFE(HTTP://BOUND4LIFE.COM)

Alongwithothers,prayashortprayer,frequentlyandeffectively:“Jesus, I plead your blood overmy sins and the sins ofmy nation;God,endabortion,andsendrevivaltoAmerica.”Participateinsilentprayer“seiges.”SeeWebsiteformoreinformationandforresourcessuchasaprayer-reminderwristband.

THECALL(WWW.THECALL.COM)

SpearheadedbyLouEngle,thesearestadiumeventsthatarenotmerelyconcertsbutarerather,intheirwords—“Afast,notafestival”and“amassivegatheringofyoungandoldwhoaredesperateforarevival in our nation.” On the Website, you will find a news feed,informationaboutupcominggatherings,resources,andmore.

CAMPUSCHURCHNETWORKS(HTTP://CAMPUSCHURCH.NET)

CAMPUS TRANSFORMATION NETWORK(HTTP://CAMPUSTRANSFORMATION.COM)

Jaeson Ma (www.jaesonma.com) is a 20-something ChineseAmerican with a passion for Jesus. He leads a growing campusministry,andheistheauthorofTheBlueprint:ARevolutionaryPlantoPlantMissionalCommunitiesonCampus.

THEDAILYBRIEF(HTTP://CHPPONLINE.BLOGSPOT.COM/)

“The Daily Brief” is a daily news alert sent free by e-mail tosubscribers. It is publishedbyCapitolHill PrayerPartners (CHPP),which is a ministry dedicated to praying for U.S. leaders and forissuesinvolvingnationalsecurity.TheirWebsiteincludesmanylinkstootherorganizationsandministries.

DAILY TEXT (BIBLE VERSES AND PRAYERS FOR EACH DAY OFTHEYEAR)

Bible texts are selected annually by the Moravian Church andsharedworldwide—since1731!Thisrichsourceofpersonalrenewalis produced fresh each year by praying and believing MoravianChristians.Orderitinabookformorreceiveitfreeviae-mail.

MountCarmelMinistries800MountCarmelDriveNEPOBox579Alexandria,MN56308Phone:320-846-2744or1-800-793-4311Fax:320-846-0067Website:www.dailytext.comForane-maildevotionalversionofDailyTextsentdirectlytoyou

eachdaycontact:ministries@dailytext.com

DAY TO PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM(HTTP://EW.US.CHURCHINSIGHT.COM/GROUP/GROUP.ASPX?ID=1000001667)

TheInternationalDayofPrayerforthePeaceofJerusalemisheldannuallyonthefirstSundayofOctober,coincidingwiththeseasonofYom Kippur. It is one of the initiatives of Eagles’ Wings executivedirectorRobertStearns.

EVERYHOMEFORCHRISTWWW.EHC.ORG)

Findbooksandotherresources,suchasaWorldPrayerMap,ontheirWebsite.EveryHomeforChristanditsJerichoCenterofPrayerarechairedbynationalprayerleaderDickEastman.

GLOBALDAYOFPRAYER(WWW.GLOBALDAYOFPRAYER.COM/)

FromSouthAfrica,GrahamPowellscoordinatesamultinationdayof prayer. The Website, which includes links to the GDoP sites ofdozens of countries, gives details of past events and the currentyear’sevents.ThekeyScripture for theGDoPisSecondChronicles7:14: “If my people, who are called by My name, will humblethemselvesandpray….”

HARVESTPRAYERMINISTRIES(WWW.HARVESTPRAYER.COM)

HarvestPrayerMinistrieswas formed“toequip the localchurchtobecomeaHouseofPrayer forallnations, releasingGod’spowerfor revivaland finishing the taskofworldevangelization.”Followalink to an extensive online prayer-themed bookshop calledPrayerShop.

INCREASE INTERNATIONAL(WWW.INTERCESSORSINTERNATIONAL.ORG/)

Elizabeth (Beth) Alves assembles intercessors for teaching andunited prayer. Her books include Intercessors: Discovering YourPrayerPowerandBecomingaPrayerWarrior.

INTERCESSORSFORAMERICA(WWW.IFAPRAY.ORG)

Thissiteandfreesubscription-onlye-mailscontainawealthofup-to-date information about national and international prayer needs,includingthoseofIsrael.IFApartnerswithmanyotherorganizations,andyoucanfindlinkstotheirWebsitesontheIFAsite,includingthefollowing siteswhichmaybeofparticular interest toPrayerStormintercessors:America’sNationalPrayerCommittee,TheU.S.PrayerCenter,MissionAmerica,CampusRenewalMinistries,SeeYouatthePole (youth), and more. Over 300 books about prayer and prayer-relatedissuesareavailablethroughIFA.

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER (IHOP)(WWW.IHOP.ORG/GROUP/GROUP.ASPX?ID=14025)

FromKansasCity,Missouri,MikeBickleandhisteamcoordinate24/7worshipandintercession.TheWebsiteisarichsourceofprayerresources, including information about conferences, webcasts andpodcasts, Nightwatch, the Israel Mandate, and the GlobalBridegroomFast.

ISRAEL PRAYER COALITION(WWW.ENCOUNTERSNETWORK.COM/ISRAEL_PRAYER_COALITION)

James W. Goll networks with ministries of intercession,compassion, and humanitarian aid to Israel, coordinating andreleasingstrategiccallstoprayer,includingtheTheCry(prayerandfasting during Purim each year). The Coalition also hosts prayer-focusedtourstoIsrael.

JERUSALEM HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS(WWW.JHOPFAN.ORG)

TomHessisthepresidentofthisorganization,themottoofwhichis “Proclaim…Pray…Praise.”He leadsprayer toursof Israel,prayerconvocations,theWatchman’sSchoolofMinistry,andtheAllNationsWorldWideWatch Jerusalem,which proclaim, praise, and pray forthepeaceofJerusalemthroughthetwelvegatesofthecity.

LUKE18PROJECT(WWW.LUKE18PROJECT.COM)

Directed by Brian Kim and closely affiliated with TheCall (LouEngle),theLuke18Projecthasagoalofplanting24/7prayerrooms

oneverycollegecampus—asmanyas10,000ofthem.ItisbasedonLuke18:6-7:“AndtheLordsaid,…‘WillnotGodbringabout justiceforhischosenones,whocryouttohimdayandnight?’”

MOMSINTOUCH(WWW.MOMSINTOUCH.ORG)

Founded and directed by Fern Nichols in 1984 and growingquicklybecauseofexposureonFocusontheFamily,todayMomsInTouchhasgroups inall50statesaswellasrepresentatives inover120foreigncountries.Theyprayweeklyfortheirchildrenandtheirschools.

MORAVIANHYMNS

HistoricMoravianhymnshavebeen translated intoEnglish.TheMoravian Book of Worship is available from the Moravian Church(which celebrated its 550-year anniversary in 2007) atwww.moravian.org/publications/catalog. The Companion to theMoravian Book of Worship is available from the Moravian MusicFoundationatwww.moravianmusic.org/books.html.

NATIONALDAYOFPRAYER(WWW.NDPTF.ORG)

This national day of prayer for America’s leaders and familiesexists because of a presidential decree, and it operates under theauthorityofthePresidentoftheUnitedStates.TheNationalDayofPrayeritselfisheldannuallyonthefirstThursdayofMay,andayear-round task force mobilizes participation and maintainscommunication.

NATIONAL GOVERNMENTAL PRAYER ALLIANCE(WWW.NATIONALGPA.ORG)

Established by Dutch Sheets, the NGPA networks with otherChristian organizations and serves as a “clearinghouse forinformationontheactivitiesofourthreebranchesofgovernmentatthe national and state levels, enabling the Body of Christ to praymore effectively and to act responsibly and proactively to seegovernmentalchange.”Theyalsoteachabouteffectiveintercession,making“everyattempttobepropheticandproactiveasopposedtoresponsiveanddefensive”intheirprayeractivities.

PRAYERCENTRAL(WWW.PRAYERCENTRAL.NET)

This is aWeb-based source of inspiration and information aboutprayer for national and international concerns, Israel, and muchmore.

PRAYER MOUNTAIN(WWW.FGTV.ORG/N_ENGLISH/PRAYER/P_INDEX.ASP)

The Osanri Choi Ja-Shil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain,Osanri,KyonggiProvince,KoreawasfoundedbyDavidYonggiCho’sYoidiFullGospelChurchofSeoul,SouthKorea.ThePrayerMountaincan accomodate up to 10,000 people at one time for private andcorporate prayer. (See also

www.davidcho.com/NewEng/PrayerMountain.asp.)

PRAYERSTORM(WWW.PRAYERSTORM.COM)

Keep up with the latest postings from James W. Goll and thePrayerStormteam.Signupforyourhourofprayer. (Afteronly thefirsttwomonths,1,400intercessorsfrom40nationshavesignedup,taking one hour of prayer per week. The goal is one millionintercessorsprayingaroundtheclock,aroundtheworldforspecificcrises,revivalintheChurch,ayouthawakening,andIsrael!)

REFORMATIONPRAYERNETWORK(WWW.GENERALS.ORG)

Founded by Mike and Cindy Jacobs of Generals International(formerlyGeneralsofIntercession),theReformationPrayerNetworkpulls togethertheapostolic,prophetic,and intercessorymovementstomoreeffectivelybringthetransformationalpoweroftheKingdomofGodtoearthtoday.

SUCCATHALLEL(WWW.JERUSALEMPRAISE.COM)

SuccatHallelmeans“TabernacleofPraise”inHebrew,andsince1999,RickandPattiRidingshavehosted24/7prayerandpraise inthecityofJerusalem.TheprimaryfacilityofSuccatHalleloverlooksMountZionandtheOldCityofJerusalem.

WATCHOFTHELORD(WWW.MAHESHCHAVDA.COM/WOTL.ASP)This is a global prayermovement begun byMahesh andBonnie

Chavdain1995.Uptoathousandbelievers(“watchmen”)gatherattheWatch headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, every Fridaynighttospendtheentirenightinworshipandprayer.Otherlocationshost similar gatherings. Individuals can participate in theWatch oftheLordviawebcast.

ENDNOTES

INTRODUCTION

1. Facts for this section have been gleaned from “Zinzendorf: the CountWithoutBorders,”theofficialsiteoftheZinzendorfdocumentaryseriesfromtheComeniusFoundation,athttp://www.zinzendorf.com/countz.htm;andfromLeslieK. Tarr, “The PrayerMeeting that Lasted 100 Years,”ChristianHistory, no. 1(1997):http://www.ctlibrary.com/3263.

CHAPTER1

1.WilliamWalford,“SweetHourofPrayer”(1845).2.Merriam-Webster’sCollegiateDictionary, 11th ed., s.v. “Prayer”; see also

ShorterOxfordEnglishDictionary,SixthEdition.3.Merriam-Webster’sCollegiateDictionary,11thed.,s.v.“Intercede.”4. “Entugchano”; see http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?

number=1793;thisresourceusesThayer’sandSmith’sBibleDictionaryandtheTheologicalDictionaryoftheNewTestament.

5.Ibid.6.“Paga”;seehttp://www.studylight.org/lex/heb/view.cgi?number=06293;this

resource uses the Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius Lexicon and the TheologicalWordBookoftheOldTestament.

CHAPTER2

1.ErnestW.Blandy,“WhereHeLeadsMe”(1890).2.Strong’sExhaustiveConcordanceoftheBible,“embrimaomai,”1690.3.CharlesHaddonSpurgeon,TwelveSermonsonPrayer (London:Marshall,

Morgan,&Scott,n.d.),39.4.“Nasa”;seehttp://www.studylight.org/lex/heb/view.cgi?number=05375.5.Strong’sExhaustiveConcordanceoftheBible,“bastazo,”941.6.“Anechomai”;seehttp://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=430.7.WesleyDuewel,MightyPrevailingPrayer (Grand Rapids,MI: Zondervan,

1990),40-41.

CHAPTER3

1.EdwinHatch,“BreatheonMe,BreathofGod”(1878).2.Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th ed., s.v. “Conspire”; from

Latin “conspirare.” “Breathed” or “Naphach”;http://www.studylight.org/lex/heb/view.cgi?number=05301.

3.“Genos”;seehttp://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=1085.4.“Groanings”;http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=4726.5.Merriam-Webster’sCollegiateDictionary,11thed.,s.v.“Fervent.”6. “ischuros/forcible,” http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?

number=2478; “krauge/crying,” http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=2906; “dakru/tears,” http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=1144.

CHAPTER4

1. John Newton, “The Gathering Clouds, With Aspect Dark,” Olney Hymns(London:W.Oliver,1779).

2.NormanGrubb,ReesHowells:Intercessor(FortWashington,PA:CLCPub.,2002),246-50.

CHAPTER5

1.Merriam-Webster’sCollegiateDictionary,11thed.,s.v.“Fast.”2.“Tsum”;seehttp://www.studylight.org/lex/heb/view.cgi?number=06684.3. Charles Finney, “Power From on High—What Is It?” The Independent,

January18,1872.4.EpiphaniusofSalamis,quotedinJohnWesley,“CausesoftheInefficacyof

Christianity,”sermon116,Dublin,July2,1789.5. Elmer L. Towns, Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A Guide to Nine

BiblicalFasts(Ventura,CA:Regal,1996).6.JamesW.Goll,TheLostArtofPracticingHisPresence(Shippensburg,PA:

DestinyImagePublishers,2006).7.Towns,22.8. See Mike Bickle’s “7 Types of Biblical Fasting,”

http://www.ihop.org/Group/Group.aspx?ID=1000000381.9. For more information on the Global Bridegroom Fast (GBF) at the

International House of Prayer, go to http://www.ihop.org/Group/Group.aspx?id=19844.

10. International House of Prayer, “What are we praying for?” GlobalBridegroomFast,www.ihop.org/Group/Group.aspx?id=19844(accessed18April2008).

11. Arthur Wallis, God’s Chosen Fast (Fort Washington, PA: ChristianLiteratureCrusade,1968),25-26.

12.LouEngle,FastForward(Washington,DC:cu@dc,1999).

CHAPTER6

1.AnnieS.Hawks,“INeedTheeEveryHour”(1872).

CHAPTER7

1.FannyCrosby,“ToGodBetheGlory,”BrightestandBest,byW.H.DoaneandRobertLowry(Chicago,IL:Biglow&Main,1875).

CHAPTER8

1.WilliamP.Mackay,“ReviveUsAgain”(1863).2.JohnWesley.3.ColinDye, teachingnotes,quoted in JamesW.Goll,RevivalBreakthrough

StudyGuide(Franklin,TN:EncountersNetwork,2000),43.4. Duncan Campbell, “Revival in the Hebrides (1949)” (1969), transcript

available at Shilohouse Ministries,http://www.shilohouse.org/Hebrides_Revival.htm(accessed19April2008).

5.ThestoryoftheHebridesRevivalhasbeenpublishedinmanyplaces.ManyofthesedetailscamefromtheCampbelltranscript.

6. J. Edwin Orr, “Prayer and Revival,” athttp://www.jedwinorr.com/prayer_revival.htm.

7. Charles Finney, for this description of revival, see “What a Revival ofReligion Is,”http://www.gospeltruth.net/1868Lect_on_Rev_of_Rel/68revlec01.htm.

8. From commentary on Isaiah 62:6-9;MatthewHenry,Commentary on theWhole Bible, Vol. IV (Isaiah to Malachi), 2nd ed., (Peabody, MA: HendricksonPublishers,1991).

9.LeonardRavenhill,WhyRevivalTarries(Bloomington,MN:BethanyHouse,1979),138.

10. E.M. Bounds, The Necessity of Prayer (Grand Rapids, MI: BakerPublishingGroup,1979),63.

CHAPTER9

1.JohnR.Colgan,“MightyArmyoftheYoung”(1891).2.JaesonMa,TheBlueprint(Ventura,CA:Regal,2007),35-36.3.StephenRoss,“CharlesThomas(C.T.)Studd,”WorldwideMissions:Mission

Biographies (2007), http://www.wholesomewords.org/missions/biostudd.html(accessed21April2008).

4. “Campus Ministry Cambridge Style,” Christian History & Biography, 88(2005),13.Formoreonthissubject,consultthesebooks:RevivalFire,byWesleyDuewel;The Classics on Revival, by Robert Backhouse;Campus Aflame, by J.EdwinOrr;andRevival:ItsPrinciplesandPersonalities,byWinkiePratney.

5. J. Edwin Orr, “Prayer and Revival,”www.jedwinorr.com/prayer_revival.htm(accessed May 2007), quoted in JaesonMa,TheBlueprint.

6.SteveShadrach,“5StudentsWhoChangedtheWorld,”BoundlessWebzine(2003), http://www.boundless.org/2002_2003/regulars/list_guy/a0000739.html(accessed21April2008).

7. Paul Van Der Werf, “Haystack Reloaded: Could a Haystack Change theWorld Again?” Student Volunteer Movement 2,http://www.svm2.citymaker.com/haystackreloaded. html (accessed 21 April2008).

8.RandyMatthews, “Didn’tHe,”SonofDust (WoodlandStudios,Nashville,TN:MyrrhRecords,1973).

9.AdaptedfromJaesonMa,TheBlueprint,107-110.

CHAPTER10

1. Samuel O. Cluff, “I Am Praying for You” (1860), music by Ira E. Sankey(1874).

2.DavidWilkerson.

CHAPTER11

1.JuliaW.Howe,“BattleHymnoftheRepublic”(1861).2. Andrew Murray, Helps to Intercession (Fort Washington, PA: Christian

LiteratureCrusade,2007),Day17.3. JackW.Hayford,Prayer Is Invading the Impossible (NewYork:Ballantine

Books,1983),57.4.ThomasHooker,quotedinBruceP.Stark,“ThomasHooker,”Connecticut’s

HeritageGateway,www.ctheritage.org,quotedinDerekPrince,ShapingHistoryThroughPrayerandFasting(NewKensington,PA:WhitakerHouse,2002).

5. Thomas Hooker, quoted in Alden T. Vaughan, The Puritan Tradition inAmerica,1620-1730(Lebanon,NH:UniversityPressofNewEngland,1997),84.

6. Daniel Webster, quoted in Prince, Shaping History Through Prayer andFasting.

7. Charles Stanley, seehttp://www.eagleforum.org/court_watch/reports/2001/6-27-01/pray-for-govt-officials.shtml.

8.DickEastman.

CHAPTER12

1.The Antiphonary of Bangor, an early Irish manuscript in the AmbrosianLibraryofMilan(London:HarrisonandSons,1893),24.

2.“Energeo”;http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=1754.3. Joel Brinkley, “Ethiopian Jews and Israelis Exult as Airlift Is Completed,”

TheNewYorkTimes,May26,1991,http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0CE2DD1E3CF935A15756C0A967958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all(accessed22March2008).

CONCLUSION

1.JulieMeyer,InvitationtoEncounter:AJourneyinDreams(KansasCity,MO:Forerunner,2008).

2.EleanorA.Schroll,“TheBeautifulGardenofPrayer”(1920).

ABOUTTHEAUTHORJames(Jim)W.GollisthecofounderofEncountersNetwork

(formerly Ministry to the Nations) with his wife, Michal Ann.James also acts as the director of Prayer Storm, an internet-basedvirtualhouseofprayer.TheyaremembersoftheHarvestInternational Ministries Apostolic Team and contributingwriters forKairos magazine and other periodicals. James andMichal Ann have four wonderful children and live in thebeautiful,rollinghillsofFranklin,Tennessee.Jameshasproducedseveralstudyguidesonsubjectssuchas

Equipping in the Prophetic, Blueprints for Prayer, andEmpowered for Ministry, which are all available through theEncountersResourceCenter.OtherbooksbyJamesandMichalAnnGollinclude:

ACalltoCourageAngelicEncountersCalltotheSecretPlaceCompassionTheBeginner’sGuidetoHearingGodTheComingIsraelAwakeningTheComingPropheticRevolutionThePropheticIntercessorPrayingforIsrael’sDestiny

Formoreinformation,contact:EncountersNetworkPOBox1653Franklin,TN37057OfficePhone:615-599-5552OfficeFax:615-599-5554Fororderscall:1-877-200-1604

For more information or to sign up for monthly e-mailcommuniqués, please visit www.encountersnetwork.com orsendane-mailto:info@encountersnetwork.com.

For more information on Prayer Storm, visitwww.prayerstorm.com.YoumaysignupforanhourofprayerorviewtheweeklyWebcastbyvisitingthisWebsite.

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