National
Pastors'
Prayer
Network
S T R A T E
G I C P R A Y E R:
I D E A S & I N I T I A T I V E S
04/06/2004
...Finding New Ways To Connect In Prayer
2004
Year of Prayer for Pastors
http://www.prayingpastor.com
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I N T H I S U P D A T E ...and
for our prayers:
* Pastor Phil's
Prayer Letter
1. A STRATEGY FOR DENOMINATIONAL PRAYER
LEADERS
2. S. D GORDON WRITES...
3. PRAYERWALKING THE 233 ZIP CODES OF NEW YORK
CITY
4. STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS FOR PRAYER LEADERS
5. UNCOMMON PRAYER: PRAYING THE NEWS
6. SOLEMN ASSEMBLY CALLED FOR STATE OF GEORGIA
7. YOUR PRAYER CAN INFLUENCE 92,000 HOMES
8. OUR LEADERS, PRAYING FOR PEACE
9. STRATEGIC PRAYER FOR JUSTICE IN U.S. COURTS
10. THE DAY THE U.S. STOPS TO PRAY
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* PASTOR PHIL'S PRAYER LETTER
As always, Carol and I are genuinely grateful to the Lord for you, the men
and women we know through electronic mail. Your prayers and support enable us to
keep moving forward on the path God has assigned to us. Thank you for being
obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit on our behalf.
Pastor Phil
___________________________________________>>>
1. A STRATEGY
FOR DENOMINATIONAL PRAYER LEADERS
>From: "Roger Vest" <pastor@harlemgaumc.org>
Phil,
The seed for this ministry began about 5 years ago
when I was stuck in traffic in downtown Atlanta. (If God can talk to you
there, He can talk to you anywhere!) I had just been to a Terry Teykl
seminar on prayer rooms and as I drove by our United Methodist conference
office, I began thinking about how we can get our brothers and
sisters in Christ to pray for each other.
After a couple of years of bouncing around in my brain,
this Holy Hunch began to bear fruit and over the last 3 years, I have been
able to gather others from over 100 churches across our conference to
become members of the PrayerForce.
The basic premise is this: Over the course of the year,
we pray for every single church in our conference. (all 960+ UM churches)
We post 1-3 churches from all 12 districts each week and ask the members
of the PrayerForce to begin by praying for the churches in their district
(this makes it manageable) We pray specifically for revival in the
congregation. We pray for the unchurched in their communities and any
specific concerns that the church would like to share with others. The
Prayerforce members take this concerns and spend a week praying for that
church. We also urge the PrayerForce members to contact the churches they
are praying for (via e-mail, phone call or card) to let them know they are
being prayed for.
The vision that stirs my soul about this ministry is the
idea that we are brothers & sisters in Christ and we are
"connected" in many different ways. I also envision how
this ministry can be an incredible blessing to the small rural churches
that have felt forgotten by the world. To "see" a church of 20
receive 5, 10 or 50 cards from people they don't even know saying that
they are praying for them is what God has placed before me to keep me
going with this. This ministry of prayer can be used by God to
inspire and uplift.
We also encourage each local church to take "their
week" and use it to pray for their ministry. The North Georgia
PrayerForce wants to resource these local congregations and point them to
all that is available to help them build up their local prayer ministry.
Your group (NPPN) and website would fit in beautifully with
this vision.
Recently, the PrayerForce has been blessed by the
fact that a lay person has been called by God to do this ministry full
time. Her name is Leah Cunnigham and she has an incredible passion for
prayer. I'm hoping to support her ministry in whatever ways that I can.
Another long term vision for the PrayerForce is that the
structure can be easily duplicated in districts and conference across the
United Methodist Church as well as in other denominational groups and even
local communities across denominational lines. Can you imagine what
could happen if churches were praying for each other instead of competing
with each other? We are hoping to pull God's churches together
through prayer.
Anyone interested in more information about the
North Georgia Conference PrayerForce may go to our website at http://www.ngaprayerforce.org
or e-mail me at pastor@harlemgaumc.org I would be
thrilled to share this vision with anyone.
Rev. Roger A. Vest
North Georgia Conference PrayerForce
Methodist United in Prayer
___________________________________________>>>
2. S. D
GORDON WRITES...
"The purpose of prayer is not to
persuade or influence God, but to join forces with him against the enemy.
"When we don't feel like praying is the moment
we need to pray the most. Too often, we get in the middle of a mood
swing and stay away from the presence of God because we don't feel like it.
The devil wins.
"It is in Satan's best interest to keep the
saints off their knees. Praying Christians are dangerous Christians. So
Satan tries every trick in the book to keep us from staying in touch with
God"
(Quoted by David Butts in The Devil Goes to Church: Prayer as Spiritual
Warfare, Covenant Publishers 2003, p. 69 as found in PRAY!
Sept/Oct 1999 (Issue 14) p. 22)
___________________________________________>>>
3. PRAYERWALKING
THE 233 ZIP CODES OF NEW YORK CITY
>From: Claude King <claude@newhopenewyork.com>
Pray New York, June 5, 2004
On Saturday, June 5th, New York City's 233 zip codes
will be prayer walked in an unprecedented act of spiritual unity. Thousands of
intercessors will be taking to the streets in prayer to proclaim liberty to all
the inhabitants and institutions in their zip codes. "Pray New York!"
will be a day to change the world!
Weve walked the streets in praise and celebration of
Jesus in previous years, but this year our focus will be on seeking freedom in
Christ for the people and institutions that make up our community. Through
"Pray New York!" we will inhabit each zip code and pray blessings on
each community and for the needs of those abroad. "Proclaim
liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants." Lev. 25:10,
NKJV
Coordinators of the event include Concerts of Prayer
Greater New York, New York March for Jesus, New Hope New York. Event partners
include World Vision and The National Broadcast Concert of Prayer.
WHY TAKE TO THE STREETS OF NEW YORK IN PRAYER? BECAUSE...
24% of the 8 million residents live below the poverty line ($18,000/year
for family of 4)
Up to 90% of the children growing up in immigrant churches are leaving the
church
More than 100,000 residents have died of AIDS in the past 17 years
New York is the most influential city in the history of the world
As the culture of New York goes, so goes the culture of the nation and the world
Global Purpose of Prayer Walk
As global influencers, the people of Greater New York
also have the responsibility to pray for and to respond to those who suffer
throughout the world. Consider that:
1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water
That of the 6 billion souls on Earth, only 6 tenths of a percent are baptized
annually in foreign missions; and
A total of 25 million people globally have died of AIDS
"and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the
hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the
darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." Isaiah
58:10
The larger vision of the day is that as we pray locally, we will also act
globally. Through World Vision New York, one of our "Pray New York!"
partners, each one of you will learn about "The Hope Initiative"
a child sponsorship effort to transform the lives of widows, orphans and
vulnerable children affected by the HIV/AIDS virus in countries all over the
world.
Each day 8,000 children are orphaned in Africa, the
continent most affected by HIV/AIDS. For $1 a day, you can make a difference in
the life of a child and their community. Churches can get involved by sponsoring
a "Hope Sunday" to recruit child sponsors. Please look for more
information in the "Pray New York!" registration packet about how and
where you can get involved in "The Hope Initiative." To learn more
about this global challenge and the "Hope Initiative" go to: http://thehopenetwork.net
<http://thehopenetwork.net/>
Yours for revival and harvest,
Claude V. King, Prayer Strategy Coordinator, New Hope New York
236 W. 72nd Street, New York, NY 10023
646-274-6820 / 212-580-2548 FAX
claude@newhopenewyork.com
___________________________________________>>>
4. STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS FOR PRAYER LEADERS
Local Church Prayer Leader?
http://www.prayerleader/com
Resources and ideas for Prayer Coordinators, Prayer Pastors, Small Group
Leaders, Ministry Directors...
Citywide Prayer Leader?
http://www.prayertransformation.com
Every city and community should be represented at the next Citywide
Prayer Leaders Consultation, July 18-20 in Ventura, CA
National Day of Prayer
http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org
Always the first Thursday of May (the 6th this year) ... An opportunity to
recast your vision to become a House of Prayer for the nations.
Encourage your Pastor to meet with (or begin) a Pastors'
Prayer Group that day (find a group or update information at http://www.nppn.org/ppg)
Invite your members to mark a place of prayer at their
school, place of work or home.
Inform the congregation of local time and station for
the National Broadcast Concert of Prayer.
Provide this format to your small groups as a way to
pray for our nation:
(1) REVIVE: Passion for God...
(2) RESTORE: Purity and Holiness...
(3) RECLAIM: Purpose and Destiny...
(4) RECONCILE: Prodigals to Parents...
(5) RELEASE: Progressive Generations...
Outline from: YOUTH INTERCEDING FOR AMERICA
Intercessors for America
P.O. Box 915, Purcellville, VA 20132
To subscribe: http://www.mailermailer.com/x?oid=01175q
___________________________________________>>>
5. UNCOMMON
PRAYER: PRAYING THE NEWS
>From: "Joe Walsh" <joewalsh@cprnet.org>
Pray the News - the providential working of God is the affairs of our
community and country.
(As an individual or a group . . . ) In the
context of worship-based-corporate prayer there seems to be an observable
and discernible presence of the working of God in your midst through your
worship and intercession. Remember, as a child of God, in a
spirit of humility, and yet firmness in Christ, you have the authority to
mention and command their activities, arguments, actions and philosophies
to come to obedience in Christ. As you persevere, and it may take
time, God will work. Sometimes, however, some strongholds which have
been entrenched for long periods of time through faulty thinking and
allegiances, it takes much prayer to rout out the enemy. Be patient,
but confidently persistent. God will act. And you will learn
to discern the ways and workings of Your God! First, remember whose
power you live and work in. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power
of His might. Put on the whole arm of God, that you may be able to
stand against the wiles and schemings of the devil (Eph.6:10-18).
Second, approach with cleans and a pure heart.
(Read: Psalm 24; I John 1:5-10)
Third, worship in prayer, songs, worship music.
Use ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication by
way of approach. Worship-based corporate (meaning a group), under
the authority and protection your church leadership, always produces
better results.
Fourth, discern who and where the enemy is and
lives in your community. Were not talking about people, although the
enemy uses people. Were ultimately talking about spiritual entities
in spiritual places that use the worlds systems, our flesh and the devils
schemes to wage to war. The enemy attacks us by exciting lust into
our eyes and our flesh. He stirs up pride in our life to birth
forth his wishes, purposes and strangleholds on mankind. Our
enemys purpose is to keep people from hearing Gods voice, seeing His Will,
or understanding His purposes and plans. His aim is to keep us
from obeying the Lord our God, Creator, Savior, Lord and King.
Praying the News is a new thought to many praying church members. Often
headlines and stories are seen by some as a captivating nuisance or
ravishment for more gossip. However, God is now opening our minds to
see news as the spiritual barometer of our community and the guide book
for our prayers and petitions.
Were learning that God changes communities as we learn to exercise our
spiritual authority and bring every thought, philosophy, actions and
activities that we see happening in our community captive and to obedience
to Him (2Cor.10:1-4). And when we pray He works!
People and communities become transformed by the
power of God working through the prayers of His people! The Approach
(Out of the context of worship read the newspaper or listen to the
news. 1. Pray to have Gods understanding and
perspective. 2. Write down words, or circle words in your
paper, or that you heard on the radio or TV. 3. See if these
patterns appear. - Do you see rebellious or
proud ideas, arguments, or warped philosophies being practiced or spoken?
Circle it. - Do you read about improper business or
economic practices being followed? Circle it. - Do you
notice occultic, witchcraft or new age activity being practiced in your
community? Circle it. - Are schools and education
promoting subjects and practices that are immoral or untruthful? -
Do you read or hear of violence, rape, robbery, theft, arson,
disasters, fires, etc. happening in your community? Circle it.
- Do you read of City, County, or State legislation or
proceedings that violates the Word of God? Circle it.
By now, you probably have a pretty good list. You
now see what is called fuel for the Throne. You can now voice
these activities back to God in the form of a prayer. Bring
them before His Throne and eyes to inspect and to burn away evil activity
that is contrary to His Will and Word. Through your faithfulness God
will act! Behold, our God is an Awesome God!
Joe Walsh, Capitol Fellowship Foundation
Bringing people together to see what God is doing in our community and country.
___________________________________________>>>
6. SOLEMN
ASSEMBLY CALLED FOR STATE OF GEORGIA
>From: "Jacquie Tyre" <jacquietyre@comcast.net>
GA-STRATEGIC PRAYER NETWORK issues a call for the State of Georgia to Gather for
a Statewide Solemn Assembly
Saturday, April 24, 2004
10:00 am 5:00 pm
Martha Bowman United Methodist Church
500 Bass Road, Macon, GA 31210
Directions: www.marthabowman.org <http://www.marthabowman.org/>
or www.mapquest.com <http://www.mapquest.com/>
Going to the heart of the state to seek a change in the state of our heart
What is a Solemn Assembly?
A Solemn Assembly is an opportunity for the people of
God to gather in response to the invitation of the Lord to honestly face and
deal with the spiritual and social conditions of their day.
Biblically, the kings of Israel issued calls to leaders
and to the entire nation to assemble and to cry out to God in repentance and
desperation in hope that the Lord their God might turn from His anger and pour
out a blessing. Solemn assemblies were called during times of national crisis,
impending judgment, danger, war, or at times of dedication of the holy places of
worship.
Historically, church leaders have sounded the trumpet to
call The Church to a season of repentance when the need for revival and
spiritual awakening became evident. Before each spiritual awakening or revival,
the Holy Spirit begins to stir deeply in the hearts of the remnant to cry out
for a fresh move of holiness and revival in the land. History shows that men and
women, moved by the Lord, began sounding the call for God's children to gather
for times of confession, mourning, and intercession. For example, if you look at
the time prior to the Welsh Revival of 1904 you will see clusters of believers
crying out in desperation for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit in their land. The
same holds true for the first and second Great Awakenings in America, and more
recently, before the outbreak of revival in Argentina.
Whenever the Church falls into lethargy,
ineffectiveness, and spiritual dullness God begins stirring in the hearts of His
servants the need to call for a solemn assembly. He looks for those who will
sound the trumpet and call His people to gather in humility, with fasting,
weeping, and cries of confession and repentance.
Over the last few years, the call for solemn assembly
has again risen across our land. Consider a few obvious examples from the past
decade: Promise Keepers on the Mall in Washington, DC; The Call DC, and in
subsequent cities across the nation; One Day gatherings for college students and
young adults; and various other smaller gatherings in congregations, cities,
states, and regions. In our region a Southeast Regional Solemn Assembly was held
in September 2003, and in Atlanta a citywide Solemn Assembly is being called for
late summer 2004.
God has sounded His trumpet. Men and women across the
land are picking up the trumpet and doing what they have heard Him do. Many are
sounding the trumpet to call The Church to Solemn Assembly.
Why now in Georgia?
We believe the Lord has sounded His trumpet over the
state of Georgia, inviting us to join Him in issuing forth a call for the Church
in Georgia to gather for a day of solemn assembly. The condition of the Church
in Georgia reflects our need to gather and repent of our sin. The statistics of
sin, both within the Church and throughout our society, are astounding. The need
for societal transformation is glaringly evident. We need to humble ourselves
and repent.
Secondarily, as we prepare, as a state, to host the G8
Summit on Sea Island June 8-10, 2004, the Lord has increased our awareness of
the need to secure our boundaries before the global leaders, press corps and
protesters arrive. The need to deal with our sin, to close the doors to the
encroaching forces of darkness, is apparent. The forces of darkness always look
for a place to land, and un-confessed sin and un-renounced curses of our
generation, and of prior generations, serve as doors of invitation and welcome
to the forces of the evil one. The Lord closes these doors in response to us
responding to the Holy Spirit's conviction to humble ourselves, confess our
sins, and renounce our participation in the hidden works of darkness.
Solemn Assembly is a time to corporately humble
ourselves, confess our sins, and pray for God's mercy to be released across our
state.
Why Macon?
Macon is often referred to as the "heart of the
state" and we believe the Lord has called us to this place to seek Him for
a "change in the state of our heart." We also desire to make this
one-day event accessible to people from all over the state, and Macon provides
easy access from every region of the state.
Most will be able to make this trip without an overnight
stay. However, if you desire to stay overnight in Macon, a block of rooms have
been secured at the Jamison Inn at the Zebulon Road exit of 475 and only 5
minutes from Martha Bowman. A block of rooms have been held at a special rate of
$57.00 plus tax per night. Mention GA Solemn Assembly when making reservations.
Who is invited?
In Joel 2, it is recorded that the call went out to the
people, the congregation, the elders, the children, nursing babes, the
bridegroom and the bride. No one was exempt. In 2 Chronicles 29:5 ff, King
Hezekiah first called the leaders and then the nation. In Ezra 3, all the people
gathered as "one man to Jerusalem." In Nehemiah 8, it was, again, all
the people gathered as "one man." We believe this is a call for The
Church of Georgia to gather as one, without regard to division (2 Chronicles
5:11-14) to worship and respond to the Lord in humility and confession, with
prayers and intentional seeking of the face of the Lord our God (2 Chronicles
7:14). Pastors, leaders, intercessors, all followers of the Lord Jesus Christ
young and old from every region, of every ethnic, racial, denominational, or
economic representation all are invited and encouraged to gather as "one
man in Macon."
Will you heed the call?
The trumpet is sounding. The invitation has gone out.
The time is now. The choice is ours.
Please contact Michelle Hilliard, GA-USSPN Administrator & Registrar, at
ga_solemnassembly@yahoo.com to receive more information or to register your
plans to attend. Brochures are available for you to share with family and
friends. Please send a request to the above address, a copy will be sent either
electronically as an email attachment, or through the regular mail. Please be
sure to include the appropriate address.
While there is no registration fee, we would like to
have an idea of how many people to prepare for this special day. Opportunity to
give a love offering will be made available during the Solemn Assembly to help
offset the expenses of the event.
May God richly bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you and
give you peace. For His Glory, Jacquie Tyre, GA-USSPN, State Coordinator
___________________________________________>>>
>> FOLLOW PASTOR PHIL'S
MINISTRY
Track Activity ...
http://www.nppn.org/Schedule.htm
Pray Strategically ...
http://www.nppn.org/PrayerInc/Home%20Page%20PrayerInc.htm
Support Financially ...
http://www.nppn.org/Support%20Page.htm
___________________________________________>>>
7. YOUR PRAYER CAN INFLUENCE 92,000 HOMES
>From: JarWard@aol.com
The Gospel of Luke has just been sent to over 92,000 homes in Mississippi ...
Prayer is absolutely vital to the fruit of this scripture distribution and the
invitation to attend a church service.
PRAYER ITEMS:
1. Pray that the Spirit of God would draw both the unsaved and the saved
to read the Scriptures.
2. Pray for the Spirit of God to convict of sin, of righteousness and of
judgment those who read the Word of God.
3. Pray for many unchurched and those who have drifted from church to be
drawn to attend a church where they can be reached with the Gospel and discipled.
4. Pray that the Lord would use the media and all publicity to build
awareness, anticipation and excitement throughout Mississippi for the
distribution so that people would wait with compelling expectation!
5. Pray that Christians who receive the Scriptures and who already have a
Bible would intentionally & prayerfully share the Gospel of Luke with an
unsaved neighbor, friend, relative, classmate, coworker, client, customer,
teammate, etc., whom they have been praying for and invite the person to a
worship service! (This is a critical one)
6. Pray that the delivery would go without any delays or disruption or
destruction of the scriptures. (completed this past weekend)
7. Pray that all of our Lord's local congregations would be prayerful and
purposeful in using the scripture distribution as a platform for welcoming
visitors to learn more about Jesus Christ!
8. Pray that the scriptures would generate discussions among Christians
and seekers that would focus them on the Word of God so that they might come to
know the God of the Word!
9. Pray that those of Faith would transcend those of doubt evidenced by
the Holy Spirit giving understanding and "Light" to anyone who seeks
the truth and the One Who is Truth-Jesus Christ the Lord!
10. Praise God for How He moved on His Body to make this outreach happen!
11. Pray for fruit, lasting fruit, the fruit of conversions that would remain
throughout eternity for the glory of our Lord!
12. Praise God for the Opportunity to sow His Word in Faith and the privilege to
trust Him for it to land in good soil as He alone brings the increase unto
salvation!
Jarvis C. Ward for Mission Mississippi
____________________________________________>>>
8. OUR
LEADERS, PRAYING FOR PEACE
>From: Jack Hayford <JackHayford@DayToPray.org>
>Reply-To: replies-day@fishsign.com
Protestant, Catholic and Jewish leaders from around the world are endorsing an
international "Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem," to be held
annually on the first Sunday of October, this year on October 3. People
all around the world will be asked to pray in harmony for the Peace of
Jerusalem.
Endorsers of this effort include its co-founders, Jack Hayford and Robert
Stearns, plus NAE President Ted Haggard, Mission America Chairman Paul Cedar,
CBN Chairman Pat Robertson and President Michael Little, National Religious
Broadcasters Chairman Glenn Plummer, Ravi Zacharias, Kenneth Copeland, Jane
Hansen, Gary Bauer, Dean Jones, Kay Arthur, David Bolthouse, Michael W. Smith,
Pat Boone, Janet Parshall... (see the list below).
The Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Metzger, has given his full endorsement of this
effort, as has Ehud Olmert, the former mayor of Jerusalem, who is now the Vice
Prime Minister, and most importantly, the newly formed "Christian Allies
Caucus" of the Israeli Knesset. The Roman Catholic Church was
represented by Monsignor William Showali, the personal representative of the
Latin Patriarch in the Old City.
According to Robert Stearns, recognition of the day is growing quickly.
"Leadership Committees are already forming in Germany, Poland, the Czech
Republic, and other nations to join with us in this global effort. There
has been communication from church leaders from as far away as Australia who
plan on mobilizing believers in their nation," says Stearns.
Jack Hayford says, "We are living in a sobering moment in history that
calls us, as people of God to fulfill our biblical mandate to pray for the peace
of Jerusalem, and to stand against the alarming rise of anti-Semitism. We
are not to be passive; we are called to pray with passion, to intercede. This
is not about politics; this is about the Word of God."
Dr. Ravi Zacharias adds, "Prayer is the only means that will ultimately
change hearts in this troubled part of the world."
Thousands of pastors are already cooperating in this call and have committed
their congregations to participate on Sunday, October 3. See more at
www.DayToPray.org, where you can also learn of a leadership summit to take place
May 20-21 in New York. Call (716) 759-1058 or go to www.DayToPray.org for
more information and a list of additional endorsers.
___________________________________________>>>
9. STRATEGIC PRAYER
FOR JUSTICE IN U.S. COURTS
>From: JusticeAtTheGate@aol.com
>At: http://www.justiceatthegate.org
Justice At The Gate - Building strategic partnerships to mobilize
Christians to pray effectively and to vote righteously
Report on the February 29th Prayer Initiative for the courts of our nation.
February 29th Simultaneous Prayer Initiative for the Courts in the US Reports
Beginning at 5pm Eastern time, people of all races, nationalities and
denominations gathered at the courts across the nation to simultaneously speak
Scriptures and blessings over the courts and the judges. We know that city,
county, state and federal courts were all covered with prayer. There were
hand-picked, strategic teams that were assigned to the 15 US Court of Appeals
courts (including the Supreme Court). Many awesome and powerful things happened
at these, but we want to particularly share with you the reports that came from
the leaders who were at the 5th and 11th Circuit US Court of Appeals. Keep in
mind that the 5th Circuit court is the one that is ruling on the reversal of Roe
v. Wade (Norma McCorvey, who was "Jane Roe" in the original case, is
now a Christian and wants to see this decision overturned) and the 11th Circuit
court will hear the Doe v. Bolton case (it's the companion case to Roe v. Wade
and Sandra Cano, the "Mary Doe," is also a Christian now and wants to
see the verdict of that case reversed as well).
5th Circuit US Court of Appeals (located in New Orleans, LA -- has jurisdiction
over LA, MS, and TX)
This team (of around 25 participants) consisted of people from several states,
including the states that are in this court's jurisdiction. Allan Parker,
President of The Justice Foundation and the lawyer who is representing both Ms.
McCorvey and Ms. Cano, was a part of this team; they feel that some very
important things took place because of his involvement. When they approached the
building, they noticed a strange piece of artwork that was located between the
circuit court and the supreme court. It was twisted -- like if you took a ruler
and then a piece of rubber and twisted the rubber all the way around the ruler
(it reminded them of Leviathan -- the twisted serpent). During the course of
their time there, they felt that God was saying that He was beginning to untwist
it; that the "ruler" part of the art was the measuring line of justice
and He was untwisting the injustice. The Lord also spoke to those who were
leading this group and told them that Louisiana had exported death for a long
time but now they were going to be the exporters of life. The team made some
declarations related with Louisiana exporting life and also went through the
strategy and declarations (the one that was distributed throughout the nation).
The two guards that were stationed at the court (who were believers!) walked by
them several times but they never interfered! While they were there praying, God
told Allan Parker that he would see the fruit of what they were doing there.
What a powerful report!!!
11th Circuit US Court of Appeals (located in Atlanta, GA -- has jurisdiction
over AL, GA, and FL)
There was a very diverse representation at this court -- AL and GA people,
younger and older, apostolic leaders, Messianic Jews, diversity in giftings and
offices. The leader of the team said that they believed what they did was as
important as what they said. They wanted to make sure that they were in unity,
that they came in humility -- they wanted to be sensitive to whatever would
release life. During their six hours of worship, prayer, repentance, and
blessing, God spoke many specific and powerful things. Even in the weeks prior,
God gave them different Scriptures on innocent blood, on promises, etc. One of
the scriptures that God gave them was Genesis 5, with Noah. Noah became an
illustration from Hebrews 11: because he was prepared, he passed sentence --
judged the world. Jay Swallow had talked to the leaders and said that those
praying at the courts would be a jury to pass the verdict. The group at the 11th
Circuit court felt that what came about by them obeying (what they did) was a
condemning (judging), in a sense, of the world (this can also be translated as
government or constitution). They know that such a powerful thing happened
nationally; they received a lot of confirmation through the Scriptures that a
verdict was being passed -- that it was a day of account, where the cries were
reaching unto heaven, where the cup had run over, that the iniquity was full,
that justice was laid to the plumb line and that things were being revealed and
uncovered. They believe that it was a historic time and they know that things
have been broken in the heavenlies. The don't know the process or the journey,
but as they were obedient, they know that something happened -- a sentence was
passed, a verdict was decreed.
Report from a county courthouse
I am so excited about today, Sunday 29 Feb, being "IN THAT DAY" that I
must write you the testimony of the Lord in Lampasas, Texas. [A group of two
other ladies] I met at 4pm CST to join you all in simultaneous prayer for our
courts and the Lord's justice decreed across our land. On the way to the
courthouse I asked the Lord for signs and wonders as we prayed. He
answered that prayer!! As we got out of our cars in front of the courthouse, we
saw four jet streams cutting across the eastern deep blue sky. There were
three vertical lines with one horizontal line cutting across them. As we
stood there gazing, we realized that it was exactly the three crosses at
Golgotha--where God's justice was forever accomplished on earth!! It
was a sign to wonder at!! (1) But there's more...
We followed the prayer strategy, praying at the entrances (gates) to our
courthouse, at the base of the flagpole and at the foundation stone. As we
started the "Blessing" prayer, the door of the courthouse was unlocked
from inside and someone was coming out. We were a little curious and wary
of just "who" would come out of the courthouse and what would the
confrontation be? The door to the courthouse opened (2) and out stepped
our county judge, a Christian man of high integrity. He was surprised to
see us, but he knows us from church and from other prayer walks he has allowed
in the past. He invited us (3) into the courthouse and said we
were welcome (4) to come in. We declined the invite, believing our
assignment was only outside. He thanked us for praying and then invited us
to an "by invitation-only" open house on Tuesday, March 2, 2004.(5)
We thanked him, he left and we blessed the courts with great enthusiasm! We
firmly believe that God showed us in the natural what He is accomplishing
"IN THAT DAY!"
(1) God answers our prayers - mightily - and He displays His glory in the
heavens!
(2) The door to the courts were opened and the words of our decrees flowed
in freely!
(3) God's justice will be asked to come in!
(4) Prayer, repentance, God's decrees, declarations and blessings are
welcome!
(5) A supernatural invitation has been issued for justice to come on March
2, 2004!
Blessings, Damaris Barton, Field Director, Justice at the Gate
newsletter@justiceatthegate.org
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P. O. Box 681148 San Antonio, Texas 78268 (210)
677-8214
___________________________________________>>>
10. THE
DAY THE U.S. STOPS TO PRAY
>From: "Crosswalk" <Religion_Today_Summaries@lists.crosswalk.com>
>Reply-To: <Religion_Today_Summaries@lists.crosswalk.com>
>By: Jody Brown and Allie Martin, Agape Press
Preparations are under way for this year's National Day of Prayer.
Shirley Dobson, chairman of the NDOP Task Force, reminds Americans that
if the nation is to receive God's direction during trying times, they
must take advantage of the freedom they have to pray openly. "Our
leaders confront difficult challenges every day and our society faces a
future of uncertainty," Dobson says. "In order to realize the
potential
outlined in the Declaration of Independence, we must continue seeking
Divine Counsel, asking for His intervention and direction." According to
the Task Force, approximately 40,000 separate NDOP events were held
nationwide last year. The activities included prayer breakfasts,
Bible-reading marathons, student flagpole gatherings, and concerts of
prayer. The event's theme in 2004 is "Let Freedom Ring," and the most
visible event of past NDOP observances has been at the Capitol in
Washington, DC, where representatives from all three branches of
government and from the military have gathered. Addressing that group
this year will be Retired Marine Colonel Oliver North, honorary chairman
of the 2004 NDOP.
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reserved.
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